If you can usually be found in the kitchen simmering a stew or kneading a sourdough while you sip from a glass of wine, and you’re never happier than when you’re trying out new recipes, there are a few gadgets that you should own – gadgets that no serious home cook should ever be without – so let’s take a look at them now.
A proper chef’s knife
If there’s one thing that every serious home cook needs, it’s a proper chef’s knife. When you have a knife that’s really sharp and really well designed for the task, it makes the whole process of cooking so much simpler and enjoyable than it was before, not to mention less time-consuming. Oh, and once you have the knife, you’re going to want to invest in a decent knife sharpener too because even the best blades will dull eventually, and there’s no point having a fancy chef’s knife if it’s blunt!
A decent paring knife
Of course, you’re also going to want a paring knife that will take care of tasks like chopping garlic or peeling fruit, which need a slightly more delicate touch.
Heavy-duty chopping boards
When you’re trying out the latest Ottolenghi recipe, you’re going to be doing a lot of chopping, and that’s why a really heavy-duty wooden chopping board is a must-have in any home cook’s kitchen. Not only will it protect your surfaces, but using wooden boards is also more hygienic too. Just makes sure that, if you’re a meat-eater, you have at least two boards – one for meat and one for veg because food poisoning is no fun.
A stand mixer
If you’re the kind of cook who loves nothing more than baking up a few loaves of fresh bread each morning or spending your weekends trying to perfect the Victoria sponge, a stand mixer is the gadget for you. You might not need a big double arm mixer unless you are baking in large quantities, in which case it is ideal, but a good kitchen top mixer will ensure that your bakes are perfectly mixed in a matter of seconds, which means more wine drinking and less stirring, whipping and kneading for you.
A food processor
Food processors make short work of pulsing and combining ingredients. They’re perfect for making hummus, pesto, meatballs, and well an endless list of things really, but best of all, they can slash the time you spend on prep significantly, especially if you choose a model with lots of different attachments – it’s like having your very own sous chef on the kitchen counter!
Cast iron cookware
Cast iron cookware may be more expensive than say stainless steel, but it will last longer, look better when hanging up in the kitchen, clean more easily, and according to many people, produce a tastier meal when all is said and done.
A juicer
Juicers are ideal for creating healthy morning pick-me-ups, but they’re even better when it comes to creating zingy cocktails, which is why every serious home cook should have one on hand for the many dinner parties they are sure to be hosting.
You can also check out the Best 5 Juicers For Carrots And Beets.
A slow cooker
Everyone should have a slow cooker in the kitchen, even if they aren’t in fact the best cooks in the world. Why? Because there’s nothing like throwing a few ingredients into the pot before heading out, only to return to the wonderful aromas of a rich and hearty stew, especially in the winter! If you have a slow cooker, no matter how busy you are, you can always knock up a delicious hot meal and that is why they are so invaluable.
A stick blender
If you like your soups and emulsions, a stick blender is a tool for you. Not only are they cheap and easy to use, but they will guarantee you a smooth soup every time, and unlike full-sized blenders, they can easily be packed away when not in use.
Scales and measuring spoons
A good set of digital kitchen scales and a decent set of measuring cups and spoons may not exactly be high tech, but no kitchen should be without them because they will allow you to follow those fancy recipes from Nigella and Hugh exactly, which will mean fewer cooking disasters all round.
Piping bags
Again, they may not be the height of technology, but piping bags should be in every serious cook’s kitchen. Why? Because they allow you to up your presentation game whether you’re icing a cake or making a hearty family fish pie.
