Being a home chef is a satisfying and rewarding experience, but stocking your kitchen with the essential tools and equipment can be daunting. At Austins Department Store, we are proud to stock a variety of cookware that we know will quickly become your long-term kitchen companions. We've got you covered with a list of essential kitchen items that every home chef needs, whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your current setup.
A sturdy cutting board is an absolute necessity in any kitchen. With its simple, yet well-designed colour coded system of boards, the Joseph Joseph Index Chopping Board has helped chefs reduce cross contamination of their food since its launch. This chopping board set includes a convenient smart storage case as well as four knife-friendly cutting boards that are colour coded and have non-slip feet as well as crumb catching edges.
Any home chef should have a good set of pots and pans. Cooking and baking would be impossible without them. Pots and pans made of stainless steel or hard-anodised aluminium are highly recommended because they are durable and easy to clean. This is why the Stellar - 7000 Stockpot comes highly recommended. This deep saucepan is ideal for large batches of soups and chilli and is large enough to feed the entire family. To help you cook, this deep pan has generous pouring lips and internal measuring guides. Furthermore, it comes with a draining lid with a side straining hole.
A set of baking sheets is a must-have for any chef, and ones made of heavy-duty aluminium, stainless steel, or carbon steel are recommended because they are durable and easy to clean. The Prestige Inspire 35cm Baking Sheet is an excellent choice for your kitchen because it is made of carbon steel and is a nonstick baking sheet, allowing air to circulate around food for greater browning. It also improves nonstick effectiveness by protecting against utensil damage, ensuring that the nonstick lasts.
A kitchen thermometer is an important tool for any home chef. You can ensure that your meal is thoroughly cooked as well as reaching the correct temperature with the Judge Kitchen Digital Thermometer, a simple digital pocket thermometer. It has a wide temperature range and a snap-on cover for easy storage when not in use.
It's important to look for stainless steel measuring cups because they're more durable and easier to clean than others. The Fusion Stainless Steel Measuring Cups are an excellent choice for home chefs because they provide a wide range of measurements as well as a grip handle on each cup, with the metal ring holding all the cups together for easy storage.
A large mixing bowl is an absolute must for any chef. This 4.9L stainless mixing bowl is made of polished food grade stainless steel. It has a large, flat base that acts as a foundation when mixing. It is freezer safe and oven safe up to 240°C due to its stylish encapsulated configuration. Furthermore, it stacks nicely into other bowls, making it ideal for storing, and it is also very easy to clean.
Any chef will appreciate this large stainless steel colander. It allows you to rinse and drain liquid from food once it's cooked. This traditionally styled footed colander from Judge is made of satin stainless steel and is suitable for a variety of tasks. This dishwasher-safe 28cm colander has twin side grips. The colander has a traditional footed bottom to prevent it from rolling off your kitchen counter.
Purchasing these essential kitchen items will make home cooking and baking more enjoyable and efficient. With the right tools, you'll be able to cook like a pro in no time. Explore our whole cookshop here.
