
Over the years, I have shared several lists of kitchen essentials that I consistently reach for. Since I love to cook, I’ve gone through my fair share of gadgets and have learned which items are truly worth investing in and which ones you can go the more affordable route on. Of course this all really comes down to your budget and personal preferences (are you a baker or do you spend more time making family dinners?)
I know firsthand that kitchen staples can get costly real fast. That’s why I wanted to put together a list of items that I actually think are worth spending a little bit more money on. There are some affordable dupes that will get you by while others require the real deal (in my opinion.)
Keep in mind that curating the ideal kitchen gadget lineup will take some time. Rather than buying all of these picks at once, start with the item you anticipate on using the most, then build up from there. If you have any finds that you swear by or love, please let me know in the comment section below! I’m always looking for new staples to test out and hope that this list serves as a good resource for you.
Kitchen Staples to Invest In
High Quality Pots and Pans
This should come as no surprise, but investing in high quality pots and pans can make a world of a difference in your overall cooking experience. I know it might seem like the cheap stuff can get you by, but I guarantee that after a few months, you’ll wish you went with the nicer option.
Inexpensive cookware can get easily warped and scratched, not to mention that a lot of cookware is made with less-than-appealing resources. My top recommendation is to go with cast iron, which holds up well over time and provides you with tons of versatility in terms of what you can cook. Just be mindful of the cleaning instructions (and never put any of these picks in the dishwasher!)
Le Creuset Signature Dutch Oven

Our place Large Always Pan

LE Creuset Everyday Pan

Real Wooden Cutting Boards
Investing in a real wooden cutting board will leave you wondering how you ever used anything else. I know that many people have plastic cutting boards, but the last thing I want is tiny pieces of plastic in my meals (gross, right?)
The Boos Chopping Block is a good option because of its thickness and durability. It’s the kind of piece you’ll have for a lifetime (and it also makes a great gift.) Wood cutting boards are highly versatile and they’re a great option for those who grill or frequently make meat.
John Boos Maple End Grain Chopping Blocks

teak End-Grain Cutting Board

round acacia board

Coffee and/or Espresso Machine
There’s no daily ritual I love more than my morning cup of coffee, and having a nice coffee maker is a game changer. Brewed to perfection, I can now confidently say I prefer a cup made at home over my to-go order from our local coffee shop. The espresso machine we have is a major investment, but I can confidently say it’s worth the high price point. You can make everything from a basic drip coffee to a specialty latte in this machine. I’m sharing some other popular choices below as well!
JURA E6 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Nespresso Vertuo next and Aeroccino3 Milk Frother

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

SMEG Retro Manual Espresso Machine

Blender, Mixer, and/or Food Processor
I’ve gone through my fare share of blenders, electric mixers, and food processors over the years and the only thing I can say is that I wish I would’ve invested in these pieces earlier. If you cook or bake frequently, buying quality can eliminate any frustration within your cooking experience. Smoothies and homemade sauces are on frequent rotation in our home, so we need tools that easily blend, mix, and chop ingredients and leave it with a smooth consistency. These picks all have rave reviews and would easily make the cut!
Vitamix Propel 750

Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor

KitchenAid® 5.5 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer

Serveware
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or cooking for family, having quality serveware pieces on hand offers the perfect finishing touch. Classics like glass cake stands and serving platters are two picks that instantly come to mind. These details can really pull a meal together and score you bonus points for your presentation!
Claude Glass Cake Stand with Lid

Marin Mirror 5-Piece Serving Set

Heirloom Stoneware Oval Serving Platter

