This is a list of my personal recommendations for great kitchen tools. I use each of these items regularly and want to pass on ideas for quality tools to those who are interested. If you have any questions I’d be happy to try and help!
Can’t Live Without Kitchen Tools
My favorite specialty kitchen tools that I use several times a week. I recommend each one based on ease of use, durability, and functionality (they make life in the kitchen easier!).
- Victorinox 8″ Chef’s Knife
– An inexpensive knife but highly recommended by America’s Test Kitchen.
- Victorinox 3-Piece Paring Set
– I use these multiple times a day for so many little jobs.
- OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Pastry Scraper/Chopper
-used for mixing, kneading, and dividing dough; quickly cleans up my workspace; can be used to cut vegetables
- OXO Good Grips Garlic Press
– Makes using fresh garlic so much easier.
- Norpro Icon Cut N Slice Flexible Cutting Boards, Set of 3
– flexible and dishwasher safe
- Kuhn Rikon Vase Grinder– Adjustable grind for fresh spices.
- Microplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater
– Used almost daily for grating Parmesan and zesting citrus fruit.
- 20-Inch Maple French Rolling Pin
-a traditional rolling pin that is easier to manage than those with chunky handles
Best Save for/ Splurge On Kitchen Items
More kitchen gadgets and tools that I wholeheartedly recommend. If you like to cook and want to do more scratch cooking at home, then consider investing in one or more of these items. They really help to make cooking tasks more efficient and simple.
- Atlas 180 Pasta Machine
– Makes weekly fresh pasta at home a possibility.
- Cuisinart 12-Cup Food Processor
– not used as much since I got the Vitamix, but still great for shredding cheese, chopping vegetables, and mixing dough.
- Vitamix 5200 Series Blender– Worth the investment. See this post describing just how useful it is in our kitchen on a daily basis for healthy eating.
- Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 7-Quart Round Covered Casserole– Used a few times a week. Even heating and cooking and easily transfers from the stovetop to the oven. Moving it checks off your workout for the day.
- Sur La Table Baking Steel
-really not sure how I went without this for so long. Pizza will never be the same.
Make Me Want to Get Up and Cook Cookbooks
Inspiring, consistent, delicious recipes. I have learned from these cookbooks and refer to each almost every week.
- The Homemade Pantry: 101 Foods You Can Stop Buying and Start Making
– Love this cookbook. Such a wonderful resource for those who want to make more of their own food.
- The Cook’s Illustrated Cookbook: 2,000 Recipes from 20 Years of America’s Most Trusted Cooking Magazine
– The most reliable recipes I have ever used. This cookbook is a great resource for almost anything you want to cook.
- Taste of Home: Market Fresh Cookbook -great cookbook divided by type of produce
-a new favorite for church potlucks and days we want to spend more time playing outside.
Food Blogs
The food blogs I subscribe to and read regularly.
What are your must-have items in the kitchen?
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