The Anti-Gadget Guide to Setting Up Your Kitchen
My kitchen tells the story of a thousand culinary dreams gone wrong. I still remember the meat grinder I brought home from my in-laws, convinced it would revolutionize our family's burger nights. Three years later, it's still sitting in its box, the in-laws don’t want it back, and we've become regulars at local burger spots in the neighborhood. The kids don't seem to mind! Then there was the catch-all drawer: a single-serve blender that can't handle frozen fruit, a "professional-grade" non-stick pan that lasted three eggs, and an Instagram-famous spiralizer that promised guilt-free pasta but delivered only regret.
We've all been there: standing in the kitchen aisle of a big store, convinced that a gadget catching our eye (single serve espresso machine for me) is somehow essential. While it is tempting to follow the latest appliance trends or feel pressure to buy expensive equipment, starting with the basics will set you up for good. Remember that "essential" tools can vary depending on your cooking style. For example, if you regularly cook Asian cuisine, you might prioritize a rice cooker and wok over some of the items I'll mention. Adapt these suggestions to match your cooking needs and traditions.
After wasting a ton of money on gadgets I never use, I've learned a simple truth: you need far fewer tools than you think. Here's how to build a functional kitchen without having every gadget you think you need.
What kitchen tools do you need?
By focusing on the daily tools you’ll use, you’ll build a solid foundation for making your own food that you can expand as you gain experience. Here are the essential items, in order of importance:
Knives - A 6-9 inch chef's knife for chopping, slicing, and dicing. This is your kitchen MVP - I use mine daily for everything from dicing onions to breaking down whole chickens. You don't need a $200 knife; a $30-40 one will serve you well. Add a basic $10 paring knife for smaller tasks like peeling and cutting small vegetables. The best knife is a sharp one.
Cutting Board - A sturdy, spacious board is essential. Wood or plastic will suffice.
Saucepan and Frying Pan - For boiling, sautéing, and frying.
Utensils - Large silicone spatula for stirring and mixing. Large mixing spoons, smaller tasting spoons. Tongs and flippers for serving food. Can opener. Ladle.
Mixing Bowls - Various sizes for different tasks. The bigger the better - you’ll have more room to mix.
Strainer - Useful for rinsing greens and draining pasta.
A Big Pot - For cooking large amounts of food in one pot, like soups and stews.
A Set of Sheet Pans - Meal planning lifesavers. No sweat when cooking two things at once!
Non-stick Pan - Essential for eggs. Flipping pancakes is easy.
I know these sound basic, but try prepping a meal without a good knife or solid cutting board—it’s a struggle! Having these multifunctional tools lets you tackle most recipes easily. Check out my knife skills post to learn the basics. If you have limited kitchen space, the right tools reduce clutter and save you money.
Now that we’ve got the essentials down, I want to add a few additional tools to enhance your cooking experience.
Kitchen Tools Worth Upgrading
These tools can enhance your kitchen experience, but they're not essential to start. Consider them your "someday" list - items to gradually add when you find them on sale or receive as gifts. I've collected mine over years of random sales and holiday presents.
Cast Iron Skillet - A kitchen workhorse. It retains heat, becomes non-stick over time, and lasts forever. And yes, you can wash it with soap!
Dutch Oven - An enamel-coated cast iron pot versatile for stovetop and oven cooking.
Immersion Blender - Perfect for soups, sauces, and smoothies.
Microplane Grater - Ideal for zesting (removing the outer, colored part of the peel) citrus or grating cheese, garlic, ginger, and other ingredients.
Digital Thermometer - Ensures well-cooked meats every time. Every. Time.
These tools aren’t just about convenience—they make cooking less of a hassle. A cast iron skillet can last a lifetime and be your go-to for everything from searing steaks to making flatbreads. Imagine making a slow-cooked stew in a Dutch oven—hands off, the flavors develop beautifully, and cleanup is minimal. Or blending a smooth soup directly in the pot—no need to transfer to a countertop blender. Mincing garlic by hand? Grab that microplane grater. With a digital thermometer, you’ll know exactly when your meat is done.
Three Strategies to Reduce Kitchen Overwhelm
While trendy gadgets might catch your eye, a functional kitchen doesn't necessarily need them. Simplifying your setup keeps your space clutter-free and makes cooking easier.
Declutter regularly - Assess your kitchen and see what tools you use. Start with the essentials listed above. Is there anything unused in the past 6-12 months to drop off at the thrift store (warning: resist the temptation to bring home more gadgets!) Anything outdated needing replacement?
Start with the basics - When you're eyeing a new kitchen tool, hit up restaurant supply stores or discount retailers first. A $10 aluminum sheet pan works just as well as a $25 branded one. If you use something constantly for six months, then consider upgrading - but you might find the basic version does everything you need.
Write it down instead - Try keeping a written wishlist of things you want. Writing it down gives you a sort of instant gratification. This helps get the urge out of your system so you won’t think about it. Usually, it loses its appeal over time. My wishlist usuallly trims down to things I actually need. Then, I’ll buy new or a replacement.
Let’s make some food!
With this guide, you're ready to set up a practical kitchen that actually works for your life and your budget. No Instagram-worthy matching sets required - just solid tools that help you get dinner on the table.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences about your kitchen setup! What’s the most useless item you have in the kitchen that at some point you thought was a game-changer? Share your story or burning questions in the comments below, drop me an email, or join me on Instagram to continue the conversation. Let’s do this cooking adventure together.
