Meal preparation has become a weekly task for many people, especially those who find themselves with limited free time or health and fitness goals. This can be an enjoyable aspect if you are adequately prepared and have the right cooking equipment, such as airtight containers, kitchen knives, measuring cups, and such.
However, only if your equipment is properly maintained will your meal prep be efficient. The tips listed in this post will hopefully enable you to look after the cooking equipment you use during this task.
Invest in High-Quality Equipment
One of the first aspects to consider is the quality of the equipment you use when meal prepping. Purchasing high-quality appliances and accessories means the equipment is much more likely to last for longer, and maintaining it will also be a lot easier. Most of the time, it is the cheaper equipment that will break or malfunction sooner, while costlier equipment will work well in the long run.
You will need to buy the proper kitchen utensils, food storage containers, cutting boards, measuring tools, pots and pans, as well as a mixing bowl. If you want to go a little more high-end, then a food processor or blender might be a good addition to purchase, too. But you should also think about the equipment that will maintain these accessories and appliances. For example, kitchen knives are most effective when they are sharpened and honed, so a high-quality whetstone will come in handy.
Additionally, bigger appliances like an air fryer or slow cooker could be valuable purchases in your food prep. These items are easy to maintain as they will mainly require cleaning, which is discussed in the next point.
Cleanliness is Key
After using the equipment, you must ensure all tools are cleaned completely. This should be carried out regularly, with most kitchen appliances and accessories requiring hot soapy water or a vinegar-water solution. It is best to follow the manufacturer recommendations with cleaning and maintaining the equipment, especially if there are warranties in place.
Any surfaces you plan on using should be wiped down beforehand, too, as well as cleaned well afterward. This is best done with a wet cloth, while your appliances might require non-abrasive sponges to ensure sufficient washing without scratching them. It is also important to dry all appliances and accessories after washing.
If you do not clean the meal prep equipment properly, this could lead to further issues with its maintenance. This can lead to food particles, grease, and grime building up, and this would cause the equipment to wear out faster or work harder to be functional. In some cases, there is even the risk of fires; for example, food debris accumulating on a grill could cause a fire.
Proper Handling and Storage
Finally, once the equipment is clean and dry, you should store them correctly. It is best to implement a proper storage system for each type of kitchen tool you have, with designated areas for each one. This setup should be clean, dry, and well-ventilated, and it must be able to withstand the size and eight of the equipment to avoid damages.
Not storing kitchen equipment correctly could cause numerous maintenance problems. One such issue is the corrosion and deterioration of equipment. If a kitchen accessory is stored in a damp or humid space, this can lead to corrosion and rust, particularly if the meal prep equipment is made of stainless steel. Also, if the cabinet used for storage is overly crowded with appliances and accessories, this will increase the risk of damage, too.
To conclude, there are numerous ways to ensure your meal prep goes without a hitch, and a lot of this relates to maintaining your kitchen equipment. You can do this by investing in quality equipment, cleaning them regularly, and storing all accessories and appliances correctly.
