Whether you’re outfitting a new kitchen or pairing down an overloaded one, these fifteen kitchen gadgets and equipment are essential for any home kitchen. From mixers and mixing bowls to knives, thermometers, and timers, this is the ultimate kitchen gadget and equipment guide!

Photograph of kitchen gadgets and equipment

 

15 Essential Kitchen Gadgets and Equipment for Every Home Cook

Wusthof Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife

Photograph of a chefs knife on a gray table
Probably the one thing I absolutely can’t live without in the kitchen. It’s durable, has a nice weight to it and is incredibly versatile.
>> Buy Now <<

Ninja Blender

Photograph of a high-powered blender (Ninja) on a gray table with white background

Efficient, reliable and a fraction of the cost of a Vitamix.
>> Buy Now <<

Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor

Photograph of a 14-cup food processor

A true workhorse in the kitchen, this classic food processor effortlessly gets the job done.
>> Buy Now <<

Microplane

Photograph of a microplane grater on a gray table
A must-have for zesting citrus and grating ginger, Parm, and fresh nutmeg.
>> Buy Now <<

Thermapen

Photograph of a Thermapen thermometer on a gray table

You know my love affair with the Thermapen. I chat more about it in my video on How to Brine and Roast a Whole Turkey. Check out ThermoWorks’ website for regular deals!
>> Buy Now <<

Digital Food Scale

Photograph of a digital scale on a white table

If you do any kind of baking, I highly recommend getting a food scale. Most are affordable and don’t take up a whole lot of cupboard space.
>> Buy Now <<

Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Photograph of a lodge dutch oven in whiteAn absolute MUST-HAVE. Soups, stews, chilies, braising, roasting, baking bread, the list goes on and on. No kitchen is complete without an enameled Dutch oven.
>> Buy Now <<

Glass Prep & Mixing Bowl Set

Photograph of stacked mixing bowls on a gray table

Whether you’re prepping and measuring out ingredients or mixing up batter for pancakes, having a set of mixing bowls is essential. Like my sister says, when it comes to mixing bowls all you need is one set, nothing more, nothing less.
>> Buy Now <<

Lodge 12-inch Cast-Iron Skillet

Photograph of a cast-iron skillet on a gray table

From searing meat and making pancakes to perfect cornbread and baked beans, the cast-iron skillet is one of the most versatile pans in the kitchen. No if, ands, or buts about it, you need at least one cast-iron skillet.
>> Buy Now <<

Bamboo Wood Cutting Boards or Boos Cutting Board

 

Photograph of a bamboo cutting board (from For Small Hands)

I prefer wood cutting boards over plastic simply because I enjoy working with them more. They’re better for the environment but do require hand washing, which I prefer anyway (I always need them before the dishwasher is ran)!
>> Buy Now <<

Plastic Meat and Fish Cutting Boards

Photograph of white plastic cutting board (from RVupgrades)

This is the only time I prefer a plastic cutting board over a wooden one. Anytime I need to cut or trim meat or fish I use a plastic cutting board that’s reserved only for that purpose. I then toss it in the dishwasher to ensure it’s sanitized by steam.
>> Buy Now <<

All-Clad Nonstick Skillets

Photograph of a nonstick All-Clad skillet on a gray table

Buy it once and you won’t have to replace it for years, I promise. Nonstick skillets  Bad nonstick skillets and I have a strained relationship, but if it’s an All-Clad, well I’ll use it daily!
>> Buy Now <<

Kitchen Timer

Photograph of a kitchen timer on a gray table

My go-to kitchen timer is the Polder. Not only do I love that it has a strap so you can wear it (and I do) but it features a clock, a timer and has the ability to count up. Perfect for the home cook and the recipe developer!
>> Buy Now <<

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer

Photograph of a Kitchenaid Mixer on a gray table

Essential. Essential. Essential. I don’t care if you have a stand or a hand-held mixer, but you need at least on of them. Because, well, cookie dough.
>> Buy Now <<

Kuhn Rikon Garlic Press

Photograph of a Kuhn Rikon garlic press (from Amazon)

My go-to is this garlic press from Kuhn Rikon. It’s efficient, easy to clean, and best of all, makes super easy work of mincing garlic!
>> Buy Now <<

 

Just for fun:

Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper

 

If you’re a homemade popcorn fan, this is the only way to go. It may be annoying to store, but it’s easy to use and makes the best popcorn. Oh, and it’ll last forever.
>> Buy Now <<

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About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

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