It takes time to build up a collection of kitchen essentials. Also, there are specific pieces of kitchen equipment that we replace and upgrade as we evolve as a cook. If you are ready to up your cooking game, replace old appliances or are looking for some inspiration, we have put together this kitchen essentials check list.
1. Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is becoming extremely popular. People are now using these more than their oven thanks to their versatility. Depending on which version you get, the Instant Pot is a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, a rice cooker, can be used for sautéing/browning, is a yogurt maker, a steamer and a food warmer. We put this on the kitchen essentials checklist because it is a must have for any modern kitchen.
2. Vitamix A3500 Blender
If you take your cooking seriously and make your own soups or sauces from scratch, or want to look after yourself with a morning smoothie, then a Vitamix has to be in your kitchen essentials checklist. There are less expensive options out there, but, Vitamix make seriously good blenders. The A3500 is our choice as it is powerful, durable, looks good and easy to clean.
3. Lakeland Bakeware Non Stick Large Roasting Tin
How are you going to make a Sunday roast without a proper roasting tin? For a budget pan this roasting tin has many features leading us to our recommendation.It has a generous capacity, it has an easy-to-clean non-stick surface and very useful a pouring lip.
4. Knife Block
There is no tool more important item to put on your kitchen essentials checklist than a good set of knives and it’s worth your money to invest in a good one. That being said, this knife set from HOBO is very reasonably priced and has 14 different items, including a sharpener. This is a great option for any kitchen.
5. Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid stand mixer gives you everything you want in a mixer – a powerful motor, big stainless-steel bowl and solid results. It excels in everything you want a mixer to do in the kitchen. This is our choice for mixing it up in the kitchen
6. KitchenAid Tri Ply Frying Pan
This pan is another quality product from KitchenAid. If you are familiar with the brand, you know that this is going to be good. It gives consistency in whatever you are cooking, from eggs to steak. It is priced high enough to let you know it is good quality, but low enough to be affordable.
7. 7-in-1 Chopping Board Set
Your kitchen essentials checklist needs to have a chopping board or two on it. However, this is a set of 7. You get a large bamboo chopping board (which is very durable and hygienic), but you also get 6 colour coded plastic ones too. This means you don’t contaminate your food. This is a very cost effective and safe addition to your kitchen.
8. Hand Blender
A hand blender has to be on your kitchen essentials checklist. They are cheaper than big blenders and are great for smaller cooking tasks, but they are still very versatile. There are a few things to consider who buying one, so check out our buying guide below.
9. Slow Cooker
As a cheaper alternative to the Instant Pot, you may want to consider a slow cooker. We really like the Crockpot 4.7L Countdown. It is large enough to feed your family and will slowly cook great food while you are out of the house.
10. Saucepan Set
Obviously you will need saucepans on your kitchen essentials checklist. We really like the Tefal Ingenio. This is an expensive set but they have a clever design that sees the pans nesting like Russian dolls. This saves valuable cupboard space. They are made very well with, with titanium and stainless steel saucepans with non-stick coating. Choose from sets of 4, 6 or 13 pans.
Have you got any of these items? Please let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments section below.
