Favorite Things
Below, you’ll find a smattering of some of my most-used, favorite kitchen items. Everything from bakeware to utensils and bowls to appliances. If it’s listed here, it’s because I own it, I love it, I can’t live without it.
Some (not all) of the links below are Amazon affiliate links (if I’ve bought the product from there), but as always, feel free to shop around for the best deal.
Appliances
Pellet Smoker + Grill
I’ve had this grill (an older model) for years; I use it several times a week! Best grill ever.
Slow Cooker
Simple is best when it comes to slow cookers – I love this 8-quart, non-electronic version. It doesn’t cook hot; it’s durable and perfect.
Simple Electric Juicer
This inexpensive electric juicer is perfect for larger jobs (like homemade lemonade!).
Powerful Hand Mixer
This hand mixer is a beast – I’ve had mine for years and it is going strong!
Instant Pot
Yes, I’m one of those crazy Instant Pot lovers and proud of it. I have the 6-quart and 8-quart and often use both at the same time. Dinner saver!
Blendtec Blender
I definitely think a high-powered blender is worth the investment. I have the Blendtec and love it.
Wheat Grinder
Another appliance I’m not sure I could live without – I’ve been using this amazing KoMo grain mill for almost 10 years. It sits on my counter and I grind wheat every day using it.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer
I don’t use my KitchenAid as much as my Bosch, but it is useful for a lot of things. I bought mine at Costco, but it’s similar to the one linked.
Bosch Stand Mixer
I love my Bosch. More than words. Can’t live without it and use it every day to prove myself of that fact.
Food Processor
After having two Cuisinart food processors die on me, I bought this Breville one and it’s been going strong for years – totally worth the investment!
Ice Cream Maker
Easy homemade ice cream in just minutes! This little counter top appliance is amazing.
Waffle Iron
I like having a waffle iron like this that can make four square waffles – perfect for mornings at our house.
Panini Press
I have the older model of this panini press and it gets a ton of use in my kitchen – panini night (ok, or just grilled cheese).
Baking Favorites
Basic Rolling Pin
Love this thing – durable, sturdy, inexpensive, and works like it should.
9X13-Inch Metal Pan
I love this 9X13-inch metal pan so much that I have two – it comes with a tight-fitting cover, which is so handy.
French Bread Pans
Not necessary, but pretty darn fun – this French bread pan makes, well, perfect French bread.
9X13-Inch Ceramic Pan
I love this classy ceramic 9X13-inch pan (bonus: it comes in red and blue, too!)
9X13-Inch Glass Baking Pan
Who can honestly live without this versatile baking pan? Not me!
9.5-Inch Deep Pie Plate
Inexpensive and durable, I have a couple of these 9.5-inch pie plates on hand for deep dish pie baking needs (and whisking up French toast batter!)
9-Inch Pie Plate
Nothing fancy, this classic 9-inch pie plate is a staple in my kitchen (not just for pie making!).
10-Inch Springform Pan
Cheesecake needs options – I have this 10-inch springform pan and love it (well, as much as you can love a baking pan).
9-inch Cake Pans
Straight-sided cake pans are a must; these are my favorite 9-inch round cake pans.
Chicago Metallic Bread Pans
My fave bread pans from Chicago Metallic! I’ve been using them for 8 years and they are still going strong!
Bread Bags
I use these bags for all my homemade bread; they are long and can fit standard and large loaves with lots of room to spare!
9-inch Springform Pan
Cheesecake forever! I’ve had this 9-inch springform pan forever – going strong!
Half Sheet Pan
These half sheet pans are indispensable in the kitchen. I use them for cookies, large batch brownies, rolls – so many things!
Nonstick Muffin Tin
These muffin tins are the perfect balance of nonstick without being so dark coated that the muffins burn. Love them!
Cookware
Stovetop Pressure Cooker
This is like the Cadillac of pressure cookers – I love this thing and have a feeling it will be around to hand down to my grandchildren.
Farberware Pots and Pans
I know there are higher-ranked cookware sets on the market, but this Farberware set has seen me through over a decade.
Enameled Cast Iron Pot
I don’t have a Le Creuset to compare, but this much more affordable cast iron pot is awesome. I use it most to make no-knead bread.
Griddle
I use this griddle almost daily: pancakes, French toast, flatbread, tortillas, etc.
Electric Skillet
This electric skillet is so handy when making larger batches or if your stovetop is maxed out.
12-Inch Stainless Steel Skillet
I use this skillet every single day. It is one of the most versatile cooking tools I have (and it has a lid!).
12-Inch Nonstick Skillet
I use this skillet every single day. It is one of the most versatile cooking tools I have (and it has a lid!).
Utensils/Bowls/Gadgets
Rada Bread Knife
I love this inexpensive, PERFECT bread knife! Been using it for years and it’s the best bread knife I’ve had.
Cookie/Brownie Spatula
This is the only spatula I use to get those cookies off the pan! Simple, simple!
Small Offset Spatula
I use this small offset spatula for so many things – one of the most oft-used tools in my kitchen.
Small Paring Knife
I can’t say enough good about this inexpensive, durable paring knife. It’s one of our most oft-used knives!
My Favorite Knives
I love these knives from New West Knifeworks. I have the G-Fusion Chopper, Petty Utility Knife, and Santoku.
Inexpensive Glass Pitcher
I love this glass pitcher so much, I have two! From Crate and Barrel, it is $15 or less and super durable and pretty!
Zeal Cook’s Spoon {My Fave Spoon EVER}
I’ve given full on sermons about how much I love these life-changing silicone (with metal insert) spoons. You can find them cheaper if you are local to a Utah Harmon’s grocery store.
Heatproof Silicone Spatulas
Nothing fancy, these silicone spatulas are functional and durable.
Instant Read Thermometer
An instant-read thermometer will totally change your meat cooking game, and when it’s this inexpensive, there’s no reason not to have one.
Candy/Deep Fry Thermometer
This is the only candy thermometer I’ve used for years – it isn’t perfect (no such kind on the market), but it’s definitely the best out there, in my opinion, especially if it’s calibrated correctly.
Creme Brûlée Dishes
The best dishes for creme brûlée – but we also use these for dishing up all kinds of desserts or side dish salads and the like.
Easy-To-Use Cooking Torch
Rock star points if you have a cooking torch and EXTRA points if you use it. Perfect for creme brûlée and homemade s’mores.
Perfect Can Opener
I tell everyone I know about this can opener (nerd alert). I swear, it’s not JUST a can opener. It’s something special. I’ve been using mine for years and love it so much.
Potato Masher
I’ve tried a lot of potato mashers in my day – this is hands down the best ever.
Easy-View Liquid Measuring Cups
I’ve had these liquid measuring cups (you can see the measurements easily by looking down while pouring) for years – I love them so much!
Kitchen Scale
I consider a kitchen scale a necessity. I use this scale (my favorite of ALL the scales I’ve ever tried) every single day.
Homemade Ice Cream Container
If homemade ice cream makes you happy, these cute (functional) ice cream storage containers will make you even happier. I’m not even going to tell you how many I have.
Glass Mixing Bowls
No question about it, these Pyrex bowls are definitely the most-used bowls in my kitchen.
Bench Scraper/Knife
I know I talk about this nifty bench scraper/cutter all the time, but I’m in love. I use it constantly – cutting dough into portions, scraping flour-crusted countertops, and my kids use it for safe chopping.
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