Table of Contents
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Introduction
Introducing kitchen tools for your everyday use. There are a variety of uses from combining, cutting, moving, and shaping foods. Kitchen tools can be incorporated to do simple task or elevate your culinary skills in more ways than one. I will share a guide to classic culinary tools.
Let’s dive into a short description of various kitchen tools. Who would expect you to know off the top of your head? Perhaps maybe you’re a newbie to kitchen life. Here’s helpful information about kitchen tools, constructed material and what best work for comfort. Methods of cleaning, which you should always follow manufactures instructions. How to select, leaving out the worries of how to choose. And price range to gain insight on what works best for your pockets.
1. Can Opener
A handheld device designed to open metal cans safely and efficiently. There is actually minimal effort when utilizing a can opener tool. They often have stainless steel cutting wheels as they last longer. The sturdy handles are designed to minimize breakage.
- Material: Stainless steel cutting device with plastic or rubber handles.
- Cleaning: Rinse after use; some are dishwasher-safe. Hand washing preserves the mechanism longer.
- How to Select: Choose an opener with a comfortable grip. They should have smooth turning mechanism and solid build. Choose a model that will leave smooth edges for safety. There are some that will leave sharp edges on lids so be careful to avoid.
- Price Range: $10–$17.
2. Citrus Zester
A small tool with fine holes for removing thin strips of zest from citrus fruits. A way to add a twist on your dish. Great tool for zesting buddha’s hand, grapefruits, lemons, limes, oranges, and even yuzu. Stainless steel citrus zesters are corrosion-resistant, yet sharp.
- Material: They are usually stainless steel with a plastic or rubberized handle.
- Cleaning: Typically dishwasher-safe, but hand washing maintains sharpness.
- How to Select: Look for sturdy construction, sharp holes/blades, and a comfortable handle. Select one that comes with a protective cover.
- Price Range: $9–$12.
3. Meat Mallet
A tool with a heavy, flat or textured head used for pounding and tenderizing meat. Aluminum and stainless-steel mallets are long-lasting. Wooden mallets however can wear down faster. Using a mallet is a fun way to relieve a little stress tenderizing cuts of meat, flattening poultry or pork, and crushing ingredients like garlic.
- Material: There are varieties such as aluminum, stainless steel, or wood, sometimes equipped with a rubberized handle.
- Cleaning: Most are dishwasher-safe (except wood). It is always best to clean thoroughly after contact with raw meat.
- How to Select: Choose a mallet with a comfortable, non-slip handle. This is best as you will be using it on a stable surface and need a firm grip to avoid slipping. It should have substantial weight for effective tenderizing. (Side note: Keep fingers away from striking area.)
- Price Range: $9–$17.
4. Peeler
A handheld tool equipped with a sharp, swiveling or fixed blade for removing skins from fruits (apples) and vegetables (carrots, potatoes). Metal peelers are much stronger. Ceramic peelers do stay sharp but can be much more fragile.
- Material: There is ceramic, plastic, or stainless steel attached with metal blades.
- Cleaning: Most are dishwasher-safe and simple to clean.
- How to Select: Ensure choosing one with a comfortable, non-slip grip. The blades should be sharp so make sure to store with blade covered.
- Price Range: $7–$12.
5. Perforated/ Slotted Spoon
A large spoon with holes or slots for draining liquids as you lift solid foods. Lift vegetables or pasta from boiling water, in addition to using it for serving poached eggs or dumplings. Nylon and silicone are gentle on nonstick cookware. Yet, stainless steel is most durable.
- Material: There is nylon, silicone, and stainless steel.
- Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe and simple to clean.
- How to Select: Select heat-resistant materials to avoid burns. Look for a balanced, comfortable handle. It should be appropriate to your bowl size.
- Price Range: $10–$15.
6. Plain Spoon
A solid spoon for mixing, stirring, and serving. It is useful when you need to mix and serve soups, sauces, stews, batters or drinks. Classic yet durable are wood and stainless steel. Nylon and silicone are much gentler on cookware.
- Material: You will find there is nylon, silicone, stainless steel, and even wood.
- Cleaning: Stainless steel and silicone are dishwasher-safe. Wooden spoons may require hand washing.
- How to Select: Select heat-resistant materials for stovetop use. Choose a spoon that feels comfortable in your hand. Bring some style in your kitchen by matching your cookware materials.
- Price Range: $6–$11.
7. Rasp-Style Grater
A long, slender grater with fine, sharp teeth for zesting and grating. It certainly comes in handy when zesting citrus skin, mincing garlic, grating hard cheeses, ginger root or whole nutmeg. Stainless steel is exceptionally durable and maintains sharpness.
- Material: There often a stainless-steel blade with a plastic or rubber handle.
- Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe, but handwashing helps maintain sharpness. It’s usually best to use a brush for stubborn debris.
- How to Select: Look for a sturdy handle and non-slip foot for stability. Ensure the blade is securely attached and store using protective covers. (Side note: Always make sure to grate away from your hand.)
- Price Range: $11–$15.
8. Spatula (Turner)
A flat, broad tool for flipping, lifting, or serving food, often with a slotted or solid head. Use it to turn your pancakes, stir eggs, transfer cookies, flip burgers or fish. Nylon can wear over time. Silicone and stainless steel are strong and heat-resistant. Silicone is safe for nonstick pans.
- Material: There is nylon, stainless steel, and silicone.
- Cleaning: Generally dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
- How to Select: Choose spatulas made from heat-resistant materials. Spatula should have a comfortable grip and appropriate flexibility. Have some fun, mix-n-match material to cookware type.
- Price Range: $10–$14.
9. Tongs
A scissor-like gripping tool great for moving food, turning meat, serving salads, and lifting items from boiling water. Stainless steel tongs will be long-lasting. Silicone tongs, however, protects cookware from scratching and scrapes.
- Material: Stainless steel, sometimes with silicone tips for nonstick safety.
- Cleaning: Usually dishwasher-safe.
- How to Select: Look for a locking mechanism and spring-loaded for control. Tongs should have an ergonomic handles design for comfort.
- Price Range: $8–$13.
10. Whisk
A balloon-shaped wire tool utilized for beating, whipping, and blending. Use it to whisking your eggs, whipping cream, or sauces. Silicone whisk protects nonstick surfaces. Stainless steel whisk do retain their shape and last long.
- Material: They will be constructed with stainless steel or silicone-coated wires.
- Cleaning: Most are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
- How to Select: Comfortable handle and suitable size for your tasks. Be aware of use in delicate bowls to avoid breakage.
- Price Range: $9–$14.
Takeaway
Why not have a handy kitchen tool such as a meat mallet to give that tough piece of meat a good pounding. Just don’t go too crazy and pulverize it. You will have your friends and family calling you fancy after using a rasp-style grater to add fresh parmesan cheese on top of their pasta. Use citrus zester to assist you in garnishing the rim of your drink partially or top off a lemon cake. Or utilize a can opener to smoothly open that food you so long to indulge. An utter relief when there isn’t always a strong hand around to assist as I can relate. The possibilities are endless and you don’t have to break your pockets cost-wise.
