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Potato Masher

Although this seems like a tool that serves a single purpose, this masher works great for making guacamole or mashing bananas for baking. It has a dual mash which means less elbow grease!

Meat Tenderizer

I’ve been one to use the bottom of a glass or heavy mug to pound out chicken cutlets, but nothing beats using a meat tenderizer. The textured edge quickens the tenderizing process, but beware it will take far fewer “whacks” to get your desired thinness or consistency!

Cookie Scoops (medium and large)

These scoops are so versatile! I like having a variety of sizes on hand for cookies, ice cream, and meatballs. They scoop the perfect amount have an easy release.

Digital Thermometer

In many of my recipes (particularly for meat), I urge you to check the internal temperature to ensure food safety. This option includes a protective sleeve for the needle with the suggested cooking temps for a variety of meat, which is s helpful. 

Citrus Press

Arguably one of my most-used kitchen tools! Nothing is more frustrating than getting a lemon seed in your vinaigrette, or looking at a sad pile of squeezed limes and knowing there is so much more juice in them that your poor hand couldn’t manage to get out. This press is heavy duty and so simple to use. Thought it’s specifically meant for lemons and limes, I use it for all types of citrus!

Wooden Spoons

A home cook’s best friend. Perfect for stirring soups, tossing salad, sauteéing, or serving. I like having a variety of sizes and edges for all my kitchen needs. 

Flexible Spatula: Perfect for flipping eggs or using with delicate pans, this flexible spatula is one I’ve purchased twice since it got so overused (it actually cracked!). 

Tasting Spoon

I’ll admit that this one is a tad over the top, but something about having a designated tasting spoon makes me feel like I’m cooking. Use it for sampling marinara or soup, or as you would a regular wooden spoon. 

Fish Spatula

This tool is one that I had been eyeing for a LONG time, but kept talking myself out of buying one (“Do I really need another spatula?!”). I’m here to tell you that the answer is YES! I’ve loved using this spatula of course for fish, but also for other delicate things like chicken burgers or fried eggs. I love the long length which helps stabilize whatever you’re flipping. 

Small Offset Spatula

Often called a cupcake icer, these small offset knife works wonderfully for spreading anything: butter, jam, nut butters, or sauces. 

Pasta Spoon

Designed specifically, of course, for serving long strands of pasta, this spoon certainly has a particular purpose. Its teeth grip the pasta, which at times can be slippery.

Garlic Press

Whenever I have the time, I’ll mince my own garlic. But I’m a realist, and know that sometimes, patience or energy may be waning. Using a garlic press is helpful in these scenarios, but also can be helpful when you’re mincing a number of cloves and need a very fine texture. 

Tongs (Small and large)

Universal helpers in the kitchen, tongs assist with flipping large cuts of meat, tossing greens, quickly turning cubed roasted potatoes, serving shredded meat…the uses are endless!

Microplane

This handheld grater works wonders! My go to tool when I need citrus zest, finely shredded parmesan cheese, or a shredded clove of garlic (great for stirring in to already cooked sauces or soups!).

Measuring Spoons and Cups

A non-negotiable in any kitchen, measuring cups and spoons are a dime a dozen. I’ve had these sets for years, and love how heavy duty they are. 

Kitchen Shears

Whether you need to open an impossible package or snip fresh herbs, I love having a set of kitchen shears that can just get tossed right in the dishwasher. I find myself reaching for them for all sorts of kitchen tasks like cutting green onions (why dirty a cutting board?), cutting stiff leafy greens like kale, or cutting uniform parchment sheets. 

Bench Scraper

You won’t realize what you’ve been missing until you use a bench scraper. This handy tool is great when working with stiff dough (such as bread), but is also incredibly helpful in scooping large amounts of chopped ingredients, like vegetables in to a sauté pan.

Can Opener

No explanation needed! I’ve had this can opener for years and love how easily it opens cans (some can be so difficult!). 

Frother

With the touch of a button, this device froths liquids with ease. Great for making lattes at home or even for whipping eggs. 

Slotted Spoon

A basic that every kitchen needs! Super helpful when blanching vegetables or hard boiling eggs. 

Whisks

Nothing is worse than a frail whisk! This one is a true balloon whisk, and is incredibly sturdy for whipping anything from muffins batter to whipped cream. 

Mini Rubber Spatulas

I reach for my mini spatulas more than any other kitchen tool, I swear! They’re great for scooping spreads from jars (like mayonnaise or jam), and are perfect for mixing a sourdough starter (if you’re in to that type of thing!). 

Glass Measuring Cups

I use a variety of these glass liquid measuring cups all the time. Whether it’s measuring 1/2 cup of wine for a pan sauce or 2 cups of milk for a cake recipe, it’s helpful to have these larger measurements in one vessel (as opposed to having to measure out 2 separate cups!), and helps avoid spills. 

Large Rubber Spatula

Spreading, mixing, or scooping, spatulas serve so many purposes, and their rubber head has no substitute! 

Vegetable Peeler

A good vegetable peeler can make or break the preparation of a recipe. Whether you’re peeling carrots and potatoes for a stew, or peeling 10 pounds of apple for a special dessert, having a peeler streamlines the process. 

Kitchen Twine

Kitchen twine is one of those things that you don’t really think about until you NEED it. Use it to gather fresh herbs for a bouquet garni or truss a chicken: there really is no substitute for it!

Basting Brush

Incredibly helpful for mopping barbecue sauce on ribs or brushing scones with an eggwash, having a couple basting brushes on hand for different uses is a great idea.