Our handy checklist of must-haves


It’s easy to waste money on kitchen gadgets you don’t really need, but there are some absolute essentials everyone should have. Whether you’re just starting out or an old hand in the kitchen, these are the tools we recommend for every cook. Read on for our checklist, plus some top tips on what to look for when making a purchase or updating your kitchenware.




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Instant-read thermometer


Worried about serving chicken with a side of salmonella, or crispy sausages that are practically raw on the inside? Invest in an instant-read digital thermometer – this little device is a surefire way to ensure those chicken wings aren’t pink on the inside, and that steak is cooked just as you want it.




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Wooden chopping board


Cutting boards are not only a knife’s best friend but save your worktop from getting marked too. While plastic and glass boards do the job, a quality wooden chopping board is the best investment. Soft wood won’t dull your knives as quickly as plastic, and will last much longer.




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Silicone basting brush


If you’ve been using a traditional pastry brush made of wood and bristles until now, think again. Silicone basting brushes are both durable and super easy to clean. They’re not just good for pastry, but for brushing oil, butter and sauces evenly over meat and fish.




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Wood or silicone spoons and spatulas


A good set of spoons is indispensable. Go for wooden or silicone spoons for mixing and stirring sauces, a ladle for soups and a slotted spoon for scooping things up. Spatulas perform a range of tasks, from spreading and scraping to scooping. Silicone spatulas are the best option here – just make sure they’re heat-resistant so they don’t melt.




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Stainless steel box grater


A stainless steel box grater is multipurpose and will allow you to grate anything from hard cheeses and chocolate to lemon zest and veggies. It’s a no-brainer to have on hand in the kitchen.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Mandoline slicer


Whether you want to chop vegetables for a salad or make your own fries, a mandoline slicer is an easy way to achieve a neat finish. They usually offer several attachable blades so you can chip, julienne or spiralize, making this the perfect tool if you’re not so confident about your knife skills.




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Blender/small food processor

An electric blender or small food processor is a must-have for any cook. Compact processors won’t take up much space and come with attachments that are useful for everything from mixing pesto and curry pastes to juicing citrus fruits. Tall blenders allow you to whiz up smoothies but are also good for soups, sauces and cake mixture.

Take a look at these great smoothie recipes




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Nesting mixing bowls


A set of nesting mixing bowls in different sizes will allow you to prepare multiple elements at the same time and will save space by stacking together neatly.




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Kitchen scissors


Once you realize their full potential, a pair of kitchen scissors or shears will be a staple in your drawer. Not just useful for cutting open bags of frozen veg, they can also be used for trimming the fat off a joint of meat, cutting herbs or even slicing a pizza.




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Sieve

From straining sauces to dusting a cake with icing sugar, there’s no end of jobs for a sieve. Get one with a fine mesh for the more delicate jobs and one that’s a little sturdier. If you’re short on space it can double as a colander – perfect for straining pasta, noodles, vegetables, potatoes and more.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Measuring cups and spoons

A variety of different measuring equipment can be useful, but measuring cups and spoons are essential if you’re a baker. Invest in a set of stainless steel cups for dry ingredients such as flour, rice, grains, oats and more.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Tongs


Tongs can be used for all sorts of things in the kitchen: for turning meat, tossing salad, serving from a pan, pulling hot trays out of the oven or serving biscuits and cakes. Metal ones do the job but the ones with silicone-coated ends are non-stick and super-easy to clean.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Potato masher

If you’ve ever tried mashing potatoes with a fork, you’ll understand just how useful one of these is. Don’t waste money on an electric potato masher though, just invest in an old-fashioned hand-held utensil and crush the spuds to the smoothness of your liking. 

Check out these brilliant ideas for moreish mash




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Ceramic baking dishes

A quality ceramic baking dish will last a lifetime. Invest in a large one for entertaining and a few individual dishes for cooking solo or for smaller numbers. They look great when presented at the table too.

Take a look at these delicious one-tray recipes




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Small grill


If you’re a meat fan, a small grill is worth the money. Not only can you use them to cook meat, fish or veggies, but they’re brilliant for toasties and grilled sandwiches.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Storage containers

There’s no point cooking in bulk if you have nothing to put it in. Stock up on storage containers so you can make meals for the whole week ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer. Smaller sizes for sauces or individual portions are useful too.

Find easy ideas to get your freezer organized here 




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Can opener

Every kitchen needs a can opener. Invest in a decent one though – battling to open a tin of beans is not a useful way to spend your time. Battery-operated ones aren’t always worth the expense. Instead look for a can opener with soft handles that will leave the edges of the tin smooth. 

These canned food recipes taste as good as fresh




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Set of knives

You can get away with just two knives: a chef’s knife (the big one that cuts pretty much anything) and a paring knife, which will cut up the smaller, more delicate stuff. But a good knife set is always handy and will provide you with the likes of a bread knife, which is not only good for a loaf but also for slicing tomatoes, which tend to slip away when cutting. Some pricier brands come with a lifetime guarantee so buy the best you can afford – a quality set should see you through the decades.

Take a look at these super simple recipes anyone can cook




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Pestle and mortar

If you’ve already got one of these and it’s been sat at the back of the cupboard, it’s time to get using it. A pestle and mortar is great for crushing your own spices, grinding peppercorns or mixing guacamole.




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