If you have never cooked before or are trying to stock a kitchen with the bare essentials, then look no further. This list includes all the basic components you need to start cooking. Also, if you are going on vacation and plan on cooking, refer to this as your packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything. Some items on this list will serve you better (and longer) if you spend a little more and get a good-quality item. However, some items can be found for next to nothing at any local store. The thing to remember about kitchen equipment is that if you invest in good tools and take care of them, they will last you a lifetime.
- Skillet – This is the number one tool you need because it is very versatile. You can cook almost anything with it in a pinch. We recommend a 12-inch (minimum 10-inch), non-stick skillet because it is easy to work with and easy to clean. Take care not to use metal utensils on any skillet that has a Teflon or non-stick coating because this will ruin the finish. Also, get one with a lid if you can.
- Spatula – This tool can be used for mixing, stirring, or scraping – to name a few. We recommend investing in a silicon spatula because it has a higher melting point and if you forget and leave it in a pot, it won’t become a part of your meal. We also prefer the kind that are all one piece instead of the ones that come apart at the head because the ones that come apart can get food stuck in them permanently and tend to break easier.
- Knife – It is normally easier to buy a knife block with several knives because then you have the right knife for whatever you happen to be doing. However, knives can be pretty expensive. If you had to get just one knife, get an 8-inch, stainless steel chef’s knife.
