Kitchen Essentials

 Checklist for

 Everyday

 Homecooking

 

Cooking at home can be challenging if you don’t have the proper equipment. That is why I have created a kitchen essentials checklist to get you started. These are the items that I use almost every single day. If you are cooking along with me you will have everything you need to make tasty meals too!

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see the disclaimer here.

Now, I’ll let you in on a little secret… if you are just getting starting, all you really need is a chef’s knife, a cutting board, and a 4 to 5 quart large saucepan. With this simple equipment you will be able to make everything from salads and soups to stir-fry and pancakes. But if you are looking to do a lot of cooking then you will want to make sure you have all the basics. 

Everything on my kitchen essentials checklist is something that I personally use or I have heavily researched and wish I had as an upgrade to my older equipment. So you can be sure that you are looking at the best quality products.

italian sausage with onions and peppers

Who is the Kitchen Essentials Checklist For?

This kitchen essentials checklist will benefit just about anyone who is looking to do some home cooking. But if you fall into one of these categories you will want to explore the list to its fullest!

  • Those creating a wedding registry or new home wishlist
  • Anyone moving out on their own for the first time
  • Those who are learning to cook
  • Long time cooks who are dissatisfied with the clutter in their kitchen and unusable equipment
  • Anyone who is cooking with a farm share

 

What is on this Kitchen Essentials Checklist (and What is Not)?

Having a clean, uncluttered kitchen is the key to making sure you actually use your space to make homecooked meals. So I am really picky about what I let into my drawers and cupboards. Here is the criteria I use when picking kitchen gear:

  • First and foremost the item must be functional. These are the things that I use everyday because they actually work.
  • I also want to make sure I am enjoying the cooking process. The kitchen gear I have is fun to use!
  • Each piece of equipment on this list fits into my Green Life Philosophy. That means that everything must be good for your health, the environment, and add to the quality of your life.
  • Durability is super important when you are picking out kitchen essentials. That means that almost everything on the list is made from materials that will not easily break (i.e. no plastic).  Stainless steel and wood tend to be the longest lasting.
  • No toxic chemicals for me! I recommend only materials that are safe and will not leach chemicals into your food. Except for in a few select items, that pretty much means that plastic is out since heat and plastic do not mix. Non-stick cookware is out too (have you heard of PFAS?)
  • A word on cost… you don’t have to spend a fortune to stock your kitchen, but you also don’t want to fill it with things that are poor quality. Most of my cookware is 13+ years old from when I got married. You can certainly buy secondhand or use donations from friends and family, but you want to look for quality items that will last a lifetime. You will enjoy cooking more with things that actually work and you will not waste money purchasing over and over. Most of the kitchen gear on this list is moderately priced. The exception are my “Worth the Splurge” items that I use over and over and absolutely love.

That’s it! You are now ready to dive into finding all the best equipment you need to stock your kitchen. Keep reading to check out my kitchen essentials checklist!

kitchen essentials checklist

Food Preparation

This is a list of all the things I use daily to chop, dice, slice, trim, and mix my raw ingredients. You could purchase a whole set of knives but I recommend buying just a couple of quality functional knives that you will actually use. The ones listed below I use just about every day. Food preparation also includes mixing bowls and cutting boards.
  • Chef’s knife: An 8 inch chef’s knife will be your kitchen workhorse and is one of the most important items on my kitchen essentials checklist. I use this knife for almost every slicing and dicing task. You want to look for a knife that has some weight and a full tang, meaning that the steel runs from the blade all the way through the handle in one solid piece. Without this single piece of steel, your knife will not last and is susceptible to breaking. A plastic handle will last longer than a wooden handle, which must be hand washed. You can spend $500-$1000 on one chef’s knife, but I have found that there are several at a moderate price point. I love this Mercer chef’s knife, which is more in my price range, yet still high quality.
  • Paring knife: This paring knife is perfect for small tasks. I use it to slice bananas and peel vegetables. Next to the chef knife, this is the second most common knife that I use in my set. Same as with a chef’s knife, make sure you get one that is steel with a full tang. I have had this one from Wusthof for 14 years now and compared to the Calphalon paring knife that came with a set, it has outperformed in every way. The Calphalon knife tip is bent and even with regular sharpening, just isn’t as sharp as the Wusthof. Wusthof is a high end brand, with reasonable prices. 
  • Serrated knife: While you can get away with just a chef’s knife for most cutting tasks, it is super helpful to have a serrated knife to cut things like bread, tomatoes, and steak. This Cangshan 5 inch serrated knife gets good ratings for its nice feel and value pricing.
  • Kitchen Shears: These Prinoff kitchen shears are amazing! They are super sharp and perfect for trimming meat, vegetables, and herbs. They also can double as a nut cracker and bottle opener in a pinch. 
  • Honing steel: It is absolutely essential to keep your knives sharp. Dull knifes will shorten their lifespan and also slow down your chopping work. You can buy all sorts of electric sharpeners or spend big bucks getting knives professionally sharpened, but in reality all you need is a honing steel. If you get into a habit of running your knife over the sharpening tool five to ten times on each side of the blade once a day before you use your knife, it will stay sharp basically forever. 
  • Butcher block cutting board: If you are going to be homecooking you will need some place to do a whole lot of chopping. After knives, this is the next most important item on my kitchen essentials checklist. I love my wood cutting board, but if I were to replace it I would buy a bamboo version that is lighter for transferring food and also naturally antimicrobial. One thing to look out for is that if the cutting board is put together in strips of wood then there will be potentially toxic glues to hold it together. The Greener Chef extra large bamboo cutting board does not have any toxic glues or chemicals. One warning about wood cutting boards is that they cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher. Since I prefer an extra large cutting board, this isn’t an issue for me anyways as it wouldn’t fit in the dishwasher! The Greener Chef makes smaller sizes too, but my go to version is a large board which also doubles as a place to carve and serve meat or put together a charcuterie board. 
  • Mixing bowls: These come in handy for baking, making salad dressing, serving food, and basically mixing anything up. You will need at least two bowls, preferably one large and one medium. Stainless steel are nice and light for everyday tasks, but you may also want a glass/ceramic bowl too as some ingredients react with metal. Glass and ceramic can also go into the microwave and oven, whereas the stainless steel cannot.
  • Salad spinner:  This is one of the few plastic items that I recommend. Since the spinner is use mostly for rinsing produce I feel that it is safe to use. For hot items, like straining pasta, I would stick with a non-plastic colander to make sure you don’t get any yucky chemicals in your food. My family eats salad at least once per week, and a salad spinner has become essential in our kitchen. Of course you could just blot your salad with a towel, but I find the salad still ends up soggy. Spinning it dry will ensure a crisp salad every time and the leftovers will last longer. If you don’t want to spend the money on a salad spinner, I’ve heard others say they had good results with a pillow case that they swing around outside!

Cooking & Bakeware

There are literally thousands of options out there when it comes to pots and pans.  And believe me, I have had my fair share over the years. You will only find a few on my list though, as these are the pots, pans, and accessories that I use 99% of the time. Don’t waste your money on a whole set, just get what you need!

  • 4 to 5-Quart Saucepan + Cover: This is the most versatile pan you will own and is definitely at the top of my must have items on this kitchen essentials checklist. This large pan acts as a skillet, saucepan, and griddle all in one. If you are cooking for one or two, you can even use it to make soup and pasta as it is deep enough to boil water. However, if you are making larger portions, you will also want to have a stock pot (see below). I recommend a stainless steel pan with an aluminum or copper core which spreads the heat for more even cooking. Ceramic coated pans could be an alternative. IMPORTANT!: You have to be very careful with any pans labeled non-stick as the coating can be toxic and also scratches easily. I would just avoid these pans altogether.  The Cuisinart Contour pan is what I own. It is very similar to an All-Clad copper core pan, but for about one-third of the price. It is a steal!!  This is a heavy pan and I find the helper handle is awesome for moving the pan for cleaning, serving, and to finish cooking in the oven (yes it is oven safe!).
  • 8-Quart Stock Pot + Cover: A stock pot is essential for any serious homecook. It is the perfect vessel for making broth and soups. This is the size that I use for everyday cooking, but if you are looking to also do water bath canning, you will need at least a 12 quart so that there is enough water to cover the jars. 
  • Steamer basket insert: Whatever pans you choose, make sure to have a steamer basket insert that fits at least one pan. This basket from Cuisinart fits lots of different pots and can be used to steam veggies. The last thing you want when you are steaming vegetables is to have them sitting in water. That will make for some soggy produce and frowns from the fam at dinnertime. This steamer basket also doubles as a colander which can be used to drain concoctions and wash produce. 
  • 2-Quart Saucepan + Cover: The third pot that makes my kitchen essentials checklist is a 2-quart saucepan. Large pans are great for one pot meals, but sometimes you need something a little smaller to melt chocolate, make gravy, or put together a scrumtious sauce. This Cuisinart saucepan has a nice pour spout and lid that makes straining easy. 
  • Rimmed Aluminum Baking Sheet with Wire Rack: Sheet pan cooking is all the rage and for good reason. You can quickly and easily throw together a meal or roast veggies to perfection with minimal preparation. This half sheet pan from Checked Chef comes with a stainless steel wire rack that is perfect for cooking bacon in the oven or cooling your latest batch of cookies. Whatever sheet pans you choose, make sure they have a depth of at least 1 inch to prevent spilling of any juices. I also avoid any pans that have non-stick coating, which can be toxic. Food can stick to aluminum, so I prefer to use silicone baking mats for my baking (see next item), but a quick coating of oil can also prevent sticking. 
  • Silicone Baking Mats: While sheet pans are awesome, food sticks quite easily. Enter the silicone baking mat. These baking mats from Net Zero Company fit perfectly to a half sheet pan and will ensure your veggies and cookies come off clean every time. You will never need to buy parchment paper again. 
  • 9×13-Inch Baking Dish:  Every household needs a baking dish for lasagna, brownies, cakes, and your favorite casserole.  I prefer glass or ceremic since they are non-toxic and very durable. This Ello Duraglass Baking Dish is covered with a silicone protector which acts as a built in trivit. It also is made from borosilicate glass and can withstand rapid temperature changes. That means it can go right from the freezer to the oven, perfect for make-ahead meals!  
  • Silicone Muffin Pan: We eat a lot of muffins in my household. They are perfect snacks and sides for soup, so I keep some in the freezer at all times. That means my muffin pan gets a workout. Just like with pots and baking sheets, you want to make sure that your muffin tin is not coated with toxic substances. That is why I recommend a silicone muffin pan. It is so easy to use, the muffins never stick, and you can pop them right out, no muffin liners needed. This muffin pan from Trudeau has a stainless steel wire around the rim which gives the pan structure and is much easier to transfer. If you have one without a wire, you will need to set it on a baking sheet before moving to the oven or else it is very difficult to move without spilling.  

Gadgets & Utensils

You will find 17 gadgets on my kitchen essentials checklist. This sounds like a lot, however a quick search for kitchen gadgets results in over 3000 items for sale on Amazon! There are even whole stores just for kitchen gadgets. How do you know what really works and what doesn’t? That is where I come in. With years of home cooking experience, these are the 17 utensils that I have deemed necessary to cook almost anything. They are the things that make my life easier and genuinely make me happy.

  • Garlic press: This is going to be a debatable, but I could not live without my garlic press. I use garlic in almost everything I cook and this little gadget has saved me so much time. I had a garlic press from Oxo for 15 years and loved it. Then one day it broke. It corroded over time from putting it in the dishwasher almost every day. Since it broke I have tried a few other garlic presses and just have not been able to find one that is as easy to use and doesn’t have any extra tools to go with it. So I am back to the Oxo. It now has a bit more plastic in the handles, but the part that touches the garlic is still made from metal and you can remove the plastic handles before putting in the dishwasher. There are no extras, just one simple tool. Definitely worth a purchase in my mind. 
  • Box Grater: There are a lot of choices when it comes to a grater. I prefer a multi-use grater like this one from Utopia which has a large and fine grating size as well as a zester and slicer. Look for one with a sturdy, non-slip base and comfortable top grip. 
  • Measuring Spoons: Every kitchen needs them. This set from Zulay is what I use. They are nice and slim and long to reach the bottom of all spice jars. The stainless steel is sturdy and will not bend easily or break. 
  • Measuring Cups: You know you need them in your kitchen. Just like with other essentials, it is best to avoid plastic. Look for stainless steel dry measuring cups and a glass liquid measuring cup. Both will last forever. 
  • Citrus Squeezer: I find myself time and again reaching for my lemon squeezer as I make salad dressing, marinades, and lemon water. Yes you can cut the lemon in half and squeeze it with your hand, but this tool makes the process so much easier and actually gets all the juice out without stinging your hands. My pick is a stainless steel version rather than zinc or aluminum coated which can leach heavy metals into your food. 
  • Slotted Spoon: Everyone should keep a slotted spoon around for fishing things out of a pot of boiling water or hot oil. It is a must have on my kitchen essentials checklist. I love my skimmer slotted spoon because it is wider and perfect for blanching vegetables.
  • Spatula: You will want one silicone spatula for scraping and stirring and one stainless steel for flipping, cutting, and serving. Stainless steel will scratch non-stick surfaces, but I don’t recommend using those toxic items in the first place. Beware, there are a lot of spatulas out there that are made of nylon, which is actually plastic. You don’t want that in contact with your hot food!
  • Whisk: I’ve been through a few whisks in my lifetime and this KitchenAid version is the most sturdy that I have found. It is perfect for scrambling eggs and mixing up batter.
  • Wooden Spoons: A classic kitchen essential, wooden spoons are the most basic tool you will own. I was surprised to find this Pampered Chef Bamboo spoon set as it is the same set I received 14 years ago and still use to this day. They are a little stained and one has a small crack, but overall they have held up quite well and I’m not ready to replace them yet!
  • Ladle: It is no secret that I love soup! My ladle is absolutely essential to me. Make sure you choose a stainless steel version, like this one from OXO, and make sure it is deep enough to scoop up a nice serving size.
  • Kitchen Tongs: Such a useful tool! As soon as I got a pair of these babies I tossed out my salad spoons that were hanging out in my drawer, unused, because they were not useful at all. Kitchen tongs are great for tossing food that is cooking in a pan, turning meat, and serving salad. 
  • Fine Mesh Strainers: Good for dry or wet ingredients. The large strainer doubles as a sifter and the small one can be use to strain tea or coffee. They also work well for rinsing berries and other produce. I will be honest, my original set was cheap and the mesh is separating from the rim. I’m looking to replace and plan to get this Cuisinart set, which has really high ratings and is a quality brand.
  • Silicone Basting Brush: Don’t waste your time with bristled brushes any longer. These silicone versions are non-stick and won’t harbor bacteria. They are great for brushing pastries or basting meat. They also save me from using a paper towel to butter pans. This version from StarPack is one of the few I could find that is all silicone and in a single pack. I really don’t see a need for having more than one. 
  • Pizza Cutter: This is a must have in my household for our weekly pizza night. Our OXO pizza cutter has remained very sharp for about 10 years now and has a nice handle with a sturdy grip.

Food Storage

I didn’t originally include this section on my kitchen essentials checklist, but the more I thought about it, for a home cook, food storage containers are just as useful as the items used to make the food. In fact, if you want to be an efficient cook, you need somewhere to store leftovers, freeze meals, and prep food ahead of time. Sure you can use zipper plastic bags and throw away plastic containers, but that is bad for the environment and the plastic should not come in contact with your heated food. Try these reusable options instead. 

  • Silicone Zipper Bags: I’ve moved away from single use Ziplock bags and now store food in these silicone bags from Net Zero Company. They are perfect for keeping cheese from molding in the fridge and freezing homemade broth and pasta sauce.  I also like these silicone bags from Stasher to store snacks and sandwiches for lunches. Silicone bags keep food longer and do not have any plastic that comes in contact with your food. I promise, once you switch you will never go back. 
  • Aluminum Pans: If you like to meal prep like I do, then these pans are the best. They are perfect for make ahead meals and can go straight from the freezer to the oven. They can be used multiple times and then when wearing thin, they go into the recycling. Definitely an eco-friendly way to store your food.
  • Snapware: In my opinion this is the only way to store your leftovers. Snapware are glass containers (make sure you get the glass and not the plastic version) that are food safe and make lunch packing a snap. I prefer this brand because the glass is tempered and won’t break if it goes from cold straight to the microwave. The containers are also tapered for nesting and easy storage. However, the tops are made from plastic and have to be kept out of the microwave. All parts are dishwasher safe. 
  • Countertop Compost Bin: Composting is something every home cook should try. It is the perfect way to avoid sending so much waste to the landfill. That is why I included a countertop collection bin on my kitchen essentials checklist. This cute compost bin from Net Zero Company is perfect to hang out on your countertop next to your cutting board so it is automatic to dump your extra food scraps. Once it is full, simply transfer to your outdoor compost pile or city collection bin. All you really need is any type of bucket, but the nice thing about this bin is that it contains a charcoal filter to absorb smells. 

Small Appliances

I’m not big into small appliances to do every possible kitchen job. I feel like most of my cooking can be completed with a knife and a good pan. However there are a few small appliances that have definitely made my life easier and you will find them listed below. Head to the “Worth the Splurge” section to find a couple more high end appliances that I use regularly.

  • Immersion Blender: If you follow my weekly meal plans you know that I am a huge fan of an immersion blender. This tool makes it so easy to blend creamy soups and pasta sauce right in the pot, even when hot, rather than transferring to stand blender creating a potentially huge, hot mess. It is also powerful enough to crush ice and frozen fruit so you can easily make single serving smoothies. I use my immersion blender at least once a week. This one from Mueller Austria comes with a whisk for making whipping cream or scrambling eggs as well as a milk frother. Immersion blenders are also super easy to clean, one of my top priorities for small appliances!
  • Hand Mixer: I don’t do a ton of baking so I’ve never had a stand mixer. In my opinion, stand mixers are clunky, expensive, and take up precious space in the kitchen. I prefer a small hand mixer which is still powerful enough to beat dough and batter and fast enough to quickly whip up cream or merengue. They are also super easy to clean. This one from Bonsenkitchen has a very nice compact design and the tools are stored right in the base. It is lightweight, very powerful and reasonably priced. For some reason the expensive hand mixers all have thin wire beaters, which are prone to bending, especially when mixing dough. Do yourself a favor and get a cheaper version with sturdy beaters that will last a lifetime.
  • Slower Cooker: I debated about adding this appliance to my kitchen essentials checklist. I only use my slow cooker about every 1-2 months. But I do really feel it is great to have around and it is wonderful for potlucks and parties. I have a pretty inexpensive Crock Pot brand and has lasted about 15 years so far. This updated version has a couple of features that I wish mine had, like the programmable timer and the locking hooks on top for easier transport. The price of slow cookers has really dropped since Instant Pots came along (not something I have tried out as I don’t feel it fits my style of cooking, but maybe some day…)

Worth the Splurge

  • Vitamix: Before I bought a Vitamix, I purchased a new blender every single year for 5 years. I kid you not! Either the motor would go caput or it just couldn’t do the job. Then I was sucked into the demonstration at Costco and took the plunge on a Vitamix. This is a BIG purchase, but it is something I use almost everyday and it is super easy to clean. That is why it makes the cut for my kitchen essentials checklist. Whether it is to make smoothies, sorbet, or soup, my Vitamix gets a workout. You can even use it to make nut milks and nut butters. I have the 5200 professional model. I love it so much! This blender is worth the splurge. If there was just one thing I could change, I would prefer a lower profile pitcher that would fit on my counter, under the upper cabinets. Vitamix does make low profile blenders, but since I haven’t tried that version, I don’t feel as comfortable making that recommendation. 
  • Food Processor: My other “worth the splurge” item is a food processor. But not just any food processor, a 14 cup Cuisinart food processor. This has been in my family for 14 years and still going strong with 1-2 time per week use. The blade is super sharp and it works really well to make pesto, hummus, baby food, and pumpkin puree. It also comes with both shredding and slicing inserts for quick veggie prep. My model included a dough blade, although I see the model I was able to find on Amazon does not. I use mine to make pie dough quite frequently. Yes, you can definitely get away without one of these babies, but the time saved from chopping and slicing is worth it in my world.

Looking for more information on homecooking? Check out these additional resources:

Kitchen Essentials Checklist Quick Buyer’s Guide

 Food Preparation

Cooking and Bakeware

Gadgets & Utensils

Food Storage

Small Appliances

Worth the Splurge

Don't Miss

Recent Blog Posts

Verified by MonsterInsights