Before the oven preheats and the mixing starts, these are the kitchen MVPs that make it all happen. I’ve chosen tools that are easy to use, dependable, and perfect for both beginners and seasoned home bakers. These are the items I trust in my own kit...
Sections
5
Baking Basics
Cooking Tools
Storage & Organization
Small Appliances I Love
My coffee obsession
Baking Basics
If you’re baking with me, you need good pans. The right cake pans, muffin tins, and sheet trays really do make a difference in how things rise, bake, and brown. These are my tried-and-true staples.
This is my secret weapon when I’m baking in bulk. Instead of crowding one pan or stacking cookies on a plate (and risking a sad squish), this 4-tier rack gives me tons of space to cool everything evenly. Cakes, cookies, breads, it handles it all.
It’...
They’re sturdy, non-stick, and perfect for bundts, pound cakes (and I make ALOT of pound cakes) or even gelatin desserts. I reach for them when I want my creations to have that “wow” factor without extra fuss.
4pcs-8inch Premium Silicone Cake Pans - Non-Stick, Fluted, and Versatile Molds for Baking Cakes, Brownies, Flan, Meatloaf, and More - Crown, Nest, Spiral, and Braided Shapes for Easy Release - Walmart.com
If you bake even a little, you need one of these. My silicone pastry mat keeps dough from sticking, saves me from using tons of flour, and makes cleanup so much easier. I can roll out cookies, pie crusts, or pastry without fighting the counter.
It al...
Mainstays Reusable Silicone 24"x 18" Pastry Mat with Measurements
Cooking Tools
Even though I love baking, I cook too! These are the everyday pots and pans that handle everything from weeknight dinners to comfort food moments.
These are my “I’m serious about my kitchen” pans. They heat evenly, sear beautifully, and clean up way easier than you’d expect. I love that they’re durable but still sleek, not those flimsy pans that warp after a few months.
They handle everything f...
All Cookware Sets
This stove cover doubles as extra counter space when I’m baking and prepping. It gives me room to roll dough, line up ingredients, and work comfortably... and it looks great too!
AZL1 Life Concept Noodle Board Stove Cover with Handles, Multiple Stove Top Cover Board Kitchen Sink Cover Counter Space & Decorative Tray, Black
A good knife changes everything. These cut clean, feel sturdy, and make prep faster and safer. Once you use sharp, quality knives, you realize you’ve been struggling for no reason.
Ninja Kitchen Knife Sets with Sharpener
Storage & Organization
Because leftovers deserve love too. These containers and organizers help me keep my kitchen neat, my ingredients fresh, and my sanity intact.
This is one of those subtle upgrades that instantly makes your kitchen feel elevated. Instead of a bulky drying rack crowding the counter, this sleek stone mat quietly absorbs water and dries quickly; no dripping, no soggy towels, no mess.
It keeps ...
24”x16”Stone Dish Drying Mat for Kitchen Counter Diatomaceous Earth Quick-Dry Non-Slip Shower Mat, Super Absorbent & Easy Clean (Dark Gray) - Walmart.com
Perfect for prepping ingredients or baked goods. Stainless steel, durable, dishwasher-safe, and keeps everything organized while you cook or bake.
Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, AOKIWO 32Pcs Stainless Steel Nesting Non-Slip Bottoms Mixing Serving Bowls Set wtih 3 Grater & Tools Gadgets, 7/4/2.5/2/1.5/1QT Metal Salad Bowls for Serving Preppi - Walmart.com
If you like a dedicated space just for your baking or coffee needs, this is the perfect storage solution!
PulseFay Kitchen Island with Storage, 31.5" D Rolling Kitchen Cart on Wheels with Widen Drop Leaf Rubberwood Top, Large Mobile Kitchen Island with Trash Can Storage and Towel Bar, Grey - Walmart.com
Small Appliances I Love
These are my “let’s make life easier” tools. My bread machine saves time but still gives homemade vibes. The blender, air fryer, and other appliances help me do more without standing over the stove all day.
This is one of those tools that makes you feel like you’re doing the most… without actually doing the most. I add everything in, walk away, and come back to warm, homemade bread. It’s beginner-friendly and honestly takes the intimidation out of bread...
Kitchen in the Box 2lb Bread Maker with Auto Fruit Nut Dispenser, 12-in-1 Gluten-Free Bread Machine, 13H Delay Timer, Nonstick Pan, Keep Warm, Red - Walmart.com
If I had to choose a kitchen MVP, this is high on the list. Crispy food without standing over hot oil? Yes. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy days when I don’t feel like turning on the big oven. Weeknight lifesaver.
Air Fryers | Single, Dual & Large - Ninja® Kitchen
I have ALOT of Ninja products (thanks wedding guests😊) so you will see them all I just can't live without. As a Bariatric baddie, protein is a MUST. This helps me make awesome sweet treats while still hitting my target protein goals. Can't get be...
Ninja® CREAMi® 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
Smoothies, sauces, frozen drinks — it handles it all. I love that it actually blends things smooth instead of leaving chunks behind. Whether I’m making something healthy or something a little “escape-inspired,” this one works.
Pitcher Blenders & Personal Smoothie Makers – Ninja
I'm a cook and a baker.. but grilling isn't my thing. But THIS! This makes me feel official. That smoky flavor without needing to be a pitmaster? Yes please. It’s perfect when I want backyard cookout energy without all the guesswork. Big flavor, les...
Outdoor Grills
When I'm not using my bread machine, I'll take this out to enjoy making my famous cookies...or a few. It's smaller than a kitchen aid, good quality, and stylish on my counter top.
Beautiful 5.3 Qt Stand Mixer, Black Sesame with Flat Beater, Dough Hook, Balloon Whisk - Walmart.com
This is for when I’m in my “let’s reset” era. Fresh juice at home just feels different — cleaner, brighter, intentional. I love being able to throw in fruits and veggies and get real juice without additives or extra stuff I can’t pronounce.
It’s surp...
I don’t know how I ever lived without this combo. It scrambles eggs, blends liquids, chops veggies, and purees soups with ease. It’s truly an all-in-one kitchen essential.
VAVSEA Immersion Blender, 1100W 5-in-1 Hand Blender, 24-Speed Handheld Stick Blender for Kitchen, Chopper, Beaker, Whisk, Milk Frother, for Baby Food Processor/Smoothies, New - Walmart.com
My coffee obsession
Coffee shop vibes at home. Strong espresso, creamy lattes, or simple morning coffee I get to make exactly how I like it without leaving the house.
Combination Espresso and Coffee Makers
These are my little coffee shop secret. When I want flavor without all the extra sugar, these syrups come through. Vanilla, caramel, hazelnut are my favorite to instantly upgrade my coffees and even protein shakes.
I love that I can make my drinks fe...
Original Syrups
These are the cups I reach for when I actually want my coffee to stay hot. My YETI coffee cups keep drinks hot for a long time (and cold drinks cold), which is perfect because I’m usually doing ten things at once and forget my coffee is sitting there...