Cooking for yourself in an age of takeout and food delivery apps is not easy, but it is one of the most rewarding things you can do. And with the right home kitchen equipment, it's a great way to save money! Great equipment may cost more upfront but will likely save you bundles of cash in the long run.
We scoured the internet for the best products you can purchase online to get you cooking at home and included a buying guide to make sure your kitchen is properly and affordably stocked.
Quick List - Top Home Kitchen Products
T-Fal
A Nonstick Skillet Set That Makes Cooking a Breeze
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Stocking your home kitchen can seem like an overwhelming and expensive task. But it doesn't need to be, as we have created a buying guide for you to choose the absolute best for your culinary journeys.
You don't need to buy a lot to make almost any dish you want. Save the specialty purchases for things you really know you'll end up using.
At the end of the day, cooking is about using blades and fire to prepare food. So safety is of foremost importance. When purchasing a kitchen product, make sure it is made from a durable and safe material.
We have been cooking food throughout human history, and you really don’t need a ton of equipment. The most important tool in your kitchen is your knife. And unless you’re getting adventurous in the kitchen, you really only need three knives: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife.
Most knife aficionados advise against purchasing these in a prepackaged set, as you will save money in the long-term by buying three high-quality individual knives over time, and as needed. Since it’s the most versatile, a chef’s knife is a great starting point.
Remember to keep your knives sharpened with a honing steel, as well. Dull blades lead to cut fingers!
Much like the knives used on it, a well-cared for cutting board should last you a very long time, so it’s a good item to splurge on.
There is an ongoing debate about whether wood or plastic is the better material. Most professional chefs prefer wood as it is generally better for the blades of your knives. But wood also requires more upkeep and should be rubbed down with oil once a month.
Whichever you choose, the most important thing is its size and weight. You want a large, heavy cutting board that isn’t going to slip around your countertop.
A good nonstick skillet is one of the most useful tools in a home kitchen simply because you can cook nearly anything in it. Remember to get one that is oven safe for even more uses, and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
For things that can’t be cooked in a skillet, there are saucepans. You really only need two--a small one and a large one--and they are often sold in sets. When buying a saucepan, the important thing to look for is a heavy bottom. This will allow more heat to be retained and evenly distributed.
Mixing bowls are great but can often cause chaos in your cabinets when not being used. Look for a stackable set, making it easy to find the perfect bowl for whatever you are cooking. Also, consider buying mixing bowls that have a spout. There's not much worse than your freshly-mixed concoction decorating your kitchen floor!
If you want a gourmet experience from the comfort of your dinner table, you may need some extra equipment.
Have you ever wondered how good restaurants always seem to cook your steak perfectly medium-rare every time? It’s because everything is temperature-controlled with instant-read thermometers.
Being able to quickly and accurately measure the internal or external temperature of your food is often the difference between a mediocre meal and a delicious one.
Blenders are amazing pieces of equipment, and a good one can really elevate your homemade dishes. The quality of the blender is why your homemade frozen daiquiris never taste as good as they do at that beach resort. Look for a restaurant-quality blender that can crush ice and make pureed soups.
If you work with a lot of spices, a mortar and pestle are necessary. Chefs and home cooks alike swear by them for grinding anything. Just make sure you get either wood or stone, as they are the most durable.
Lastly, if you are serious about your home cooking, a stand mixer is a necessary addition to your kitchen. They are expensive, but they're also the best all-around machine you can buy for your kitchen. Its functions are seemingly endless and fully customizable. You can buy various attachments to turn it into a real multitasker.
Every baker should have a digital scale, particularly one that can measure various units like ounces, grams, and pounds. Furthermore, you want an accurate scale that has a tare function. This allows you to subtract the weight of the container, allowing precise measurements of your ingredients.
You will also need a good set of measuring cups, and like mixing bowls, these can be purchased in stackable sets which really lend themselves to both the organization and aesthetic of your kitchen.
The sieve, another friend of the baker, is the difference between a soft, velvety batter and a chunky, dry one that immediately falls apart. It is best to get a stainless steel conical sieve if you plan on getting a lot of use out of it.
As for oven mitts, look for ones with five individual fingers rather than the traditional “mitten style.” It is simply easier to maneuver scorching hot containers with the five-finger style, a lesson that you don't want to learn the hard way.
Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed drug, and a staple of most Americans’ diets. There are countless styles and methods of coffee available, but when purchasing a coffee maker, the most important question to ask yourself is this: “Do I want to wait a bit longer for better coffee?”
If your answer is “No, I need the caffeine immediately!” then perhaps a drip machine is for you. If you spare a few minutes of prep time, something like a French press will reward you with a superior cup of coffee. If you want to go all out to feed your caffeine addiction in style, then consider an espresso machine.
Or maybe you’re more a fan of carbonated drinks. As flavored sparkling water becomes more and more popular, it’s also becoming more expensive. Save some money and get creative in the kitchen with a soda maker.
Regardless of your drink of choice, you will need glassware. It's nice to have matching sets, although the right mix of different styles can add an eclectic aesthetic to your kitchen. If you enjoy a glass (or two) of wine with dinner, invest in proper wine glasses. They make a huge difference in the taste of your wine.
There is nothing worse than a messy kitchen. Not only is it unhygienic, but it’s also no fun to cook in a cluttered environment. Keep your workspace clean and focus on building flavors with just a few affordable items.
Airtight containers can be used to store everything from rice to coffee, and they generally take up less space than the items’ original container.
Shelf inserts and drawer organizers can maximize the space you are working with while also allowing for easier access. And of course, a spice rack is a great way to organize those countless jars and get to them quickly when needed.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Wusthof Pro Cook's Knife (10-Inch) | ![]() | A Professional-Quality Versatile Knife | |
2 | T-Fal Specialty Nonstick Fry Pan Set|3-Piece Set | ![]() | A Nonstick Skillet Set That Makes Cooking a Breeze | |
3 | John Boos Maple Wood Edge Grain Cutting Board | ![]() | A Cutting Board to Last a Lifetime | |
4 | OXO Good Grips Good Grips Mixing Bowl Set|3-Piece Set | ![]() | Convenient Ergonomic Mixing Bowls | |
5 | NutriBullet nutribullet® Blender Combo|ZNBF30500Z | ![]() | A Great Blender to Whip Up a Variety of Dishes | |
6 | Lavatools Javelin Instant Read Thermometer|PT12 | ![]() | A Fast and Accurate Thermometer with a Range of Uses | |
7 | Escali Primo Precision Kitchen Food Scale|P115C | ![]() | Best Digital Scale for Your Kitchen | |
8 | Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee and Tea Maker|10938-01B | ![]() | A Simple Design That Makes Really Good Coffee | |
9 | OXO Good Grips POP Container Set|10-piece set | ![]() | Get Your Pantry Organized | |
10 | KitchenAid Classic Plus Stand Mixer|KSM75 | ![]() | A Durable Product That's Much More Than a Mixer |
The most important thing for a knife is that it is comfortable and well-balanced in your hand. The Wusthof Pro Cook’s Knife has an innovative handle design, allowing for smooth cuts and safe fingers. The blade itself is made from a single piece of specially-tempered high carbon steel, and with good care, can last a lifetime.
The Wusthof Pro Cook’s Knife is a chef’s knife, which is the most versatile kind of knife in a kitchen. With it, you can easily chop, slice, and dice everything from vegetables to large cuts of meat.
This knife is almost unanimously adored by users. Notably, customers are satisfied with the durability and versatility of the knife. Several users pointed out that it needs to be sharpened often, but it can also go in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Whether you’re scrambling eggs, stir-frying noodles, or frying fish, a non-stick skillet makes everything easier, from cooking to cleanup. These are dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 350℉. A nice feature is that it comes with a thermo-spot indicator that turns red when the pan is properly pre-heated.
Users say they love being able to fry an egg without butter in the small pan. Some buyers have commented that their pans were dented, so make sure you can return them if they're damaged on arrival. Most are happy with their purchase, and say these lightweight pans make cooking easy, provided you don't scratch them.
It is true that any cheap cutting board can get the job done, but there is just something about cutting on a large, heavy block of wood that makes cooking all the more enjoyable. This heavy-duty maple wood cutting board, if taken care of, will last you a very long time.
Users who have taken proper care of their cutting board appreciate this as a lifetime investment. It's heavy, which prevents slipping, and it's large enough to hold numerous ingredients to be chopped. Users also recommend wiping it down with oil once every three to four weeks, and keeping it out of the dishwasher!
OXO makes a ton of Good Grips kitchenware products focused on comfort and ease of use. Their set of mixing bowls is stackable, so it will not take up a lot of real estate in your cabinets, and comes in different sizes and colors. They have spouts so nothing will end up on the floor when you pour.
A few users were unhappy that these mixing bowls are not microwave-safe, but most were so satisfied with the spouts and rubber grips that they remain highly recommended.
A good blender often pays for itself in its abilities and durability. NutriBullet has produced a three-speed blender with stainless steel blades to perfectly puree or blend anything you want. You can make healthy smoothies, hearty soups, or nut butters. Also, it comes with two cups and to-go lids.
Users love this machine's ability to blend anything, including leafy vegetables like kale and spinach. And while a few users complained about how loud it is, they still say it works well and is easy to clean.
This thermometer accurately measures internal temperatures in just a few seconds and has a digital display. It is safe to use on anything from -40°F to 482°F, making it great for meats, deep-frying, home brewing, candy making and more.
A few reviewers mentioned that the device stopped working after more than a year of use, and there were mixed reviews about the "lifetime warranty." However, the majority of users were happy with its performance.
Just like a thermometer, having an accurate kitchen scale ensures proper measurement. They’re particularly vital for baking and brewing coffee, but incredibly useful for weighing any ingredients.
The Escali Primo line of kitchen scales is everything you would want in a scale. They give precise readings for both dry and wet ingredients displayed on a bright, LCD screen that is spill-proof!
Multiple users have commended this scale's accuracy, particularly after years of use. The only complaint seems to be that some users wish it were bigger. However, it is a perfect size for almost any home baking project.
You will never go wrong with a classic French press coffee maker, and this one from Bodum can brew the perfect cup of coffee in just four minutes. Its durable design is ideal for extracting the delicious flavors and aromas from your coffee while keeping it hot and delicious.
It can also be used for other things, such as frothing milk, making cold brew coffee, or even brewing tea.
A few users note that the filter doesn't reach the bottom of the pitcher, making it difficult to properly froth milk. However, as the primary function is to make coffee or tea, most users are happy with the purchase.
The set includes ten different airtight containers of all different sizes and is perfect for keeping your dry food fresh and your kitchen organized and efficient. The rounded corners allow for easy pouring and transfer of everything from flour, pasta, coffee, sugar, nuts, snacks, and more.
Users love the look and function of these storage containers. Some reviewers said that a few of the lids were not functioning correctly, but most were happy with the airtight seals and how easy it was to open them.
These are so much more than simple food mixers and really are entire culinary centers. The 4.5-quart stainless-steel bowl can make entire batches of cookies, loaves of bread, mashed potatoes, pizza dough, and whatever else you can imagine.
And with countless attachments, it can transform from a simple mixer into a meat grinder, food processor, or pasta maker.
The quality and customer service of KitchenAid is renowned by home cooks and professional chefs alike. A few buyers noted that some attachments became chipped or lost their coating, but they were able to get replacements. For many users, this is a lifetime investment and a staple of their kitchen.
We love food, cooking, and drinking as much as you do! So check out our other articles for more must-have kitchen items.
No. 1: Wusthof|Pro Cook's Knife (10-Inch)
No. 2: T-Fal|Specialty Nonstick Fry Pan Set|3-Piece Set
No. 3: John Boos|Maple Wood Edge Grain Cutting Board
No. 4: OXO Good Grips|Good Grips Mixing Bowl Set|3-Piece Set
No. 5: NutriBullet|nutribullet® Blender Combo|ZNBF30500Z
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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