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The kitchen is the heart of the home.
Whether you’re a proud take-out connoisseur or an aspiring Top Chef contestant, the kitchen is where so many memories are made with loved ones over good food.
If you just moved into a new place or feel like you’re not equipped to make those recipes you found on Pinterest, there are probably a few things your kitchen could use. Like a durable pan that does the work of 8 pieces of cookware or a blender you can trust or perhaps a colander or fire extinguisher for the times you think you have it covered, but you start to smell something burning.
To help you make the most out of your kitchen and empower you to take on any meal with confidence, we rounded up all the items your kitchen should have. Why? Because adulting is hard, and we’re all in this together.
The Best Kitchen Essentials
QiMH Collapsible Colander, 5 quarts
While stocking a new kitchen or refreshening your own arsenal of gadgets, a colander is often the most forgotten item. It serves a variety of purposes like rinsing and draining foods like pasta, vegetables and fruits. This one is BPA-free and collapses for easy storage when you’re not using it.
Ahyuan Large Roll-up Dish Drying Rack
This drying rack is an essential item in our lazy girl’s kitchen guide. If you hate doing dishes or have little time, use this rack after washing your kitchenware, and they will sit pretty instead of in a pile in the sink.
Amazon Basics 14-Piece High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Set
If you live in your own house or apartment, you need a set of durable knives that will cut through meat, fruits and vegetables. This set has superior high-carbon stainless steel blades for precision and accuracy.
First Alert HOME1 Rechargeable Standard Home Fire Extinguisher
No matter how skilled you are in the kitchen, having a fire extinguisher is a must.
Ninja Blender, NJ601AMZ
We don’t know about you, but we rely heavily on our blender. It’s not only important to have a blender that you don’t have to shake every few seconds, but one that can sit pretty on your countertop. Backed by over 86,300 5-star Amazon reviews, this Ninja Blender is a popular choice. Fans rave that it’s powerful, can crush ice in seconds, and is super easy to clean.
ThermoPro TP19H Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer
As a beginner chef, you’re probably guesstimating whether your meat is cooked or not, which is okay! But if you want to serve up a perfect steak, get yourself a meat thermometer.
Vesteel Mixing Bowls with Lids, Set of 5
A chic set of mixing bowls are another thing that you can’t go without.
Crockpot 6qt My Time Slow Cooker – Silver
You can be working, doing errands or exercising while your dinner is safely cooking in your Crockpot. We have this one and love it for those days when we’re being pulled in every direction. It has a digital countdown control screen to help you keep track of your cooking progress and make sure you don’t overcook your meal. Plus, it’s super easy to clean.
GreenPan Craft Noire 13-Piece Cookware Set
Say it with us, “Invest in quality cookware!” Featuring 13 pieces (including skillets, saucepans, and stockpot), this scratch-resistant cookware set has everything you need for every kind of dish. Reviewers rave that everything is non-stick and easy to clean.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville
To buy coffee or make it…is the question we ask ourselves every morning. For the sake of saving money and getting to make our cup of coffee the way we like it, we count on our Nespresso machine (that can make hot or iced espresso or coffee). It’s easy to use with the pods and can make 5 different sizes, depending on your cup. Best of all, it’s delicious (and a great price).
KITCHELLENCE 4-in-1 Kitchen Knife Accessories: 3-Stage Knife Sharpener
We used to think knife sharpeners were reserved for professional chefs, but they are game-changers for any kitchen regardless of your skill level.
The Original Gorilla Grip Reversible Cutting Board Set of 3
Even if your counter is super clean, it’s best to cut and prepare your veggies, meats and fruits on a proper cutting board.
Chef’s Path Airtight Food Storage Containers Set with Lids (24 Pack)
The cure to cluttered cabinets? Clear, airtight containers. This 24-piece set by Chef’s Path will make your shelves look more aesthetically appealing while helping you easily locate ingredients.
Always Pan
Say goodbye to take-out and clutter with the hottest pan on the market. The lightweight pan features non-toxic ceramic coating and replaces eight traditional cookware pieces. It offers ultimate convenience with a custom stainless steel steamer basket, nesting beechwood spatula with integrated spoon rest and pour spouts.
Bamboozle Home Composter
Reduce waste and enrich the quality of your backyard’s soil? Count us in! This compact and discrete composter has biodegradable bamboo fibers and a durable construction to keep out smells or flies.
Zulay Metal 2-In-1 Lemon Squeezer
When I discovered this lemon squeezer, my cooking became so much tastier. Just half a lemon or lime, squeeze, and you’ll have fresh juice in seconds. It’s also backed by over 37,400 5-star Amazon reviewers who agree with me.
Ready for more kitchen must-haves? Then check out Stanley Tucci’s chic cookware collection.
—Originally published Jan. 9, 2022 at 7 AM PT.
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