Prepping for your first kitchen – or upgrading your current one – can be a really big deal if you are trying to make sure that you’re doing everything as you should be. In many cases, you’re going to be looking at a lot of kitchenware items and trying to learn what you need in the best way that you can.
That being said, how do you ensure that you are doing the very best you can? What sorts of things are you going to want to have in your kitchen in the first place? And how do you find it all in a way that makes sense?
In this guide, we’re going to share a list of some of the essentials that you’re going to want to consider when you go to update everything in your kitchen.
1. Cutting Boards
If you’re going to be preparing any type of food in your kitchen, then a good set of cutting boards is one of the best investments that you can make when you’re getting things together. Believe me, good looking, high quality cutting boards save you a lot of time and headaches. On top of that, they are going to protect your counters and tables.
When you purchase your cutting boards, be sure that you have one that is specifically earmarked for cutting meat. Not only does this prevent issues if you’re making dishes without meat, but it can also prevent cross-contamination and food poisoning.
2. Dish Towels
There are all sorts of dish towels to choose from, but it’s essential that you take a bit of time and try to see what sort of material will be best. Cotton is great for regular daily use; linen is best for fragile items, and nanolon fiber is a solid choice if you want to clean up big messes.
For those who spend serious time in the kitchen, having a stack of cotton flour sack towels is almost a necessity. They are durable, lint free and super absorbent. Seriously … stop reading, go to Mary’s Kitchen Towels website and buy flour sack towels in bulk. They are life savers when cleaning the kitchen.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons
If you’re cooking, then you’re going to be measuring things. You want to get a graduated measuring cup (glass or plastic, your choice). You’ll also want small measuring cups of multiple sizes, and measuring spoons. These smaller items will make it much easier for you to deal with all of the little things you may have to measure, whether baking a cake or making a roast.
4. A Stand Mixer
This is the most expensive thing we want to recommend to you, but we believe that it’s an important consideration. Stand mixers cost a bit of cash upfront, but they will save you a lot of time, effort, and headache when it comes time to use it. This is especially true if you’re going to be baking a lot – it can save you hours of work a year. They come in multiple sizes, so if you’re on a budget, you can find one that works.
You’ll also want to be sure that you get your hands on some mixing bowls of different sizes to go with your stand mixer. Most accept multiple sizes of bowls. You can also use these bowls when you’re hand mixing things as well.
5. Spatulas of Multiple Sizes
Spatulas are incredibly versatile. In many cases, you will find that there are a lot of different ways that you can use them. They’re used for mixing, folding, cooking, flipping, and pretty much anything else that you may need them for. You can typically find an entire set of spatulas for a fair price, if you’re looking to stock up and prepare.
6. High Quality Cookware
What are you cooking with? Pots and pans are essential for any kitchen, so it’s important for you to take your time and find ones that work for your purposes. Do you need something fancy, like a cast iron pan? Or are you looking for something more classic, like nonstick pans in multiple sizes? Shop around for what you need and what makes sense for the things you cook most.
You want to be sure that you shop around and get the best prices for everything that you are looking to purchase. But, at the same time, you want to buy high quality items that you are going to be able to use for as long as you want, or need, to do so. See what you can learn and find what is best for your kitchen’s purposes.
