Top 10 Must Have Kitchen Tools for From Scratch Cooking -

Discover the essential kitchen tools every from-scratch cook should have in their arsenal with our list of the top 10 must-haves.

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Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, there is nothing quite like the satisfaction of preparing a meal from scratch. From baking sweet treats to whipping up savory dishes, mastering the art of homemade cooking requires the right set of tools. In this article, we will explore essential kitchen tools that every aspiring home cook should have in their arsenal. From versatile knives to reliable measuring cups and everything in between, these must-have items are key to ensuring your culinary adventures are both successful and enjoyable. So, let’s dive into the world of cooking from scratch and discover the essential tools that will elevate your culinary creations to new heights!

What is Cooking From Scratch?

Cooking from scratch refers to preparing meals using raw ingredients rather than relying on pre-packaged or processed foods. It involves taking the time and effort to create delicious dishes right from the very basics. In recent years, cooking from scratch has gained popularity as people seek healthier options and a deeper connection with their food.

Before we get too far into this article on essential kitchen tools for cooking from scratch I want you to know that you do NOT need all of the cooking tools listed in this article. Some of them are absolute essentials but some of them are just used to help make life a little easier now that you are preparing the majority of all food from scratch. So below I put together a list of 10 kitchen tools and equipment. This list is a perfect list for beginner kitchen essentials.

Kitchen Tools Needed For From Scratch Cooking Recipes

10 Kitchen Tools and Their Uses

1. Knives

A sharp and reliable chef’s knife is the cornerstone of any well-equipped kitchen. Invest in a high-quality stainless steel or carbon steel chef’s knife that feels comfortable in your hand. This versatile tool will make chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing ingredients effortless. Since many of the best kitchen knives are atleast a few hundred dollars, below I linked a more affordable option.

2. Cutting Boards

A good cutting board is crucial to any from scratch kitchen. Choose a cutting board made from durable materials like wood or plastic that won’t damage your knives’ edges. Opt for one with ample space to accommodate various food items while avoiding cross-contamination by using separate boards for meat, fruits/vegetables, and bread.

3. Mixing Bowls

A set of mixing bowls in different sizes is essential when preparing meals from scratch. From whisking eggs to tossing salads or kneading doughs—these bowls come in handy throughout the cooking process. I prefer to either use glass or a good quality stainless steel to help eliminate any toxins that are found in other materials such as plastic.

4. Measuring Cups & Spoons

Accurate measurements are vital when following recipes precisely or experimenting with new ones. Acquire both dry measuring cups (for flour, sugar) and liquid measuring cups (for water, milk). A set of measuring spoons ranging from ¼ teaspoon to 1 tablespoon will help balance spices and seasonings perfectly.

5. Baking Sheets & Pans

For those who enjoy baking from scratch, a collection of baking sheets and pans is essential. From cookies to bread loaves and delicious casseroles—having the right bakeware and sheet pan ensures even cooking and easy release. If you are trying to eliminate toxins and chemicals it is important to invest in high quality sheet oans. Some of the ceramic coated options are also safe. If you are in need of baking dishes glass or ceramic coated are great options.

Bread Pan – If you plan on baking bread from scratch then a bread pan is a must. In our kitchen I like to use a bread pan that is loaf size (the size of a loaf of bread sold in the store). It ensures I don’t have to bake as many loaves each week.

6. Blender/Food Processor

A blender or food processor can be so handy in a from scratch kitchen. There are different times each is needed but for the most part either will get you by.

Immersion Blender – An immersion blender, also known as a stick blender or hand blender, is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for various food preparation tasks. This handheld device consists of a motorized base with rotating blades at the end of a long shaft, allowing you to blend ingredients directly in the container they are in. If you plan on making things such as homemade mayonnaise then you will need an immersion blender. The good news is they are very affordable and can work for many different foods in small applications.

Blender – A traditional blender can come in so handy for things from making smoothies all the way to making homemade butter.

Food Processor – One of the primary uses of a food processor is chopping and mincing ingredients. With its sharp blades spinning at high speeds, it quickly turns vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, or any other desired food item into finely chopped pieces. A food processor is best if you have tons of garden veggies such as zucchini that needs to be shredded. It is also great for tomatoes and making salsa. (A blender also works great for salsa.)

7. Mixer

Depending on how often you plan on using your mixer will help determine whether you should have a simple hand mixer or invest in a stand mixer. Personally I use my mixer almost every single day sometimes multiple times a day so it made sense opting for a stand mixer. It helps save so much time for me. I use it for everything from homemade bread dough, cookies, butter, shredding chicken, and so much more.

8. Cast Iron

As in every kitchen pots, pans, and a dutch oven are kitchen essentials. When it comes to a from scratch kitchen quality of the pots and pans matters. I prefer using cast iron pans and dutch oven whenever possible. (Some things cannot be cooked in cast iron.) Cooking with cast iron has been a culinary tradition for centuries, and it’s no surprise that this versatile cookware continues to be beloved by both professional chefs and home cooks. Beyond its rustic charm, cooking with cast iron offers numerous benefits that make it an essential addition to any kitchen.

Superior Heat Retention: One of the major advantages of cooking with cast iron is its exceptional heat retention properties. Cast iron pans distribute heat evenly and hold it for longer periods compared to other materials like stainless steel or non-stick pans. This even heating allows food to cook more uniformly, preventing hot spots and ensuring consistent results every time you cook.
Durability That Lasts Generations: Investing in quality cast iron cookware means investing in a piece that can last for generations if properly cared for. Unlike many modern alternatives, cast iron skillets and pots are built to withstand high temperatures, heavy use, and even occasional rough handling without warping or losing their shape.
Versatility Across All Cooking Methods: Whether you’re sautéing vegetables on the stovetop or baking cornbread in the oven, cast iron excels across various cooking methods. From frying to searing, roasting to braising –cast iron performs flawlessly on gas stoves, electric ranges, campfires, grills—making it ideal for indoor as well as outdoors.
Easy Cleanup: As long as you are starting with well seasoned cast iron the cleanup is super simple and easy. Most of the time a simple wipeout of the skillet will suffice.

9. Stainless Steel

When shopping for stainless steel it is important to purchase a set that is manufactured in the USA. Other countries have different standards when creating stainless steel and using different metals and toxins. If you are in need of a good stainless steel cookware set this is a great option!

Durability: Stainless steel is renowned for its durability and strength. Unlike other materials such as non-stick pans or cast iron, stainless steel does not chip, rust, or corrode easily. This ensures that your cookware will last for years, making it a wise investment.
Heat distribution: Stainless steel is an excellent conductor of heat. It distributes heat evenly across the surface of the pan, ensuring that your food cooks uniformly without any hot spots. This makes stainless steel ideal for searing meats or achieving crispy textures in dishes like stir-fries or sautés.
Versatility: Stainless steel cookware is incredibly versatile and can be used on various cooking surfaces such as gas stoves, electric stovetops, induction cooktops, and even ovens (if they have oven-safe handles). This adaptability allows you to use one set of cookware for all your culinary needs.
Non-reactive properties: One significant advantage of stainless steel is its non-reactive nature with acidic ingredients like tomatoes or citrus fruits. Unlike reactive materials such as aluminum or copper, stainless steel won’t leach unwanted metallic flavors into your food during cooking.
Easy maintenance: Cleaning up after a delicious meal can sometimes be a hassle but not with stainless steel! Its smooth surface makes it easy to clean by hand-washing.

10. Cooking Utensils

Cooking utensils are an essential tool for every kitchen but if you are still using plastic it is time to ditch them and upgrade to wooden spoons or stainless steel. It is all we use now since beginning to slowly make changes to cut out chemicals and toxins from our daily life. When shopping for wooden utensils it is important to research quality. Many wooden utensils have a “coating” on them that contain toxins. When they come into contact with food it leaches into the food. You should ensure that they are raw uncoated utensils or coated with a toxin, chemical free coating.

Basic Kitchen Utensils List

Whisk
Spoon
Vegetable peeler
Spatula
Slotted Spoon
Ladle
Tongs

In conclusion, having the right kitchen tools is essential for successful and enjoyable from scratch cooking. From basic utensils like knives and cutting boards to more specialized equipment like food processors and stand mixers, each tool plays a crucial role in preparing homemade meals with ease. By investing in these essential items, home cooks can enhance their culinary skills, save time and effort in the kitchen, and ultimately create delicious dishes that will impress family and friends. So don’t underestimate the power of good quality kitchen tools when it comes to exploring the world of from scratch cooking – they are truly worth every penny!