How to Buy Cooking Utensils

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Buy glass or dark metal baking pans to bake foods faster and brown foods better.

   Choose shiny metal pans for light-colored baked goods.
   
   For baking, buy two cookie sheets 2 inches (5 cm) smaller than the dimensions of the oven, two bread pans measuring 9 by 5 inch (22.86 by
   12.7 cm), two square baking pans of about 8 by 9 inches (20.32 by
   22.86 cm), one 13 by 9 inch baking pan (33 by
   22.86 cm, 2 9-inch (22.86 cm) round cake pans, a 12-muffin tin, a 9-inch (22.86 cm) pie plate, a rolling pin and a flour sifter.
   
   For cooling baked foods, acquire two small, sturdy cooling racks or one larger cooling rack.
   
   Purchase dry measuring cups, a liquid measuring cup, and a set of measuring spoons.
2. 2

   Step 2: Buy up to three glass or ceramic casserole dishes ranging from 1/2 quart to 3 quarts (.473 to 2.78 liters).

   , If you want to grind ice, buy a heavy-duty blender.
   
   Glass and stainless steel blenders cost more but last longer.
   
   A glass blender allows you to observe the food as it blends. ,, A box-shaped grater that you can set on a cutting board is steadier and has an assortment of hole sizes. , Buy a dishwasher-safe plastic cutting board. , Although handheld mixers are less expensive, stand mixers are better for mixing heavy batters and dough. , Buy small and large saucepans with tightly fitting lids, and a Dutch oven with a lid.
   
   Buy pots and pans with heat-resistant handles.
   
   Pots and pans made of heavy-gauge metals will hold and spread heat evenly. , Stainless steel won't react with acid like aluminum mixing bowls do.
   
   Buy a glass or plastic mixing bowl with a cover for microwave cooking. , The slotted spoon is used to remove solid foods from liquids in pots and pans.
   
   Also, buy a wooden mixing spoon for stirring hot foods, as metal spoons can cause burns. , A cake spatula isn't required, as a table knife can be used to serve cake.
   
   Buy a meat thermometer, tongs, a turner to grasp and turn foods, a vegetable peeler, and a wire whisk.
   
   Choose a whisk that is sealed where the wires enter the handle, as it will be durable and easy to clean.
3. 3

   Step 3: Purchase a blender to puree foods and to make milk shakes and smoothies.

4. 4

   Step 4: Buy a colander or strainer that feels stable on a flat surface.

5. 5

   Step 5: Acquire a stainless steel grater

6. 6

   Step 6: which won't rust.

7. 7

   Step 7: Buy at least three basic kitchen knives––a tapered chef's knife of about 8 inches (20.4 cm)

8. 8

   Step 8: a serrated knife to cut breads and large foods like melons

9. 9

   Step 9: and a paring knife with a 3- to 4-inch (7.62 to 10.16 cm) blade.

10. 10

    Step 10: Select a mixer with a stand if you can afford it.

11. 11

    Step 11: Buy a 10-inch (25.4 cm) frying pan with a nonstick surface if your budget allows.

12. 12

    Step 12: Purchase a set of glass or stainless steel mixing bowls.

13. 13

    Step 13: Buy solid and slotted mixing spoons.

14. 14

    Step 14: Choose a rectangular metal spatula for food like cookies or brownies

15. 15

    Step 15: a rubber spatula

16. 16

    Step 16: and a wedge-shaped metal pie spatula.

Detailed Guide

About the Author