Kitchens are probably the most central room in our home when it comes to social get-togethers. Cooking for friends and family is a great way to form bonds and to have a good old catch-up with everyone.
While it’s nice to spend time in the kitchen, no one wants to spend be in there all the time. So it’s a good idea to invest in some quality culinary tools that will make cooking easier and more time-effective for you. Want to know which ones are worth your money? Here is a list of my favorites.
Induction Hobs
Induction cooking is much faster and more energy efficient than the standard method. They waste less heat and also give you complete control over temperatures. You now no longer need to wait for the hob to heat up or cool down to your desired heat. It happens instantly! These hobs are slightly more expensive than regular ones. However, you will make up the difference quickly in reduced energy bills! You can only use certain pans on these kinds of hobs.
Stainless Steel Bowls
You may be tempted to buy colorful plastic or glass bowls. However, you’ll be better off sticking to an all-purpose stainless steel brand. These can’t be used in the microwave, though, so make sure you have a back-up option for microwaving things. They are also the best type of bowls for whisking things in. They’re designed to take a bigger beating than bowls made from other materials! One thing stainless steel bowls are really good at is withstanding heat. You don’t need to worry about it getting too hot in the oven or on the hob. But remember to pick it up with oven gloves!
Butcher Block Chopping Board
It’s always best to stick to wooden chopping boards. Stone or metal ones will only blunt your knives quicker. Budget plastic ones are simply a waste of time! Go for one made out of hardwood like walnut or maple, and it will last for a good few years. A bamboo board is a quirky option that will look great, however, it won’t last for quite as long. This is one kitchen item that you’ll really benefit from buying from a top-quality brand. You might end up paying quite a bit, but the board will last a very long time. See it as a long-term culinary investment!
A Chef’s Knife
You might have your sights set on a fancy set of professional knives, but as long as you have a good quality chef’s knight, you can’t go far wrong. This knife can do all kinds of chopping and slicing with little effort. Visit your local homeware store to see what they have in stock. Usually, you will get the chance to try out each knife to make sure you are happy with how it handles and feels.
Dishwasher
After you’ve cooked for a large dinner party, the last thing you want to do is spend ages washing up. Dishwashers now to all the hard work for you! Simply pop all your dirty dishes and pans into it, turn it on and then it should be ready for you to empty in around an hour. They are often much more hygienic than washing by hand as they wash dishes in very high temperatures. The hot steam can also kill lots more bacteria and germs than scrubbing will.
Culinary Thermometer
With a thermometer, you will never have to worry about undercooking anything ever again! Keep checking your meat as it is cooking to ensure everything is going according to plan. Once you think it is ready, check for one final time. If it has hit its required temperature, it is ready for you to enjoy! Thermometers also help you heat up any leftovers safely.
Microwave
We don’t always have time to cook our family a delicious meal. So for those times you are in a rush, a microwave can save the day! You can use them to cook many nutritious dishes and to reheat leftovers. They are perfect for preparing ready meals as well. One thing microwaves are great for is batch cooking. Cook a large dish such as lasagne or a casserole, and portion it up. Once the portions have cooled, put them in the freezer. Whenever you want to serve a portion, thaw it and then reheat it in the microwave. It’s such a cost-effective way of cooking!
These great kitchen tools are a great helping hand in all your culinary adventures.