Do you have a friend or family member who just loves being in the kitchen? Are you battling to find an appropriate gift for them? Read our 8 recommendations for kitchen-lovers, we cover the basics as well as some surprising must-haves you may not have considered before. You may just spot something for yourself too.
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1. Chef’s knife
This is a staple in any kitchen. It’s a multifunctional knife that’s good for chopping, slicing and dicing. We recommend this as the first knife you buy; the start of your knife collection. From there you can build up your collection as you go along perhaps purchasing a paring knife and utility knife next.
2. Magnetic knife holder
This an extremely useful thing to have in the kitchen. It stores your knives neatly out of the way particularly from children, and is more hygienic than a wooden knife block which can be difficult to clean. It saves on counter space and you don’t have to go looking in the draw for the right knife as you can instantly see which one you want.
3. Olive and cherry pitter
Probably not something you would immediately consider as a staple in the kitchen, but an olive and cherry pitter can become an invaluable tool. It’s so easy to use, has no complicated bits to try and wash and fit together, and it does the job that it says it does. It’s simply one of those items in the kitchen that every budding chef should have. Be sure to buy a good quality one that’s sturdy.
4. A salt slab
Looking for something different? Consider buying a salt slab. It works very simply but you must remember to heat it up slowly. That means 20 minutes on low, 20 minutes on medium and 20 minutes on high. It’s theatre in the kitchen really.
Once it’s heated you can bring it to the table and your guests can cook their steaks on it themselves. Don’t use plastic on it though and to clean it use a moistened sponge and no soap. Scrub off anything that’s stuck to it. Allow to dry and then you’re ready for next time!
5. Thermometer
This nifty tool is a great thing to have in the kitchen. When preparing meat or poultry you can ensure that they are safely cooked and done to perfection. This is particularly useful for when you have guests around and need to cook a steak a certain way. There are all-purpose, candy, meat and appliance thermometers. Do your research to see which one you need and always remember to clean the thermometer properly with soapy water and sanitise with hot water. Dry the thermometer to ensure it doesn’t rust.
6. Blender
One staple appliance you should have in your kitchen is a blender. It’s a multipurpose tool and worth the investment. Remember to research the difference between a blender, food processor and an immersion blender to make sure you are purchasing the right appliance for your needs.
Each appliance has different functions. A blender is great for smoothies, blended cocktails, soups, and emulsified condiments like mayo. For a machine that’s more specialised try a food processor.
7. Bamboo chopping board
There are many options when it comes to choosing a chopping board so it is easy to become confused. However, there are some basics you can keep in mind. If you’re just starting out purchase a set of plastic boards and two wooden boards in two sizes. These boards are softer than glass or steel and are better for your knives. Bamboo is known to have antibacterial qualities which is always a good thing in a kitchen.
8. Insulated lunch box
There are so many lunch boxes out there! A Very Cozy Home covers the top ten insulated lunch boxes currently on the market. As a budding chef, you will certainly want to pack some goodies you’ve made (using the tools mentioned above of course!) and have a picnic somewhere. What better way to do that than with a lunch box that will keep everything cool and fresh.
