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Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these tools will set you up for cooking success.

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Investing in these essentials will make cooking an enjoyable and easy activity that you’ll look forward to.
Here are 14 of our must-have kitchen tools.
Knives
Without aproper chef’s knife, food prep can be a bit of a pain.

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If you want a slightly more affordable option, go for the 8-inch Misen Chef’s Knife.
(You really can’t find a good chef’s knife any cheaper.)
Knife Sharpener
when you land the right knife, you’ll need to keep it sharp.

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(A dull knife is a danger to youandwhatever food you’re chopping.)
ThisHenckels 2-Stage Manual Sharpeneris our go-to.
(Trust us, we’ve tested all sorts of methods.

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For cooked foods and produce, a plastic orwooden cutting boardwill work.
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4.
Bowls
A set of stainless steel mixing bowls that fit inside one another is a space saver.

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They are inexpensive, versatile and can last a lifetime.
Kayleigh uses them frequently for various cooking tasks, from whisking vinaigrettes to proofing batches of bread dough.
Measuring Spoons and Cups
You’ll need one set of measuring spoons and two sets of measuring cups.

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ThisAll-Clad stainless steel setcomes with both spoons and cups for measuring dry ingredients.
Our wok of choice is this flat-bottom carbon steel version from Yosukata.
We love its durable construction and large capacitynot to mention the fact that it comes preseasoned.

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We like this one from ThermoPro, which comes in two colors (red or gray).
Salad Spinner
Before you writesalad spinnersoff as just another unnecessary kitchen gadget, hear us out.
If you need a quality baking dish, we’re big fans of the 2-piece Staub stoneware set.

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They’re safe to use in the microwave, oven and freezer, and they’re also dishwasher-safe.
We love this 18-piece Simply Store glass food container set from Pyrex.
They’re also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

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Are you more into plastic food storage containers?
This Rubbermaid Brilliance Leak-Proof set is sturdy, stackable, and BPA-free.
The containers are also resistant to odors and staining.

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11.
Stand Mixer
Baked goodsespecially bread and cookie doughsare so much easier to make with a stand mixer.
Blender
Having a blender on hand is great for making smoothies or salad dressing.

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Depending on your needs, you could choose between a high-speed blender and a standard one.
Breana Killeen likes Vitamix orWolf brandsfor high speeds andKitchenAid for everyday use.
Vegetable Steamer
We love the convenience of steaming vegetables in the microwave.

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It’s way easier than the plastic-wrap-covered-bowl situation we used before.
Nope, we’re never going back now.
How Versatile Is It?

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(This is especially true if you have a kitchen with limited storage space.)
The aforementionedKitchenAid stand mixercomes with three attachments that allow you to mix virtually anything, fromdelicate meringuesto hardybread doughs.
Is It a Good Overall Value?

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When choosing a kitchen tool, double-check you’re getting enough bang for your buck.
If you prioritize versatility and extra features, you may find the extra spend worthwhile.
We also based our selections on products that scored high marks in our numerous rounds of product testing.

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Common Questions
How should you care for your kitchen tools?
And if you’re cleaning an appliance, it’s imperative that you unplug it first.
Storage is another essential thing to consider when caring for your kitchen tools.

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How do you choose the best kitchen tools for your needs?
Choosing the best kitchen tools for your needs can seem overwhelming given the many options available.
Start by assessing your cooking habits and preferences.

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For those who enjoy baking, prioritize tools like a stand mixer, measuring cups and baking sheets.
Next, think about the functionality and versatility of each tool.
Ultimately, the best kitchen tools enhance your cooking experience, making meal preparation efficient and enjoyable.

Leslie Grow

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