Different Kinds of Kitchen Utensils You Should Have

When choosing kitchen utensils, thinking about practicality and aesthetics is important. It would help if you also considered the cost. The Internet can help you find the best utensils for your kitchen at the lowest price. Wooden utensils can be a safe choice, but how they are finished is critical. Avoid those glued together or coated with lacquer, as these contain chemicals that can leach into your food. Look for hardwood utensils that are FSC certified.

Tong

Using tongs is common when handling hot or slick food in a kitchen. Using tongs, a cooking instrument, makes it easier to grip meals and lift, flip, toss, or serve them without touching their hands, especially if it’s one of your personalized cooking utensils. In addition to preventing cross-contamination, they can assist in keeping hands away from hot cooking surfaces and fires.

Cutting Board

A cutting board is an essential kitchen utensil for chopping, dicing, and smashing. Look for a wood or plastic board that’s heavy enough to resist warping and is kind to your knives (e.g., end grain). 

Dessert Plate

The right dessert plate can make a big difference in the presentation of your food. Use plain dishes to make the dessert stand out and avoid distractions. These plates are typically small, ranging from 6 to 8 inches in diameter. They are perfect for serving various dishes, including cake, ice cream, and fruit.

Jar Scraper

Most professional chefs recommend using wooden utensils as they are durable and have a high tolerance to heat. However, other options include silicone and stainless steel. You can find jar spatulas with long and narrow handles with rounded or pointed heads that offer tons of leverage for scraping batter from the bottom of a container. You can also find them in fun colors and prints to match your kitchen theme.

Juicer

Adding a lot of vitamins and nutrients to your diet is easy by juicing. Look for a juicer that is easy to operate and clean, including disposing of pulp. Cut fruits and vegetables into manageable bits before putting them through the juicer. It will help prevent clogging and reduce wear on the motor. Also, consider the size of your kitchen and how much counter space you can spare for the appliance.

Kitchen Shears

Shears are useful for tasks that your scissors and a knife cannot. They have longer blades—between eight and nine inches—and are often made from stainless steel, which can hold a sharp edge and resist rust. Look for a pair with ergonomic, symmetrical handles that fit comfortably in your hand during heavier use. Also, consider one that dismantles for easy cleaning to ensure it stays sanitary and sharp.

Silicone Spatula

A spatula is one of the most important kitchen tools you can buy. It will help you pour cake batter, scrape a bowl and even push ingredients into small spaces like jars or measuring cups. Look for a silicone spatula that’s heat-resistant and durable. Also, choose a set with beautiful, acacia-strong and comfortable handles.

Food Thermometer

Whether roasting a turkey, baking bread or making candy, an accurate thermometer ensures safe cooking temperatures and keeps food from danger. Look for a thermometer that offers quick, accurate readings. Also, consider the readout type; some offer digital screens while others have an analog dial. Test the thermometer with ice water or boiling water to verify its accuracy.

Fork

A fork is a basic kitchen tool that helps you eat food. You can use it to cut meat and vegetables or to serve desserts. A carving fork is a specialized utensil used to hold large pieces of meat in place while cutting them. It can also be used to spear deli meat, such as prosciutto. You won’t find a spork in most silverware sets, but it’s a handy utensil for eating seafood and other delicate foods. It has two piercing tines similar to a cocktail fork.

Bag Clip

A bag clip is a small kitchen utensil that prevents foods from being stale. These tiny clamps, also known as chip clips, have sharp teeth that rip into the tops of open bags and close them shut. They also make great gifts for foodies and chefs. Choose a set of clips with ridges for gripping and rubber nonslip handles. They’re available in multiple sizes, including extra-large, to fit most types of bags.

Basting Brush

A basting brush is a basic kitchen tool that every cook should have. It comes in many sizes and styles. You can purchase it individually or in a set. You should always read the instructions for your cooking utensils carefully. Some are dishwasher-safe, while others need special care. For example, wood utensils must be washed by hand and dried completely before use.