If you are planning to cook a nice meal for your love ones, the ultimate kitchen cheat sheet will help you all the way. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, everyone loves cooking. Especially when you have your whole family to help you with the preparation up until you serve those mouth-watering foods, everyone seems to enjoy it. And who wouldn’t when eating is our guilty pleasure.
No matter what we’re going through, food comforts us. It’s our getaway to leave all our problems behind for a moment and just enjoy those delicious foods. Comfort foods are our way to somehow reduce the stress and feel better; they’re great for coping so we turn to them to release our negative feelings.
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Kitchen Cheat Sheet (2018 Edition)
There’s so much we need to know about cooking, from the correct measurements, methods, and preparations. So for new cooks and aspiring chefs, tips about food are share here to give you the best kitchen experience.
The info graphics below will serve as the Ultimate Kitchen Cheat Sheet (2018 Edition) that will help you with kitchen tricks and tips. Find tips on how you can enjoy a freshly boiled, steamed, sauteed, baked, and roasted veggies. What is the perfect meat cut for grilling? How long can you keep your foods on refrigerator before you start throwing them away? What are the simple ingredients for great marinade that can level up your dishes? What are the exact time on different cooking methods? Make you sure to remember these recommendations to help you in your cooking and impress your loved ones with different dishes you wish to cook.
Vegetables Cooking Time
Aside from having a fit and sexy body, being healthy is more important. Eating right is different from eating less. Most of us want to lose weight fast and so our best remedy is to eat less. But what they don’t know is that eating healthier food or proper diet and exercise are the keys to achieve our body and health goals.
Vegetables are load with vitamins and minerals that are good for our bodies. So to be healthy, we need to eat lots of vegetables. But vegetables can be boring if they are not cook or season properly. There are so many ways to cook veggies, from savory, sweet, and spicy. The picture below shows the vegetables cooking time and some recommendations for you.
Meat Cuts
Cutting raw meat is a skill that only the professionals have. Although it can be learn, it may take a while to have a perfect slice of meat. Raw meat is soft and gelatinous that makes it harder to work with especially when you’re trying to get same sizes for everyone.
There are lots of meat shops around the world that are available to serve you perfect cuts of meat. All you need to do now is to cook them. The picture below shows different cuts of meat and ways to cook them.
Food Storage Time
Storing foods in refrigerator and freezer is important to stop bacteria from spreading. Those bacteria can lead to food poisoning and other diseases so it is highly advisable to put the foods in a clean and sealed container.
Foods like raw meats, leftovers, and has expiration date should be placed in the freezer to avoid being spoil. You can keep them stored in the freezer for a long time as long as it stays frozen the whole time. And if you’re defrosting them, make sure to use clean plates, utensils, and hands to stop spreading bacteria. The picture below shows the refrigerator and freezer storage timetable.
The Formula for Good Marinade
In bringing the natural flavors of meats, marinating it is a great idea; just does it properly can guarantee a pleased and satisfied people. There is no specific set time to marinate a meat. You can let it sit for as early as 10 minutes or as late as 24 hours. Generally speaking, the longer you marinate the meat, the higher the chance that you get the full effect of the flavors. But 24 hours is the longest, more than that can affect the texture of the meat.
The formula for a good marinade contains fat, acid, and seasonings. It is simple right? Just make sure marinate the meat in a clean container that is well-covered or sealed to avoid leaks and bacteria. The picture below shows a variation of simple marinade for chicken that you can also try to other meat too.
Cooking Method
In order to get the food that you’re craving, you must learn how to choose the right method to cook it. Cooking the right way affects every aspect of your food; aroma, taste, and texture. You have to make sure that you follow the procedures to get the final product perfect.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for other people, learning the basic is a must. If you mastered these cooking methods then you can now start experimenting with flavors. And maybe one day you’ll create a dish of your own. The picture below shows the basic cooking methods.
Despite how easy it looks, cooking is not just about throwing every ingredient in a pan, turn the heat up, and waits for the magic to happen. It will take some time for you to learn the proper ways of cooking and these kitchen cheat sheet is just the right help for you whenever you feel in doubt. Just follow these simple tips to make your cooking fun and easy.
Now that you already know the basic kitchen rules, why not put it to a test and start cooking. Another way to make you cook like a pro is to choose the best pots and pans in the market. Cookware sets come at different designs and prices, what you need to take note first is its quality. And if you really love to cook, then you need to be ready to invest in cookware that can last long.
Top 10 Cookware Sets
In deciding what cookware set to buy, you should know its material. It’s important to choose a cookware set that is made with excellent heat conductor so whatever food you’re cooking, you are certain that the heat is evenly distributed. Let me help you find the best kitchen tools by giving you the top 10 cookware sets.
It is a whole set of elegant cookware that provides the best heat diffusion and very durable. Every pieces is easy to clean and comfortable to hold even if it’s larger than other cookware. It includes an 8 inch and 10 inch Fry Pan, 5-quart Deep Sauté Pan and Lid, 1 1/2-quart, 2-quart, and 3-quart Sauce Pan w/ Lid, and 8-quart Stock Pot w/ Lid.
Tramontina 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set is induction-ready that offers an excellent variation of products for frying, boiling, and other cooking methods. It is designed to withstand repeated usage and can last for years. Manufacturers combined European style with finest material and high standards to give you an ideal cookware set for home and professional cooks.
The exterior of Cuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set is brushed stainless with the pure aluminum core in the middle layer for a superior heating performance. The pots and pans have handles that are designed with thumb rest for an easy grip and tapered rims to avoid mess when pouring contents. It is also made of the same material so it will stay cool while cooking.
Cuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set includes 1.5-qt and 3-qt saucepan with lid, 8-inch and 10-inch fry pan, 3.5-qt sauté pan with lid, 8-qt stockpot with lid, and a steamer inserts with lid. This cookware set is safe for dishwasher and oven that is up to 500°F.
One of the most popular cookware set that is affordable is the Cuisinart 77-7 Chef’s Classic Stainless 7-Piece Cookware Set. This cookware set is made of mirror finished stainless steel that has a classic style. The heat is quickly absorbed and is evenly distributed because of it pure aluminum base. The rims are all tapered and the lids are made of stainless steel.
Cuisinart 77-7 Chef’s Classic Stainless 7-Piece Cookware Set has a tight fit lid to make sure that flavors of the food are locked inside. Also, handles that vary in size has a different purpose; short handles have a wide design for better grip and long handles have contoured design for coolness. This 7-piece set includes 10-inch skillet, 1.5-quart and 3-quart covered saucepan, and 8-quart covered stockpot.
With its classic style and extraordinary performance make All-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece set famous in All-Clad’s stainless collection. Every piece is made essential for cooking and is an ideal day-to-day cookware. It is also perfect as a gift to someone who loves cooking; they will surely appreciate it knowing that this set is constructed for a lifetime use.
All-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set features sleek, polished, and has an industrial style stainless steel exterior. It includes 8- inch and 10-inch fry pans, 2- quarts and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 3 quarts sauté pan with lid, and 8-quart stockpot with lid. The handles are long and riveted made to stay cool, easy-grip, and provide stability. All pieces are induction-compatible and are oven, broiler, and dishwasher safe.
Coated with hard-anodized aluminum from outside to inside, Anolon Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set is a safe metal utensil. You can use a spoon to scrape your foods directly to the pan without damaging it. The glass lids are shatter-resistant to retain heat and moisture.
Anolon Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set is also safe when it comes to cooking in the oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The handles are made soft for easy grasp and are dual riveted for a strong grasp. The set includes a 12-inch covered deep skillet, 1 1/2- and 3-quart covered saucepans, 8 1/2-inch open, 8-quart covered stockpot skillet, and 3-quart covered sauté pan.
If you’re looking for a cookware set that is budget-friendly, Cook N Home 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set is the one for you. This 12-piece set is perfect for your new kitchen or just another set in your collection. The pieces are made from polished stainless steel, tempered glass lids, and encapsulated bottom for an even heating. The lids are made glass for your convenience in checking if the food is cooked without lifting it.
Cook N Home 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set includes 1.5 quart saucepan with lid, 1.5 quart casserole with lid, 2-quart and 3-quart casserole with lid, a 5.5 quart stock pot with lid, and a 10-inch frying pan with a lid. This set can work in any cooktop and is oven safe up to 350 degrees. Handles are also riveted to secure a long-lasting use.
This color set of cookware will surely bring happiness to you cook lovers as Rachael Ray Hard Enamel Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set is available in different colors. If you want to make your guests full and smile, this set is made for you. It comes with a variation of colors like orange, purple, green, blue, and red. All pieces have a nonstick interior and an exterior of hard enamel, rubberized hand grip, and glass lids.
Rachael Ray Hard Enamel Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set is very safe for oven over 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This set includes a 1-quart and 2-quart saucepan with lid, a 6-quart stockpot with lid, a 3-quart sauté pan with lid, and 8.5-inch and 10-inch skillets. This cookware is advisable to wash using your hands to protect its color and will remain bright for years.
Being the best ceramic cookware in the market, T-fal Initiatives 14-Piece Nonstick Ceramic Cookware is the newest nonstick coating cookware that is PTFE and PFOA free. The pieces are made of heavy gauge aluminum to be used in different types of stove. This is an oven-safe set up to 350 degrees, 570 degrees for stovetop, and should be hand washed.
T-fal Initiatives 14-Piece Nonstick Ceramic Cookware set includes a 7.5-inch and 11-inch frying pan with lid, 1-quart saucepan with lid, 2-quart sauce pot with lid, 5-quart Dutch oven with lid, and a mini frying pan. It also comes with nylon tools like spoons and spatulas.
Cast iron is the original nonstick cookware. Lodge L5HS3 5-Piece Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Cookware Set is the best cast iron cookware set on the market. All pieces are pre-seasoned and can be used in all types of cooktop including on the grill. Although they are oven-safe and even on campfires, these set is not dishwasher-safe.
Lodge L5HS3 5-Piece Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Cookware Set includes a 10.5 inch round griddle, an 8-inch skillet, a 10.25 inch skillet, a 5-quart Dutch oven, and a lid that fits both the Dutch oven and the large skillet. It’s a handy and less expensive compared with other cookware sets.
The perfect starter set for small kitchens is the Farberware Cookware Set. Made from aluminum, all pieces have nonstick interior and a clear glass lid so anyone can peek at what you’re cooking without creating a future mess. It was made for an even cooking without making the foods burn with comfortable rubber handles and double rivet for strength.
Farberware Cookware Set includes a 5-quart Dutch oven, 8-inch skillet, 10-inch covered skillet, 2-quart and 1-quart saucepan with lid, medium cookie pan, slotted turner, slotted spoon, solid spoon, pasta fork, and ladle. The whole set is safe for oven up to 350 degrees, but it is not compatible with induction cooktops and not dishwasher safe.
As they say, cookware is the cornerstone of one’s kitchen. Cookware set makes our kitchen complete. People are enjoying buying cookware set because they believe that it is a lot cheaper than buying individually. It may be true, but have you ever notice that most of them are quite smaller than other individual pans and pots? And the result, it will slow you down in cooking.
According to the vice president of culinary and pastry arts at the International Culinary center, cookware sets are often the pieces that that doesn’t have exact sizes like skillets, saucepans, and stockpots. Although this might be true, cookware set is people are still patronizing it. Most especially home cooks who are not so picky when it comes to utensils, as long as it gives the convenience that they need.
Conclusion
Cookware set has every pan and pots you need for your kitchen.
Buying cookware set gives you all the pots and pans you need on a daily basis. It comes with different prices, from the high-end chef’s quality up to the home cook’s budget-wise utensils. A cookware set costs less than individual pieces and it also adds uniformity in your kitchen which is really nice to look at.
In finding the right cookware set for you, you should always take into consideration the size of your kitchen. If you’re a shopaholic and buys ever pans and pots you wish to have, then your kitchen will look like a garage sales. So before going to market to buy your new cookware set, you might want to ask yourself these questions:
Why do you need to buy cookware set?
It’s your personal choice if you have plenty of money to buy what you want but to be wise, make sure that you really need new cookware before you spend your cash.
What cookware material is best for you?
Cookware is made from a variety of materials; it can be stainless steel, pure aluminum, ceramic, and cast iron. Pick what’s best for your stove; you have to know what’s suit for induction type, electric, gas stove, etc.
How many pieces do you need?
To make sure that you will use every pans and pot included in the cookware set analyze if you cook a lot or rarely cook. It will be a waste of money if you’ll but cookware set if you only need one or two pans or pots.
Once you have answered all these three questions then you might want to consider these Top 10 Cookware Sets to choose from.
In My Opinion
I personally suggest the Tramontina 12-Piece Tri-Ply Cookware Set be your number one choice. From several tests conducted, aside from being durable and distributes the heat evenly within the pans or pots surface, Tramontina is the most versatile. It allows people to finished more cooking tasks with its large sizes cookware compared to other sets. The handles are very comfortable and easy to hold.
Also, Tramontina is the only cookware that offered both 10-inch and 12-inch skillets. The larger sizes can provide you more cooking surface area so you won’t hesitate to invite all your family and friends think if you’ll cook enough for them. Other skillets are smaller than Tramontina’s, so they need to cook food per batch. It also stand among other as it is the only cookware set in the product test that offers a 12-quart stockpot.
So if you are a family of more than 5 persons, then Tramontina 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set is the one for you. Cooking using this cookware will give you a great experience whether you’re a professional chef or a beginner home cook. Theirs is no doubt that you will enjoy using this cookware because of its overall package and advantage. Have fun cooking!
Start cooking and share your experience in the comment box. Good luck!
