8 Must-Have Kitchen Essentials in Every Home

1.   Pots and Pans

Let’s start with the obvious. Without pots and pans, even boiling water becomes nothing less than an unsolvable scientific problem. So, it’s no surprise that a kitchen without these essentials is pretty much useless.

That is why we recommend getting a variety of these kitchen tools: a deep kadhai, a saucepan, and a flat pan for rotis. In terms of materials, stainless steel is unbeatable, but if you want something on the aesthetic side (or something even traditional), go for brass or copper kitchenware. They not only look good but also work well.

2.   Knife Sets

We’re calling it now: knives are the unsung heroes of the kitchen. A good knife set can turn the simplest of activities into something fun. On the opposite end of the same spectrum, if you have the wrong knives, every meal prep will feel like a battle. How? Well, if you’ve ever tried cutting onions with a butter knife, you’ll know what we are talking about.

That is why it is important to have a good knife set for all the dicing, slicing, and chopping.

3.   Spatulas & Tongs

To tell you the truth, these tools don’t get enough credit, of course, until you are trying to flip an omelette with a spoon or straight up going for the tossing-in-the-air style of flipping. They scrape, stir, pick, flip, and make you look like you know what you’re doing, even when you don’t. So, keep a set made out of wood or metal because silicone and plastic ones can start affecting your health over time.

4.   Spoon & Fork Set

This might sound obvious, but without proper spoons and forks in your kitchen arsenal, you’ll always be ill-equipped. Not only are they necessary for going through those soups and rice dishes, but also for serving them properly. So, invest in a proper set, one that makes your mealtimes smoother while also adding that little bit of refinement to your dining table.

5.   Cutting Boards

Cutting or chopping your veggies directly on the countertop is always a bad idea. To be frank, it’s unhygienic, tricky, and difficult to clean when all is said and done. So to save your knives and to protect your kitchen surface from random scratches, go for at least two cutting boards (one for veggies and one for meats). Wooden ones always make a smart choice in this case, but if you are feeling lavish, you can even bring in marble ones.

6.   Masala Boxes

No Indian kitchen is complete without its beloved masala box. It’s the treasure chest of flavors, the secret behind your mom’s legendary curry and your dad’s perfectly spiced chai. A masala box keeps your essential spices within reach, making cooking faster and tastier. And to say the least, just the sight of neatly arranged spices feels like you know your cooking game.

7.   Mixing Bowls

Mixing bowls, as the name suggests, come in handy when you want to stir, beat, or whip without making a mess all over your counter. Their star feature is that they are deep enough to be versatile companions. So you can even use them for marinating chicken, tossing a salad, or even making popcorn. Get a few in different sizes, and you’ll use them more than you think.

8.   Plates & Thalis

Finally, what good is all that cooking if you don’t have proper plates and thalis to serve it on? That is why a good set makes your meals feel complete and even upgrades even the simplest dishes. So, go for those brass thali for dinner, or if you want something more rooted to Mother Nature, earthenware also makes a good choice. And not to forget porcelain and bone china, if you want to make a statement just by setting your table.

To Sum It Up

The truth is, you don’t need a hundred fancy gadgets to create a functional kitchen. What you do need are a handful of reliable, everyday essentials that make cooking less stressful and more enjoyable. So, consider these 8 items as your kitchen’s backbone, the foundation on which all your culinary adventures are built, and start whipping away your favorite dishes. Bon Appetite!