Your wedding wish list is an opportunity to fill your kitchen with the objects you desire. Take stock of your kitchen equipment, what you would like to replace, how you cook and eat and then choose wisely. Choose items in high, mid and low price ranges. Small items like measuring spoons and utensils are ideal for kitchen teas and for guests who cannot afford an expensive gift.
steel the show
COOKWARE
Quality cookware is a lifetime investment. Not only does it last longer but it also performs better. Good quality cookware is designed to make cooking more enjoyable. The cookware available at The Homestore has all been selected for quality, aesthetics, functionality and the following benefits:
- No warping
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Even heat distribution
- More efficient cooking
- Pouring rims
- Oven proof
- Stay cool handles
- Wide range of pieces available
When selecting cookware think about how you cook and what kind of care is required (ie copper and non stick cookware needs more care, so don't choose these items if you want to just throw everything in the dishwasher.)
Tips: at The Homestore we believe you need different cookware for different jobs. Cookware is made from lots of different materials - here is a helpful guide to the properties & care needed for the diverse range of cookware.
Speciality
Fish poacher/kettle
Asparagus steamer
Egg poacher
Pressure cooker
Crepe pan
prep school
KITCHENWARE
Basic prep and serving tools
Utensils and prep tools are something that you use all the time for cooking and serving. There can be quite a difference in price depending on brand, where they are made, the quality of steel and the manufacturing process.
Use your common sense when selecting items, if it is a tool you will only use now and again, you can choose a cheaper good quality product ie 18/10 utensil made in Indonesia (This item is still good quality steel, is rust resistant and dishwasher safe, but because it is made in the East, the labour costs are cheaper.)
If it is an item that needs to perform and you will use regularly, choose investment pieces that will stand the test of time. Also consider whether the items will be on show. If yes, aesthetics and design will become more important. Choose either stainless steel or non stick/silicone prep tools depending on your type of cookware.
Suggestions:
Slotted spoon
Serving spoon
Pasta spoon
Slotted turner
Solid turner
Skimmer
Tongs
Fork
Pizza cutter
Whisk
Vegetable peeler
Sieve
Grater - traditional or microplane
Colander
Can opener
Garlic press
Kitchen scissors
Basic baking tools
Baking is something people either love or hate. Baking requires accuracy in measuring, mixing and weighing ingredients, so if you are a keen baker make sure you choose items that will do the job.
Suggestions
Basics
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups/jug
Wooden spoon
Spatula - silicone
Pastry brush - traditional or silicone
Kitchen scales - electronic or mechanical
Mixing bowls
Bakeware - cake tin, loaf pan, quiche pan, muffin pan, friand pan
Silicone baking sheets
Sifter
Whisk - flat, balloon, egg (wire or silicone)
Ceramic pie weights
Speciality cooks tools
Mezzaluna
Mortar & pestle
Cooks torch
Bain marie
Bassine
Baster
Oven thermometer
Candy thermometer
Potato ricer
Salad spinner
Double boiler
Kitchen timer
Mandolin
Poultry shears
Pasta maker
Pizza stone
Storage
In kitchens you need to store ingredients and food properly to maintain flavour and keep ingredients fresh. The Homestore has a wide range of storage options available from glass to ceramic to stainless steel. Think about what you want to store, what sizes you need and whether you want them on show.
Suggestions:
Storage canisters - glass, ceramic, s/s (ones with windows or with labels are good so you know at a glance what is inside).
Spice racks - range from individual spice jars, to wall mounted racks
Bread bins
Rubbish bin
cutting edge
KNIVES
Take your time when choosing knives. A knife is a utensil that you use every day so this is one kitchen tool we would tell you not to scrimp on price. Most chefs believe that good knives are the most essential, versatile and efficient tool in the kitchen.
A well balanced, good quality knife makes a big difference to your cooking and it's also safer (you don't have to put as much effort into cutting food with a sharp knife.)
why are knives so expensive?
You are paying for the quality of the materials and the workmanship that goes into creating a good knife.
Knives have 3 main components:
1. The blade - this is the cutting part of the knife.
2. The bolster - joins the blade to the tang, helps balance the knife and also protects your fingers from slipping onto the blade
3. The tang - part of the knife that fuses into the handle
Good quality knives are usually drop forged (where a large hammer bangs the blank out and compacts the particles into the blade) however there are some knife companies leading the development of knife technology by fusing the three parts of the knife together.
Knives are a very personal thing. We would strongly recommend that you hold a knife before you purchase.
The key questions to ask yourself are:
- Is the knife comfortable in your hand?
- Is the handle too big/too small? Can you grip it properly?
- Does the knife feel balanced?
- How heavy is the knife?
- Do you prefer the classic (riveted), ergonomic (phenolic) or all steel handles?
- Which knives do you prefer the look of?
Buying knives in a set is usually more economical, however sets can come with a hefty price tag. If you are concerned about price, choose some individual pieces so guests can help you build up a good set.
Check with your wedding consultant to see what sets are available.
Suggestions:
basics
Paring knife 10cm - small vegetable knife, great for cutting small quantities, slicing or peeling
Utility knife 16cm - this is a great general purpose knife used for cutting vegetables and fruit and slicing. If you can't afford to get Carving knife, the 16cm utility would also serve as a carving knife for small pieces of meat.
Chefs knife 20cm - this knife can be daunting to some people but it is one of the most useful knives for chefs and serious cooks. Not only is it great for cutting large items such as pumpkin, it is ideal for very fine chopping and dicing. The wide blade acts like a seesaw that allows efficient, consistent, and fine chopping. The side of the blade laid flat over things like garlic can also be used for crushing or scooping.
Bread knife 20cm - this knife is used for slicing bread and anything that requires a serrated edge.
These are the basics if you are starting out, but there are many specialty knives designed for specific jobs.
Suggestions:
specialty
Carving knife 20cm - the thin long slicing blade on this knife makes it perfect for carving
Carving fork
Filleting knife
Boning knife
Tomato knife
Santoku knife
Cleaver
Decorating knife
Peeling knife
care & storage
Knives need to be looked after to keep them in top working condition.
Sharpening
Maintaining your knives is very important and sharpening should be done from day one. To retain the edge on the blade you need to sharpen it regularly.
Suggestions:
Steel - We recommend that you purchase the steel that goes with the knife set you have chosen, as different knives have different components in the steel. You maintain the edge on a knife by holding the steel on a 20 degree angle to the blade and carefully running the steel from the base of the blade to the tip. There is no need for flamboyant strokes!! Make sure you are sharpening both sides.
Note: we say maintain not sharpen as most steels do not sharpen the knife which is why it is important not to let the knife get blunt. Steels work by realigning the cutting edge. Depending on how often you use your knife we recommend that you use your steel every one to two weeks. Once the edge is blunt you need to use a diamond steel to sharpen the knife or we have a knife sharpening service in store, where your knives will be sharpened professionally.
If you are a bit nervous about using a steel, the knife companies have come up with other sharpening devices that ensure your technique is correct. These sharpeners are made from ceramic wheels so that they don't damage the blades like the old steel sharpeners used to.
Suggestions:
WMF Ceramic sharpener - this device has 2 settings, 1 for maintaining the blade and the 2nd for removing any nicks or shavings. Can be used left or right handed.
Henckels Ceramic sharpener - as above but can only be used in direction of arrow.
Henckels Duo sharpener - has a diamond wheel and ceramic wheel so you can sharpen and maintain the blade.
Knives need to be looked after to perform at their best.
Care
After using your knife, hand wash the knife in hot soapy water, dry and put straight away.
Even though a lot of the knife companies claim that knives are dishwasher safe, we recommend that you don't place your knives in the dishwasher. The detergents and heat from dishwashers can be very harsh on parts of the knife like the handle, and knives are also prone to banging against other items in the wash so they are likely to blunt much faster.
We also recommend that you use either a wooden or plastic cutting board. Glass and marble will blunt your knives.
Suggestions:
Wooden cutting board - a good wooden chopping board can be a lovely addition to your kitchen and can be used for other things like cheese and bread platters. Oil your wooden boards regularly, do not fully immerse in water and do not leave in direct sunlight.
Fleximats - these are great to use with your wooden chopping board to protect against contamination. Fleximats are coloured mats that can sit on top of your board. Keep different colours for different foods to prevent cross contamination - ie yellow for chicken, red for meat and green for vegetables. These can be popped in your dishwasher and your wooden chopping board remains clean.
Storage
The best way to store knives is either in a knife block or a magnetic knife rack.
Choose a block with horizontal slots (knife rests on the side instead of the blade). If the block has vertical slots either store your knives upside down so they are not resting on the blade or remove & put them away carefully.
Magnetic knife rack
These can be attached to the wall or in a draw and hold the knives by the blade using a magnetic strip. Again this a good way to store knives as they are not resting on the blade. Be careful to keep them out of reach of children (while they are convenient for reaching knives while cooking, they can also be grabbed by little hands!)
Suggestions:
Knife block
Magnetic knife rack
mix it up
APPLIANCES
Appliances are designed to make life easier (from chopping, mixing and blending large quantities to making sure that you get that piece of toast and coffee in the morning!!) Prices range widely so when choosing appliances think about your lifestyle, eating habits how often you will use it and how you cook. Also consider if you have the bench space to put them on show.
Suggestions
Baking and Prep
Kitchenaid standmixer - this classic mixer is a must for the serious baker. Full metal construction, unique planetary mixing action, 10 speed control and it looks hot!! Available in a range of colours to suit any décor, it also has the ability to power other attachments for shredding, mincing, sausage making, pasta making...
Food processors
The modern food processor is an all encompassing machine. It chops, mixes, purees, whisks and with extra discs, grates, slices, juices and shreds!!
Magimix food processor - made in France, the Magimix is a domestic version of the commercial food processors they have been using for years in restaurants. The Magimix's induction motor lasts for years and adjusts the power automatically by sensing the amount of mixture in the bowl. Comes with a lexan bowl (heat proof and resistant to crazing/cracking) and sabatier steel blades. A mini bowl is included with all machines for chopping small quantities. Large range of discs & attachments available. 10 year motor guarantee.
Kitchenaid food processor
Blenders
Kitchenaid blender
Dualit blender
Dualit hand mixer and hand blender
Toasters
Dualit toaster
Krups toaster
Kitchenaid toaster
Raco toaster
Jugs and kettles
Raco
Dualit
Oxo
WMF
Espresso machines and grinders
Suggestions:
Kitchenaid Espresso Machine
Jura F50 - made in Switzerland, this clever fully electronic machine makes you a perfect espresso coffee with the touch of a button. Comes with built in grinder.
La Bambina Espresso Machine - E61 Grouphead, 15 bar pump and 3L water tank
Coffee grinders
Suggestions:
Mini Macho coffee grinder
Kitchenaid burr grinder
Both the Mini machco and the Kitchenaid are ideal coffee grinders for home espresso machines. Both are conical burr grinders with settings that grind the beans from a fine powder to a coarse grain, depending on your preference.
Bodum coffee grinder
Specialty Appliances
Magimix Le Duo Juicer - the Le Duo is the perfect appliance for those of you who love fresh juice in the morning. This clever machine comes with 2 attachments - the juice extractor (juices unpeeled fruit and vegetables) and the citrus press (which works like an electric hand juicer) Cheers!!
Magimix Ice cream maker
the daily grind
SALT/PEPPER & GRINDING
Grinding and crushing ingredients such as pepper, salt , spices and coffee improve the flavour of your cooking. This is because freshly ground ingredients release flavour and aroma at the time of cooking or drinking.
Salt and pepper mills are a must have. There are a few considerations when choosing them for your list. First is the grinding mechanism - make sure the mechanism is either ceramic (non corrosive to salt) or a very good rust resistant stainless steel. Also consider whether they are just for the kitchen or whether you want to present them on the table.
Suggestions:
Pepper mill
Salt mill
Spice mill
Nutmeg grinder
Coffee grinder (manual)
tea anyone?
tea & coffee
Don't forget about putting the little things on your list if you are really passionate about something.
Funky coffee and tea cups, teapots, coffee plungers, stove top espresso's are all great little gifts that guests can give you and that don't cost the earth.
Suggestions:
Stainless steel/glass teapot
Coffee plunger
Stove top espresso
Café coffee cups & saucers
Latte cups/bowls
Tamper
Frothing jug
Coffee thermometer
too hot to handle
Oven to table
Oven to tableware is also something to consider when compiling your wedding list. Oven to table pieces are designed to be cooked in and then presented directly on the table. When choosing pieces have consideration for how you cook and also how the pieces will suit your dinnerware and other tableware.
Suggestions:
M&W oven to table
Emile Henry oven to table
