11 must-have utensils in the kitchen

When you’re starting from scratch, it can be hard to know how to kit out your kitchen, or even where to begin. It’s usually when you’re in the middle of cooking that you realise you’re missing something you need for the next step. 

To avoid this dilemma, we have listed a few key kitchen tools that will ensure you can tackle any recipe with ease.

11 must-have utensils in the kitchen

If you have all of these 11 things in your kitchen, you’re off to a good start!

1. Frying pan

A frying pan is a real essential for any kitchen and can be used for anything from stir-frys, omelettes to pancakes. If you buy a large frying pan it can even be used instead of a wok.

A non-stick pan is the best way to go, because this helps to avoid the frustration of food sticking to the bottom and messing up your meal. A steel scrubber will destroy the pan, so try to use a plastic scrubbing sponge instead when cleaning.

2. Saucepan

Ideal for cooking things like eggs or pasta, a saucepan is a necessity in any kitchen. It helps to have a few different saucepans in different sizes for different types of cooking.

3. One good knife

This will make a huge difference to your kitchen experience and is perfect for chopping vegetables or meat. A good knife will allow you to get through your meal prep faster, and you can be more precise with how you want to chop your food.

4. Double-sided oven glove

It’s pretty obvious why you might need an oven glove. No one likes getting burnt, and a tea towel is not the safest way to take something out of the oven. Avoid accidents and make sure to have an oven glove.

5. Microwave

A microwave is perfect for heating up last night’s leftovers. They are also perfect for making porridge and jacket potatoes. Having a microwave will make things easier in the kitchen on a day to day basis.

6. Tin opener

Most cans have pull ring tabs now but just in case they don’t a tin opener can come in very handy indeed. If you’re halfway through making your dinner and realise you can’t open the tin, you could be stuck, so make sure to have a tin opener!

7. Tupperware or plastic containers

These are great for helping you store left over food safely, as well as allowing you to bring food with you to college or work. You can buy them in most supermarkets or simply reuse takeaway containers.

8. Bottle opener

Whether you have a bottle of wine, beer, or fancy glass soda bottles, a bottle opener is a useful thing to have around. 

9. Grater

Even if you don’t eat a lot of cheese, a grater can still be useful when recipes call for grated vegetables, ginger, nuts, or other ingredients.

10. Weighing scales or measuring jug

Most recipes call for ingredients to be measured or weighed. Having a small weighing scales or measuring jug is an essential purchase so you can be sure your meals will come out right.

11. Spatula or wooden spoon

Ideal for stirring or mixing ingredients when you’re cooking, a spatula or a wooden spoon is an important addition to any kitchen.