The heart of a home is in its kitchen, and this kitchen essentials list will help it feel complete. Because your kitchen isn’t just where you prepare food. It’s also where memories are made. It’s where your loved ones come together for the holidays. And, it’s where you bond with your partner after work. Moreover, it’s where you go to provide yourself, and your family, with daily nourishment.
Maybe you’ve just moved into a new home and want a fully-stocked kitchen. Or, perhaps you’re looking for a good gift for a foodie. Regardless of why you’re here, this kitchen essentials list for 2024 covers all the basics and more. Plus, the items on this list are made to last. So, they’re worth the investment if you’re just looking to upgrade some of your kitchen tools.
Kitchen Essentials List
Small Appliances
High-powered blender: Perfect for making smoothies, soups, or batters. A high-powered blender, like this Vitamix, is a must to avoid chunks!
Stand mixer: For everything from cookie dough to pizza dough, this KitchenAid stand mixer is definitely a kitchen essential you’ll want to have. Plus, your arms won’t get tired!
Hand mixer: However, when you need better mixing control (like for whipped cream or simple frostings), a KitchenAid hand mixer is also a great kitchen appliance to have on hand.
Electric kettle: Make the perfect morning matcha or pour over with the help of an electric kettle with temperature control. Not to mention, this Stagg electric kettle is so sleek.
Instant Pot: An Instant Pot absolutely made this kitchen essentials list because of its versatility. While there is somewhat of a learning curve, you can cook a wide variety of things with this electric multicooker. Additionally, it saves so much time!
Cooking Utensils
Good quality knife set: This Made In knife set allows for precise and efficient meal preparation. From slicing vegetables to carving meats, it’s obvious why you need sharp and reliable knives.
Cutting boards: To protect your countertops, and ensure food safety, invest in durable cutting boards. We recommend this Caraway cutting board set rather than plastic. They’re longer lasting and don’t harbor bacteria. Additionally, wood cutting boards keep your knives sharper.
Spatulas, tongs, & whisks: These kitchen tools are indispensable. Spatulas are perfect for flipping pancakes or sautéing veggies. Also, tongs provide a secure grip for turning meats or tossing salads. Furthermore, whisks ensure smooth and well-mixed batters and sauces.
Can opener: A reliable can opener is often forgotten on many kitchen essential lists. This Joseph Joseph can opener has a comfortable grip and smooth cutting action.
Peeler: Whether you’re preparing potatoes for mashed potatoes or apples for pie, a good peeler saves time and effort. Therefore, use this OXO peeler to make peeling things a breeze.
Box & microplane grater: Take it from us, a box grater is so much easier to use than a hand grater. Also, don’t forget the microplane grater for zesting citrus and grating garlic.
Colander & mesh strainer: For draining pasta and rinsing vegetables, you’ll want to use a colander. Additionally, a mesh strainer works great for straining liquids or rinsing rice.
Cast iron skillet: The Lodge cast iron skillet is the workhorse on this kitchen essentials list. It’s perfect for searing, frying, and baking. Plus, you can even serve dishes straight from the oven to the table.
Non-stick pots and pans: These Made In non-stick pans are made with non-toxic ingredients, are oven-safe, and are super easy to clean.
Baking Utensils
Mixing bowls: Having a variety of mixing bowls in different sizes to accommodate various recipes is a must for baking. This Pyrex mixing bowl set is dishwasher, microwave, and freezer-friendly.
Measuring spoons & cups: These are an obvious necessity for baking. This measuring cup and spoon set is perfect for precise ingredient quantities. Also, don’t forget the liquid measuring cup!
Rolling pin: Yes, technically you can use a wine bottle to roll out your favorite pie or cookie dough. But, this marble rolling pin will make your life even easier.
Cookie scoops: Bake like a pro and get uniform cookie sizes with a cookie scoop set! Handy tip: they’re also useful for portioning muffin batter and forming meatballs.
Muffin, cake, pie, loaf, & springform pans: For the serious bakers looking at this kitchen essentials list, these are all the pans you’ll need! Muffin tins are perfect for cupcakes and muffins, cake pans for layer cakes, and pie pans for flaky crusts. Plus, you can’t forget loaf pans for bread and springform pans for cheesecakes and cinnamon rolls.
Baking sheets: A sturdy baking sheet is indispensable for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and making sheet pan meals. This Caraway baking sheet duo is naturally non-stick and non-toxic.
Wire cooling rack: A wire cooling rack might be the most underrated item on this kitchen essentials list. They allow baked goods to cool evenly. Additionally, they prevent sogginess.
Functional Kitchen Decor
Mosaic tile: Mosaic kitchen tile is a standout feature that adds elegance and character to your kitchen. Functionally, mosaic tiles protect your walls from splashes and stains. However, they also serve as a stunning focal point and enhance the aesthetic of your kitchen.
Produce hammock: Keep your produce handy and off the counter with this fun fruit and veggie hammock.
Pantry Glass Jars: Who says that what’s behind your cupboards or in your pantry can’t be pretty and aesthetic too? These pantry glass jars are perfect for storing loose goods and snacks.
In closing, we hope the items on this kitchen essentials list unleash your culinary creativity and confidence this year, and beyond. Happy cooking! For more kitchen tips, read our blog article: 5 Steps to Your Dream Kitchen and Bath.
