The Kitchen Essentials Guide
The Kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s important to keep it fully functional and well stocked. But there’s no set rule to furnishing a kitchen. Products and appliances can be bought all at once, or collected throughout the years.
And while no kitchen is created equal, each kitchen needs the same set of essentials. It’s simply vital to have everything needed to prep, cook, entertain and clean. Here’s our definitive list of every essential product, item, and appliance.
ZWILLING Professional S 8-inch Razor-Sharp German Chef's Knife, Made in Company-Owned German Factory with Special Formula Steel perfected for almost 300 Years, Dishwasher Safe
Mercer Culinary M23530 Renaissance, 10-Inch Chef's Knife
Best OverallZWILLING Professional S 8-inch Razor-Sharp German Chef's Knife, Made in Company-Owned German Factory with Special Formula Steel perfected for almost 300 Years, Dishwasher Safe
Mercer Culinary M23530 Renaissance, 10-Inch Chef's Knife
Prices last updated on 2023-09-09
No chef, amateur or professional, is at home in their kitchen without a sharp and well made Chef’s knife. They’re one of the most important investments you can make in your kitchen. A proper chef’s knife can be used in the general utility of almost every aspect of cooking and preparation. Trying to slice something with a dull or poorly made knife will drive any cook crazy. One of the best investments you can make in your kitchen is a Chef’s Knife, and while they can sometimes skew towards a more expensive item, trust us when we say it’s worth it.
Read More: The Best Chef’s Knives For Everyday Use
John Boos Maple Classic Reversible Wood End Grain Chopping Block, 20"x 15" x 2.25
Teakhaus Cutting Board - Medium Wood Cutting Board with Grip Handles - Reversible Teak Edge Grain Wood - Knife Friendly - FCS Certified
Kitory Heavy Duty Cutting Boards - Large Size Acacia Wood Board Corrosion Resistance High Toughness - Ultra Thick Kitchen Cutting Board - Ideal for Chopping Bones, Cutting Meat, Vegetables, Fruits
Thirteen Chefs Cutting Boards - Large, Lightweight, 24 x 18 Inch Acacia Wood Chopping Board for Plating, Appetizers, Charcuterie and Kitchen Prep - Portable Cooking Accessories
Best OverallJohn Boos Maple Classic Reversible Wood End Grain Chopping Block, 20"x 15" x 2.25
Teakhaus Cutting Board - Medium Wood Cutting Board with Grip Handles - Reversible Teak Edge Grain Wood - Knife Friendly - FCS Certified
Kitory Heavy Duty Cutting Boards - Large Size Acacia Wood Board Corrosion Resistance High Toughness - Ultra Thick Kitchen Cutting Board - Ideal for Chopping Bones, Cutting Meat, Vegetables, Fruits
Thirteen Chefs Cutting Boards - Large, Lightweight, 24 x 18 Inch Acacia Wood Chopping Board for Plating, Appetizers, Charcuterie and Kitchen Prep - Portable Cooking Accessories
Prices last updated on 2023-09-09
Unless you want your tabletops to look like something out of a slasher film, a cutting board is a must have kitchen item. From slicing breads to paring meats and cheeses, cutting boards are essential buffers. They come in a dizzying array of styles and and materials, but can be purchased cheaply and generally cleaned easily.
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Stainless-Steel Mixing Bowl Set, White
COOK WITH COLOR Plastic Mixing Bowls with Lids - 12 Piece Nesting Bowls Set includes 6 Prep Bowls and 6 Lids, Microwave Safe (Blue Ombre)
FineDine Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6) - Easy To Clean, Nesting Bowls for Space Saving Storage, Great for Cooking, Baking, Prepping
Best OverallOXO Good Grips 3-Piece Stainless-Steel Mixing Bowl Set, White
COOK WITH COLOR Plastic Mixing Bowls with Lids - 12 Piece Nesting Bowls Set includes 6 Prep Bowls and 6 Lids, Microwave Safe (Blue Ombre)
FineDine Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6) - Easy To Clean, Nesting Bowls for Space Saving Storage, Great for Cooking, Baking, Prepping
Prices last updated on 2023-09-01
If you spend a decent amount of time cooking or baking in the kitchen, chances are pretty high that you recognize the value of a set of mixing bowls. Under appreciated but highly used, a trusty set of mixing bowls go a long way. Whether you love to bake, whip up some eggs, mix up some salads or just need a great set of bowls to eat out of, mixing bowls should be in the mix in every kitchen.
Colander
Bellemain 5 Qt Metal Colander with Handle | Pasta, Spaghetti, Berry, Fruit, Vegetable, Kitchen Food Strainer Basket | 18/8 Stainless Steel Colander Bowl | Pot Drainer for Cooking, Sifter Strainer
HÖLM 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mesh Micro-Perforated Strainer Colander Set (1-Quart, 2.5-Quart and 4.5-Quart)
HiramWare Stainless Steel Colander With Handle and Legs, Large Metal Green Strainer for Pasta, Spaghetti, Berry, Veggies, Fruits, Noodles, Salads, 5-quart 10.5” Kitchen Mesh Colander, Dishwasher Safe
Best OverallBellemain 5 Qt Metal Colander with Handle | Pasta, Spaghetti, Berry, Fruit, Vegetable, Kitchen Food Strainer Basket | 18/8 Stainless Steel Colander Bowl | Pot Drainer for Cooking, Sifter Strainer
HÖLM 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mesh Micro-Perforated Strainer Colander Set (1-Quart, 2.5-Quart and 4.5-Quart)
HiramWare Stainless Steel Colander With Handle and Legs, Large Metal Green Strainer for Pasta, Spaghetti, Berry, Veggies, Fruits, Noodles, Salads, 5-quart 10.5” Kitchen Mesh Colander, Dishwasher Safe
Prices last updated on 2023-09-09
Anytime you wash vegetables, salad greens, or drain pasta you will absolutely need a colander. You’ll want to find a sturdy and well designed one that can fit into a kitchen minimally. This item will also last a lifetime so don’t worry about every needing to buy a new one. This is why we suggest finding a quality one with good grip that is build to be a staple in your kitchen.
Grater
Cuisipro 4 Sided Box Grater, Regular, Stainless Steel
Professional Cheese Grater - Stainless Steel, XL Size, 4 Sides - Perfect Box Grater for Parmesan Cheese, Vegetables, Ginger - Dishwasher Safe - Black
Cuisinart Boxed Grater, Black, One Size, CTG-00-BG
Best OverallCuisipro 4 Sided Box Grater, Regular, Stainless Steel
Professional Cheese Grater - Stainless Steel, XL Size, 4 Sides - Perfect Box Grater for Parmesan Cheese, Vegetables, Ginger - Dishwasher Safe - Black
Cuisinart Boxed Grater, Black, One Size, CTG-00-BG
Prices last updated on 2023-09-09
A grater is a multi purpose tool that you sometimes don’t think of needing until you really need one. They can be used to grate cheese, ginger, garlic, or any other spice but also serve as a quality slicer or zester for citrus fruits. Think of them as a multi purpose cutting tool and start to experiment in your kitchen. The next time you need shredded cheese on your pizza and you realized a knife just won’t do the job, you’ll thank us that you got a quality grater.
Non Stick Pan
GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 10" Frying Pan Skillet, PFAS-Free, Induction, Dishwasher Safe, Oven Safe, Gray
Tramontina 80114/535DS Professional Aluminum Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan, 10", NSF-Certified
Cuisinart 622-20 Chef's Classic 8-Inch Open Skillet Nonstick-Hard-Anodized
Best OverallGreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 10" Frying Pan Skillet, PFAS-Free, Induction, Dishwasher Safe, Oven Safe, Gray
Tramontina 80114/535DS Professional Aluminum Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan, 10", NSF-Certified
Cuisinart 622-20 Chef's Classic 8-Inch Open Skillet Nonstick-Hard-Anodized
Prices last updated on 2023-09-09
While some chefs may scoff at the idea of a non stick pan we find them beyond an absolute essential for most cooks. Sure, stainless steel or cast iron may be the proper pans to cook certain dishes, but nothing beats the convenience of a non stick. If you were to only have a single pan in your kitchen we would recommend it being a non stick and our recommendations are build to handle almost any recipe you throw at it.
Read More: The Best Non Stick Pans For Everyday Use
Baking Sheet
Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet, 2-Pack, Silver
Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Cookie Baking Sheets Set, 2-Piece, Steel
Wilton Easy Layers Sheet Cake Pan, 2-Piece Set, Rectangle Steel Sheet Pan
Best OverallNordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet, 2-Pack, Silver
Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Cookie Baking Sheets Set, 2-Piece, Steel
Wilton Easy Layers Sheet Cake Pan, 2-Piece Set, Rectangle Steel Sheet Pan
Prices last updated on 2023-09-09
Having a reliable baking sheet can go a long way in your home kitchen. Not all ovens are made the same so having a support system to cook veggies, baking, or even reheating items is key to prepping tons of different meals. Shelling out for a quality baking sheet that is build to last will ensure heat is evenly distributed and the items you are making will come out perfectly cooked.
Bread Knife
Mercer Culinary M23210 Millennia Black Handle, 10-Inch Wide Wavy Edge, Bread Knife
Cutluxe Bread Knife – 10" Serrated Edge Knife for Homemade Bread – Forged High Carbon German Steel – Full Tang & Razor Sharp – Ergonomic Handle Design – Artisan Series
OXO Good Grips 8 Inch Bread Knife,Black/Silver,-
Best OverallMercer Culinary M23210 Millennia Black Handle, 10-Inch Wide Wavy Edge, Bread Knife
Cutluxe Bread Knife – 10" Serrated Edge Knife for Homemade Bread – Forged High Carbon German Steel – Full Tang & Razor Sharp – Ergonomic Handle Design – Artisan Series
OXO Good Grips 8 Inch Bread Knife,Black/Silver,-
Prices last updated on 2023-09-09
No knife set is complete without a bread knife. What you want to look for is a balanced knife that has a serrated edge to cuts breads, toasts, bagels, baguettes, brioche, cakes and more.
