A well-equipped kitchen does not have to be expensive. Most home cooks rely on the same handful of tools every day. Start with these essentials and add specialty items only when you know you will use them.
Knives and boards
- A chef’s knife (20 cm / 8 inch): the most important tool in your kitchen. Choose one that feels comfortable and balanced in your hand.
- A small paring knife: for peeling, trimming and small jobs.
- Two cutting boards: one for raw meat and fish, and one for vegetables, fruit and bread.
Pots and pans
- A heavy frying pan or skillet: cast iron or stainless steel lasts for decades. Read our cast iron skillet guide.
- A non-stick pan: for eggs, pancakes and delicate fish.
- A large pot with a lid: for soups, stews, pasta, rice and dal.
- A pressure cooker or multicooker: saves time on lentils, beans, rice and tough cuts of meat.
Prep and baking
- Mixing bowls in several sizes
- Measuring cups and spoons, plus a digital kitchen scale for accurate baking
- A sheet pan or baking tray: for roasting vegetables, baking cookies and making pizza.
- Wooden spoons, a silicone spatula and tongs
- A fine grater: for ginger, garlic, citrus zest and hard cheese.
How to save money
- Buy fewer, better tools that last instead of large sets with pieces you will never use.
- Look for seasonal sales on cookware and appliances.
- Check local kitchen supply stores, which often sell professional-quality tools at good prices.
Storage
Good storage keeps food fresh and your kitchen organized. See our comparison of glass vs. plastic meal prep containers.
Keep reading: Spice pantry starter kit and put your new tools to work with our classic dal tadka.