The global pandemic has resulted in a number of new regulations that affect our daily lives. Some of these have limited our movements or barred us from enjoying the company of large groups of people, or in some cases (and countries) simply prevented us from leaving the house. In the face of these possibly necessary, but definitely draconian rules many people have simply thrown their hands up, slumped into the couch and proceeded to form an intimate relationship with snack foods.
However, for others, staying at home is a cloud with a definite silver lining. They get to learn new skills or hone existing ones – and that includes cooking. For those people who want to take the first step on the journey to becoming an accomplished home chef, the decisions around what equipment and cookware to have at hand are important. They say a bad carpenter will blame his tools, but having the incorrect tools in the kitchen will almost inevitably lead to just giving up on the entire dream of self-catered, candlelit dinner parties (or just a home-cooked dinner for two or the family if we are honest with ourselves).
So, when you’re in the mood for stocking up on those cookware essentials what should you be looking for? Here are 7 essentials that no aspirant home chef should be without.
1. Knives.
Any professional chef will be vocal on the subject of knives. However, when pushed even they will admit that a set of three high-quality knives is the foundation of food preparation. These three are the chef’s knife, the serrated bread knife, and a paring knife. You should be able to handle most tasks with these. If your budget will stretch that far choose forged knives over stamped – the forged knives will stay sharper for longer and give years of faithful service.
2. Cutting Board.
Keep it old school and invest in a wooden cutting board (or a high-quality plastic version). Wood and plastic have that little bit of ‘give’ – whereas glass or stone will blunt your knives. You will have to replace wood when it starts to get those annoying grooves where bacteria can build up – but a wooden cutting board is a pleasure to work with.
3. A Non-Stick Pan.
Get yourself at least one good non-stick pan. They’re great for eggs and ingredients that have a high sugar content that tend to stick. A pan of around 8 inches should be perfect for most tasks. Copper non-stick pans are great – they heat evenly and look great.
4. A Cast Iron Pan.
A great cast iron pan is an investment. Care for it well and it will last a lifetime. Cast iron conducts heat incredibly well and if you want to sear a piece of meat or get that perfect caramelization it’s difficult to find any other material that can match cast iron. Make sure to ‘season’ your new pan – and use the right oil or other lubricant when cooking.
5. Stainless Steel Pots and Pans.
This is one of those instances where buying a full set of cookware is well worth the expense. The heavier the gauge the better – spend a little extra on this set of essentials. They are at the bedrock of food preparation and you will be using them as your ‘go-to’ solution for most of your cooking needs. A great set should consist of two sizes of a frying pan, 2 and 3-quart saucepans (with lids), an 8-quart stockpot (again with a lid) and a 3-quart sauté pan with a lid.
6. A Dutch Oven.
For making hearty stews or soups you cannot beat a Dutch Oven. Although there are many who would opt for a pressure cooker or crockpot, Dutch Ovens have stood the test of time for a reason. Try for one with sides around 6 inches high – then set the heat on low and leave it to do its job – and be prepared for old school magic.
7. A Wooden Spoon.
The lowest of the low tech – and another essential piece of equipment that has been around forever, for good reason. Plastic melts and metal gets hot (beware fingers). Get your hands on one with a flat side for added control and the ability to scrape those last delicious bits from the bottom of the pan or pot (and save yourself some washing up time).
There are other pieces of cookware and kitchen equipment that will come in handy such as a set of spatulas, a great mixer, whisks, graters and mixing bowls (among many others), but these 7 are trusted essentials that no chef can do without.