Take Your Cooking Skills to the Next Level – 12 Must Haves For Home Cooks

Are you a pro-home cook, or do you want to get there real quick? Well, either way, you will need these must-haves for home cooks because having the right tools in your kitchen arsenal is key to a good meal. From silicone kitchen utensils to small kitchen appliances, there are certain must-haves that every pro home cook needs at their disposal. Let’s dive into some of the best kitchen appliances and essentials that will take your cooking game to the next level.

1. Cutting Board & Knife 

In the world of culinary arts, where precision and efficiency are paramount, mastering the basics is essential. Two fundamental tools that lie at the heart of every home cook’s arsenal are the cutting board and the knife. These seemingly simple implements play a crucial role in transforming raw ingredients into culinary masterpieces, making them indispensable assets in any kitchen.

Cutting Board:

A cutting board serves as the foundation for all chopping, slicing, and dicing endeavors in the kitchen. Here’s why it’s a must-have:

• Material matters: Choose between wood and plastic cutting boards, each offering unique benefits. Wooden boards, particularly those made from bamboo, are renowned for their durability, knife-friendliness, and natural beauty. On the other hand, plastic boards are lightweight, easy to clean, and come in various colors to prevent meat contamination.
• Size and thickness: Select a cutting board that strikes the right balance between size and thickness. It should be spacious enough to accommodate your ingredients comfortably without overcrowding, while also being thick enough to provide stability and prevent warping during use.
• Hygiene and maintenance: Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for ensuring the longevity and hygiene of your cutting board. Wash it thoroughly with hot, soapy water after each use, and regularly oil wooden boards to prevent cracking and maintain their moisture content.

Check out these cutting boards:

Knife:

A sharp knife is the cook’s most trusted companion because you can decide the cooking time for each ingredient with every slice. You must consider the following when choosing your knife:

• Blade material and sharpness: Look for knives crafted from high-carbon stainless steel, known for their durability, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. A sharp blade ensures clean, uniform cuts and minimizes the effort required for slicing and chopping.
• Handle design and comfort: Opt for a knife with a comfortable grip and ergonomic handle design. A well-balanced knife with a handle that aligns with the blade’s weight distribution reduces hand fatigue and promotes control and precision during use.
• Versatility and maintenance: Invest in a versatile chef’s knife capable of handling a wide range of cutting tasks, from slicing and dicing to chopping and mincing. Regular sharpening and honing are essential to maintain the sharpness and performance of your knife over time.

Check out these knives:

2. Non-Stick Skillet

The non-stick skillet is a versatile and indispensable tool in any kitchen, valued for its ability to effortlessly cook a wide variety of foods without the risk of sticking. Here’s why it’s a must-have:

• Sheer convenience: A non-stick skillet is incredibly versatile. It can handle a diverse range of cooking tasks, from frying eggs and pancakes to searing steaks and sautéing vegetables, this kitchen workhorse can do it all.
• Effortless cooking experience: One of the primary advantages of a non-stick skillet is its ability to cook food evenly and without sticking. The non-stick coating prevents ingredients from adhering to the surface, allowing for easy flipping, stirring, and serving. This feature is particularly beneficial when cooking delicate foods like fish or eggs, where precise control and gentle handling are crucial.
• Durability and heat resistance: Always look for a product with a durable non-stick coating and sturdy construction. Always, opt for a skillet with a sturdy handle that provides a secure grip and remains cool to the touch during cooking.
• Easy cleaning and maintenance: One of the most significant advantages of a non-stick skillet is its effortless cleaning process. Thanks to its non-stick surface, food residue can be wiped away with minimal effort and stubborn stains can go with a simple scrub. Maintaining a simple cleaning routine is important to protect the Teflon coating and improve its durability.

Healthier cooking options: Using a non-stick skillet can also promote healthier cooking habits, as it requires less oil or fat to prevent sticking. With a non-stick surface, you can achieve golden-brown sears and crispy textures with minimal oil, reducing excess fat and calories in your meals. This makes non-stick skillets an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy flavorful, nutritious dishes without compromising on taste or texture.

Always look at the following features when buying a nonstick skillet:

• Teflon Coating: Teflon coating is more durable and lasts longer than nonstick skillets that have a ceramic coating.
• 5 Ply Metal Construction: Always check the weight of the product. Nonstick skillets that have a 5-ply metal construction are better at heating evenly, can withstand higher temperatures, and can hold the nonstick coating for much longer
• Safety Assurance and Warranty: Non-stick products are only healthy if they are built with care, using the right materials. Look for labels like ‘PFA and PFOA free’ as these are not good for human consumption, and make sure the skillet has at least 1 year warranty.

Check out these nonstick skillets:

3. Cast Iron Multi-Cooker

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern kitchens, where gadgets and appliances come and go with the latest trends, there exists a steadfast staple that has stood the test of time: the cast iron multi-cooker. 

At the heart of its versatility lies its ability to handle a myriad of recipes and cooking methods with ease. From braising and roasting to frying and baking, the cast iron multi-cooker is a true jack-of-all-trades in the kitchen. Its heavy, thick-walled construction ensures even heat distribution, making it ideal for slow-cooking techniques that require long, gentle simmering. Whether you’re searing a pot roast on the stovetop before transferring it to the oven or simmering a hearty stew to perfection, this versatile cookware delivers consistently tender and flavorful results every time.

It doesn’t end there. With its deep sides and generous capacity, it’s equally adept at frying, sautéing, and caramelizing a variety of ingredients. The robust construction of cast iron allows it to maintain steady temperatures, resulting in beautifully browned and crisped dishes that are bursting with flavor. 

And when it comes to baking, the cast iron multi-cooker truly shines. Its durable construction and excellent heat retention properties create the perfect environment for achieving golden, crusty breads, moist and tender casseroles, and decadent desserts that are sure to impress even the most discerning palate. What sets the cast iron multi-cooker apart from other cookware is its exceptional durability and longevity. I mean, this is the one utensil that can be passed through the generations.

Crafted from rugged cast iron, this cookware is built to last a lifetime – and then some more. Its heavy-duty construction can withstand high temperatures and heavy use without warping, cracking, or deteriorating over time. With proper care and maintenance, a cast iron multi-cooker becomes a cherished heirloom that can be passed down through generations, carrying with it a legacy of culinary tradition and craftsmanship.

Check out these cast iron multi-cookers:

4. Microwave Oven

In the fast-paced world of modern living, convenience is key when it comes to meal preparation and cooking. Enter the humble yet indispensable appliance that has revolutionized the way we approach food: the microwave oven. More than just a tool for reheating leftovers, the microwave oven has become a versatile kitchen essential that offers unparalleled speed, convenience, and versatility in culinary endeavors.

Features:

• Quick and efficient heating- At its core, the microwave oven is prized for its ability to heat food evenly to piping-hot temperatures with just the push of a button. Whether you’re reheating yesterday’s dinner, defrosting frozen ingredients, or warming up a mug of soup on a chilly day, the microwave oven delivers instant results, saving you valuable time and effort in the kitchen. With its rapid heating capabilities, you can enjoy hot, delicious meals in a matter of minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights or hectic mornings.
• Versatile cooking options- This microwave does more than just reheating food. Modern microwaves come equipped with an array of features and functions that elevate their culinary capabilities to new heights. One such feature is convection cooking, which utilizes a built-in fan to circulate hot air evenly around the food, resulting in crispy, golden-brown exteriors, and moist, tender interiors. This makes the microwave oven a viable alternative to traditional ovens for baking, roasting, and even grilling a wide variety of dishes, from succulent roasted meats to crispy casseroles and baked goods.
• Sensor technology for precision cooking- Another innovation in modern microwave ovens is sensor technology, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power levels based on the moisture and temperature of the food being cooked. This ensures precise and consistent results every time, eliminating the guesswork and potential for overcooking or undercooking. Whether you’re popping popcorn, steaming vegetables, or cooking a frozen dinner, sensor technology takes the guesswork out of microwave cooking, allowing you to achieve perfect results with minimal effort.
• Healthier cooking options- In addition to its speed and convenience, the microwave oven also offers healthier cooking options that align with today’s wellness-focused lifestyles. With its ability to cook food quickly and with minimal added fat or oil, the microwave oven promotes healthier eating habits by preserving the nutritional integrity of ingredients and reducing the need for excessive frying or sautéing. From steaming vegetables to poaching fish and eggs, the microwave oven offers a range of healthy cooking techniques that make it easy to prepare nutritious meals without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Check out these microwave ovens:

5. Blender

It is a versatile and indispensable tool in the kitchen, prized for its ability to effortlessly transform ingredients into smooth, creamy concoctions with just the push of a button. Whether you’re whipping up a refreshing smoothie, pureeing soups, and sauces, or creating creamy nut butter and dips, a high-powered blender is a must-have for pro-home cooks looking to elevate their culinary creations to new heights.

Diverse use in culinary applications:

One of the standout features of the blender is its multiple features. From breakfast to dessert and everything in between, this appliance can handle a wide range of tasks with ease. Here are just a few ways in which a blender can be utilized:

• Smoothies: A smoothie blender is the ultimate tool for crafting delicious and nutritious smoothies packed with fruits, vegetables, protein powders, and other wholesome ingredients. With its powerful motor and sharp blades, it effortlessly breaks down tough fibers and seeds, resulting in smooth, velvety blends that are bursting with flavor and nutrients.
• Soups and sauces: Whether you prefer silky-smooth soups or chunky, rustic sauces, a blender can help you achieve the perfect consistency every time. Simply blend cooked vegetables, broth, and seasonings until smooth for creamy soups, or pulse ingredients for a few seconds for a chunkier texture. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating homemade soups, sauces, and purees with a heavy-duty blender.
• Nut butter and dips: Although food processors are naturally better at making nut butter and dips, blenders with a powerful motor and sharp blades can effortlessly transform nuts, seeds, and other ingredients into creamy condiments. Whether you’re craving homemade almond butter, hummus, or pesto, a blender can handle the task with ease, resulting in delicious and nutritious spreads that are perfect for snacking, dipping, and spreading on toast or crackers.

Check out these blenders:

6. Dutch Oven

Another essential piece of cookware for pro home cooks is the trusty Dutch oven. Perfect for slow cooking, braising, and baking, a Dutch oven is a versatile workhorse that can handle everything from hearty stews to crusty artisan bread. Look for one with a tight-fitting lid and sturdy handles for easy maneuverability.

3 in 1 cooking methods:

The Dutch oven’s diversity lies in its ability to accommodate various cooking methods, making it suitable for preparing a diverse range of dishes. Here’s how it excels in different culinary applications:

• Slow cooking: The Dutch oven’s thick walls and heavy lid create the perfect environment for slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld and develop over hours of gentle simmering. Whether you’re preparing a hearty beef stew, tender pot roast, or savory chili, the Dutch oven ensures tender, succulent results every time.
• Braising: The Dutch oven’s ability to retain and distribute heat evenly makes it ideal for braising, a cooking method that involves searing meat before simmering it in flavorful liquid until tender. The tight-fitting lid traps moisture and steam, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meats and rich, flavorful sauces.
• Baking: Beyond savory dishes, the Dutch oven is also well-suited for baking a variety of breads, cakes, and desserts. Its heavy construction and even heat distribution create the perfect conditions for achieving crispy, golden crusts and tender, moist interiors. Whether you’re baking crusty artisan bread, fluffy rolls, or decadent cobblers, the Dutch oven delivers exceptional results with minimal effort.

Key Features to Consider:

When selecting a Dutch oven for your kitchen, there are several key features to keep in mind to ensure optimal performance and durability:

• Tight-fitting lid: Look for a Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid to trap moisture and steam during cooking, ensuring tender, flavorful results. A well-sealed lid also helps prevent evaporation and maintains consistent heat throughout the cooking process.
• Sturdy handles: Opt for a Dutch oven with sturdy handles that provide a secure grip and easy maneuverability, especially when transferring the pot from the stovetop to the oven or serving at the table. Durable handles ensure safe and comfortable handling, even when the pot is filled with heavy ingredients.
• Material and construction: Dutch ovens are typically made from cast iron or enameled cast iron, both of which offer excellent heat retention and durability. Cast iron Dutch ovens are seasoned for natural non-stick properties, while enameled cast iron Dutch ovens feature a smooth, non-reactive interior for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Check out these Dutch ovens:

7. Measuring Spoon

Precision is key in the kitchen, which is why every pro home cook needs a set of measuring spoons. Whether you’re adding a pinch of salt or a dash of vanilla extract, a good set of measuring spoons will ensure that your recipes turn out perfectly every time.

Here’s why every pro home cook relies on a set of measuring spoons:

1. Precision in measurement: The cornerstone of the measuring spoon’s utility lies in its ability to measure dry and liquid ingredients precisely. From a pinch of salt to a tablespoon of baking powder, a good set of measuring spoons allows for meticulous control over ingredient quantities, ensuring that recipes are executed accurately and consistently. This precision is particularly crucial in baking, where even slight variations in ingredient proportions can impact the outcome.
2. Provides multiple uses: Measuring spoons are indispensable for a wide range of culinary tasks, from baking and cooking to cocktail crafting and seasoning. Whether you’re measuring spices and seasonings for a marinade, portioning out ingredients for a sauce, or garnishing a dish with a sprinkle of herbs, measuring spoons provide the perfect tool for achieving uniformity and balance in flavor profiles. Their compact size and varied capacities make them suitable for measuring both small and large quantities.
3. Consistent results every time: By ensuring precise measurements, a set of measuring spoons guarantees consistent results with each culinary endeavor. Whether you’re following a cherished family recipe or experimenting with new flavor combinations, the reliability of measured ingredients ensures that your dishes turn out as intended, with flavors harmoniously balanced and textures perfectly executed. This consistency instills confidence in the cooking process, allowing home cooks to create dishes that delight the palate and impress guests time and time again.

Check out these measuring spoons:

8. Tongs

When it comes to flipping, tossing, and serving food, nothing beats a good pair of tongs. Look for ones with a comfortable grip and sturdy construction that can handle even the heaviest of meats and veggies.

Features:

• Effortless handling: Tongs are the ultimate multitaskers in the kitchen, capable of performing a wide range of culinary tasks with ease. Whether you’re flipping sizzling bacon in a skillet, gently turning delicate fish filets on the grill, or plating a vibrant salad with precision, tongs provide the perfect combination of strength and agility to handle any culinary challenge. Their elongated design and spring-loaded mechanism offer precise control and maneuverability, allowing for effortless handling of ingredients of all shapes and sizes.
• Efficiency in cooking: One of the key advantages of tongs is their ability to streamline the cooking process and maximize efficiency in the kitchen. By eliminating the need for multiple utensils, such as spatulas, forks, and spoons, tongs simplify meal preparation and reduce clutter on the countertop. With a quick squeeze, you can lift, flip, or transfer from one vessel to another, minimizing the risk of spills and splatters and ensuring smooth, uninterrupted cooking.
• Comfort and durability: A good pair of tongs is characterized by its ergonomic design, featuring comfortable grips and sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of daily use. Look for tongs with nonslip handles that provide a secure grip and reduce hand fatigue during extended periods of cooking. Additionally, opt for tongs made from durable materials such as stainless steel or silicone, which offer excellent heat resistance and longevity, ensuring that they can handle even the heaviest of meats and veggies without bending or breaking.
• Hygiene and safety: Tongs also play a crucial role in promoting hygiene and safety in the kitchen; allowing you to handle the ingredients hands-free. Their heat-resistant design also protects hands from burns and injuries when working with hot surfaces or open flames, providing an added layer of safety for home cooks.

Check out these tongs:

9. Air Fryer Oven

From homemade french fries to crispy chicken wings and crunchy onion rings, an air fryer oven offers the perfect solution for achieving that irresistible fried texture with a fraction of the calories. Here’s why every home cook should consider adding an air fryer oven to their culinary repertoire:

• Healthier cooking with less oil: One of the most significant advantages of an air fryer oven is its ability to produce crispy, fried-like results using significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. By circulating hot air around the food at high speeds, an air fryer oven creates a crispy outer layer while locking in moisture, resulting in perfectly cooked dishes with a fraction of the calories and fat. Whether you’re craving crispy fries, crunchy chicken tenders, or golden-brown onion rings, an air fryer oven allows you to indulge in your favorite fried foods guilt-free, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious home cooks. 
• Versatility in culinary applications: Beyond its ability to produce crispy fried foods, an air fryer oven offers versatility in a wide range of culinary applications. From roasting vegetables and baking desserts to reheating leftovers and even cooking entire meals, an air fryer oven can handle a variety of cooking tasks with ease. Its spacious interior and adjustable racks provide ample room for cooking multiple dishes at once, making it a convenient and efficient tool for meal preparation. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, an air fryer oven offers endless possibilities for creating delicious and satisfying meals.
• Convenience and time-saving benefits: In addition to its health benefits and wide range of use, an air fryer oven also offers convenience and time-saving benefits that make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. With its rapid heating and cooking times, an air fryer oven allows you to whip up crispy, delicious meals in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods. Its intuitive controls and pre-programmed settings make it easy to achieve perfect results every time, whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for guests. Plus, it’s easy-to-clean design and removable parts make cleanup a breeze, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

Check out these air fryer ovens:

10. Milk Frother

For aficionados of lattes and other frothy delights, the milk frother emerges as an essential tool in the pursuit of cafe-quality beverages from the comfort of home. Whether crafting a cozy cappuccino or indulging in a frothy hot chocolate, a milk frother elevates your creations with a professional touch, transforming ordinary drinks into luxurious, barista-worthy treats. 

Here’s why every latte lover should consider adding a milk frother to their arsenal of kitchen gadgets:

• Perfect froth for cafe-quality beverages: The hallmark of a well-crafted latte or cappuccino is its velvety, creamy froth atop a rich espresso base. A milk frother ensures that you achieve the perfect froth consistency every time, whether you prefer a light foam for a cappuccino or a denser microfoam for a latte. By aerating and frothing milk to perfection, a milk frother allows you to replicate the texture and mouthfeel of your favorite cafe beverages with ease, turning your home kitchen into a personal coffee haven. 
• Can do more than what the name suggests: Beyond lattes and cappuccinos, a milk frother can prepare a wide range of hot and cold beverages. From indulgent hot chocolates and creamy chai lattes to refreshing iced coffees and matcha lattes, a milk frother allows you to experiment with different flavors and textures, customizing your drinks to suit your taste preferences. Its ability to froth both hot and cold milk opens up endless possibilities for creating gourmet beverages that rival those found in specialty cafes.
• Convenience and ease of use: Using a milk frother is a breeze, making it an ideal accessory for busy mornings or leisurely coffee breaks alike. Simply add your desired amount of milk to the frother, select your preferred froth density, and with the press of a button, watch as the milk transforms into a luxurious froth in a matter of seconds. With no manual whisking or steaming required, a milk frother streamlines the beverage-making process, allowing you to enjoy your favorite drinks without the hassle or mess.
• Professional touch to homemade beverages: Whether you’re hosting brunch with friends or enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation at home, a milk frother adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your homemade beverages. Impress your guests with beautifully frothed lattes and cappuccinos that rival those served in upscale cafes, or treat yourself to a decadent hot chocolate topped with a cloud-like foam. With a milk frother at your disposal, you can elevate everyday moments into memorable experiences, one perfectly frothed beverage at a time.

Check out these milk frothers:

11. Kitchen Composter

This is a convenient and eco-friendly solution for managing food waste right in your home. Instead of sending food scraps to the landfill where they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, you can divert them to a composter where they undergo decomposition in a controlled environment.

Once you’ve collected your food scraps, whether it’s fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, or even small amounts of yard waste like leaves or grass clippings, you simply deposit them into the composter. Inside the composter, natural microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, begin breaking down the organic matter through a process called composting.

Composting is essentially nature’s way of recycling organic material. As the microorganisms break down the food scraps, they release heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapor as byproducts. Over time, the organic material transforms into nutrient-rich compost, which is dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling. This compost is packed with essential nutrients and beneficial microorganisms that can enrich soil and promote plant growth.

Once the composting process is complete, you’re left with a valuable resource that can be used to improve the health and fertility of your garden soil or nourish indoor plants. Whether you’re growing fruits and vegetables, flowers, or houseplants, adding compost to your soil can enhance its structure, increase moisture retention, and provide essential nutrients for plant growth.

In addition to reducing food waste and producing nutrient-rich compost, using a kitchen composter also helps minimize your carbon footprint. By diverting organic material from landfills, you’re preventing the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Instead, you’re harnessing the power of nature to recycle organic waste into a valuable resource that benefits both your garden and the environment. By incorporating composting into your daily routine, you can play a vital role in creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Check out this composter from Amazon:

12. Meat Thermometer

Last but certainly not least, we have the meat thermometer. Whether you’re grilling steaks, roasting chicken, or smoking ribs, a meat thermometer is your best friend for ensuring that your proteins are cooked even on the inside. No more guesswork or overcooked meat – just juicy, flavorful results every time.

You should have a meat thermometer if you make meatballs and other preparations that require quick cooking and searing. Just a simple poke can protect you and your family from harmful illnesses like salmonella. 

Check out this meat thermometer from Paris Rhone:

So, there you have it – a roundup of the best kitchen appliances and essentials for pro home cooks. With these tools in your arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any culinary challenge that comes your way. Happy cooking!