If you have ever thought about buying cookware to improve your current tools or to stock up your new kitchen, you may have noticed that finding information about the best kitchen tools is a lot harder than you thought it would be. When it comes to quality cookware items, here is a list of 7 of the best cookware items any kitchen should have.
#1 Stainless Steel Skillet
Stainless steel skillets are usually one of the cookware pieces that work the hardest in a kitchen. These skillets are used for sautéing, searing, browning, frying, along with other functions. When it comes to choosing a skillet, make sure you go for a premium-quality stainless steel option that will last for many years.
#2 Sauté Pan
Saute pans differ from skillets in a few important ways. They typically have wider flat bottoms and vertical sides that are higher than the flared sides of a skillet. This design has made it easier for cooking sauces along with braising and searing meat.
#3 Small, Medium, And Large Saucepan
When you start looking for saucepans it is recommended to choose a set that comes from the same brand or line. Look for aluminum and solid steel pans that feature an easy to pour design. Other important features include oven and dishwasher safe, and ergonomic handles. If you decide on a non-stick range, make sure you choose from a reputable brand.
#4 Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets have been in use in many kitchens around the globe for hundreds of years. The modern skillets are usually made from cast iron that has been pre-seasoned (so your food won’t stick) along with excellent heat retention capabilities. The cast-iron skillet is one of the favorites for both oven and stovetop cooking. When you buy a good quality cast-iron skillet it will last you a lifetime, since these products are incredibly durable and made to cook anything.
#5 Grill Pan
The grill pans have become increasingly popular over the last few years for very good reasons. They are excellent for homes when you don’t have a barbecue, or you prefer to not grill outside over the colder months of winter. This is the type of cookware that you can use to get those defined grilled marks on your food. For different summer dishes such and marinated vegetables, meatballs, roasted fish, seared steaks, and burgers, the grill pan is one of the best options to invest in. These pans are perfect for achieving those perfect grill lines without having to leave your kitchen. It only requires your stovetop element, which means no charcoal, gas, or propane, or having to clean up the mess afterward.
#6 Baking Sheet And Muffin Tray
Baking sheets are rectangular, flat metal pans that you can use to bake or roast your food. From quickly roasting broccoli, squash, or carrots to baking tasty treats if you enjoy baking, a premium-quality baking sheet is one of the essentials even in minimalist kitchens. Look for 100% pure aluminum baking sheets that are large enough to spread food items out to achieve that tantalizing browned effect. A good quality pan will be lightweight, sturdy, and simple to clean.
Muffin pans are another cookware essential for your kitchen that features a built-in 6 or 12 cup design. Besides baking muffins, this piece of cookware is ideal for on-the-go breakfast cups or small individual quiches. Look for a sturdy pan with a non-stick coating that promotes a more even heat distribution.
#7 Casserole Dish
Casserole dishes are deep and large dishes that feature high edges designed for serving and baking. These dishes are perfect when you don’t have a lot of time to spare to throw together one-dish meals such as a casserole or a lasagne.
In addition to these 7 top cookware items, we also suggest a good quality broiler pan and a stockpot. Broiler pans are metal rectangular pans that are designed to withstand high-heat under the broiler in your oven. These pans are also thicker than the standard baking sheet, which means they won’t warp or buckle when exposed to extreme heat. They also feature a draining-pan and grooves to catch fat that may drip through. Broiling is an excellent choice if you want a brown crust on your favorite roast or a casserole.
Another useful cookware item includes a large stockpot (usually around 12 quarts). These are the perfect companions to prepare soups and broths in large quantities. A stockpot is also a useful item when preparing extra-large meals. Yet since many home cooks often don’t prepare their own broths, this is not regarded as one of the essential items for minimalist kitchens. However, a stockpot can prove to be a very useful item if you would like to save time during the week by preparing large meals in advance.