These are the tools that live on my counter, fill my drawers, and make cooking enjoyable.
I cook every single day, and these are the tools that show up in almost every video and photo on nutsandtwigs.com. Every single thing on this list earned its spot - if it wore out, broke, or annoyed me, it got replaced with something better. Consider this list a living document.
Most of this list is completely unglamorous. A few things are a little bougie. All of it makes cooking better, and that is the only criterion that matters.
Almost every link on this page is an affiliate link, which means I earn a small commission if you purchase through it at no extra cost to you.
I only recommend things I genuinely use and love, and if you want to see even more of my honest recommendations, check out my lunchbox gear reviews for kids.
Everyday Cooking Essentials: The things I use almost every single day
- Citrus Juicer - Fresh lemon juice makes every dressing better. [Zulay Kitchen Lemon Squeezer Stainless Steel]
- Mini Whisk - Essential for emulsifying dressings right in the bowl. [Chef Craft Classic Mini Sturdy Whisk]
- Measuring Spoons - I use these every single time I develop a new recipe. [Spring Chef Stainless Steel Magnetic Measuring Spoons]
- Cast Iron Pot and Pans - My most used pots and pans. Goes from stovetop to oven effortlessly.
- Wok - We keep ours on the stove because we use it all the time. Love this wok. [13" Seasoned Carbon Steel Wok]
- Knife - While I have many high end knives, I've had this box set since 2009 and they still work great. They are a great value and a great product...check out the reviews. [Kyocera 5.5" & 3" White Blade ]
- Wooden Spoons - Simple, reliable, and they never scratch your pans. [Cherry Wooden Spoons for Cooking Set of 6]
- Zester - I didn't realize what I was missing until I used a microplane. Now I zest everything. Everything. [Microplane Classic Zester Grater]
- Tongs - Possibly the most versatile tool in the kitchen.
- Kitchen Tongs [Williams and Sonoma]
- BBQ Tongs
Prep Tools: For chopping, measuring, and getting everything ready
- Measuring Cups - Accurate measuring makes better recipes every time. [OXO Good Grips 4 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cups with Magnetic Snaps]
- Mixing Bowls Set - I use every size constantly. [Viking Mixing Bowls Set]
- Vegetable Peeler - Simple but essential.
- Mandoline Slicer - Has never needed sharpening yet! Bought in 2012. [Börner V3 TrendLine Mandoline ]
- Kitchen Scissors - More useful than most people realize. Great for cutting up the herbs. [KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears]
- Mortar and Pestle - Crushing garlic by hand unlocks a depth of flavor that a knife or press simply cannot touch. This one is heavy, sturdy, and built to last forever. [Fox Run Large Marble Mortar and Pestle]
- Kitchen Scale - Love this scale. It's easy to use and clean. [BOMATA Large Kitchen Scale]
Small Appliances: The ones actually worth the counter space
- NutriBullet - It's great for sauces and dressings. [NutriBullet]
- Immersion Blender - For soups, sauces, dressings, and smoothies without dragging out a full blender. [KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender]
- High-Speed Blender - For smoothies, creamy soups, and cashew-based sauces, this simple Vitamix does the job. [Vitamix Two Speed Blender]
- Instant Pot - For beans, grains, soups, and fast weeknight meals, this 6-quart gets used all the time. [Vitamix 62828 Drink Machine Two Speed Blender]
- Air Fryer - I've had a few air fryers, and this one is my favorite so far. [Instant Pot Vortex 6QT XL Air Fryer]
- Professional Portable Induction Cooktop - This is the cooktop you see in most of my posts. [Duxtop Professional Portable Induction Cooktop]
- Food Processor - A game changer for hummus, sauces, and chopping large quantities. [Cuisinart Food Processor, 14-Cup]
Smaller Items
- Moka Pot - I have a couple of sizes, but this is the one we use the most. [Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker]
- Potato Ricer - Fluffy mashed potatoes every single time with this twisty ricer. My old ricer has not seen the light of day since. [Potato Ricer Masher Ergonomic Twist-Action]
- Popcorn Popper - Easy to use, no oil needed. [The Original Korcci Microwaveable Silicone Popcorn Popper]
- Ice Cream Scooper - I think this one is the best I've ever had. [Zulay Ice Cream Scoop]
- Brown Sugar Savers - Resurrected my brown sugar from a complete rock-solid disaster. I did not believe they would work. I was wrong. [Goodful Brown Sugar Saver and Softener Disc]
Baking Basics: Even if you only bake occasionally
- Baking Sheets - I use these for roasting vegetables as much as baking. [GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Carbon Steel 13" x 9"]
- Silicone Baking Mat - Reusable alternative to parchment paper. [4 Pack Silicone Baking Mat]
- Cooling Rack - For baked goods and also for resting roasted vegetables. [Wilton Gold Premium Non-Stick Warp-Resistant Rack]
Storage and Organization for meal prep and keeping your kitchen sane
- Glass Food Storage Containers - I store almost everything in glass. Better for food, better for the planet, and the food just tastes better. [Snapware Food Storage] For vented containers, I use Premium Glass Food Storage Containers with Vented Lids.
- Glass Jars with Lids - I make many of my dressings in these. Perfect for mixing, storing, and shaking. [Flute Glass Jars on Amazon] [Small Glass Jars] [French Canning Jar]
- Reusable Produce Bags - For storing produce, snacks, and meal prep. [Ello Reusable Produce Bags, Assorted Sizes]
Serving and Table: Because how you serve food matters too
- Salad Spinner - Dry lettuce is the secret to dressing that actually sticks. [OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner]
- Salad Tongs - For tossing and serving. [KEBE 2-PACK Serving Tongs]
- Serving Bowls - I love a beautiful, big white bowl for salads, pasta, and grain bowls. [LE TAUCI Bowls]
Have a question about any of these products, or want to know what I use for a specific recipe? Drop a comment on any recipe post at nutsandtwigs.com - I love hearing from you.
