As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, 2020 may not be the best year for corporate workers. However, it may be the best year to spend quality time in your kitchen, experimenting with all the interesting recipes you have never had time to prepare. But without the right kitchen tools, cooking restaurant-grade meals at home is easier said than done. So, here are the top five cooking essentials that are worth investing in if you want to make your stay-at-home life a delight to watch in the kitchen.

1. Cast iron skillet

Image Credit

It’s a strong and steady kitchen essential that withstands extreme amounts of heat and can be used conveniently on many surfaces. You can use the cast iron skillet to grill steaks and bake delicious country biscuits. An investment in a cast iron skillet is profitable for generations since it can last for 75-years if you take good care of it. It also retains your seasoning and doesn’t leave grill marks.

2. Premium knife set & sharpener

Your kitchenware collection may be incomplete if you don’t own a sharp knife. And cutting your meat and other ingredients doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you have a reliable set of kitchen knives. Apply very little effort, and you can cut even more. Also, high-quality knives will speed up the time it takes you to prepare your favorite dish. So, spend more time eating with your family and friends because your 5-star rated knives have got your back.

3. Spice grinder

This handy must-have kitchen essential will help you grind your spices effortlessly. Unlock the myriad of flavors and aromatics that are buried in your spices by using a grinder to your advantage. Switching to whole spices is a given; your pantry will still maintain its freshness. And even though the spice grinder is just a small device, it can greatly transform your recipes beyond your imagination. 

4. Cutting board

A premium cutting board offers you a convenient wood surface to do your cuttings. This should be on your bucket list if you are the chief chef of your home, and the little ones, especially, are always looking forward to their next meal.

5. Baking steel

Image Credit

It’s a cool extra essential item for your kitchen. Pizza lovers will feel accomplished if they grab high-quality baking steel since they have good thermal conductivity properties. The problem with conventional ovens is that they can’t withstand high temperatures in the range of 500-550°F. Baking steels surpass that range by almost two times, meaning that you can create your perfect mouth-watering pizzas and bread loaves without any heat barrier. Make sure your efforts are not in vain by learning how to keep bread fresh for the long term.
The bottom line is that cooking by yourself is one of the best lockdown ideas to consider. A U.S agricultural department estimated that it costs millennials roughly $2,921 to dine out a whole year. Unfortunately, the more you dine outside, the more you empty your savings account. Meanwhile, overly processed restaurant meals can also compromise your health. So, invest in the above kitchen essentials and be on top of everything related to your kitchen.

______________________________________________________________________________

This is a contributed post