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Essential Kitchen Gadgets if I were starting over

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I started out life a terrible cook. People don't say that about me anymore. In the process of watching cooking shows, reading magazines & cookbooks, etc. I have accumulated so many kitchen gadgets that I thought I needed. Most of them sit in my d...
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The Absolute Basics

A set of pans, knives, and cutting boards make up the core of any kitchen. You will use these nearly daily, and when you invest in a little bit of quality (no need to break the bank) they will last you for decades. 

 
Renae Clark profile picture
I have wanted a set of All Clad for years, but I got a set of other pans as a wedding gift and so for our 24th anniversary, we finally treated ourselves to this basic D3 set. I love it! I wish I had splurged sooner. Even though it is their entry leve...
All-Clad: Stainless Steel Cookware, Bakeware, Kitchen Electrics ...
 
Renae Clark profile picture
I supplemented my basic All Clad set with these non-stick pans. Also much heavier than previous pans I have owned, the non-stick coating works great, has held up well (I've had these about a year now), and I love cooking in them.
All-Clad Essentials Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set, 2-piece Fry Pan Set, 8.5 & 10.5 inch
 
Renae Clark profile picture
You can replace so many gadgets with just a good kitchen knife (or 7). The basic set has a chefs knife, santuko, paring, bread knife, serrated smaller knife, scissors, and a hone. I have had this set for 20+years. My husband sharpens them every few y...
J.A. HENCKELS - Knives & Cutlery | ZWILLING.COM
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Renae Clark profile picture
While wood is lovely (especially bamboo) for everyday use I like a set of dishwasher safe cutting boards. I reserve one for just raw meats. It's nice to have a few different sizes so you can pull out a smaller one if all you need to do is chop up a c...
Williams Sonoma Synthetic Non-Slip Cutting Board
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If you like to bake

If you also like to bake, consider these essentials. 

 
Renae Clark profile picture
I bought one of these with wedding money and have never regretted. Still working after 26 years, so even though they come in lots of great colors, pick a color you can live with for a long while because these are built to last. Growing up my mom alwa...
Stand Mixers - KitchenAid
 
Renae Clark profile picture
I have many baking sheets, but this is my favorite. Nonstick, hefty, and with tall sides which means you can even bake a jelly roll cake in this. Or broil bacon on a rack over this and never worry about grease spilling over.
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Bakeware 15" Baking Sheet
 
Renae Clark profile picture
After years of cutting parchment paper to line cake pans, I bought these and they work like a dream. Re-usable, and fit perfectly. I like them so much I just bought the loaf pan size too.
Round Pan Liners | King Arthur Baking Company
 
Renae Clark profile picture
I recently got these to replace an old mixing bowl set. My husband had the criteria that he would not get rid of his old bowls unless the new ones had a handle and a pouring spout. Check, and check. Plus, I love their simple but elegant design.
KitchenAid Mixing Bowl Set of 3

Small Applicances

Small appliances take up room--whether it's counter space or closet space, so I am choosing multi-purpose ones more and more for my small-ish kitchen.

 
Renae Clark profile picture
I recently got this and I love that it replaces both a blender and a food processor with one set of tools. The blender is super powerful for drinks with ice or frozen ingredients. Perfect frappes and smoothies.
Ninja Detect™ Kitchen System Power Blender Plus Processor Pro with BlendSense™ Technology Blenders & Kitchen Systems - Ninja
 
Renae Clark profile picture
This does take up a little counter space, but it is my toaster, air fryer, and extra oven for holiday meals. It gets used daily and does a nice job. It even was my only oven for a few months when my full oven was broken. Just be sure to adjust temper...
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Gadgets that are worth it

I regret garlic peelers, garlic presses, pickle claws, omelet pans, and many more. These are things I don't regret. 

 
Renae Clark profile picture
I use this all the time and when I lost it earlier this year, I replaced it with another OXO peeler. Easy to hold, works smoothly.
Swivel Peeler - OXO
 
Renae Clark profile picture
I have tried other brands, including some good name brands and keep coming back to OXO. This is my third one in 3 decades. Smooth operation, actually (mostly) dries the salad. Perfect size for a family of 4.
Salad Spinner - OXO
 
Renae Clark profile picture
Silicone spatulas are amazing. They can go in the dishwasher, and do an excellent job of scraping everything out of the bowl so you don't waste a drop of batter, or whatever else you are making.
OXO Silicone Spatula Red