Cooking is a hobby that everyone seems to be doing right now. According to a survey conducted by a group, among 1005 Americans, 54% have reported cooking more, and 46% are baking. Most of them have also decided to continue with the hobby even after the coronavirus.
One of the reasons that motivated them to get into cooking is saving more from making their own dishes. Others have said that they tend to eat healthier in the process. Whatever the reasons for turning to cooking, it is a wonderful hobby that could keep your family happy and maybe use it to maintain a food business.
But keep in mind that an excellent cook also needs several excellent tools to make his job quick and easy. If you have plans of learning the trade, then you need to get the proper tools. Even ordinary ones can make a world of difference for your cooking. The following are some of the best kitchen accessories that you can find around:
Tools for the Kitchen
Measuring Cups. These are basic kitchen materials that you may need. They are used primarily to measure the ingredients that you use for cooking. You might have wondered why some people just understand the amount of each ingredient they are adding into the food, but most of them started out measuring.
You have to consider getting measuring cups for both dry and liquid ingredients. Both of them differ greatly and cannot be accurately measured in the same way. Dry ingredients are scooped to an overflowing level, but you cannot do this for wet ingredients.
Cheese Grater. Also called a shredder, this is mostly used to grate cheese for pasta. There are brands out there that have different holes to slice through cheese differently. A cheese grater can sometimes also be used to zest a lemon.
Look for a cheese grater that is user-friendly and durable. It also helps if you can get one that does not get rusty immediately after only several times of use. There are many graters out there in various shapes and sizes, but they aren’t all created equal. Find one that will last long.
Colander. A colander is a kitchen utensil that strains wet food such as vegetables, fruits, and pasta. This is a must-have for every kitchen. Most colanders have large holes allowing water to drain more quickly. It is also normally used to rinse vegetables and fruits.
There are a variety of colanders out there. They range in different sizes and may have extra features that allow you to use them differently.
Vegetable/Fruit Peeler. A peeler is also a nice choice for your kitchen. It makes peeling your fruits and vegetables less of a hassle than having to use merely your hands and a knife. It also consumes less time and effort than the traditional way.
Corn Stripper. This is the one tool dedicated to one noble task: to separate corn kernels and the cob. You must have used a knife often to do this task, and it is quite a lot of effort to slice through the cob. A corn stripper easily does the job for you without the extra strain.
Salad Chopper Bowl and Strainer. This is good for washing vegetables and fruits, but its special feature is that you can slice your greens easily and quickly without the hassle of hurting your fingers in the process.
Dish Antibacterial Washing Brush. Keeping a sponge for washing your dishes may not be the most healthy option because of the bacteria that reside in it from frequent use. Leftovers would settle in the sponge, and germs are transferred to your dishes no matter how well you wash them.
The sponge becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. In one study, research found a total of 362 kinds of bacteria reside in a sponge. To avoid this, try using an antibacterial washing brush. It is way more convenient than an ordinary sponge.
Air Fryer Convection Toaster. This could be a wonderful addition to your kitchen. An air fryer stimulates deep frying without using oil and it is a healthier alternative for the traditional way.
Frying is practically what we all do because it consumes less time than other cooking methods, and we all enjoy fried food. Instead of consuming a vast amount of unhealthy meals from frying, get an air fryer convection toaster.
Mini Rice Cooker/Steamer. This tool may sound so unlikely to be included in your kitchen utensils because you can always buy that stuffy large rice cooker. But this tool can be a big help, especially when you are running late for an appointment and have no business making a recipe required for several people at that moment.
Your only wish is to feed yourself without the extra hassle of keeping leftovers. A mini rice cooker/steamer is right for you. Just pop a small number of ingredients in it and cook away.
Mandoline Slicer. If you want a perfect cut for your food, then buy a mandoline slicer. This is much more convenient for slicing. A knife can also do the trick, but it requires much more effort and adjustments before you can achieve the perfect cut.
Look for a mandoline slicer that has adjustable blades and plastic. It is easier to wash and safe. Also, consider if your slicer can cut through everything without leaving any leftovers, so you do not have to throw pieces of food away.
Takeaway
Cooking requires a lot more than your effort. It also needs kitchen tools that can help your way into the kitchen. Amateur and professional cooks alike face the same challenges when it comes to cooking. And tools are needed for the trade. Wonderful recipes are prepared with much love and devotion, but it does not hurt to throw in the best kitchen accessories to help in the fray.
