Kitchen Utensil Do’s and Don’ts

More people are cooking at home and finding that correct utensils is a must. How do you know if they’re right for you? Are you wasting money on items you’ll never use? Follow this guide to choosing items you need over ones you don’t and you’ll keep your kitchen clutter-free.

What You Need 

Not every item you find is necessary. Keep it simple and buy important items. Here are five items you must have: 

• Spatula
• Can Opener
• Measuring Cups
• Tongs
• Colander 

The Spatula 

If you have expensive, nonstick pans you’ll want silicone or rubber spatulas. This protects the pans from scratches. For a cast iron skillet, you’ll want a metal spatula or a fish spatula. This helps prevent scraping off the buildup of oils on the bottom the cast iron cookware, called seasoning, that provide its nonstick quality. The type of spatula you choose could mean the difference between buying a good spatula once or continuing to buy new pans. 

Can Openers 

You can buy an electric can opener that will do most of the work for you, attach it to the can and let it go. If you’re set on manual, there are also handheld options that work by turning a handle. It’s an item you shouldn’t be without. 

Measuring Cups 

Measuring cups keep you from using too much or too little of an ingredient. They’ll help your cooking stay on track with specific measurements. 

A Set of Tongs 

Always have a set of tongs on hand to grab something hot so you don’t harm yourself. Tongs will provide safety and a guarantee you won’t burn your fingers trying to flip or move hot items. 

Colanders 

Making pasta? You’ll need to drain the noodles. Colanders are a great choice – even professional chefs use them. 

What You May Not Need 

You’ve learned about a few items your kitchen must have; well, these five items are often desired, but seldom needed: 

• Pasta Maker
• Avocado Tool
• Waffle Maker
• Panini Press
• Grapefruit Spoon 

Pasta Makers 

Pasta makers tend collect dust in a kitchen. If you’re like others who’ve tried, you’ll continue to buy the boxes of pre-made noodles and forget all about it. 

Avocado Tools 

Knives work better and are more practical. Avocado tools are not worth the money you’ll spend and don’t work as well as other essentials you need. 

Waffle Makers 

Waffle makers get one of two uses: forget you’re using it and burn the waffles, or forget you have it and it collects dust. Either way, it’s as needed as an avocado tool. 

Panini Press 

Panini presses take a lot of counter space. A frying pan can do the same thing. Use a heavy-duty spatula with it and you’ve got a panini press. As nice as they seem, they aren’t worth the cost. 

Grapefruit Spoons 

Grapefruit spoons are like panini presses: you can perform the same task with other utensils. Grab a knife and small spoon for this job. They aren’t a necessity and they’re too expensive when other utensils can perform the task. 

And Now for Something Completely Different 

Introducing a new utensil: the Forktula. This new design is for easier eating. It’s a silicone sleeve that slides over the outer tines of your fork. It allows you to gather remaining food from your plate without embarrassing scraping noises. 

Conclusion 

Trying to buy every utensil will clutter your kitchen. Always remember to ask yourself if you need it before you buy. It’s also a good idea to ask yourself for what you’d use the utensil. Don’t buy something you don’t need or can’t find a reason to have.