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So you’re at a time in your life that you are living alone, you may have just become single or you have always been alone. It may be that you have lived alone and never really cooked but with the cost of living its becoming more expensive to buy ready made meals.
What ever reason you want to start cooking for yourself you need the correct cooking equipment for one. You may ask why its different appliance and equipment for singletons, we answer all your questions below.
The Reason You Need Different Cooking Equipment When Cooking For One
- Efficiency: The right cooking equipment ensures that you can prepare meals efficiently. It allows you to easily handle and cook ingredients in appropriate quantities, reducing waste and saving time.
- Portion control: Cooking for one often involves preparing smaller portions. Having the right-sized pots, pans, and utensils helps you accurately measure and cook the desired amount of food, preventing overcooking or wastage.
- Versatility: Well-chosen equipment gives you the flexibility to prepare various dishes. A versatile skillet, for example, can be used for sautéing, frying, and even baking certain items. This adaptability allows you to experiment with different recipes and cuisines, keeping your meals interesting and varied.
- Convenience: Proper equipment makes cooking for one more convenient. It simplifies tasks like chopping, slicing, and mixing, making the process easier and more enjoyable. It also ensures you have the tools for specific cooking methods, such as a smoothie blender or a microwave-safe dish for quick heating.
- Safety: The correct equipment promotes safety in the kitchen. Using the appropriate tools reduces the risk of accidents or injuries while handling hot surfaces, sharp knives, or heavy pots and pans. It also helps you refrain from using makeshift alternatives that may not be safe or efficient.
Investing in the right cooking equipment can create a well-equipped kitchen tailored to your needs, making the cooking process smoother, more enjoyable, and safer.
Frying Pans For One
Frying Pans
I was lucky to find my mini frying pan 14cm, its copper and also non stick. Never found another one like it. I use this for frying a single egg, potato rösti and to reheat my frozen taco meat. I also have a 20cm copper frying pan which gets really hot and is great for searing steaks
Saucepans For Single Cooks
Saucepans for Singletons
Firstly I have a small 10cm pan mainly for making sauces or for heating a potion of frozen peas. Next I have a 14cm saucepan that I do most other veg in. Then I have a 17cm cast iron saucepan which I cook shin of beef recipes because its heat efficient. Up next is my 19cm Prestige saucepan for cooking pasta in, I found this in a charity shop. Lastly I have a 26cm saucepan to cook stock and batch freezer meals. Ideally they should have lids so the save time and energy.
A good place to get good budget saucepans is Ikea, you can also try the charity shops.
Knives
Essential Knifes
Of course you need knifes no matter how many you are cooking for, think of a good knife as an investment. I was gifted a Global knife around 10 years ago and it is still as sharp as the day it was made. You will need a small vegetable knife, a chef knife, bread knife and a filleting knife. I bought most of mine from Sainsbury’s. I also have a Santako because it well balanced and its the one I use the most.
Don’t buy cheap knifes as you are more likely to cut yourself, I do recommend the mid range knifes at Sainsbury’s, they are well made and balanced. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get quality. Also store the knifes correctly and they will stay sharp for longer.
Electrical Items
Electrical Appliances For One
The most recent purchase has been an air fryer, but I haven’t discovered its true potential as yet.
- Kettle
- Microwave
- Air Fryer
- Toaster
- Hand blender (with chopping )
- Electrical hand mixer
- Slow cooker
Oven Essentials For One
Essential Baking Equipment for One
I use the oven less now I have the air fryer but it still has its uses. I have a large cast iron casserole dish that I bought in France around 35 years ago, today the same dish would cost around £100. If you buy quality and look after it, it will last a lifetime. I use it to cook things like beef short rib (when reduced in price) and then portion it up and keep the cooked meat in the freezer for future meals.
- Cast iron casserole dish
- Flat baking tray
- High sided baking tray
- Loaf tin
- Yorkshire puddings tray (duck egg Yorkshire pudding)
- Flan tin
Essential Utensils
- Wooden spoons: Useful for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Spatula: Ideal for flipping food and scraping pans.
- Tongs: Great for handling hot food and serving.
- Whisk: Essential for beating eggs and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for precise measurements.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing.
Essential Kitchen Gadgets
- Can opener: Useful for opening canned ingredients.
- Vegetable peeler: Handy for peeling fruits and vegetables.
- Grater: Perfect for shredding cheese or grating vegetables.
- Colander: Essential for draining pasta or rinsing vegetables.
- Timer: Helps in keeping track of cooking times.
- Kitchen scale: Useful for accurate ingredient measurements.
Essential Storage Containers
- Food containers with lids: Ideal for storing leftovers or pre-prepared meals.
- Freezer bags: Useful for storing frozen foods or meal preps.
- Mason jars: Versatile for storing sauces, dressings, or leftovers.
Essential Cleaning Supplies
- Dishwashing liquid: Necessary for washing dishes and utensils.
- Sponges or dishcloths: Useful for cleaning countertops and surfaces.
- Kitchen towels: Handy for drying dishes or wiping spills.
- Waste bin and recycling bin: Essential for proper waste disposal.
Happiest in the kitchen feeding the 3 children who are constantly hungry. Lucky enough to have worked in a Pro kitchen on a voluntary basis to learn the tricks of the trade.. Buckinghams The restaurant with one Table. With Chef Nick Buckingham.(RIP)