Kitchen Equipment for Home Cooking

From apple corers to whisks, here are all the tools to make cooking as fun, easy and efficient as possible. Unless otherwise mentioned, I recommend stainless steel for its durability and resistance to rust. Those tools that I consider essential and use most often in my recipes are listed in Must Haves. All of these items should be available in your local hardware store for a modest price. If not, check the housewares section of a department store or specialty kitchen shop. In Fancy Footwork, you’ll find a list of more specialized tools; though I don’t consider them essential to a basic, well-tooled kitchen, they are wonderful to have in your kitchen as well. Many are designed to make specific cooking tasks a breeze; others are things you’ll definitely want to have as you advance your culinary skills. See Lauren’s Favorite Links for “where to buy” internet sources.

Below is a list of the basic essentials to accomplish a multitude of tasks for various cuisines, plus many implements that are so helpful, I’ve come to regard them as essentials in my kitchen. You’ll also find some tools and cookware that are nice to have, but not necessary. The following listings are arranged under the headings of kitchen tools, knives, and stovetop and oven cookware for general purposes and equipment primarily for baking. There is also a section on small hand or electric appliances.