Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

14 Essential Kitchen Tools for the Minimalist

Purple Star emoji 14 items
A good kitchen tool is worth its weight in gold. Reliable. Simple. Lasts forever. Who wants to fuss around with fancy gadgets that take just as long to clean as they do to figure out how to use? Not me! Below you’ll find some of my favorite kitchen e...
Sections
2
 
 

Must Haves

Every kitchen needs these items.

 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
Our exact rolling pin was purchased at a craft fair, but this is a similar option. The tapered edges make it SO easy to roll out doughs. Bonus, it can be used as a meat tenderizer if needed.
KitchenAid Tapered French Rolling Pin: Maple Wooden Roller for Baking, Hand Wash, 22" Light Brown
 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
I immediately ordered one of these for my sister after watching her struggle with another peeler of lesser quality. She loves it just as much as I do.
OXO Swivel Peeler
placeholder
 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
Anyone else have an irrational fear of burning their forearms when you take stuff out of the oven?? These have you covered. Plus, they can be easily scrubbed down when they inevitably get covered in food bits.
KitchenAid 2pk Silicone Ribbed Oven Mitts Gray: Heat Resistant Kitchen Textiles, Classic Pattern, 13" Length
placeholder
 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
I use my pairing knife multiple times a day for slicing fruits and veggies. Love this option from Made In for a knife that's high quality and built to last.
3.8" Paring Knife
placeholder
 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
This might be my most used item. A dream for mixing, baking, cooking eggs, or making sauces. The possibilities are endless.
Mix 'N Scraper
 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
Sturdy but flexible. Gets the job done and can be thrown in the dishwasher after.
OXO Nylon Flexible Turner Black: Cooking Spatula, Dishwasher-Safe, 11" Length, Nylon & Stainless Steel
placeholder
 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
Initially thought this might be over the top, but we use this ALL the time. It is so easy to shred cheese directly over your dish without getting down a big box grater.
Etched Coarse Grater
 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
Every kitchen needs a solid chef’s knife. Love this lifetime-quality option from Made In.
8 Inch Chef Knife | Full Tang | Made In
placeholder
 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
A good pair of tongs is a must for rotating food while it cooks or serving your favorite dishes.
OXO 9" Tongs with Nylon Head
placeholder

Nice to Have

Great ideas for the person who loves to cook or already has a stocked kitchen.

 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
If you bake a lot, this little guy is awesome! Great for getting pies and cakes out while keeping them intact.
OXO Softworks Pie Server: Stainless Steel Pie Spatula & Slicer, Dishwasher-Safe, Black Handle, 10.3" Length
placeholder
 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
If you love homemade pizza, this is a great kitchen addition!
OXO Softworks Pizza Wheel: Stainless Steel Pizza Slicer & Roller, Dishwasher-Safe, Black Handle
 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
We broke two other ice cream scoops before picking out this sturdy one. Third time’s the charm, because this one has held up great.
OXO Ice Cream Scoop: Top Rated Zinc Alloy, Dishwasher-Safe, Black Handle, 8.25" Length, Lifetime Warranty
placeholder
 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
Could live without this, but I do enjoy it when chopping a lot of veggies or baking.
OXO Stainless Steel Multi-Purpose Scraper and Chopper: Kitchen Bench & Food Scraper, Dishwasher-Safe, Black
 
Caroline Gilboy profile picture
Not a need, but nice to have if you bake bread or enjoy buying fresh loaves that aren’t pre-sliced.
9 Inch Bread Knife