12 Essential Kitchen Tools Everyone Should Own
Setting up your kitchen with the right essentials can completely change your cooking experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned home chef, investing in high-quality, reliable kitchen tools will make preparing meals easier, faster, and much more enjoyable.
In this guide, we'll cover the must-have kitchen tools that everyone should have — and the best picks you can easily find on Amazon. In this post, we’ve included the best overall picks that are also budget-friendly.
🥄 1. Chef’s Knife – The Ultimate Essential
Best Pick: Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife
A sharp, high-quality chef's knife is the #1 tool every kitchen needs.
The Victorinox Fibrox Pro stands out because of its balance, sharp edge, and comfortable grip. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and makes chopping vegetables, fruits, and meats effortless. A great chef's knife truly makes meal prep a joy instead of a chore.
🥗 2. Cutting Board – A Safe and Reliable Prep Surface
Best Pick: Greener Chef Bamboo Cutting Board
A durable cutting board protects your countertops and your knives.
This eco-friendly bamboo board is naturally antimicrobial, sturdy, and provides a large surface for slicing and dicing. Plus, bamboo is gentler on knife blades than plastic, making it a smart investment.
🍳 3. Non-Stick Skillet – Your Everyday Cooking Companion
Best Pick: All-Clad Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan
From scrambled eggs to sautéed vegetables, a non-stick skillet is a true kitchen workhorse.
The All-Clad nonstick pan delivers excellent heat distribution and effortless food release, helping you cook healthier meals with less oil. It’s durable enough for daily use and oven safe too.
🍲 4. Stainless Steel Saucepan – For Sauces, Soups, and More
Best Pick: Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel Saucepan
No kitchen is complete without a sturdy saucepan.
The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro features a triple-ply construction for even heating, ensuring your sauces, grains, and soups cook perfectly every time. The cool-touch handle and tight-fitting lid are also big pluses.
🥣 5. Mixing Bowls – Versatile and Essential for Prep
Best Pick: FineDine Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set
Mixing, marinating, serving — a good set of bowls can do it all.
This stainless steel set is lightweight, non-reactive, and nestable for easy storage. They’re durable, dishwasher-safe, and ideal for both hot and cold recipes.
📏 6. Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate Every Time
Best Pick: KitchenAid Classic Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
Accurate measuring tools are vital for consistent results, especially when baking.
The KitchenAid set offers clearly marked measurements, sturdy construction, and a sleek design. Plus, the nesting feature saves drawer space!
🍴 7. Silicone Spatula – A Must for Cooking and Baking
Best Pick: di Oro Silicone Spatula Set
If you've ever melted a cheap spatula while cooking, you know why silicone matters.
The di Oro spatula set is heat-resistant up to 600°F, flexible, and easy to clean. These spatulas are perfect for folding batters, sautéing, and scraping every last bit from your bowls and pans.
🍪 8. Sheet Pan – For Baking, Roasting, and More
Best Pick: Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet
A heavy-duty sheet pan is a true multitasker in any kitchen.
Nordic Ware’s half sheet pan is made of pure aluminum for even baking and roasting. It doesn’t warp, and it cleans up beautifully — making it a staple for both sweet and savory dishes.
🍹 9. Blender – For Smoothies, Sauces, and Soups
Best Pick: Ninja Professional Plus Blender
Whether you're blending smoothies, soups, or sauces, a strong blender is a must.
The Ninja Professional Plus Blender boasts powerful performance at a budget-friendly price. It crushes ice easily, pulverizes fruits and veggies, and makes meal prep much quicker.
🍲 10. Instant Pot – Your All-In-One Kitchen Solution
Best Pick: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
If you want faster, easier meals with minimal cleanup, the Instant Pot is for you.
It functions as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, and more. It’s ideal for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who wants delicious, homemade meals in less time.
🥬 11. Colander – Essential for Washing and Draining
Best Pick: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Colander
A sturdy colander simplifies rinsing and draining.
OXO’s stainless steel version is built to last, with non-slip handles and evenly spaced holes for quick draining. It's a small but mighty tool you’ll reach for often.
🥗 12. Glass Meal Prep Containers – For Easy, Organized Storage
Best Pick: Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers
Meal prep is easier when you have the right containers.
Prep Naturals glass containers are durable, leak-proof, microwave-safe, and stain-resistant — perfect for keeping leftovers fresh or organizing your weekly meals.
Final Thoughts: Start Building Your Dream Kitchen Today
With these essential kitchen tools, you'll be ready to tackle any recipe with confidence. Investing in high-quality, reliable items means better cooking experiences and delicious results — every single time.
If you're ready to upgrade your kitchen, check out these must-have products on Amazon and start cooking like a pro today!
I personally use a lot of these products, though feel free to use what is best for you. You absolutely do not need the most expensive options to start your cooking journey and upgrading your kitchen.
Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash