Beginner’s Guide: Must-Have Kitchen Tools

Must-have-kitchen-tools

Setting up a well-equipped kitchen with the right kitchen tools is a crucial step for anyone embarking on their culinary journey. Whether you’re an enthusiastic beginner cook or someone looking to upgrade your kitchen arsenal, having the right kitchen tools can make a significant difference in your cooking experience. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the must-have kitchen tools that will help you navigate through various recipes with ease and efficiency. From basic essentials to handy gadgets, we’ve got you covered.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools

Chef’s Knife

A high-quality chef’s knife is the backbone of any kitchen. Invest in a sturdy, well-balanced knife that feels comfortable in your hand. A chef’s knife can be used for chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing a wide range of ingredients, making it an indispensable tool for everyday cooking. Read our blog to know what to consider while buying kitchen knives.

Cutting Boards

Cutting boards form the base of cutting vegetables evenly and can be used for many purposes. They let you dice the onions, or splatter the garlic and also help you with your experiments with dip designs. Having a chopping board like the top quality Bamboo Cutting Board will let you keep your chopped-up ingredients separate, and make cooking an aesthetically pleasing activity.

Mixing Bowls: Useful Kitchen Tools

A set of mixing bowls in various sizes is essential for any kitchen. These versatile bowls can be used for mixing ingredients, tossing salads, marinating meats, or storing leftovers. Look for bowls that are made of stainless steel or glass, as they are easy to clean and maintain. Reviews of Joseph 20156 Double Dish Pistachio Bowl show that it is perfect for snack serving.

Measuring Spoons & Cups

Measuring spoons and cups play an important role in preparing a perfect restaurant-quality dish. This is because they help in measuring ingredients in accurate quantities. According to the customer reviews of the Spring Chef Heavy Measuring Spoons, it has a sturdy metal build made of heavy-duty stainless steel. You can use these spoons with liquid as well as dry ingredients. This model comes in a set of 6 with one bonus lever.

Non-Stick Skillet: Best Kitchen tools

A non-stick skillet is a versatile kitchen essential. It is great for sautéing, frying, and even baking. Look for a skillet like CAROTE 10-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with a sturdy handle and a non-stick coating for easy cooking and cleanup. It’s a great tool for beginners and ideal for cooking eggs, pancakes, and stir-fries.

Immersion Blender

An immersion blender is a handheld device, used for making smoothies, soups, and for pureeing veggies. If you are a juice person, you must be adoring smoothies. You can also experiment with smoothies, exciting cocktails, and even your own sorbets with a blender like MegaWise 5-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender in your kitchen. This model comes with an 800-watt powerful motor and 12-speed settings.

It can also be confusing to choose between a food processor and a blender. Read our blog to know which is better a food processor or a blender.

Saucepan and Stockpot

Having a saucepan and a stockpot in your kitchen will open up a world of possibilities. A saucepan like Cooks Standard Lid Multi-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Saucepan is perfect for simmering sauces, cooking grains, and making soups, while a stockpot is ideal for boiling pasta, preparing stocks, or cooking larger quantities of food for entertaining.

Baking Sheet

Whether you’re baking cookies, roasting vegetables, or toasting nuts, a baking sheet is a must-have tool in your kitchen arsenal. Look for a sturdy, rimmed baking sheet like Checkered Chef Baking Sheet that distributes heat evenly and resists warping. It will also become your go-to for a wide range of baking as well as roasting needs.

Whisk and Spatula

A whisk is indispensable for blending, beating, and emulsifying ingredients. Choose a whisk like OXO Good Grips with stainless steel wires and a comfortable handle for ease of use. A heat-resistant spatula is also perfect for scraping bowls, folding ingredients, as well as flipping delicate foods without scratching your cookware.

Kitchen Tools: Conclusion

Equipping your kitchen with the essential tools is an investment in your cooking journey. By having the right utensils at your disposal, you can cook with confidence, precision, and efficiency. The tools mentioned in this beginner’s guide will lay a strong foundation for your culinary adventures. Remember to prioritize quality and choose tools that suit your cooking style. With these must-have kitchen tools in your possession, you’re well on your way to creating delicious meals and enjoying the art of cooking.

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Best Solutions to Store Kitchen Knife Set

kitchen knife set

The kitchen knife set requires proper storage to offer you long-lasting usage. The best storage solutions for kitchen knives will help you maintain their sharpness and sheen for a long time. This saves you from the extra costs of getting a knife sharpener or replacing the blade entirely. Storage styles vary from magnetic strips and docks to knife blocks.

You should choose a storage option that doesn’t occupy much space and is convenient. The hassle to store kitchen knives is something that anyone who cooks can understand. Bluntness and rusting are the two major problems that occur with the majority of kitchen knives. Choosing the right kitchen knife can also be a confusing decision. Read our kitchen knives buying guide to make a perfect choice.

Different Ways to Store a Kitchen Knife Set

Magnetic Rack to Store Kitchen Knives

The best thing about these storage racks is they don’t take up much space and you can make a DIY version at home. You can hang them up anywhere and the knives won’t clash with each other. They are the most portable option with excellent usability and occupy less area on your counter space. It’s also a creative way to display your knives, such as Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife. These also add aesthetics to your kitchen.

Countertop Docks

Docks can be an easy way to organize your knives because of convenient accessibility. You can swiftly take a knife out for your chores by keeping it close to your workstation. The major con of these blocks is cleaning. A lot of dust can accumulate as the compartments and slots are small. They’re also not dishwasher safe because of their woody material. Going with a slotless variant would be the most viable option if you feel these are the best option for your kitchen. You can place kitchen knife sets such as Tramontina Porterhouse Steak Knife in countertop docks for convenience.

Under Cabinet Storage

This storage method saves a lot of space and can be mounted easily under all types of cabinets. They come with a hinge that can be lifted and lowered efficiently. The installation method is pretty easy too. These sturdy storage options are the best for small kitchens and come in drawer-like designs too. Understanding the sharpness, and length of kitchen knives is important to store them in a better way. Reviews of the Victorinox Forschner kitchen knife set suggest it to be an ideal chef equipment set.

Drawer Storage

Drawer storage is one of the safest storage solutions available especially if you have little children or pets at home. Storing your knives in a drawer also keeps your countertop clean. Reviews of the Home Hero Chef Knife Set show that it is one of the best-rated knife sets. Storing knives in a drawer organizer also makes it easier for you to safely grab the knife whenever needed. You can get a drawer organizer according to the size of your drawer.

Wall Strips

Wall strips are a convenient and safe way to store knives. This is one of the best methods of storing knives as minimal contact is made with the cutting edge. Fixwell Stainless Steel Knife Set is a great option if you are looking to buy a knife set. This keeps the knife sharp and free from damage. You can mount the wall strip above the counter. This looks beautiful also lets you see all the blades in a glance. These wall strips come in a variety of materials like stainless steel, wood, etc.

Should I Keep my Knives in a Block?

It is not necessary to store your knives in a block always. There are better ways to store knives like drawer storage, wall strips, etc. These ways of storage are better than keeping knives in a block. The block can become a problem if the size of the block does not match the size of your knife set.

Should You Store Knife in Sheath?

A sheath is used to carry your knife around safely. It is not meant to protect your knife when it’s not in use. Leaving the knives in sheaths for a long time can eventually damage them.

A knife sharpener is important to maintain your knife’s sharpness. There are many advantages of using a knife sharpener. Read our blog to know about the advantages of a knife sharpener.

Conclusion

There are many storage options available in the market but you should choose the one that best meets your requirements. Proper storage can increase the life of your valuable and expensive knives by years. You can take a look at the best hacks to maintain kitchen knives to get some valuable maintenance tips.

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Best Hacks to Maintain Kitchen Knife

kitchen knife

A kitchen knife is a kitchen tool that is used to cut, dice, and chop veggies, meat, nuts, herbs, and more. This knife can last for years with proper maintenance and can help you in your food preparation. Kitchen knives come in various types to suit your versatile cutting as well as food serving tasks. The chef’s knife, utility knife, boning knife, and steak knife are a few popular ones. The necessity to maintain kitchen knives is crucial to make them last longer and cut efficiently every time you use them. Following certain hacks and cleaning your knives regularly will ensure that your kitchen knives last long.

Kitchen Knife Maintenance Tips

Sharpen Kitchen Knife and Hone Regularly

The steak knife-like MAD SHARK Knife consists of tiny blades that may wear off with continuous usage. That is why it is important to hone your knives after a few uses. You can use a honing steel rod or bar to hone your kitchen knife. Scrapping your knife on the rod from both sides will realign all teeth. The sharpening of your knife is also important but it also depends on your usage. Usually, you should sharpen your knife once or twice a year.

There are many advantages of using an electric knife sharpener to sharpen your knives. These tools eliminate the manual effort and make your sharpening tasks easier.

Avoid the Dishwasher

A dishwasher can be abrasive on your blades because of detergent and its overall functioning. You should try avoiding washing your knives in the dishwasher. Putting your knives in the dishwasher can cause damage to the teeth and sharpness. We recommend you hand wash your knives gently.

Choose Your Surfaces Wisely

The cutting board surface is also crucial in keeping your knives in optimal condition. You should avoid cutting on glass, ceramic, slate, and marble surfaces. Woodcutting boards are ideal for chopping veggies and meats. You can also use plastic boards as a cutting surface. Make sure you do not move your chopped veggies or ingredients with the blade side of your knife. Instead, use a dough scraper or the back of your knife. The top-ranking DALSTRONG Gladiator Series Knife has got good reviews for its high-carbon German steel.

Store Kitchen Knife Correctly

Proper storage is another important factor to keep your knives well maintained. You can store them in the protective knife blocks or magnetic strips that hold knives firmly in place. Make sure you do not keep them in the corners or spaces where they are exposed to the dulling effect. Some models like Home Hero Chef Knife Set come with a cutlery stand for convenient storage.

The reviews of DALSTRONG Chef’s Knife show that this knife is easy to store as it comes with a blade cover with a pin attached for easy closure. You can read through our blog to know about the best solutions to store kitchen knives.

How to Remove Rust from Kitchen Knife?

Rust might ruin your knife forever. A lot of things available inside your house can come in handy while removing rust from the blade. Let’s see how can this be tackled. In order to maintain kitchen knives, getting rid of the rust is necessary as otherwise, the knives may turn blunt.

White Vinegar

Soak your rusty knives in a bowl full of white vinegar for the entire night. Then use a wire brush to remove the remains. If you still see some spots, soak the knives again for better results.

Baking soda

Form a thick paste of water and baking soda and rub it all over your knife. Let it sit for an hour or two before scrubbing the rust with steel wool. Rinse the knife and dry it thoroughly.

Citric Acid

Three tablespoons of pure citric acid in a bowl full of hot water can work like a charm on your rusty knives. Citric acid is available in supermarkets and can be used to clean a variety of things.

Lemon and Salt

This good old combination can remove rust from your knives in a matter of a few hours. You can use the lemon rind to remove rust after you’ve put the lemon and crystal salt. Do not forget to rinse your knife with water after the process.

How to Clean Kitchen Knives?

The most appropriate way to clean knives without hampering their sheen is to use a clean cloth. Avoid running your knives underwater. A few do’s and don’t’s that will always come in handy are as follows:

  • Store your knives carefully and in a dust-free environment that is devoid of any moisture to avoid rusting
  • If you have to run your knives through water, dry them immediately for better results
  • Do not soak your knives in water for too long, that might result in rusting
  • Do not use abrasive soaps and detergents. Avoid using any harsh chemicals too.

The reviews of Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife suggest that this knife is easy to clean with a soapy cloth.

How to Dispose-off the Kitchen Knives?

It’s important to dispose-off Kitchen Knives responsibly. You should take some steps to do this carefully. You should avoid throwing them in the trash. It’s advised to donate your old knives if you think they aren’t useful for you anymore. Recycling your old knives can be really good for the environment. You can go to any metal recycler near your location and give your knife away for proper recycling. You can also cover your knives with layers of newspapers and cardboard before throwing them in the trash can.

Conclusion

Maintaining and cleaning kitchen accessories like food choppers and kitchen knives is important for longer durability and sustenance. A well-kept knife can help you complete all your chopping chores quickly and help you obtain precise cuts. It is also important to dispose of them responsibly for a better environment. If you are eyeing to get an appropriate knife for your kitchen usage, we recommend you can take a look at the best knife buying guide.

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Kitchen Knives: The Best Buying Guide for You

kitchen knives

Kitchen knives are an indispensable tool for any kitchen. Knives are used for almost every task in the kitchen like cutting and chopping fresh vegetables, slicing cheese, piercing chicken, etc. Having to do so many things with a knife that has blunt edges and is heavyweight can be a tricky task. That is why it is important to buy knives that fit your kitchen tasks. The market has many options and the process of choosing suitable kitchen knives can get overwhelming.

Factors to Consider While Buying Kitchen Knives

Material

Most knives are of stainless steel. Stainless steel is strong and durable and can be easily sharpened. Some knives also use carbon steel which is durable but more prone to rust too. Ceramic knives are available in the market as well. These knives are sharp as well as easy to handle but once they start losing their sharpness, it gets tough to use them. Keeping in mind the material while shopping is important.

Ease of Use

It’s vital to go with a knife that you can use with maximum efficiency. Home Hero Chef Knife Set is a nice option to look at. A good knife will urge you to cook more because of better comfort. Look for knives that are easy to hold and use.

Weight and Balance

One should go for knives that offer a strong grip and a stable cut. Some people prefer lightweight knives while some like heavy knives. You should go with a heavy knife when cutting hard ingredients like squash or potatoes. The lightweight knife is an ideal option to cut soft veggies like tomatoes.

Maintenance

Maintaining a knife is important to get long-lasting usage. Different kitchen knives perform different functions. Maintaining them in the correct way will allow the knife to sustain its sharpness for a longer time. A good way to maintain them is to clean them after every use. Ceramic knives will demand more in order to remain sharp and functional while stainless steel knives require minimal maintenance. Keep the maintenance factor in mind before buying kitchen knives. You can also follow this quick maintenance guide to keep your knives sharp.

Sharpness and Storage

Most knives lose their sharpness at some point and it’s smart to buy a suitable knife sharpener to tackle this situation. Make sure you read through our blog that tells you everything you should know about the best knife sharpeners.

Kitchen Knives offers many options for storage like magnetic racks, countertop docks, etc., and protects the blade from any damages. Understanding the length, sharpness, and type of knife blade is important for the storage of knives. You should also know how the best solutions to store the knives will help you save money, and keep your knife in a good shape for a longer span of time.

Types of Kitchen Knives

Boning Kitchen Knives

This knife is popular for removing bones from the meat. Varying from USD 10 to USD 100, these knives have a 6 inches long blade and are generally used for tender meats.

Serrated Kitchen Knives

Serrated kitchen knives like the Steak Knives set have got good reviews for their long and thin blade. They are good for softer fruits and vegetables. These are essential for all households and are available for USD 10 to USD 30. They can also cut slices of bread and other soft-baked items.

Chef’s Knife

These knives are popular among home chefs and pro cooks. Reviews of DALSTRONG Chef Knife suggest it is one of the best-reviewed knives available in the market. Their large, as well as smooth blades, can be used for a variety of purposes. These can cost you anywhere from USD 100 to USD 200 depending upon the brand. This knife can easily cut and dice almost everything in your kitchen. This is why buying an electric knife sharpener that keeps your knife blade intact and maintains its edge is useful.

It is advisable that you scroll through the blog for better clarity and detailed information on the advantages of using an electric sharpener for knives.

Reviews of Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife show that it is one of the best chef’s knives available and is known for its excellent performance in the kitchen. If you’re planning to buy a knife, this one is probably your best buy. 

Santoku Knife

Santoku knives are used for precise chopping and to slice finer herbs or other small items. The knives have a wide and sharp blade and are used as a replacement for the chef’s knife at home.

Paring Knife

Priced at USD 10, these Japanese kitchen knives are smaller in size and used for chopping. Paring knives like the top-quality DALSTRONG Chef’s Knives are the best ones for you if you’re someone who has just begun chopping and wants to go for a safer and smaller option.

Carving Knife

Thanksgiving and Halloween call for carving knives. Their sharp tip can help in cutting thin slices of meat like that of turkey, chicken & other large cooked meats.

Filleting Kitchen Knives

These knives are used for fish and are almost similar in purpose to boning knives. These knives can scale to as high as USD 100 and should be bought if your kitchen involves a lot of seafood cooking.

What are the Kitchen Knives Used for?

Kitchen knives are used for cutting, dicing, chopping, etc. They are also great for chopping nuts and cutting meat. These knives can also be used for carving, slicing, and other purposes.

What are the Kitchen Knives Made of?

The blade of a knife is usually made of carbon steel or stainless steel. Most of these knives are simple carbon iron alloys without exotic additions. All these materials are durable and strong.

How are Kitchen Knives Measured?

Kitchen knives are measured according to the length of the blade. Generally from tip to the heel. The length of the knife will not include the handle’s length.

How Many Parts do Kitchen Knives have?

A standard chef’s knife can have about 10 separate sections. The two main parts of a knife are the blade and the handle. Both these parts can also be further subdivided into different parts.

Conclusion

It’s time to give some thought to the different options available if you don’t have a high-quality knife yet. Buying a good knife can make your life easier. Faster chopping can result in faster cooking and make your experience a smooth one. We hope our buying guide helps you in making the right choice for your kitchen.

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