15 Basic Kitchen Tools

Any way you slice it, dice it or shred it, eat well to live well! Having the right tools to help you prepare meals and snacks will make cooking fun, easy, nutritious and delicious. You only need a few basic food preparation items to get started on your path to eating well, feeling great and even saving money by preparing food at home. As you become more comfortable cooking, you can add other items, depending on your needs but here are the 15 basics…

Glutamate Contents of Foods

Tool	Purpose
For more information about food sensitivities or allergies, contact your health care provider.
Non-slip Plastic Cutting board	Prevents slipping and protects food and counters. Be sure to prep meats last and wash well before using again
Chef’s Knife	Used for chopping everything from herbs to vegetables
Paring Knife	Good for delicate tasks such as peeling, coring, or trimming
Serrated Knife	Best for foods that have a different texture inside versus outside such as breads, tomatoes, and meats
Knife Sharpening Steel	All knives work best when sharpened briefly prior to use
Strainer	Choose a stand-alone for washing fruits and vegetables and straining pastas
Grater	Use for veggies, cheeses and more as toppings, and in salads, and slaws
Large Skillet with Lid	Great for browning, sautéing, frying, omelets, pancakes, and stir-fries
Saucepan with Lid	Great for rice, smaller servings, and sauces
Large Cooking Pot with Lid	Best for soups, pastas, and steamed veggies
Mixing Bowls, Measuring Spoons and Cup	Essential for preparation and when clean bowls can also be used for serving
Large Spoon and Spatula	Use plastic or rubber for non-stick surfaces and remove quickly so they don’t melt
Pot Holders	Hot steam and handles on pots and pans can easily burn
Meat Thermometer	To be sure meat is safely cooked, test the internal temperature with a meat thermometer
Jellyroll Pan	Used for baking meats, veggies or cookies