1. Knives
The most prized tools of a chef’s trade. A good set of knives can make or break the quality of your dish. Different knives have different functions in the kitchen; you don’t want to be caught using a paring knife to cut meat. Not only would you waste precious time, you might also end up with a nasty cut.
2. Pots and Pans
You’ll need a range of good pots and pans to do everything from frying and boiling to making sauces. Most pans are stainless steel and are meant for frying meat, fish and vegetables. Pots have a deeper base and are meant for making soups, stocks and sauces.
3. Cutting Boards
Keep individual cutting boards for different ingredients to avoid cross-contamination. Don’t use the same board that you used for chopping garlic and onions to slice raw meat on. It’s not only unhygienic but also changes the taste of your dish drastically.
4. Spatula, Spoons, Tongs
These gadgets are easy to overlook but a good grip saves you precious time in the heat of service. Made to wrestle with noodles, flip meat or to taste sauces, there’s no questioning the importance of these everyday kitchen heroes.
5. Weighing Scale
From measuring meat and sauces to condiments, the weighing scale is every chef’s best friend when it comes to portioning. Remember, you don’t want to give more or less than what is needed.
6. Peeler
A peeler helps to remove the outer skin of vegetables and fruits such as carrots, potatoes and apples. While you can use a paring knife to do the same, the peeler is a quicker, more efficient tool to clean your ingredients.
7. Baking Sheets/Baking Pan
Whether you’re baking bread or pastries, every kitchen should have baking sheets or pans on hand.
8. Mixing Bowls
Mixing bowls come in a variety of materials, but stainless steel is the most common in a commercial kitchen. These bowls are deep enough for you to heartily toss ingredients without worrying about them falling out.
9. Blender
The blender helps to mix or emulsify food and other substances. It can make purees or help to break down solids into liquids.
10. Chiller/Freezer
One of the most fundamental items in a professional kitchen, a chiller or freezer will help to keep your ingredients fresh for a longer period.
