Preparation Gadgets

• Preparing your meal may require the assistance of several kitchen gadgets. Measuring cups and spoons help ensure you're using the correct amount of ingredients. A can opener will, obviously, open cans, while several 1-cup bowls can serve as holding vessels to keep your countertops tidy. A sturdy set of cutting boards in various sizes, a sharp Santoku or chef's knife and kitchen shears are all you need to chop, slice and dice ingredients. A sharpener extends the life of your knife and ensures a perfect cut every time. A box grater or vegetable peeler helps slice and shred cheese and vegetables.
  
  

Cooking Gadgets

• Cooking employs another set of kitchen gadgets. A sturdy pot or saucepan is ideal for soups, stews and sauces. A frying pan with 1-inch sides can be used for deep frying and cooking. Rubber and wooden spatulas, a slotted and regular serving spoon and wire whisks can assist you in your cooking process. Tongs and a metal spatula let you turn or remove food from your pans, while a mesh colander strains food quickly. A potato masher or hand mixer should be kept on hand for combining ingredients quickly and efficiently.
  
  

Baking Gadgets

• Baking requires many of the gadgets listed in the previous sections, plus a few items with special purposes. A thermometer to test for cooking completion is essential whether you're cooking meat or cherry pies. A hand-held juicer allows you to squeeze fresh juice into your creations, while a microplane grater works for shredding both hard and soft ingredients, from fresh nutmeg to chocolate. Cookie sheets in a variety of sizes make baking cookies, cakes, meat and fruit pies simple. Cooling racks keep your countertops safe from hot pans and pots coming from the oven. Always remove hot objects with an oven-safe mitt and holder.
  
  

Serving and Storage Gadgets

• Serving bowls and platters in a variety of sizes create a nice presentation while serving a functional purpose. You can use a divided tray with three to six slots for vegetables or toppings during a meal. Have plenty of serving spoons and forks on hand, as well as plastic storage containers with lids for keeping leftovers. You can store any unused onion or garlic pieces in an onion keeper in your refrigerator, while fresh herbs can be saved in an herb keeper, which features aerating holes to prevent the ingredients from spoiling quickly.