If you’re moving into a new home or doing a kitchen makeover, you better make it right! As it turns out, cooking is the most time-consuming chore. According to a study, the average Brit spends around 253 minutes a week preparing meals in the kitchen. Added up, that’s 439 days of your life!
In this article, we’ll cover some important tips to optimize the time you spend in the kitchen, and hopefully turning that chore into something you look forward to!
Investing in a good set of knives
There are many different types of kitchen knives, but most chefs just stick to two or three. This is possibly the most important tool in any kitchen. A sharp knife gives you more control when you cut, reducing slippage and saving you your fingers!
Look for knives that feel good in your hand with heavier handles for the best grip and control. Professional chef knife sets aren’t all that expensive, so there’s no excuse to go for the cheapest route!
Cleavers too are a great addition to a kitchen. The best cleavers will have you hacking through bone in no time. The broad side can be used for crushing ingredients such as garlic.
Pans
Don’t overwhelm yourself with the many choices of pans. For starters, you should focus on two: saucepans and frying pans.
Ideally, you would want to have two saucepans. A smaller one for sauces, and a larger one for boiling pasta, rice, and so forth. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay suggests looking for a pan with a solid, heavy base so that the heat distributes quickly and evenly.
Frying pans are versatile and a must-have for every kitchen. Whether you’re searing a steak or making a quick omelet, a good frying pan with a thick, heavy base will ensure you’re cooking evenly. Look for a non-stick one, and better if it’s oven-proof.
Box grater and peeler
If you don’t have these two pieces of kitchen equipment, you’re wasting your time in the kitchen. The peeler is used for removing the outer layer, or “skin” of vegetables of fruits. Traditionally, if you were to use a knife, this will take a long time and cause a lot of wastage.
A box grater is super versatile. From super fine to coarse grating, from grating butter to zesting lemons, the grater makes sure that you get a quick and clean job done.
Use lighting that’s inviting
The lighting is just as important as all the equipment and tools I’ve mentioned. Don’t block any windows that allow natural light in. If you have the budget, invest in a lighting design consultant who can work around the tight spaces and give your kitchen a modern, lively, and appealing look.
Obviously, you will need a ceiling light for an overall light pattern. But if your kitchen is small and doesn’t seem to have much space for another conventional lighting, LED strip lighting would be an appropriate option, too.
