Chef's Knife
8-inch chef's knife for 90% of cutting tasks. Invest in quality—a good knife lasts decades with proper care.
Kitchen Essentials
The tools you actually need for everyday cooking
Essential Tools (Start Here)
Large Skillet
12-inch stainless steel or cast iron skillet. Versatile for sautéing, searing, and one-pan meals.
Stock Pot
6-8 quart pot for soups, pasta, and boiling. Heavy-bottomed for even heat distribution.
Cutting Board
Large wooden or plastic board. Get two—one for meat, one for produce—to prevent cross-contamination.
Wooden Spoons
Set of wooden spoons and spatulas for stirring and scraping. Won't scratch non-stick surfaces.
Mixing Bowls
Nesting set of stainless steel or glass bowls in various sizes for prep and mixing.
Important Additions
Instant Thermometer
Takes guesswork out of cooking meat. Essential for food safety and perfect doneness.
Non-Stick Pan
10-inch non-stick for eggs and delicate foods. Replace every 2-3 years as coating wears.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Both dry and liquid measuring cups. Accurate measurements ensure consistent results.
Garlic Press
Saves time and keeps garlic off your hands. Much faster than mincing by knife.
Baking Sheet
Half-sheet pan (13x18 inches) for roasting vegetables and baking. Get two—you'll use them constantly.
Colander
For draining pasta, washing vegetables, and straining. Metal or plastic, both work well.
Nice to Have
Microplane Grater
For zesting citrus, grating garlic, and fresh parmesan. Small tool, big impact on flavor.
Vegetable Peeler
Y-shaped peelers are most efficient. Essential for potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables.
Meat Mallet
For tenderizing and flattening meat to even thickness. Ensures uniform cooking.
Kitchen Tongs
Extension of your hands for flipping, tossing, and serving. Get metal tongs with silicone tips.
Kitchen Timer
Prevents overcooking and multitasking mistakes. Phone timers work, but dedicated timers are louder.
Liquid Measuring Cup
Glass or plastic cup with spout for measuring liquids accurately. 2-cup and 4-cup sizes most useful.