Essential Kitchen Tools For Beginners

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, having the right tools in your kitchen can make all the difference.

From prepping ingredients to cooking and serving, having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience more efficient and enjoyable.

So, what are the essential kitchen tools for beginners to have in your arsenal? Let’s dive into my top 10 picks.

Essential kitchen tools for Beginners

One of the most important aspects of cooking is having the right tools on hand.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, having the essential kitchen tools for beginners will make your cooking experience more efficient and enjoyable.

In this guide, I’ll share my top 10 picks for essential kitchen tools, including knives, cutting boards, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, whisk, mixing spatula, tongs, oven mitts, vegetable peeler, and colander. Let’s get started!

Knives

A good set of knives is essential in any kitchen. Knives are used for a variety of tasks, such as chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing.

While there are many types of knives available, you only really need a few to get started.

1. A Chef’s knife is the workhorse of the kitchen and is used for most cutting tasks. Look for a knife with a comfortable grip and a blade that feels balanced in your hand.
2. A paring knife is a smaller knife that is used for more delicate tasks, such as peeling and trimming.
3. A serrated knife is useful for slicing bread or other items with a tough exterior.

Investing in a good set of knives may seem expensive, but it’s worth it in the long run. Good knives will last for years with proper care and sharpening.

If you don’t have a good set of knives yet, I highly recommend investing in one. I have a post that goes more in-depth about kitchen knives for beginners that I think you will find helpful.

Cutting Board

Next on the list of essential kitchen tools is a good cutting board. A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting, chopping, and slicing ingredients.

There are many different materials available, including wood, plastic, and bamboo.

Personally, I prefer using a wooden cutting board as it is gentle on my knives and is easy to maintain.

However, plastic cutting boards are also a good option as they can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

When selecting a cutting board, make sure to choose one that is large enough to accommodate the size of the ingredients you’ll be cutting. You don’t want to be cramped for space when chopping up a large onion!

It’s also important to clean your cutting board thoroughly after each use to prevent bacteria from accumulating.

For wooden cutting boards, I recommend washing with warm soapy water and then wiping with a mixture of vinegar and water to disinfect. Learn more on how to clean a wood-cutting board in my blog.

For plastic cutting boards, simply pop them in the dishwasher after each use. Check out my post which will walk you through how to clean plastic cutting boards.

Mixing Bowls

Mixing bowls are an essential kitchen tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as mixing ingredients, whisking eggs, and marinating meat.

Look for a set of mixing bowls in different sizes to accommodate all your cooking needs.

I prefer using stainless steel mixing bowls as they are durable and can withstand high temperatures.

Glass mixing bowls are also a good option as they are microwave safe and can be used for serving as well.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurately measuring ingredients is crucial in cooking and baking, which is why measuring cups and spoons are essential kitchen tools.

Look for a set of measuring cups and spoons that are easy to read and can measure both dry and liquid ingredients.

I recommend having at least two sets of measuring cups and spoons on hand to prevent cross-contamination when measuring different ingredients.

Whisk

A whisk is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for mixing, beating, and whisking ingredients together. Look for a whisk with a comfortable grip and sturdy wire loops.

There are different types of whisks available, including balloon whisks and flat whisks.

Balloon whisks are best for whisking air into ingredients, such as when making whipped cream, while flat whisks are better for whisking ingredients together in a pan.

Mixing Spatula

A mixing spatula, also known as a rubber spatula, is an essential tool for mixing and scraping ingredients. It’s great for folding ingredients together and scraping the sides of bowls or pans to ensure nothing is left behind.

Look for a mixing spatula with a sturdy handle and a flexible, heat-resistant silicone or rubber head.

The flexible head makes it easy to scrape every last bit of batter or sauce from the bowl, and the heat resistance allows you to use it with hot ingredients without worrying about it melting.

Tongs

Tongs are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as flipping meat, stirring vegetables, and serving food.

Look for tongs with a comfortable grip and a locking mechanism for easy storage.

I recommend having both a long pair of tongs for reaching into hot pans or grilling, and a short pair of tongs for more delicate tasks such as turning small pieces of food.

Oven Mitts

Oven mitts are a crucial tool for anyone who loves to bake or cook in the oven. They protect your hands from the heat of the oven and prevent burns.

Look for oven mitts that are heat-resistant and have a non-slip grip. Silicone oven mitts are a good option as they are heat resistant up to 500°F and have a non-slip surface that allows you to grip hot dishes securely.

Vegetable Peeler

A vegetable peeler is a handy tool for peeling vegetables and fruits. Look for a peeler with a comfortable grip and a sharp blade.

Some people prefer using a Y-shaped peeler as it allows them to peel vegetables and fruits with minimal waste. However, a swivel peeler is also a good option as it can peel in both directions.

Find out more about how to peel ginger or how to peel an apple using a vegetable. Also, learn other ways to peel without one.

Colander

A colander is a useful tool for draining pasta, rinsing vegetables, and straining soups or stocks. Look for a colander with sturdy handles and a stable base.

I recommend having a colander with small holes for straining small ingredients such as grains or quinoa, and a larger colander for draining pasta or washing vegetables.

Conclusion

These ten essential kitchen tools for beginners will make your cooking experience more efficient and enjoyable. Now you have a guide to essential kitchen tools you can get started cooking.

With these tools on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any recipe that comes your way. Stay tuned for more cooking tips and tricks on my blog!