There are some scenarios in life where having the best and most-updated equipment is extremely important, like skydiving and rock climbing. But when it comes to your kitchen, don’t let a barren setup or a tight budget stop you from cooking. You only really need a few basic items to start cooking, like a knife, a pot and a pan, and a source of heat. Everything else is about ease, efficiency, and exact measurements.
As your kitchen adventures expand, so will the range of your cooking tools. And this chapter will acquaint you with an overview of what’s available. Decide which items you want to buy now (measuring spoons); and which to keep for future purchases (a slow cooker). Just remember, the only real essentials are those that fit within your current space and budget. So before we go shopping, let’s chat about a few ways to help limit clutter and over-spending.
Pick Multitaskers Over One-Trick Ponies: When purchasing big items, choose the ones with a range of talents and impressive résumés, like food processors that can chop vegetables, make dressings, and even mix bread dough. These items will earn their place on your counter.
Size Matters: When buying your essential items, go for versions that are lighter and smaller, like an immersion blender versus a stand-up blender. You will save precious cupboard space, and if they’re easy to store and lift, you’ll use them more often.
Try to DIY: Certain items, like biscuit cutters, can be replicated just by using metal measuring cups or empty metal cans. When considering buying an item, also consider if you can craft it yourself.
Bargain Shop: You don’t need to buy everything new. Keep an eye out for discounts and sales. Scout second-hand stores, flea markets, and garage sales. Shop on sites like eBay and Craigslist. And create gift registries on houseware websites to get the pricier items you covet for holidays and birthday presents. Purge Regularly: If you find yourself swimming in serving spoons or trays or mismatched measuring cups, take the time to spring clean throughout the year. You can even host a utensil or serving ware “swap party” with friends to get rid of your unused goods and maybe pick up something you’ve been wanting. Splurge Consciously: Make room for special items, like colorful enamel pots or holiday place settings. There’s always space for beautiful things that make cooking fun.
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