Essential Kitchen Equipment for Prep and Cooking

Whether you are just starting out learning to cook, or are a seasoned pro, there are many pieces of equipment that are essential to preparing and cooking a meal. Of course, there are many specialized gadgets you can have, but they aren’t necessary.

The equipment can be broken up into three different categories: preparation, range-top, and bakeware. When you are starting out, it’s perfectly acceptable to get some of “the cheap stuff” when it comes to kitchen equipment. The first kitchen I had of my own, in college, was a lot of hand-me-downs and thrift store purchases. When we got married, Justin and I were gifted with a lot of kitchen equipment that we used to replace the older stuff. Now, when I need something new, I save up and buy quality items so they will last for a long time.

I’ve linked all of these to some of the best options that you can purchase on Amazon for their prices. Sometimes you may find a product cheaper, but quality matters for many of these.

Also, make sure you know what type of pots and pans you want before you purchase any cooking utensils. If you have nonstick pans make sure you don’t use any metal or it will ruin the surface of the pans.

Of course, not all of these are completely necessary, but they are a good way to get started in the kitchen and make sure you aren’t missing anything that you may need to prepare your own meals. At the end of the post, you can get a free checklist by joining my mailing list so you can take it to the store with you.

This is also a great list if you are starting a wedding registry for a new home!

Preparation

Bottle Opener
Can Opener
Chef Knife
Clear Glass Liquid Measuring Cups
Colander
Corkscrew
Cutting Board
Dry Measuring Cups
Flexible Metal Spatula
Grater and/or Shredder
Kitchen Shears
Ladle
Long-Handled Fork

Measuring Spoons
Meat Mallet
Meat Thermometer
Mixing Bowls
Oven Thermometer
Pancake Turner
Paring Knife
Pasta Server
Rolling Pin
Rubber Spatula
Serrated Knife
Slotted Spoon
Tongs
Vegetable Peeler
Wire Cooling Rack

Download a copy of the Essential Kitchen Equipment checklist to see what you are missing in your kitchen:

Range-Top

2-quart Saucepan
4-quart Saucepan
6-inch Skillet
8-inch Skillet
12-inch Skillet
8-quart Stockpot
Flat Pan

Bakeware

8×8 & 9×13 Baking Dish
8- or 9-inch Loaf Pan
8- or 9-inch Round Baking Pan
Baking Sheet
Baking/Pizza Stone
Casserole Dishes
Jellyroll Pan
Muffin Pan
Roasting Pan with Rack

If you want more in-depth information about some of these products, check out the following posts:

The 7 Wonders of Kitchen Shears
One of the most versatile kitchen tools is a good pair of kitchen shears. Learn 7 wonderous ways you can use your kitchen shears today.

Back to the Basics: Cookware and their Best Uses
The options for cookware can be overwhelming. Make sure you know the essential pieces for any kitchen and what their ideal uses are.

5 Reasons Every Kitchen Needs a Baking Stone
Have you ever used a baking stone? It’s one of my favorite pans to cook with. Learn about the advantages and do’s/don’ts of a baking stone.

Back to the Basics: Kitchen Utensils all Cooks Need
Before you can start cooking elaborate meals, it’s important to make sure to learn the basic utensils all cooks need and their purpose.

How to Make Meal Prep Quicker with these 9 Gadgets
Dinner time can take so long sometimes, with the prep and the cooking and the cleaning. These 9 gadgets can speed up your prep time.

My 10 Favorite Gadgets for Cooking Whole Foods
Once I started cooking more from scratch, there are a few kitchen gadgets that I just can’t cook without and must have in my kitchen.

Back to the Basics: Cookware Materials
There are many options when purchasing new cookware, and knowing the differences in the material they are made of can help make that choice.