14 Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Every Home Cook

Alex Loh, Kayleigh Drake

January 5, 2012 at 12:32 AM·14 min read

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Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these tools will set you up for cooking success.

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RDReviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Whether you're setting up your kitchen for the first time or need to replace some worn-out items, keeping your kitchen stocked with the proper tools is the first step to a great meal. Investing in these essentials will make cooking an enjoyable and easy activity that you'll look forward to. Here are 14 of our must-have kitchen tools.

1. Knives

Without a proper chef's knife, food prep can be a bit of a pain. So, if you're in need of a new knife, we recommend the MAC Professional 8-Inch Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife. This razor-sharp workhorse earned high praise from our writer and former Test Kitchen manager, Breana Lai Killeen, and its balanced weight makes it very comfortable to use.

If you want a slightly more affordable option, go for the 8-inch Misen Chef's Knife. It is a favorite of both Killeen and our associate editorial director, Carolyn Malcoun, who rave about how well it handles and its great price. (You really can't find a good chef's knife any cheaper.) Plus, Misen offers a 60-day trial with a free return if you don't love it, and a lifetime guarantee if you do!

While those butcher blocks full of knives look nice on your counter, you really only need three knives for most basic cooking tasks: an 8- to 10-inch-long chef's knife, a paring knife and a serrated bread knife. Buy the best knives you can afford—they will last for many years. EatingWell's former senior digital food editor and current writer Megan Steintrager likes the Henckels, Wüsthof and Shun brands for her paring and chef's knives, and former associate commerce editor Kayleigh Drake swears by the Wüsthof Gourmet 8-Inch Serrated Bread Knife for slicing through crusty sourdough loaves, baguettes and more.

2. Knife Sharpener

Once you have the right knife, you'll need to keep it sharp. (A dull knife is a danger to you and whatever food you're chopping.) But there's no need to go through the hassle of hiring a sharpening service or spending big bucks on a fancy electric gadget. This Henckels 2-Stage Manual Sharpener is our go-to. (Trust us, we've tested all sorts of methods. This. Does. The. Trick.) With both coarse and fine grits and slots for Western and Asian-style blades (which need to be sharpened differently), all of your knives will be covered.

3. Cutting Boards

To avoid cross-contamination when cooking, it's best to have two cutting boards on hand—one for raw proteins and one for cooked foods and produce. For raw proteins, we prefer using plastic cutting boards like this Dexas Polyduo (which made it into our list of best cutting boards on the market).

For cooked foods and produce, a plastic or wooden cutting board will work. We love this set of three Williams Sonoma Cutting & Carving Boards, which are made of sturdy acacia wood and have wells along the perimeter to catch any liquids that may seep out during prep.

<p>Williams Sonoma</p> — Williams Sonoma

4. Bowls

A set of stainless steel mixing bowls that fit inside one another is a space saver. They are inexpensive, versatile and can last a lifetime. Our editor Kayleigh owns this FineDine set, which comes with six bowls ranging in size from 3 cups to 8 quarts. Kayleigh uses them frequently for various cooking tasks, from whisking vinaigrettes to proofing batches of bread dough.

5. Measuring Spoons and Cups

You'll need one set of measuring spoons and two sets of measuring cups. One set should be for measuring liquids—these usually have handles and pour spouts—and one set should be for measuring dry ingredients, which can be leveled off. This All-Clad stainless steel set comes with both spoons and cups for measuring dry ingredients.

For liquids, Kayleigh loves this glass Anchor Hocking measuring cup, which holds up to 32 ounces (and comes in her favorite color, red).

6. Cookware

Nonstick skillets are great tools for beginner cooks, but remember never to use metal utensils on these pans, as scratched surfaces negatively affect their nonstick surfaces. While you'll want to invest in both small and large nonstick skillets to cover all the bases, our favorite all-around nonstick skillet is this 10-inch version from Made In. With its even heat conduction and super-slick nonstick surface, this skillet was a high scorer across the board in our testing.

You'll also want small and large stainless-steel skillets, as well as small and large saucepans and a stockpot. To that end, investing in a full cookware set can be a cost-effective way to stock up on all the pots and pans your kitchen needs.

For nonstick cookware, we love this Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO set:

And when it comes to stainless steel, this 10-piece Hestan ProBond Professional Clad set won us over in our cookware tests:

Beyond the basic pieces offered in most cookware sets, a wok is a necessity for high-heat, quick-cooking dishes like stir-fries. Our wok of choice is this flat-bottom carbon steel version from Yosukata. We love its durable construction and large capacity—not to mention the fact that it comes preseasoned.

7. Instant-Read Thermometer

An instant-read thermometer, found in nearly every supermarket meat section or with other kitchen gadgets, is essential for making sure meat and poultry are safely cooked and done to your preference. We like this one from ThermoPro, which comes in two colors (red or gray) and also made our list of essential Thanksgiving kitchen tools.

8. Salad Spinner

Before you write salad spinners off as just another unnecessary kitchen gadget, hear us out. These seemingly one-use tools are actually incredibly versatile—especially if you opt for this OXO Good Grips spinner, which both Kayleigh and our commerce writer Kristin Montemarano love. The lid features a pump mechanism with a knob that you simply press to start the spinner, along with a "brake" button you can push to stop it. Plus, the rubberized bottom of the bowl means it won't slip and slide on the counter while you use it.

Not only does this device make easy work of washing and drying leafy greens, but it also doubles as both a colander and a serving bowl.

9. Bakeware

Whether you're baking a cake or roasting a chicken, it's important to have the right pans for your oven. Standard-size 9-by-13 sheet pans and stoneware baking dishes are useful for any meal, while specialty pans for pizza, roasting and baking are also a good investment.

This simple but sturdy baking pan from the Nordic Ware Naturals line took our top spot in our list of best pans for roasting vegetables.

If you need a quality baking dish, we're big fans of this 2-piece Staub stoneware set. Available in multiple colors, this set includes two rectangular baking dishes perfect for baking casseroles, lasagnas and desserts. They're safe to use in the microwave, oven and freezer, and they're also dishwasher-safe.

10. Storage Containers

Food storage containers aren't just for leftovers; they're also helpful for holding any unused ingredients from making dinner. We love this 18-piece Simply Store glass food container set from Pyrex. It includes multiple container sizes, making it super versatile, and the glass vessels are safe to use in the microwave, oven and freezer. They're also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Are you more into plastic food storage containers? This Rubbermaid Brilliance Leak-Proof set is sturdy, stackable, and BPA-free. The containers are also resistant to odors and staining.

<p>Courtesy of Amazon</p> — Courtesy of Amazon

11. Slow Cooker

A slow cooker, commonly known by the brand name Crock-Pot, is the perfect tool for busy families. You can easily throw ingredients into the cooker before work, and dinner will be ready when you get home. We love this 6-quart, 3-in-1 slow cooker from Cuisinart, as it boasts steaming, sautéing and roasting functions (in addition to slow cooking, of course).

For a great value option, we also love this programmable 6-quart Crock-Pot slow cooker, which rings in at roughly half the cost of the aforementioned Cuisinart.

12. Stand Mixer

Baked goods—especially bread and cookie doughs—are so much easier to make with a stand mixer. This KitchenAid one comes in several different colors, and it's equipped with a tilting head, 10 speed settings and three attachments, including a whisk, a paddle and a dough hook. Our editor Kayleigh can't live without her KitchenAid stand mixer, which she uses to make everything from homemade whipped cream to from-scratch garlic knots.

13. Blender

Having a blender on hand is great for making smoothies or salad dressing. And, if you're looking for an excellent blender that can power through just about anything, this Vitamix 5200 is a stellar pick. Not only is the Vitamix brand renowned for its powerful, high-performing blenders, but this particular Vitamix model got perfect scores across all categories during our most recent rounds of product testing.

Vitamix blenders are not cheap, however, so if you're on the hunt for a great blender at a more approachable price, we love the Breville Fresh and Furious. This blender also scored high marks during our testing—and out of all the blenders we tried, this one made the best frozen drinks.

Depending on your needs, you can choose between a high-speed blender and a standard one. Breana Killeen likes Vitamix or Wolf brands for high speeds and KitchenAid for everyday use.

14. Vegetable Steamer

We love the convenience of steaming vegetables in the microwave. It's so much quicker than doing it on the stovetop, and this handmade Stoneware Microwave Veggie Steamer from Uncommon Goods keeps the veggies warm and can go straight to the table when they are ready. It's way easier than the plastic-wrap-covered-bowl situation we used before. Nope, we're never going back now.

Choosing a Kitchen Tool

Look at the Design and Features

When shopping for kitchen tools, it's important to consider the design of each product. With items like skillets and chef's knives, for instance, you'll want to make sure the tool is designed to fit comfortably in your hand so that you can use it properly (and safely!). When it comes to kitchen appliances, you'll want to take note of any special features they have—but keep in mind that this is largely a matter of personal preference. Some cooks prefer straightforward, no-frills appliances that are simple to use, while others may opt for high-end gadgets that come with plenty of bells and whistles (and often higher price points). Whatever your case may be, try to choose a tool that best fits your needs and preferences.

How Versatile Is It?

While some single-use gadgets are worth their weight in gold—we're looking at you, Henckels knife sharpener—it's always nice to be able to do multiple things with one kitchen tool. (This is especially true if you have a kitchen with limited storage space.) For instance, while the OXO Good Grips salad spinner on our list may seem like it's only useful for washing leafy greens, its individual parts can also serve as a colander, a mixing bowl, a serving bowl and even a bread proofing container. The aforementioned KitchenAid stand mixer comes with three attachments that allow you to mix virtually anything, from delicate meringues to hardy bread doughs. And if you're making a pie or a tart, the flat-bottomed measuring cups in the stainless steel All-Clad set can help you flatten out shortbread or graham cracker crusts for more even baking.

Is It a Good Overall Value?

When choosing a kitchen tool, make sure you're getting enough bang for your buck. As mentioned above, the more bells and whistles a product has, the higher the price tag will typically be. If you prioritize versatility and extra features, you may find the extra spend worthwhile. On the other hand, if you're working with a limited budget or prefer products with fewer frills, a more wallet-friendly kitchen tool may be a better option. And, as with any other product on the market, kitchen tools made by renowned brands often have elevated price points—but in many cases, this translates to a quality product that will last you a while.

Our Search for the Best Kitchen Tools

To determine our top picks for must-have kitchen tools, we consulted our EatingWell editors and writers for their favorite, most-used items. We also based our selections on products that scored high marks in our numerous rounds of product testing. Along with these insights, we considered the design, versatility, durability, performance and overall value of each product before adding it to our list of kitchen essentials.

Common Questions

How should you care for your kitchen tools?

To ensure the longevity of your kitchen tools, it's important to read the instruction manual and follow the maintenance and care tips outlined in it. However, if your item doesn't come with a manual (or if you've accidentally thrown it out), there are some general rules to keep in mind.

In many cases, handwashing is the recommended method of cleaning your kitchen tools—especially for things like knives, which can become dull after repeated cycles in the dishwasher, and items made of wood and certain plastics, which can become warped or damaged in the dishwasher. If your item has a nonstick coating, it's also best to wash it by hand to preserve the integrity of the coating. And if you're cleaning an appliance, it's imperative that you unplug it first.

Storage is another essential thing to consider when caring for your kitchen tools. Knives should be stored either in a protective sheath, in a knife block or on a magnetic knife holder, which will not only keep it safe from dings that could dull the blade, but will also help prevent any accidental kitchen emergencies when reaching for them. When it comes to cookware, a hanging rack is a great way to keep your pots and pans safely stored. If you don't have space to hang them in your kitchen, you can stack the pans on top of one another for storage—just be sure to place a towel or cloth between them to prevent them from getting scratched.

How do you choose the best kitchen tools for your needs?

Choosing the best kitchen tools for your needs can seem overwhelming given the many options available. Start by assessing your cooking habits and preferences. If you frequently cook meals from scratch, investing in high-quality knives, a durable cutting board and versatile cookware is essential. For those who enjoy baking, prioritize tools like a stand mixer, measuring cups and baking sheets. Consider the material and durability of the tools; stainless steel and silicone often provide longevity and ease of cleaning.

Next, think about the functionality and versatility of each tool. As we mentioned earlier, kitchen tools that serve multiple purposes are not only practical, they can also help save valuable storage space. Ergonomics is also crucial—choose tools that are comfortable to hold and use, which can make a significant difference during extended cooking sessions. Ultimately, the best kitchen tools enhance your cooking experience, making meal preparation efficient and enjoyable.

Our Trusted Expertise

Our writer, Alex Loh, is the associate food editor at EatingWell and has worked with the brand for over three years. Within that time, she has tested hundreds of products, from kitchen tools to ingredients, and she also creates healthy and delicious recipes for the EatingWell audience.

This article was updated by Kayleigh Drake, a former full-time baker and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats and Simply Recipes.

Read the original article on Eating Well.

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