25 Must-Have Kitchen Utensils

Cooking is an art form, and like all art forms, it requires the right tools to create something truly special. In this detailed guide on the 25 Must-Have Kitchen Utensils, we will look closer at some of the most important kitchen utensils, what we like and don’t like about them, and how they can help you elevate your cooking game. If you want to make amazing fries, you’ll probably need a fry chopper. If you’re on a budget like me, try to find a quality used knife set, often folks don’t know they have very good equipment.

1. Quality Kitchen Knife – $20

• What we like:
  • A good knife is essential for all types of cooking tasks, from slicing vegetables to carving meats.
  • A high-quality knife can make your prep work faster and more efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
  • With proper care and maintenance, a good knife can last a lifetime.
  • You really only need a bread knife, a small knife, and a chef’s knife so find a good one.
• What we don’t like:
  • High-quality knives can be expensive, which may not be feasible for everyone.
  • Knife sets can be expensive and unnecessary. I recommend quality over quantity.
  • Some people may find it difficult to maintain a sharp edge on their knife, which can make it less effective over time.
  • Improper use of a knife can lead to accidents and injuries, so it’s important to use it with caution and follow proper safety guidelines.

A knife is arguably the most important kitchen utensil. A good knife can make all the difference in the quality and taste of your meals. There are many different types of knives, but the most important ones to have in your kitchen are a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife. A chef’s knife is the workhorse of the kitchen, and it’s ideal for slicing, dicing, and chopping vegetables, meats, and herbs.

When choosing a knife, it’s important to consider the quality of the blade, the handle, and the overall balance of the knife. High-quality knives can be expensive, but they are an investment that will last a lifetime if properly cared for. You should also invest in a good sharpening stone or a honing rod to keep your knife sharp and effective.

2. Quality Kitchen Shears – $20

• What we like:
  • Kitchen shears are versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks, from cutting meat to snipping herbs.
  • They are generally more efficient and safer than using a knife for certain tasks, such as trimming fat or cutting through poultry bones.
  • Many shears come apart for easy cleaning, making them as hygienic as other cutting tools.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality shears can be difficult to use and can lead to uneven cuts.
  • Some shears can be challenging to sharpen, which can reduce their effectiveness over time.

Kitchen shears are a versatile and essential tool in any kitchen. They can be used for a wide range of tasks, from trimming meat and poultry to snipping herbs and cutting through packaging. When choosing shears, it’s important to look for a pair that is comfortable to hold and easy to use. You should also consider the quality of the blades and whether they can be easily disassembled for cleaning. It’s important to follow proper safety guidelines and to use shears with caution.

3. Ninja Foodi Dual Basket Air Fryer – $160

• What we like:
  • Air fryers are a healthy alternative to traditional deep-frying methods, using hot air to cook food instead of oil.
  • The Ninja Foodi Dual Basket Air Fryer is versatile and can be used to cook a main dish and side dish at the same time saving you a lot of minutes putting dinner on the table.
  • It’s easy to clean and maintain, with a non-stick coating and dishwasher-safe parts.
• What we don’t like:
  • The Ninja Foodi Dual Basket Air Fryer can be expensive compared to other air fryer models.

The Ninja Foodi Dual Basket Air Fryer is a popular kitchen appliance that allows you to cook delicious, crispy foods without the use of oil. The hot air circulates around the food, cooking it evenly and quickly, resulting in a healthier and more delicious alternative to traditional deep-frying methods. The Ninja Foodi Dual Basket Air Fryer is versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of foods, including chicken wings, French fries, vegetables, and more.

4. Instant-Read Thermometer – $15

• What we like:
  • An instant-read thermometer allows you to quickly and accurately measure the internal temperature of food, ensuring that it is cooked to a safe and delicious level.
  • Labels printed on the thermometer tell you the safe temperature to cook poultry, steak, or pork.
  • It’s easy to use and can be used for a wide range of foods, from meats to baked goods.
  • A good instant-read thermometer is durable and can last for years with proper care.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality instant-read thermometers can be less reliable, leading to overcooked or undercooked food.
  • Some people may prefer to rely on their own senses to determine when food is done cooking, rather than using a thermometer.

An instant-read thermometer is an essential tool in any kitchen. It allows you to quickly and accurately measure the internal temperature of food, ensuring that it is cooked to a safe and delicious level. When choosing an instant-read thermometer, it’s important to look for one that is easy to read, accurate, and durable and has cooking temperatures for poultry, steak, or pork on it.

One important thing to keep in mind is that an instant-read thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the food, away from any bones or fat.

5. Serrated Bread knife – $20

• What we like:
  • A good bread knife is essential for slicing through loaves of bread and other baked goods without crushing or tearing them.
  • Bread knives are generally longer and more serrated than other types of knives, making them more effective for cutting through soft foods.
  • A high-quality bread knife can last for years with proper care and maintenance.
• What we don’t like:
  • Although hard to find, poor-quality bread knives can be less effective, leading to uneven cuts and wasted bread.

A bread knife is an essential tool in any kitchen. It allows you to slice through loaves of bread and other baked goods without crushing or tearing them, resulting in a more professional and visually appealing finished product. When choosing a bread knife, it’s important to look for one that is long and serrated, with a comfortable handle and a sharp blade.

One important thing to keep in mind when using a bread knife is to use a sawing motion rather than a slicing motion. This will help to prevent the bread from tearing or crushing.

6. Wisk -$7

• What we like:
  • A whisk is essential for beating and mixing ingredients together, resulting in smoother and more consistent textures.
  • Whisks come in many different shapes and sizes, making them versatile and suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks.
  • They are generally easy to clean and maintain, with no moving parts or sharp edges.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality whisks can break easily, resulting in frustration.
  • large whisks are difficult to control and increase the risk of spills and messes.
  • Some recipes may require a different type of mixing tool, such as a fork or a hand mixer.

A whisk is an essential tool for mixing and blending ingredients together. It allows you to achieve a smoother and more consistent texture, resulting in better-tasting and visually appealing finished products. When choosing a whisk, it’s important to look for one that is small, comfortable to hold, and easy to use. You should also consider the size and shape of the whisk, as different types are suited for different types of mixing tasks.

7. MicroPlane – $15

• What we like:
  • A Microplane allows you to grate cheese and zest citrus quickly and easily, resulting in finer and more professional textures.
  • They are generally compact and easy to store, taking up less space in your kitchen than other types of graters.
  • Microplanes can be used for a wide range of ingredients, from citrus fruits to hard cheeses to nutmeg.
• What we don’t like:
  • Some people may find it difficult to control a Microplane, which can increase the risk of injuring themselves or damaging their cutting surface.
  • Microplanes can be challenging to clean, as food can become trapped in the small grooves.

A Microplane is a versatile tool that allows you to grate and zest ingredients quickly and easily. It’s perfect for creating fine and consistent textures, whether you’re adding a citrusy zest to a recipe or grating hard cheeses for a pasta dish. When choosing a Microplane, it’s important to look for one that is sharp and effective, with a comfortable handle and a durable blade.

8. Quality Spices – $40

• What we like:
  • Quality spices can enhance the flavor and aroma of your dishes, resulting in more delicious and memorable meals.
  • They are generally affordable and widely available, making it easy to experiment with new flavors and combinations.
  • Spices come in a variety of forms, including whole, ground, and blends, allowing you to choose the best one for your recipe.
  • Good spices last for more than a year as you don’t need much per serving.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality spices can be less flavorful or even stale, resulting in disappointing dishes.
  • Some people may prefer fresh herbs or other flavorings over dried spices.

Quality spices are an essential ingredient for any home cook or chef who wants to elevate their dishes to the next level. When choosing spices, it’s important to look for ones that are fresh and high-quality, with a strong aroma and flavor. You should also store your spices in a cool, dark place to prevent them from losing their potency.

One important thing to keep in mind when using spices is to experiment with different combinations and flavors, to find what works best for your taste buds and your dishes. You should also be sure to use spices in moderation, as too much can overpower your dish and ruin the flavor balance.

9. Soup Ladle – $4

• What we like:
  • A plastic ladle is lightweight and easy to use, making it perfect for serving soups, stews, and other liquid dishes.
  • They are generally affordable and widely available, making it easy to replace if needed.
  • Plastic ladles are easy to clean and maintain, with no rust or corrosion.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality plastic ladles can be less effective, resulting in leaks or cracks.
  • Some people may prefer the appearance or durability of metal ladles, which may be a better option for certain recipes.
  • Poor-quality Plastic ladles may be less heat resistant than metal ladles, which may not be suitable for very hot liquids.

A plastic ladle is a lightweight and affordable tool that is perfect for serving soups, stews, and other liquid dishes. It’s easy to use and easy to clean, making it a convenient option for busy cooks. When choosing a plastic ladle, it’s important to look for one that is sturdy and leak-proof, with a comfortable handle and a smooth surface.

10. Silicone Spatula – 7$

• What we like:
  • A soft spatula is perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and containers, ensuring that you get every last bit of batter or dough.
  • They are generally affordable and widely available, making it easy to replace if needed.
  • Soft spatulas are easy to clean and maintain, with no sharp edges or crevices.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality soft spatulas can be less effective, resulting in poor scraping or breaking apart.
  • Some people may prefer the stiffness of a traditional spatula, which may be more suitable for certain tasks.
  • Soft spatulas may be less durable than other types of spatulas, which may need to be replaced more frequently.

A soft spatula is an essential tool for any baker or cook. It allows you to scrape down the sides of bowls and containers, ensuring that you get every last bit of batter or dough. When choosing a soft spatula, it’s important to look for one that is sturdy and flexible, with a comfortable handle and a smooth surface. You should also consider the size and shape of the spatula, as different types are suited for different tasks.

11. Basting Brush – $7

• What we like:
  • A basting brush is essential for coating meats, vegetables, and other foods with marinades, sauces, and oils.
  • They are generally affordable and widely available, making them easy to replace if needed.
  • Basting brushes are easy to clean and maintain, with no sharp edges or crevices.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality basting brushes can be less effective, resulting in uneven coating or shedding bristles.
  • Some people may prefer other methods of coating foods, such as pouring or spooning the marinade or sauce over the food.
  • Basting brushes can be challenging to clean thoroughly, especially if they are used with oily or sticky ingredients.

A basting brush is an essential tool for any grill master or home cook. It allows you to coat meats, vegetables, and other foods with marinades, sauces, and oils, resulting in more flavorful and moist dishes. When choosing a basting brush, it’s important to look for one that is sturdy and has heat-resistant bristles, with a comfortable handle and a smooth surface.

12. Oil Dispenser – $12

• What we like:
  • An oil dispenser is essential for portioning out the right amount of oil for cooking and baking.
  • They are generally easy to use and can be filled with any type of cooking oil.
  • Oil dispensers are easy to clean and maintain, with no moving parts or sharp edges.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality oil dispensers can be less effective, resulting in leaks or clogs.
  • Some people may prefer to measure their oil using a measuring cup or spoon, which may be more accurate for certain recipes.

An oil dispenser is an essential tool for any cook or baker. It allows you to portion out the right amount of oil for cooking and baking, resulting in more consistent and flavorful dishes. When choosing an oil dispenser, it’s important to look for one that is easy to use and refill, with a tight-fitting lid and a clear window to monitor the oil level.

13. Tongs – $6

• What we like:
  • Tongs are essential for handling and flipping foods, from steaks to vegetables to pasta.
  • They are generally affordable and widely available, making it easy to replace if needed.
  • Tongs are easy to clean and maintain, with no moving parts or sharp edges.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality tongs can be less effective, resulting in difficulty gripping or bending out of shape.
  • Some people may prefer other methods of handling food, such as a fork or a spatula.
  • Tongs can be challenging to use for delicate foods, which may require a different type of tool.

Tongs are an essential tool for any cook, whether you’re grilling, frying, or sautéing. They allow you to handle and flip foods with precision and control, resulting in more evenly cooked and visually appealing dishes. When choosing tongs, it’s important to look for ones that are sturdy and have a good grip, with a comfortable handle and a locking mechanism to keep them closed when not in use.

14. Large Plastic Bowls

• What we like:
  • A large bowl is essential for mixing and tossing ingredients together, from salads to doughs to batters.
  • Plastic bowls can fit easily in the refrigerator and squish between other items when holding marinades or fries.
  • They are generally affordable, widely available, and lightweight.
  • Large bowls can also be used for serving food, making them versatile and practical.
  • Having 5 or more large bowls makes cooking easier as cleanup can be done at the end.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality bowls can be less durable, resulting in cracking or staining.
  • Some people may prefer smaller or differently shaped bowls for certain tasks.
  • Large bowls can take up a lot of storage space, which may be a concern in smaller kitchens.

A large bowl is an essential tool for any cook or baker. It allows you to mix and toss ingredients together with ease, resulting in more consistent and flavorful dishes. When choosing a large bowl, it’s important to look for one that is sturdy and has a good grip, with a smooth surface and a wide mouth for easy access.

15. Cast Iron Pan – $20

• What we like:
  • A cast iron pan is durable and versatile, allowing you to cook a wide range of foods from steak to pancakes to pizza.
  • Cast iron pans give you that crip that only they can.
  • They are generally affordable and can last for years with proper care and seasoning.
  • Cast iron pans are also oven-safe and can be used on any type of cooktop.
• What we don’t like:
  • Cast iron pans can be heavy and difficult to handle, which may be a concern for some cooks.
  • They require special care and NO SOAP to maintain their non-stick properties and prevent rusting.
  • Cast iron pans can be prone to staining and discoloration if not cared for properly.

A cast iron pan is a versatile and durable tool that every home cook should have in their arsenal. It allows you to cook a wide range of foods with precision and control, resulting in more evenly cooked and flavorful dishes. When choosing a cast iron pan, it’s important to look for one that is well-seasoned and has a smooth surface, with a comfortable handle and a wide cooking surface.

One important thing to keep in mind when using a cast iron pan is to take special care when cleaning and seasoning it. You should avoid using soap or abrasive materials, which can strip the seasoning and damage the pan. Instead, use a stiff-bristled brush and hot water to remove any food particles, and then apply a thin layer of oil to the surface to maintain its non-stick properties.

16. Foaming Soap – $18

Soap is also versatile and can be used for a wide range of household cleaning tasks.

• What we like:
  • Soap is essential for cleaning and sanitizing cooking utensils and surfaces, preventing the buildup of bacteria and odors.
  • They are generally affordable and widely available, making it easy to replace if needed.

Soap is an essential tool for any home cook or baker. It allows you to clean and sanitize your cooking utensils and surfaces, ensuring that your food is safe and free from bacteria and odors. When choosing soap, it’s important to look for one that is effective and gentle, with a mild scent and no harsh chemicals.

One important thing to keep in mind when using soap is to use it sparingly and rinse thoroughly, to prevent the buildup of soap residue or odor. You should also be sure to choose the right type of soap for the task at hand, such as dish soap for cleaning dishes and hand soap for washing your hands.

17. Small SaucePan – $20

• What we like:
  • A small pan is perfect for cooking small portions of food, from eggs to sauces to side dishes.
  • They are generally affordable and can be used on any type of cooktop.
  • Small pans are also easy to clean and store, making them practical for small kitchens or for those with limited storage space.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality small pans can be less effective, resulting in poor heat distribution or warping.
  • Some people may prefer larger or differently shaped pans for certain tasks.
  • Small pans may not be suitable for cooking larger portions of food or for certain types of recipes.

A small pan allows you to cook a wide range of foods from sauces to side dishes, resulting in more evenly cooked and flavorful dishes. When choosing a small pan, it’s important to look for one that is sturdy and has a good grip, with a non-stick surface and a comfortable handle.

18. Fry Chopper – $101

• What we like:
  • A fry chopper is perfect for cutting potatoes and other vegetables into uniform strips for perfect crispy air fries every time.
  • They are generally affordable and can save time and effort when preparing large batches of fries or other fried foods.
  • Fry choppers are also easy to clean and maintain, with no moving parts or sharp edges.
  • Makes meal prep a 10min task.
• What we don’t like:
  • Fry choppers may not be suitable for cutting other types of vegetables, meats or fruits.

A fry chopper is an essential tool for any home cook or restaurant that needs to cut large quantities of potatoes or other vegetables for air frying. It allows you to cut uniform strips with PRECISION and SPEED, resulting in more evenly cooked and visually appealing fries or other air-fried foods. When choosing a fry chopper, it’s important to look for one that is sturdy and has sharp blades, a comfortable handle, and a wide cutting surface.

19. Dutch Oven – $70

• What we like:
  • A Dutch oven is versatile and can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks, from braising to baking to roasting.
  • They are generally durable and can last for years without the care required for a cast iron pan.
  • Dutch ovens are also oven-safe and can be used on any type of cooktop which is a game changer.
  • The enamel coating allows the use of metal utensils and is amazingly sturdy.
• What we don’t like:
  • Dutch ovens can be heavy and difficult to handle, which may be a concern for some cooks.
  • Dutch ovens can be expensive and may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.

A Dutch oven is a versatile and durable tool that every home cook should have in their kitchen. It allows you to cook a wide range of dishes with precision and control, resulting in more evenly cooked and flavorful meals.

20. Salad Spinner – $30

• What we like:
  • A salad spinner is essential for washing and drying fries, zucchini, salad greens, and herbs, for your air frying needs.
  • A great $30 investment for making the perfect fries.
  • Salad spinners are also easy to use and clean, with no sharp edges or crevices.
  • Drying food with towels can be icky. Salad spinner ftw!
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality salad spinners can be less effective, resulting in poor spinning or breaking apart.
  • Some people may prefer to wash their produce by hand or use alternative methods, such as a colander or towel.

A salad spinner is an essential tool for any home cook or salad lover. It allows you to wash and dry your salad greens, herbs, and other delicate produce quickly and efficiently, resulting in more crisp and flavorful salads. When choosing a salad spinner, it’s important to look for one that is sturdy and has a good grip, with a smooth spinning mechanism and a large bowl for holding your produce. OXO brand continually wins all the kitchen tests so choose them!

21. Can Opener – $15

• What we like:
  • A can opener is essential for opening cans of food, from soup to vegetables to pet food.
  • They are generally affordable and widely available, making it easy to replace if needed.
  • Can openers are also easy to use and don’t need to be cleaned.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor quality can openers can be less effective, resulting in difficulty opening cans or leaving behind jagged edges.
  • Some people may prefer alternative methods for opening cans, such as a manual can opener or using a knife.
  • Can openers can take up a small amount of storage space, which may be a concern in smaller kitchens.

A can opener is an essential tool for any home cook or kitchen, allowing you to easily open cans of food for cooking or snacking. When choosing a can opener, it’s important to look for one that is sturdy and has a good grip, with a smooth turning mechanism and a sharp blade.

22. Measuring cups – $15

• What we like:
  • Measuring cups are essential for accurately measuring ingredients for cooking and baking.
  • They are generally affordable and widely available, making them easy to replace if needed.
  • Measuring cups come in various sizes and materials, allowing you to choose the best one for your needs.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality measuring cups can be less accurate, resulting in inconsistent measurements or breaking apart.

Measuring cups are an essential tool for any home cook or baker, allowing you to accurately measure ingredients for cooking or baking. When choosing measuring cups, it’s important to look for ones that are sturdy and have clear markings, with a comfortable handle and a smooth surface for easy pouring.

23. Small knife – $30

What we like:

• A small knife is versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, such as trimming fat, slicing vegetables, or poking holes for marinating.
• They are generally affordable and take up minimal storage space, making them a great addition to any kitchen.

What we don’t like:

• Poor-quality small knives can be less effective, resulting in difficulty cutting or breaking apart ingredients.
• Small knives may not be suitable for larger cuts of meat or produce.

When choosing a small knife, it’s important to consider the blade material and sharpness. Stainless steel is a popular choice for its durability and ease of maintenance, while carbon steel offers a sharper edge but requires more maintenance. The blade should also be comfortable to hold and easy to control.

Overall, a small knife is an essential tool for any home cook or chef who needs to cut and slice ingredients with precision and ease. With the right small knife and technique, you can prepare your ingredients quickly and efficiently, resulting in delicious and visually appealing dishes.

24. Large Cutting Board (homemade)

• What we like:
  • A cutting board is essential for cutting and chopping food safely and without damaging your knives or counters.
  • They are generally affordable and come in a variety of sizes and materials, allowing you to choose the best one for your needs.
  • Cutting boards are also easy to clean and maintain, with no moving parts or crevices.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor quality cutting boards can be less effective, resulting in warping, cracking, or staining.
  • Some people may prefer alternative materials for cutting boards, such as bamboo or plastic.
  • Cutting boards can take up a small amount of storage space, which may be a concern in smaller kitchens.

A cutting board is an essential tool for any home cook or chef, allowing you to chop and slice food safely and without damaging your knives or counters. When choosing a cutting board, it’s important to look for one that is sturdy and has a non-slip surface, with a comfortable handle and a smooth surface for easy cleaning.

One important thing to keep in mind when using a cutting board is to clean it thoroughly after each use to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You should also be sure to use different cutting boards for different types of food, such as one for meats and another for vegetables, to prevent cross-contamination.

25. Drawer Organizers -$17

• What we like:
  • Drawer organizers are essential for keeping your kitchen utensils and tools organized and easy to find.
  • They are generally affordable and come in a variety of sizes and materials, allowing you to choose the best one for your needs.
  • Drawer organizers can be customized to fit your specific kitchen needs, allowing you to organize your utensils in a way that makes sense for you.
• What we don’t like:
  • Poor-quality drawer organizers can be less effective, resulting in warping, cracking, or staining.
  • Some people may prefer alternative methods for organizing their utensils, such as using a utensil holder or wall-mounted organizer.
  • Drawer organizers can take up a small amount of drawer space, which may be a concern in smaller kitchens.

Drawer organizers are an essential tool for any home cook or chef who needs to keep their kitchen utensils and tools organized and easy to find. When choosing drawer organizers, it’s important to look for ones that are sturdy and fit your drawer space, with compartments that are the right size for your utensils. You should also be sure to organize your utensils in a way that makes sense for your cooking style and needs, to make your kitchen work more efficiently.

Wrapping up $711 later….

Each tool has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s up to the individual cook to determine which ones are most important for their own cooking style and needs.

Some of the tools, such as a knife or cutting board, are considered essential for almost all types of cooking, while others, such as a salad spinner or a small knife, may be more specialized and used less frequently. Regardless of their frequency of use, however, all of these tools are important for achieving success in the kitchen.

When choosing cooking essentials, it’s important to consider the quality, durability, and ease of use of each tool. Investing in high-quality tools may cost more upfront, but can save money in the long run by lasting longer and performing better.