To transform the kitchen into a functional and pleasant space, choosing the right products and accessories is essential. From basic utensils to appliances and practical storage, these tools make food preparation, cooking and storage easier. In this article, discover kitchen essentials, from accessories to trendy products, and learn how to get the most out of each tool to become a pro in your own kitchen.
1. Preparation Essentials: Knives, Cutting Board and Mixing Bowls
Every chef knows that good preparation is the key to a successful meal. For this, basic utensils such as knives, cutting boards and mixing bowls play a fundamental role.
- Quality knives: A chef’s knife, a paring knife and a bread knife are the three essentials for carrying out most cutting tasks. Investing in sharp, stainless steel knives makes a big difference in the kitchen, facilitating precise cuts and preventing fatigue.
- Cutting board: Choose a sturdy board made of wood or antibacterial plastic. Wooden boards are renowned for their durability, while plastic ones are easy to clean and maintain.
- Mixing bowls: Bowls of various sizes, in stainless steel or glass, are ideal for mixing, marinating or storing ingredients. Bowls with non-slip bottoms are particularly practical for more dynamic preparations.
2. Essential Appliances: Mixers, Blenders and Food Processors
Appliances have become an essential part of the modern kitchen, saving time and enabling a wide variety of preparations to be made.
- Blenders: Perfect for smoothies, soups and sauces. High-power models can blend even the toughest ingredients, such as frozen fruit or nuts.
- Multifunction food processor: A real asset for busy cooks. It can chop, grate, slice and blend with disconcerting ease. Some more advanced models even feature cooking functions.
- Electric whisk and mixer: Indispensable for whipping egg whites, making creams or cake batter, this device is a precious time-saver for pastry-making.
3. Cooking Products: Frying Pans, Saucepans and Dishes
To make a success of your dishes, it’s essential to have cooking utensils adapted to each type of preparation.
- Non-stick frying pan: A good-quality frying pan with a non-stick coating cooks food without sticking, using less oil. Stainless steel pans are also popular for their performance and durability.
- Casseroles and stewpots: A good stainless steel casserole with a lid is ideal for sauces and soups, while a stewpot is perfect for simmered dishes. Cast-iron casseroles are an excellent choice for longer cooking times, as they distribute the heat evenly.
- Baking dishes: In glass, ceramic or stainless steel, baking dishes are perfect for gratins, roasts and desserts. Choose high-temperature-resistant dishes that are easy to clean.
4. Preserving Accessories: Hermetic Containers, Reusable Bags and Spice Tins
Proper food storage is crucial to preserving freshness and reducing waste. Storage accessories help you organize your kitchen efficiently.
- Hermetically sealed containers: These are indispensable for storing dry foods such as pasta, rice or flour, as well as for storing leftovers. Glass jars with airtight lids are not only practical, but also aesthetically pleasing.
- Reusable storage bags: Practical and eco-friendly, they’re ideal for storing fruit, vegetables and even leftovers in the fridge or freezer. Reusable silicone bags are an excellent alternative to disposable plastic bags.
- Spice boxes: Organize your spices in small, airtight, labeled containers. This protects the spices from moisture and makes them easier to access during cooking.
5. Utensils for Healthy Cooking: Airfryer, Steamer and Grill
For healthier cooking, certain cooking utensils can make all the difference by reducing the use of fats and preserving food nutrients.
- Airfryer: This appliance fries food with very little oil, offering a healthy alternative to traditional frying. The airfryer is perfect for making French fries, grilled vegetables or even desserts.
- Steamer: Steaming preserves the nutrients and flavors of food. An electric or multi-level steamer lets you cook several foods at the same time without mixing flavors.
- Grill and plancha: Used for grilling meats, fish and vegetables, these cooking surfaces reduce fat while giving food a smoky, savory flavor.