How2Day: Items Needed for a Kitchen

Cookware is an essential item in a kitchen. Vasiliki Varvaki/Photodisc/Getty Images
Perhaps you have just rented your first apartment or bought your first house and are wondering what items you will need to fill your kitchen. You'll need some basic items to provide an easy-to-use and functioning kitchen. Keeping these items on hand will aid in preparing and serving meals.

To prepare meals, you'll need a supply of cookware in your kitchen. Purchase a cookware set that contains the basic items that you'll need, and later on you can purchase individual items to add to your collection. Cookware sets usually come with a few different size sauce pans and frying pans as well as a stock pot or two. When shopping for cookware, know that these items are made from different types of materials. Aluminum, for example, is lightweight, strong and a good conductor of heat, yet it can be a bit pricey. Cast iron is more affordable, but it takes a bit longer to heat; however, once heated, it holds the heat in for a long time.

While bakeware is used for making cookies and cakes, it isn't only used for creating confections. Bakeware is also used for cooking casseroles and making other meals that you would prepare in the oven, such as baked chicken. Basic types of bakeware include loaf pans, cookie sheets and muffin pans. Like cookware, you can purchase bakeware in a set, which will include one or two pieces of your basic items. As time goes on, you can build on the set with individual items. Bakeware is also made from different types of materials. Ovenproof tempered glass heats well, does not stain, is easy to clean and can be placed in the oven directly from the refrigerator or freezer. Stone bakeware also heats food well and evenly, meaning there is less of a chance of burning. This material also keeps food warm long after it has been removed from the oven.

You'll also need cooking utensils to prepare food. Basic items include measuring spoons and cups, spatulas, whisks, carving knives, ladles, slotted spoons, mixing spoons, potato peelers and can openers. Choose the types of food you cook the most of when purchasing other types of utensils. For instance, if you use a lot of fresh garlic when you cook, a garlic press may be a useful item in your kitchen. If you prepare a lot of seafood, you may wish to have a set of lobster picks.

Food storage items help you store goods that you use most often in an easy-to-reach place and also enables you to store any leftovers after you've prepared your meals. A set of countertop canisters are ideal for storing sugar, flower, coffee and tea in and make these items easy to access. Plastic food storage containers allow for easy food storage in the refrigerator and can often be placed in a microwave for easy reheating. Other food storage items include a supply of zip-top bags, tin foil and plastic wrap.

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