My Top 5 Essential Tools for From Scratch Cooking
Cooking from scratch has many advantages, such as increased flavor and nutritional value. Having a few essential kitchen tools can make a huge difference in making this task much easier.
There are 5 kitchen essentials that I use every single day in my kitchen no matter what I am cooking or baking.
If you’re new to cooking from scratch, these essential tools are easily accessible and affordable!
You don’t have to break the bank to stock your new kitchen. Check thrift stores and the Goodwill for many of these tools.
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Check out my TOP 5 PANTRY ESSENTIALS for my favorite ingredients to keep on hand.
Tool #1 Cast Iron Skillet
One of the first essential kitchen tools I bought was a cast iron skillet. Cast iron can take high heat, be used under the broiler, and much more!
I have acquired many pieces since, but, for someone just starting with from scratch cooking, a 10 inch skillet will be all you need.
This is the first CAST IRON SKILLET I purchased. It’s the perfect size for most applications.
I also use a cast iron grill pan from time to time for burgers.
Cast iron is a lifetime purchase if you maintain it and with proper care. You can sauté, braise, deep fry, and bake with cast iron. It’s a treasure in our homestead kitchen!
Many from scratch cooks also desire a nonstick cookware or nonstick skillets, I would recommend finding a brand that is free from toxic chemicals.
Another great alternative to cast iron, if you are looking for one, is a high quality stainless steel skillet.
Stainless steel is free from chemicals and can last a lifetime as well.
Tool #2 Mixing Bowl
The next essential item is a good mixing bowl, preferably, a big enough to use for bread proofing and mixing all sorts of recipes.
I use a vintage stoneware bowl and have an OHIO STONEWARE BOWL as well.
One good mixing bowl can cover almost any cooking task you may have from making muffins, whisking eggs, proofing bread, etc.
Mixing bowls can also be used as prep bowls and can be used to mix bread dough instead of having a stand mixer.
I have went many years in my kitchen using the same few mixing bowls. The truth is you can get by with one!
If you purchase a large bowl, it can be used for all of your needs from small recipes to large batch baking.
Tool #2 Wooden Utensils/Spatula or Turner
Every homestead kitchen needs some good utensils. These would include wooden spoons and a good spatula or turner.
Wooden tools are timeless in a homestead kitchen. They are beautiful and comfortable to use daily in your cooking.
They are hand made from solid wood and are a lifetime purchase if cared for properly. I have some cheaper ones, but, my high quality ones I reach for the most!
One wooden utensil I find quite helpful is a spurtle. From stirring my sourdough starter to stirring veggies in a skillet, they are versatile and quite comfy to use!
This is the SPATULA that I use and have for many years. It’s perfect for flipping eggs, stirring stir fry, or getting little bits off the bottom of your cast iron skillet.
Silicone spatulas are also a good choice, although I prefer a metal one.
I will note that one great application for a silicone spatula is scraping mixing bowls when making cake batter or muffin batter.
Tool #3 Knives
I’ve heard said a sharp knife is a safe knife! So, as long as you have a decent quality knife and keep it sharpened, you will be good to go to prep all your ingredients.
These are the KNIVES that I use in my kitchen. They are high quality and keep their sharpness very well.
They will last a long time and are made to be ergonomical and comfortable to use.
One good knife can serve most of your needs. I prefer to use a chef’s knife most of the time. However, a good BREAD KNIFE is a must if you make homemade bread.
A paring knife is also quite helpful in the kitchen.
Looking for an easy, beginner homemade sandwich bread recipe? CLICK HERE!
Tool #4 Wooden Cutting Board
A good cutting board is so important for prep work in the from scratch kitchen.
Cutting boards make the task of slicing, dicing, and mincing safe and easy.
They come in so many different sizes. I would recommend getting a bigger board than you think you will need as you grow your recipe collection.
Using a sharp knife and a cutting board will keep your fingers safe while chopping!
As with the other items, as long as you care for it, it will last forever.
To keep your cutting boards in tip top shape, wash in warm soapy water and dry immediately. Allow them to air dry standing up overnight to keep from molding.
Additionally, consider using some “board butter” on your cutting boards every few months to keep them sealed.
Tool #5 Measuring Cups & Spoons
Most recipes will call for measurements of ingredients. Having a full set of measuring cups and spoons is essential to following most any recipe.
I actually have accumulated several sets of these over the many years I have been cooking from scratch.
My favorite set is this WOODEN SET. It’s not only beautiful, but super comfortable to use when scooping ingredients.
This particular set can be used for both dry and wet ingredients.
It seems like such a boring kitchen tool, but measuring tools are pretty much a “must have” and if they can be pretty, why not!
My best advice is to go to thrift stores or the Goodwill. I have found so many cutting boards, knives, and much more for just a few dollars to build my tool set up over the years. Remember, it isn’t how costly the tools are, but much more importantly that they are of good quality and will last a long time.
Definitely knives. A low quality, dull knife is a safety hazard in the kitchen. And, let’s face it, if you injure yourself, the kitchen comes to a halt until you heal up!
For sure I would recommend the Lodge brand. You can find them at your local Walmart or on Amazon. They are very inexpensive, made to last, and made right here in America with a lifetime warranty.
Yes! I use my cast iron skillets for baking routinely. I make biscuits, cornbread, roasted veggies, and more. They can withstand high heat and even be used under the broiler in your oven as well as be used on your backyard grill!
Honorable Mentions
These are tools that I recommend adding once you build up a few essentials. Although they are not “must haves”, they come in awful handy as you build your skills in the kitchen.
- Dutch Oven or Stock Pot – A enameled cast iron Dutch oven or stock pot is so handy for making soups, stews, and baking artisan bread.
- Immersion Blender – Often overlooked, this little kitchen tool comes in so handy when making mashed potatoes, cream cheese frosting, mayonnaise, and a host of other recipes!
- Sheet Pans / Baking Pans – Although you can bake a lot in a cast iron skillet, there will be times with some recipes that having a sheet pan or baking sheet comes in handy. I recommend eventually getting a half and quarter sheet pan.
- Instant-Read Thermometer – When making meat, having an instant-read thermometer is great for making sure the meat is properly cooked.
- Colander – One big colander can serve to take care of all of your straining needs. Strain pasta, cooked potatoes, and more.
- Stainless Steel Cookware – Although I believe cast iron is the best cookware available, I do see the value in stainless steel. It retains heat very well and can last a lifetime. Also, stainless steel pots are always great to have on hand.
- Box Grater – Box graters may often be overlooked as a must have tool, but they are super helpful in the kitchen. I use mine at least a few times a week to grate cheese, carrots, ginger, and garlic!
As you can see the list of basic tools for cooking from scratch is relatively small, but will carry you through most applications and keep the budget in check.
As you grow your skills and feel more comfortable and confident in the kitchen, you will for sure expand your set of “essential items”.
Leave me a comment with your top 5 tools!
Could you do a blog/video on how to care for cast iron skillet/cookware? I am enjoying all your posts and blogs. Thank you.
Yes! I have that on my list of videos coming up soon! Thanks!!!