You don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets to cook delicious, beautiful meals. What really matters are those few pieces that work hard, last forever, and make cooking a joy.

Over the years, I’ve learned which tools truly earn their place on my counter or in my cabinets — the ones that get used every single week (sometimes every single day). These are my kitchen essentials: dependable, timeless, and perfect for anyone who loves to cook, host, and feed their people well.

You can find all of my favorite cookware and tools linked in my ShopMy collection here.

1. Everyday Cookware

When it comes to pots and pans, I believe in investing in a few high-quality pieces you’ll actually use — the kind that make you excited to cook dinner.

• Lodge Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven — If I could only keep one piece of cookware, this would be it. It’s perfect for soups, stews, braised meats, and slow-simmered sauces. It holds heat beautifully and transitions from stove to oven to table effortlessly.

• Lodge Enamel Cast Iron Braiser — Slightly shallower than a Dutch oven, it’s ideal for one-pan dinners and roasted vegetables. It’s one of those pieces that makes even a Tuesday night feel special.

• Half Sheet Baking Sheet — A true workhorse in my kitchen. I use it for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, toasting nuts, or prepping ingredients before cooking.

• 9×13 Baking Dish — My most-used piece of bakeware, whether it’s for casseroles, baked oats, or a big batch of enchiladas.

• Silicone Muffin Pan — I love this for baked oats, egg cups, and easy muffin releases without liners or stuck-on bits.

2. Cutting Boards & Knives

Prepping ingredients becomes a lot more enjoyable when you have the right tools.

• Wooden Cutting Boards — I use them for everyday chopping and as serving boards for cheese or charcuterie. They just get more beautiful with time.

• Stainless Steel Cutting Boards — Great for meats or anything that needs a quick, easy-to-clean surface.

• Good Knives — Sharp, well-balanced knives make all the difference. You don’t need a huge set — just a reliable chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife for bread.

(Tip: Keep your knives sharp — it’s safer and makes prepping feel smooth and satisfying.)

3. Small Appliances That Earn Their Place

These are the few small appliances that truly make my life easier — no clutter, just well-loved workhorses.

• KitchenAid Mixer — A classic for a reason. From mixing dough to whipping cream, it’s built to last and always sitting on my counter.

• Crock-Pot — Perfect for slow Sundays or busy weeknights when dinner needs to cook itself.

• Cuisinart Air Fryer — For crisping veggies, reheating leftovers, or making quick sides. It’s a game-changer when you want something golden without turning on the oven.

• Magic Bullet — Compact, fast, and perfect for smoothies, sauces, or blending soups in small batches.

4. Utensils I Reach for Daily

You don’t need a drawer overflowing with tools — just a few well-chosen utensils that feel good in your hands and stand up to everyday cooking.

• Silicone Utensils — Gentle on cookware, heat-safe, and perfect for stirring sauces or scraping every last bit from a pan.

• Wooden Utensils — My favorites for sautéing or serving — they bring warmth and charm to the kitchen.

• Metal Utensils — Ideal for flipping, stirring, and handling high heat when cooking with stainless steel or cast iron.

5. Handy Tools That Make Cooking Easier

A few small tools that keep my kitchen running smoothly.

• Salad Spinner — Once you start using one, you’ll never go back. Clean, crisp greens make salads taste infinitely better.

• Zester — A little citrus zest goes a long way in brightening up any dish (and it’s one of my most-used tools).

• Measuring Cups & Spoons — I keep sets in both stainless steel and glass for cooking and baking.

6. Why I Love These Pieces

Each of these items has earned its place in my kitchen because they make cooking feel intuitive, beautiful, and enjoyable. I don’t believe in cluttering your cabinets with trendy gadgets — I’d rather have a handful of well-made, versatile tools that last a lifetime.

Cooking becomes so much easier (and more fun) when your tools work with you, not against you. These are the pieces I trust, love, and use every single day.

You can find them all linked on my ShopMy page if you’d like to build your own timeless kitchen collection.