Whether you’re signing up for a new registry for a wedding or a house warming party, one of the biggest challenges is supplying your kitchen with the good stuff. I’ve changed my list of favorite kitchen gadgets, tools and utensils a few times, and as we move into the new house I’m taking an inventory of all the things that have worked well for me, the things that failed, and the things that while occasionally useful I probably could live without. Hopefully this will help the rest of you pick the right items for your perfect kitchen!
So the first advice I’ll give you is not to buy the massive multi-kitchen tool kits for the cheap price. Its incredibly tempting, you can often get all your pots, pans, utensils and other items for under $50 in one of these kits. The only problem? The stuff inside is cheap. They advertise it for a starting kitchen, or someone just starting out but it won’t last you more than a few months. Its better to spend a little bit more on pots and pans that will stand up to the test of time.
Personally, I have a hybrid set. My pots are stainless steel, and my pans are ceramic. I avoid nonstick for a variety of reasons, not least of which that they scratch and break down easily in my experience. And the ceramic pans cook things without sticking so beautifully. Honestly, they are a dream.
These are my favorites:
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The essential cooking utensils and tools you need are:
- Ladle
- Spoons
- Whisk
- Turner
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Set of Knives
- Cutting Board
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Kitchen Shears
- Mixing Bowls
- Prep Bowls
- Colander
- Bakeware
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Liquid Measuring Cups
- Scale
You’ll also need a few kitchen appliances. My essentials are:
I have the stand mixer from Kitchen Aid as well, but this hand mixer is great and faster to use and clean than the stand version.
I am firmly in the Keurig camp at this point. These new colors are gorgeous too, and are so perfect for a pop of color in your kitchen or pantry!
I use the toaster oven when I don’t want to heat up the entire kitchen with the oven. I use it for small batches of cookies, and toast my morning bread in this oven.
I love my Brita. My water quality has been hit or miss over the years, and now I’ve just grown accustomed to the purer taste I get from it. It’s also great if a pipe ever bursts or a storm hits, as you have water already stored in your fridge!
Also depending on your needs you might want to consider a blender, immersion mixer, and a food processor.
