I’ve been wanting to compile this list of 10 essential kitchen tools for beginner cooks for a while now. It’s a highly requested topic! Even though I’m a chef, I’m also a home cook. I understand what’s really important when you’re in charge of your own food prep and dishwashing everyday. Will that spatula get water and gunk trapped in the seams? Will that pan be difficult to clean? Do I really need to spend that much money on a digital thermometer? Those are all the questions I answer in our video: 10 Essential Kitchen Tools for the Beginner Cook
I don’t usually prefer having a ton of different cooking tools, especially the unnecessary “fluff” ones, because I operate out of a small kitchen, and space is a commodity. If something’s going to take up valuable real estate in my drawer or utensil bin, it better be worth it!
So after tons of researching, review-reading, and personal testing over time, I’m ready to share what I believe are the absolute must have kitchen tools you need to get started cooking today. Mind you, this list does not include cookware or special equipment…that’s for another time (and video). But if you want a sneak peek of more of that goodness, you can head to our resources page.
10 ESSENTIAL KITCHEN TOOLS:
1. Basic Knife Kit (my recommendation)
All you need are 3 essential Knives, kitchen shears, and a honing rod in your knife kit. If you’re going to begin buying knives, definitely start with these. I break them down in this video: Best Knives for Beginner Cooks and describe them in even more detail in our FREE ultimate knife guide which you can snag by signing up for newsletter. These are all my practical personal favorites and the ones I rely on everyday.
2. Large Cutting Board (my recommendation)
This large plastic cutting board has rubber grips to prevent slippage, and grooves to catch juice. This is why it’s both a cutting and carving board. I use this one everyday because it’s lightweight, dishwasher safe, and the most convenient to use.
3. Measuring Cups + Spoons
Dry Measuring Cups (my recommendation)
Wet Measuring Cup (my recommendation)
Magnetic Measuring Spoons (my recommendation)
You need to have measuring cups and spoons to properly handle all your cooking and baking. I remember one of my friends telling me she made my banana bread recipe by just estimating the measurements. Oh my…please do not do that!
Using measuring cups and spoons are the only way to make sure you follow a recipe correctly. The ones I recommend happen to be magnetic and stacking, which make them great space savers and guarantee they won’t get lost in your drawers. I’ve been using mine for years and love them!
4. Instant Read Digital Thermometer (my recommendation)
A reliable digital instant read thermometer is a major game changer! It takes the guesswork out of cooking and gives you accurate results. This is especially important when cooking roasts or steaks. This one reads in 3 seconds, has an ambidextrous screen, and is magnetic. I stick it on my fridge so it stays within grasp whenever I need it.
5. Tongs
Silicone Tipped (my recommendation)
Uncoated Stainless Steel (my recommendation)
Tongs are my favorite kitchen tools. Both coated and uncoated tongs are useful for multiple tasks, from lifting roasts out of the oven, flipping vegetables, tossing pastas, and serving salads. Silicone coated tongs protect your nonstick pans, and uncoated tongs have a secure grip for larger tasks. These are the ones that have been holding up for me over time and passing many vigorous kitchen tests.
6. Silicone Spatula (my recommendation)
I use a silicone spatula everyday, multiple times a day! It’s safe enough to use on my nonstick pans without worrying about it melting over the heat. This one is sturdy and flexible, and has a seamless design which makes it easy to clean. Use these spatulas for cooking, stirring, and scraping. I’m constantly washing and re-using them throughout the day. I think I need to get more!
7. Fish Spatula
Stainless Steel (my recommendation)
Silicone Coated (my recommendation)
A fish spatula handles more than just fish. You can use these to flip roasted vegetables out of the oven, lift cookies, and drain oil off of deep fried foods. The thin flexible head is angled and beveled, which allows you to slip under foods and handle them delicately. I don’t personally own the silicone coated one yet, but this one would be great for times you want to use your fish spatula in your nonstick pans.
8. Vegetable Peeler (my recommendation)
I’ve always preferred the “y-style” vegetable peeler because I find it easier to control. Besides peeling potatoes, I use it to shave Parmesan, like for my Kale Salad with Garlic Croutons,
or make zucchini ribbons to mix in with pasta, like in my Summer Veggie Spaghetti recipe.
9. Whisks
Silicone Balloon Whisk (my recommendation)
Flat Whisk (my recommendation)
An 11″ silicone balloon whisk will be your most practical everyday whisk because it can handle dressings, sauces, and batters like a pro. The silicone coating also makes it safe for nonstick pans, so you don’t have to worry about scratching them up when making a pan sauce. A flat whisk is great for making pan sauces in your cast iron or stainless steel pan. It gets into the corners easily because of its flat and flexible shape. I find that flat whisks emulsify salad dressings and whip up eggs really well too.
10. Microplane (my recommendation)
Fine Grater #1 (my recommendation)
Fine Grater #2 (my recommendation)
I probably couldn’t live without my fine grater. I use it to grate Parmesan cheese, garlic, ginger, and citrus zest! It’s no secret that I love my Microplane, and it’s probably the most well-known brand of fine graters, but I also included a brand I’m working with because I’m pretty impressed with theirs right now too. It shreds through garlic with ease because the tiny blades are super sharp! They have two different versions, so I included both.
Check out my clementine cupcakes recipe where I utilize the zest of the clementines by using my fine grater! This gives the cupcakes that burst of sunshine that make these cupcakes truly unique.
*BONUS! Over-the-sink Mesh Colander (my recommendation)
Once you start using an over-the-sink colander, you’ll wonder where it has been all your life. I extend the arms out and nestle it securely over my sink, to use it for draining pastas, holding vegetables while washing them, and keeping freshly fried foods crispy when frying in batches. Anytime I bust mine out, friends will comment on how they want one too! Let me know in the comments if you personally own any of these items and which ones you found helpful!
