Must Have Tools In The Kitchen!

Summary

In this informative video, the host emphasizes the importance of essential kitchen equipment for everyday cooking. They discuss various tools, highlighting the differences between a regular whisk and a balloon whisk, the necessity of a potato ricer for smooth mash, and the utility of a meat pounder. The host also touches on the significance of texture in cooking and the role of these tools in achieving it. Additionally, they cover the importance of having a good set of knives, a proper cutting board, and the right cookware, including stainless steel and cast iron pans. The video concludes with advice on buying quality kitchenware that lasts a lifetime.

Takeaways

• 🍳 Essential kitchen equipment includes an immersion blender, whisks, potato ricer, and meat pounder.
• 🥄 The difference between a regular whisk and a balloon whisk is that the latter is better for incorporating air into mixtures like whipped cream.
• 🔪 A chef's knife is the most important tool in the kitchen, used for a variety of cutting tasks.
• ⏱️ A good set of knives includes a chef's knife, boning knife, paring knife, and an offset daily slicer.
• 🥄 Measuring cups and a scale are crucial for accurate measurements, especially for recipes that call for specific grams or milliliters.
• 🥣 A variety of pots and pans, including stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick, are necessary for different cooking methods.
• 🍳 The importance of a good cast iron skillet, which can last a lifetime with proper care.
• 🌡️ Thermometers are vital for ensuring the correct temperature for cooking, such as roasts or deep-frying.
• 🍪 Investing in quality kitchen equipment is advised as it can last a lifetime with proper use and care.
• 📏 A honing tool is necessary for maintaining the sharpness of knives, though it's not a replacement for proper sharpening.

Q & A

What is the first essential kitchen equipment mentioned in the script?

The first essential kitchen equipment mentioned is an immersion blender, which is a must-have for making soups and sauces.

What is the difference between a regular whisk and a balloon whisk?

A regular whisk is used for general mixing, while a balloon whisk is designed to incorporate air into mixtures, making it ideal for whipping egg whites or cream.

Why is a potato ricer recommended over a masher for mashing potatoes?

A potato ricer is recommended because it produces a smoother, silkier, and buttery texture without even adding butter, as opposed to a masher which may leave the potatoes lumpy.

What is the importance of a meat pounder in the kitchen?

A meat pounder is important for tenderizing meat, making it more uniform in thickness, and enhancing its flavor by breaking down the fibers.

Why are microplane graters highlighted as essential in the script?

Microplane graters are highlighted as essential because they provide precision in grating, which is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor in dishes.

What is the significance of having both a double mesh and a single mesh strainer in the kitchen?

Having both a double mesh and a single mesh strainer allows for different levels of straining. A double mesh strainer is for very smooth sauces, while a single mesh is for rougher straining where a smoother texture is not a priority.

Why are knives emphasized as one of the most important tools in the kitchen?

Knives are emphasized as one of the most important tools because they are used in almost every cooking task, and having the right knives can greatly improve efficiency and safety in the kitchen.

What is the recommendation regarding the type of cookware to invest in, according to the script?

The script recommends investing in stainless steel cookware because it is easy to clean, durable, and does not interfere with the flavor of the food.

Why is it suggested to avoid using a wet towel under a cutting board?

Using a wet towel under a cutting board is discouraged because moisture can damage the cutting board, especially wooden ones, leading to warping or splitting over time.

What is the purpose of the 'nipples' on the specific cast iron pot mentioned in the script?

The 'nipples' on the cast iron pot help redistribute moisture evenly across the cooking surface, ensuring even cooking and preventing one area from becoming too wet or dry.

Why are silicone brushes and spatulas recommended over other materials?

Silicone brushes and spatulas are recommended because they can withstand high heat, are easy to clean, and do not impart any flavors into the food, making them ideal for various cooking applications.

Outlines

00:00

🍳 Essential Kitchen Equipment

The speaker begins by addressing the audience and highlighting the importance of having essential equipment in the kitchen. They mention that while there are many items available, they will focus on the ones that are most frequently used. The speaker discusses various tools such as an immersion blender for soups and sauces, different types of whisks for various cooking tasks, a potato ricer for smooth mashed potatoes, and a meat pounder for flattening meats. They emphasize the importance of these tools in altering the texture of food, which is crucial for enhancing the dining experience. The speaker also briefly mentions the need for a good set of knives, a honing tool, and the significance of maintaining the quality and sharpness of kitchen knives.

05:02

🔪 Essential Kitchen Tools and Utensils

In this segment, the speaker continues to elaborate on the essential tools for a well-equipped kitchen. They discuss the necessity of having a good pair of kitchen scissors, measuring cups for both wet and dry ingredients, and the importance of a precise scale for recipes that require accurate measurements. The speaker also touches on the importance of having a variety of spatulas made of silicone, which can withstand high heat, and the indispensable scraper for a cook's toolkit. They advocate for the use of a large cutting board for ease and enjoyment in cooking, and share tips on how to maintain it properly. The speaker also delves into the types of pots and pans one should have, recommending stainless steel for its durability and flavor neutrality, and discusses the benefits of having a cast iron pan and non-stick cookware for specific cooking tasks.

10:05

🍴 Advanced Cooking Tools and Their Uses

The speaker further expands on the advanced cooking tools that can enhance one's cooking experience. They introduce the audience to a silicone brush, which is praised for its versatility in barbecue cooking and its ability to withstand high temperatures. The importance of having a variety of thermometers is emphasized, including an oven thermometer, a probe thermometer for monitoring the internal temperature of meats, and an instant-read thermometer for quick temperature checks of oils and pans. The speaker also suggests investing in quality cookie sheets, some with racks, to prevent food from becoming soggy and to allow for proper air circulation. The paragraph concludes with a reminder to prioritize quality when purchasing kitchen equipment, as it can last a lifetime with proper care.

15:06

📝 Conclusion and Invitation for Further Inquiry

In the final paragraph, the speaker summarizes the key points discussed in the video and reiterates the importance of starting with essential kitchen equipment. They acknowledge that while many items have been covered, there is always more to learn and explore. The speaker invites viewers to ask questions or seek further information if they are interested, promising to respond to comments and provide additional guidance. The video concludes with a thank you note to the viewers for their attention and an expression of hope that they found the video informative and enjoyable.

Keywords

💡Immersion blender

An immersion blender, also known as a stick blender, is a versatile kitchen tool that is used for blending and mixing ingredients directly in their container. It is particularly useful for making soups, sauces, and smoothies. In the video, the host emphasizes its importance as a must-have for certain air for soup and sauces, highlighting its utility in everyday cooking.

💡Balloon whisk

A balloon whisk is a kitchen utensil designed with a large, balloon-shaped bowl that is particularly effective for incorporating air into mixtures, such as when making whipped cream or meringue. The host in the video distinguishes it from a regular whisk, noting its superiority for tasks that require aeration, thus affecting the texture and volume of the dish.

💡Masher

A masher is a tool used for crushing or smoothing soft foods, such as potatoes for mashed potatoes. The video mentions a potato ricer, a type of masher, which is praised for producing a smooth and silky texture without the need for additional butter. This tool is highlighted as a significant improvement over traditional methods for achieving a specific texture in dishes.

💡Meat pounder

A meat pounder, or meat tenderizer, is used to flatten and tenderize meat before cooking. The video script humorously suggests that a heavy bottle can serve as a makeshift pounder, but recommends a proper tool for better results. This tool is essential for even cooking and enhancing the texture of meats.

💡Microplane grater

A Microplane grater is a type of kitchen tool with a fine, razor-like surface used for grating hard食材 like cheese, chocolate, and ginger. The video mentions different types of graters, including fine and coarse, which are important for altering the texture of ingredients and thus the overall dish. The Microplane is particularly noted for its precision and the fineness of its grating.

💡Strainer

A strainer is a kitchen utensil used to separate liquids from solids by filtering. The video discusses the importance of having both single and double mesh strainers for different levels of smoothing. For instance, a double mesh strainer is used for creating very smooth sauces, while a single mesh might be used for a rougher texture.

💡Texture

Texture in cooking refers to the feel of the food in the mouth, which can greatly affect the eating experience. The video script repeatedly emphasizes the importance of tools that can change the texture of food, such as the immersion blender, balloon whisk, and potato ricer. These tools are crucial because they can enhance the mouthfeel and enjoyment of the dish.

💡Chef's knife

A chef's knife is a versatile, essential tool in the kitchen used for a wide range of cutting tasks. The video script identifies it as the most important tool, used most frequently in cooking. It is highlighted as a must-have for any kitchen setup, with the recommendation to choose a high-quality knife for longevity and performance.

💡Cast iron pan

A cast iron pan is a type of cookware known for its durability and heat retention. The video mentions that cast iron pans are wonderful for cooking and can last a lifetime if properly cared for. They are recommended for their ability to withstand high heat and their suitability for various cooking methods, including oven use.

💡Nonstick cookware

Nonstick cookware is designed with a special surface that prevents food from sticking, making it easier to cook and clean. The video discusses the controversy surrounding nonstick cookware due to potential health concerns with certain coatings, but the host expresses a preference for high-quality nonstick options, citing their usefulness for cooking delicate foods like fish and eggs.

💡Oven thermometer

An oven thermometer is a device used to measure the temperature inside an oven to ensure accurate cooking. The video script mentions the importance of having an oven thermometer to monitor the temperature of roasts and other dishes that require precise heat control. This tool helps to achieve consistent results and avoid overcooking or undercooking food.

Highlights

Essential kitchen equipment includes an immersion blender for soups and sauces.

The difference between a regular whisk and a balloon whisk is explained, with the latter being ideal for whipping air into mixtures.

A potato ricer is recommended for making smooth and silky mashed potatoes without butter.

A meat pounder is a must-have, and a heavy one is preferred for pounding meat.

Microplane graters are important for fine grating tasks, and different graters are needed for citrus and other ingredients.

Strainer mesh types are discussed, with double mesh being suitable for very smooth sauces and single mesh for rougher textures.

The importance of texture in cooking and how the mentioned tools can change it is emphasized.

A honing tool is necessary for maintaining knife sharpness, though it's not a sharpener.

A chef's knife is the most important tool in the kitchen and is used the most frequently.

Five essential knives for a kitchen include a chef's knife, boning knife, paring knife, and two others.

Kitchen shears are important for cutting and are easy to clean.

Measuring cups are necessary for both wet and dry ingredients, and a good scale is important for recipes in grams or milliliters.

Silicone spatulas can withstand high heat and are essential for cooking.

A scraper is a vital tool for cleaning and handling dough on a cutting board.

The size of a cutting board matters, and it's recommended to get the biggest one possible for ease of use.

Stainless steel cookware is recommended over aluminum, with a focus on three-ply or more for durability.

Cast iron pans are praised for their durability and the importance of proper care to prevent rusting is mentioned.

Nonstick cookware is discussed, with a preference for certain brands that do not release harmful fumes.

The importance of silicone brushes for barbecue and their ability to withstand high temperatures is highlighted.

Wooden spoons are recommended for use in pots, and the presenter has a collection that is highly valued.

Thermometers are crucial for accurate cooking, and different types are discussed for various uses.

Cookie sheets are necessary, and it's advised to get ones with racks for even cooking and cooling.

The importance of quality in kitchen equipment is emphasized, as good quality items last a lifetime.

Transcripts

well hello there friends

everybody's been asking me see why do we

buy what do we need in the kitchen well

we need a lot of stuff but

I'm gonna tell you today the essentials

the thing you really really really

should do okay you really should have in

a kitchen so I'm gonna start talking

about the equipment that I use the most

often and you know I got drawers full of

stuff sometimes I use them once a year

sometimes I use them every other year

those you don't need unless you're going

to make something special you know like

a mandolin or some some stuff you don't

you really need it only for certain

things but some of the stuff I'm going

to talk about today you need you could

need it every day you could use it every

day all right friends so let's talk a

little bit about it I got a few right

here on my cutting board I got a an an

immersion blender that's a must my

friends they hear you an immersion

blender that's a must-have for certain

air for soup and sauces and all that and

and whisk look at this what's the

difference in those two

and see how many of you know what's the

difference between this one this one

this is a regular whisk missing whisk

and this is a balloon whisk balloon the

thing of balloon as a pumping air into

things like if you want to make an egg

white you want to make a whipped cream

balloon whisk there you take a quarter

whipped cream you whip it with this and

you take a photography and you're

working with this half the time with

this guy balloon whisk

but that of Masha potato ricer you're

making mashed potato with this instead

of with this ah let me tell you this is

going to be nice and smooth and and

silky and buttery without even putting

the butter now when you put the butter

then oh anyway then it really is by the

way so potato rice very important I like

this one because it's big and plus you

can take it apart you see to wash it

boom you wash it it's very simple so

potatoes might show you all got one of

those I use those when I make a a tomato

sauce and I don't want to puree the

tomato sauce I want to smash the tomato

or The Cranberries or things I use that

a lot also it's the meat pound though

you gotta have a meat boundary I see

everybody ponding with a bottle or

pounding or the Mamma Mia this is like

you know you don't cost nothing and if

you buy one of those make sure it's a

heavy one and and 99 of the time you

don't you only use the flat side when

you're not going to use this this is

good for raccoon or possums you know or

roadkill if you got to use this you know

I don't want to eat it okay no it's so

good we use it for alligators crocodiles

we have alligator in Florida micro plane

graters

really important this tutor is too tight

okay this is a fine one for the Citrus

and there is a coarse one for this

chocolate and and Parmesan oregano and

uh and ginger in the layer and there is

a strainage you know you got double mesh

trainers and single mesh trainers I

don't know if you can see the difference

but this is double messages twinkle a

single mesh very important for uh the

different straining you want a sauce to

be really really smooth you take one of

those and you want to strain things

rough you don't really care about how

smooth it is I don't know why but once

in a while you take a single mesh now I

put those things first friends what do

you think they have in common let me see

how many cooks there is out there what

do you think this have in common the

reason why they're so important friends

because they're gonna change the texture

of things

and remember the texture is a conductor

of lever so very important to

concentrate on texture that's why those

tools are important let's put them aside

because I got so many things more things

to show you my friends so let's put

those sides aside okay I put them here

now let's talk about uh oh this door too

we can take this aside right there and

knife I already made a video on the

right knife to do for philosophy that

didn't see it I'll make a quick okay

this is a honing tool very important to

have it's still it's not a sharpener

it's a honing tool I have still have to

make that video on how to Sharp the

knife and I'm doing it so maybe by the

time we do this video in the next few

weeks after that the video on how to

Sharp the knife is Gonna Come chef's

knife very important this is probably

the most important tools in the kitchen

you use that the most and we have those

back those are fabulous this is a a

it's an amazing knife it replaces the

serrated knife when I did the video on

the knife they didn't have any more so I

didn't talk about it because I didn't

want you to be looking for it but they

got him back this is an offset daily

slice so this is

so many of my friends favorite knife I

give it to them with Christmas gifts and

they go well that knife you gave us is

one of the famous nights I'll absolutely

love it boning knife must have it to

clean chicken to clean beef and and

paring knife so you really five knife

you can do a lot with five nights now I

know I gotta draw food of it and I use a

lot of them but you don't need more than

five nights okay when you become a

really really good cook then you get

more don't forget also friends to get a

scissors a scissors then you can cut

things with and you can wash them you

see they take them apart very important

okay then measuring cups You're gonna

say I got one measuring up this is for

Wet This is for dry very important you

do both of them okay because it's much

easier to use both of them so we're not

going to talk too much about that scale

most important a lot of recipe today are

in grams or milliliters this is going to

help you to do it so a good scale is

very important and this is a quick quick

introduction spatula my friend make sure

you get them not rubber

silicone silicone can take a lot of heat

and one of the most important tool my

friends

scraper

very important you get a scraper okay

you know what I do I keep it right here

and then it's my cutting board you see I

hope the camera can catch it how I do it

let me put this out of here look you see

I put him right here why is it good like

that cutting board get the biggest

cutting board you can get my friends

because it's so much more fun so much

more enjoyable to cook with a big

cutting board and you hear a lot of

people tell you put a wet towel

underneath don't do that don't put a wet

towel underneath your cutting board my

friends you because wet is the enemy of

this guy we don't want to leave water

here at all time you get one of those

guys you see you get those you put in

the bottom of your drawers and you get

those everywhere everywhere everywhere

they cost nothing they come in a roll

you put them in here like this and look

you see look boom boom you see it

doesn't move when you get a cutting

board for instance two sides usually two

recorder a cutting board a flat side and

one of those side the the one with the

with the draining thing this is great

when you're doing a roast when you're

doing a chicken when you got a lot of

juice because if you have one of those

if you do this and you have a lot of

juice you know what juice is going to go

right all over your kitchen however you

come to and this way it'll go right in

that channel over there so it's

important when you get a cutting ball

make sure yeah and then

treat them correctly my friends don't

forget to sanitize them and also don't

forget to put some wood oil in it uh I

forgot the name of it it's a

um I forgot the name I forget things

these days mineral oil

don't be putting some olive oil in there

because a lot of people they put cooking

oil on there oh don't do that mineral

oil okay and you should do it at least

two or three times a year all right and

now friends let's talk about the pots

there's so many parts you can get that

there one recommendation if I may

friends if you're going to buy stainless

steel which you really should have

stainless steel because it's the best

cookware to have is still in steel it

really really is it's easy to clean it's

uh it doesn't interfere with the flavor

of the food aluminum not so good

aluminum I don't like aluminum but let's

not talk about that if you want to get a

part of my friends you want to make sure

you get at least a three-ply those are

seven ply those are

fantastic but three to five ply at least

my friends they know they're more

expensive but they will last you a

lifetime I promise you they will last

you a lifetime this part right there and

you're looking at is at least 25 30

years old they all have 25 30 years old

and and I'm pretty they're brand new

you're going to say how do you keep them

clean you know what I do every time I

clean them every time I use them I clean

and I make sure I'm everywhere and I

Ajax it and an injection or comment

don't worry about it so you're gonna

scratch them big deal if you Squatch

them

they're cooking they're not like uh you

know know they're not a piece of art

you're putting somewhere they're cooking

tools and look after a while they don't

shine anymore but they look really cool

so this is a regular saucepan this is a

reduction saucepan I use it all the time

if you're gonna fold the two of them

fabulous and a good stainless steel fry

pan my friend you gotta get a good

stainless steel fry pan this one's got

to be 35 years old I use it all the time

to cook a steak in it to cook a chicken

and it's fabulous cast iron pan they're

wonderful uh and you can have different

size they're not expensive we're gonna

do a video on how to keep them clean

because if you don't take care of them

properly they're gonna rust on you we'll

do a video on that nonstick cookware a

lot of controversy about nonstick

cookware some people don't like it

because they uh they release some Teflon

stem those are not Teflon I love them uh

it's a brand and I've used it for a long

time it's called wall and uh I think

it's made in Germany I'm not sure I

think it's Germany or Belgium and uh and

they're fabulous so you need a non-stick

you know for your fish for your eggs for

delicate things then then stick usually

to those span so it's up to you but I

like it cast iron oh gosh now you gotta

have a good cast iron friend in this

part you're looking over there it has to

be 40 years old 40 50 years old maybe

and uh and it's a fabulous part they you

can't hurt them you can't hurt them and

again I do the same thing I clean them

with Ajax if they sticks in the bottom

this is not non-stick this is the normal

cast iron more I use it softer it gets

so don't be afraid to scrub them and

scrub them the way the reason why I like

the stop this is stub it's called stop

the brain and the reason why I like

those my friends is because they got

those little nipples right here and you

wonder what are these nipples for they

redistribute the moisture so when you

pick when you're making a stew and

you're cooking it in the oven and you

lift it up you'll see it's all wet in

here it redistribute the moisture evenly

on top of it so it's really important

otherwise all the water or the liquid is

going to be in here and it goes on the

side but this redistributes correctly

it's the only one that has that I

believe the stub so it's a great part if

you got the expensive but the one in

your lifetime purchase okay you buy one

of those you never have to buy them

again what else do we need friends and

like I said

I'm skipping a lot of stuff but this

idea essential if you can't afford them

they're wonderful

silicone brush my friends silicon French

are we okay with a camera here Jack

you're good silicone brush This Is

Amazing by the way this this a few years

ago at the house where a Chicago show

like five six ten years ago I don't

remember they won the gadget of the Year

this is a fabulous brush for barbecue it

picks you up like a quarter cup of sauce

you put in it's wonderful and I I always

buy my brushed silicone when I see

people cooking with a painting brush

mommy those are plastic or nylon or

something so they're gonna melt if you

want a nice little uh after test of an

island in your food or maybe but

otherwise silicone okay five six hundred

degrees don't we know we gotta get

tongue okay and those are the must must

have I love those because they close

like that oops they close there's a

really good tongue wooden spoon I got a

whole collection of wooden spoon they're

great in the bottom of a pot I love them

they're wonderful

um thermometer friends

oh you know I forgot one kind of

thermometer also the oven thermometers

um I forgot to take this one out where

there is the the little box right there

I tell you what I'm gonna do friends I'm

gonna go real quick and I'm gonna go get

it because it's a must for you ever

friends this sister is so important one

and I can't believe I forgot to put it

in you're going to say what do I need

three thermometer for well you don't

really need three thermometer but you

need one of those this is very important

you're doing a roast uh you're doing a

turkey you're doing a chicken you put

this in the chicken just in a roast this

and whatever it is you have uh and and

you tell the the thermometer okay tell

me when it's 120 degrees so I can go do

my business in the house and it'll tell

me at 120 degrees

you check it out and you take it out and

you don't worry about it it's wonderful

I love it and so you put this in a

turkey

or whatever the roast whatever you do is

you put this on the outside and don't

worry about the wine it's made to go in

the oven you put this on the outside of

your oven I say that carefully because

somebody put it in the oven

it's not for the oven this is for the

outside of the oven you'd be surprised

so so we have it right there instant

read thermometer there's many instant

read thermometer okay and as I tell all

the time you know you can buy one of

those for 20 bucks or you can buy a

fancy one for a hundred bucks

and what's the difference between the

two of them this one is faster

so uh I always tell that because it's

true it's faster is it better no I

promise you you hold by you hold both of

them in your hand and you read and you

go wow I'll be surprised exactly the

same rating on both of them you see this

one says 90 this one say 88 I guess it's

not exactly the same but

um I I have to put them at the same

place but this one goes faster three

seconds you get a reading this one a 10

second you get a reading so if you have

an extra three second to say to to spare

you save 70 bucks 80 bucks it's up to

you they both works the same

digital I mean a instant read

thermometer really important you want to

know temperature the oil temperature of

your butter temperature of your pan you

check it out it should be 365 before you

put the oil in there okay right so

digital thermometer very important I

love those they're not expensive and

this brand is fantastic because it reads

the oil temperature not all of them read

through the oil temperature so it's very

important all right another quick thing

and then I'm almost done my friends

cookie sheets need a lot of cookie

sheets I love them you can have them and

also make sure if you're going to get

one one day you got to get one where you

can put a rack on it so you can put the

rack on it so when you when you you take

something out of the oven you don't want

to get saggy in the bottom you put it on

the rack or when you're doing meat when

you're putting your your New York strip

in a refrigerator for overnight so you

get a nice crust the next day you put

them on a rack like this so there's air

then circulate get different size cookie

sheets and then to finish that's it my

friends I know there is a lot more uh

but I wanted to make a quick little

introduction because so many of you have

asked me what do we need in the kitchen

do you need all of it no but start with

a few of them and remember whatever you

buy my friends buy quality they last you

a lifetime I promise you you're buying

an expensive part an expensive white

paint what happened two years later

three years later they walk they touch

they they're not the same quality

they're they don't work the same good

quality pot will last you a lifetime my

friends if you want more information

remember to write a comment and we'll be

happy to answer it thanks for watching

and I hope you enjoy the video

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