Your First Kitchen

Tongs

Need to fish something out of a pot of boiling water or flip a steak over on the grill? You need a pair of tongs. Look for tongs that are long enough for your purposes (we recommend 12 inches) and have a locking mechanism so they stay closed while stored. Although you can find tongs made of plastic and wood, tongs crafted from metal are the strongest and most versatile.

Spatula

Spatulas are great for gently mixing and blending ingredients and for scraping food from the sides of a bowl. Look for spatulas that are long enough to reach deep into bowls, bottles, and cans and have a sturdy but pliable head that will allow you to get into deep, tight crevices. If you plan to sauté with it or use it in high-heat environments, purchase one that is made of heat-resistant materials so it won't melt or burn your hand.

Colander

伟大的面食和清洗蔬菜的消耗,the colander needs to withstand both hot and cold temperature extremes. You want a colander that has sloped sides and holes all over the surface so liquids can drain quickly. Look for sturdy handles, as well as feet that elevate the colander from the pool of escaping liquid so your food can drain faster. A colander also works nicely as a fruit basket that you can leave out in the open.

Salt & Pepper Mills

It used to be that you didn't give much thought to salt and pepper, and the only place where you really saw freshly ground pepper and salt was in a restaurant. But now, salt and pepper have risen above their once-lowly stations, as evidenced by the proliferation of salt and pepper mills. Consider the size of the mills and the ease of operation, whether you want to use them with just one hand, two hands, or even get one that's electrically operated. As with any product, there is a wide price range, from as low as $5 for a disposable grinder found in the spice/baking section of your market to more expensive models that can cost $90 for just one mill. Other aspects to consider: Is the coarseness of the grind adjustable? How easy or difficult is it to clean? If you don't care whether your salt and pepper are freshly cracked and ground, then just go straight for shakers that you can refill with already-ground salt and pepper.

温度计

Seeing isn't always believing: All stovetops and ovens perform differently, so trying to gauge the doneness of a dish just by sight—or touch, or smell, or even a timer—isn't easy. That's where a food thermometer comes into play. Whether you like your steaks done medium-rare or need your turkey to be thoroughly roasted, a food thermometer that measures the internal temperature of your meat and poultry will take the guess work out of cooking. Look for thermometers that are "instant-read" and have a higher-end range of at least 200°F. And while a basic food thermometer does the job well, fancier models —like a programmable digital model with remote moniter—may appeal to the gadget-lover.

Oven Mitts

Oven mitts protect your hands, wrists, and arms from the scorching heat of the pot on the stove and the broiler in the oven. There are different styles, from the minimalist versions that only partially cover the hands to ones that extend well beyond your forearms. Cloth mitts may not be as heat-resistant as the newer silicone ones, but they tend to be easier to bend and grab containers with. It's best to try them on before purchasing. If you don't plan on storing the mitts in a drawer, look for those with a loop for hanging. Plan on owning at least a pair.

Storage

Space, especially in a small kitchen, always poses a dilemma. Whether you have loads of leftovers, you need to store a bunch of dried goods, or you just have a lot of stuff, organization is a must. Look for shapes that are easy to nest when not in use, and for sturdy containers that will hold up well over time.

Prices and availability subject to change.