Necessary Kitchen Tools For The From Scratch Cook

I came up with two lists of kitchen tools, specifically for those who cook their meals from scratch. One is a “needs” list, and one is a “nice” list. These items also make great gifts for those from scratch cooks you have in your life, or to newly wed couples!

Needs to have:

• A set of cast iron skillets. Or at least a 12 inch cast iron skillet. A cast iron skillet is so versatile, you could cook basically anything you need to in a cast iron skillet. They will last forever as long as taken care of properly! If you are buying one new, I recommend purchasing a pre-seasoned skillet.
• A set of quality glass mixing bowls.
• Wooden spoons, they will last forever as long as you take care of them!
• A spatula.
• A rubber spatula (also referred to bowl scraper).
• A whisk.
• Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons.
• A dutch oven, preferably cast iron. I love my crock pot brand cast iron skillet, it is ceramic coated which allows for easy clean up. These are great for soups, stews, frying chicken and baking loaves of sourdough bread.
• A metal colander. You can use these for a variety of things. I always choose metal so it’s safe for draining pasta.
• A metal baking sheet.
• A 9 × 11 casserole dish.
• A pie baking dish.
• A quality set of knives. This one is important, and emphasis on quality. Using dull/cheap knives is not only frustrating but you can also cut yourself easier.
• A wooden cutting board. Plastic will also do, although they don’t last as long. I don’t recommend glass cutting boards as they dull your kitchen knives must faster.
• At least one large Mason jar, with the lid. These come in handy for a variety of things.
• A bread loaf pan.
• A metal cheese grater.
• A set of air tight glass food containers with lids for leftovers.
• Muffin/cupcake tin.
• A potato masher.

Nice to have:

• A stainless steel sauce pan with a lid.
• A pastry blender.
• A food processor.
• A stand mixer or electric hand held mixer.
• A meat tenderizer.
• A set of glass baking/casserole dishes.
• A pizza cutter.
• An immersion blender.
• A full set of mason jars for canning.
• A meat thermometer.
• A roasting pan, with a roasting rack.
• A cooling rack.
• Silicone baking mats for sheet pans.
• A set of ice cream style scoops, I use these for cookies, dumplings, meatballs and more.
• A pie shield.
• Air tight storage containers for flour and sugar.
• A pastry brush.
• A vacuum seal food saver.
• A potato peeler.
• An instant pot or pressure cooker, especially if you are planning to can.

Let me know in the comments if there are any other items you would add to the list!