Finding the right cookware and tools for your kitchen
Whether you're an aspiring chef looking to stock up your kitchen with the essentials or a seasoned cook looking to upgrade your cookware, having the right tools in your kitchen can make all the difference. From simmering sauces to achieving perfect sears, equipping your kitchen with these top essentials will level up your cooking game. We have curated a list of essential kitchenware that you can rely on, time and time again, enabling you to make informed decisions on what to add to your culinary arsenal.
Saucepans
Saucepans are the workhorses of the kitchen—perfect for boiling, simmering, and making sauces. Look for various sizes to accommodate different recipes and opt for those with sturdy construction and even heat distribution for optimal cooking performance. High-quality materials such as stainless steel or copper ensure your saucepans last longer and conduct heat evenly. Also, make sure the handles are sturdy and comfortable when pouring hot liquids. Whether you're making soup, boiling pasta or whipping up a special sauce, a good quality saucepan is essential.
Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker is a time-saving marvel that allows you to cook meals quickly while retaining flavours and nutrients. Ideal for tenderizing meats, speeding up cooking times, and creating delicious one-pot wonders, this versatile tool is a game-changer in the kitchen. This handy appliance uses steam pressure to cook food quickly and evenly, making them perfect for preparing soups, stews, beans, and other hearty dishes. Some even come equipped with additional features like slow-cooking modes or automatic release valves for added convenience.
Dutch ovens
Dutch ovens are renowned for distributing heat evenly, making them perfect for cooking a wide range of dishes. They come in various sizes, materials, and shapes to suit your cooking needs. The thick walls and heavy lid create an ideal environment for slow-cooking, braising, roasting or baking. One great feature of cast iron Dutch ovens is their ability to retain heat well. This means they can maintain consistent temperatures over long periods, making them perfect for dishes like stews or casseroles where low-and-slow cooking is required. When choosing a Dutch oven, consider what you'll use most often. A large size with enamel coating may work best if you plan on making soups or stews regularly, whereas smaller ones might be more suitable for bread-making.
Frying Pans
A quality frying pan is a kitchen staple for sautéing, frying, and creating mouthwatering dishes. From making pancakes to frying eggs and sautéing vegetables, a good quality frying pan can make a huge difference in the taste of your food. Consider the pan size based on your cooking needs—a larger size may be better for family meals, while a smaller one is perfect for single servings. Another important consideration when choosing a frying pan is its material. Stainless steel frying pans are durable and easy to clean but doesn't distribute heat as evenly as cast iron or copper pans do. Non-stick fry pans will prevent your food from sticking and ensure easy cleaning after use.
Woks
The wok is a must-have for stir-frying, tossing, and achieving authentic Asian cuisines. The sloping sides of the wok allow food to be cooked quickly and evenly over high heat. This feature makes it ideal for searing meats and vegetables without overcrowding them. Additionally, the round bottom allows you to toss your ingredients easily while cooking. If you're looking for a high quality authentic wok, check out the Ken Hom Wok. Designed by celebrity chef Ken Hom, these carbon steel woks apply centuries of traditional Chinese design with modern material and manufacturing for better cooking.
Cast Iron Pans
Chefs and home cooks love cast iron pans for their unparalleled heat retention and ability to create a perfect sear. These heavy-duty pans can withstand high temperatures, perfect for searing meat or cooking dishes like cornbread in the oven. Cast iron pans are so versatile you can use them on the stovetop, grill, or even over an open flame while camping. It's also oven-safe and can transition easily from stovetop to oven without any issues. When using a cast iron pan, it's essential to properly season it before use with oil or fat to prevent sticking and rusting. With proper care and maintenance, a good quality cast iron pan can last for decades. If you're looking for a high quality cast iron pan that will stand the test of time, we recommend Lodge Cast Iron. Established in the USA in 1896, Lodge are renowned for their durable, chemical-free and high quality cast iron skillets and pans.
Kitchen Scale
Kitchen scales are one of the most underrated kitchen essentials that every cook needs. They come in handy when you need to measure ingredients precisely and accurately, allowing for more precise recipes and better results. One of the benefits of using kitchen scales is that they eliminate guesswork, which can often result in inaccuracies while cooking or baking. This level of accuracy is especially crucial in baking, where precise measurements can make or break a recipe. Our best selling Soehnle Scales are perfect for home cooks and professional chefs alike. These high quality kitchen scales designed to ensure exceptional quality, reliability and accurate measurements.
Cooking Thermometers
A reliable cooking thermometer is essential for checking meats, achieving ideal cooking temperatures, and ensuring food safety. Cooking thermometers allow you to accurately measure the internal temperature of food, which is crucial for ensuring that it's cooked properly and free of harmful bacteria. This is especially important when cooking meats such as chicken, as undercooked meat can be harmful. Using a cooking thermometer can also avoid overcooking your food, which can lead to tough, dry results. We recommend the Acu Rite Meat Thermometers as they allow you to monitor internal food temperature and provide reliable temperature readings,.
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