Aside from the living room, the modern day kitchen is now the heart of every home. Thanks to latest innovations, there are now things that are incorporated in the kitchen other than preparing food, cooking and dining. Because of the concept of maximization in time and space, the kitchen is now a work area (for office work), entertainment room and a place to entertain guests as well. Some kitchens are also turned into a mini library as well.
Nevertheless, the basic kitchen needs stays the same. The need for a refrigerator, dish washer and stove remains the top priority. There are also other kitchen essentials that need to be recognized in order for you to have an efficient kitchen that works smoothly and conveniently.
Cookware, Utensils and Equipments
The first thing that needs to be addressed of course is your basic dishes and dining utensils (plates, drinking glasses, spoons and forks, dining knives and the like). It is said that you must have at least two sets of “informal” dinner sets and at least two sets of “formal” dinner sets. The informal is the one you use daily with your family and the latter is the one used for guests and company in sit down dinner settings.
After Addressing this basic essential, comes the cookware. Here is a list of the basic cookware that you should have in your kitchen.
Sauce Pan Set
A 1 and 3 quarts sauce pan with lid to prepare soups and others
Skillet
A 6-8 inches skillet for your frying, searing and browning food needs. For a big household, having
two or more skillets is normal and recommended as well. Make sure that one of them has a cover, preferably the biggest one that you have (at least 12 inches).
Baking ware
Baking Sheet
Muffin Pan
Loaf pan, preferably 9x5x3
Baking Dish, preferably 8×8 and 13×9
8 or 9 inch round baking pans
There are other things that fall under this category like casserole dish, set of mixing bowls (preferably glass), set of measuring cups, one clear glass or plastic measuring cup, Wooden or plastic spoons, Rubber spatulas (metal spatulas for BBQ), paring knife, serrated knife, chef’s knife, carving knife, sharpening steel (to keep knives sharp), a meat mallet, long-handled fork, long-handled spoon, slotted spoon, tongs, kitchen scissors, corkscrew, can opener (hand or electric), grater/shredder, bottle opener, strainer, cutting boards, one small, one large, sifter, rolling pin, meat thermometer, oven thermometer, wire cooling rack and kitchen timer.