Must-Haves

After navigating dozens of different kitchens over the years while cooking for my clients, I’ve learned a thing or two about the tools and gadgets that make the sometimes-daunting task of cooking, feel like second nature. Here are my picks for the best kitchen items ranging from affordable to extravagant. Check back regularly for new items!

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Utility Aprons

I can’t overstate the importance of a clean apron in the kitchen. I dedicated the name of my business to mine after all! Pockets for small important things (like a thermometer), a place to keep your kitchen towel close to your body, plus, your wardrobe will thank you greatly.

Taylor Kitchen Thermometer

I can’t begin to count how many steaks, tenderloins, roast chickens, cakes, and breads that have been saved by this tool. Using a thermometer takes all of the guess work out of cooking. I particularly like this brand because of its compact design and lack of tangle prone wires.

Instant Pot Ultra

While crockpots have never appealed to me, this pressure cooker has revolutionized my cooking game. After a busy day of work, you can come home, toss in some beef short ribs, a few veggies, and in an hour, you’ll have the most tender, delicious meat, that tastes like it’s been braising in a Dutch oven all day. I even use it on special occasions and holidays when cooking for a crowd, because of its huge capacity and fool proof efficiency.

Wusthof Classic 6" Chef's Knife

While this is a pricier item, I consider it to be one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. You don’t necessarily need an entire block of high-end chef’s knives to increase efficiency in the kitchen. One quality knife will do just fine so long as you keep it clean and sharp. I recommend a 6” for beginners as its less cumbersome than the 8”.

Whysko Stainless Steel Bowls

These wide bottom bowls with lids are essential for food safety and efficiency. Neatly seal marinating meat, store sauces and dressings away for later, vigorously whisk brownie mix without fear of spillage, and even proof sourdough. And let’s not forget about their stack-ability for saving precious cabinet space.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet 10.25"

A New York Strip’s best friend, cornbread’s companion, and the proper home of chicken pot pie, this pan is a favorite among cooking enthusiasts for good reason. Take care of it and it will last you a life time.

Wire Racks

Fool proof for making mess-free bacon, cooling cookies, and evenly cooking beef tenderloin. Racks ensure even distribution of heat around food in the oven, as well as even air flow for cooling.

Microplane Classic Zester

This sleek tool may appear to be your run of the mill citrus zester, but it is so much more. Elevate your recipes by grating garlic into a smooth paste, rather than the sharp angular bits you get from a rough mince. Impress your dining companion with gorgeous curly strands of fresh parmesan cheese atop their pasta. And with the right technique, get every bit of zest from your citrus of choice. No more patchy lemons with chunks of

bitter pith missing.

Bench Scraper

The perfect tool for cutting, measuring, and handling homemade pastry or pasta dough, plus it doubles as the best countertop scraper for stuck on foods

Hand Towels

In a busy kitchen, you can never have enough clean towels. Buy them in bulk and you'll always keep your hands and aprons clean