Kitchen Finds That Make Cooking and Hosting Easier
In my 30+ years of being a professional chef and recipe developer, I’ve tried and tested countless kitchen products. Throughout the years, I’ve gathered quite an extensive list of favorite brands, products, and kitchen essentials. With many different brands, materials, products, and price points, it’s no secret that shopping for kitchen tools can be daunting. While the list of kitchen tools I’ve tried and enjoyed is extensive, I thought I’d give a brief list of the 8 kitchen items I would 100% purchase again. These kitchen finds (both big and small) get frequent use, and certainly make an easier and more enjoyable cooking experience. Whether you’re building your kitchen from scratch or looking for a few new additions, these are the products that have earned my stamp of approval. If you choose wisely and treat your items with care, kitchen products can be a lifelong and worthwhile investment! In stocking your kitchen with high quality items, you’re making your time in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable!
See an item you love? Shop your favorites by simply clicking on the graphic or links below! As always, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Instagram for more!
Slow Cooker
As someone who loves the ease and versatility of slow cooker meals, I truly don’t think I could live without my crock pot! I would seriously purchase this one (under $70) a million times over. Aside from my kitchen range, this is easily the most frequently used appliance in my kitchen. I love being able to gather my ingredients and let the slow cooker do all of the work. It seriously makes mealtime so incredibly easy. Psst… try out my go-to 5 step crockpot chicken or crockpot brisket! If you spend any time cooking in the kitchen, I highly recommend having a slow cooker on hand!
// Slow Cooker //
Caraway Non-Toxic Cookware
I’ve tried countless cookware brands in my 35 years in the culinary industry and Caraway is by far my new favorite. I finally decided to try the non-toxic cookware brand after months of hearing about it, and I wish I would’ve done so sooner! I started with the cookware set, which has just about everything you need for most meals. The set includes 4 pans + lids, a canvas lid cover, and pan organizer for easy storage. Their products are SO beautifully designed and are truly non-stick, which makes for easy clean up. I highly recommend this brand— I’m now eyeing something from their bakeware collection!
// Caraway Cookware Set //
Shun Knives
In my opinion, quality cooking knives are one of the best investments you can make for your kitchen. Knives are an investment that you will likely use every time you cook, and will stay with you for years to come (seriously, I’ve had mine for 20+ years). I’ve been beyond impressed with Shun knives. They’re incredibly sharp, comfortable to use, and made incredibly well. I have this 7-piece set and would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to invest in a great set of cooking knives! My daughter has the 5-piece starter set and it’s also fabulous!
// Shun 7-Piece Block Set //
Epicurean Gripper Cutting Board
A good cutting board is such an overlooked kitchen luxury. I’ve sworn by this cutting board for years and would highly recommend it to anyone! The silicone strips on both sides keep the board in place, preventing slipping while cutting or prepping food. It’s lightweight and made with paper composite, which is non-toxic and durable. I also love that it doesn’t hold onto food or bacteria. I have the small and have added the medium to my cart as well.
// Gripper Cutting Board //
Baking Dish Set
Gone are the days of using baking dishes exclusively for casseroles. This baking dish set gets frequent use in my kitchen, especially when hosting. The graduated sizes make it perfect for a wide range of culinary dishes. Whether you’re preparing and serving side dishes, delicious casseroles, or pasta bakes, this set has a dish for everything. It’s a great price point, high-quality products, and will get frequent use!
// Staub Baking Dishes //
Box Cheese Grater
While I wouldn’t call this an absolute kitchen essential, it’s one of those small products that makes cooking easier, which is a win in my book. I use this box cheese grater weekly to quickly and easily shred cheese. I love that the storage container at the bottom catches grated cheese, measures, and minimizes the mess!
// Box Cheese Grater //
Various Sized Wire Whisks & Mixing Bowls
While these are two separate items, they’re similar in the sense that countless recipes call for them. While you can possibly get by with one whisk, different sizes are suited for different tasks/mixture types. This set of 3 ensures I have the right size available when needed! Another item I get weekly (if not daily) use out of is my glass mixing bowls. This 10-piece set has every size you could possibly need. Highly recommend keeping both of these sets on hand!
// Stainless Steel Whisks // 10-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set //
Acrylic Book Easel
This acrylic book easel is one of my favorite multifunctional additions to my kitchen counter. Not only does it serve as a convenient stand for my cookbooks, but it also serves as a piece of decor! Such a conversation piece that makes it easier to follow cookbook instructions when necessary! Pssst… it also makes for a great hostess gift!
// Acrylic Book Easel //
Let’s Cook!
Put the above equipment to use with some of the recipes I’m loving lately! Simply click on the image for the full recipe.
// Lemon, Chicken & Orzo Soup // Breakfast Turkey Muffins //
// Crockpot Chicken // Kale Chicken Salad with Apples and Cheddar //
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