- Sharp knives in various sizes are an important kitchen tool. A paring knife is a small knife that is used to cut up small vegetables and fruits. A larger utility knife can perform many of the same jobs as a paring knife, but is also able to do other jobs. Butcher knives are useful for cutting and slicing meats. A serrated bread knife is used for slicing assorted breads.
- Heat-resistant spoons and spatulas are required for stirring, scraping, scooping, flipping and other food-preparation jobs. Silicone is heat resistant and can be used to cook on the stove top, to flip pancakes, and to serve hot foods. These same spoons and spatulas can also be used for folding and scraping batters.
- Use flexible cutting mats for food preparation. Flexible cutting mats can be washed in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. The cutting mats can also be easily moved between a counter area after chopping or dicing and folded to pour the diced food into a pot, bowl or pan.
- A basic 8-inch fry pan and 2 qt. sauce pan should be sufficient for most basic kitchen needs. Meats can be sauteed, eggs can be cooked, and leftovers can be reheated in the fry pan. The 2 qt. sauce pan is useful for heating water, making sauces, boiling eggs, and making pasta and rice.
- A basic set of measuring spoons and cups will enable a cook to prepare basic dishes. Plastic measuring spoons and cups tend to last years in the kitchen.
- Several different size mixing bowls will provide the proper containers for a cook who is mixing up batter for pancakes, a cake, or other baked goods. Mixing bowls can also be used as serving bowls when necessary.
- A pepper mill is a container with a grinder inside that dispenses freshly ground pepper from whole peppercorns. Many people prefer the sharp taste of peppercorns that are freshly ground instead of pre-ground black pepper.
- A vegetable peeler is used for removing the peels from carrots, potatoes and other root vegetables. A vegetable peeler can also be used to remove the skins from some fruits. Using a vegetable peeler removes only the unwanted peels or skins and will not remove the edible fruit and vegetable along with the peels.
- A grater is a multi-use product that can be used to grate cheese, garlic, onion, carrots and more. The grater is used by rubbing the food across the sharp protruding edges of the grater to produce shreds of food.
