My Kitchen Must Haves: Essentials for Everyday Cooking
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, you can keep things simple, stress-free, and still whip up delicious meals.This is not a comprehensive list if you are starting from scratch, but some of my kitchen must haves that I know I wouldn’t live without – the game changers – and possibly your’s.
We all have to eat, and if you are a simple home cook, here are my kitchen must haves to make this daily activity a bit easier.
Meat Thermometer: Never Second-Guess Your Meat Again
Ever wonder if your chicken or pork is cooked all the way through? Sick of dry meat? A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking. No need to slice it open or risk overcooking—it’s done when the thermometer says so.
Here’s why it’s handy:
Why you’ll love this:
- No stress cooking: Know exactly when your meat is safe to eat.
- Versatile use: Works for everything from chicken to pot roast.
- Confidence booster: Perfect results every time.
Keep it simple: check the temp, and you’re good to go. Definitely a must have in my kitchen.
High-Sided Frying Pan: One-Pan Wonders
A high-sided frying pan is a kitchen must have, go-to tool for quick, one-pan meals. It’s big enough for hearty dishes but easy to manage for everyday cooking.
Here’s why it’s handy:
Why it’s essential:
- Less mess: The high sides help keep food contained.
- All-in-one cooking: Sauté, simmer, or stir-fry without needing extra pots.
- Simple cleanup: One pan, fewer dishes.
Think quick stir-fries, pasta dishes, or scrambled eggs with veggies—all done in a single pan.
Gold Utensils: Everyday Cooking, Elevated
You don’t need fancy forks and knives, but gold utensils bring a touch of style to your everyday kitchen. They’re practical, but they also make meal time feel a little more enjoyable.
Here’s why it’s handy:
Why we love them:
- Durable and functional: They work just like regular utensils, only better-looking.
- Low-maintenance: Quality gold utensils are easy to clean and resist wear.
- Feel-good factor: Why not enjoy a little extra style while you cook?
Every meal deserves a little sparkle, even if it’s just mac and cheese.
9x11 Pan: The Everyday All-Rounder
The 9×11 pan is one of the most useful tools in your kitchen. It’s big enough for family meals of all kinds, or for meal prepping for two.
Here’s why it’s handy:
Why you’ll use it all the time:
- Cook anything: From casseroles to brownies to roasted veggies.
- Right size: Fits most ovens and recipes.
- Easy to maintain: Look for non-stick or dishwasher-safe options.
It’s the pan you’ll grab for nearly everything.
Mini Kitchen Utensils: Small Tools, Big Impact
Mini versions of spatulas, whisks, and tongs are surprisingly practical. They’re perfect for small jobs, quick tasks, or working in tight spaces. If you have kids, they are the perfect tool for small helping hands.
Here’s why it’s handy:
Why they’re useful:
- Effortless cooking: Handle small portions or delicate foods with ease.
- Compact size: They don’t clutter your drawers (and they are really cute).
- Everyday use: Perfect for scrambling an egg, whisking a small batch of gravy, or serving up chicken nuggets.
They may be small, but you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again.
A Cutting Board (or two) That Works for You
A good cutting board is essential for everyday prep. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just sturdy and easy to clean. I love having many cutting boards of different sizes so I can grab the right one for the task.
I hate dirty countertops, so if I can contain my mess to a cutting board, that is a win for me later when I am cleaning up.
Here’s why it’s handy:
What to look for:
- Durable materials: Wood or bamboo boards are gentle on your knives. However, I have always used plastic ones.
- Right size: A larger surface makes chopping easier and faster, but a smaller board may be handy for quick chopping (and is less to clean).
- Easy maintenance: Dishwasher-safe options are ideal for busy days.
Chopping veggies for dinner? This is the tool you’ll use daily.
A large mixing bowl (microwave and dishwasher Safe)
A sturdy mixing bowl is one of those items you might not think about until you need it—then you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Use it for marinating meat, mixing salads and veggies, baking, thawing meat or buns in the microwave, rising dough, holding chips or popcorn, etc. The list is endless.
Here’s why it’s handy:
Why it’s essential:
- Multi-purpose: Use it for mixing, serving, separating, quick thawing, or baking. Endless options.
- Durable: Look for pyrex or glass options for longevity, however a cheap large plastic bowl shouldn’t be left off the table either.
- Easy to clean: Dishwasher-safe bowls make life easier.
Having a reliable mixing bowl on hand will simplify everything from meal prep to baking.
Scrub Mommy: Your Cleanup Hero
When it comes to washing up, the Scrub Mommy is a must-have. It’s a sponge, but better—durable, easy to hold, and gets the job done fast. There’s a reason why it’s gone viral!
Here’s why it’s handy:
Here’s why it’s great:
- Dual-purpose: The scrub side tackles tough messes, while the soft side cleans delicate surfaces.
- Long-lasting: You won’t be replacing it anytime soon and you can put it in the dishwasher to sanitize.
- Easy to use: Comfortable shape makes cleanup quick and simple, eliminates the need for separate scrubbers and sponges.
When cleanup is easy, cooking feels like less of a chore. Here are some tips to get rid of those kitchen smells for good!
Hopefully you enjoyed these kitchen must haves! I just know you will want to add one or two of these items to your cabinets sometime soon.
