My Top 3 Must-Have Pieces of Kitchen Equipment

Making delectable dishes from scratch does not have to be complicated! And with the right kitchen equipment, it's easier than ever to cook your own incredible meals at home.

Here are my top 3 must-have pieces of kitchen equipment that every cook should have (plus 2 bonus items!) With these tools at your disposal, you'll be able to make any dish you can dream up!

Renata in the kitchen

A Quality Knife Set

We all know that a good chef must master the art of knife skills. But what makes a good set of knives? There are two main types: forged and stamped. Forged knives are more durable, while stamped ones tend to be lighter and cost less money.

The best bet is to choose whichever type feels most comfortable in your hand because kitchen tools need to feel right when using them for long periods or on heavy workloads!

When selecting the perfect knife block, you should consider where it will go in the kitchen, as well as how many blades come with each set, so there's enough room left over for other items such as scissors. Great deals can sometimes be found online if looking at bundles rather than individual pieces which may include additional accessories like a chopping board too!

A Great Oven

A great oven is essential for any home chef. And with the right one, you'll be able to bake a variety of delicious dishes from cakes and muffins, to loaded tater tots!

There are two main types: gas and electric. Gas ovens can heat up faster than an electric oven, but they're also more expensive and difficult to install if there's no gas line already in your house.

On the other hand, electric ovens are cheaper - both upfront cost and in terms of monthly energy bills (electricity tends not to spike-like natural gas does during winter months).

Also consider where the oven will be in the kitchen and if you have nearby access to outlets or if additional electrical work needs to be done.

Sturdy and Durable Pots and Pans

Pots and pans are essential! They come in many different sizes, shapes, materials, prices - all with their benefits.

For example, some pots work better than others for certain dishes, such as a tall stock pot for boiling water, while some pans might sear meat more efficiently due to their construction (cast iron). This means if one were looking at budget options, they could purchase an inexpensive set that comes with everything they need now while saving up money over time so they can afford something nicer down the line when finances allow them to do so.

Also consider the type of stovetop you have. Some cookware is not a good match for electric stove tops since they can potentially damage the glass surface. In contrast, some cookware is not a good match for gas stove tops. You can typically find this information from the manufacturer, the seller or even look online for reviews.

Lastly, think about the care needed for your pots and pans. Some cookware have very specific care instructions, so if you're not willing to spend that additional time maintaining your pots and pans, opt for a more easily-cared-for set.

Bonus Item: A Meat Mincer/Grinder

If you're conscious about the quality of your ground meat, purchase a good quality meat mincer or grinder. In addition to making your own ground meat for burgers or meatloaf, there are plenty of other ways that chefs use these machines - like making sausage from leftover pork loin or chicken thighs.

Bonus Item: A Stand Mixer

If you love baking, a stand mixer is essential for your kitchen. It's not just about whipping up cake batter but also beating egg whites stiff enough to create meringues or making light-as-air frostings that would otherwise take hours by hand!

Stand mixers come in two varieties: those with bowls attached (which can be removed) and those without these attachments at all. I prefer the variety where the bowl can be removed, since this makes for easier clean up. I also have a stand mixer that has different mixer attachments, such as a whisk attachment, a ceramic mixing attachment, a dough hook etc. It even comes with an attachment to make different kinds of pasta! You can often find great deals online for these attachments with the stand mixer.

That was my top 3 must-have pieces of kitchen equipment (plus two bonus items!) What are your favorite pieces of kitchen equipment that help you to make incredible dishes at home? Let me know below!