Kitchen Essentials
Everything you need to cook well at home—without breaking the bank or cluttering your kitchen.
The Basics You Actually Need
Start with these essentials. You can always add more later, but these tools will get you through 90% of recipes.
🔪 Knives & Cutting
- One good chef's knife (8-inch)
- Paring knife for detail work
- Large cutting board
- Knife sharpener
🍳 Cookware
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Large pot for pasta and soup
- Baking sheet
🥄 Utensils
- Wooden spoons (2-3)
- Spatula for flipping
- Tongs for turning food
- Whisk for mixing
- Can opener
📏 Measuring & Mixing
- Measuring cups (dry)
- Measuring spoons
- Liquid measuring cup
- Large mixing bowls (2-3)
🧰 Other Essentials
- Vegetable peeler
- Colander for draining
- Grater for cheese/vegetables
- Kitchen scissors
📦 Storage
- Glass or plastic food containers
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap or beeswax wraps
- Zip-top bags (various sizes)
Nice to Have (But Not Essential)
Once you're cooking regularly, these tools can make life easier:
- Instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness
- Garlic press to save chopping time
- Salad spinner for crispy greens
- Cast iron skillet for searing
- Food processor for quick prep
- Slow cooker for hands-off meals