A well-equipped kitchen doesn't have to come with a luxury price tag. Discover carefully chosen kitchen essentials that balance quality, functionality, and timeless style. From cookware worth passing down to affordable everyday tools, these are the p...
Sections
7
Cookware - Worth the Money
Knives and Care
Cutting Boards
Core Tools
Baking
Prep Tools
Cookware - Worth the Money
Best decision I’ve ever made! The price matches the quality. I am in love with my Staub Dutch Oven I use it for everything.
Cast iron STAUB Cocottes & Dutch Ovens
Every kitchen needs a quality cast iron skillet and I have yet to find one better than Lodge.
Lodge Cast Iron
Ok I know stainless steel is scary but so worth it when you learn how to be patient and properly use them. Best cookware for even heating and a great sear.
Made In 12-Inch Stainless Steel Pan
All Clad quality without the All Clad Price! Thank me later!!
Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware
Staub meets cast iron but lighter. What more can I say?
Cookware Sets, Pots, and Pans
More color options and styles if you don’t like staub. Great quality and you can brand match with your cast iron skillet.
Dutch Ovens
Up to you on which brand you Dutch oven is… as long as you have a Dutch oven they are necessary to your kitchen!!
Le Creuset Home | Cookware, Bakeware, Pots, Pans, Skillet ...
Knives and Care
My favorite store in Japan for knives and kitchen supplies! The price point to quality is unmatched.
ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS
The best affordable pairing knives
Victorinox (USA) | Victorinox Homepage
This is where you can splurge on your knives! I have the Damascus steel blades and the quality is phenomenal!
High quality Knives for your Kitchen
Just get the 8 inch Knife. Great all around cheap but handy daily knife.
Mercer Culinary
Save your counter space! Get the magnetic block!
I Tested 9 Magnetic Knife Holders to Find the Strongest Ones
Cutting Boards
From cutting boards to cooking utensils this is my go to brand!
Cutting Boards by Epicurean | USA Made
There is nothing better than a solid, beautifully made cutting board! No plastic getting in your food or potentially glass or metal shavings.
John Boos Wood Cutting Boards - Maple, Cherry, & Walnut
Only for meat! The wood will soak all the juices and store rancid fats. The only plastic in my kitchen.
OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board
Core Tools
The workhorse of kitchen tools. Inexpensive and very handy.
Kuhn Rikon Swiss Original Peeler White
Wood only for rolling pins - no sticking. I like the French pin for smoother control.
French Rolling Pin
You want the silicone heads so you don’t scratch your stainless steel pans.
OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs with Silicone Heads
I love having wood utensils! Epicurean is always a great choice.
Epicurean: Kitchen Utensils
For the things you need a bendable spatula that wood just can’t reach.
Silicone Flexible Turner
If you cook fish you need one of these. Makes life so much easier.
Fish turners
Some jobs require a larger spoon.
Stainless Steel Ladle
Zesting is such an underrated addition to any meal. The pops of flavor one can add with such a simple tool.
Premium Classic Series Lemon Zester
For bread, baking, etc. a very handy tool that once you have it you’ll never remember your life again without it.
Bench Scraper - Shiso Green
Baking or cooking you’ll use a whisk. Get a quality one or it will break.
12" Balloon Whisk
Invest in your shears!!!
The 5 Best Kitchen Shears of 2026, Tested & Reviewed
Baking
A kitchen scale for more accurate measurements. Great for Sourdough Bakers!
Escali Primo Digital Food Scale Multi-Functional
A more solid measuring cup that won’t bend so easily.
TILUCK Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons
Large solid sheet pans have so many uses and are essential in your kitchen.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet Aluminum
Oven safe, a cover for storage, and versatile.
Pyrex® Colors Sculpted Tinted 9" x 13" Baking Dish with ...
Amateur or professional these cake pans are amazing!
Fat Daddio's Bakeware & The Last Baking Pans You Will Ever ...
Stop using parchment paper! This is much easier and easy to clean.
Silpat: Baking Mats
Prep Tools
Be careful of your fingers? A perfect slice tastes better, I promise.
Benriner Japanese Mandoline Slicer – Vegetable ...
You’ll use it more than you think.
Salad Spinner
Easier than your usual garlic press.
Season and Stir™ Garlic Roller
I prefer this to electric juicers!! 10/10 amazing results, less waste.
Juicer Hand Press: Manual Citrus & Cold Press Juicers
For sauces and custards, the moment you need it you’ll have it. Trust.
Fine Mesh Sieve
For so many uses whenever you are working with liquids and pasta.
This Spider Strainer Is One of My Most-Used Kitchen Utensils
Digital is more reliable for thermometers.
Alpha Grillers Instant Read Digital Meat Thermometer
Herbs and dips that need crushing over blend. The flavor profile is so much better.
Mortar And Pestle Wood
Appliances
Such a fun machine with so many recipes and creativity involved.
Ninja CREAMi® Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker in Silver
Kitchen aid’s rich uncle! A powerful machine with so many attachments including a blender.
Ankarsrum Assistent Original Stand Mixer
If you want to stick with the original they are amazing workhorses as well and more easily accessible.
Stand Mixers | KitchenAid US
Immersion blenders can be used for hot soups, making mayo, and so many other uses!
Powerful Electric Immersion Hand Blender 500W
My favorite blender ever!! You can blend hot or cold best texture I’ve had on any blender.
Smart System, Classic, and Space Saving Blenders
Easy and quick chopping for whatever you desire.
3.5 Cup Food Chopper - Empire Red
For the everyday baker! A powerhouse that outperforms every Kitchenaid.
