Top 10 Must-Have Cooking Tools

Are you looking for the best cooking tools to up your game in the kitchen this year? It’s a new year, which means it’s time to clean out your kitchen and get rid of any old tools or appliances that you don’t use anymore, and update them with new ones!

The kitchen is the command center of most households, so it’s vital to have trusted, reliable cooking tools that can withstand everyday use, and help you master your cooking skills.

If you are looking for the best kitchen gadgets, check out my fabulous list of the top 10 cooking tools, and get started on your way to becoming the best chef you can be!

There are a lot of cooking gadgets out there, and it can get confusing and overwhelming when trying to decide what you need, and what you don’t. Many of you have reached out to me and asked what cooking tools and appliances I like to use when I’m doing my thang in the kitchen. So, I thought it would be helpful if I put together a list of my top ten recommended cooking tools. These are all tools that I regularly use (except for the air fryer I just bought – so excited!) and feel like I could never live without them.

I got to admit…it was hard narrowing this list down to just 10 items. I LOVE cooking tools and kitchen gadgets and have way more than any normal person should. But today I’m sharing the tools I feel that you’ll find the most helpful and want to use. Check them out!

BEST KITCHEN GADGETS

1. Instant Pot DUO

   There’s been a lot of buzz and excitement about the Instant Pot. And for a good reason! This baby replaces nine standard kitchen appliances, and cooks food up to 70% faster! You can make just about anything in the Instant Pot. When I realized I could make my own rotisserie chicken in less than an hour, I was hooked. It’s so popular that it has its own community recipes Facebook page.

2. Blendtec Total Blender Classic

   This high-powered, professional-grade blender is truly something I cannot live without. From perfectly blended smoothies to velvety sauces, this blender is a breeze to use and does EXACTLY what I need it to. I love the sleek and modern look, and it fits nicely on the counter, and under my cabinets.

3. Cuisinart Immersion Blender

   Because I hate transferring hot, wet food to my regular blender, this immersion blender has made my life so much easier. I’m able to process my soups, sauces, and batters, and it’s right in the pot or bowl. I couldn’t have made my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup or my Homemade Chipotle Mayonnaise without it! It’s comfortable to hold, easy to use, and pops right into the dishwasher for easy clean-up.

4. Citrus Press

   I cook with lemons and limes A LOT, and this citrus press helps me juice them so quickly and easily. My hands don’t get irritated with citrus juice, it keeps out all pulp and seeds, and I’m able to get every last drop of juice, so I don’t feel like I’m wasting.

5. Electric Knife Sharpener

   My knives are expensive, and I use them multiple times a day, so I make it a priority to take care of them and keep them nice and sharp with this electric knife sharpener. It’s SO much faster and easier to use than a manual sharpener, and I get a perfectly sharp edge on my knives.

6. Air Fryer

   I feel like the air fryer is going to be the Instant Pot of 2018. There’s been a lot of talk and buzz about air fryers, and so I figured that I better give one of these a try! Air fryers let you “fry” food with no oil…just hot air. I just ordered this one, and can’t wait to try out some new air fryer recipes!

7. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

   Nothing gets that seared crust on meat like a good old-fashioned, quality cast iron skillet. This particular one by Lodge comes pre-seasoned and is a fantastic price. I have a few of their cast iron pans, and Lodge is always my go-to brand.

8. Hot Air Popcorn Popper

   Nothing beats fresh, hot, homemade popcorn, and this Hot Air Popper does a phenomenal job of delivering perfectly popped kernels with zero oil. If you do choose to add oil or butter, there’s a little butter melter/measuring cup right on top – super convenient. And it does it all in less time than it takes to make microwave popcorn.

9. Silicone Basting Brush

   The easiest and cleanest way to spread oils and sauces on your food! These pastry brushes are made from food-grade silicone and can withstand very high temperatures, so great for hot pans or grills. And they can go right in the dishwasher for easy clean-up. You’ll never need to use those gross, hairy brushes again!

10. Spiralizer

    My spiralizer and I are in the midst of a serious love affair. I use this thing SO much! Like in my Chicken Meatballs and Zoodles and my Chicken Zoodle Soup. Being able to spiralize vegetables gives you so many options to replace high-carb pasta. And it just makes your food so darn pretty!