[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #71CCD5;”] J[/dropcap]ust as a talented photographer can take great photos with any old camera, I really
believe that the same is true of cooks and kitchen equipment.
So PLEASE don’t feel like you need to rush out and buy a heap of new equipment to help you become a better cook.
The only way to become a better cook is to practice…
Get into the kitchen.
Try things.
That being said, good quality equipment can make life easier and more pleasurable.
So if you’re interested in simplifying your equipment keep reading.
But you’re welcome to skip this lesson or save it for later 🙂
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN TODAY:
- My list of Kitchen Equipment Essentials
Kitchen Equipment Absolute Essentials
This list is assuming that you’re not planning on baking OR entertaining. Just cooking for you and your family.
1. Sharp Knife
Cooking without a sharp knife is no fun.
A cheap cook’s knife is OK for the short term, but a top quality knife would be the first thing I’d invest in.
Go to a good quality cookware shop and explore the different options.
Don’t be tempted by fancy knife sets, you’re much better off spending all your money on one amazing knife.
You’re going to have it for life.
My favourite knife is my Irishman’s Wustof 17cm cooks knife.
For longer term I also recommend investing in a good sharpening system.
I love the ‘furi fingers’ system. It’s by far the easiest and best way to keep your knives super sharp.
2. Chopping Board
Nothing fancy, but big enough to be able to chop a whole bunch of kale is perfect.
For carnivores, having a plastic chopping board to use for raw meat is useful.
And if you eat a lot of fruit, a separate board can help avoid your apples tasting like onion!
3. Medium frying pan with lid
Choose a frying pan with a lid for most cooking.
Make sure the sides are high enough so you could make a small batch of soup if you felt the urge.
No other pot required!
Best to get one with ovenproof handles so you can start cooking on the stove top and then finish off in the oven.
I’m a fan of these modern non stick pans which use diamonds in the surface.
4. A bowl per person
A shallow bowl is most versatile for eating pretty much everything. No plates required!
5. Cutlery for each person
6. Salad bowl
Large enough to toss the leaves properly. Can double as a serving bowl for veggies as well.
7. A glass per person
8. Tongs
To handle hot food, stir and use for serving as well.
SUMMARY:
Today we covered the essential kitchen equipment you need.
ACTIVITY
STEP 1. Make the decision to kit out your kitchen with quality not quantity.
STEP 2. If you don’t have a good quality knife, make a plan to invest in one when you can afford it.
LEARN MORE
More on Equipment:
See the skills training on Simple Kitchen Equipment.
More on Decluttering
* Review Day 2: Space to create
* The Ultimate Guide to Conquering Your Clutter
* How To Tackle Your Clutter
Have fun in the kitchen!
With love,
Jules x
I wish that the knife sharpener was available in the U.S. It is much simpler to use than my electric one. I agree that Wusthof knives are the best. Of the western knives. My very favorite knife is a Thai chef knife: it has a thinner blade, which makes it easier to slice things like cabbage thinly. I also would second the thought that a kitchen with high quality equipment (not necessarily expensive) makes for a much better cooking experience.
ooh I’ll have to keep an eye out for a Thai chefs knife Susan 🙂