Kitchen essentials – top 10 tools and accessories

Having moved many times in the last 17 years (including overseas moves and 7 Australian moves in just the last 8 years) I have packed and unpacked my kitchen dozens of times. Each move makes it clearer that we all get suckered into buying more bits and gadgets for the kitchen than anywhere else in the house. (Please tell me you do that too). I cull the collection each time and try hard to only add back in things we need and use.

Between the cheaper price on some kitchen gadgets, their perfect size for stocking stuffers and endless TV commercials suggesting they will save us time or do that perfect job, we all add these easily into our shopping carts. I thought I would share a top 10 list of kitchen tools, gadgets and accessories that do most of what you need in the kitchen. This assumes you already have the basics like pots and pans, cutlery, and baking dishes.

1. Immersion hand blender with attachments. 

If there was a rule that I could only have 1 gadget this would be it. I use it so many times in a week – chopping, pureeing, whisking away in seconds and clean up is a breeze. Apart from major hummos making sessions and the like, this has replaced our fancy food processor which lives in the garage. I have the Braun Multiquick handblender that has lasted ages. Select one with a strong motor and, if you can afford it, get the one made of stainless steel as they can even handle chopping ice (mine is so old they did not make these back then).

2. Grater set from IKEA 

This 2 pack of graters has both fine and coarse bladed lids with 2 bases and additional lids to store what you have grated. I love how they can sit on the bench while I grate and then I can store any extra cheese in the fridge or a prepped item can stay fresh until I cook.

3. Tupperware sifter

I have said on this site before – I am not a natural cook! What I do well though is bake! Over the years I have watched as metal sifters rust or get to be a pain to handle. I bought the Tupperware brand sift – n – store years ago and now own most of their baking items in my favourite colour blue (measuring cups, spoons, citrus juicer, mixing bowl etc). This sifter can go in the dishwasher, comes up clean every time – never to rust as it is not metal, and is ergonomically wonderful.

4. Complete set of measuring cups, spoons, and jug

As said above I currently use Tupperware for the spoons and cups. I also love my Pyrex glass measuring jug. Easy to fill and read. Dishwasher safe. Can handle very hot liquids, microwaving or going in the freezer.

5. Tupperware microwave jug

Behind the immersion blender, this has been my best investment. If you don’t use a microwave then move along to the next item. I use my microwave daily and this jug many days of the week.  I make my daughter’s porridge by placing the oats + milk in the jug and microwaving on high with the lid off for 1 minute 20 seconds! I steam veggies with the lid on and 1 big splash of water. I reheat foods and melt chocolate for my amazing brownies. I adore this jug!

6. Digital scales

Am I the only one who asks for house stuff for Mother’s Day? Two years ago I requested new oven mitts and digital scales. My husband, not being a careful shopper, went to David Jones and spent about 3 times what I would have, but I cannot fault him for his choice of scales. Mine is by beurer and is a flat design with LED display, 5kg limit,  and does grams and pounds which is great for not having to convert recipes. It also has a “tara” weighing function which is where you press the button to reset the weight to zero and add your next ingredient in the same bowl. This scale takes up virtually no room in the kitchen as it is the size of a small thin notebook.

7. Wooden Spoons and Flexible Spatulas

I have seen lists that suggest 2 of each. I say – have as many wooden spoons and spatulas as your utensil caddy / drawer can handle. If you prepare for birthday parties, big meals with various dishes or BBQs you will not want to stop to wash these to reuse. We sometimes have 3 pots on the go or use 5 or 6 through the day. They are inexpensive and versatile – heck they even double as drum sticks for your young (or not so young) kids!

8. Cutting Boards

Multiples come in handy here too, but my number one tip is to colour code as you can. We have several colours, but at the very least I recommend a red one for meats so you keep the risk of cross contamination down.  My dream set is Index by Joseph Joseph, but they are still so expensive here in Australia. I have seen copycat versions and am debating getting a less expensive set.

9. Mixing bowls

Like the wooden spoons and spatulas I believe in having loads of mixing bowls. They don’t take up much room when you stack them together and nothing is worse when (hubby is) cooking up a feast, than having to quickly wash up each bowl to carry on. Just today I was baking chocolate beetroot muffins and needed 1 bowl to puree the beets, 1 for dry ingredients and 1 for wet. Seriously, I am not stopping to wash and reuse!

 

10. A good collection of knives

We have had a set of Henckels knives in a block for our entire marriage. Thanks to time and helpful guests putting them in the dishwasher they are on their last legs. It is never clearer how important decent knives are than when they are lacking. Keep them sharp and take care of them (no dishwasher for most) and they will serve you well. You do not need to spend a fortune or buy a big set. This article at serious eats goes into loads of opinions and information and I am thinking we will go with 4 or 5 selected knives when we replace them in the near future.

 

 

Since hubby is the masterchef in this house he does get new things for the kitchen every year so I am open to hearing ideas. I just gave him 2 pizza stones and a milk frother for our anniversary. Who ever said romance is dead?

 

I know this is a personal preference situation so hit me with your best kitchen gadget or utensil. What makes your life easier? What would you grab in a fire?

 

Find your simple,

Deb

 

 

All images came from the site in the accompanying link to that item with the exception of the red kitchen by Suat Eman .

None of the links are affiliate sources.

 

Tagged as: cooking, kitchen organisation