These are my favorite kitchen items I truly can’t live without. Each one makes cooking easier, faster, or more enjoyable. Add them to your list!
Here are the tools and gadgets I reach for most in the kitchen.
I love sharing lists like this because I’m always curious about YOUR favorites too.
I’ve been meaning to share my top kitchen picks and was inspired after seeing someone else’s roundup recently. I enjoy seeing the items that change people’s routines and make cooking simpler. I’m all about easy and efficient tools.
You’ll likely recognize many of these items from my photos or from previous favorites roundups on my site.
Years ago I published a full kitchen essentials guide—everything I recommend after many years of cooking. I still stand by that list, but this piece is a focused look at what I use daily or almost daily.
These are the kitchen items I can’t live without—tools that truly make a difference when moving around the kitchen and getting work done.
Tell me yours in the comments!
12 Best Kitchen Tools I Can’t Live Without
The Scrub Daddy
A great sponge matters more than you might think. The Scrub Daddy is my go-to for everyday cleanup—especially for silverware and stuck-on bits. It’s durable, effective, and makes hand-washing far less tedious. If you like things spotless before they go in the dishwasher, this one’s a game changer.
Meat Chopper
This simple tool transformed how I cook ground meats. It breaks up beef and turkey quickly and evenly, which is ideal for bolognese, tacos, skillet meals, and more. I own several and use them constantly when browning ground meat.
Parchment Baking Sheets
Disposable parchment sheets have saved me time and frustration. They fit pans perfectly, prevent sticking, and speed cleanup. I go through packs of these and prefer them to tearing off rolls—so convenient for roasting and baking.
The Nutribullet
I use my small blender almost every day—not just for smoothies but for dressings and vinaigrettes. It makes emulsifying a breeze, producing silky ranch and bright vinaigrettes with minimal fuss. It’s also handy for single-serve smoothies when needed.
Global Knife Block
Good knives are essential. After finally investing in a quality knife set, I noticed a major difference in efficiency and precision. Global knives are sharp, balanced, and reliable. We use nearly every knife in the block, often daily, and they remain a core part of my prep routine.
Mezzaluna Knife
A mezzaluna is one of my favorite specialized tools for chopping herbs and garlic efficiently. It’s perfect for quick mincing, cutting flatbreads or smaller pizzas, and making chopped salads. It speeds up prep and keeps things tidy.
W&P Porter Sealed Bowls
These glass jars are my go-to for storing leftovers, sauces, and dressings. They’re attractive, seal well, and stack neatly in the fridge. I use both sizes, but the mid-size (around 24 oz) gets the most use for sauces and meal components.
Weck Tulip Jars
Weck tulip jars are great for sauces, dressings, and small pickles. I don’t always use the clamps, but the lids work well for serving and storing items I reach for frequently. They’re particularly handy when I want a pretty way to present condiments or toppings.
Le Creuset Cast Iron Braiser
This braiser appears in a lot of my recipes and photos. The 3.5-quart size is my favorite—heavy enough to retain heat but not too bulky. It’s perfect for dishes that finish in the oven or need gentle, even cooking. The enameled surface cleans easily and looks great on the stove.
GreenPan Reserve Cookware
My nonstick GreenPan set has been indispensable for everyday cooking. The surface performs well, and with careful use—moderate heat and hand washing—these pans last. They’re my favorite nonstick cookware for eggs, sautéing, and quick stovetop meals.
OXO Gold Sheet Pans
These gold sheet pans are the workhorses of my kitchen. I own several sizes and reach for them constantly for roasting, baking, and sheet-pan dinners. They’re durable, conduct heat evenly, and are sized perfectly for many recipes.
OXO Stainless Salad Spinner
A salad spinner might feel retro, but it’s essential for crisp, restaurant-quality salads. It dries greens quickly and efficiently, which improves texture and helps dressings cling better. It’s one of the simplest tools that elevates everyday salads.
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