Top 10 Kitchen Tools I Can't Live Without
Whether you love cooking or are just learning to prepare more home-cooked meals, it's critical that you have the right tools in your kitchen to help make the experience more enjoyable. There are many tools in our kitchen that my husband either purchased or inherited from his mother that I didn't start using regularly until a few years ago but now I can't imagine what I would do without them.
It's also important that you organize your kitchen so that the tools are easily accessible when/where you use them (see my recent email about the home organizer @neatlittlenest who I know personally and follow).
I've created this list with my top kitchen tools that I can't live without just for you :). I've also included a few of my new favorite finds to add to your wish list.
Must Have Kitchen Tools
Beyond the can’t-live-without stainless measuring cups and spoons, here are my top kitchen tools …
Frying pan-I love All-Clad Stainless pans and we have both the 10" and 8" pans.
Tongs-Stainless steel tongs get used so much in our household and these twotweezer tong versions are perfect for picking up smaller items and plating your food.
Spatulas-I use several different size spatulas each day. I like this spatula for cooking eggs and this two-sided one for scraping down the sides of a blender. The stiffer end of this one is great for scooping out nutbutters.
Microplane-This tool is perfect for zesting citrus peels and grating ginger.
A Chef's Knife-If I could only have one knife this one would be it. Make sure you sharpen your knives regularly. If you can't easily cut a tomato with your knife it's time to hone it.
Cutting boards-I love bamboo cutting boards and have a few in a variety of sizes.
TIP-->Make sure you designate one cutting board for fruit and one for onions/garlic otherwise your morning apple will taste like last night's dinner.
A Hand Juicer-I use this juicer for lemons several times a week (my morning lemon water, marinades, salad dressings etc.)
Stock Pot/Dutch Oven-Perfect for making soups, chili and one pot meals. I love my Le Creusetthat I received as a gift years ago but there are many other brands like this one that serve the same purpose.
Glass Measuring Cups-This is so basic and simple but I use them daily to measure out liquids for marinades, dressings etc. I love this 1/2 cup size for smaller volume. I like that you can set it on the counter and prep ingredients in advance.
Pan Scraper-A must for scrapping your pans clean.
My New Favorite Kitchen Gadgets
Asparagus tongs--> No, these are not just for asparagus but are excellent serving tongs for a variety of vegetables (green beans, peppers, corn on the cob etc). My mother in law gave these to us years ago and I've always wanted another pair but they are hard to find. I was thrilled when I received 3 more for Christmas. Seriously, once you have one pair you will want more; and they made a great hostess gift.
Grapefruit spoons-These jagged edged spoons are not only good for eating grapefruit but are more versatile in the kitchen when you would think. While we do enjoy grapefruit I use them so frequently for scooping avocados (which I eat daily) that I just purchased another set.
Milk Frother- A friend recently let me borrow her frother and after using it just twice I was hooked. My kids are enjoying it to as it lets them make hot chocolate without using the microwave. I use it for my matcha lattes in the morning and in the afternoon and evening for my mushrom elixirs which are so yummy with a little coconut milk on top.
Pizelle Maker- I've shared this on social media as I recreated a family favorite recipe for these Italian cookies that are gluten, dairy and refined sugar free. My kids are loving them and they only take 30 seconds to bake in this iron. See below for a link to the recipe on my blog.
Fish Spatula- This spatula is not just for cooking fish. The thin edge make it easy to flip anything from fish, burgers and eggs.
