The 6 Kitchen Tools, Cookware Pieces, and Everyday Staples I Use Daily
As many of you may or may not know, before diving into the world of social media, my career was rooted in the culinary industry. From radio and television to print publications and recipe development, I’ve spent plenty of time in the kitchen over the years. With that experience has come a long list of what I consider to be the best kitchen essentials. Of the countless kitchen tools and appliances I’ve tested, I can honestly say there are plenty you can absolutely live without. But there are also a select few that I truly wouldn’t want to live without. That inspired me to share the six items I would buy again immediately if I were starting my kitchen from scratch.
If I walked into a brand new kitchen tomorrow, I wouldn’t be filling it with every gadget under the sun. The truth is, most of us don’t need more stuff in the kitchen, we need the right stuff. So before you hit purchase on the trendy appliance that will likely collect dust and take up cabinet space, read this first. These are the six best kitchen essentials that I actually use every single week.
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Really Good Knives
I would recommend my full block of knives to anyone. However, if I’m sticking to the true basics, there are three versatile knives I use for almost everything: a classic chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a utility knife. You can purchase them individually or as a set, (my recommendation when starting from scratch). Knives are one item I wouldn’t cheap out on because a high-quality set makes cooking easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Shun is my go-to brand, but Wüsthof is another excellent option.
// Shun Classic Starter Knives Set of 3//
High-Quality Cutting Boards
I recently invested in these wood cutting boards, and I can honestly say not a day goes by that I don’t use them. Since cutting boards are the surface for most meal time prep, I truly believe every kitchen should have at least one high-quality option. This set is made with non-toxic materials and includes three sizes to handle everything from quick prep to larger daily cooking tasks.
// Caraway Cutting Board Set//
High-Quality Pans
Have you ever heard the phrase “buy nice or buy twice”? It absolutely applies to cookware. By investing in high-quality pans that will last for years, you avoid spending money replacing worn-out pieces down the line. I’ve tried countless brands, and none compare to Caraway’s cookware. Their products are non-toxic, beautifully made, and truly the most non-stick cookware I’ve ever used. I purchased this starter set, and it has nearly everything I need for day-to-day cooking, while this mini duo is another great place to start.
// Caraway 12-Piece Cookware Set//
My Wonder Spoon
When it comes to my list of the best kitchen essentials, this spoon is shockingly high on the list. I’m not kidding when I say it gets used almost every time I cook thanks to its perfect shape and versatility. From stirring to serving and everything in between, this spoon is one of the unsung heroes of my kitchen that can do it all. Truly the best $9 I’ve ever spent!
// Gourmac Melamine Serving Spoon//
Crock-Pot Slow Cooker
While it might not be for everyone, this is my “I don’t feel like cooking but still want to feel like I have my life together” appliance. Thus, if I were starting my kitchen from scratch, this Crock-Pot would be one of the first items on my list. When it comes to easy, simplified home-cooked meals, trust me when I say it will be your best friend. I use mine at least once a week… especially on busy days! It’s so nice to add the ingredients, leave the slow cooker to do the work, and come home to a fully prepared meal. The convenience alone makes my slow cooker worth every penny!
Set of Mixing Bowls
No list of the best kitchen essentials would be complete without a reliable set of mixing bowls. This 9-piece set has been my go-to for as long as I can remember. You simply can’t beat the size versatility and easy, compact storage. That said, this set of stainless steel mixing bowls with lids is next on my list of kitchen investments.
// Duralex 9-Piece Glass Bowl Set//
