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Food

What Should I Consider When Buying a Cookbook?

By Shannon Kietzman
Updated May 17, 2024
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When buying a cookbook, there are several things you should consider. These include your level of skill, the type of meal you wish to create, whether you desire a specific theme, and the types of kitchen utensils you have.

Your level of skill is an important consideration when buying a cookbook. If you are a beginner, there are several cookbooks on the market that are geared specifically to your level. It you are nervous about cooking and feel virtually clueless, it is best to stick with a beginner cookbook until you become more comfortable in the kitchen. Then, you can work your way up to a cookbook containing more complex recipes. Of course, you can still purchase a beginner’s cookbook even if your skill level is high, as these cookbooks contain quickie recipes that may be beneficial in a time shortage.

The type of meal you wish to create is also important to consider when selecting a cookbook. While some contain appetizers, entrees, and desserts, others specialize in just one type of dish. If you are looking for an all-purpose cookbook, one that provides a variety of meals may be your best option. If you wish expand your dinner menu, however, you might want to get a cookbook that focuses solely on entrees. If you are planning a party and looking for fingerfoods, on the other hand, a cookbook with recipes for appetizers might be a better choice.

The theme of your desired cooking is another important consideration. This is particularly true if you wish to create ethnic cuisines, such as Italian, Chinese, or French. In such cases, you should select a cookbook that focuses solely on the type of food you wish to create.

Your available cooking utensils are also something to consider when purchasing a cookbook. If you have a toaster oven, for example, you might buy a cookbook that is filled with recipes that are specific to that utensil. The same holds true for microwaves, bread machines, and crock-pots. Each of these has its own cooking capabilities, and therefore, entire cookbooks dedicated to cooking with them are available on the market.

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Discussion Comments

By amypollick — On Aug 31, 2011

Good thought, no. 1. Also, there is a series of cookbooks often sold by students, "Recipes from Home Economics Teachers" that we have and I have referred to them time and again.

Another good cookbook resource is one's place of worship or a local service group. Many of these people submit their best recipes and they are worth having. These kinds of cookbooks are usually designed for the average cook, and most recipes in them shouldn't present too much trouble to master.

I also usually enjoy cookbooks produced by food companies like Pillsbury or Nestle. These almost always have great recipes that are generally simple to prepare. Plus, they also almost always have decorating or presentation tips, which are really handy for cooks like me, who make good-tasting food, but not necessarily "pretty" food.

By anon44382 — On Sep 07, 2009

Good article. I would also think about recipe-based magazines to "try out" a new type of cooking before spending a lot of money on a whole cookbook. The magazines are usually cheaper.

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