Basic kitchen tools are essential in preparing a variety of delicious, healthful meals. You may not need a lot of kitchen gadgets, but you do need some common tools in order to cook successfully. Is your kitchen equipped with these basic tools?

Measuring Tools:

• Liquid Measuring Cups – These glass or plastic cups are used to measure liquid ingredients and are marked with measurements and have a spout for pouring.
• Dry Measuring Cups – These cups come in set and are used to measure dry and solid ingredients. A basic set typically includes 1 cup, ½ cup, 1/3 cup, and ¼ cup sizes.
• Measuring Spoons – These spoons are used to measure small amounts of liquid and dry ingredients such as oils and spices. Basic sets typically include 1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, and ¼ teaspoon.

Mixing Tools:

• Mixing Bowl – These bowls are used to hold foods as they are mixed and can be glass, plastic, or metal.
• Mixing Spoons – These large spoons are used to beat, mix, and stir. They can be metal, wooden, or plastic.
• Silicon or Rubber Scraper – These tools are used to remove food from spoons, sides of bowls, pans, jars, and cans.

Cutting Tools:

• Kitchen Shears – These scissors can be used to cut dried fruits, snip herbs, cut up a chicken, and to trim fat from poultry and meat.
• Chef’s Knife – This common knife is used to cut, slice, and chop.
• Paring Knife – This knife can be used to pare or remove skins or peels. It is often used to cut and slice fruits and vegetables.
• Bread Knife – This knife has a serrated edge to easily cut bread, sandwiches, and cakes.
• Can Opener – Manual or electric can openers are used to open cans by cutting through their metal lids.
• Cutting Boards – These mats protect the counter and knives while cutting. For food safety, use one for fruits and vegetables and one for meats.

Draining Tools:

• Colander – This tool is used for draining cooked pasta and other foods and can also be used while washing fresh produce.
• Slotted Spoons – These spoons can be used to lift solid food from liquid or sauce and to drain away liquid.
• Strainer – This tool can be used to separate solids and liquids, such as draining canned foods.

Cookware and Bakeware:

• Skillet – You may want a large (10 to 12 inch) non-stick skillet.
• Saucepans or Pots – Stock your kitchen with both a large and a medium saucepan with a lid.
• Casserole Dishes – A casserole dish with a lid is especially handy for cooking mixed dishes such as casseroles and some desserts.
• Baking Sheet – This can be used to hold foods during baking. You can use it for sheet pan dinners as well as baking foods.
• Cooling Rack – A wire rack is useful for holding hot food as it cools.

Cooking and Baking Tools:

• Ladle – This scoop can be used to transfer liquid, like soup, from a pan to a bowl.
• Meat Thermometer – This tool is essential to measure the internal temperature of meat and poultry to ensure it is cooked properly.
• Tongs – These are useful for lifting or turning hot food.
• Turner – This tool can be used to lift and turn food such as pancakes.
• Potholders or Oven Mitts – These pads or mitts are used to lift and handle hot cookware or bakeware.