Our Essential Kitchen Tools

Tools of the kitchen are key to making meal time easier. While my kitchen is full with lots of tools, this list is the basics that I find to be essential! These are also the items I most often buy for gifts for new homeowners, shower gifts etc.

Cookware / Bakeware

1) Cast Iron - the versatility of cast iron makes this the #1 item on the list. I'll do a post some day on how to properly clean and maintain cast iron but this is the work horse of my kitchen! Cast Iron can be used stove top, in the oven/ broiler, grill and campfire making this my go to for recipes specifically calling to brown or sauté then bake.

• Most used sizes - 10 inch and 12 inch

My recommendation is not to buy new. Most of the quality is not there on the cheaper brands. I don't own any Staub but that would be the brand I would try if buying new. Check estate sales, yard sales, antique stores or a relative that may have one to pass along. Look for the smoothest cooking surface you can find. You can refinish them if they are rusty.

• If your looking to grow the collection later, add a Dutch Oven (large pot with lid). They are heavy but will be another work horse.

• This blog covers using and caring for cast iron in much greater detail - https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-a-cast-iron-skillet-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-107747

• One more note, cast iron is a strong conductor of heat. Low to Medium is recommended for cooking temperatures to prevent sticking. Also use a good oil. My preference is to save bacon grease.

2) Slow Cooker - this is a time saver and a great alternative to not being at home to slow cook foods in an oven. I love to put a meal on in the morning and come home and its ready to eat. Any brand will do but my favorite is the Pampered Chef Rockcrok Collection. The article goes into greater detail but this again is a set that is stove top, oven/ broiler, grill and slow cooker!

• My essentials are the Everyday Pan, Dutch Oven and Slow Cooker Stand.

3) Bakeware - Generally speaking, a 9x13 and a 9x9 size will do the job. My preference for bakeware is the Pampered Chef Stoneware account of the easy cleanup (husband approved!).

4) Knives

This is a pet peeve but it comes right down to safety. A good sharp knife should glide through food. If you need to saw through something there is a greater risk of getting cut yourself.

• Two sizes - Utility Knife and a Chef Knife (bonus points for a tomato knife)

• To my surprise, the Dollar Tree Utility and Chef's Knives are pretty good. How long they will last, I'm not sure. I would potentially treat them as being disposable and need to replace them every few months but some I have at the Meat House have held up.

• My recommendation for long term use are:

Utility Knives - Coated Utility Knife or a Steel Utility Knife

Chef's Knives - Coated Chef Knife or Steel Chef Knife

• Have a knife sharpener on hand. 2-3 quick passes after each cleanup will keep your knives in pristine condition. Also, knives are not generally designed for the dish washer and will cause dullness.

5) Cheese Grater

Ditch the store bough shredded cheese! Buying the blocks saves money, increases quality - less ingredients, lasts longer and melts better. Cheese graters clean up quickly under hot water.

Any Cheese grater will work. My favorites are the Coarse and Fine Graters by Pampered Chef as they are compact.

6) Quick Shred

This hands down makes the list and probably not even for its shredding capabilities! The Quick Shred can be used to shred apart meats after slow cooking but my favorite use is as a cutting guide. I put the fork in meats and then have a method of holding the meat securely on the cutting board and use the teeth as a guide to get 1/4 inch slices. Perfect for cutting London Broil, Skirt Steaks, Tri-Tips, Brisket and carving Turkeys! Added bonus is that the forks are magnetic so they stay together.

This one is so high on my list, I'll drop a picture for reference!

Did you notice there are a lot of Pampered Chef items on here? I (Kate) has been a Pampered Chef consultant for 6 years! While I no longer actively host parties, I do setup Virtual Catalog Parties, where you get a shopping link to share with your friends to collect orders. Reach out to me if this is something you are interested in.

I became a consultant as I love to cook (hence the blog!) but also have found great value in quality tools. I only share things I find are worth the investment regardless of brand.

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