The Most Important Kitchen Equipment for the Novice Cook

If you are just starting out on your own, you may be wondering how to equip your kitchen. Of course, there are many gadgets and appliances you can sink your money into, but no one wants to open a cupboard filled with unused equipment. Making the most of your new kitchen involves an honest assessment of how ambitious you plan on being. If you plan to cook at least a few nights a week, you should make three solid investments.

Assuming you have all of the basics when it comes to plates, cutlery and a few pots and pans, you can work from there. First things first, you will need one good all-around chef’s knife. You have a few options, but a moderately priced knife you will use for decades is a J.A. Henckels Classic 8-inch knife. There are other companies that offer just as good or better quality knives like Wusthof or Meister Messer, but Henckel knives are affordable at around $50.

Another item that will come in handy for a variety of recipes, from doughs to homemade almond butter, is a food processor. A four-cup Cuisinart food processor will cost around $40 and you will not regret the purchase.

Lastly, a large cast-iron skillet will be your friend on the stove and in the oven. A 12-inch skillet costs around $40. Additionally, small items like a cheese grater, garlic press, cutting board and large mixing bowl will decrease your frustration significantly when cooking and baking. For less than $200 dollars you can put together a functional kitchen and have everything you need to attempt almost any recipe.