10 Kitchen Items Italian Food Lovers Need

10 Necessities For Italian Kitchen

Italy is famous for its history, wine, art, and music but Italian food tops the list (in our humble opinion). There are so many aspects of Italian food that just make their cooking a national treasure and a delight to everyone who tastes it. If you’re looking to make more Italian food at home and want the right tools for the job then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to take a look at 10 kitchen items that Italian food lovers need in order to take their Italian cooking to the next authentic level.

1. Salt And Pepper Mill

A high-quality salt and pepper mill are crucial for Italian cooking as the seasoning staples are used in every dish. The mills can be large or small, natural, or gloss finished but they should definitely feature an adjustable grinder so you can choose the right coarseness of your seasoning depending on the dish you’re making.

2. Pizza Stone

A pizza stone is an essential kitchen item if you love to make homemade pizzas from scratch or if you want to cook store-bought pizza in a slightly more authentic way. In fact, using a pizza stone is the best thing you can do to get a deliciously cooked pizza at home. Despite its name, pizza stones come in a variety of materials including stone (of course), tile, and metal to name a few. They result in a perfectly crisp crust and base while keeping the toppings and sauce succulent and fresh.

3. Chopping Boards

Solid wood chopping boards are a staple in any Italian kitchen. The classic, rustic looking item should feature a deep groove to collect juices and should have a gripped ridge to make it easy to carry.

4. Pasta Maker

Pasta makers are an ideal addition in houses where lots of home cooking goes on. While many people opt for ready-made pasta in the store, there are lots of others who choose to make their own pasta for very good reasons. Using a pasta maker allows you to make almost any type of pasta and is great fun too, making it perfect for children and grown-ups alike.

5. Garlic Press

If you don’t own a garlic press already, you’re missing out. While there are some good reasons to finely slice and dice your garlic using a knife, for the majority of situations that process just takes up too much time, requires a lot of hassle, and will make your fingers stink of garlic for at least the next day. Using a garlic press, however, simplifies the procedure as you simply crush the garlic clove in the handheld device before scraping it into your cooking. This is perfect for everyday cooking and is a useful tool for keeping children safe in the kitchen or for those with mobility issues too.

6. Wooden Utensils

Measuring spoons, spatulas, and salad spinner tossers should all be made from natural wood for an authentic Italian feel. It’s especially important that cooking utensils are wooden to protect the non-stick coating on your frying pans.

7. Colander

If you’re washing veg or draining pasta, you’re going to need a colander. This essential kitchen item is a staple and should be made in a high-quality material to ensure it lasts you as long as possible. The more traditional materials for this tool include copper or stainless steel but there are more modern and budget-friendly options available in high-quality plastic.

8. Spiralizer

A spiralizer is an exceptional and fun tool that allows you to get super creative in the kitchen. While it’s traditionally used for peeling and slicing vegetables, the spiralizer can do so much more. Since many people try to cut out carbs from their diet, pasta (sadly) isn’t always an option. With a spiralizer, you can make delicious homemade pasta from veggies such as carrots or courgettes (the latter is known as courgetti in its pasta form). This veg alternative cuts down the calories of traditional egg-based pasta and can be served with any sauce or toppings as you would normally serve it.

9. Coffee Maker

A high-quality coffee maker is just what you need if you love all Italian food and drink. Italians pride themselves on excellent coffee so there can be no half measures here. If you want to be truly authentic then the only coffee drinks allowed are espresso or cappuccino (but we won’t tell if you don’t stick to that rule). The ‘most Italian’ coffee makers are the countertop espresso machines like you’d find in a cafe, a stovetop moka pot, or a cafetiere (French press). While the first guarantees a beautiful espresso every time, the last two make a full cup of black coffee which is stronger than Americano and tastier.

10. Cheese Grater

Would this list be complete without a cheese grater? We don’t think so. Most Italian dishes aren’t complete without a light grating of pecorino, parmigiano reggiano or mozzarella sprinkled over the top. Other dishes (such as carbonara) require lots of finely grated cheese to make the perfect creamy sauce. So for delicious Italian cooking, this one is essential.

Now you know some of the most important kitchen items you need to prepare and cook delicious Italian food from your very own home. So what’s on your menu next?