The Ultimate 55 Kitchen Essentials Checklist

This post is all about kitchen essentials.

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and at the heart of any great kitchen are the kitchen essentials—those indispensable tools that can make or break your culinary endeavors.

Whether you’re a novice cook just setting up your first kitchen or a seasoned chef looking to upgrade your arsenal, understanding what tools are truly essential can be a game-changer.

Walk with us through this guide, where we’ve compiled a list of 55 must-have kitchen essentials and tools, designed to empower you to cook, bake, and create with confidence and joy.

Kitchen Preparation Tools

1. Premium Chef’s Knife

Upgrading from a basic chef’s knife to a high-quality one is like flipping a switch on your culinary skills – the difference is palpable. The moment we switched to a premium chef’s knife, the enhancement was immediate; slicing and dicing became not just easier, but a joy. The precision, the weight, the feel—it transforms how you cook. Given that the chef’s knife is your culinary sidekick, present in nearly every recipe and preparation, investing in one that’s built to last can redefine your cooking for years.

In our quest for the perfect chef’s knife, we’ve tested a plethora of knives across different price brackets and styles. While we previously tipped our hats to the German-engineered Wusthof chef’s knife, our latest culinary champion is the Global G2 8-Inch Chef’s Knife. This knife has quickly become the heart of our kitchen—a true powerhouse. Not only does it come at a great value, but its lighter weight and superior handling make it a breeze to maintain. We’re confident it’s a choice that will elevate your kitchen adventures, surpassing your expectations with every chop, slice, and dice.

2. “Bang-for-buck” Chef’s Knife

Offering exceptional value without compromising on quality, the Victorinox 8 Inch Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife is an incredible find. Priced significantly lower than our recommended or high-end selections, this knife is a true bargain. Boasting a stellar five-star rating from over 4,500 Amazon reviews, it stands out as the premier choice for a chef’s knife under $40. For those stepping into the culinary world or looking to upgrade without a hefty investment, this starter chef’s knife is a choice you won’t regret.

3. KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears

The KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears redefine the essentials of a kitchen tool, adept at a wide array of tasks from effortlessly slicing poultry to clipping coupons. Outfitted with micro-serrated blades, they deliver a superior cutting experience across various materials, from tough meats to wires. Designed with user comfort in mind, the soft grip handles ensure control and ease during use. Crafted from durable, heavy-duty stainless steel and inclusive of a blade guard for safe storage, these dishwasher-safe shears are prepared to withstand daily use with ease. With their combination of affordability, precision, and robust construction, the KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears stand as the epitome of kitchen versatility, making them a stellar addition to any culinary toolkit.

4. Sharpener

The 4-in-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener is revolutionizing knife maintenance, combining convenience with efficiency in a sleek design. Its innovative 3-slot system begins with a diamond sharpening rod that repairs and straightens damaged blades, followed by a second slot that sharpens to restore the blade’s V-shape. The final slot then fine-tunes the knife for a smooth polish. Designed for ease, its ergonomic handle accommodates both right and left-handed users, allowing for quick and effective sharpening. Safety is paramount with Kitchellence, as evidenced by the inclusion of a cut-resistant glove and a non-slip base for secure sharpening. Constructed from robust ABS plastic, this sharpener is built to last, ensuring your knives remain in top condition for years. Praised for its appearance, value, and ease of use, it’s hailed as an essential kitchen upgrade. While its sharpening abilities are widely acclaimed, making knives work like new, opinions on durability vary. Overall, this sharpener stands as a valuable tool for any kitchen, promising professional results with minimal effort.

5. Measuring Cups

Measuring cups might seem like simple kitchen tools, but not all are created equal. Far from just a utilitarian set of tools, the right design can transform measuring cups into an indispensable part of your cooking arsenal. The Kitchenmade stackable measuring cup set serves as a prime example, with innovative features designed to address the common annoyances that often accompany these kitchen staples.

Crafted from premium one-piece stainless steel, these measuring cups boast a sleek thin profile, convenient pouring lip for easy transfer of ingredients, and a design that nests together for compact storage. Backed by a glowing 5-star rating from over 1,000 Amazon reviews, their quality is undeniable. Invest in this set once, and you may find it’s the last set of measuring cups you’ll ever need to buy.

6. Measuring spoons

For those precise kitchen tasks that require smaller quantities, measuring spoons become quintessential tools. The Prepworks set of 5 stainless steel measuring spoons elegantly bridges the gap from a scant ¼ teaspoon up to a full tablespoon. What sets these spoons apart is their magnetic and nesting design, ensuring that your set remains complete and easily storable, saying goodbye to the days of misplaced spoons.

Crafted with versatility in mind, each spoon is double-sided to adeptly handle both liquids and solids, with the added convenience of being dishwasher safe. Through our own kitchen trials and after evaluating various options, it’s this set that has earned its place in our daily cooking routine. For accuracy, ease, and peace of mind in your measurements, we can’t recommend them enough.

7. Cutting Board

A pivotal kitchen staple, the cutting board, is indispensable for every culinary endeavor, akin to the essential chef’s knife. Its frequent use underscores the necessity of selecting a model that not only endures but also enhances your cooking experience.

Enter the OXO Good Grips cutting board: a blend of durability and thoughtful design. Constructed from odor-resistant polypropylene, this board promises longevity and hygiene, bolstered by the convenience of being dishwasher safe. Opting for this affordable cutting board is a decision bound to pay dividends in your culinary adventures.

8. Mixing bowls

When it comes to crafting the perfect salad dressings, spice rubs, marinades, sauces, or even safely stashing away leftovers, a premium set of mixing bowls becomes indispensable in any kitchen.

The Luminarc 9-piece mixing bowl set stands out as a versatile culinary ally capable of handling a multitude of tasks. Crafted from glass, these bowls resist stains and odors, ensuring that your creations remain untainted. Moreover, their design allows for effortless stacking, making storage a breeze.

9. Strainer/Colander

A colander is a fundamental tool for any streamlined kitchen, perfect for straining pasta, rinsing vegetables, or cleaning salad greens. The OXO Good Grips 5-quart stainless steel colander sets itself apart with its thoughtful design, featuring ergonomic non-slip handles and stabilizing “feet” to prevent it from sliding across surfaces.

Investing in this durable piece means acquiring a kitchen ally that will stand the test of time, virtually indestructible no matter the use. With glowing 5-star reviews, this colander promises to be a one-time purchase that will fulfill its role in your kitchen for years to come.

10. Salad spinner

A crisp salad starts with dry greens, and a salad spinner is the ultimate tool to achieve that without the sogginess. The effortless “spinning” method stands out as the simplest way to ensure your greens are perfectly dry.

Crafted by OXO Good Grips, this salad spinner operates at the push of a button, combining simplicity and efficiency in one design. It also boasts a brake and locking mechanism, streamlining both usage and storage.

What sets this salad spinner apart is its versatility; the strainer basket doubles as a colander for pasta, while the bowl serves beautifully for presentation. It’s not just a tool—it’s a multipurpose kitchen essential you’ll find invaluable.

11. (Marble) Rolling pin

Elevate your baking with the cool elegance of this marble rolling pin, ideal for anyone who loves to work with delicate pastries or fondant icing. Its weightiness and ability to be chilled make it a baker’s dream for achieving consistent dough. Say goodbye to pastry’s nemesis, heat, as the pre-cooled marble ensures your dough won’t stick, making it a breeze to handle pastry and fondant.

Cleaning is as simple as a warm, soapy rinse, thanks to its non-stick marble surface. Compared to wooden alternatives, this marble rolling pin is sturdier, heavier, and effortlessly rolls out perfect dough, particularly for temperature-sensitive recipes. It comes with a wooden cradle holder for smart storage and features comfortable, easy-grip handles, enhancing both control and comfort during use.

Highlighting its functionality and sophistication, this rolling pin is a prized addition to any kitchen, promising to enhance your baking experience with its durability and efficiency.

12. Grater

Here at House Diamond, we’re really not fans of wasting time or space in the kitchen. So, what’s our solution? We go for kitchen tools that can multitask, leaving those one-trick ponies off our shopping lists. Why pile up different kinds of graters, a zester, and specialty tools like a chiffonade in your drawers when you could choose one that does everything?

That’s where the Cuisipro 7-in-1 box grater comes in as a total lifesaver. It’s a master of all trades, ready to tackle anything from zesting citrus and grating cheese to slicing veggies and even grating ginger. And with its sturdy stainless steel build, this isn’t just another kitchen gadget—it’s a lifelong investment in efficiency.

13. Vegetable peeler

A trusty vegetable peeler is a game-changer, significantly cutting down prep time when tackling potatoes, carrots, or any veggie that needs peeling.

The Kuhn Rikon “Piranha” Y-Peeler holds a special place in our hearts for its simplicity. It may not juggle multiple tasks, but what it does, it does with unwavering quality. Built to last, this peeler is not only dishwasher safe but also boasts an ergonomic design for ease of use, keeping in stride with all our top picks.

14. Hand-held juicer

Squeeze every bit of goodness from your citrus with the 2-in-1 Hand Held Juicer. Designed for maximum juice extraction, it makes short work of lemons, limes, and small oranges, all while keeping seeds and pulp out of your way.

Compact and easy to store, this juicer lets you create refreshing lemonades or cocktails in seconds—no batteries or bulky equipment needed. Made of durable aluminum with a comfortable handle, it’s a robust kitchen tool that’s both dishwasher safe and simple to use. Perfect for adding a zest of flavor to any dish or drink with minimal effort.

15. Garlic press

Our kitchen drawer still houses the Kuhn Rikon garlic press, though it doesn’t see as much action these days. If handling garlic isn’t your thing and you’re after the fastest way to mince, this well-regarded garlic press could be your kitchen ally. However, for those who don’t mind a bit of garlic prep, manually crushing and chopping might be more appealing.

Our relationship with garlic presses has ebbed and flowed, landing us presently in the “nice-to-have but not a must” camp. Sure, a garlic press simplifies the task, but there’s something uniquely gratifying about using just a chef’s knife to mince garlic. It might not be as quick, but the hands-on approach has its own charm.

16. Can opener

Finding cookware that delights with each use is rare, yet the Kuhn Rikon can opener manages to do just that! Its 5-in-1 design means it effortlessly deals with tabs, bottle caps, screw tops, jar lids, and cans, making it a versatile and indispensable addition to your kitchen arsenal.

We’ve got one of these gems in our kitchen, sporting the vibrant Mealime green, and it’s genuinely a joy to use. Opening cans has unexpectedly become something we look forward to. Grab this multitool and experience the ease and satisfaction for yourself – the rave reviews are a testament to its brilliance!

Cooking Utensils & Tools

17. Spatula

The humble spatula, with its broad, flat, flexible blade, plays a key role in our kitchens, aiding in everything from mixing and spreading to flipping. It’s hard to imagine this staple tool could get any better, and yet, Tovolo proves that innovation knows no bounds. Their collection of stainless steel and silicone kitchen tools, including their top-tier spatula, raises the bar. Built to withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, it fearlessly faces the heat without succumbing to it – a relief for anyone who’s accidentally left a spatula resting on a hot pan. Beyond its resilience, this spatula delights in use, marrying quality with affordability in a way that makes each flipping and spreading task a little more enjoyable.

18. Stir spoons

Bamboo Wooden Spoons transform simple kitchen tasks into something special. Strong and beautifully made, these spoons blend functionality with style, making stirring and serving more enjoyable. Their smooth finish not only works well but also adds a touch of class to your kitchen. Made from bamboo, they ensure a comfortable, flawless use every time. Plus, cleaning them is easy — they wash and dry quickly, ready for whatever you’re cooking up next. Bring these wooden spoons into your kitchen for a blend of practicality and beauty.

19. Tongs

A versatile pair of tongs is essential for flipping meats and veggies with ease. They should be equipped with silicone tips to avoid scratches on your cookware and boast high heat-resistance to withstand regular use without melting.

Zyliss offers a pair of tongs that excel in design and functionality. They’re crafted for one-handed operation, combining ergonomic handling with durable construction. Interestingly, we find ourselves with two pairs, though one is more than sufficient for any kitchen!

20. Ladle

At its core, a ladle serves as an oversized spoon with a long handle, perfect for dishing out soups, stews, and sauces.

Tovolo’s ladle stands out with its robust construction, marrying stainless steel with silicone. This design ensures it remains intact, resistant to melting, whether left in a hot pot or pan or run through the dishwasher.

21. Pastry brush

You might wonder, “Is a pastry brush really essential for a new home?” Absolutely! Beyond pastries, it’s invaluable for applying sauces or dressings with ease.

22. Ice cream scoop

Who doesn’t love ice cream? An ice cream scoop was among the first buys for my apartment. It seems ubiquitous in every home for a reason.

23. Pizza cutter

A pizza night is incomplete without a pizza cutter. Essential for anyone looking to make homemade pizza — it’s a necessity, not just a convenience.

24. Cookie dough scooper

Sure, you can make cookies without a scooper, but why would you want to? A cookie dough scooper speeds up the process, ensuring more fun and uniform cookies.

25. Meat masher

While it’s possible to cook ground meat without one, a meat masher simplifies the process significantly. It was a priority purchase when I transitioned from an apartment to a house.

26. Potato masher

While a potato masher is undeniably useful, its typically cumbersome shape can hinder drawer storage. Our pick, the Prepara flip potato masher, solves this issue elegantly.

Its unique “flip” design ensures it stores effortlessly, avoiding the common bulkiness of traditional mashers. Crafted from high-quality, BPA-free stainless steel, it promises durability and is a breeze to clean in the dishwasher. With a stellar reputation mirrored by five-star Amazon reviews, this potato masher is a top-tier choice for any kitchen.

27. Meat mallet

Ever needed to crush cookies or croutons and had no tool for the job? The meat mallet is my go-to, not just for tenderizing meat but for creating crumbs too.

28. Zester

A zester might not seem essential until you realize it can elevate any dish, cocktail, or dessert instantly. Definitely a must-have in my book.

29. Whisks

For anyone who enjoys baking or crafting homemade dressings and sauces, a whisk is indispensable. Although they might be a bit tricky to clean, they’re versatile and fun to use.

30. Meat thermometer

If you’re serious about cooking meats to perfection, investing in a reliable meat thermometer is essential to eliminate the guesswork from determining doneness.

Opt for this ultra-fast and precise thermometer to get accurate temperature readings in just 4 seconds, making it Amazon’s top-selling meat thermometer. Praised with numerous five-star reviews, it’s a steal at $25.

For those who frequently roast foods and prefer ongoing temperature monitoring, the Thermoworks ChefAlarm comes highly recommended. It excels in providing precise temperature readings, whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving turkey or managing the water temperature for sous vide cooking.

Cookware & Bakeware

31. Pots & pans set

Pots and pans are undisputed essentials. Hardly a day goes by without needing them. For their versatility and frequent use, they’re minimalist kitchen necessities.

32. Cast-iron skillet

For millennia, cast iron skillets have been essential tools in kitchens globally. Today’s versions maintain their robust charm with heavy-duty cast iron construction and a pre-seasoned surface to prevent sticking. Known for their exceptional heat retention, these skillets shine on the stovetop and in the oven.

The longevity of a cast iron skillet is unparalleled; buy one, and it’s likely the only one you’ll ever need. It’s versatile enough to handle any dish you throw at it. Even better, our top pick for a cast iron skillet is crafted from premium materials in the USA at a great value. Lodge’s 12-inch cast iron skillet is a solid investment for any cook.

33. Stainless steel skillet

A stainless steel skillet is destined to become the most utilized piece of cookware in your kitchen. Perfect for a range of cooking methods from frying and searing to sautéing and browning, choosing a high-quality stainless steel skillet is essential for a tool that lasts a lifetime.

We’re big fans of the Multiclad Pro line by Cuisinart for all our cookware needs, including their exceptional skillet. Crafted from superior stainless steel, it features a convenient “helper” handle for safe and easy transport of heavy contents. What’s more, it’s offered at an impressive price point for its quality. Definitely a top recommendation.

34. Sauté pan

Our top-tier choice is the 4-quart tri-ply bonded sauté pan from All Clad. Echoing our other recommendations from the All Clad lineup in this guide, we’ve selected this pan for its superior build, glowing reviews, and commitment to American-made quality. With All Clad, you’re making a choice you can trust.

35. Medium Saucepan

Our top recommendation for a medium saucepan comes from All Clad. Crafted in the USA from stainless steel, it boasts an impeccable 5-star rating on Amazon, reflecting nothing but positive feedback.

While our suggested pick should suffice for most culinary tasks, for those looking to elevate their kitchen arsenal, the 4-quart medium saucepan by All Clad comes highly endorsed.

36. Large pot

For whipping up hearty soups, stews, pastas, or sauces, a sizable pot is essential to accommodate the generous portions.

We are particularly fond of the Multiclad Pro series by Cuisinart for their comprehensive line of stainless steel pots and pans. Their remarkable durability and even heating are owed to a robust construction of stainless steel and aluminum. Cuisinart’s manufacturing in China, as opposed to the USA, allows them to offer this premium quality product at more affordable prices.

Ideal for preparing anything from pasta to large meals or even homemade broth, this large pot is both dishwasher and oven safe (including broil settings) and features a design that simplifies pouring. Seize this incredible value pot and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with securing a top-notch kitchen essential at an unbeatable price.

37. Grill pan

Grill pans have become must-have items in the kitchen, appealing especially to those who lack a barbecue or prefer not to venture outside during colder months, yet still crave those iconic grill marks on their dishes.

Perfect for preparing summertime favorites like burgers, roasted salmon, meatballs, and marinated veggies, a grill pan mimics the effects of a barbecue right on your stovetop. It offers the convenience of grilling without ever leaving your kitchen, eliminating the need for propane, gas, charcoal, and the tedious cleanup that often accompanies traditional barbecuing.

While we previously recommended Lodge’s cast iron version, its heft and the effort required for cleaning shifted our preference. Now, our go-to is Calphalon’s non-stick 11-inch grill pan. It’s lightweight, easy on the wallet, and effortless to clean, making it a delightful addition to any kitchen.

38. Stockpot

A stockpot, typically 12 quarts in size, is perfect for crafting homemade broth or cooking up substantial servings of soup. It’s the go-to pot for preparing larger meals. However, since many home chefs opt out of making their own broth (despite its simplicity), a stockpot might not be a staple in a minimalist kitchen.

Our top recommendation for those who frequently indulge in preparing stocks, broths, and soups is the 12-quart stockpot by All Clad. Crafted with excellence in the USA, it carries the hallmark of quality assurance that All Clad is renowned for. While this is an optional choice, it stands out as an exceptional selection for enthusiasts seeking a premium option.

39. Muffin tin

Beyond baking muffins, a muffin tin can serve multiple purposes. I’ve successfully used it for making egg bites, making it a fantastic tool for creative meal prep.

40. Cooling racks

Perhaps it’s just me, but using cooling racks feels fanciful. They’re instrumental in baking, ensuring treats cool properly and maintain their texture.

41. Baking sheets

You’ll find yourself reaching for baking sheets more often than you’d expect. They’re crucial for sheet pan meals, providing an easy and clean way to cook.

42. Casserole dish

A casserole dish is an essential, deep baking dish with tall sides, perfect for those days when you’re in the mood for a simple one-dish oven meal, such as lasagna or a hearty casserole.

The HIC’s casserole dish, crafted from elegant white porcelain, is versatile enough for use in the broiler, microwave, and is also dishwasher safe. This means not only can you effortlessly cook a one-dish meal, but the cleanup afterward is just as easy. A win-win for any kitchen.

43. Broiler pan

A broiler pan is a durable, rectangular metal tray designed to withstand the intense heat of an oven’s broiler setting. Unlike standard baking sheets, it’s built to resist warping and features grooves with a lower drip pan to catch fats, ensuring your oven stays clean.

Broiling is the method of choice for achieving a deliciously browned crust on top of your food. Based on our experience, the Range Kleen broiler pan is both robust and easy to maintain, even dishwasher-safe. It stands up to temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit or higher without any deformation, boasts a high-quality feel, and is built to last.

Additionally, this broiler pan is surprisingly affordable. Investing in one today means it’s so enduring, you likely won’t ever need a replacement.

Small Kitchen Appliances

44. Blender

Our top recommendation is the Vitamix Professional Series 750 blender. For those familiar with blenders, Vitamix hardly needs an introduction. As the leading brand in the field, Vitamix blenders are synonymous with quality, albeit at a higher price point.

Vitamix blenders are a common sight in commercial kitchens, praised for their robust performance, user-friendly operation, and straightforward cleaning process. If you’re seeking unparalleled quality in a blender, the Vitamix stands out as an exceptional choice.

45. Hand mixer

A hand mixer is not just for avid bakers but for anyone who mixes anything. It simplifies the process, making even infrequent baking a breeze.

46. Stand mixer

For serious bakers, a stand mixer is a glorious addition. Not only do they last, but they also add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.

47. Immersion Blender

An immersion blender, or stick blender, is designed for blending or puréeing food right in the very container it’s being made in.

Our immersion blender is a go-to tool in our kitchen. Whether we’re blending soups and sauces directly in the pot, creating homemade whipped cream for desserts, or quickly making mayonnaise for hard-boiled eggs, we opt for Cuisinart’s versatile two-speed model. It’s straightforward to operate and even simpler to clean. On top of that, it comes at a very attractive price point.

48. Instant Pot

An Instant Pot will be a life-changer for you, especially if you’re in college or just a super busy person! I will never live without an Instant Pot again. It may even be more important than a blender for me.

49. Kitchen Scales

When it comes to accurately measuring raw ingredients or coffee beans, a compact and lightweight scale is essential. The American Weigh Scales digital pocket scale is the ideal choice.

Featuring a clear LED display, precise measurements in both US and metric units, and a small footprint, this scale meets all your weighing needs with ease.

Other Kitchen Essentials

50. Plates and bowls

It goes without saying, but plates are a kitchen must-have, especially when outfitting your first apartment. They’re at the pinnacle of essential kitchen items for anyone setting up home for the first time.

I personally chose these plates for my initial move, and they served me exceptionally well for an extended period. They strike the perfect balance as an ideal starter set — both affordable and durable.

51. Glassware

Glassware, in its many forms, is indispensable for any home or apartment. Initially, investing in a basic set of cups is a smart move. However, as you settle in, expanding your collection to include wine glasses, mugs, and pint glasses enriches your kitchen’s versatility and readiness for any occasion.

52. Silverware set

Silverware isn’t just a fundamental kitchen necessity; it’s also an opportunity to express your style. There’s a delightful array of silverware sets available, from classic to contemporary. Personally, I’ve enjoyed using gold and black sets as chic alternatives to traditional silver, adding a touch of elegance and personality to the dining experience.

53. Reusable straws

Reusable straws, whether metal or glass, are kitchen staples for me. They’re eco-friendly and perfect for those who prefer sipping from straws.

54. Storage containers

Essential for packing lunches, preserving ingredients, or keeping meals fresh in the fridge for days, high-quality food storage containers are a must-have. We suggest the Kinetic glass containers, favoring their eco-friendly material over plastic. They’re versatile—safe for the dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, and oven.

This container set with secure locking lids is perfect for individuals planning to take their meals to work. If you’re cooking for a family or need more storage, consider our premium recommendation, which offers a larger set of containers.

55. Dish rack

Despite having a dishwasher, there will always be items requiring handwashing or a quick rinse. For these moments, a reliable dish rack is indispensable, allowing dishes to air dry while draining water directly back into the sink.

We recommend the KitchenAid dish rack for its classic design that combines both aesthetics and functionality seamlessly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, equipping your kitchen with the right tools is essential for unlocking the joy and creativity of cooking. From indispensable chef’s knives and sturdy pots to versatile blenders and practical storage solutions, our curated list of 55 kitchen essentials aims to cater to both budding cooks and culinary experts. While we’ve provided specific product recommendations to help streamline your shopping experience, remember that the perfect kitchen setup is deeply personal and evolves with your cooking journey. Prioritize items that match your cooking style, space, and budget, and don’t hesitate to adjust your toolkit as your skills and interests grow. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be a space of endless discovery, warmth, and delectable meals shared with loved ones.