What are the essential cooking utensils for beginners in the kitchen?
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Introduction
When you move into a new kitchen or start cooking seriously, one question often comes up: what cooking utensils are truly essential to get started? Between frying pans, saucepans, casseroles, and accessories of all kinds, it's easy to get lost in the endless array of stores and online shops. However, having the right equipment from the start saves time, helps you cook successfully, and, above all, helps you enjoy cooking.
In this article, we'll review the essential cooking tools that every kitchen needs, whether you're a student, a young professional, or a foodie. These basics will allow you to prepare everything from simple everyday meals to more elaborate dishes for your loved ones.
Let's discover together the list of essentials to have in your cupboards, without excess but with efficiency.
1. Pans: the basis of any kitchen
The frying pan is one of the most used cooking utensils in everyday life. Ideal for searing meat, cooking vegetables, preparing scrambled eggs, or even reheating leftovers, it is versatile and essential. To begin with, it is recommended to have at least two sizes: a small one (20 cm) for individual portions and a larger one (26–28 cm) for family meals.
The choice of material is also important. A non-stick pan is practical for beginners because it prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning easier. A stainless steel or enameled cast iron pan, on the other hand, is more durable and allows for healthier cooking, but requires a little more skill.
Tip: Choose pans that are compatible with all hobs , including induction, for a lasting investment.
2. Pans: for cooking, simmering and preparing
It's impossible to imagine a functional kitchen without pots and pans. They're used for cooking pasta, preparing sauces, heating soup, and simmering dishes. To be well-equipped, a set of three pots and pans of different sizes (small, medium, and large) is usually sufficient.
Here again, the choice of material plays a crucial role. Stainless steel is known for its robustness and neutrality (no flavor transfer), while aluminum diffuses heat more quickly. If you value precision, a non-stick pan can be useful for delicate sauces.
Also consider transparent lids that allow you to monitor cooking without losing heat.
3. The casserole dish or stewpot: the ally of simmered dishes
To take it a step further, the casserole dish (cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic) is the perfect utensil for simmering delicious dishes. Bourguignon, stew, soup, curry: there's no shortage of recipes. Its ability to distribute heat evenly guarantees tender and delicious results.
A Dutch oven or large pot can also complement your cooking equipment, especially if you prepare large quantities of meals. These utensils make cooking for several people effortless and often last a lifetime if you invest in a quality model.
In short, the casserole dish is not just a cooking utensil, it is a real ally for convivial and generous cooking .
Conclusion
Getting started in the kitchen doesn't require filling your cupboards with dozens of different utensils. To get started, three items are all you need: one or two multipurpose pans, a set of saucepans in different sizes, and a casserole dish or Dutch oven for stews . With this basic trio, you'll be able to make most everyday recipes and get started in the culinary world without frustration.
By choosing durable cookware that's tailored to your needs and easy to maintain, you'll lay the foundation for a practical and enjoyable kitchen. Over time, you'll be able to expand your kitchen with more specialized accessories to suit your needs.
👉 You're now ready to cook with peace of mind, with the right utensils you need right from the start!
