We’ve all read the lists of the essential kitchen items that every home cook needs. The basics. The bare necessities. But what if you already have the essentials and you’re looking to level up? Do you need to start making luxury kitchen upgrades?
You can – if you want to – but before you do, there are some other not-so-basic items that you can invest in before you drop your life savings trying to recreate a commercial kitchen in your home.
Here are five must-have kitchen tools you need if you already have the basics.
Sharpening Block
First up on our list of must-have kitchen tools is a quality knife sharpener. You’ve already purchased your kitchen knives – a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife. They’re great quality and you know they’ll last you for years and years to come, but only if you take good care of them.
Lots of people like to visit this online store for premium knives helping them gear up for any cooking process. This gives them peace of mind knowing they are using high-quality tools that will last.
However, in order to keep your knives performing at their very best, you need a great knife sharpener to take care of them. Rather than one of those cheap gadgets you can buy at the grocery store, invest in a whetstone sharpening block in order to really do a good job of sharpening your knives.
Mortar and Pestle
Another must-have kitchen tool is the mortar and pestle. This humble little kitchen item can really transform your meals, plus, they feel and look really good on your countertop. Invest in a pestle and mortar, preferably one made from marble or granite.
With this, you’ll be able to grind your own spices and achieve a much bolder flavor than what you get from store bought ground spices. You can also use this to create things like a really good pesto or a delicious homemade guacamole – ditch the fork and you’ll see what we mean.
Smoker
Want to elevate the flavor in your meals like it’s nobody’s business? Buy a smoker. Everyone loves that charry, smoky flavor you only really get at a barbeque, and you can recreate it in your kitchen with the snap of your fingers.
If you’re not sure how you’ll use it, try out a few beginner recipes and soon you’ll be convinced that you made the right decision. You can smoke meats, vegetables, eggs, nuts, cheese, desserts and even cocktails. It’s definitely one of our favorite must-have kitchen tools!
Cast-Iron Pan
Next up on the list of must-have kitchen tools is the cast-iron pan. Sure, you have your stainless-steel pans, non-stick, and they work a treat. However, every budding chef needs a sturdy cast-iron pan to do the heavy lifting in their kitchen.
Cast-Iron pans are perfect for searing off your steaks and finishing them off in the oven, since the cast iron can go pretty much anywhere: stovetop, oven, open flame, you name it. They last forever and can take a beating, so long as you clean them properly.
Digital Thermometer
Finally, if you’re into your meats, the next item on our list of must-have kitchen tools is going to become your new best friend. A digital thermometer.
You’ll be able to check for the perfect temperatures in your beef roasts, pork bellies, whole chickens and succulent steaks without ever needing to cut into them and ruin the aesthetic of your stunning, perfectly cooked meal. You’re welcome.