The 14 Kitchen Tools That Make Me a Better Home Chef

I tested this squeegee along with some other OXO products last year. If I had to pick a winner of the bunch, it would be this. If you don’t have a garbage disposal, this makes scraping off food residue before you wash your dishes mess-free. It even has curved, grippy edges so you can maneuver it to hit hard-to-reach places. It’s dishwasher-safe, and I use it to collect any crumbs on my countertops too. ($7.99, OXO)

My mom (who hates chopping pretty much anything) put me onto this small appliance also from OXO. You can add onions, carrots, celery, nuts, or anything small you want to chop. When you press on the top, its covered blade will rotate in different directions creating a perfect chop every time. Everything is collected neatly in its catcher cup. The best part: It’s dishwasher-safe, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning the crevices out by hand. ($22.99, OXO)

I bought this bowl from Material on a whim and it’s become a fast favorite in my kitchen. It’s made of recycled plastic so it has a grippy texture that won’t scratch or stain. There’s something about the texture as well that makes mixing ingredients easier. It won’t slip around on your countertop, and is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. It comes in so many bright colors, you can serve out of it, too. ($20, Material)

Shopping for knives is intimidating, especially if you’re new to developing knife skills (like me). This 8-inch knife from Material is made of a durable Japanese steel and I use it at least once a day. The handle is slightly weighted, which I love because it allows for more control. Buy it on its own or as a part of this magnetic knife block bundle. ($79+, Material)

This set of knives is inexpensive and wonderful for beginners. You can get a set of four for under $30. I use them for chopping smaller veggies and fruit. During the pandemic, I used these knives to help me safely develop my chopping skills. They’re sharp, yet lightweight and small for maximum control. I’ve had them since 2020 and their quality has remained. If you’re new to chopping and feel reluctant, start with these. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

There’s no better feeling than actually using up every grocery you bought. These silicone food huggers cover the cut side of produce to keep them fresh. I love these because I typically do not need a whole plastic bag for cut produce and these are a simple solution. Use them for all kinds of halves, including lemons and avocados. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

What frustrates me about other expensive Dutch oven brands is that they’re so heavy you tend to reach for them less. While Our Place’s Always Pan has been endlessly hyped, I’m here to say that I think their star product is the Perfect Pot. It’s shockingly lightweight. I love its nonstick coating and the fact that it can go from the stove to the oven. Making soup has never been easier. ($105, Our Place)

When I’m considering what to keep in my apartment kitchen, I always look for small products that’ll serve multiple purposes. This sheet pan from Our Place is my latest obsession. I use it for baking cookies and sheet cakes, roasting veggies, as a vehicle for transporting food to our grill, and as a nonstick griddle for pancakes. It does everything, while still being so compact. ($55, Our Place)

I bought this in May as a way for me to make matcha lattes and hot chocolate at home. My trick: Sifting the matcha powder and milk directly into the top of the frother for a creamy at-home latte. I do the same thing for hot chocolate and I’m constantly impressed by the outcome. You can pick from three temperatures and froth levels. I also love that the pitcher part is waterproof so I don’t have to worry about water damage when I’m hand washing it. My boyfriend loves it for coffee, too. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

This airtight set has made meal prep and actually finishing our leftovers a breeze. The tops and bases all stack together in our cabinets, so we aren’t left to dig around to find a match. I love that the lids have a clear window, so we know exactly what we’re grabbing out of the fridge. They’re also dishwasher-, freezer-, and microwave-safe and all nestle together in our fridge. The bundle we have comes with three different sizes. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

I’ve been a fan of Hedley & Bennett aprons for a long time. They’re durable, easy to wash, come in countless colors, and I love their spacious pockets for holding utensils while I cook. The one I have is made of a soft denim and it’s held up well after multiple splashes, stains, and uses. ($80.75, Hedley & Bennet)

Here to confirm that Ninja blenders are definitely worth their internet buzz. This one has a 72-ounce capacity, so I can use it for blending soups without worrying about spillage. After blending, I throw everything in the dishwasher to clean. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Forget having to cut and maneuver parchment paper into place. These pre-cut sheets from Reynolds allow you to pull and place a sheet in seconds. They lay flat and won’t curl up along the sides. I use these for everything and find the printed grid useful for cookie dough placement. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

I use lemon-scented pearls on a weekly basis to keep my kitchen smelling fresh. Run your garbage disposal to clean out any remnant food scraps. Then, let your faucet run with warm water and drop one of these down the sink. Run your disposal again for 15 seconds. A lemon scent will emanate throughout your space. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)