These are the kitchen tools I actually use and reach for every week.
I've marked splurge picks where it makes sense and included budget options where I can.
Everyday Kitchen Essentials
Start here if you're building or upgrading your kitchen
Pampered Chef Baking Stones
These baking stones make everything crisp up beautifully - from sheet pan dinners to roasted veggies to cookies. My mom has had hers forever, and I've had mine for a few years; they just keep getting better with age. Highly recommend these over traditional cookie sheets/sheet pans!
Kitchen Knives
Sarah's Favorite
Knives
I've used many Japanese-style knives over the years to get those precise vegetable cuts. While my specific set is out of stock, I highly recommend this Shun Premier Set or this more affordable Ikasu Set to achieve that same paper-thin vegetable slicing!
Cast Iron Skillet
Cast irons are perfect for searing, roasting, or even baking. It gives the best golden crust and only gets better the more you use it.
Splurge Picks (Worth It If You Cook Often)
Dutch Oven
Cast Iron (What I Use Most)
This is the cast-iron set I use most days. I reach for both the Dutch oven and the skillet constantly, and I love that it stacks neatly instead of taking over my cabinets.
It's a splurge, but it replaced multiple pieces for me and I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.
Looking for a more budget-friendly option? This Crockpot brand Dutch oven served me well for about 8 years.
Food Processor
It's around $200, so this isn't an everyday must-have - but if you cook from scratch regularly, it's one of those tools that makes cooking feel easier instead of like a chore.
Sarah's Favorite
Food Processor
The ultimate time-saver. From pesto to breadcrumbs to shredding cheese, it does the work in seconds and saves me so much prep time.
Skip it if: you only cook occasionally or don't mind doing prep by hand.
Worth it if: you make sauces, soups, pestos, or prep-heavy meals often.
Large Stainless Steel Skillet
Every kitchen needs a sturdy stainless steel pan. Mine was passed down from my Nonna, is practically indestructible, and gives a great sear on proteins. It's also a workhorse for quick sautés and one-pan meals.
If I were buying one today, this would be my pick:
Splurge-worthy: All-Clad D3 14″ Stainless Paella Pan - closest to my Nonna's, with that wide cooking surface and 3-ply construction for even heat.
Good alternatives if you want to spend less:
- Mid-range Option: ZWILLING Spirit 14″ 3-Ply Stainless Pan - sturdy, lighter, and easier to maneuver.
- Budget-friendly: Cuisinart 12″ Skillet- reliable, durable, and roomy without the premium price.
Cooking at home is so much easier (and way more fun) when you have a few solid tools you can count on. I hope this list helps you stock your kitchen with items that will serve you just as well.