Essential Kitchen Tools for Beginners: What You Really Need
You don’t need a full kitchen to cook well. Here are the essential tools—knives, pans, and utensils—that will get you cooking with confidence.
Start With the Basics
New to cooking? It’s easy to think you need every gadget. In reality, a small set of reliable tools is enough for most everyday meals. Focus on quality over quantity, and add more later if you need it.
Knives and Cutting
Chef’s Knife
An 8-inch chef’s knife is the workhorse of the kitchen. Use it for chopping vegetables, herbs, and meat. You don’t need an expensive one to start—choose something that feels comfortable and keep it sharp. A dull knife is less safe and less pleasant to use.
Cutting Board
Use a sturdy cutting board that won’t slip. Wood or plastic are both fine. Have at least one large enough for your knife to move freely. Some cooks use one board for vegetables and another for raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.
Pots and Pans
Large Pot
A large pot (around 4–5 quarts) is ideal for pasta, soup, and boiling vegetables. A lid helps when you’re simmering or steaming.
Skillet or Frying Pan
A 10- or 12-inch skillet is useful for eggs, stir-fries, and browning. Non-stick is helpful for eggs and delicate foods; stainless steel or cast iron is better for getting a good sear on meat or vegetables.
Saucepan
A medium saucepan (2–3 quarts) is handy for rice, sauces, and heating smaller amounts of liquid. Again, a fitted lid is useful.
Utensils and Extras
- Spatula and wooden spoon: For stirring, flipping, and scraping. A heat-resistant spatula works well in non-stick pans.
- Tongs: Great for turning food in a pan or on a grill and for serving salads.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Helpful for baking and when you’re still getting used to portions.
- Mixing bowls: A set of two or three in different sizes covers most mixing and prepping needs.
What You Can Skip (For Now)
You don’t need a food processor, stand mixer, or specialty gadgets to cook well. Start with the items above, then add equipment as you try new recipes. Our recipes are designed to work with basic kitchen tools so you can focus on technique and flavor.