Kitchen Essentials

The tools, cookware, and pantry staples we reach for every day in our test kitchen. Everything here is something we actually use — no filler, no sponsored placements.

Cookware

The pots, pans, and skillets we use to create our recipes.

Cast Iron Skillet (10.25-inch)LodgeThe workhorse of our kitchen — used in everything from Skillet Cornbread to Smash Burgers.Cast Iron Skillet (12-inch)LodgeExtra surface area for meal-sized fajitas, chicken dinners, and larger batches.Stainless Steel Skillet (10-inch)Made InFor searing salmon, chicken thighs, and anything that needs a golden, fond-building crust.Also available direct from Made In — update URL once Made In affiliate is active.Enameled Dutch Oven (6-qt)LodgeFor soups, stews, chili, and braised dishes.Nonstick Skillet (10.5-inch)T-falPerfect for eggs, pancakes, and delicate fish.Saucepan (3-qt)CuisinartSauces, gravies, small batches of soup, rice, and reheating.Stock Pot (8-qt)CuisinartFor big batches of soup, pasta water, and stock.Half Sheet Pan (18×13)Nordic WareOur go-to for sheet pan dinners, roasted vegetables, and cookies.

Bakeware

Tools for cookies, cakes, breads, and all things baking.

Muffin Tin (12-cup)WiltonFor muffins, cupcakes, and mini frittatas.Loaf Pan (9×5)PyrexBanana bread, quick breads, and meatloaf.Square Baking Dish (8×8)PyrexBrownies, cornbread, and small casseroles.Rectangular Baking Dish (9×13)PyrexSheet cakes, casseroles, and larger batches.Springform Pan (9-inch)Nordic WareFor cheesecakes and delicate cakes that need clean release.Wire Cooling RackWiltonEssential for cookies, baked goods, and roasted items that need air circulation.Parchment Paper SheetsKatbitePre-cut sheets for mess-free baking. No more fighting with the roll.

Thermometers & Temperature

Cook with confidence — temperature takes the guesswork out.

Instant-Read Digital ThermometerThermoWorksOur most-recommended tool. Reads in 2–3 seconds — essential for meat, bread, candy, and even checking water temperature.UPDATE: Replace with ThermoWorks affiliate link once approved. Currently direct link.Oven ThermometerRubbermaidMost oven dials lie. This sits on the rack and tells you the real temperature.Leave-In Probe ThermometerThermoWorksFor roasts, smoked brisket, and anything that cooks low and slow.UPDATE: Replace with ThermoWorks affiliate link once approved.

Knives & Cutting

Sharp tools make cooking faster and safer.

Chef's Knife (8-inch)VictorinoxThe one knife that does 90% of your prep work.Paring Knife (3.25-inch)VictorinoxFor peeling, trimming, and detail work.Large Cutting Board (Wood)John BoosA generous surface makes prep work a pleasure. Wood is gentler on your knife edge than plastic or glass.

Small Appliances

Workhorses that earn their counter space.

Air FryerCosoriThe fastest route to crispy fries, wings, Brussels sprouts, and more — with less oil than deep frying.Stand Mixer (5-qt)KitchenAidFor serious baking: cookie dough, bread, whipped cream, and meringues.Immersion BlenderBraunBlend soups right in the pot, whip cream, make smoothies — no transferring hot liquids.Food Processor (14-cup)CuisinartChop, slice, shred, and mix dough — a huge time-saver for meal prep.

Tools & Utensils

The small things that make cooking easier every day.

Digital Kitchen ScaleOzeriThe most accurate way to measure — especially for baking. Weigh flour, portion dough, and convert recipes with confidence.Measuring Cups (Set)CuisinartStainless steel — won't stain, warp, or absorb odors.Measuring Spoons (Set)Spring ChefMagnetic, double-sided, and easy to level.Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set)CuisinartNesting set of 3–5 bowls for prep, mixing, and serving.Silicone Spatula SetDi OroHeat-resistant, won't scratch your pans, and perfect for folding, scraping, and stirring.Bench ScraperOXOTransfer chopped ingredients from board to pan in one motion. Also great for dividing dough.Microplane ZesterMicroplaneFor citrus zest, garlic, ginger, hard cheese, and nutmeg — finer than any grater.Stainless Steel Tongs (12-inch)OXOLocking, comfortable grip — for flipping, tossing, and serving.Fish SpatulaWincoThe thin, angled slot design makes it the best tool for flipping delicate items — eggs, fish, pancakes, and smash burgers.Balloon WhiskOXOFor emulsifying dressings, whipping eggs, and smoothing sauces.

Pantry Staples

Quality ingredients we reach for constantly.

Extra Virgin Olive OilCalifornia Olive RanchFor dressings, drizzling, and finishing dishes.Diamond Crystal Kosher SaltDiamond CrystalThe salt we use in every recipe — lighter and flakier than Morton's, easier to pinch and season evenly.Pure Vanilla ExtractNielsen-MasseyReal vanilla makes a noticeable difference in baked goods.Semisweet Chocolate ChipsGhirardelliOur go-to for cookies, brownies, and melting.Unsweetened Cocoa PowderDrosteDutch-processed for deep chocolate flavor in brownies and cakes.King Arthur All-Purpose FlourKing ArthurHigher protein than most grocery store flour — better gluten development for breads and pastries.

Food Storage

Keep leftovers fresh and organized.

Glass Food Storage SetPyrexOven-safe, microwave-safe, and doesn't hold onto tomato stains or curry smells like plastic.Deli Containers (16 oz, 32 oz)FreshwareRestaurant-grade, stackable, microwave-safe, and dirt cheap. The best containers for meal prep and leftovers.

Looking for something specific?

These are our everyday essentials, but every kitchen is different. If there's a tool or ingredient you're curious about, search our recipes to see how we use it — each recipe page includes equipment recommendations tailored to that dish.

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