If you’re just starting to learn how to cook, the variety of knives, pots, and pans can make you crazy. What kind of cookware will actually come in handy in the kitchen, and what will be just a waste of money? Together with the gastro bar chef, we have made a list of utensils that should be in your new kitchen. Find out how they affect the quality of dishes.
Basic List of Cookware to Buy
Quality cookware doesn’t have to be expensive. When choosing kitchen utensils, pay attention to convenience and ergonomics. Nowadays, even Chinese manufacturers produce decent cookware like Yosukata woks that last a long time and do not damage the budget. Ideally, all the items that you plan to buy should be touched with your hands to find out if they are convenient for you personally. Design and brand in this case are not in the first place. Here is the list of utensils you should pay attention to:
1) Stewpans
You will need at least two stewpans: a bigger one (1,5-2 liters) and a smaller one (about a liter). In the big one, it is convenient to cook soups and cereals for two or three persons, in the small ones – different sauces. It is important that the saucepan has a thick bottom. A stewpan with a thin bottom will not last long, while the thick bottom heats up evenly and prevents the food from burning.
2) Pots
The minimum set is two pots: a medium one (about three liters), and a low-side one. The first will be needed to cook pasta. The second is convenient for stewing or cooking vegetables. Due to the large flat bottom and low sides, the liquid evaporates faster, and it is easier to control the degree of readiness of the dish.
3) Pans
You will need at least four frying pans:
- A grill pan – the ribbed bottom is made for the products to have minimal contact with the hot surface;
- A pancake pan with a low side – is good to cook not only pancakes but also cheesecakes;
- Two Teflon-coated pans for frying: a bigger one – with a 24-26 cm diameter and a high side, a smaller one – about 16-18 cm in diameter is useful for breakfast: omelet, scrambled eggs, and vegetables.
The brand does not really matter, the main thing is that Teflon is of high quality. Don’t forget to take care of your dishes properly. Teflon coating does not tolerate rough handling. Even if something is very badly burnt, it is better to soak the pan than to scrub off the dirt with a metal brush.
Finally, in order to cook well, it is not necessary to equip the kitchen with expensive and complex appliances. A basic set of cookware described above accompanied with good knives and small equipment will be enough.