Nice-to-Have Essentials for a Well-Stocked Kitchen
Building a well-stocked kitchen doesn’t mean you need every fancy gadget out there. Over time, I’ve gathered a few items that make cooking feel a little more seamless, and each has earned its place. Here’s a list of my favorite kitchen tools—many of them affordable, versatile, and some that I consider a bit of an investment but worth every penny.
1. High-Powered Blender
For me, my high-powered blender has been essential. I invested in a Vitamix, which became my food processor, blender, and spice or grain grinder all in one. It has the capacity to liquify just about anything, which means I’ve been able to create everything from smoothies to soups and sauces. They’re pricey, so it’s definitely an investment. If you’re just starting out, a more affordable blender can do the job until you’re ready to make the leap.
2. Food Processor
After my Vitamix, a basic food processor has been a fantastic addition. It works wonders for things like cacao bites or pesto, and its structure makes it less finicky for thick or dry mixtures. With a wide base and larger blades, you don’t have to scrape down the sides as often, and you can add less liquid, keeping textures just right.
3. Immersion Blender
I don’t have an immersion blender yet, but it’s high on my list for soups and sauces. For now, I use the Vitamix for these, letting things cool a bit before blending (important to remember since heat expands—steam burns aren’t fun!). But an immersion blender would simplify the process without transferring hot liquids.
4. Basic Knife Set
While I dream of a set of beautiful Japanese knives, I get by with some basic kitchen knives: a paring knife, a serrated knife for bread, and a solid chef’s knife. Keeping them sharp is key, and it’s amazing how much you can accomplish with just a few well-maintained knives.
5. Jars for Storage
This might drive some people crazy, but I save almost every glass jar from food we buy. These are perfect for storing pantry staples, leftover sauces, or even homemade balms and salves. They’re sustainable, free, and add a rustic feel to the kitchen.
6. Graters & Zesters
I have a box grater and a mini handheld grater, which I use for zesting and small grating jobs. Recently, I invested in a microplane for a finer texture, but that’s not necessary to start. Graters are incredibly versatile for adding flavor and texture to dishes with minimal fuss.
7. Cast Iron & Other Pots and Pans
I rely on my cast iron skillet for almost everything that doesn’t require boiling water. I have a big one for family meals and a smaller one that’s perfect for quick breakfasts like French toast for my son. I also have:
A small pot with a lid (perfect for pasta sauce or boiling eggs).
A steamer pot, which is great for veggies and just the right size for boiling pasta.
A big lidded pot for soups, stews, and batch-cooking sauces.
8. Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot)
This one deserves a special mention. Being married to an Indonesian, we cook a lot of rice and beans, and our pressure cooker is a dream for fast, easy cooking. When our rice cooker broke, my mom gifted me her Instant Pot, which has been an incredible replacement, handling rice, beans, and stews effortlessly.
9. Strainers & Colanders
I have both a mesh strainer and a regular colander. I use them interchangeably depending on the task, and they’re great for everything from rinsing grains to draining pasta or straining soups.
10. Budget-Friendly Essentials
Some smaller, inexpensive tools have become invaluable:
Salad Spinner – Quick and easy way to dry greens.
Citrus Juicer – A basic plastic juicer does the job.
Funnel – Helpful for transferring liquids or grains without spills.
Scale – Makes precise measuring a breeze, especially for baking.
11. Wooden Utensils and Whisks
Finally, we have a few bamboo and wooden stirrers, spatulas, and two whisks. These are affordable and multifunctional, and they’re gentle on non-stick surfaces.
These essentials are my core tools—they make cooking efficient, enjoyable, and allow me to bring a bit more creativity into the kitchen. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to add a few new pieces, these are my tried-and-true recommendations for a kitchen that feels well-stocked and ready for anything.
