Essential Kitchen Tools for Everyday Use

No matter if it’s your first apartment or just upgrading, starting off right is key to success. Our selection of essential kitchen tools will help you build the ideal cooking setup that suits you best.

Spatulas are one of the most versatile kitchen utensils, boasting numerous uses in cooking. A quality set should include jar spatulas, rubber spatulas and heat-safe silicone spatulas to meet all your cooking needs.

Kitchen Scale

One of the most valuable kitchen tools is a scale. From tracking macros for meal planning purposes to baking cakes or creating smoothies, weighing ingredients provides more accurate measurements than standard measuring cups because their density varies. A pound of feathers may weigh the same as one pound of rocks but takes up significantly less space in storage units.

Though a basic digital scale will usually suffice, investing in one with extra features that make baking more efficient is highly recommended. Look for scales with pull-out displays so that even large bowls can still view them; others provide features like unit conversion or automatic shut-off features to conserve battery life and extend battery life.

Escali offers an exceptional dual platform scale to measure weight down to one gram while accommodating 11 pounds on its larger platform. With quick response times to any weight change and easy use features like its “tare” button and unit buttons that convert pounds, ounces, grams and kilograms – it makes measuring fast and simple!

Though a single surface plate scale will do for most cooking and baking tasks, you’ll require something more robust if you plan to bake in batches or have specific recipes requiring sub-gram precision, such as salt or diastatic malt powder. MyWeigh features a 6-1/2 by 6-1/2 stainless steel tray to accommodate most weighing needs, plus it is easy to clean while fitting easily onto countertops or in drawers when not being used.

Instant-Read Thermometer

Thermometers are essential tools, providing essential assurances that meat has been cooked enough to eliminate disease-causing bacteria and also being invaluable for other tasks, like tempering custard or controlling oil temperature when frying.

When purchasing an instant-read thermometer, take into account its temperature range. For example, if you plan on grilling or roasting with it, find one with an accuracy between 115 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit; this range encompasses most foods considered safe for consumption.

Your thermometer selection depends heavily on its sensor type: thermocouple or thermistor. The former usually offers more affordable temperature readings while covering a wider temperature spectrum; however, some other forms may provide more accurate results.

A thermocouple thermometer offers limited range, but is generally more precise and can provide instantaneous readings of food’s internal temperature within seconds. Many high-end instant-read thermometers such as Thermapen ONE and Kizen Instant-Read use this technology for instant readings.

The best instant-read thermometers feature an intuitive auto-rotating display with easy readability in any position, an easily activated backlight activated with just one tap on the front, and lasting battery power of at least a year. Plus, extra points go to models which enable recalibration in case there are issues with accuracy.

Lavatools’ TP03 was named as The New York Times and America’s Test Kitchen’s top mid-priced instant-read thermometer in tests, performing exceptionally well during my own evaluations. Unfortunately, however, some features found on other competitors – such as locking temperature readout or waterproof rating – were absent on it and it had one of the smallest displays tested.

Silicone Spatula

A spatula is one of the most versatile kitchen tools you can own, from scrambling (or flipping, for those preferring over-easy eggs) to mixing cake batter and scraping out leftover smoothies from blenders. For maximum versatility and ease, choose lightweight yet flexible models designed to get under and around food easily, heat resistant for safe pan-dipping experiences, and dishwasher-safe for efficient cleanup.

The ideal spatulas are composed of silicone or heat-resistant plastic that can withstand high temperatures. Furthermore, their heads should measure at least 1.9 inches wide to cover more surface area more efficiently and work faster and more quickly (though some spatulas come equipped with angled heads, these didn’t perform as well in terms of tasks such as mixing stiff batters or shifting egg edges.)

Testing was carried out on all the spatulas in our lineup and included various rounds of rigorous evaluation. For instance, we evaluated their ability to hold up under a fried egg; their versatility when scooping or flipping items like roasted vegetables or Chex Mix; and how easy they were to clean (note that although silicone and metal utensils can go in the dishwasher, wooden ones should be hand washed thoroughly to prevent food-borne illness).

At our testing facilities, we sought out spatulas that were easy to locate, affordable and comfortable to hold. In the end, our top selections included the OXO Good Grips Silicone Everyday Spatula, GIR Premium Silicone Turner Spatula and Rubbermaid Commercial Products High Heat Silicone Spatula.

Strainer Scoop

No kitchen is complete without a colander strainer or sieve, versatile tools which help quickly and easily prepare meals, from draining pasta to rinsing vegetables and fruits. No matter your preferred style – deep kitchen colander with larger holes or fine stainless steel mesh sieve or sifter – having these basic items on hand makes every cooking and baking task simpler, faster, and more efficient. Plus modern designs allow for increased flexibility and functionality than ever before: collapsible models save space while handles provide comfort during use while sturdy bases provide comfort during use – simply choose what works for you!

Glass Jars

Glass jars are an indispensable kitchen item, providing food storage solutions of every kind imaginable. Not only are they useful in keeping food fresh for longer but their beautiful designs also reduce food waste in our kitchens and make for beautiful displays on shelves and countertops alike. From traditional pickle jars to contemporary borosilicate storage containers – thinKitchen has them all!

Glass handles hot or cold temperatures with ease and doesn’t leak chemicals into your food, unlike plastic can. Glass also doesn’t absorb stains or smells as readily, making them safer for your food. Plus, oily or sour foods don’t mix with the flavor in glass jars, which explains why pickles and murabba last so long in these jars!

SinoGlass jars feature tight silicone seals to keep out air, which can displace vital nutrients over time and wreak havoc with canned goods stored for months at a time. Plus, when it comes to dry items like spices or grains, glass containers make cleaning much simpler!

Glass jars create a cohesive aesthetic in both the pantry and fridge, making organization much simpler than jumbling together a stack of boxes. Their labeled lids allow easy identification of their contents; stack them to save space! Outside the kitchen, these jars can also be useful in organizing smaller items around the house such as candles, office supplies or flowers – adding natural beauty and life.