Whether outfitting a brand-new kitchen or paring back over-full cupboards, having a reliable set of essential cookware pieces on hand is always good.
One of our top picks for a basic pot-and-pan set is a 12-quart stockpot or covered casserole. This large, sturdy pot is necessary for cooking soups, broths, and boiling pasta.
Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick cookware is an essential part of the kitchen that every cook should have. It’s an excellent choice for cooking incredibly sticky or delicate foods, like omelets and pancakes.
It’s also a good choice for stir-frying because it prevents food from sticking to the pan.
However, it’s important to remember that nonstick pans are not designed to be used at high temperatures.
It would be best if you got a stainless steel or cast iron pan to sear a steak.
Wooden Spoons
Whether you are a professional cook or just an amateur home chef, wooden spoons like those from GoodCook are a must-have item for every kitchen. They are sturdy enough to stir thick stews or scrape hard-to-clean pieces from the bottom of a pan and comfortable enough to hold in your hand.
Wooden spoons are made from natural materials and are safe for cooking. They are also non-reactive and won’t react with acidic or spicy foods to leave a metallic taste in your food.
The best wooden spoons are made from dense hardwoods, like beech, maple, olive, walnut, or cherry. They can be hand-washed and likely last a long time with proper care.
Measuring Cups
Measuring cups are a must-have cookware item for every kitchen. They are used to accurately measure liquids and dry ingredients, ensuring that the recipes you prepare always turn out correctly.
Measuring Cups are made of various materials, including stainless steel and plastic. Stainless steel measuring cups are sturdy and resistant to staining and odors.
They are also easy to read and hold precise measurements. They are available in many sizes and have ounce, cup, and milliliter markings.
Liquid measuring cups are usually made with a pouring spout and graduated (with volume marks) for easy and precise measuring of liquids. They are handy for drinks such as milk, water, and oil.
Zyliss Tongs
Tongs are essential for handling foods without exposing your hands to hot cooking surfaces and flames. They are used for various tasks, from flipping meats and vegetables to plating delicate garnishes.
Tongs come in various styles and material types to help streamline specific tasks. Choosing the suitable tong for your needs can save you time in the kitchen and reduce cross-contamination.
Stainless steel tongs are ideal for handling grilled foods and hors d’oeuvres. They’re easy to clean and won’t melt or warp when exposed to high temperatures.
Ladle
The ladle is a vital kitchen utensil that many people use in their daily cooking. It has a deep bowl that serves liquids such as soup or stew.
A spoon is often used to scrape the sides of pots and bowls.
Usually, a spoon is made of stainless steel or aluminum. It can be found in various colors and designs, and some even have features like heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and dishwasher-safe; these are all great things to look for when choosing a new spoon.
