Whether you are starting fresh on your own or looking to update your kitchen arsenal, let’s talk about the must-have kitchen essentials everyone needs. Because, let’s be real – most of us have been guilty of hoarding random gadgets we think we needed, only to shove them in the back of a drawer, never to be seen again. Well… I don’t like that for you. Let’s be more practical and reduce waste and clutter in our home.
I am here to help you keep it simple, stress-free, and efficient, so your kitchen is not overflowing with stuff you probably never use. With the right tools (and attitude for sure!) cooking can become faster, easier, and for sure more fun. Plus, some of these items will be a huge game-changer in your life, giving you back some time just for YOU, so you can spend that extra time on doing things you truly enjoy.
Here are my favourites, the 15 cooking essentials that everyone needs in their kitchen. They are amazing tools and equipment that will make cooking a breeze and help you prepare fabulous meals in no time:
Dutch Oven
Hands down, the Dutch oven is my absolutely favourite kitchen tool of all time. Perfect for slow-cooking, braising, one-pot meals that taste incredible and much more! I have been bragging for quite some time about the benefits of Dutch Oven. Honestly, I regret not buying mine sooner; what was I waiting for?
Most of the recipes on my festive menu are primarily based on Dutch Oven cooking. If you are still on the fence, read about the 9 reasons why everyone needs one. Or even better, if you are ready to finally get yours, I can help you pick the perfect one. Now, let’s move on to my next star player.
A Blender or a Food Processor
Both are incredibly handy. If you can get them both – great, if not I slightly prefer the food processor because it gives me more options to use it for. From blending cream soups, chopping vegetables, even making smoothies – options are endless.
The blender is fantastic for smoothies, milkshakes, and pureed soups, but the food processor can tackle so much more. it can handle all that plus chopping, mincing, and even mixing dough (oh wow). That is why I prefer it a bit more.
Non-Stick Baking Sheet
A good non-stick baking sheet is what every house needs. It is one of these underrated essentials that make your life so much easier in the kitchen. Whether you are baking cookies, roasting veggies, crisping up bacon, or cooking sheet-pan dinners, this handy tool has you covered on many levels.
And let’s not forget the best part – it is so easy to clean.The non-stick surface means less scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious food. If you want to make the cleanup even easier, simply line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and you will barely have to wash it at all. (Yup, you’re welcome).
Cooling Rack
I ignored this tool way too long, and honestly, I have no idea what I was really waiting for. The cooling rack is so affordable, barely takes up any space, and works wonders in getting perfect crisp on your fried or bakes goods. By letting the air circulate underneath, it keeps food crispy and delicious. So your fries stay crispy, chicken stays crunchy, and your baked pastries cool evenly without turning into a steamy mess. It is such a helpful item in the kitchen, so if you don’t have one yet, trust me – you need it.
Good Knives
I don’t think I have to say much here, right? Cooking often requires cutting, so a good knife will do a big deal. It is great if you can get a great full set of knives – amazing! But if you are just getting started or want a more budget-friendly option, a few key knives will do the trick:
- Chef’s knife – All-purpose knife you can use for chopping, slicing, and dicing everything.
- Bread knife – Because sawing through bread with a dull knife is painful. I often use the bread knife for cutting many other things, so it is absolutely a must.
- Paring knife – Perfect for small, delicate tasks like peeling fruit or slicing garlic. This is one of the most utilized knives in my kitchen.
- Steak knife – Because cutting into a juicy steak (or even roasted veggies) should be smooth, not a struggle. I often use the knife to spread butter on a slice of bread, it reminds me of my grandma and wonderful childhood memories.
Cutting Board
Wood or plastic – totally your call! In my opinion, a nice good quality wooden board wins every time. Plus it is a natural material coming straight as a gift of nature.
If you are worried about keeping it clean and odor free, I have few good tricks on how to clean it properly and get rid of any odor that may accumulate overtime. If you haven’t grabbed my Top 20 Kitchen Hacks Guide yet, make sure you do – it is packed with 20 easy, game-changing tips like this 😉
Measuring Cup
When it comes to cooking (especially baking), the accuracy of the ingredients truly matters. That is where a good measuring cup comes in. You no longer have to guess, no more eyeballing and hoping for the best. This cup is your best friend for getting ingredients just right every time.
Kitchen Scale
Another late addition to my kitchen. But wow, once I got myself a kitchen scale, I started using it every single day.
Kitchen scale is so helpful when it comes to measuring dry ingredients. No more guessing, no more packed vs. loose cups.
And trust me, that tiny difference can make or break a recipe, especially when you decide to bake.
If you want consistent, foolproof results, a simple kitchen scale is essential. Once you start using it, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.
Mixing Bowls
Great for preparing, mixing, and serving – all in one. Whether you are mixing a batter, tossing a salad, marinating meat for your dinner, a good set of mixing bowls make everything so easier.
And if you are anything like me, you will want a colourful set to brighten up your kitchen space and make cooking even more fun.
Peeler
And what I mean is a simple old-fashioned one. When it comes to peelers, the simpler they are – the better. And no, I am not talking about some fancy, high-tech gadget – I mean getting a simple, old-fashioned peeler. When it comes to peelers, the simpler you get, the better.
A good peeler will be very helpful in peeling veggies (like potatoes, carrots, cucumbers), and even fruit, like apples. Once you find a good peeler, you won’t struggle with the knife when it comes to peeling.
Cheese Grater or Microplane
I use this so much! From grating cheese, mincing garlic, grating ginger and so much more. I strongly encourage you to get one!
I use this ALL the time. It is one of those tools you don’t realize you need until you have it. From grating cheese (because fresh is always better) to mincing garlic, zesting lemon, grating ginger, and so much more, a good cheese grater or microplane is so needed. If you don’t have one yet, I strongly encourage you to grab one ASAP.
Mixer
Depending on how advanced you are in baking, you can either go with a good standing mixer (which I have and absolutely love) or just a good hand mixer to help you quickly whip up your favourite desserts. I recommend getting one, because whipping cream and egg whites with only a whisk… hm, that may not make things so fun and quick for you.
Whisk
Don’t get me wrong – a good whisk is still needed. But the whisk is great for quick blending sauces, eggs, and dressings. Meaning you definitely need one, but for simple easy tasks that don’t need the mixer. You can go with either silicone or metal, I think both work great.
Spatula
Spatula is one of those tools you will use all the time in the kitchen. Whether you are flipping pancakes, stirring up some sauce, or scraping a batter out of the bowl – you definitely need at least one. Both wooden and silicone spatulas are a great choice:
- Wooden spatulas are great for stirring, sautéing, and mixing and plus, they won’t scratch up your pots and pans.
- Silicone spatulas are perfect for scraping every little bit out of a bowl or flipping stuff in a hot pan. Plus, they come in fun colours, which is always a bonus. I have both, but slightly prefer the silicone.
Either way, having a good spatula in your kitchen will always make things easier than they seem.
Oven Mittens
Keeps your hands safe from hot pans and trays. An absolute must! Get good quality ones to keep heat away for just enough time to move things around safely. You may also want to grab mittens with cool patterns or bright colours to add a little pop of personality to your space. Because – why not?
For more and a complete list of essentials, make sure you download my Cooking Essentials Checklist. I’ve created it for you to keep a list of the essentials you need to equip your kitchen well. I kept in mind that as important an item may be seen, it is key that you don’t break the bank while doing so. So let’s get shopping!
The Ultimate Kitchen Essentials Checklist
Grab this simple, no-fluff guide to help you get the must-have kitchen tools everyone needs. And really, less stuff, means less mess, faster cleanup, and more space for what you really need.
✅ What’s Inside?
✔ A complete list of kitchen essentials you need (whether you are a beginner or a pro)
✔ Budget-friendly picks (so you don’t break the bank)
✔ What’s worth buying (and what can wait)
✔ No more clutter, just tools you truly need to make cooking easier (and fun).
Do you find this helpful?
Gathered the essentials and now ready to cook? Try my favourites
Hi, I’m Biba, the creator of Chick in Apron!
As a busy mom and food blogger, I am passionate about making cooking fun and stress-free! I share simple, delicious recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, along with helpful kitchen hacks to save you time.
So, let’s turn cooking into something you enjoy with tasty meals and handy tips to make kitchen tasks a breeze! ✨
Join me on this journey 🍲🥗
