A few weeks ago, before I knew the love of my life was going to propose to me, I started getting serious about the items in my kitchen. Namely, I wanted to have nice, reliable kitchenware so Rocky could enjoy cooking and I could start getting excited about it. We recently bought our first set of good, essential pans and it truly has made such a difference. Fast forward to now, we are one week engaged and VERY committed to upping our kitchenware game. Domesticity is in full effect.
We currently have a tiny arsenal of cookware we like to use and A LOT of old hand-me-down things we can’t wait to replace because they were hand-me-down for a reason. So, I did what anyone would do and asked my coworkers to shed some wisdom on this area and begged them to allow me to make it a post because likely we’re not the only ones that need help in this area. We can consider this Ryann and Rocky’s wedding registry until further notice (ha). I’ll start with what Rocky and I have and use almost every single day (which is admittedly a very small list).
1. Cast Iron Skillet: I asked for a proper cast iron skillet for my birthday because I knew I would never buy one for myself. We have the 11 5/8″ size and it’s great for making meals for two (or more) people plus it’s SO much more lightweight than any other cast iron I’ve ever used.
2. Equal Parts Cookware Set: Rocky bought these for us about a month ago and they really have changed my attitude around cooking but more importantly, they are SO easy to wash. My least favorite chore is doing dishes so anything that is painless to wash is a win for me. I also love that the lids work for both the skillets and the saucepans so you don’t have to rummage around trying to find the right lid. They also make a knife and it’s BONKERS how good it is. It’s so sharp that I pricked myself while admiring it when we first got it (it was not the knife’s fault I promise).
3. Wooden Spoon: Ever since Rocky started making his own pasta sauce from scratch, he’s been coveting a nice wooden spoon. He finally bought this one from Staub and LOVES it. Now, all we need is a spoon rest…
I wasn’t kidding, Rocky and I have a small arsenal of cookware we like so I’ll pass it along to the rest of EHD to help us get the ball rolling. Take it away, ladies.
From Emily:
1. Thick Glassware: I needed to part ways with my pretty and delicate glassware because they were breaking too often. So I bought this set and I LOVE it. They are still pretty but are thick, very durable AND stackable.
2. Cutting Board: While I love a big beautiful butcher block cutting board as a stylist, they just aren’t practical for my everyday chopping. So anytime we need a cutting board for actual cutting we use THIS. It’s extremely lightweight but super durable. The cut marks don’t look super scratchy, and the black really works in our kitchen so it’s not like it stands out. Still highly recommend!
3. Ninja Blender: Now the size we have isn’t for a large amount of anything, but it’s great for smoothies, sauces, dressings, you name it. I actually love that it doesn’t take up a lot of room and is so easy to store. Plus it works great and you can’t beat the price.
4. Wooden Spoon: It’s a classic for a reason. I love how it feels in my hand, there’s nothing sharp on it so it’s super safe for the kids and it’s just pretty. If you don’t have one, it’s a must.
5. Mixing Bowls: If you have ever tried cooking with kids you know that accidents are GOING to happen. Mixing is one of their most loved cooking activities so these bowls are perfect. They are plastic so not only are the lightweight but unbreakable. Plus I love the neutral colors.
6. Knife: Emily B. bought this knife for me for Christmas a couple of years ago and it happened to be the one that we also use in LA, so I brought it up to the cabin and it chops so well, clean and fast. I’m sure there are a million great knives out there, but this brand is GOOD.
From Jess:
1. 3pc Poly Essentials Cutting Board Set: As much as I wanted a beautiful and expensive cutting board, I had a good talk with myself and said “SAVE YOUR MONEY, DUMMY”. So despite this trio of boards being almost too affordable, I love that they weigh about as much as a feather and take up almost no space in my cupboard.
2. Sunbeam 2 Slice Toaster: I love a simple looking small appliance and this little black toaster is just that. Nothing family but at $16.99 it has lasted me years. But if little pumpkin stopped working, this beauty would be at the top of my list!
3. Vitamix Blender: For my 29th birthday, I got a Vitamix Blender (I was very lucky). Needless to say, I was EXTREMELY excited. My 21-year-old very sweet roommate and her girlfriend looked at me utterly perplexed, not understanding how someone could be so excited about a blender. Kids, amiright? Just kidding because I still feel and act like a child. But if this comment section in this post isn’t a testament as to the magical powers of this machine then I don’t know what it. If you are able to invest in a blender get a Vitamix. They are incredible. (RYANN put this on your real registry!)
4. Vitamix Blending Bowls Starter Kit: Also, I just saw these attachments and I REALLY want them. If anyone has them are they worth it?
5. Solid Cherry Wood Nesting Bowl: The vintage wooden bowl on top of my fridge is one of my favorite and most useful things in my kitchen. It basically the junk drawer but a bowl…so it’s at least pretty. In it are my coffee pods, random potatoes, avocados, maybe a bag of chips, and my onion goggles.
6. Safety Goggles: Ok, they aren’t officially “onion goggles.” They are the goggles you get for science class so chemicals and frog guts don’t get in your eyes. I got them for an event (it was cool I promise) but they are actually perfect for chopping up onions! They fit right over my normal glasses so that I can see what I’m cutting and won’t shed a tear. Stop suffering, people.
7. Blue Stripe Kitchen Dish Towels: After being on the hunt for dish towels for far too long, I decided to go classic. These blue strip ones are simple, pretty, and are the perfect balance of sturdy and soft.
8. 5qt Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven: I bought this for my Christmas shoot and have loved it ever since. I mostly love it because of how well it cooks my food but it’s also pretty enough to display on my stove (which is KEY when you have a tiny kitchen).
From Julie:
1. Boos Cutting Board: My sister has had this cutting board for 10+ years now and I’ve just purchased one of my own (which I found ON SALE). I am so excited cause my pet peeve when cutting is having your board slide all over the place and this does not plus it holds up very well if you take care of it.
2. Breville Tea Kettle: I’ve owned this kettle since 2009 and it’s still holding up! If you are into teas like I am or want to make your morning cappuccino then get this gadget. There are 5 temperature controls and it can keep the water at that temp for 20 mins with a touch of the button. It’s definitely a small appliance that I would replace if and when it ever stops working which doesn’t seem to be anytime soon.
3. GIR Silicone Basting Brush: This is such a random kitchen essential that I never knew I really wanted until I was living at Emily’s house during quarantine and it was a game-changer. My boyfriend and I were very into making these smashed potatoes so we used this brush a lot.
4. Microplane: Another big game changer was the microplane! Once I started getting more into cooking I realized this is something I was wanting to use for every meal and if you have ever watched a cooking show you see they use it a lot too. Hot Tip: If you want to know what are true kitchen essentials watch cooking shows and get what the pros use!
5. Pyrex Measuring Cups: When the pros use it, you use it. That’s the rule. I only use these to measure out my ingredients which makes for less stuff cluttering up my cabinets.
6. OXO Hand Held Mandoline: This thing seems so scary to use at first but once you get the hang of it there is no turning back. The hand held one is like the beginner model if you don’t plan on using it for every single meal and don’t want to invest in a high-end version. Plus, Anthony Bourdain said that this should be a kitchen staple for every chef and I trust his word.
7. Cuisinox Wide Spatula: This is my most used spatula because it’s so wide and makes it easier to flip all those pancakes, quesadillas, crepes, or again smashed potatoes (really I am obsessed with them). It’s also great to use with kids because of the wide surface area it’s easier for them to learn how to flip things, that way they can start making their own meals or maybe yours too.
8. Cast Iron Griddle: Another item I didn’t know I needed in my kitchen life until I used it at Emily’s. It’s just great to have a large flat surface that heats evenly. I made scallion pancakes (one of my favorite foods) on it for the first time and can’t wait to get one of my own to perfect the recipe.
From Mallory:
1. Cutting Board: The best thing I never knew I needed until I moved into my apartment was this IKEA cutting board. It’s $20, very useful, oh and it has a little shelf thing that lets it rest on your kitchen counter so for us it just lives out all the time and it’s SO functional. If you guys want one that’s a little fancier and doesn’t have a giant Ikea logo on the side (I get it) here’s another one that serves the same purpose but it nicer (I’ll splurge on this one day):
2. Shun Classic Western Chef’s Knife: If you like to cook, I hear you should really invest in these two things: 1. A good knife and 2. A cast iron. I’ve been cast iron shopping for far too long (question: should I get a STAUB or nah??), but I recently got Chase this knife for our anniversary and WE LOVE IT (it’s by Sam the cooking guy x Nakiri but you’ll be on a waitlist for literally forever, so here’s a great Nakiri alternative). Spend like $80-$150 bucks on a good knife and it will last you forever and you can use it for everything. This one from Shun (the ultimate knife brand) is on sale for 55% off right now
3. Stainless Steel Tongs with Soft Grip: This is the best $3 you will ever spend. Breakup with your spatula cause the tong train is way more fun and it’s just all-around better (unless you’re making pancakes or something, then fine you can keep your spatula).
4. Core Stripe Hand Towel Copper: Having kitchen tea towels around is one of the best things in life to get you to stop using paper towels 24/7. I picked up this hand towel from Target for the backyard shoot I did a few weeks ago and loved the color and thickness of it, so I brought it to my apartment kitchen and have been using it ever since. I just found out it’s actually a bathroom hand towel, which explains the thickness, but I think this is an insanely good hack everyone should know…use hand towels in the kitchen cause they’re 10x more absorbent than the skimpy linen lame-o towels.
5. Breville VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee & Espresso Machine: I cannot even begin to express to you how much joy this coffee machine brings me. I drink a lot of coffee a day (which as we know a latte is like $7 for no reason at all these days). So instead, I’ve been buying Nespresso pods in bulk (which rounds out to be around $1.00 per coffee and it’s SO GOOD). If you want deliciously rich espresso shots, go with this machine, and if you want big ol’ cups of velvety coffee go with this machine. You really can’t go wrong.
6. Mega Insulated Aluminum Cookie Sheet: Everyone should have one of these. That’s all.
7. Garlic Peel and Press: I had no idea that a good garlic press was so essential, but my grandma got me this for Christmas last year and WOW is it an amazing gift. If you know someone who likes to cook, gift it to them! Or gift it to yourself!
1. Colander: Oh my gosh, can I link all of Squish’s products??? I finally bought one of these a few years back after walking past it at Target every week (it is truly the brightest thing in the kitchen section) and now I could honestly be the Squish spokesperson. This strainer is my FAVORITE because I can use the handles to extend it over my sink (a dream for those of us who maaaay have a few plates just sitting there) and when I’m done, it packs flat and takes up no cabinet space. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. (I also make pasta/mac and cheese literally EVERY DAY, so I’m SUPER SERIOUS about this one. If lime green is a little too much for you, definitely check-in at your local Target — I’ve been able to grab them in both teal and in orange.)
2. Silicone Lids: These are SO GOOD and multifunctional. Missing Tupperware lid? Grab one of these. Want to keep a pot warm while you decide whether or not to go back for seconds? Grab one of these. Dream of microwaving something without splatters? SILICONE LIDS TO THE RESCUE. They also nest and fit perfectly in a drawer so storage is a BREEZE.
3. Dish Rack: I have been known to let a few dishes pile up in the sink, so the double-decker rack is an essential. In the past, I’d look at my pile and feel kind of overwhelmed (how did these all get here??? If I actually build up the moxie to wash them, where will I dry them???) or I’d just end up only washing a few, since that was all I had space for, so this was a game-changer for me. This one has a TON of space, adjustable hooks, a flatware compartment, and a movable spout that drains straight into the sink. It’s compact, stable, and pretty enough to leave on your counter 24/7.
4. Compostable Sponge Cloths – I have written about these before, but BOY, I LOVE THEM. They come in sets of 10 and just one cloth can replace 17 rolls of paper towels!!! They’re good for doing the dishes or soaking up spills (I have different uses for each of the colors), they’re so absorbent, and when you’re finished you can just rinse, wring, and let them air-dry. I still haven’t hit the point where I’m ready to retire any of mine, but you can just toss them in a compost pile when they’ve reached the end of their life. These were a LIFESAVER when all my local grocery stores ran out of paper towels earlier this year and now I’ll never go back.
Annnd we made it! I, for one, feel very confident about the future of my kitchen and I hope you do too. I love a personal recommendation, so please drop your favorites below. xx
Opener Image Credit: Photo by Zeke Ruelas | From: Modern Deco Kitchen Reveal
My kitchen VIPs:
A good chef’s knife (I have wusthof)
Other decent knives but the others are less critical then the chefs knife
AllClad stainless steel pots and pans
Lodge cast iron skillet
An oval dutch oven (I have a cheap martha stewart one that works fine, but the upgrade could be worth it if you make a lot of soups)
Silicone tongs
Metal spatula
Toaster oven/convection oven
My tip: don’t bother with knife sets or pot/pan sets. Pick individual items that work for you. Most sets have unnecessary items, and some are lower quality.
I wanted to second the Lodge cast iron skillet. It’s super affordable! Google the brand and you’ll see lots of great reviews. No need to drop that much money on a Staub.
I also agree on having a nice dutch oven. We have a Le Creuset (thank you wedding) that is awesome, but I know there are also less expensive brands that work just as well.
Seconding Lodge for cast iron and Le Cruset. I have one of each and they last a lifetime and are super versatile! Also love those blue stripe tea towels. I used them as spit rags and baby everything when my son was small, and now they live on in the kitchen!
Agree with Le Creuset – it is more pricey but it wears so much better than the Martha Stewart dutch oven I had. Also agree on Lodge for cast iron pans. For serious and non-serious bakers, I would add Kitchen Aid stand mixer.
Yes a dutch oven is one of my go-to items!
I have Wusthof too!
GAME CHANGER!
We also got the Wusthof sharpener…soooo easy.
+1 to the Lodge cast iron! what’s the benefit of the pricier ones? just lighter? i guess i kind of like heaving it out.
Another thumbs up for Lodge cast iron. I also have some vintage cast iron pans but my newer Lodge pieces work just as well. The biggest thing is to use it and use it often. The more you do, the more non-stick it will get.
Adding to the “Go for Lodge”! I work for a private chef company and have a wife who likes to cook, so I’ve asked for ALL the recommendations and they all say Lodge is perfect for cast iron!
Sorry Ryann, another vote for Lodge cast iron. It works so well and it’s about 1/8 of the price of your pan. I love cooking for two and placing it on the table , the food looks beautiful.
Hey! Just an FYI the aluminum cookie sheet in Mallory’s section links to the espresso machine. I keep putting off buying new cookie/baking sheets and this was the motivation I needed, thanks for putting this together!
I came late to the party but have recently learned the joys of cast iron skillets and good knives (I have Wusthoff and much less expensive Victorinox chef knives… both are great). I also love the epicurean cutting boards. Another great colander is from Joseph Joseph…. it’s two sizes in one, but it does take up space.
I’ve had two Nutri Ninja small blenders and both leaked oil from the blade assembly into the food. I would not buy this brand again.
Thanks for doing this article….. very helpful!
I agree with all of these! I would add a lemon press to the list. They’re super inexpensive, they get ALL of the juice out of citrus when you’re making salad dressings, marinades, etc., they keep seeds from falling into your bowl, and they are a better alternative to squeezing with your hands (so you can avoid getting lemon juice in any cuts, because don’t we all have cracked chapped hands from washing constantly these days??)
https://www.amazon.com/Zulay-Premium-Squeezer-Extracting-Possible/dp/B072N94M7L/
PS – I am starting to seriously think about renovating my kitchen and while I’m not on a major tight DIY budget, I’m also not on a bougie crazy high end budget either. I’d love a round up like this one, but for built in kitchen features. What’s a must-have, vs what’s an add-on that may not be worth the money? IE: pot filler, hot water tap, hands-free faucets, specialty cabinets likes ones for trash/recycling, etc 🙂
Hi Laura! We recently did a big kitchen renovation. In terms of cabinetry, my favorite special item is a two layer silverware drawer. We keep our older mismatched items in the bottom section so it’s there for when we have parties or run out of clean forks. The toe kick drawer is also pretty great, as is the appliance garage in the corner, which would have been dead space.
For appliances we went with a budget LG fridge, a fancy Wolf range, and a pretty high end Zephyr hood. I feel like hoods are often overlooked but having a good one makes a huge difference. The house never smells!
Enjoy your new kitchen! Ours was completed in March and I am still pinching myself on a daily basis.
Thanks so much for sharing all of this, it’s so helpful! I never would have thought of the 2 layered silverware drawer, but we do have a lot of random pieces so that makes total sense. And I’ve never heard of a toe kick drawer but I just googled and man is that genius! 🙂
I always think people are overreacting about cutting onions until the one time a year I’m cutting them in my glasses instead of contacts and HOLY COW IT’S SO REAL!
Also, I had an ugly frosted plastic electric tea kettle in college (like, brought it to my dorm because how do people live without tea?). Used it for more than 10 years and that thing was incredible. Heated up super quickly, stayed warm, poured great. Decided to treat myself to a new, pretty once since it’s something I use all the time. Bought a pretty white Smeg-style Black & Decker one (apparently no longer sold) and passed my old one on to my cousin. I HATE the new one. It’s pretty, but the spout is in a terrible location so it spills unless you way overfill it and generally I hate it. One time I’ve regretted aesthetics over function! Also my cousin won’t give me my old one back – it’s still going strong and he loves it.
Came to say the same! I always have my contacts in at dinnertime and NEVER had a problem. Thought I was immune (or others were dramatic) UNTIL I cooked my first full Thanksgiving meal and chopped onions in the a.m. with my glasses on. HOLY SMOKES. 🤪
I was so surprised that a garlic press was only on one list. I think I use mine almost daily.
Lodge pans for the win. I do love mine. I found a Le Crueset dutch oven at Home Goods for next to nothing. Think it was $50 when they go for $200. I just saw them again about a month ago.
My other favorite items are my Doughmakers cookie sheets, sheet pans, 9 X 13 pan with lid, bread pan, pizza pan, etc. I think I must have 10 Doughmakers items in my arsenal. Easy to clean, and the cookie sheets are fantastic. Those air cookie sheets always burn the bottom of stuff. Not the Doughmaker pans. I don’t work for them, I promise. I just love them that much.
TJMaxx/HomeGoods is where I’ve gotten all of my All Clad pots and pans too. Just need a 4 or 5 quart pot (very hard to find) and I’m done buying anything else for life.
I don’t really understand the need for garlic press. I just smash garlic with a knife.
It tastes a bit differently if you leave it out befoe cooking. and it acts differently on a sizzling pan. You can do without for sure, but it may be quicker to press several than doing by hand.
Ooooh I always love seeing what other people swear by – so much good stuff!! 😀 My top three kitchen utensils are : 1. A good Garlic Press – I got mine from my local supermarket and its strangely great (you can open it aaaaall up so its really easy to clean which is a must have for anyone who has ever tried to remove dried and pressed Garlic from that press you forgot to clean yesterday…) 2. A sharp knife. I may have sung their praises in this comment section before but my tried and true, would probably die for them, please just hire me as your spokesperson already knives are the German Windmühle (literally windmill) knives. They are really great, versatile little knives that – because they are specifically NOT stainless – stay sharp forevaaarrrr AND I LOVE THEM WITH MY WHOLE HEART https://www.windmuehlenmesser.de/en/(talking about their ‘classic’ vegetable knives specifically) 3. My most recent addition that totally blew my mind: a Kochblume (also German, literally Cook Flower, not sure what they are marketed as in English) which is basically a really clever silicone lid for your pot, THAT PREVENTS YOUR POT FROM BOILING OVER EVER AGAIN. And lemme… Read more »
I feel better about the number of containers of spoons on the counter, when I watch Bon Appetite. Every station has big stirring spoons, whisks in different sizes & they always have a tasting spoon around.
metal core, silicon spatulas
can opener, the big handle Kitchen Aid one
plastic chopping mat to put over the wooden cutting board
digital thermometer pen & the radar gun one
My absolute favorite is the Corelle “coffee cup” with saucer!! https://www.replacements.com/p/corning-butterfly-gold-corelle-flat-cup-and-saucer-set/corbug/65513341
The only thing it is not good for is drinking coffee. It is good to measure 1-cup for baking, good for pudding or jello servings, good for holding your mise en place. (chopping garlic, spices, pre-measures) It is the best little all around cup!!!!
I even still have the Butterfly Gold
And those corelle mugs are THE BEST fit for easter egg dying. I have golden butterfly too. :-). (but have you dried the pyrex corelle mugs? Heavier and different shape. They’re my FAVORITE go-to for coffee.)
The compostable sponge cloths are even better than I thought they could be. Buy them!
These are also known as swedish dishcloths – and come in tons of patterns. My sister got these for Christmas presents on her college study abroad about 8 years ago.
La Crueset Dutch oven – pretty enough to hang out on the stove and so useful! I got one as a wedding gift and use it daily!
Any rolling pin recos? We’ve been doing pandemic pizzas but i always use a wine bottle or olive oil bottle but makes it way harder for my 3yo to help.
I like the french style, easier to clean and no sharp edges in your dough.
https://www.crateandbarrel.com/j.k.-adams-co.-french-rolling-pin/s640894?localedetail=US&storeid=401&a=1552&campaignid=10461646731&adgroupid=103999388619&targetid=pla-304652196925&pla_sku=640894&pcat=HSW&ag=adult&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsuSOuoHf6wIVUhh9Ch0bZgOVEAQYBSABEgLEy_D_BwE
I think this is the same rolling pin I’ve had for years. I love it!
thank you both!
Whaaaaaaaaat congrats!! Am I the only person who didn’t already know??
Love these roundups. It’s inspo for going to buy new stuff!
I love the Wusthof knives. A local kitchen shop told me that these and Henckels (with two men on the logo, not one) are the best you can buy. The Henckel is a little softer metal than the Wusthof so it is easier to sharpen; however, Wusthof holds its sharpness longer because it’s a harder steel.
Can anyone recommend a can opener that doesn’t rust after the first five uses??
https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KE199OHAQA-Classic-Multifunction-Opener/dp/B07YD2YWGV/ref=asc_df_B07YD2YWGV/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385196863123&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6233583841183633901&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003733&hvtargid=pla-828858209989&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=78082492789&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385196863123&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6233583841183633901&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003733&hvtargid=pla-828858209989
I’m in love with my Zyliss can opener and have added it to my list of housewarming gift ideas. I got mine at BB&B.
https://www.zyliss.com/store/products/zyliss-lock-n-lift-can-opener-with-lid-lifter-magnet-white-20362.htm
Similar to the thick glassware Emily suggested, Ikea has some really nice and affordable tempered glass options that are really durable. They come in a bunch of sizes, stack, and have smooth (their 365+ line) or ribbed (Vardagen) styles.
Something else I saw once & wanted – a Finnish dish drying cabinet. From Hydraulic Press Channel.
Finns have cabinets over the sink with an open bottom. You wash the dish & put it in the cabinet & then it drips dry & stays right there!!! (I don’t have a dishwasher)
All clad from home goods! Check the clearance section. This stuff is a delight to use and cleans up with a soak no matter what you do to it.
from and old lady who cooks A LOT Holland Bowl Mill for a big salad bowl, Volrath for a couple of huge 13 quart mixing bowls, antique stores for wooden spoons, Wüsthof or CutCo 8 inch chef’s knife and a good paring knife and a great bread knife, AMCO for measuring cups and spoons, Scanpan or All-Clad or Le Creuset for serious cookware…..Oxo whisks, Oxo tongs, Pyrex liquid measuring cup, half sheet pans, Silpat liners, OXO lettuce spinner (also great for berries; etc). OXO for silicone spatulas. The better the equipment & the better you care for it, the less you will need to replace it and the better your prep experience will be. And, as Susan Wyler, said—“it is better to entertain simply than not to entertain at all”—just do it with great love.
Totally agree on those Vollrath mixing bowls! I hardly use any other ones!
Great list. One warning- the poly cutting boards dull your knives.
A couple years ago I purchased the gold
cake pans from Sonoma and I do like them but the greatest thing for me is just lining them with parchment paper. A pan of brownies lifts right out and no clean up of the pan. Another item I use for all kinds of things is a Foley Fork.
You can find them on Amazon.
It is great for mixing pastry, scrambling eggs
and many other things in the kitchen.
I saw several things here I didn’t know I needed in my kitchen but maybe I do.
Great post.
If there’s anything I’ve learned from 20+ years of cooking for crowds, it’s to shop for restaurant-worthy cooking and kitchen tools. Think high-quality, lightweight, stainless steel implements that can take a beating and are often cheaper than household ones. For example, wide, shallow Vollrath stainless steel mixing bowls will trump any other glass/ceramic/plastic one in your kitchen that is entirely too deep for adequate mixing. Also, don’t buy anything in a set or any single-use tools (except maybe a cherry pitter)! You will quickly clutter up your kitchen with things you will never use!
I have been very disappointed in those Food52 compostable sponges. They look dingy after the first use or two (and I throw mine in the washer and dryer as they suggest) and are not holding up nearly as well as advertised. Cannot recommend.
Mallory…not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but the Ikea logo on the cutting board sands off! We just sanded off the logo from one of ours, and it got much fancier in an instant! : )
If you cut onions in half lengthwise, rinse them in COLD water, then cut them starting at the stem (?) end, you’ll never onion-cry again. I guess the cold water somehow counteracts the magical power onions have to torture us, rendering them harmless!
I have that same Boos board but I found it at a thrift store for like $2!!! I do a happy dance every time I use it and my kids think I’m nuts. LOL
Ryann, a big congrats on your engagement! Please do me a favor and put a Breville toaster oven on your registry. I never thought I could love a toaster so much. It is so extremely luxurious to have a piece of equipment toast my bread to absolute perfection. I cook everything in this masterpiece. xoxo
This was a great post. One thing I can’t do without in my kitchen is a kitchen scale. I use it mostly for baking; weighing instead of measuring ingredients, weighing my cake pans to ensure I get even cake layers. Also use it for canning, weighing those tomatoes! I love Fat Daddio cake pans, silpats for baking cookies and ware ever sheet pans. And last but not least stainless steel bowls. I think I will be replacing my heavy Duralex nesting bowl set with light weight stainless steel. It’s a process….I’ve been cooking and baking for 50 years.
Jess— Wait, there are things called onion goggles?!? Because I’ve been using my college chemistry goggles from 15 years ago and I thought that was a brilliant idea I thought of! 😆 Cheers to safety goggles!
Mallory— I totally use bathroom towels in the kitchen too! So much more absorbent! What’s with kitchen towels not being fit for the job?!
Best cookie sheets I’ve ever bought: Vollrath. I’ve used them constantly for 10 or more years now and they never warp and still look almost new. I got them from a restaurant supply store.
My other cooking essentials include:
1. Le Creuset and Lodge.
2. As for knives. You really only need 3: a Santoku, a paring knife, and a bread knife. Done.
3. And parchment paper, which comes in handy so often.
4. I love my rice cooker. That appliance I didn’t think I’d use but do all the time.
So yes to the wooden spoon. During quarantine, completely out of the blue, my 12 year old son went to the basement, found some wood scraps and started carving spoons! I am blown away–he made me one out of poplar then used walnut oil and a coat of wax. It is something you would custom buy and have on this blog. I adore it so much, but am scared to use it–hahaha ;).
Aww! Congratulations Ryann and Rocky!