List Of Kitchen Equipment & Supplies For Cooking At Home
What's in your kitchen? There isn't anything more frustrating than getting part way through a recipe and realizing that you're missing an essential piece of kitchen equipment needed to complete it. To avoid future cooking equipment voids, review this list for the items you may need or want.
Knives
A good set of knives in the kitchen is gold! Look for a handle that nicely fits in your hand and a blade made of high-carbon steel. High-quality manufacturers include Wusthof and Henckels.
I can't live without my 7-inch Henckels Santoku Professional S Knife! Actually, it's my husband's knife; I bought it for him for Christmas last year, but he lets me use it.
- Paring Knife
- Chef's Knife
- Carving Knife
- Serrated Bread Knife
- Serrated Steak Knives
- Boning Knife
- Kitchen Shears
- Sharpener
- Magnetic Wall Mount
To keep your knives in top form there are a number of storage choices available, from counter blocks to drawer trays to magnetic bars that you can mount on the wall.
Pots & Pans
The majority of food is cooked in pots and pans, so quality cookware is important. Opt for enamel-coated cast iron, anodized aluminum or heavy stainless steel pieces that will provide even heat distribution and will help prevent food from burning. Some popular cookware makers include T-Fal, All-Clad, Cuisinart, and Farberware.
- Saucepans (1-quart, 2-quart, 3-quart and 6-quart)
- Stockpot (12 quart)
- Skillets (8-inch and 10-inch)
- Large Sauté Pan (deeper than a skillet with a lid, at least 12-inches)
- Dutch Oven (5 or 6 quart)
- Roasting Pan with Rack
- Broiler Pan (usually comes with oven)
- Double Boiler
Tip: Copper is a great conductor for heat; however, it's more expensive and requires a bit more maintenance. The majority of copper cookware comes lined with tin and after some time and use it will require being re-tinned. If you're concerned at all with appearance, copper will require polishing on a regular basis.
Utensils
You can keep your most frequently used utensils close at hand with a counter-top holder. Utensil holders are usually cylindrical, but there are many shapes and styles to choose from. The prime location to place one is next to the stove so that these items are easy to grab:
- Baster
- Can Opener
- Garlic Press
- Ice Cream Scoop
- Ladle
- Long-Handled Fork
- Meat Mallet
- Potato Masher
- Slotted Spoons
- Spatula/Flipper, Silicone
- Tongs
- Vegetable Peeler
- Whisk
- Wooden Spoons
Dishware & Other Handy Gadgets
I'm going to assume that you have dishes to eat off of. Here are some other items that are essential (or just handy to have) for food preparation:
- Apple Corer
- Apple Peeler
- Apron
- Bag Clips
- Barbecue Tool Set
- Bottle Opener
- Box Grater
- Casserole Dishes
- Citrus Juicer
- Colander
- Collapsible Vegetable Steamer
- Corkscrew
- Cutlery
- Cutting Boards
- Dish Towels
- Dish Cloths
- Dry Measuring Cups
- Funnels
- Hand-Held Grater
- Ice Cube Trays
- Lazy Susan
- Liquid Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Meat Thermometer
- Mixing Bowls (3 or more sizes)
- Nutcracker
- Oven Mitts
- Oven Thermometer
- Pepper & Salt Mills
- Pizza Pan
- Pizza Stone
- Ramekins
- Rectangular Glass Baking Dishes, multiple sizes
- Salad Spinner
- Stainless Steel Bowls
- Storage containers
- Tea Kettle
- Timer
- Various Molds (Cakes, Chocolates and Jelly, etc.)
- Vegetable Brush
- Wire/Mesh Strainers
- Wooden or Metal Skewers
- Zester
Small Appliances
Some of these tools and toys require an electrical outlet, so make sure you have room near the receptacles.
- Blender
- Bread Machine
- Coffee Grinder
- Coffee Maker
- Electric Juicer
- Fondue Set
- Food Processor
- Hand Mixer
- Ice Cream Maker
- Immersion Blender
- Kitchen Scale
- Meat Grinder
- Microwave Oven
- Panini Press/Griddle
- Pasta Maker
- Spice Grinder
- Standing Mixer
- Toaster Oven
- Waffle Iron
- Wok
Baking Equipment
I've always got my brownie pan ready to roll! Be prepared for every holiday and birthday by having the following items in your kitchen:
- Round Cake Pans (at least two)
- Spring Form Pan (9")
- Rectangular Baking Pan (13" x 9")
- Square Baking Pan (9" x 9")
- Loaf Pans (at least two)
- Flat Baking Sheet
- Baking Sheet with Rim
- Glass Pie Plate
- Muffin Tins (at least two)
- Angel Food Cake Pan
- Bundt Pan
- Cake Stand
- Cookie Cutters
- Cooling Racks
- Cupcake Carrier
- Flour Sifter
- Palette Knife
- Pastry Bag with Decorating Tips
- Pastry Brush
- Pastry Cutter
- Rolling Pin
- Tart Pan
There are hundreds of retailers that offer all the kitchen equipment & supplies listed here, and much more! If you're on a tight budget, shop around at department stores for sales or check out the local discount shop. If money is not an issue and you want the best selection, turn to a local kitchen supply shop or online retailers.
(This list is definitely not complete! Check back soon for updates.)