My Minimalist Kitchen Swaps: Simple, Functional, and Clutter-Free
In a previous post, I shared my minimalist kitchen setup, which leans more towards a pantry than a traditional kitchen. Over time, I’ve streamlined my cooking process, reducing the number of kitchen tools and appliances I own. This shift naturally led me to rethink my dishware, utensils, and cookware.
There was a time when I thought I needed an extensive collection of plates, cutlery, bakeware, and fancy kitchen gadgets to cook properly. But as I simplified my space, I realized that most of these items weren’t necessary. I started swapping out excess kitchenware for versatile, durable, and practical alternatives that truly serve my needs.
Today, I want to share the kitchen swaps I’ve made and what I currently own.
1. From Melamine to Stainless Steel Dishware
When my children were younger, I opted for melamine plates and bowls to avoid accidents with breakable glassware. However, I started noticing a few problems:
Some ingredients, especially curries and tomato-based dishes, left stains that wouldn’t come off no matter how much I scrubbed.
I accidentally dropped a few plates while washing, and to my surprise, they chipped—something I never expected from plastic.
One day, while browsing at a hardware store, I came across 304 stainless steel plates. It reminded me of the old days when an Indian lady used to peddle stainless steel wares door to door. Back then, they were affordable and excellent in quality.
I hesitated at first, worrying that hot food might scald my children’s hands, but since they’re older now, I simply taught them to hold the plates by the edges. Problem solved!
Now, I own:
✔️ Three large 304 stainless steel plates
✔️ One stainless steel bowl
✔️ An extra-large stainless steel plate for serving food
2. Insulated 304 Stainless Steel Cups: Keeping Drinks at the Right Temperature
In our unpredictable weather, cold drinks don’t stay cold for long, and hot drinks cool down too quickly. I needed cups that could retain heat and cold for longer periods, and insulated stainless steel cups were the perfect solution.
Now, whether it’s coffee, tea, or iced water, my drinks stay at the right temperature for much longer. I own three of these cups, and they’ve become my everyday essentials.
3. Oversized Stainless Steel Mugs: Perfect for Everything
These oversized stainless steel mugs are great for outdoor activities and camping, but I also use them regularly at home.
They’re perfect for instant noodles when we’re out.
They double as drinkware for tea or coffee.
One of them even serves as my used cooking oil container—I strain and reuse the oil a few times before discarding it.
This simple swap has made a big difference in both convenience and sustainability.
4. A Stainless Steel Strainer: A Multipurpose Essential
I used to have multiple plastic strainers, but food starch and grease would make them sticky over time, making them difficult to clean. That’s why I switched to a stainless steel strainer, and I haven’t looked back since.
✔️ Great for rinsing fruits and vegetables
✔️ Perfect for straining pasta without sticking
✔️ Easy to wash and doesn’t trap food residue
It’s such a simple tool, but it makes food prep and cleanup so much easier.
5. Other Essentials in My Kitchen
Aside from my dishware and drinkware swaps, I’ve kept only the most essential utensils and tools. Each item in my kitchen serves a purpose, and I don’t keep duplicates unless absolutely necessary.
✔️ Stainless steel spoons and forks – Durable and long-lasting.
✔️ A single fruit knife – Surprisingly, this one knife cuts everything I need!
✔️ Two pairs of kitchen scissors – One for food prep and one for packaging.
✔️ A ladle – Perfect for soups and gravies.
✔️ A pair of tongs – Useful for flipping and serving food.
✔️ A can opener – Because some things still come in cans.
✔️ A whisk – Handy for baking and mixing ingredients.
✔️ A set of silicone measuring cups – Essential for precise cooking and baking.
✔️ A steamer plate accessory for my rice cooker – Multi-purpose for steaming fish, veggies, and dumplings.
✔️ A grill pan accessory for my multi-cooker – Turns my multi-cooker into a grill.
✔️ A baking dish plate for my oven – Just one, and it’s enough.
✔️ A few plastic food containers – For storing leftovers and dry goods.
And, of course, a dish rack to keep everything organized.
How I Organize My Kitchen
I don’t have traditional kitchen cabinets, so I use:
✔️ A metal tiered rack – Holds my food items and pantry staples.
✔️ A plastic tiered rack – Stores my kitchen sundries and miscellaneous items.
These racks maximize space in my small kitchen while keeping everything accessible.
A Kitchen That Works for Me
At this point, my kitchen isn’t just minimalist—it’s functional, easy to maintain, and clutter-free. I no longer feel the need to keep unnecessary kitchenware, and every item I own serves a real purpose.
Of course, I’m still fine-tuning my minimalist lifestyle. Someday, when I’ve perfected it down to only the absolute essentials, I’ll share an updated rundown of what I own. But for now, this setup works, and I couldn’t be happier.
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