When it come to setting up a well-equipped kitchen, it is often a good
idea to start from the very beginning. You may have more kitchen stuff
than you use regularly with lots of tools that are no longer up to the
task or have been forgotten. If you're in your first apartment or
recently married, you're probably already at the very beginning and
need to start from scratch. Either way, what follows is an overview
of the necessities with some important notes on considerations you
should make as you browse the housewares department. Let's take a look
at the essential building blocks of truly functional kitchen workspace.
Here is a list when starting out
Cutting boards
You'll need at least two cutting boards, one for meat and one for
veggies. There are myriad types on the market and you should take stock
of your available storage and lifestyle before choosing. There are
beautiful, functional (and very expensive) butcher-block-type cutting
boards you can buy, but remember these must be meticulously cared for
to avoid the cultivation of dangerous germs and NEVER soaked in water.
Larger versions can take up lots of counter and storage space, so keep
these things in mind before making a big investment. Plastic and
silicone versions are perfectly functional for average jobs and can be
easily cleaned in the dishwasher, but don't provide the surface area of
the larger wooden boards.
Cookware
It's easy to be overwhelmed by the choices out there when it comes to
cookware. It's also very easy to spend your kids' college money on pots
if you're not careful! Besides what you like the look of and what feels
good in your hand, there are a few things to think about before
choosing cookware. For instance, what kind of heat source does your
stove-top utilize? Gas stoves work well with all kinds of cookware, but
electric stoves can take longer to adjust the amount of heat being
used, so you want to avoid cookware that is overly heavy, as this will
delay heat adjustments even further.
Finally, acquaint yourself with the manufacturer's recommendations
as some cookware will not allow the magnetic currents responsible for
heat. If you're reassessing your current tools, inspect your non-stick
pieces for scratches and other damage to the non-stick surfaces.
Cookware with this damage should be replaced.
Cooking Pans
10" inch skillet
8" inch skillet
1 qt saucepan
3 qt saucepan
6 qt stock or soup pot
Roasting Pan
Bakeware
Another category with lots of choices, is today's cookware
which some of the pieces would leave our grandmothers stumped.
Shallow baking Pan and or "cookie" sheets (they are good for more than cookies!)
9 x 13 inch casserole
9 x 9 inch casserole
Cutlery
Forks
Knives
Spoons (soup, pudding and teaspoons)
Steak Knives
chef's knife
Paring Knife
Bread Knife
Sundry Tools
Measuring Cups (dry)
Measuring Cup (wet)
Measuring Spoons
Graduated Mixing Bowls (set 3-5)
Strainer or colander
Can Opener
Pepper Grinder (If you're not already, get in the fresh-ground pepper habit!)
Utensils
Whisk
Tongs (1-2)
Silicon Spatulas (2-3)
Wooden Spoons (2-3)
Large Spoon
Large Slotted Spoon
Vegetable Peeler
Cheese Grater
Wine opener