This is a list of 18 kitchen tools that are invaluable to me and used regularly. Some are fairly new, some I’ve had for a long time, but I stand behind every single one of them. They’re time savers, as well as stress savors, so you’ll want to keep them where you can easily reach for them.
Let’s start with the oldest of the bunch.
1. Cuisinart Elite Collection 4-Cup Food Processor (Die Cast)
This isn’t my main food processor, but my small one for pestos, salad dressings, chimichurri, etc. It’s a 4-cup workhorse and I’ve used the absolute mess out of it for 14 years now, with no signs of slowing down any time soon. If it died, I would most certainly have a dramatic nervous breakdown. Good news for you – it has not changed price since I bought it back then. (Crazy, right?!) It’s hands down my favorite kitchen tool. It chops nuts, spices, breadcrumbs, whips cheese, and could probably do my taxes if I asked it to.
2. Oxo Good Grips Complete Grate and Slice Set
I use this set so much more than I anticipated I would, and I can’t believe how well this has held up after 7+ years. The top comes off, and you flip it upside down to fit one of the colored grater/slicer plates on top. Everything you grate/slice goes into the generously sized see-through bottom half. I grate cheese, slice eggplant, onions, etc. in seconds. I absolutely love this thing.
This is another huge time saver, especially when making something that requires a good bit of shredded cheese like pizza, lasagna, chicken parm, etc. It only takes a few turns of the crank and you’ve shredded a pound or two of cheese. You’ll love this.
I fought getting one of these for the longest time, but I’m so glad I caved. I absolutely ADORE this thing because it makes prepping salad and greens a breeze, and the bowl (if you get the stainless steel version) can double as a mixing or serving bowl.
5. Magnetic Spice Jars 
If your refrigerator isn’t magnetic, get one of these, which will allow you to attach the magnetic spice jars. You’ll have all of your spices visible and in easy reach when you’re cooking. I’ve had mine for almost 7 years now, and I absolutely adore it. It has also become a big conversation piece, and many people that have come through my kitchen are now proud owners of their very own set of magnetic spice jars.
This is one of the most invaluable tools I had no idea I needed. I don’t know how I finished anything before I purchased one of these. I use it to scoop veggies after I chop them, I use it to divide dough, quickly clean off my chopping board, etc.
7. Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker 3.0
Once you sous vide, you always sous vide. It’s fun, easy, and the meats you prepare in it are fork-tender.
You see these in restaurants and facilities that have a kitchen. They’re perfect for marinating a large amount of food, mixing large salads and I especially love them for letting dough rise. The open design is great for yeasty recipes. I also use my large one as a sous vide container – the 4 qt. is perfect size.
I cannot tell you how crucial it is that you have at least two of these. I use them so much that it’s rare when all of mine are clean all at the same time. I use them for scraping the last bit of mayo out of the jar, for smoothing icing on cookies, and for getting every single itty bitty drop out of the food processor bowl.
10. Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press
No other garlic press brand comes close to this particular one, and trust me, I’ve had several. The Kuhn Rikon garlic press is strong, and its design and beveled holes maximize the amount and flavor of garlic.
11. 3 in. Pinch Bowls
These are invaluable when you’re prepping for any recipe. It keeps you organized, makes your prep go by faster, and you’re less likely to vary from the measured amounts. These are also great for individual dip cups!
This particular brand of zester/grater is hands down the best on the market. I’ve used several different graters, but this one is the sharpest, last the longest, and has the most comfortable handle.
13. Kitchen Scale
I use my scale every single time I bake now, and it makes such a big difference in the outcome of my recipes. Being accurate can be the difference between a fantastic focaccia and a “just ok” focaccia.
14. Kitchen Shears
You’ll be surprised by how often you’ll use a pair of kitchen shears when you have one available. They come in so handy when you’re using twine for chicken or turkey, or when you need to cut up chicken breasts (thin) into chicken strips. Herbs, lettuce, scallions; I can think of 100 more reasons you need these.
15. Mini Whisk
I’ve had my mini whisk (Pampered Chef) for over 20 years now and its still in perfect condition. I use it more than I use my regular size whisks, primarily because I make a lot of sauces, slurries and dressings.
An immersion blender can quickly take 5 pounds of steaming hot potatoes and turn them into mashed potatoes in 2 minutes or less. It’s one of the most convenient and time saving tools anyone can have in the kitchen.
17. Ball Jars
I have many, many mason jars in my kitchen and use them for canning, making dressings, dips, sauces, pickles, etc. They’re great for gift giving for birthdays and holidays, and convenient for making goodies for new neighbors, too. They have many, many uses.
18. Ball Jar Lids
Because unless you’re canning, the traditional lids get gross and rusty. They have a plethora of different lids now, including plastic twist-off and wooden. They even have these tops to use when sprouting seeds! (and yes, I do that too)
Happy Shopping!
