These Cooking Essentials Are Affordable Must-Haves
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13 Must-Have Cooking Essentials Under $100
Has the pandemic made you an aspiring chef, but you don't have the right equipment?
Many home cooks get burnt out on the joys of cooking because they don't have the cooking essentials in their kitchen. Don't let this happen to you.
We've compiled a list of our top recommended kitchen gadgets for 2021, all of which you can add to your collection for less than $100. Continue reading to find out what your kitchen is missing.
1. Immersion Blender
A countertop blender is one of the standard cooking appliances in most kitchens, but a surprising number of homes go without an immersion blender. An immersion blender brings significantly more convenience to your cooking experience.
Not only is it small and easy-to-store, but it's also easy to handle and use. Its compact design allows you to blend in smaller pots or bowls while cooking.
Plus, cleaning it up is a breeze. Most models detach near the middle and many are even dishwasher safe.
2. Multi-Cooker
Products like the Instant Pot were a game-changer for home cooks everywhere. The sky is the limit as far as what you can cook in these handy machines. There are recipes for everything from yogurt to soup to cheesecake and more.
These take your rice cooker, slow cooker, and yogurt maker and condense them down into one appliance. The inner pot is easy to remove and clean. Plus, you can swap out different pots for different dishes.
If this amazing appliance isn't already a part of your kitchen setup, it needs to be.
Try This: Instant Pot Duo
3. Indoor Grill
One of the best parts of summer is the ability to create great food on an outdoor grill, but once winter hits, you have to move indoors.
However, this doesn't mean you can't create the same great amazing flavors.
One of our recommended kitchen accessories is an indoor grill. You can choose an open grill, which opens to a flat surface, or a contact grill, which has a plate with ridges.
Whichever option you choose, you will have the ability to grill all year round without the frostbite.
4. Thermapen
This is another product that is incredibly versatile as far as being able to use it indoors and outdoors. Plus, it has incredible accuracy within 0.7 degrees Fahrenheit, which is essential in regard to food safety.
The length of the probe combined with its ability to read the temperature quickly is another reason why we love this product. You have a safe distance between your hand and the hot stove/grill and can get a quick reading without letting out too much heat.
As for storage, this product is magnetic and can be attached right to the outside of your refrigerator for quick and easy access.
Try This: Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo Ambidextrous Backlit Meat Thermometer
5. Pizza Stone
There's been an increase in home cooking since the start of the pandemic, and pizza making is no exception. A surprising number of people pursue this culinary adventure without proper equipment like a pizza stone.
A pizza stone absorbs the heat from your oven and ensures a nice even bake to your crust. Plus, since it retains heat so well, the crust starts cooking the minute it hits the stone. This means the pizza will cook faster and more evenly.
Try This: Pizzacraft Pizza Stone
6. Cast Iron Skillet
There are so many reasons why a good cast iron skillet is a staple for so many chefs.
First, you can find a quality skillet for a great price. Second, it will last for years to come as long as it's taken care of.
Third, once it heats up, it stays at temperature and disperses the heat evenly. They are great for everything from steaks to cookie dough.
Finally, cleaning and re-seasoning are a breeze. Simply wash them off (if you use soap, you can re-season), coat them with a light layer of oil, and heat to temperature.
If you don't already have a cast-iron skillet, you definitely need one. It's the answer to a lot of cooking problems and is incredibly versatile.
7. Burner Griddle
If you don't want to add another appliance like a griddle, but you need more room than a skillet, we recommend investing in a burner griddle. Simply lay these across your burner or on your grill, allow it to heat up, and you're ready to start cooking.
If you invest in one of the popular cast iron options, you will achieve even heat distribution and temperature maintenance.
Not only are these much easier to store than a full electric griddle, but they are easier to clean as well (see the above section on cast-iron skillets to learn how to clean cast iron).
Once you're done with it, it can easily store with your cookie sheets or pots and pans.
Our Pick: Cuisinart Double Burner Griddle
8. Pasta Pot
The worst part of cooking pasta is draining it if you don't have the proper equipment. With a pasta pot, you no longer have to worry about burning yourself with scalding water or hot steam in your face.
These are simple to use in that they are two pieces built into one product. On the exterior, there is a standard stockpot. On the interior, there is a smaller strainer pot.
To use this product, simply place the strainer pot into the stockpot and fill it with water. Once it's full, bring it to a boil, dump in your pasta, and cook as directed.
Once your pasta is cooked, simply remove the strainer from the boiling water and allow it to drain into the stockpot.
This product will save you so much mess and stress!
9. Digital Air Fryer
If you've never used an air fryer, you have not lived. For those that don't know, an air fryer uses a fan to circulate heat around and directly at your food.
The internal fan blows the hot air at your food and turns the small amount of oil added into a mist. This combination creates a deep-fried texture without the messy clean-up.
The basket is easy to clean and most appliances store nicely on your countertop.
Our Fav: NuWave Brio Digital Air Fryer
10. Food Processor
If the pandemic has caused you to become an aspiring chef, you need a food processor.
It's great for those that want to save time chopping, like to make their own dips, or just want to easily make riced cauliflower. There are so many ways to use this kitchen tool.
To clean it, simply remove the lid, bowl, and blade and either handwash or place them in the dishwasher. As a bonus, most are compact enough to fit in a cabinet or nicely in the pantry.
Our Top Pick: Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor
11. Countertop Compost Bin
As concern for the state of our environment increases, so do the number of people looking for countertop compost bins. Composting at home isn't as scary as it sounds.
These bins collect your food waste such as eggshells, bread crust, and coffee grounds. Once the bin is full, you can empty it at a compost station.
One reason people tend to avoid compost bins is the smell. However, most countertop options have filters that trap smells, so you can be more environmentally friendly without the bad smell.
Get this product to help you cut back on food waste as well as give a second life to what you do use.
Our Pick: Third Rock Compost Bin
12. Dutch Oven
Dutch ovens are a staple for most chefs, but you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to enjoy the benefits they have to offer.
Since they are often made of cast iron or other oven-safe materials, you don't have to transfer cookware between stovetop and oven cooking. These are extremely versatile in that they are great for baking, boiling, sauteing, and more.
They hold heat extremely well and evenly and are simple to clean. If you're going to get serious about cooking, you need one of these in your kitchen.
Try This: La Cuisine Cast Iron Covered Oval Dutch Oven
13. Glass Food Storage Container
Since we've talked about food waste, it's a good time to bring up glass food storage containers. Have you ever thought about how much plastic wrap you use when putting away leftovers or how many plastic bags you've used to store uncooked food?
The greener option is to use these glass containers. They are dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe. This makes them perfect to bring to work for lunch.
Once you're done with them, they stack nicely together and can be stored neatly in the cupboard. If you want a better option for food storage, these containers are the answer.
Try This: Glass Food Storage Containers
Go Get Your Cooking Essentials
Now that you've read our list of cooking essentials and gadgets, you should have a long wishlist. Combine your newfound (or long-standing) love of cooking with one of these time-saving or stress-relieving products.
For more great tips for your home, head to our blog. Check out other useful guides on our website and see how you can outfit your own home with these essentials.
