Copper Colander Recommended Basics for the Kitchen
Beyond the Basics (Wants)
Au Gratin Dishes
Crème Brule Set
French Bread Pan
Ramekins (4 oz)
Silpat/Roulpat/Duomat
Tagine
Tart tins (large & individual)
Bake-Ware – Primarily for oven use, bake-ware is made of a variety of materials. Each material has its own features and benefits, so consider your needs carefully when selecting these items.
Cookware – Primarily for stovetop use, cookware is made of a variety of materials. Each material conducts heat differently, so consider your needs carefully when selecting these items.
Materials
Stainless steel – Compatible with various stovetops; long-life durability; not a fast heat conductor, but quality manufacturers have compensated for this by layering the bottoms with heat-dispersing aluminum and copper; can be washed in the dishwasher.
Diamonds – Diamond crystals form an indestructible non-stick cooking surface that will not crack, blister or peel.
Copper - Considered the best heat conductor for cookware; make sure the pans are lined properly (usually with stainless steel) to protect the copper from reacting with the food; usually the most expensive type of cookware.
Cast Iron and Enamel Cast Iron – Retains heat well ensuring evenly cooked food; excellent for one-pot meals and soups.
Aluminum – Second-best heat conductor; quality aluminum cookware is coated on the inside with a nonstick surface or hard-anodized.
French ceramic coated burgundy clay- freezing, cooking, reheating in a single piece. Directly freezer to oven, broiler and dishwasher safe. Maintains even heat for controlled food moisture.
Recommended Basics (Needs)
Double Boiler
Dutch Oven
8 or 10 Piece Cookware Set (stainless or non-stick)
Non-stick Fry or saute pan
Roasting Pan & Rack
Stock Pot 18 – 24 quart
Vegetable Steamer (microwave or stainless)
Wok
Beyond the Basics (Wants)
Asparagus Steamer
Chicken Roaster
Crepe Pan
Egg Poacher
Omelet Pan
Pressure Cooker
Coffee and Tea – Coffeemakers come in a variety of types and styles from the most basic drip coffeemaker to automatic coffee centers that grind and brew coffee drinks exactly as you like them with the touch of a button. Consider your lifestyle and personal preferences when making your coffee and tea equipment selections.
Electric coffeemakers – The most popular models are drip coffeemakers with glass or thermal carafes and programmable timers.
French press – Coffee can be made stronger than with an electric drip coffeemaker because there is more control over the amount and grind of coffee and the steeping time.
Espresso and Cappuccino Makers – Available in electric and stovetop versions – both brew coffee fast and under high pressure to extract maximum flavor and aroma from your coffee.
Grinders – Grinding coffee beans just before brewing protects the flavor and aroma of your coffee; reducing the amount of time it has to interact with the air around it.
Recommended Basics (Needs)
Cappuccino/Espresso Machine
Coffee Grinder (Burr)
Automatic Coffee Maker
Stovetop Espresso or Cappuccino Maker
French Press
Tea Kettle (stove-top or electric)
Tea Pot
Tea Strainer
Beyond the Basics (Wants)
Automatic Coffee Center
Cappuccino Thermometer
Espresso Cups/Mugs
Frothing Pitcher
Milk Frother
Thermal Pot
Cutlery – Before you purchase a knife, make sure you know what you intend to use it for. There are specially designed knives for everything from slicing tomatoes to boning meats, chopping vegetables, slicing bread and more. Pick up the knife and hold it, making sure it will fit in your hand comfortably – your hand will tire quickly if the handle is too large. Study the basic parts of the knife – the handle, tang, bolster and blade for quality construction and design.
Handle - Handles come in a variety of designs and are made from synthetic materials, wood or stainless steel.
Tang – The portion of the blade that extends into the handle – look for one that runs the entire length of the handle to provide support and optimum balance.
Bolster – The thick piece of metal between the handle and the blade, added for safety and control.
Blade – Choose the shape and size best suited for the task you want it to perform. A forged blade is made from one piece of steel, then pounded into shape with a hammer, will hold an edge much longer and should last a lifetime. A stamped blade is punched out of a single sheet of steel, needs frequent sharpening and will need to be replaced at some point. Stamped blades are lighter and thinner than forged blades.
Recommended Basics (Needs)
8” Chef’s
Boning Knife
Carving Knife
Cleaver
Kitchen Shears
Knife Block for Knife Storage
Mandoline Slicer
Paring Knife
Santoku
Serrated Bread Knife
Serrated Tomato Knife
Sharpening Steele
Steak Knife Set
Utility Knife
Beyond the Basics (Wants)
10” Chef Knife
Cheese Knife
Filet Knife
Knife Sharpener (hand-held or electric)
Electrics – Small appliances will help you save time and storage space in addition to broadening your kitchen’s food preparation capabilities. Easy to use and easy to clean, they are an indispensable addition to your kitchen.
Recommended Basics (Needs)
Stand Mixer
Electric Hand Mixer
Food Processor
Electric Wok
Electric Griddler/Grill
Waffle-maker
Toaster
Blender
Electric Skillet
Slow Cooker
Immersion Blender
Beyond the Basics (Wants)
Bread Maker
Can Opener
Deep Fryer
Egg Poacher
Electric Grill
Electric Knife
Ice-Cream Maker
Juice Extractor
Nutrimill
Popcorn Popper
Raclette
Rice Cooker
Toaster Oven
Gadgets – Gadgets are an important part of every kitchen and are available in a wide range of materials from stainless steel to silicone. Check product descriptions to make sure you are putting them to their best use and caring for them properly.
Recommended Basics (Needs)
6 Dry Measuring Cups-Plastic or Metal
Apple Corer
Barbecue Tools
Baster
Can & Bottle Opener Cheese Slicer
Citrus Juicer (manual)Colander
Collapsible Vege SteamerCookie Cutters
Deep Frying ThermometerDish, Bottle & Vege Brushes
Dough Scraper
Flour Sifter
Food Chopper
Four-sided Grater
Funnels (lg. & sm. Sizes)Garlic Press
Kitchen Timer/Digital Ladle
Lemon Stripper
Liquid Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoons
Meat Mallet or Tenderizer (jaccard)
Meat ThermometerMouli Grater for cheese & chocolate
Pastry Bag
Pastry Blender
Pastry Brush
Pastry Cutter (fluted)Pizza Cutter
Potato & Vegetable PeelerPotato Masher
Rolling Pin
Rotary Beater
Slotted Spoon
Spatula (flexible for turning)
Spatula (rigid for lifting)Tongs
Whisks (large & small sizes)Wine Bottle Opener
Wire Cooling Racks – 2
Zester / Grater
Beyond the Basics (Wants)
Apple Corer & DividerBrass Skimmer for WokButter Curler
Mixing and Storage – Nested mixing bowls and storage items are essential for an efficient kitchen. Make sure your selections are functional and easy to use.
Recommended Basics (Needs)
4 pc. Canister Set
Mixing Bowls (glass, copper, stainless, or melamine)
Jars/Containers
Salt & Pepper Grinder Set
Spaghetti Container
Spice Rack
Utensil Holder
Woodenware and Bamboo – Quality woodenware items won’t dull knives
and many are made to be dishwasher safe in order to prohibit bacteria and food odors. Quality bamboo products are 16% harder than maple, making them an excellent cutting surface with tensile strength equivalent to that of steel.
