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Must have a kitchen list.
90
items This comes from a book titled "Entertaining 101: Everything you need to know to entertain with style and grace," by Linda West Eckhardt & Katherine West DeFoyd
One thing to note is that they do say that these items are great to be found at a Goo...
Sections
6
"Must have" list
Must have Tools
Nice to Have
Time Savers
Entertaining Items That Are Really Useful
Well, Stocked Pantry Items You Can't live without
"Must have" list
In this section, they state that you don't need th most expensive equipment in the kitchen.
"Good for in the oven or CAREFULLY on the stovetop, an absolute must."
Lodge 10.25" Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
"A must for most pasta sauces - we'll love our Le Creuset till death do us part."
One thing I do not have in my kitchen. I mean, I do have a skillet with a lid. But not a Le Creuset.
Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 11-3/4" Skillet
"Dutch oven/soup pot with lid. Ditto on the Le Creuset. "
I have one of these! I just got one for Christmas 2025. My parents got it at a thrift store. I was so happy 😊.
Le Creuset: Dutch Oven - Amazon.com
"The heavier the better the Finish on the roast."
Another thing I can check off in my kitchen. I have this.
Granite Ware 18" Covered Oval Roaster, 15 Pound Capacity, Roasting Pan - Walmart.com
"Again, we take the coas with Le Creuset."
This mother daughter team really likes their brand loyalty. Um... don't have a Le Creuset,but we do have a few pots that would classify under this section.
Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO 3 qt Saucepan
They say nothing about these. I might have one pie plate that is aluminum. However, all the rest are Pyrex pie tins that I either thrifted or received from my mom.
Norjac 9 Inch Pie Pan 3 Pack, 1.25 Inch Deep
Again, the authors say nothing about these. You can never have too many cake pans. I have a lot.
Wilton Performance Pans 9x2in Round Cake Pan, 2-Pack
They didn't specify that it had to be wilton baking sheets. But I do. I have worked with so many baking sheets over the years, and Wilton will forever be my favorite.
Wilton Silver 2-Piece Non-Stick Baking Sheet Set
"Pyrex Lasts longer than most marriages."
Why was I dying when I read that line. It was so unexpected.
Pyrex Deep 9x13 Glass Baking Dish with Lid
They have nothing to say about the loaf pans. However, you can never have just one loaf pan because if you're anything like me, you can never make just one loaf of bread.
GoodCook Nonstick Loaf Pan 8x4-Inch Set of 2
Okay here the thing, the cookbook said pyrex was good. But, anchor honking
Anchor Hocking Glass Bread Pan 1.5 Qt Set of 3
"Glass measuring for liquids."
We don't talk about how many we have required over the years.
Pyrex Essentials 3-Pack Glass Measuring Cups
Farberwear is a great brand for measuring cups. I have a lot of them.
FARBERWARE 5-Piece Plastic Measuring Cups Set
I agree with this one. You can't have more than just one mixing bowl. You need a small, medium and large.
Pyrex Essentials 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowls
"Great for roasting garlic, potatoes, onions, and for gratin and Casserole dishes."
One thing that I dont have in my kitchen. The cookbook did say once again, Le Creuset, but I couldn't find one that I liked on Amazon.
Heartland Home Porcelain Mini Oval Au Gratin Dish (2pc Set)
They say, "we always get complimented on our coffee. The Secret is freshly ground coffee beans, and a boiling hot water poured through a cone drip into a carafe. The home coffee machines just never get the water hot enough — you know, product, liabi...
GiNT Stainless Steel Thermal Coffee Carafe 65 OZ
Let's not talk about how many of these I pick up at garage sales or thrift stores because some days the sight of a bundt cake is so simple but so pretty.
Wilton Gold Non-Stick Fluted Tube Cake Pan
Must have Tools
The authors of this cookbook state that these are just some things to look for at the thrift store. They specifically say to avoid the Knives set because you won't always use them.
I agree with this one. However, according to the cookbook, I did a no-no and bought a set. I mean, I had the money at the time, and I knew that I was going to use all of them. However, you know that you aren't as kitchen-savvy as I am. Just get the s...
Cuisinart 8" Stainless Steel Chef's Knife
Once you find your brand of knives, you won't want to change. It is so hard for me to find the right knives that feel comfortable to me. And Cuisinart knives are that way for me.
Cuisinart C77SS-3PR Graphix 3.5" Paring Knife
Do I have this exact whisk in my kitchen? No. Would I want it? Yeah, why not it looks like it wouldn't break within a few uses (and yea, somehow that has happened).
KitchenAid Classic Utility Whisk, 10.5-Inch, Gray
These are grate to find at garage sales and thrift stores. And yes, you do a deep clean on them before using them. But I would hope you do that with everything.
Urbanstrive Stainless Steel Cheese Grater
This is similar to my mom's rolling pin. The classic. The one that I started out with.
GoodCook Classic Wooden Rolling Pin with Bearings
Always pick up more cutting boards of all sizes. You can never go wrong with having 1 or 2 or 5 cutting boards.
FARBERWARE Large Dishwasher-Safe Cutting Board
Wooden spoon are another great thing you can find at garage sales for pennies. But sometimes it's good to get stuff from Amazon as well.
Acacia Wood Spoon - Durable Cooking Ladle
I am obsessed with this spatula. It's the one that I started out with, and I love it so much.
Handy Housewares 10" Flexible Silicone Spatula Green
I just recently got one of these and boy is it a life changer.
MasterChef Lemon Zester Grater with Handle
This one lives on top of the microwave because that is the best spot for it. There is nothing more relaxing than squeezing your own citrus fruits.
Glass Citrus Juicer Reamer with Handle & Spout
This is life-changing. I have always had the apple corer that has slices, and every single time, I get cut using those. With this, I do not.
OXO Good Grips Apple Corer
I don't have this type of peeler yet. I will at some point. It looks comfortable to hold.
KitchenAid Y Peeler Ergonomic Handle
I'm in love with my Cuisinart knives. They are just so easy to work with, and they don't hurt.
Cuisinart C77SS-5SUT Serrated Utility Knife 5"
Kitchen shears are only for the kitchen. Don't use them for anything other than food.
Cuisinart Shears, 8 Inch Kitchen Scissors, Black
I don't have one of these yet. But I think the authors of the cookbook would approve of this one.
Le Creuset Pepper Mill, 8" x 2 1/2", Cerise
Nice to Have
This section is just foe kitchen equipment that is fun to have. They are not required for you to have an amazing kitchen. But they are helpful.
This is the rice cooker that I have. Use caution ⚠️: don't reach over the rice cooker when it is cooking.
Instant Pot Zest 8 Cup One Touch Rice Cooker
There are other brands of blenders out ther but I swear by my Hamilton beach ones. Many a summer, these blenders kept everyone cool.
Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender 40oz Glass
I do have one of these in red. But I was gidted this one for free. But... I will be buying a new one when I get the finances. This color is gorgeous, or the yellow one is another great option.
KitchenAid Artisan 5Qt Tilt Head Mixer Aqua
This one, I am not sure if I have. I am 98% sure I have one. Somewhere in the kitchen.
BLACK+DECKER One Touch Coffee Grinder, 2/3 Cup
This is a nice waffle iron. And honestly, I would buy it if I was moving into a new house.
Chefman Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker, 180° Flip
I like black and decker products. They are easy and very reliable.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 700W Digital Microwave
This is great to process a bunch of fruits and vegetables. Cabbage is always my go-to for processing.
Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor & Chopper
One thing that is personally on my list. I think? I'm not exactly sure if it is on there for sure or not because I love kneading the dough.
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Bread Maker CBK-110NAS
Sometimes using a charcoal grill is the best. There is nothing better than charcoal-smoked BBQ. Well, besides wood burning, who can afford to do that?
Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
This would be great for BBQ Korean pork belly. So good.
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill 450F
Wilton, another brand I have loyalty to. I love the quality of wilton kitchen products.
Wilton Silver 12in Non Stick Pizza Pan
This has been on my Christmas list for years. I am not asking for a new one. I'm always asking for a thrifted one.
Non-Stick 9-Inch Tart & Quiche Pan Removable Bottom
I'm in team muffins/cupcakes are always great to have. When they day is rough and you don't have enough to time to make a cake, cupcakes are great.
Farberware Nonstick 12-Cup Muffin Pan
If you don't have these, you can always use just non-stick spray. Or you can pour a little bit of oil in a cup and brush just enough oil into each of the cupcake tins.
Bake Choice 200pcs Natural Tulip Cupcake Liners
For a party I guess this would make sense. Also maybe you have a bunch of odds and ends of different ketchup containers in the fridge and want to place them in the same container.
Norcalway 12oz Leak Proof Condiment Bottles - 3 Pack
I agree that this would be nice to have. They say that it would be great for serving desserts or cheese on them. Or for me, it would be a good back drop for my baked goods.
Natural Marble Cutting & Cheese Board 12x8
I think this would be a great thing to have. I have yet to buy one. Or at least I have yet to have one stay longer.
Alpha Grillers Digital Meat Thermometer
Time Savers
Just like the section title says, these items are not life changing. But thy do help save you time in the kitchen.
You can't beat this price. I have bought these many times and well be buying more in the future.
Walgreens Zipper Freezer Bags Gallon, 20.0 ea
This is the parchment paper that I use. I am kinda loyal to it simply because it gets the job done.
Great Value Non-Stick Parchment Paper, 50 Sq ft
Having more than one option of a pepper or salt grander is great to have. It saves not only time but money in the long run too.
Kamenstein 8-Inch Battery Operated Prefilled Salt & Pepper Grinder Set, Black & White
Perfect for summer time events. They are inexpensive and they just help the food taste good.
Expert Grill Bamboo Skewers for Grilling, 100 Count
I second this. Also this is a must to stop tears. Once you forget this one simple step. Tears will come.
Great Value Original Cooking Spray, 8 oz
Having a few of these for fresh produce is great.
Natural Rattan Round Fruit Basket Bowls Small
These are so great. The quality on them are just as good as the name brand and great value.
Walgreens Sandwich Bags
This are just good to have all the time.
Great Value 13-Gallon Drawstring Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, Unscented, 40 Bags
Aluminum foil is a great way to store things.
Great Value Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil, 100 sq ft
A great way to store layered desserts. Such as cookies.
Reynolds Cut-Rite Wax Paper, 75 Square Feet
Entertaining Items That Are Really Useful
"In line with our anti -set mantra, you don't need a matched set of dishes to entertain in style." I 100% agree with this.
Don't knock glassware from the Dollar tree. We have 7 wine glasses that we have had for years. The cookbook says that for any good event you would need 24.
Classic Long-Stem White Wine Glasses, 14 oz.
I honestly had no idea how much this was on Amazon. I found mine at a thrift store many years ago and paid $5 on it.
VIVIRBIEN 11" Acacia Cake Stand with Lid
They say that you have to have more than one. So here I am sharing with you some more cake stands.
Royalty Art Glass Cake Stand with Dome - 6-in-1
These are cute. But for all intense purposes please go to your local thrift store and see if you can find baskets before spending a lot of money on baskets.
Honey-Can-Do Banana Leaf Storage Baskets Set of 3
Life's too short to have normal platters. When in doubt always get the fun platter. Bonus points if it matches the season.
LemonRoad 4 Pcs 9 Inch Strawberry Plates
You can never go wrong with too many bowls.
Dessert Bowls Set of 6 - Small Ceramic 10oz
The cookbook says several candle holders. It doesn't state that you have to have normal looking ones. Just ones that spark joy in your life.
Cat Candle Holder Cute Cartoon Kitten Scented
Dollar tree glass wear is very affordable and it is amazingly durable.
Clear Jardin Glass Vases, 7 in.
Perfect for picnics and keeping your drinks cool. Also this color is great.
Igloo Tag Along Too Hard Shell Rolling Cooler
This picnic basket is the cutest.
Better Homes & Gardens Rattan Picnic Basket
A fun idea to do with the kids before going on a picnic, the day before (so you can wash them.) Go to your local Dollar tree and have them pick some cutlery for the picnic.
Lemon Print Plate, 1-ct.
For a picnic you don't have to go with plastic forks. You can buy new ones and wash them.
Stainless Steel Classic Dinner Fork, 3-ct. Pack
Again this is a great deal.
Beaded Stainless Steel Dinner Knife, 3-ct. Pack
This spoon looks really comfortable
Classical Dinner Spoon, 3-ct. Pack
You do not need this in order to entertain people. I have never in my life owned one of these. But, it would be a good investment if I was entertaining a lot of people.
Alpha Living 6 Pack Disposable Half-Size Chafing Dish Set
These are great to have for any type of dips, soups or certain desserts.
DOWAN 4 oz Porcelain Ramekins Set of 6
I agree napkins are great to have. And these are so cute.
120 Pcs Colorful 2-Ply Cocktail Napkins
Well, Stocked Pantry Items You Can't live without
"One of the most important aspects of being able to entertain on the fly I'd to minimize shopping time." Yes. There are just so many things that you might need during an event.
Not in my pantry at the moment. But I do recognize that if you are making salads a lot you would want some.
Great Value Red Wine Vinegar, 12.7 fl oz
Not the biggest fan of balsamic vinegar. But that does not mean that I don't understand the importance of it being in the pantry.
Great Value Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, 8.45 fl oz
Agreed 100% with this. Rice wine vinegar is great to have in the pantry when you are craving some Asian foods.
Mizkan Rice Vinegar for Cooking, 12 fl oz
They really like their vinegars because I am not even half way done with all of the vinegars.
Great Value White Wine Vinegar, 12.7 fl oz
I have never heard of sherry Vinegar. I am only going to sharing with you all the best sellers and not the least expensive simply because at least I somewhat know that people are buying these.
LA MASIA Sherry Vinegar, 12.75 FZ
Our final vinegar of the pantry. I have none of them in the house right now. But I do understand the importance of all of them.
Heinz Gourmet Tarragon Vinegar (12 fl oz Bottle)
I agree. I love having this in the pantry. Even when I don't have it I wish I did.
Great Value: 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 25.5 fl oz
The cookbook says flavored oils. I think it counts as a flavored oil.
Kikkoman 100% Pure Sesame Oil, 5 fl oz Bottle
Nothing to fancy. Just a container of mustard I'd always required.
Great Value Yellow Mustard, 20 oz Squeeze Bottle - Walmart.com
These are so good to have.
Great Value Roasted Red Bell Pepper Slices, 12 oz
Only get this if you can afford it completely. I have never had this in my kitchen, and I am doing OK.
Saffron Threads 100% Pure Afghan Red 1g
This is an interesting product.
Great Value Organic Herbs De Provence, 0.6 oz
Basic ingredients #1. My goto flavor.
Great Value Kosher Ground Cinnamon, 2.5 oz
Basic Spices #2
Great Value Iodized Salt, 26 oz