Kitchen Essentials: Top 5 Must Have Items for Your Kitchen
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How do you plan to get any job done right if you don’t have the right tools? No matter what you do, what profession you are in, there are always some basic tools or instruments that you need to perform your duties. Most of us are guilty of accumulating a ton of different utensils, pots, pans, and small and large kitchen appliances over time. But are they all essential for our kitchen? Do we really need them?
I mean, if I think about it, there’s probably a handful of utensils and pans that I use daily. These are the kitchen items I always reach out for. They are multi-purpose and priceless in my kitchen! Today, I’m sharing with you my must-have, do-or-die kitchen essential items that I cannot function without.
Maybe you’re in the market for a new blender? Maybe you are just looking to upgrade your appliances. Or eyeing a new set of pots and pans. Whatever the case, this list of vital utensils will help you find what you are looking for. It will also help you declutter your kitchen. Nobody likes a cluttered, messy countertop! So get rid of all those gadgets and utensils you haven’t touched since 1999, and buy only what you will be using from our most comprehensive list of things you need for your kitchen.
What are Kitchen Essentials?
Kitchen essentials consist of items that are a staple for every home cook, items that you will find yourself reaching for time and again because they are durable, handy, and reliable. Kitchen equipment needs to be basic, with a few, all-rounder tools and appliances. Even before the advent of an array of utensils, pots, pans, and appliances, people were making delicious foods, with just a big wooden spoon and a metal pan! That proves that less is more. And nobody really needs a banana slicer or veggie spiralizer!
If your kitchen cabinet has a few simple essential items, you have all you need to make your culinary life easy. You can build your kitchen arsenal over time, you don’t need to buy everything at once. There are always going to be new, compact, and modern looking pots, gadgets, and utensils on the market, but all you really need to make a delicious meal are some very basic and simple tools.

Below is a list of some of my favorite and trusted kitchen essential items. Of course, you can add or remove things you don’t need or like. I have divided the items into 5 broad categories to make purchasing easier.
Building an effective and durable kitchen arsenal is a journey. It requires a lot of work and several hits and misses for you to understand what your requirements are, therefore, enjoy the process and buy only those things that you will really use (which can be very difficult with all the attractive utensils and gadgets in the market). I believe in quality over quantity, so I’m always ready to pay more if the item is going to be worth it in the long run.
Pots & Pans
Good quality, reliable, and long-lasting pans are, hands-down, vital for cooking. There are so many different types of pans available that it’s really easy to get confused and overwhelmed when looking to buy the best.

The most important quality of a good pan is the weight of the metal or how thick it is. If you buy pans made of thin metal, they will not cook food evenly, and there will be a higher risk of burning. You will face difficulty in achieving good results with the recipe you are making.
Here are some basic sizes of pans you should have:
2 Liter Sauce Pot
prices starting from $19.9
6 Liter Stock Pot
prices starting from $38.75
8 Inch Skillet/Frying Pan
prices starting from $14.95
10 Inch Skillet/Frying Pan
prices starting from $17.85
Deep-Covered Pan
prices starting from $14.95
Cast-Iron Skillet
prices starting from $19.90
Buying Tip: Try to purchase pans without plastic handles so they don’t burn and can go in the oven, too. Also, buying glass lids when possible is so much more convenient as you can see what’s going on inside the pan.
Bakeware
Whether you are an avid baker or an occasional one, having high-quality bakeware is key to the perfect cakes, muffins, or pastries. Here’s our take on the best bakeware:
Glass or Ceramic Dishes
prices starting from $21.99
These are so versatile in the kitchen. They can be used for baking various desserts, casseroles, and roasting meats or vegetables. They are even freezer-friendly!
Baking Sheet
prices starting from $15.03
Another versatile piece of bakeware to have on hand. It becomes very easy to handle hot baking pans and tins when you place a baking sheet under it. It is also very handy for baking cookies and pastries. You can also use them to freeze different items.
Muffin/Cupcake Tin
prices starting from $8.99
Good for muffins, cupcakes, or other small bite-size edibles like breakfast egg cups
Pizza Pans
prices starting from $21.3
If you like baking pizzas at home, then this is a no-brainer! You need good quality pizza pans in at least two sizes.
Buying Tip:
There are so many different types and shapes of baking tins and pans available that it may become overwhelming when trying to choose the best. Here is a breakdown of the types you should buy:

- Aluminum: These are lightweight and durable, but aluminum can react with some acidic ingredients, like tomatoes, so you may want to choose a different material if you plan on baking with acidic ingredients.
- Stainless steel: These are the most durable, long-lasting, and non-toxic. However, heat and cool slowly, which can result in increased cooking times. And they also weigh more than other types of pans.
- Non-stick: These are a favorite for most home bakers. They are easy to use and clean. The non-stick coating can scratch, so avoid using metal utensils with this type of bakeware. The darker color of the non-stick coating absorbs heat faster and can brown the bottoms of baked goods faster.
Kitchen Tools and Gadgets
There is a whole array of items that are used in and around the kitchen. Here is a list narrowing down some of the most used tools.
Mixing Bowls
prices starting from $19.90
You can buy these in glass or stainless steel. They are used every day for different purposes.
Cutting/Chopping Board
prices starting from $19.90
Chopping boards or mats, whichever you prefer, are great for chopping all items. They are also easy to clean and keep your countertops clean. Buy different boards for vegetables and meats.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
prices starting from $19.90
These are available in a range of different styles, materials, colors, and shapes. Metal ones are the most durable and easy to clean.
Liquid Measuring Cup
prices starting from $19.90
A glass liquid measuring cup is irreplaceable. It helps to measure liquids and doubles as a mixing bowl.
Spoons, Spatulas & Whisks
prices starting from $19.90
You can never have enough of these items! Metal or wooden spoons are best, while whisks should be bought in metal.
Colander/Strainer
prices starting from $19.90
Another versatile and incomparable kitchen investment. You can buy various sizes for different quantities of food.
Chef’s Knife
prices starting from $19.90
Ask any chef; a good quality heavy-duty chef’s knife is one of the best investments you will make for your kitchen. It is an absolute workhorse, so if you can, invest heavily and reap the benefits for years to come.
Rolling Pin
prices starting from $19.90
Can Opener
prices starting from $19.90
Storage and Supply Items
What’s a kitchen without some attractive storage items? The following list of essential items for use around the kitchen will help you understand what you really need:
Parchment paper
prices starting from $19.90
for lining all your bakeware before baking. Helps save cleaning time.

Aluminum foil
prices starting from $19.90
The king of kitchen supply items. Foil is used in almost everything, from baking, freezing, storing, and sharing leftovers!
Cling wrap
prices starting from $19.90
Another very helpful item to have on hand. (plastic wrap)
Resealable storage containers
prices starting from $19.90
Storage and air-tight containers have become irreplaceable in the kitchen. They are essential to store all types of food items.
Resealable storage containers
prices starting from $19.90
kitchen towels are great to have on hand for quick cleanup of spills and accidents on countertops.
Buying Tips
When buying air-tight storage containers, always try to buy glass, metal, or food-grade non-toxic plastic, as sub-standard plastic can lead to toxins mixing into the edibles stored in them.
Electrical Appliances
Nowadays, you will find a lot of electrical appliances in the market designed for a single purpose only. Honestly, they don’t hold much value when it comes to use in the kitchen. There’s not a lot of ways you can use a yogurt-maker or a muffin baker.
When buying electrical appliances for your kitchen, think of how much value they can give you, how many times you will be using them throughout a week, and how many purposes they can serve. Narrow down the list and you won’t be left with much:

Food Processor
prices starting from $19.90
A good quality food processor includes a big-size grinder, chopper, and blender jug. It’s an all-in-one type of appliance. Very convenient to have in the kitchen,
Hand Mixer
prices starting from $19.90
If you bake, then this is a must-have item. Cuts down on whisking time for cakes and creams, considerably.
Immersion Blender
prices starting from $19.90
This machine is fairly new on the kitchen scene, but it has replaced a lot of large appliances. It’s easy to use, lightweight, and easy to clean. You can also grind soups and pasts while cooking in the pan!
Pressure Cooker
prices starting from $19.90
For quick cooking of meats, lentils, or beans, this is a very sturdy and long-lasting pan. It can last a lifetime if used properly. It helps cut down cooking time to less than half.
Buying Tip
While buying any electrical appliances, always opt for well-known and established brands. They will be a little expensive, but worth the money due to reliability and durability.
Conclusion
If you are frustrated and annoyed by the clutter in your kitchen and want to declutter and simplify, then you need to understand which items and utensils are most important for your cooking. Get rid of all the unnecessary stash in your cabinets and cupboards and streamline your culinary life.
The best type of cooking is done with simple and basic utensils. You don’t need expensive, complicated, and unnecessary items in your kitchen. You can cook delicious meals with the help of just a few good and sturdy tools…. yes, it’s possible!
What are essential items for new kitchen?
Knife Set: A good-quality set of knives.
Cutting Board: Durable and easy to clean.
Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for different tasks.
Measuring Tools: Cups and spoons for accurate measurements.
Cooking Utensils: Spatulas, ladles, tongs, etc.
Appliances: Basic appliances like a stove, oven, refrigerator, and microwave.
What are the lastest trends in kitchen?
Smart Appliances: Integration of technology into kitchen appliances.
Open Shelving: Displaying kitchen items openly instead of behind closed cabinets.
Sustainable Materials: Use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials.
Bold Colors: Vibrant and bold colors in kitchen decor.
Multi-Functional Spaces: Kitchens that serve multiple purposes beyond cooking.