Cooking can be a joy, but having a basic kitchen needs list with the right tools makes all the difference.
Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, these essentials will save you time, reduce frustration, and help you create amazing meals.
Let’s dive into the must-have items every home cook should consider for their kitchen to make preparing Family Dinner Ideas easier and more enjoyable.
Having the right tools in your kitchen is essential for creating delicious meals with ease and confidence.
Quality equipment not only saves time but also improves the cooking process, allowing you to focus on bringing out the best flavors in your dishes.
Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight dinner like my Fried Chicken Cutlets recipe or experimenting with a new recipe, like my Apple Puff Pastry, reliable tools can help you achieve professional results right at home.
The items in this list include essential tools I rely on daily to make meal prep efficient and enjoyable. These go-to kitchen essentials help me quickly get dinner on the table for my family, no matter how busy the day.
Table of Contents
Kitchen Essentials List
1. High-Quality Chef’s Knife
A sharp, reliable chef’s knife is a game-changer. It makes chopping, slicing, and dicing faster and safer.
This is the exact knife I use, and I can’t recommend it enough. What I love most about this brand is that the steel blade runs the entire length of the knife, extending from the tip to the end of the handle.
This is important because it ensures the knife is sturdier, more balanced, and less likely to break or separate from the handle over time. It also provides better control and durability, making it a reliable tool for all your kitchen tasks.
WÜSTHOF Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife,Black,8-Inch
2. Durable Cutting Boards
A sturdy, non-slip cutting board protects your counters and keeps your prep area organized.
Flexible plastic cutting board mats are lightweight, easy to clean, and make transferring chopped ingredients to a pan or bowl simple—just fold the mat and pour.
However, I just started using a stainless steel cutting board a few months ago for raw meat, and it’s been a game-changer. I love that it’s easy to sanitize in the dishwasher.
They’re also highly durable, won’t dull your knives, and are easy to clean, making them a great addition to your kitchen for specific cutting needs.
The Original Gorilla Grip Oversized 100% BPA Free Reversible Durable Kitchen Cutting Board Set of 3, Juice Grooves, Dishwasher Safe, Easy Grip Handle Border, Food Chopping Boards, Cooking, BlackWK Flexible Plastic Cutting Boards Mats for Kitchen, Flexible Non Slip Cutting Mat, Thin Cutting Sheets, BPA Free, Dishwasher Safe, Multi SizesMeyqnykh 2024 Cutting Board for Kitchen, 304 Stainless Steel Double-Sided Food Grade Cutting Board, Rust-proof Hygiene and Durability for Meat, Fruit, and Vegetable(9 * 13.5IN)
3. Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet is versatile, durable, and perfect for everything from searing steaks to baking cornbread. With proper care, it can last a lifetime and even improve with age.
I have 3 different sizes and use them all! Check out my post on How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet for easy cleaning tips!
4. Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven is a versatile and durable kitchen essential perfect for everything from slow-cooking hearty stews to baking artisan bread. Its even heat distribution and ability to transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven make it an invaluable tool for preparing a variety of delicious family meals like my Dutch Oven Roast Chicken.
Baking Kitchen Tools List
1. Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is another kitchen essential that makes baking and cleanup a breeze. It prevents sticking, ensures even baking, and works perfectly for cookies, pastries, and other baked goods. Plus, it’s disposable, making it a convenient option for quick and easy use.
2. Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
Whether you’re whipping cream, mixing dough, or making fluffy mashed potatoes, a mixer is an essential tool for saving time and effort. Choose a stand mixer for heavy-duty tasks or a hand mixer for smaller jobs.
I absolutely love my KitchenAid Mixer—it’s been a reliable kitchen companion for over 15 years and still works like a charm!
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield KSM150PS, Removable bowl, Aqua SkyKitchenAid 7-Speed Hand Mixer - KHM7210 - Empire Red
3. Instant-Read Thermometer
Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked meals! An instant-read thermometer ensures your meats, baked goods, and even reheated leftovers are cooked to perfection.
4. Kitchen Scale
For precise measurements, especially in baking, a kitchen scale is a must-have. It ensures accuracy, consistency, and better results in your recipes.
5. Cookie Scoops
Cookie scoops are incredibly versatile tools that go beyond baking perfect, uniform cookies. They’re ideal for evenly distributing batter into muffin pans or shaping consistent, same-sized meatballs, making meal prep and baking easier and more efficient.
6. Baking Trays
Baking trays are versatile kitchen essentials, perfect for roasting, baking, and preparing sheet pan meals. Their even surface ensures consistent cooking, while non-stick coatings or sturdy designs make cleanup easy, making them ideal for both sweet and savory dishes.
HONGBAKE Baking Sheet Pan Set, Cookie Sheets for Oven, Nonstick Half/Quarter/Jelly Roll Pans with Diamond Texture Pattern, Heavy Duty Cookie TrayNutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans - Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles - Easy to Clean, NCSBS3S
7. Measuring Spoons and Cups
Measuring Spoons, Premium Heavy Duty 18/8 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons Cups Set, Small Tablespoon with Metric and US Measurements, Set of 6 for Measuring Dry and Liquid IngredientsHudson Essentials Stainless Steel Measuring Cups Set (6 Piece Set)
Glass Kitchen Tools
1. Glass Nesting Bowls
Glass nesting bowls are a must-have for any kitchen because they’re versatile, durable, and space-saving. These bowls are perfect for mixing, prepping, and serving, making them an all-in-one solution for various tasks.
Plus, they stack neatly to save cabinet space. Safe for use in the microwave, dishwasher, and even the oven, glass nesting bowls are a practical and long-lasting addition to your kitchen.
2. Glass Storage Containers
Glass storage containers and mason jars are durable, non-toxic, and perfect for keeping food fresh. Use them for leftovers, meal prep, or pantry staples like grains and spices.
Their airtight design preserves freshness, while being reusable and dishwasher-safe makes them an eco-friendly kitchen essential.
Vtopmart 8 Pack Glass Food Storage Containers with Airtight Lids, Glass Meal Prep Containers, Bento Boxes for Lunch, for Microwave, Oven, Freezer and Dishwasher, BPA FreeWide Mouth Mason Jars 32 oz - 12 Pack Large Glass Mason Jars with Airtight Lids and Bands, 1 Quart Mason Jars for Pickling, Canning, Fermenting and Food Storage, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe
3. Glass Batter Bowl
A glass batter bowl is a must-have for its durability and versatility. With built-in measurements, a handle, and a pour spout, it’s perfect for mixing and pouring batters with ease. Microwave- and dishwasher-safe, it’s a practical tool for baking and meal prep.
Small Kitchen Appliances
1. Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is a lifesaver for busy days. From hearty stews to tender roasts, these appliances help you create flavorful, hands-off meals with minimal effort.
2. Air Fryer
An air fryer is a game-changing kitchen tool that allows you to create crispy, delicious dishes with little to no oil. Its versatility makes it perfect for everything from reheating leftovers to preparing healthier versions of your favorite fried foods like my Air Fryer Bagels.
3. Nutri Bullet or Blender
A NutriBullet or blender is a must-have kitchen tool for making everything from a healthy breakfast smoothie, soups to sauces and dips with ease. Its powerful motor and versatile design allow you to blend ingredients quickly and efficiently, saving time while ensuring smooth, consistent results.
Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender, 1400 Peak Watts, 3 Auto-IQ Programs for Smoothies, Frozen Drinks & Nutrient Extractions, 72-oz. Total Crushing Pitcher & (2) 24 oz. To-Go Cups, BlackMagic Bullet Blender, Small, Silver, 11 Piece Set
4. Handheld Milk Frother
Use it to mix salad dressings, whip cream, blend protein shakes, or even quickly whisk eggs. It’s compact, affordable, and a handy gadget for adding a touch of luxury and convenience to everyday tasks.
Basic Kitchen Needs List
Having the right tools in your kitchen makes all the difference, and this basic kitchen needs list is a great starting point for any home cook.
From essential utensils to small kitchen appliances, these items help simplify cooking, save time, and make meal prep more enjoyable.
Whether you’re stocking your kitchen for the first time or upgrading your current tools, this list ensures you have everything you need to create delicious meals with ease.
Start building your kitchen essentials today and enjoy the convenience and joy of cooking!
This list has been updated since it first appeared in 2017.
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