18 Kitchen Gadgets Professional Chefs Say You Absolutely Need To Have

4. A Non-Stick Pan

A non-stick pan is an essential in every kitchen, especially since it can make the life of a beginner or home cook a lot easier. But Nitahara says you don’t need an entire non-stick cooking range, that one or two would do just fine. “[Even just] one non-stick pan might be good if you do a lot of egg cookery,” she says. And since you’re only buying a couple, you can ensure that they’re best quality that you can afford.

5. Cast-Iron Pan

Along with a non-stick pan, you’ll also want to get yourself a cast-iron pan. It’s the best piece of equipment for even heat distribution. “If you’re trying to caramelize the surface of something, which really develops flavor in something like a piece of red meat or poultry, [a cast-iron pan is] the best sort of go-to thing,” says Sexton.

Not only are cast-iron pans inexpensive, they can last literally forever (if you know how to take care of them). You just need to ”season” them often, which is to add lubricant to the pans to ensure the food doesn’t stick to it.

6. Stainless Steel Pots & Pans

Sexton and Nitahara both recommend that most of your cookware should be stainless steel. They say that this is because stainless steel has better conduction, and it will last you a long time. “They’re a little harder to wash, a little heavier, but they’re going to last longer,” says Nitahara.

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