5 Kitchen Essentials Even Spartan Cooks Need
How often have you visited your folks and searched the fridge for leftovers?
Whether you’re an aspiring chef or a novice just finding your way around the stove, it’s important to remember you’re only as good the tools you have. Struggling with blunt knives, shabby pans, and uncooperative stovetops is just going to hurt your dish. A meal born out of frustration will never taste as good as one that comes together with the right kitchen tools.
We’ve covered the overall home essentials list. Now, we’re going to one of the most-used rooms. If you’re moving to a new home, don’t forget these 5 kitchen essentials:
1. A Good Cast-Iron Skillet
The cast-iron skillet is part of every chef’s repertoire. Whether you’re roasting, baking or frying, the skillet can cover the holy trinity of the kitchen.
You might be tempted to buy those non-stick pans, but they will just lose their shine and the coating degrades over time, leaving you with a plain old pot that’s aged poorly. Cast-iron hangs doggedly onto its quality, and when used properly, it can last a lifetime. Plus, you can move that chicken right from the stove to the oven after you’re done searing it—without switching pans.
2. A Rubber or Plastic Chopping Board
Those wooden boards may look the part, but they just don’t cut it in the cleanliness department. If you’re after a sturdy surface, ditch the two-by-four. A basic rubber board won’t move when you’re chopping; it won’t cause damage to your knives, and it’s a breeze to clean. Oh—and don’t get suckered into buying a pricey board with unnecessary frills such as flimsy pull-out trays or barely functional drip gutters. Keep it simple and go with a high quality simple board from a reputable brand.
3. High-Quality Knives
You don’t need to splash the cash on a whole knife set. Who’s going to use those steak knives every day? The best chef only needs two knives: an 8-inch chef’s knife and a paring knife. While Japanese blades reign supreme, they can be expensive. You shouldn’t have to break the bank for a knife set, but remember: the more you pay, the better your chances of finding blades that will last.
What really matters is keeping your knives sharp. Consider purchasing a quality knife sharpener, and watch this video and learn the proper technique.
4. A Basic Colander
Here’s a chef’s secret: You don’t need to invest in a sieve. A simple metal colander can do the job—and it’s a lifesaver when you have a pot full of boiling hot pasta. Trust us, it’s not worth it to try your luck using a cheap plastic colander or sans colander while draining it. You’ll end up with melted plastic or missed pasta, respectively.
5. A Strong Peeler
Even the best knife will do a poor job of peeling your greens or carrots. Pick up a tool designed for the task. You don’t need anything fancy; just find a quality peeler from a brand you trust, and it will last you forever.
Now that you’ve got your kitchen essentials, there’s just one ingredient missing: a kitchen that will inspire you!
Take a tour of our luxury Tenley View apartments to find out what a modern kitchen looks like. With views of this sought-after neighborhood, you’ll never have to scramble for inspiration again. Call 202-969-8494 to learn more, or follow this link to Request a Tour.