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🍳 Kitchen Must-Haves That Make Cooking Easier
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items If you love cooking but also love anything that makes being in the kitchen a little easier, this list is for you! 🍳💕 I'm sharing my favorite kitchen must-haves—from everyday cooking tools and cookware to small appliances, meal-prep essentials, orga...
Sections
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🔪 Everyday Cooking & Prep Essentials
🍳 Cookware, Bakeware & Oven Essentials
⚡ Appliances That Make Cooking Easier
☕ Coffee, Drinks & At-Home Sips
🥡 Food Storage & Meal Prep
✨ Pantry & Kitchen Organization
🔪 Everyday Cooking & Prep Essentials
The everyday tools that make prepping and cooking so much easier. From good knives and cutting boards to measuring tools, choppers, strainers, thermometers, and all those little things I find myself reaching for again and again.
Good knives are ESSENTIAL in the kitchen, especially if you cook regularly! From chopping fruits and veggies to slicing meat and everyday meal prep, having a dependable set makes such a difference. I like that this set covers all the everyday cutting...
15pc Triple Rivet Knife Block Set (White)
Good knives need good cutting boards! I like having multiple boards and sizes so I can grab what I need depending on what I'm prepping… and keep things like raw meat separate from fresh produce. This set also has nonslip edges and juice grooves, whic...
3pc Nonslip Recycled Poly Cutting Board Set Vintage Cream - Figmint™: Plastic, Dishwasher-Safe, Juice Canal
I reach for my citrus squeezer anytime a recipe or drink calls for fresh lemon or lime. Homemade lemonade? Absolutely. 🍋 Chicken that needs a little citrus? She's coming out. 😂 It makes getting fresh juice SO much easier without squeezing by hand a...
OXO Softworks Citrus Squeezer: Aluminum Handheld Lemon & Lime Juicer, Dishwasher-Safe, Yellow
An electric can opener is one of those little kitchen conveniences I didn't know I needed until I had one. 😂 No manually cranking cans open… and definitely no trying to open one with a knife because I've BEEN there. It's simple, easy to use, and mak...
Kitchen Mama Auto 2.0 Electric Can Opener
A digital meat thermometer is an essential for me because guessing whether your meat has reached the right internal temperature is NOT the move. 😂 I use one to quickly check my food while I'm cooking so I can know it's reached the temperature I'm lo...
TempPro Digital Meat Thermometer TP19HW Waterproof Food Thermometer, Candy Cooking Grill Kitchen Thermometer with Magnet (Formerly ThermoPro)
I prefer a good glass measuring cup, and Pyrex is what I grew up seeing the women in my family use in the kitchen. 💕 I've had plastic ones where the measurements eventually started fading, but I haven't had that issue with my glass Pyrex. It's one o...
Pyrex® 2-cup Measuring Cup
Dry measuring cups are a must for measuring dry ingredients, especially as I've gotten more into baking. Fun fact: I didn't even know there was a difference between dry and liquid measuring cups until culinary school! 😂 This stainless-steel set also...
OXO Stainless Steel Measuring Cups: 5-Piece Set, Dishwasher-Safe, Black, Lifetime Warranty
A good colander is one of those basic kitchen essentials you'll reach for ALL the time. I use mine for everything from draining pasta to rinsing fresh produce, and it's especially helpful when I'm working with larger portions. Simple, practical, and ...
OXO 5 Qt Stainless Steel Colander: Dishwasher-Safe Strainer for Pasta & More, Clear, 11.7" Width
We love a good homemade pizza in my household, so naturally we need a good pizza cutter! 🍕😂 A pizza wheel makes slicing everything up quick and easy without dragging out a big knife and trying to make it work. Definitely one of those simple tools t...
OXO Good Grips 4" Pizza Wheel
This is one of those tools that really earns its spot when I have a LOT of prep to do! I especially love using a veggie chopper when I'm cooking for larger gatherings or doing holiday prep because chopping all those onions, peppers, and veggies by ha...
Fullstar Pro Vegetable Chopper & Spiralizer
🍳 Cookware, Bakeware & Oven Essentials
Pots, pans, baking dishes, and everything else that helps get dinner (or dessert 👀) on the table. These are the kitchen staples for cooking, baking, roasting, frying, and all the good stuff in between.
Whenever my mama pulled out the roasting pan, I just KNEW comfort food was on the way! 😂💕 A good roasting pan is perfect for those bigger oven meals, especially roasts, chicken, turkey, and holiday cooking. I also love that the lid on this style ca...
17" Enamel Roasting Pan with Lid & Rack
A good pot-and-pan set is one of the true workhorses of the kitchen! 9 times out of 10, I'm using multiple pots and pans whenever I'm cooking a full meal. From frying and sautéing to boiling and simmering, having a complete set means I can grab what ...
MultiClad Pro Triple Ply Stainless Cookware 12 Piece Set
Pyrex is a trusted brand in my home, and glass bakeware is one of those kitchen basics I always want around. I use baking dishes for everything from casseroles and baked pasta to side dishes and desserts. Having multiple sizes is especially helpful b...
Pyrex® Basics 4-piece Glass Bakeware Set
Whether you're making pizza from scratch, throwing a frozen one in the oven, or reheating a whole pizza, get you a pizza pan! 😂🍕 We love making homemade pizza in my household, so this is one of those simple kitchen essentials that just makes sense ...
Naturals® Traditional Pizza Pan
I LOVE using a wok when I'm making Asian- and Chinese-inspired meals, but that's definitely not all it's good for! I also reach for mine for stir-fries, fried rice, sautéed veggies, and I've even used it for frying. It's one of those versatile pieces...
Valencia Pro Stainless Steel 12" Wok with Lid
⚡ Appliances That Make Cooking Easier
The appliances that do some of the heavy lifting for you! 😂 From quick weeknight meals to blending, mixing, frying, and easy breakfasts, these are the bigger and smaller appliances that can make cooking faster, easier, or just more convenient.
I use my air fryer almost EVERY day for so many different things! I especially love the two separate baskets because I can cook different foods at the same time without having to wait for one thing to finish before starting another. Definitely one of...
Ninja Foodi 10 Qt DualZone Air Fryer DZ550
This was actually gifted to me because I love making smoothies, but I've learned it's good for SO much more than that! I love that this set gives you the full-size pitcher plus a smaller cup, so it's useful whether I'm making something for the family...
Nutribullet 1200W Blender Combo, 64oz Pitcher & 32oz Cup
I LOVE my Crock-Pot for easy dump-and-go meals! It's especially one of my favorites once the weather gets colder because that's when the soups and stews start making their regular appearance. 😂 Add everything, let it cook, and dinner basically handl...
Crock-Pot 7-Qt Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless
This little waffle maker was gifted to me, and it's such a cute, convenient appliance to have around! When my family is craving waffles for breakfast or brunch, I can pull this out without needing anything complicated. Small, simple, and does exactly...
Dash Mini Waffle Maker, 4-Inch, Red
Not the fanciest appliance in the kitchen, but definitely one of the most USED. 😂 I personally bought this one, and we use our microwave almost daily when we need to reheat something quickly. Simple, practical, and gets the job done.
BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu.Ft 700W Microwave
I love pulling this out when I'm cooking a bigger batch of food at once. Breakfast, grilled sandwiches, quesadillas, smash burgers, homemade hibachi… you can do SO much on one big flat cooking surface. Definitely handy when I don't want to cook every...
bella XL 12x22 Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle
We use our toaster for everything from bread and bagels to waffles and pancakes. One of my favorite mom hacks is making about a week's worth of pancakes or waffles at once, freezing them, and popping them in the toaster in the morning. Breakfast befo...
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots
This is one of my essentials when I need to fry a LARGE batch of food. Instead of standing over a small pot trying to fry everything a few pieces at a time, the larger basket gives me more room to work with. Fried chicken, shrimp, fries… you already ...
Chefman 4.5L Deep Fryer XL Jumbo, Timer
I use a hand mixer for way more than just baking! It's great for mixing batters and whipping ingredients, but I also use mine to make mashed potatoes and quickly shred different meats. I've recently started teaching myself how to bake too, so she's g...
WEPSEN 5-Speed Hand Mixer & 4 Bowl Set
This one is currently on my wishlist! 👀 I want it for making fresh fruit and veggie juices, green juices, and homemade wellness shots. I especially like the idea of being able to prep fresh juice at home and experiment with my own combinations.
Nama J2 - Cold Press Juicer - Hands-Free - Black
This one is on my wishlist, especially as I get deeper into learning how to bake! 👀🧁 I love that it can handle everything from mixing and whipping to kneading dough, so it feels like one of those kitchen investments I could grow into as my baking s...
KitchenAid Classic 4.5Qt Tilt-Head Mixer
☕ Coffee, Drinks & At-Home Sips
For the coffee, tea, wine, and cute-drink moments. ☕🍷 Everything from coffee makers and electric kettles to mugs, glassware, wine accessories, and other favorites that make your at-home drinks a little better.
Coffee made EASY. ☕ I love the convenience of a Keurig when I just want to pop in a pod, make a quick cup, and keep it moving. And if you're constantly buying coffee out, making more of those everyday cups at home can help you cut back on those coffe...
K-Supreme® Single Serve Coffee Maker Gen 2
I mainly use my electric kettle for tea, but listen...it gets put to WORK in my house. 😂 Anytime I need hot water quickly without waiting on a pot to boil, this is so convenient. And random life hack: I even use mine when I need HOT mop water. Don't...
the IQ Kettle™ Pure
I LOVEEEE coffee, so you already know I'm going to have some cute coffee mugs around. 😂☕ I love a cozy, neutral mug like this for making my everyday cup of coffee feel just a little more special. Simple, pretty, and perfect for your morning coffee m...
15 fl oz Stoneware Coffee Mug Sour Cream - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Had a long day? Vibing with your boo? Hosting game night or everybody's at your house for the holidays? Yeah...you might need some shot glasses. 😂🥃 They're not an everyday essential, but they're definitely nice to already have when the occasion cal...
Hatch 3-Oz. Shot Glass
If I'm pulling out the wine, maybe adding a little cheese and crackers to the situation, I need a wine opener that isn't about to make me fight for my life first. 😂🍷 A good corkscrew is a simple little kitchen essential to keep around, and I like t...
The Original Rabbit Corkscrew
A good set of drinking glasses can be used for just about EVERYTHING—water, sweet tea, juice, lemonade, mocktails...whatever we're pouring! I love a simple matching set because it makes even an everyday meal feel a little more put together.
Otis Tall Drink Glasses, Set of 12 + Reviews
When I want to pour one of my favorite wines and unwind, I'm pulling out a real wine glass. 🍷😂 There's just something about it that makes the whole experience feel a little more intentional. I love the modern look of these for an at-home wine night...
Verve Modern Wine Glass + Reviews
🥡 Food Storage & Meal Prep
Because cooking is only half the battle… we have to figure out what to do with all that food afterward. 😂 Containers and meal-prep essentials for leftovers, lunches, prepping ahead, and keeping food organized.
Have leftovers and don't want to put the whole pot or pan in the fridge? PLEASE get you some good food-storage containers. 😂 I use mine for leftovers and anything else I need to store in the fridge, and having clear containers makes it so much easie...
Brilliance™ Glass Food Storage Container Set
I LOVE having meal-prep containers because they make preparing my meals ahead of time so much easier. They help me stay on track with how I want to eat instead of figuring out every meal at the last minute, and the divided compartments make portionin...
Bentgo Prep - 20-Piece 2-Compartment Reusable Meal Prep Containers with Lids, PFAS & BPA Free Materials, Durable, Microwave, Freezer, & Dishwasher Safe To Go Food Storage (Blush Pink)
✨ Pantry & Kitchen Organization
A functional kitchen just makes life EASIER. These are the organizers, containers, racks, and storage finds that help keep ingredients, seasonings, cookware, and everyday kitchen essentials organized and easy to grab.
A baker's rack is SO useful when you need more kitchen storage but don't magically have more cabinets. 😂 I use mine for extra storage and love having another place for kitchen essentials that would otherwise take up valuable counter or cabinet space...
Mount-It! Baker's Rack with Wood Table | Kitchen Storage Shelf Rack with Hooks | Microwave Oven Stand Heavy-Duty Metal Frame
I love using canisters to keep everyday pantry staples organized while still making the kitchen look cute and put together. The warm cream finish and wooden lid on these fit right into that cozy, neutral kitchen look I love, and having multiple sizes...
29 fl oz Ceramic Stoneware Core Coffee Storage Canister Sour Cream
Matching spice jars are one of those organization upgrades that are BOTH cute and practical. 😂 Everything looks so much more organized, but more importantly, labels make it easier to quickly find the seasoning you need while you're cooking. I love t...
SpaceAid 36 Pcs Spice Jars with Bamboo Lids
Listen, if the dishes are going to sit on the counter drying anyway, we might as well give them somewhere to go. 😂 A good dish rack keeps everything contained instead of having cups, plates, and utensils spread all over the counter. I like the clean...
OXO Good Grips Rustproof Aluminum Dish Drying Rack
🍽️ Everyday Dining & Serving
The everyday basics for actually sitting down and enjoying what you made. Plates, bowls, flatware, serving pieces, and other useful finds for family dinners, casual meals, and everything in between.
A good dinnerware set is one of those everyday kitchen basics everybody needs. I love a simple neutral set like this because it works just as well for regular family dinners as it does when you want to make the table look a little nicer for company. ...
Better Homes & Gardens Sawyer 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set Cream
Forks, spoons, and knives are getting used EVERY day, so why not choose a set that's functional AND cute? 😂 I love the soft champagne finish and textured handles on this one—it gives the table a little something extra without feeling too formal for ...
20pc Cherryfield Champagne Flatware Set - Threshold™