Starting to cook at home for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between choosing recipes, shopping for ingredients, and figuring out what to do in the kitchen, it’s easy to feel lost. But one thing that can make your cooking journey much easier is having the right tools on hand. You don’t need an entire arsenal of fancy gadgets to cook a great meal. In fact, having just a few essential tools can help you get started with confidence.

In this blog, we’ll break down the must-have kitchen tools every beginner cook should own to get started in the kitchen without breaking the bank. Whether you’re cooking for one or learning to make meals for your flat or family, these tools will be the foundation of your cooking success.

1. A Good Chef’s Knife

A high-quality chef’s knife is perhaps the most important tool in any kitchen. It’s the one thing you’ll reach for every time you chop, slice, or dice ingredients. A sharp, well-balanced knife makes food prep easier and safer. You don’t need a fancy, expensive knife, but investing in one solid chef’s knife (around 20cm) will serve you well.

Why You Need It:

• It allows you to cut through vegetables, meats, and fruits with ease.
• A sharp knife helps prevent accidents, as you're less likely to slip and injure yourself with a dull blade.

2. Cutting Board

While you might think any flat surface will do, a cutting board is essential to protect your countertops and keep things sanitary. Opt for a wooden or plastic cutting board—wooden boards are great for knife longevity, while plastic ones are easier to clean.

Why You Need It:

• It provides a safe, stable surface for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
• It’s easy to clean and prevents bacteria from transferring between surfaces.

3. Saucepan or Small Pot

A medium-sized saucepan or pot is crucial for cooking a wide range of dishes, from soups and sauces to boiling pasta or making oatmeal. A 3-4 litre saucepan is a great size to start with. Look for a pot with a sturdy handle and a lid.

Why You Need It:

• It’s perfect for cooking liquids, like boiling water, making pasta, or simmering sauces.
• A lid helps retain heat and speeds up cooking times.

4. Nonstick Frying Pan or Skillet

A good nonstick skillet is essential for sautéing, frying, and even making scrambled eggs. It’s a versatile tool that you’ll use daily. 20cm or 25cm skillets are ideal for beginners since they can handle most tasks without being too large or too small.

Why You Need It:

• It’s perfect for cooking eggs, veggies, and small cuts of meat like chops and steaks.
• Nonstick surfaces make cooking and cleanup easier (just make sure to use silicone or wooden utensils to prevent damaging the coating).

5. Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are key to successful cooking and baking. Invest in a good set of measuring cups (both liquid and dry) and measuring spoons. You can often find these in a set, which will cover all your basic measurement needs.

Why You Need It:

• Ensures you get the right balance of ingredients, especially when following recipes.
• Helps prevent mistakes in baking and cooking (where measurements really matter).

6. Wooden Spoon and Silicone Spatula

A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring, sautéing, and mixing ingredients. It won’t scratch your cookware, and its smooth surface is easy to handle. A silicone spatula is great for scraping up the last bits of sauce or batter from bowls and pans.

Why You Need It:

• They’re versatile for mixing, stirring, and serving.
• Wooden spoons don’t transfer heat, so they’re great for stirring hot dishes.

7. Colander or Strainer

A colander or strainer is a must-have for draining pasta, washing vegetables, or rinsing canned beans. You’ll use it more than you think, so investing in one is a smart move.

Why You Need It:

• It helps drain water from pasta or vegetables without making a mess.
• A strainer is perfect for rinsing and washing grains or fresh produce.

8. Oven Mitts or Pot Holders

Oven mitts or pot holders may seem like a small thing, but they’re essential for protecting your hands when handling hot cookware. Whether you’re taking a pan out of the oven or handling a pot on the stove, these protective tools are key to staying safe.

Why You Need It:

• They’ll keep you safe from burns when removing hot pans or dishes from the oven or stovetop.
• It’s better to invest in a sturdy pair that can handle high heat.

9. Roasting Pan

A roasting pan is necessary for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or making oven tray bakes.

Why You Need It:

• It’s perfect for roasting vegetables, roasting meats, and making simple meals like roasted chicken or potatoes.
• The flat surface allows food to cook evenly and crisply.

10. Tongs

Tongs are great for flipping, turning, or serving food in a skillet or on a grill. They allow you to handle food safely and precisely, without getting your hands dirty.

Why You Need It:

• Tongs give you more control when flipping meats or stirring ingredients.
• They’re great for serving pasta, flipping pancakes, or handling hot food.

11. Can Opener, vegetable peeler and grater

These are three small investments you'll use on an almost daily basis.

Why You Need It:

• It helps you safely open canned items without struggling with a sharp edge.
• It’s a quick and safe way to peel carrots, potatoes and kumara, without the risk of using a knife
• Many an ingredient calls for grated cheese, or grating vegetables is an excellent way to bulk out casseroles and mince based meals.

12. Storage Containers

Having a set of airtight storage containers is key to keeping leftovers fresh. You’ll use these for meal prep or saving any extra food from your cooking adventures. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers are best.

Why You Need It:

• It keeps leftovers safe in the fridge or freezer.
• Containers are great for meal prep, so you always have meals ready to go.

Final Thoughts

As a beginner cook, it’s easy to get caught up in buying every gadget under the sun. But, when starting out, simplicity is key. You don’t need a million tools to cook well—you just need a few reliable items that will help you feel confident and comfortable in the kitchen. With the right essentials, you’ll be ready to tackle a variety of recipes and hone your skills.

Remember, as you grow as a cook, you may find certain tools that suit your style. But for now, these kitchen tools will give you everything you need to cook delicious, homemade meals with ease. Happy cooking!

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