Cooking Tools
There are many cooking tools, and they can range in price from $1.00 to $1,000.00s. What you need depends on the type of cooking you do. Keep it simple. Often, you need two sets of everything.
Microwave safe measuring cups. The 1/4 cup size is perfect for melting butter.
Measuring cup set: Often come on a ring. Add colored tape to differentiate size. Usually come as 1 cup, 3/4 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1/4 cup.
Measuring spoon set: Often come on a ring. Add colored tape to differentiate size. Usually come as 1 tablespoon, 1/2 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, and 1/4 teaspoon. Occasionally, these are marked with milliliters, as well.
Cookware sets: Stainless steel is safest. Nonstick will peel off into your food.
2 large frying pans (typically 8 inch)
1 small frying pan (typically 6 inch)
2 medium sauce pans (typically 2 or 3 quart)
2 small sauce pans (typically 1 quart)
2 large pans (Dutch oven or stockpot) (typically 8 quart)
1 double boiler (spaghetti pot with 2 strainer inserts, some have a pour spout)
Bakeware sets: Typically, I use glass for much of my baking. Be aware and follow the directions for safety when moving glass dishes from counter to oven to counter to sink. If you store them in the fridge, allow them to warm to room temperature before washing.
1 quart (round) with lid
1 1/5 quart (round) with lid
(2) 2 quart (round)
2.5 quart (round) with lid
1 1/5 quart (oblong) with lid
2.5 quart (oblong) with lid
(2) 8 inch (square)
(2) loaf pans (glass or stainless steel)
(2) 8 inch round stainless steel pans
(2) stainless steel baking sheets
(1) stainless steel 12 cup muffin pan
Some people use cast iron pans. They are nice. They are also extremely heavy and difficult to move and care for. If you use them, search for guidelines on the internet, or from a trusted friend.
More Tools
Knife block: (Always have an extra paring knife or two.)
Scissors
Butcher knife
Fish knife
Paring knife
Utility knife
6 to 8 steak knives
4 spatulas
4 wooden spoons
2 slotted spoons
2 solid spoons
2 soup ladles
Cutting boards: wooden or stone are safer than plastic and easier to keep clean. However, brightly colored ones can be placed under a clear glass cutting board to more easily see foods as they are chopped.
1 for meat
1 for vegetables
1 for fruit
Bag clips - A dozen or so of assorted sizes.
Bowl covers - Even your left overs need a see thru shower cap!
2 sets of mixing bowls. One can double as food storage containers.
8 piece serving set of dishes.
16 piece silverware set.
Extra bowls and cups, as needed.
For safety, many people use plastic as it won't break as easily and is lightweight. However, it can melt into your food in the microwave. Use microwave safe bowls.
Table top over roaster pan
Mixer
Chopper
Blender
Microwave
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