People always ask me what tools I use in my kitchen, so here’s the list. Nothing fancy, nothing sponsored, just stuff I actually cook with day after day.

Some of these I’ve had for years. Others were total impulse buys that turned out to be lifesavers. Either way, if it’s on this page, I use it regularly and it makes cooking easier, faster, or just more fun.

1. Chef’s Knife

If I could only keep one thing, it’d be my 8-inch chef’s knife. It’s nothing high-end, just sharp, comfortable, and balanced. I use it for everything: chopping, slicing, smashing garlic, and occasionally opening Amazon boxes (don’t judge me).

2. Cutting Boards

I rotate between a big wood one for fruits and veggies and a couple of plastic ones for meat. They’re all dishwasher-safe because I don’t have time to baby my kitchen gear.

3. Cast Iron Skillet

It weighs a ton and lives on my stove because I use it constantly. It makes the crispiest potatoes and sears meat like a dream. Bonus: you can use it in the oven too.

4. Silicone Spatulas

I have way too many, and I still want more. They’re heatproof, scrape every last bit out of bowls, and won’t scratch your pans. Also great for getting peanut butter out of the jar.

5. Dutch Oven

Soup, stew, chili, no-knead bread you name it. I love how evenly it cooks and how it holds heat forever. If you like low-and-slow meals, this one’s worth the shelf space.

6. Microplane Grater

I didn’t think I needed this until I got one. Now I use it for zesting lemons, grating garlic, parmesan, ginger, tiny tool, huge upgrade.

7. Measuring Cups & Spoons

Nothing glamorous here. Just a solid set that nests well and doesn’t fade in the dishwasher. I’m not eyeballing baking ingredients. I like my cookies to turn out.

8. Mixing Bowls (Various Sizes)

I have a stack of stainless steel bowls that cover everything from whisking eggs to tossing salads. Lightweight, durable, and I can bang them around without guilt.

9. Baking Sheets & Cooling Racks

I use sheet pans for everything, roasting, baking, catching oven drips. Cooling racks sit right on top if I want airflow. Double duty.

10. Instant-Read Thermometer

Game-changer for meat. No more guessing if the chicken’s done. It’s fast, accurate, and has saved me from overcooked dinners more than once.

Bonus: My Coffee Setup

Because yes, caffeine counts as kitchen gear. I use a basic drip machine during the week and a French press on lazy weekends. Not fancy, but it gets the job done.

I’m not a gadget hoarder, but I do love gear that works hard without getting in the way. If you’re just starting out, pick one or two essentials and build from there. Tools don’t make the cook but they sure make life easier.

Got a favorite tool I should try? Let me know, I’m always curious.