The Essential Kitchen Tools to Boost Your Kitchen in 2023

Cooking at home has never been more popular, and perhaps you recently joined the list of budding home chefs or are just inspired to ensure your kitchen has all the necessary essential kitchen tools and equipment to make sure that you can cook with ease.

With the essential kitchen tools, it can be a breeze and you are sure to get the perfect tools to help you start practicing to produce those delicious much-loved home-cooked meals. Who knows, you may even end up on Master Chef whipping up a storm on your way to being a professional. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, having the right tools can make all the difference in creating delicious and healthy meals.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the essential kitchen tools you need to power your kitchen in 2023. These are the most important items that you need to have in order to get started and not kitchen equipment, kitchen tools, or gadgets for the more advanced cook or those to show off to your friends.

Utensils

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to get a meal together and having to hotwire the process using substandard tools or tools that are not designed for the purpose you are using them for.

Try opening a can with a knife! Sure it works, you can hack it open and get on your merry way, however, one day, you may slice your hand open, not to mention destroy your knife’s perfectly good blade over time.

Just get a TIN OPENER, seriously! (Dishes, Tools and Gadgets below)

If our example above hasn’t yet convinced you that the utensils you use in your kitchen can greatly affect the quality and efficiency of your cooking then I don’t know perhaps just take it on good authority from the universe that, having the essential kitchen tools on hand can make preparing meals much easier and more enjoyable.

From sharp knives to measuring spoons, each utensil has a specific purpose in the kitchen. On our list are some of the items that we think you should definitely invest in to get your kitchen ready and firing.

You can also just jumpstart your kitchen utensils collection and get rid of the selection headache by purchasing one of these kitchen utensils sets.

For those who prefer a visual guide to some of the items on the list and what they look like you can check out Thoughtworthy Co’s Minimalist Kitchen Essentials. This explains and shows you what the items listed below look like and it’s only 8 minutes of your life. They have stripped down the essential items to a minimalist list and so you can maybe decide to join and purchase less.

1. Knives

A good set of knives is essential in any kitchen. We would suggest that you look for knives made from high-quality materials and ones that you find comfortable (test the grip). A chef’s knife, a paring knife, and at least one serrated knife are the most essential knives for any kitchen.

If you want to find out more about the different types of knives and their uses in the kitchen, check out “The Ultimate Guide to Chef Knives for Kitchen Success in 2023” A knife block is a great investment to keep your knives organized and in good condition and to get you started with all the essential knives you actually need.

2. Measuring Spoons and Cups

Accurate measuring is key to creating consistent and delicious meals. If a recipe wants 500ml, it doesn’t want the 350ml you estimated using your beer mug. Measurement is central to all recipes and key to their success.

Perhaps, once you get to be a more established cook, even a master chef, then you can probably wing it a bit more and go by touch, feel, sight, and smell. But even the pros measure and have precision in everything they do.

We would suggest investing in a set of measuring spoons and cups made from durable materials that have clear markings for easy measurement. Also, make sure they use the same measurement system that you use.

3. Wooden Spoons

Wooden spoons are a kitchen staple not to mention a timeless kitchen classic and have been used by our ancestors for generations.

Compared to metallic or plastic spoons, wooden ones have a few advantages. Not only do they not heat up quickly and harm your skin, but they also don’t chemically react with acidic foods. Furthermore, due to their construction from wood, you won’t worry about any scratches or melting caused by them when stirring any dish in any type of vessel. Plus there is no worry about BPA, PFAS, and other chemicals leaching into your dish.

Look for spoons made from high-quality wood that won’t warp or crack over time.

4. Peeler

If you are going to be eating vegetables or preparing fruit, which we sincerely hope you are, then you will need to probably peel them. Now you could just use a good paring knife but it’s way quicker and simpler to just use a peeler. Also as an amateur, you are more likely to waste food peeling with a knife as you cut too deep and throw away larger pieces of the flesh with each peel.

Trust us, make your life simpler, and just get a vegetable peeler. It is a must-have tool for any kitchen and will save you a lot of time. There are different shapes and sizes and ultimately this boils down to preference.

5. Spatula

Have you ever tried to flip a pancake with a spoon or fork? It simply doesn’t work very well and you more than likely will end up with a holy pancake. A good spatula makes flipping pancakes, and eggs, or turning a frying piece of fish an easy simple exercise.

If you use non-stick pans, don’t buy a metal spatula, look for one made from silicon or wood. We would also recommend a slotted spatula as it enables juices to slip through and liquid to drain off easily when lifting the food from the pan or dish.

6. Fish Turner

A fish turner is a specialized spatula that’s perfect for flipping delicate fish fillets. Not an essential item on this list but a very nifty one to have if you ever intend on cooking some fish. Look for one with a thin, flexible blade that won’t damage your fish.

7. Whisk

Some people use a fork, and that is ok, it works. However, a whisk does more to aerate ingredients and thoroughly mix the ingredients. A whisk is stronger than a fork, more delicate than an electric mixer, and the perfect tool for quick jobs such as beating some eggs. We suggest a balloon whisk is great for whisking eggs and creating fluffy sauces.

8. Tongs

Tongs are versatile kitchen utensils used for a variety of tasks in the kitchen including picking up, turning over, and moving food while cooking or serving. Tongs can also be used to hold hot pans and pots while stirring or flipping food. We would recommend having a pair that has a silicon or non-metal grip so that they don’t heat up when using them.

Cookware

Now that you have some utensils, you will need something to cook in and with. These are the five cookware items that we think are essential to get you started. Sure you can purchase several of each in all sorts of different sizes, styles, and configurations but the core items you need are listed below.

Also viewed by our readers: Most Desired Kitchen Accessories of 2023

1. A Non-Stick Frying Pan

For some of us, we can remember an era before the non-stick pan, ruined dinners, and the fiddle that was preventing food from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You had to figure out the perfect balance between heat and lubricant that was needed to ensure that perfect result without leaving half the food stuck to the bottom.

The good news is that for most of us, we no longer have to struggle while praying for our food to stay in one piece.

All you need to get is a good non-stick frying pan and cooking eggs, pancakes, and other delicate foods will be a breeze and successful. We would suggest a 10-inch frying pan at a bare minimum but feel free to invest in a few different sizes to give yourself options.

2. Saucepan

A saucepan is the workhorse of the kitchen, a versatile item that can be used for everything from boiling water to cooking soups and sauces. We would suggest that you look for one with a heavy bottom to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.

Copper bottoms are often preferred by many as they heat evenly and retain heat better, leading to a better cooking experience. You can find two hotly desired options in our article “Get the Most Desired Kitchen Accessories of 2023 Now“

3. Stock Pot

A stock pot is a larger pot that’s great for cooking soups, stews, and large batches of pasta. They can be made from various materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. A good stock pot should have a heavy bottom that distributes heat evenly and helps to prevent scorching.

It should also have a tight-fitting lid to keep moisture and flavor in. If you don’t select a pot with rubber or plastic handles, you may need a pair of tongs or other kitchen utensils that can grip the pot without burning your hands.

4. Glass Baking Dish or Pyrex Dish

A glass baking dish or Pyrex dish is great for baking everything from casseroles to desserts. Glass baking dishes are non-reactive, so your food won’t taste like the dish. Additionally, glass dishes retain heat better than metal dishes, ensuring that your casseroles stay warm for longer if served at a table or buffet. You can view our selection of glass oven dishes if you need to find some options.

5. Sheet Pans or Roasting Pans

Sheet pans and roasting pans are great for baking and roasting everything from vegetables to meats. It is a large, oven-safe dish that you can use for cooking ingredients at high temperatures for extended periods.

Many of these pans come with detachable racks which elevate proteins and allow the juices to drop into a bed of vegetables or an empty pan below. Look for pans made from durable materials and with a non-stick coating for easy cleanup.

Dishes, Tools, and Gadgets

1. Colander

A colander is essential for draining pasta, vegetables, and just about anything you need to remove excess liquid from. Now there are many types of colanders that you can get these days from the classic double-handled stainless steel ones to the modern slick over-sink options.

Some colanders have a single handle, others double. There are those that look more like a sieve than a colander and ultimately it boils down to personal preference and what you intend to use your colander for.

We would however suggest having more than one colander and preferably having ones of different sizes and with different size holes. Get a colander today.

2. Cutting Boards

A good cutting board is one of those essential kitchen tools you simply must have. We suggest that you look for one made from durable materials like wood, bamboo, or plastic that doesn’t scratch or break easily. A larger cutting board is more versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, while a smaller board is great for quick jobs like chopping herbs.

Most of us have a few different options and sizes. At WeKurate, we prefer to have a few options when it comes to cutting boards, and generally have a combination consisting of wood, bamboo, glass, and plastic in our kitchen and at least one of each key size small, medium, and large.

3. Prep Bowls

Prep bowls are small bowls used for holding ingredients while cooking. Useful for organising your ingredients for ease of access as well as preventing items from mixing together prematurely, mixing bowls are another one of the essential kitchen tools you must have.

We suggest that you look for ones made from durable materials like glass or stainless steel rather than plastic as well as getting a set with different sizes is great for prepping multiple ingredients at once.

4. Can Opener

A can opener is a basic tool that every kitchen needs to have. Look for one that’s easy to use and made from durable materials. Fancy isn’t always better, the simple option can be just as effective as a fancy one.

While an electric can opener is a great time saver for those who frequently use canned ingredients, a manual can opener is perfect for everyday use. For the starter kitchen, don’t worry about an electric option, just make sure you have a can opener so you can open cans with ease.

5. Microplane Zester

A microplane zester is a versatile tool that can be used for grating citrus zest, cheese, and more. Look for one with a comfortable grip and a sharp blade. A zester with different-sized grating holes is great for creating different textures.

6. Grater

A grater is a basic tool that’s great for grating cheese, vegetables, and more. Look for one with a comfortable grip and a non-slip base. A grater with different-sized grating holes is great for creating different textures.

7. Immersion Stick Blender

An immersion stick blender is a versatile tool that can be used for blending soups, sauces, and more. An immersion blender that comes with different attachments like a whisk or chopper is even more versatile and one you should consider if you feel you need to get one of these.

8. Salad Spinner

A salad spinner is a great tool for washing and drying greens, not just lettuce as some may think by the name. Ideally, look for one that has a large capacity and a sturdy basket.

Final Words

Investing in the right kitchen tools can make all the difference in creating delicious and healthy meals at home. By having the essential kitchen tools, utensils, cookware, dishes, tools, and gadgets on hand, you’ll be able to tackle any recipe with ease.

While it may be tempting to buy every kitchen tool on the market, focusing on the essential kitchen tools first will ensure that your kitchen is well-equipped without needing to break the bank. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, having the right tools at your disposal is part and parcel of obtaining success in the kitchen.

Feel free to check our home and kitchen section which has more great articles to help you on your culinary journey.

If you need more convincing or affirmation to help you decide what essential kitchen tools to get your hands on, take 7 minutes to watch Gordan Ramsay’s guide to the essential kitchen kit he recommends to get you started.

If you don’t know who the hell he is, well he is one of the top chefs in the world and known for his straight talking and simplifying the complicated. We love the simplicity and relatability as he provides an invaluable visual guide to what you have read about above.

We hope that our guide to the Essential Kitchen Tools to boost your kitchen in 2023 has helped you to find useful information and reach a decision on what you need for your kitchen. If not, or if you need some more information on a specific item mentioned here check out More suggestions and other kitchen trends

New Trends: Get the Most Desired Kitchen Accessories of 2023 Now!