In my family, cooking is an act of love. My siblings and I were lucky to have parents who taught us how to cook and emphasized the value of sharing meals together. I’ve held onto this way of thinking about food throughout my life. I often express my care for my partner by making our favorite meals like macaroni and cheese or pulled pork. The dishes are not always elaborate, but sharing a meal is a way for us to slow down and center ourselves in a chaotic world.
Although I grew up cooking, my partner is not as confident in his cooking skills. We were recently chatting about how he wants to develop his culinary abilities to show his appreciation. Since starting my role as the Assistant Digital Editor of ATK Reviews, I’ve become increasingly interested in finding cooking equipment that works for beginners.
The world of kitchen equipment can feel like you’re entering a maze where around every corner is a new gadget that claims to make the process easier. When you’re first starting, using the most expensive or high-end equipment can be intimidating. It’s a good idea to start with a solid foundation of equipment that doesn't require a lot of maintenance and that can be used for a variety of cooking techniques. I’ve created a short buying guide for people like my partner who are beginning their culinary journey.
