BIG COOK,
LITTLE COOK

Building a well-stocked, efficient and functional kitchen is something that takes time. There are the everyday essentials that need occasional replacing, the trendy gadgets that are bought on impulse and the chef-like equipment you one day aspire to own. After all, keeping your kitchen equipped with the proper tools is the first step to a great meal. But as the years go on and our skills in the kitchen grow, so too does our appetite for kitchen equipment. Which only results in our kitchens becoming overcrowded with so many utensils and gadgets that we don’t know what to do with.

So if you’re reading this as you stare at a jam-packed countertop and overflowing cabinets, it’s time to restore order in your kitchen. It doesn’t have to be complicated or laborious either, getting your kitchen in order is simply a matter of being practical and realistic. To help, we’ve identified the key pieces of kit that are fundamental to everyday cooking. And because we know no two kitchens are the same, we’ve even taken the liberty to categorise the kitchen essentials based on size. Keep scrolling for our guide to what every kitchen actually needs.

When you picture your dream kitchen, chances are you imagine double islands with ample cabinet space, long kitchen counters with enough room to host all the gadgets you desire - but in reality, you have got a small kitchen that has a fraction of the space you crave. But just because you're tight on space doesn’t mean you can’t have a functioning kitchen that brings you joy. The trick is to be clever with the gadgets and utensils you buy. Look to multi-functional products like the Braun MultiQuick 9 Hand Blender that chops, pulses, whisks and blends all foods. As for pots and pans, the key is to invest in cookware that will last - and no one does it better than Le Creuset. Their signature cast iron oval casserole dishes can be used on all hob types, in-oven, induction and under-the-grill cooking making it the perfect one-pot-does-all dish. Be smart when it comes to utilising counter space by choosing space-saving kitchenware like the Utensils Nest from Joseph Joseph. Their design allows each utensil to be stacked together and thereby occupying the absolute minimum amount of space and eliminating the need for an additional utensil pot or the problem of having an overflowing drawer full of tangled kitchen tools.

When you’ve space to play with in the kitchen, it can be all too tempting to go overboard on kitchen utensils and gadgets you don’t actually need. And before you know it, you’re left with a cluttered overcrowded space that no longer meets your needs. That’s why it’s important to invest in the kitchenware essentials that work smarter so you don’t have to work harder. In 2022, no home should be without an Air Fryer. These clever gadgets will revolutionize how you cook whilst helping you to make the healthier choice. The Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer from Ninja functions as a multi-purpose kitchen appliance with the ability to roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate and, of course, air fry whilst also having the ability to cook two dishes at once. With counter space to spare, it would be remiss to not dedicate an area to coffee. Whether you’re a latte lover or espresso enthusiast, the De’Longhi Maestosa Bean to Cup machine allows you to prepare whatever coffee your heart desires at the touch of a button. As for cookware, you’re going to want to invest in the basic three: a frying pan, casserole dish and wok. SMEG, the classic Italian brand of retro appliances fame has brought its bold hues and sleek design to a full line of pots and pans. The result? A cookware collection you’d feel proud to take from oven to tabletop.