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

knife

Leslie Grow

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.

Mac Knife 8-Inch Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife

Amazon

Amazon

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.

Misen 8-Inch Chef’s Knife

Amazon

(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.

Henckels 2-Stage Manual Knife Sharpener

Amazon

For cooked foods and produce, a plastic orwooden cutting boardwill work.

Williams Sonoma

4.

Bowls

A set of stainless steel mixing bowls that fit inside one another is a space saver.

Dexas Polyduo Reversible Cutting Board

Amazon

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.

Williams Sonoma Cutting & Carving Board, Set of 3 in Acacia Wood

Williams Sonoma

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.

Set of six FineDine Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

Amazon

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.

Set of All-Clad Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons

Williams Sonoma

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.

Anchor Hocking 32-Ounce Glass Measuring Cup

Amazon

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.

wok

Leslie Grow

Courtesy of Amazon

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.

Amazon Made In Cookware 10" Nonstick Frying Pan

Amazon

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.

Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Pro 10-Piece Cookware Set

Amazon

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?

Hestan ProBond Collection Professional Clad 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Amazon

(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?

Yosukata Flat Bottom Carbon Steel Wok in Blue

Amazon

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.

thermometer

Leslie Grow

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.

ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer in Red

Amazon

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.

OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner in White

Amazon

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.

sheetpan

Leslie Grow

Nordic Ware Naturals Big Sheet Pan in Silver

Amazon

Staub Ceramics 2-Piece Rectangular Baking Dish Set in Rustic Turquoise

Amazon

Amazon Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Glass Food Storage Container Set

Amazon

rubbermaid-brilliance-containers

Courtesy of Amazon

Wayfair Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker

Wayfair

Amazon Crockpot MyTime Programmable Slow Cooker

Amazon

KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer in White

Amazon

blender

Leslie Grow

Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender

Amazon

Breville Fresh & Furious Blender

Amazon

steamer

Leslie Grow