My Must-Have Kitchen Tools & Equipment: 100+ Essential Cooking Items

Here are some must-have kitchen tools and equipment, all essential cooking items for every home cook. I personally use all of these items, and I purchased all of them on Amazon.  There might be better items on Amazon (or at your local store), but these are the tried and true for me. The items I’ve chosen are versatile, durable, and offer good value, ensuring that your investment is practical and lasting. Sometimes, the right tool can make your cooking life so much easier!

Must-Have Kitchen Tools and Equipment: Essential Cooking Items

All the tools you need for a well stocked kitchen, in one convenient list! These basic cooking tools go from most important (absolutely essential for what every cook needs) to least important (stuff to make your life easier). I decided to do it in order of importance for someone just starting out with a new kitchen instead of in category order (e.g. kitchen appliances, utensils, kitchen gadgets, etc.) Also, someone with a small kitchen will know which items are the best kitchen tools to have. Some are necessary for certain dishes (they are more at the bottom). Each tool is something I personally recommend.

1. Set of Wooden Spoons

   Essential for stirring, mixing, and serving, wooden spoons are gentle on cookware and don’t conduct heat. They’re perfect for sauces, soups, and batters, ensuring that you can stir without scratching your pots and pans. You can pick these up on Amazon or your local grocery store for inexpensive, but honestly, I like to buy them at the Goodwill (or Salvation Army). I tend to buy the bamboo ones because they are cheaper. You can throw these out (or recycle them in your compost pile) and buy new ones. Sometimes cheaper is better!

   

2. High-Quality Chef’s Knife

   A sharp, well-balanced chef’s knife is crucial for efficient food prep, capable of chopping, slicing, and dicing with precision. It reduces prep time and enhances safety by enabling better control. Chefs swear by their quality knives, and good Japanese steel can go into the thousands. I personally find that a good $100 chef knife … yes, only one … is worth 1,000 cheap ones.  For most home cooks, I recommend the Zelite Infinity Santoku Knife. I am partial to the rounded-cleaver style of knife.

3. Wok

   Ideal for stir-frying, steaming, and deep-frying, a wok’s high walls and wide base allow for quick cooking at high heat, preserving flavors and textures of ingredients. Lots of (non-Asian) people think that woks are only for stir-frying or making fried rice. Yes, I make those things in my wok. But I make soup, pasta, etc. in my wok because the shape and size are perfect for every single thing I need to cook on the stove. I recommend one at least 12″ in width, and preferably with a glass lid (or metal). Lots of manufacturers on Amazon like to sell woks with wooden lids … everyone must like the “Asian” feel … but a wooden lid is worthless for cooking. Hello, steam???Seriously, a wooden lid is just dumb.In my opinion, you can create about 90% of cooking with wooden spoons, a great knife, and a wok. (Other than the basic household appliances like an oven, fridge, and microwave.) Seriously. If you buy nothing else on this list, those are my top 3. For a wok, get a carbon steel one rather than a cast iron pan, since it’s lighter and easier to handle. Woks are designed to flip around food, e.g. fried rice.  You season a carbon steel pan much like you do a cast iron pan.

   

   You can also get a cast iron wok. Be forewarned, it’s heavy.

   

4. Cast Iron Skillet

   Known for its heat retention and even cooking, a cast-iron skillet is perfect for searing, frying, baking, and more, developing flavors that only improve over time. I absolutely adore my cast iron skillet. You want one that is made in the USA. I recommend the Blacklock brand. The two pan set will be the only skillets you’ll ever have to buy, unless you really like omelets.

5. A Set of Regular Skillets

   To make various flat-type foods. It isn’t totally necessary. Any pot is actually a skillet. But, most people like the shortness of height (to help flip omelets). However, I haven’t ever found a need to have to have a skillet rather than a regular pot, or preferably, a cast iron skillet.Also, you do not need a skillet and a cast iron skillet unless you just want both. If you can only buy one, buy a cast iron skillet. If you dislike the maintenance involved, buy a regular skillet. Unless you are a high-end chef, I’d recommend Amazon Basics. Tbh, skillets and pots tend to get beat up in my house. I haven’t found a brand that lasts under my abuse. I’d rather buy a new set every few years than have to hand wash everything to keep it in perfect condition.

6. Plastic Cutting Board

   Unless you want your counter to be all b’ed up, you need many cutting boards. Plastic is safe for chicken (hello, no salmonella) and dishwasher safe. I like my wooden boards, but you shouldn’t cut meat on those.

7. A Great Set of Pots

   I think the skillet is more important than the pot, but if you like spaghetti, then you are going to want at least two. (One for the noodles, one for the sauce.) And ‘getti is the #2 in poor man’s food.  (Ramen is #1!) Debate what you will, but nonstick is pretty important. However, one saucepan should be stainless steel at the bottom so you can see what is being cooked, such as if you are making butterscotch or caramel. Most pots are dishwasher safe.

8. Colander

   Essential for draining pasta or washing vegetables and fruits, a colander is a basic tool with daily utility. I like my metal one, but you can buy whatever ones you’d like.

9. Slotted Spoons

   These are good for servings meals that are juicy without the need to mess up a colander.

10. Kitchen Utensils

    Regular kitchen utensils, e.g. forks and spoons, are also important cooking utensils. Almost every kitchen must have them since, you know, you gotta eat with something. Just as an aside, Koreans have chopsticks, spoons, and knives. Great for stirring and tasting. They also come in handy for measuring things. The little spoon is very similar to a teaspoon, and the bigger spoon (rounded) is very similar to a tablespoon. Since most are stainless steel, they also happen to be durable.

11. Mixing Bowls of Different Sizes

    A variety of sizes allows for versatile cooking tasks, from mixing batter to tossing salads. They are fundamental for meal prep, enabling organized ingredient assembly and effortless mixing. You will need both glass bowls and metal bowls. Glass bowls are good for general hand mixing (and for anything chemical, like yeast), and metal bowls are useful for anytime you need something cold, e.g. frosting.

12. NutriBullet or Ninja Blender

    Perfect for smoothies, sauces, and soups, these powerful blenders break down fruits and vegetables efficiently, ensuring smooth textures and enabling quick meal prep. I also prefer the food processor ones because it can do everything.

    The NutriBullet (which I have):

    The Ninja (Which A Lot Of People Love):

    

13. Measuring Cups

    Accurate measurements are crucial for baking and ensuring consistent results in cooking, making these tools fundamental for any home cook. You will need two sets: Pyrex cups for liquids, and a set of flat-topped measuring cups for dry items.

14. Measuring Spoons

    Along the same lines of measuring cups, you will need measuring spoons. You can get away with just one set, but I like to have two (one for my dry ingredients, one for my wet ingredients).

15. Air Fryer

    After your basic items (like the microwave, oven, fridge, and the above tools), the air fryer is probably the most important appliance in your house. I bought one for my brother-in-law one year for Christmas, and he recently discovered just how totally awesome it is.

16. Rice Cooker

    Cooks rice perfectly every time, keeping it warm and ready to serve, a must-have for rice enthusiasts for its convenience and consistency. I’d put this higher on the list, but I also realize that most people don’t eat rice all the time. You can buy an appliance version, in which case I recommend Aroma. They have the perfect rice cookers. Or, you can buy a microwave-style one, which is kinda cool too.

17. Rice Colander

    This item is essential if you don’t like bugs in your rice. Rice is grown in rice paddies. And rice paddies are home to many, many, many things. And they are dirty. You should wash your rice before cooking it to wash the dirt and possible bugs out.

18. Whisk

    Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and incorporating air, crucial for making sauces, dressings, and batters.

19. Can Opener

    A reliable can opener is a must-have for accessing a variety of pantry staples, from tomatoes to beans, essential for quick meals.

20. Kitchen Shears

    Versatile for cutting meat, herbs, and packaging, kitchen shears are a practical tool for tasks that require precision and strength.

21. Paring Knife

    Perfect for small, intricate tasks like peeling fruits or deveining shrimp, a paring knife offers precision where a chef’s knife is too large.

22. Serrated Knife

    This knife has teeth, like a saw, and it meant to cut bread. I put it up top here (in the top 20) because I like bread. Especially homemade bread!

23. Slow Cooker

    Ideal for set-it-and-forget-it meals, slow cookers tenderize meat and develop deep flavors over hours, perfect for busy home cooks.

24. KitchenAid

    Speaking of doing everything, the KitchenAid can do everything. Make dough, blend, make pasta. With the new advances in AI, I wouldn’t be surprised if it make your dinner for you in a few years.

25. Digital Kitchen Scale

    Essential for baking accuracy, a kitchen scale ensures that ingredients are measured precisely, which is critical for successful recipes.

26. Silicone Spatulas

    Flexible and heat-resistant, silicone spatulas are perfect for scraping bowls clean, stirring hot substances, and ensuring you get every last drop of your mixtures.

27. Dutch Oven

    Ideal for braising, stewing, and baking, this pot is versatile and retains heat well, allowing for slow cooking and deep flavor development. It can also go from the stovetop and is oven safe, too, which makes it super convenient to make things like stew or casseroles.

28. Baking Pans and Sheet Pans

    A baking dish is essential for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, and more, these sheets are versatile and foundational for any baking tasks. 

29. Cooling Rack

    Allows air to circulate around baked goods for even cooling, preventing sogginess and ensuring crispy finishes where needed.

30. Pressure Cooker

    Speeds up cooking dramatically, making dishes like stews, beans, and tough cuts of meat tender in a fraction of the usual time. Lots of people love Instapots. I think they sell you a bag of noodles, myself. Most of the time, the food takes longer to cook than if you just put it on the stove. But these appliances are great for people who want to set it and forget it, without using up too many objects.

31. Vegetable Peeler

    A sharp peeler removes skins from fruits and vegetables effortlessly, which is essential for preparation and presentation, while also preserving as much flesh as possible. Although not strictly necessary beyond a paring knife, these are good to peel skinned-items quickly, such as potatoes. Also, ginger is particularly difficult to pare with a knife.

32. Grater

    Ideal for cheese, vegetables, and zesting citrus, a grater is a versatile tool that enhances flavor and texture in dishes.

33. Garlic Press

    Saves time and hassle by quickly mincing garlic cloves, ensuring even flavor distribution in dishes without the need for fine chopping.

34. Citrus Juicer

    Extracts maximum juice from lemons, limes, and oranges, essential for recipes requiring fresh citrus juice, ensuring no waste and easy extraction.

35. Mandolin Slicer

    Provides uniform slices quickly, perfect for making gratins, chips, or salads, ensuring consistency in cooking and presentation.

36. Rolling Pin

    Essential for shaping and flattening doughs, a rolling pin is crucial for baking tasks, from pie crusts to cookies.

37. Bread Knife

    With a serrated edge, a bread knife is essential for slicing through crusty bread loaves, soft cakes, and bagels without crushing.

38. Meat Thermometer

    Ensures meat is cooked safely and to the desired doneness, taking the guesswork out of roasting and grilling.

39. Vegetable Steamer Basket

    Ideal for healthy cooking, steaming preserves nutrients in vegetables, and fits in standard pots for easy use.

40. Spice Grinder

    Freshly ground spices have more flavor than pre-ground, making a grinder essential for flavor-intense cooking.

41. Immersion Blender

    Handy for pureeing soups directly in the pot or making quick sauces, it’s a versatile tool that simplifies blending tasks.

42. Salad Spinner

    Washes and dries salad greens quickly, ensuring that salad ingredients are clean and moisture-free for dressing adherence.

43. Oven Mitts

    Protect hands from burns and ensure safe handling of hot cookware, essential for oven use and stovetop cooking.

44. Tea Kettle

    For boiling water quickly for tea, coffee, or blanching, a kettle is a kitchen staple for hot water needs.

45. French Press

    For coffee lovers, a French press brews a rich, robust cup of coffee and can also be used for infusing loose-leaf teas.

46. Espresso Machine

    Elevates your coffee experience by providing professional-quality espresso at home, perfect for a daily caffeine fix or entertaining guests.

47. Sous Vide Precision Cooker

    For perfectly cooked meats and vegetables, sous vide allows for precise temperature control, resulting in restaurant-quality results.

48. Ice Cream Maker

    Allows you to create homemade ice cream, sorbets, and frozen yogurt, offering endless customization of flavors and ingredients.

49. Pasta Maker

    Enables you to make fresh pasta from scratch, offering superior texture and taste compared to store-bought varieties.

50. Pizza Stone

    Mimics the effects of a brick oven, giving homemade pizza a crispy crust and evenly baked toppings, enhancing your pizza night.

51. Pastry Brush

    Essential for applying glazes, butters, or egg washes on doughs, pastries, and meats, ensuring even browning and flavor enhancement.

52. Spice Rack

    Keeps spices organized and easily accessible, crucial for adding depth and flavor to your cooking efficiently.

53. Herb Keeper

    Extends the life of fresh herbs, ensuring they stay vibrant and flavorful longer, enhancing your dishes with fresh tastes.

54. Oil Dispenser

    Allows for controlled pouring of oils, ensuring proper seasoning and preventing excess fat, essential for healthy cooking.

55. Sifter

    Removes clumps from flour and aerates it, which is crucial for baking light, fluffy cakes and pastries.

56. Basting Brush

    Ideal for applying marinades and sauces to meats and vegetables, ensuring even flavor and moisture during cooking.

57. Potato Masher

    Great for making smooth mashed potatoes or other mashed vegetables, ensuring a lump-free consistency.

58. Egg Separator

    Simplifies separating yolks from whites, essential for recipes requiring only one component of the egg, ensuring precision in baking.

59. Cake Stand

    Elevates your cake for decorating ease and presents it beautifully, making it essential for bakers who love to entertain.

60. Microplane Grater

    Perfect for zesting citrus, grating hard cheeses, and even mincing garlic, this tool ensures fine, precise grates.

61. Tongs

    Essential for flipping meats, tossing salads, or serving pasta, tongs are versatile tools that provide a secure grip on food.

62. Pizza Cutter

    Ensures clean cuts of pizza and flatbreads, providing perfect slices with ease, essential for pizza enthusiasts.

63. Butcher Block

    Provides a durable, large cutting surface, ideal for heavy-duty chopping tasks and protecting countertops.

64. Cocktail Shaker

    Essential for mixing cocktails evenly, ensuring well-combined ingredients and enhancing the beverage experience.

65. Wine Opener

    A reliable tool for opening wine bottles smoothly, essential for wine enthusiasts and for entertaining guests.

66. Mortar and Pestle

    Ideal for grinding spices or making pesto, this tool extracts flavors from ingredients better than any electric grinder.

67. Fondue Set

    Perfect for entertaining, a fondue set provides a fun and interactive way to enjoy melted cheese, chocolate, or broths.

68. Popcorn Maker

    Offers a fresh, healthy alternative to microwave popcorn, allowing for customization of flavors and ingredients.

69. Cheese Board

    Essential for presenting a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruits, adding an elegant touch to your entertaining.

70. Casserole Dish

    Versatile for baking, roasting, or serving, a casserole dish is essential for family meals and gatherings.

71. Crepe Pan

    Specifically designed for making thin, delicate crepes, this pan ensures even cooking and easy flipping.

72. Grill Pan

    Provides grill marks and a smoky flavor to meats and vegetables, ideal for indoor grilling experiences.

73. Panini Press

    Creates perfectly toasted sandwiches with melty interiors, essential for quick, gourmet-style lunches.

74. Electric Kettle

    Quickly boils water with precise temperature control, essential for tea drinkers or for recipes requiring boiling water.

75. Toaster Oven

    Versatile for baking, toasting, and broiling, a toaster oven is a compact, efficient alternative to a conventional oven.

76. Countertop Grill

    Great for grilling indoors, it offers a healthier cooking option by allowing fat to drain away from the food.

77. Electric Griddle

    Provides a large, flat cooking surface, perfect for pancakes, bacon, and eggs, simplifying breakfast preparation.

78. Double Boiler

    Essential for gently melting chocolate or making sauces, ensuring that ingredients are heated without scorching.

79. Omelets Pan

    Designed specifically for making perfect omelets, its shape and surface prevent sticking and allow for easy flipping.

80. Bread Box

    Keeps bread fresh longer by maintaining the right humidity level, essential for bread lovers to prevent staleness.

81. Meat Tenderizer

    Essential for breaking down the fibers in tougher cuts of meat, ensuring tender, more palatable dishes.

82. Jar Opener

    A simple tool that provides grip and leverage, making it easy to open stubborn jar lids without straining.

83. Thermos

    Keeps liquids hot or cold for extended periods, perfect for maintaining the temperature of soups, coffees, or teas.

84. Ice Cube Tray with Lid

    Prevents spillage and freezer odors from permeating the ice, ensuring fresh-tasting ice cubes every time.

85. Splatter Guard

    Keeps hot oil and other cooking liquids in the pan, protecting you and your kitchen from messes during frying.

86. Juice Extractor

    Efficiently extracts juice from fruits and vegetables, separating the pulp, perfect for making fresh, healthy juices at home.

87. Pasta Drying Rack

    Essential for homemade pasta, allowing noodles to dry evenly without sticking together before cooking.

88. Cherry Pitter

    Removes pits from cherries quickly and cleanly, essential for baking, cooking, or preparing fresh cherries to eat.

89. Apple Corer

    Simplifies the process of removing the core from apples, perfect for making pies, tarts, or snacking.

90. Tamis Sieve

    A fine-mesh sieve that’s essential for achieving ultra-smooth textures in purees, soups, and sauces.

91. Fish Spatula

    Thin, flexible, and slotted, this spatula is perfect for delicately lifting and flipping fish without it breaking apart.

92. Dough Scraper

    A versatile tool for cutting dough, transferring ingredients, and scraping counters clean, essential for bakers.

93. Bagel Guillotine

    Safely and evenly slices bagels, a must-have for bagel lovers, ensuring perfect halves every time.

94. Cake Tester

    A simple tool for checking the doneness of cakes, breads, and muffins, ensuring perfectly baked goods.

95. Melon Baller

    Creates uniform melon spheres for fruit salads, garnishes, or healthy snacks, adding elegance and fun to your dishes.

96. Offset Spatula

    Ideal for frosting cakes or spreading condiments, providing a smooth, even layer with its angled blade.

97. Bench Scraper

    Perfect for portioning dough, transferring chopped ingredients, and cleaning work surfaces with ease.

98. Pie Bird

    Placed in the center of pies during baking, it vents steam to prevent the filling from boiling over, ensuring perfect pies.

99. Dumpling Press

    Makes uniform dumplings, pastries, or empanadas quickly and efficiently, perfect for consistent shapes and sizes.

100. Corn Stripper

     Efficiently removes corn kernels from the cob, perfect for salads, soups, and side dishes, maximizing the yield.

101. Avocado Slicer

     Safely and effectively slices, pits, and scoops avocados, essential for avocado toast, salads, or guacamole.

102. Egg Poacher

     Simplifies the process of poaching eggs, producing perfectly shaped, runny-yolked eggs every time, ideal for breakfasts or brunches.

103. Bottle Opener

     A basic yet essential tool for opening bottled beverages, from craft beers to old-fashioned sodas.

104. Cake Leveler

     Ensures even cake layers for professional-looking layered cakes, essential for bakers aiming for perfection.

105. Canister Set

     Ideal for storing dry goods like flour, sugar, and coffee, keeping ingredients fresh and easily accessible.

106. Kitchen Timer

     Helps track cooking times, ensuring nothing is overcooked or undercooked, an essential tool for multitasking in the kitchen.

107. Egg Timer

     Indicates the doneness of boiled eggs according to your preference, ensuring perfectly cooked eggs every time.

108. Cheese Slicer

     Produces even, consistent slices of cheese, perfect for sandwiches, platters, or cooking, enhancing presentation and portion control.

109. Kitchen Torch

     Used for caramelizing sugar on crème brûlée, toasting meringues, or charring vegetables, adding a professional finish to dishes.