Futility's Search

About my futile and irritating search for a job in a market that wants skilled employees, but is saturated with mediocre workers

So you want to equip your kitchen. . . .

This is a list of some, but perhaps not all of the equipment any home kitchen where entertaining is done, should have.  I am supplying Amazon Links wherever possible for illustration purposes (yes, I do get a percentage of any sale through these links--but that's not why I'm listing these here--Amazon just has a convenient selection with pictures. . . .). These links are selected based on what I already have, or what I would buy because of it's value, style or durability. This is not, by any means, an exhaustive list.

A few warnings--in most instances--DO NOT BUY NON-STICK! (Except certain Silicone products)  I cannot emphisize this enough. The coatings don't last and they can off-gas toxic chemicals which will make you sick if heated over 400º F.  There are other ways around sticking--like parchment paper and proper use of heat-control.  All of the items I am recomending I use professionally.

Here are some essentials for any home kitchen:





The aluminum sheet pans (Chicago Metalic) are great all-purpose baking trays. They are heavy-duty and indestructible. I think 3 is  a minimum number because they are so versitile.
Two sizes of Cast Iron frying pans are handy. If you only have room for one, then get the larger one. Once well seasonsed they are very "non-stick" and can be used to cook almost anything.
Stainless steel mixing bowls--Costco sometimes has a deal on a great heavy-duty set--are another essential. One set is great, two is better.
Two sizes of whisks is very handy. Likewise, at least two pairs of kitchen tongs--at least 12 inchers--are esential: great for shifting that large turkey. . . .
A good, large cookie cooling rack is an essential, even if you are not into baking cookies.
One strainer is minimum. Two of different sizes are better. Likewise, two different size colanders are preferable. One for washing fruits, etc the other large enough to handle a pot full of pasta. . . .
Also, not pictured--a set of plastic, durable, liquid measuring cups is vital. A 2 cup, 4 Cup and 8 Cup size are best. Pyrex is okay, but sooner or later they will chip, crack or break and then you have to possible throw out whatever food was exposed in the kitchen because of tiny shards of deadly glass. It might be solid and heat resistant, but when it goes it does major damage. . . .
The only set of spatulas, in my mind, worth getting are Le Creuset--they are high temp and last 10x longer than any other I have encountered.



Here is some more advanced equipment, still essential to for any kitchen where more than heating up soup will be done.



If you only have room for one Appliance, then I highly recommend the DeLonghi Stand Mixer. It comes with optional attachments--the two I use regularly are the Blender and the fruit juicer. If you want separate appliances, then still get the DeLonghi, but go for a Blender which has a small food processor attachment and/or go with a Cuisinart Food Processor as well.
A good wooden rolling pin can be used for so many things, and because a French Rolling Pin has no moving parts--it will last for ever.
A large 20 qt stock pot might seem over-kill, but there are so many times when a huge pot is essential.
A large, heavy roasting pan, also is one of those essentials--great for a good many uses. They might be expensive, but a quality one should last for ever.
No kitchen should be without Kitchen Twine and a dispensor to keep it tidy. I keep one roll for me and one for the kids. Cotton twine has a million uses outside the kitchen and is perfect for tying up roasts, bundles of herbs, or obnoxious rolls of loose wrapping paper. . . .
Keeping salt handy for seasoning (and hear I mean fistfulls of Kosher Salt) and dosing Pasta water, is never easier than when it is ready-to-hand in a Salt Pig.





Here are some wonderful, optional extras.




I am a huge fan of Le Creuset. It is virtually indestructible. I have two of the stoneware ovals and use them for everything.
The 5qt oval casserole is great for serving stews, braises or cassarole roasting game or chickens.
The panini press makes awesome sandwiches, grills chicken or helps keep the fat away from bacon. . . .
The wonder cup is one of those tools which is clever and handy for measuring so many things.


This list could go on and on. It probably only represents 30% of what a functioning cooking kitchen has in it--but these are the bare-bones essentials.

by: ChefNeal at 19:35 | link | comments
cooking, kitchen equipment, tools, kitchens

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