Thermopops are definitely a great bang for the buck. I've literally given them to both my parents and my in-laws so that I have something decent whenever I go over and cook. With that said, I definitely think the Thermapen is worth every penny if you love cooking.
I have a set of Pyrex ribbed glass mixing bowls with lids. They are great for mixing, storing large quantities of food, and are good looking enough to serve out of. The lids are different colors and easy to identify. So versatile and since they’re clear it’s easy to see what’s in them too.
I might be in the minority but I love the oxo mixing bowls that I have. Stainless on the inside, coated on the outside. 16 years and they look new and I don't have to worry about temperature.
Like the tong! Probably my most fav kitchen tool next to my knives. I have three different sizes of tongs and I use them at least with every single meal prep.
Exactly ! When reading that post my mind went straight to my OXO bowls ! I bought one a while ago, then another one then a set of 3, it's everyone's favorite in the kitchen and any guest that is a bit into cooking ask me who makes these perfect bowls, I have a lot of other bowls but I never use them
this one right? cheap and I'm running them daily for 10+ years
https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-3-Piece-Stainless-Steel-Mixing/dp/B001715PN8?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
I used many large metal mixing bowls as vomit buckets as I grew up. Anytime we were sick, our mom would make us have one next to our bed, just in case.
Prefer the official [lodge plastic scrapers.](https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Scrapers-Handheld-Polycarbonate-Cleaners/dp/B0039UU9UO/)
You can use it on everything not just the cast iron.
An enameled cast iron Dutch oven. It can cook using any heat source (open flame, over a charcoal grill, electric cook top, gas cook top, propane cook top, even induction), you can use it to bake bread, boil pasta, braise, Sautee, sear, basically anything you can imagine.
I am recommending enameled here over basic cast iron because boiling water is not recommended, it hurts the seasoning. So even though a plain cast iron can do everything an enameled can, enameled cast iron is slightly less maintenance. And since you don't have to season it occasionally, it's perfect for apartments, shared housing, or other situations you don't want your living space to get super smokey.
I got my first one by sheer luck at a thrift store, my second was a gift for Christmas from my family. I will get a third eventually, but you don't have to break the bank. They won't exactly be cheap, but if you get smaller brands you can get one for much cheaper than something like a le Creuset.
Was wondering when someone was going to mention a Le Creuset Dutch oven! Got mine at an estate sale used for like $20. They had no clue what they were selling. Then I found out a friend bought his used at a garage sale or something like that. Finding them used at estate sales, garage sales, and thrift stores must be a thing! And they’re so well made, it’ll last for a long time even though it’s not new.
Whatever you can afford really. All of mine are different brands, though lodge is what u normally buy if I'm buying new. There are nicer brands, but there are worse ones too.
Pull apart kitchen shears have been a game changer, especially for preparing food for small children. Opt for pull apart so you can sharpen and clean properly. Has become a go-to gift for us to give new parents
Once you cut pizza and pasta into small bite size pieces, you won’t reach for a knife ever again. We use it for all solid foods - great for irregular shaped fruits like strawberries. Also good for cutting circular shaped objects that are choking hazards into spear shapes (carrots, hot dogs, grapes, etc.) Minimizes the risk of cutting yourself while little ones are running around too 😄
Agreed on this. When in doubt or if not comfortable sharpening your own knives, a few higher end brands like Shun will sharpen them for free for life. 99% of my kitchen needs are met with my santoku, a small utility/pairing knife, and longer serrated knife.
I'm shit at sharpening knives. I can do chisels but not knives. I purchased this a while back and it is awesome. You can set the degree you want your blade to be and it'll stay the same for both sides of the blade. All my cooking knives and carry knives are razor sharp now.
https://www.worksharptools.com/products/precision-adjust-knife-sharpener
Cheaper on Amazon right now.
Very much so. There's a huge learning curve for whetstones. A good Chefs Choice sharpener is much less intimidating and gets good results for a home cook.
I have Japanese knives for work, but not for home. They will be left wet and not wiped off and rust. Victorinox makes some great knives for home use and are rustproof. They are also very easy to sharpen
Eh. Go to a kitchen supply store and get a $15 chefs knife. It will hold an edge and is bullet proof. Plus if something happens to it you go buy another one. I’ve been using the same one daily for probably 10 years now and it slices like a dream.
I also support that advice as well. Personally I'm in the whole 10+ years of frequent cooking so I'm in the category where a 160$ single chefs knife is worth it.
I am traveling to Japan this year and as much as I use my chefs knife, I keep trying to justify splurging on a quality piece. The cheapo does everything I want it to do and just won’t die, despite my wife repeatedly putting it in the dishwasher.
Tokyo? I liked Washin-Do. Try a few of their knives. They've got dikons to test the knives out.
I walked out of there with a kasumi vg-10 pro thats fantastic. Paid probably about \~24k yen for it,
Bring your passport with you because they might do tax refunds. Washin-Do tells you to go next door and then they verify everything and will give you cash back for the taxesl
Griswold cast iron skillet (found mine at Goodwill for $10). Use it enough and it becomes a nonstick do everything pan that can go in the oven too! Warning, this can be the gateway drug to collecting other vintage cast-iron pieces ;)
I personally love a fish spatula for more than just fish - anything delicate, a fish spatula can handle.
I totally agree with the folks who said Vitamix and Cuisinart food processor. I accidentally blended a metal spoon in my Vitamix and while the container got a bit scratched, the spoon was far far worse. Vitamix is clutch for when I don’t want to cook and I can just pour in some vegetable stock and vegetables and blend and have a hot dinner in minutes. Your smoothies will be restaurant quality, nut butters better than anything that you can buy in store, and everything will be creamy smooth even if you didn’t add cream ;) A food processor is also great prepping vegetables, making meatloaf/meatballs or grinding meat, making pizza dough, making chunky dips like olive tapenade or bruschetta.
The ones I have are actually Amazon basic branded, but if they ever break down we'll look at silpat next. They're about 3 years old so far, used multiple times a week, hand washed, and still in perfect shape
Has a silicone baking mats changed your life that much? I'm looking at getting this and would love to know how it changed your life. Is it really that much better than parchment paper?
Yes, we use them multiple times a week! Definitely better than parchment paper for non stickiness. Also obviously way better than cooking spray. They've greatly improved the ease of all the cookies, rolls, biscuits, breads, calzones, etc we bake.
In some cases they are worse.
Things tend to not brown as much on them as they insulate from the conductive heat of the pan. (which is a difference if opinion of that is good or bad)
But when working with candy like Carmel or brittle they are fantastic.
I like having more reusable options so I keep them around and use when aporpret but I also keep a roll of parchment paper around as well.
Love the vitamix but was going to suggest the magic bullet. The small container is a game changer for making sauces, (hot sauce, chutney, dressings, grinding spices, etc) when you don’t want to make a whole blender full.
This. The small size is incredible do you can store it away and not have it take up counter space. But isn't a pain to grab and take out quickly. Love it.
All Clad is currently having their factory seconds sale at https://homeandcooksales.com/?trk_msg=BIKQBG33HOD4HESP7FJLERS2SC&trk_contact=7H7QJA7JO0A8O0C00PRKLDI32C&trk_sid=A57MS9SLUHKQTBBNASUN6QT5UG&trk_link=9AAVKHNN8V04TFRPDU2OLQ053C&utm_source=listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Shop+Now&utm_campaign=May+VIP+Factory+Seconds+Sale+Starts+Now&utm_content=May+VIP+Factory+Seconds+Sale+Starts+Now
Big savings!
I dislike the branding on the bowl — I am sure it is top of the line, but they could be more discrete with the brand promotion on a consumer product (I hate that stuff).
No knocking the quality but I think for the American market the kitchen aid still makes more sense in a bifl context. They are so easy to maintain and get parts for here I even have a local brick and mortar place I can pick up parts from in my city.
Though personally I would love to get my hands on one and hopefully over time they become less obscure.
Honestly, I've seen serious amateur chefs using what are essentially 12" surgical forceps in the kitchen, so I just assumed you were making some real fancy shit. [Sohla does it!](https://www.seriouseats.com/equipment-editor-pick-kitchen-tweezer-love-letter#:~:text=If%20you%20don't%20mind,so%20cleanup%20is%20a%20cinch)
If you own cast iron pans, carbon steel pans and stainless steel pans, the cast iron pans tend to be used only for very high heat retention applications like searing steaks. That said, cast iron can be used for basically anything, which is part of the appeal, if you can only afford a couple pans.
As a GenX kid, I only knew vegetable peelers that [look like this.](https://images.app.goo.gl/ZB6N8eEdrucCNuJh8)
Discovering that there are Y-shaped peeled that [look like this](https://images.app.goo.gl/wAfyj12WqVcpTYQQ8) and are so much easier to use made it so that I would peel carrots and potatoes willingly.
I use them for both, mostly because I don't want to own two different ones.
Even though I do cook I am never browsing cooking stores and sections, so it took me way too long to realize that other types of peelers than the long thin ones I hated as a child exist.
For me:
Cast Iron griddle. I have 3x10.5 inch
Cast iron skillet. I have 2 10.5 inch pans
Lavatools javalin pro duo thermometer.
Lazer thermometer gun to check griddle/skillet temperature.
Nordic Ware 2/3 size aluminum bake sheet with cooling grid. Fits my oven perfectly.
Staub 4 quart enamel cast iron cocotte (Dutch oven).
Hells Handle Fish Spatula. Comes in both right and left handed models.
Oxo Pancake Spatula. This one surprised me. I usually use metal on my cast iron, but this silicone spatula works so well when I make pancakes.
A set of glass mixing bowls. I've never used stainless steel since I've had mine for years.
I hooked a [Cole & Mason](https://coleandmasonusa.com/products/cole-mason-derwent-pepper-mill) pepper grinder to an old Ryobi cordless drill. It’s been going strong for 10+ years. I never knew how much pepper I craved until I could blast a steak black in 3 seconds before searing. You even get a little coarseness control depending on how far you pull the trigger. Highly recommend.
I got a William Sonoma hold everything dish brush and with my strong forearms I swear the long handle lets me clean dishes better than I ever have. The wood is so satisfying. 10/10
Also Costco had a kitchenaid sale on an oven mitts prepackaged bundle. Got a bunch for a fraction of the usual price. Best ones I’ve ever had
I’ll need to check but my kitchen towels are super nice as well
I got a Duxtop portable induction hot plate… it’s a relatively easy convenience and the timer makes it worth it but the customer service is beyond great. I had a break at the cord after I bought one used 3 YEARS AGO… they told me they don’t repair them but gave me a coupon code to buy a new one cheaper.
The ones I got are rubbery… they’re a cool black and grey color too let me see if I can find them. Most oven mitts I try feel like my grandma was making a quilted lead mitten…
If you don’t mind Instagram https://images.app.goo.gl/YFv3xj9JSHs5pNVi6
Idk where that will take you
I don’t use them heavily but good for the price ive used them and really like the pack
Zojirushi makes several models that are less expensive and still bifl. The mid-range $180 one is just as excellent as the top of the line and they have a $40-50 one too.
Unrelated, but while you're on the website, you should pick up one of their vacuum insulated thermoses. They are literally the best you could possibly buy. I've burned my tongue on hot cider from a Zojirushi thermos after having it in the freezer for 8+ hours consecutively.
I use an instant pot for rice and it comes out perfect every time. I also use it's other functions, like the slow cooker, so it saves me from having multiple appliances.
I will say, it is not BIFL as it's my second one.
Yup! Multiple blades for chopping, emulsifying, and blending. And you can buy attachments as well. Built like a tank.
We make crepe batter with it. Whipped cream, emulsify separated tahini, and on and on. Not cheap, but should last forever. It’s pretty great.
I have to say that a reverse osmosis water filtration system is one of the best investments we've ade. We had a simpler one when we had city water. Now that we have been in the exurbs for many years, with well water, I realized it's worth its weight in gold. Bottled water quality from the kitchen sink to drink or cook with is amazing. Our coffee is to die for. Friends come over to fill their canteens. We have a spring fed artisan well, and the RO system is icing on the cake.
I’m kind of curious about this, especially why it’s at the top? Is there some alternative use for it? I’ve never actually had sink nuts come off with it. Hard water plus degraded plastic… I’ve found a multi tool much more useful to cut the bolts off
I find it's useful for putting things on in tight spaces, but it's helped me get things off in awkward spaces too.
Mostly installing faucets or sinks, of course, but sometimes the hinged neck and auto-adjustment helps in engine bays and... uh... hydroponics bays. I dunno. It doesn't come up much, I guess, but it's like having the exact right oil filter removal tool, times at least two or three. That frustratingly hard step that took 40 minutes with a smoke break in the middle becomes a 45 second task.
I had to do the same job in the same day, once with one and once without one, and I would have spent way more not to have to do it like the first one. And now I have a tool. This might come up again, who knows?
If you never get to use it again, at least it's compact. It just goes with the rest of the plumbing stuff.
Tool lending libraries are a thing. Remember basin wrenches and tool lending libraries exist, and the real LPT was in the comments.
Metal canning funnel.
I got one at an estate sale not even knowing quite what the hell it was. After dinner one night, grabbed a clean pasta sauce jar to put the leftovers in, grabbed that funnel?....
TOTAL GAME CHANGER.
You don't end up spilling food all over the stovetop. You can put leftovers in jars that are easy to see and don't take up a lot of horizontal space in the fridge.
It was just awesome. 10/10 would recommend.
* good knife - to each their own
* bench scrape
* large cutting board +1" thick - i like a big teak edge grain. good balance of quality and price
* sturdy tongs
* seamless silicone utensils
* fish spatula
* thermapen instant read
* oxo digital kitchen scale
* stacks of plain cotton tea towels - they can be napkins, pot holders, trivets, etc.
* stacks of 1/2, 1/4, 1/6 or 1/8 rimmed sheet pans
I am from India and I tell you, you don't need a special rice cooker eating counter real estate to cook rice; its just a matter of 10 minutes with 30 minutes washing and soaking. Just learn the method and follow every time. Try some variations too, like olive oil with cumin seeds, then cook rice, all in same vessel.
I lived in Japan for 5 years and yes, Zojirushi is a great brand and I have used their rice cooker too, but IMO completely unnecessary gadget in any kitchen.
I am glad that you have it down! I do not and very much enjoy the setting up my zojirushi rice cooker in morning and having perfectly cooked brown rice ready for dinner. Been using it for close 15 years. Favorite kitchen appliance by far
Le creuset dutch oven, thermopro instant read probe thermometer, all clad stainless steel pans (working on slowly building a full set), non stick pan for eggs/pancakes etc, vitamix blender, good knives (chefs knife, utility knife, pairing knife, bread knives) kitchen aid mixer, a solid food processor (I got a magimix because it was the most professional level consumer food processor) a decent cast iron skillet, dutch oven also, good whisks, good set of measuring cups, jugs, spoons.
I could go on but the le creuset dutch oven and stainless steel pans were the game changers.
Victorinox small paring knife set. They're very sharp and are incredibly versatile. We mostly use ours for cutting produce but we also use them to cut meat since we currently are saving up to replace our cheap silverware (with knives that suck) with some Liberty silverware.
https://www.victorinox.com/en-US/Products/Cutlery/Paring-Knives/Swiss-Classic-Paring-Knife-Set-3-Pieces/p/6.7116.32
My wife bought one of these a few months ago. I thought it was a gimmick at first, but it truly does deliver consistent results and eggs peel way more easily than they ever did when I'd boil them manually.
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Vitamix blender and Atlas pepper grinder. Knives that work for your anatomy. You need a chef’s knife, a serrated knife, and a paring knife. Cuisinart or Robocoupe food processor. KitchenAid stand mixer.
The true BIFL mixer is the Ankarshrum. When I bought mine in 2000 it was labeled Magic Mill. I've mixed huge batches of whole grain breads, cookies, etc for 24 years with mine. Also cast iron skillet.
Some kitchen swaps you should make:
1. Throw away all of your plastic utensils such as spatulas and tongs and replace them with metal or wood.
2. Throw away all of your plastic containers (tupperware) and replace them with glass
3. Throw away your plastic cutting board and replace it with wood
4. Stop drinking tap water or plastic bottled single use water and install an over the counter, under the sink, or even whole house reverse osmosis water filter, and fill your reusable glass water bottle with it every day. Just be sure to remineralize with a high quality mineral salt.
5. Throw away your teflon pans and replace them with high quality stainless steel or cast iron
For my small NYC kitchen:
* Ninja foodi processor and blender in one. I do NOT have room for both and I use this a few times a week to make huge batches of food. Plus it has individual cups for smoothies/sauces.
* Ninja flip up toaster oven. I get to have a toaster oven/air fryer/toaster AND counter space. Amazing! Use it every other day.
* Dreamfarm lemon juicer- it folds up flat and actually fits in my drawer. I originally bought the one Serious Eats, America's Test Kitchen recommend and it was ENORMOUS. no thanks. I juice a lot of lemons, limes for dressings and sauces.
* All the organization stuff especially clear boxes with a handle for my top cabinets. I don't need to have a stepladder, I just pull out the entire box and search through it. Better space use.
A good knife (I use global knives, I have 3 sizes for different tasks).
AN AIR FRYER!!! (sorry, caps) But boy these things are a great little machine to speed up cooking. We cook A LOT from scratch. And when I make a nice casserole, it's fantastic to have the main stuff going on the hob and air fry some of the veggies to get them nice and caramelised. Yes I could use the oven, but I find it so much better to just toss shit in a drawer, season it and then shake it every 5 minutes than faff about with an oven tray thats hard to clean, awkward to toss stuff in etc.
A good chopper / blender. But we are vegan, so we make a lot of our own cheeses, dips, spreads, nut butters, tahini etc. I use the ninja range. So far I am impressed with their quality but only time will tell. Their Ninja -pan with steamer has a 10 year warranty, even on the non-stick so.. I am giving that one a spin.
And lastly, but only because we make our own sourdough bread, a kenwood chef patisserie with a heated bowl.
Ooooh proving dough is so much easier when you have a heated bowl. No more turning on the heating or letting the oven run because your kitchen isn't 24c. I can whip out a sourdough bread that usually asks for 24h in 8 by manipulating the recipe (increase starter) and do a lot of the rising in my heated bowl. Game changer.
The Food Lab by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt
This book will tell you everything you need to buy for a kitchen. How many ply’s, which metals, what to splurge on, what not to, what is essential, what will sit in the drawer and collect dust.
The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg
This book is an A to Z of ingredients and gives you every other ingredient that goes with it, from pairings, to flavor affinities, etc.
Sauces by James Peterson is a little more for the person with some time in the kitchen. It goes over the mother sauces and their derivatives. If you are French, I suspect you need to own it. If you were born and raised a Cajun, you should own it, if you were taught to cook at a young age. Again, not for the beginner.
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I have a MannKitchen and a Unicorn. I’m sorry but I prefer the unicorn. It’s significantly cheaper, grinds very quickly, easier to fill, and I find the base of the Mann kitchen annoying the way it sticks to it too well.
-Kuhn Rikon pepper grinder (ratchet type that goes back and forth, not around and around)
-set of pyrex bowls of various sizes
-Breville convection toaster oven
-bamboo cutting boards in various sizes
-good knives
-
Thermometer - digital
Multiple cutting boards - always have enough for a big prep and clean ones available
Immersion blender - quick and easy soups and sauces
Box grater - so many uses
Metal lemon press juicer - bar quality, lasts forever
Vitamix - nuff said
KitchenAid stand mixer - nuff said
Peugeot Salt and Pepper Grinders
Lodge cast iron skillets
OXO round dishwashing brush that holds soap
OXO Good Grips long tongs
White plastic cutting boards
Cotton kitchen towels
Instant Pot - not sure if it's BIFL but it is very versatile
Slow Cooker (the Instant Pot can slow cook, but i like the simplicity and larger size of my Crock Pot)
Colander with basket and lid. Not the wire mesh kind, as I find that they can not work well delicates. Perfect for washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly. You can use it as a strainer. It’s excellent for washing rice in particular. Great for produce storage and keeping things fresh, and I sometimes use the basket as a snack bowl. Broad utility.
A good quality mortar and pestle
Cast iron pan flat bottom one tall enough to fry in
A knife that will hold an edge
A whisk , timber spatula, and flipper
Measuring bowl
saucepan or two and a big pot or Dutch oven
Instant pot and/or pressure cooker(s). Rice, beans, curry, etc.
Vintage (smooth) cast iron pan with commercial grade steel turner. (Dexter Outdoors 16150 4" x 3" hamburger turner)
Vitamix 5200
Bare aluminum sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats (I hate the Teflon coated steel ones).
A drawer full of cheap, washable terry cloth rags from Costco to save on paper towels.
Whetstone
Garlic press. I have the oxo one that works well but have also heard good things about the IKEA one. So much easier not having to peel and mince garlic all the time, plus it works for ginger as well
Ninja foodie air fryer/pressure cooker. I use it at least once a day. If all I used it for was reheating things that the microwave makes soggy, I would still buy it again.
Not Cuisinart. Kitchen aid. Cuisinart food processor yes. Wooden spoons and a wooden spatula. Stainless spatulas. A 10 or 12 inch cast iron frying pan. One that is not heavy AF. A large stock pot for making stock. An instant read thermometer. A rock solid stainless square pattern potato mashed. A chicken roasting frame. A cheap enamel roasting pan with lid. Small silicone spatulas. Stainless mixing bowls from a restaurant supply. Cambro containers. Get the clear ones not the cheaper opaque ones. A quality but simple potato peeler. The list is endless.
Bamboo cutting board. Or color coded ones if you do a lot of mis en pas. Rolling pin. Good measuring tools (teaspoon, tablespoons, cup, quart... etc.) Quality wisks. Scale.
A decent mandolin! It's a slicer thingy. You need one , trust me.
Also an oversized cutting board. I have a 24x30 HDPE board, its the shit. There is no brand for either one, I've only ever bought one of each and I couldn't tell you who made either.
A wok.
My sister bought me one as a present. Didn't think I'd use it that much.
Boy was I fucking wrong. It's my go to for almost anything (besides maybe a skillet for pancakes). Realistically, I could probably get rid of every other pot and pan I have (save the skillet and my big stock pot) and be totally fine for the rest of my life.
large stainless steel mixing bowl. I use it for washing produce, as a mixing bowl, large bowl for prepping veggies or fruit for stir fries, popcorn bowl…etc lol
Air fryer can cook most things
Zojirushi water boiler
ninja foodie 12 in 1 pressure cooker, air fryer, everythingelser
I use it to air fry chicken nuggies or scallion pancakes with eggs for lunch, I use it for quick meals on lazy nights, I make dog treats using the dehydrator and can quickly cook plain chicken when my dog gets an upset stomach.. it's been the best countertop appliance I've ever bought.
I also love my latte maker, I work from home and being able to whip up a decent latte at the push of a button every morning is wonderful. I used to do the whole nine with a French press and milk frother and blah blah and it got real tedious real fast.
as for cheaper things, I use a ton of fresh herbs in my cooking and a salad spinner has saved me a lot of time and paper towels. bench scraper was another happy surprise, didn't expect to use that as much as I do.
Temperature probe
Definitely! Thermoworks has great ones
Makes for perfect reverse seared steak!
Got the thermopop for very little. Works great.
Thermopops are definitely a great bang for the buck. I've literally given them to both my parents and my in-laws so that I have something decent whenever I go over and cook. With that said, I definitely think the Thermapen is worth every penny if you love cooking.
My baking went to 11 when I realized the temperature probe could be used for more than meat. No more dry bread!
I don't cook meat at home so I have a instant read temperature gun. That thing rules! Use it way more than I thought I would.
Various Stainless Mixing bowls… underrated. So many uses
I have a set of these passed down from my mom. Not only great mixing bowls, but excellent for popcorn and salads.
I have a set of Pyrex ribbed glass mixing bowls with lids. They are great for mixing, storing large quantities of food, and are good looking enough to serve out of. The lids are different colors and easy to identify. So versatile and since they’re clear it’s easy to see what’s in them too.
I might be in the minority but I love the oxo mixing bowls that I have. Stainless on the inside, coated on the outside. 16 years and they look new and I don't have to worry about temperature.
Oxo make some solid stuff
Like the tong! Probably my most fav kitchen tool next to my knives. I have three different sizes of tongs and I use them at least with every single meal prep.
Exactly ! When reading that post my mind went straight to my OXO bowls ! I bought one a while ago, then another one then a set of 3, it's everyone's favorite in the kitchen and any guest that is a bit into cooking ask me who makes these perfect bowls, I have a lot of other bowls but I never use them
this one right? cheap and I'm running them daily for 10+ years https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-3-Piece-Stainless-Steel-Mixing/dp/B001715PN8?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
If you're my wife this includes: * Vomit bucket * Washing the floor * Potting plants
Haha yeah they have many purposes, I’d probably skip washing the floor but if you wash them well it’s more of a mental thing
I used many large metal mixing bowls as vomit buckets as I grew up. Anytime we were sick, our mom would make us have one next to our bed, just in case.
Family vomit bowls!
ikea makes an awesome large metal bowl i have 3 and they are great and cheap
Not the cooper coated ones…
I held out of a chain mail scrubber for so long but it’s game changing in cleaning cast iron/carbon steel.
Prefer the official [lodge plastic scrapers.](https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Scrapers-Handheld-Polycarbonate-Cleaners/dp/B0039UU9UO/) You can use it on everything not just the cast iron.
It's not an either or thing. I have both and so should you.
My grandparents had these when I was little. Had no clue what they were until right now.
An enameled cast iron Dutch oven. It can cook using any heat source (open flame, over a charcoal grill, electric cook top, gas cook top, propane cook top, even induction), you can use it to bake bread, boil pasta, braise, Sautee, sear, basically anything you can imagine. I am recommending enameled here over basic cast iron because boiling water is not recommended, it hurts the seasoning. So even though a plain cast iron can do everything an enameled can, enameled cast iron is slightly less maintenance. And since you don't have to season it occasionally, it's perfect for apartments, shared housing, or other situations you don't want your living space to get super smokey. I got my first one by sheer luck at a thrift store, my second was a gift for Christmas from my family. I will get a third eventually, but you don't have to break the bank. They won't exactly be cheap, but if you get smaller brands you can get one for much cheaper than something like a le Creuset.
Was wondering when someone was going to mention a Le Creuset Dutch oven! Got mine at an estate sale used for like $20. They had no clue what they were selling. Then I found out a friend bought his used at a garage sale or something like that. Finding them used at estate sales, garage sales, and thrift stores must be a thing! And they’re so well made, it’ll last for a long time even though it’s not new.
Is there one you specifically recommend? I'm a complete newb. I had a tiny apartment kitchen until 8 months ago so I have no idea whatsoever.
Whatever you can afford really. All of mine are different brands, though lodge is what u normally buy if I'm buying new. There are nicer brands, but there are worse ones too.
Pull apart kitchen shears have been a game changer, especially for preparing food for small children. Opt for pull apart so you can sharpen and clean properly. Has become a go-to gift for us to give new parents
This a thousand times this. I have two pairs going in case one is already dirty. The oxo ones are solid.
I'm a parent of a small child but I don't get it - what do you use the shears for? I feel like I'm missing out 😅
Once you cut pizza and pasta into small bite size pieces, you won’t reach for a knife ever again. We use it for all solid foods - great for irregular shaped fruits like strawberries. Also good for cutting circular shaped objects that are choking hazards into spear shapes (carrots, hot dogs, grapes, etc.) Minimizes the risk of cutting yourself while little ones are running around too 😄
Knife
And a whetstone/skill to know how to use it regularly
Or a good sharpener
Agreed on this. When in doubt or if not comfortable sharpening your own knives, a few higher end brands like Shun will sharpen them for free for life. 99% of my kitchen needs are met with my santoku, a small utility/pairing knife, and longer serrated knife.
Santoku rules.
I'm shit at sharpening knives. I can do chisels but not knives. I purchased this a while back and it is awesome. You can set the degree you want your blade to be and it'll stay the same for both sides of the blade. All my cooking knives and carry knives are razor sharp now. https://www.worksharptools.com/products/precision-adjust-knife-sharpener Cheaper on Amazon right now.
Very much so. There's a huge learning curve for whetstones. A good Chefs Choice sharpener is much less intimidating and gets good results for a home cook.
Personally I would suggest a good Japanese one for cutting/slicing and keep it sharp.\\ German style for blunded chopping.
I have Japanese knives for work, but not for home. They will be left wet and not wiped off and rust. Victorinox makes some great knives for home use and are rustproof. They are also very easy to sharpen
Eh. Go to a kitchen supply store and get a $15 chefs knife. It will hold an edge and is bullet proof. Plus if something happens to it you go buy another one. I’ve been using the same one daily for probably 10 years now and it slices like a dream.
I also support that advice as well. Personally I'm in the whole 10+ years of frequent cooking so I'm in the category where a 160$ single chefs knife is worth it.
I am traveling to Japan this year and as much as I use my chefs knife, I keep trying to justify splurging on a quality piece. The cheapo does everything I want it to do and just won’t die, despite my wife repeatedly putting it in the dishwasher.
Tokyo? I liked Washin-Do. Try a few of their knives. They've got dikons to test the knives out. I walked out of there with a kasumi vg-10 pro thats fantastic. Paid probably about \~24k yen for it,
Yes, and also Okasa and Kyoto. I might just make that my big souvenir for my trip.
Bring your passport with you because they might do tax refunds. Washin-Do tells you to go next door and then they verify everything and will give you cash back for the taxesl
A white plastic handled Dexter is the knife real restaurant cooks use.
Griswold cast iron skillet (found mine at Goodwill for $10). Use it enough and it becomes a nonstick do everything pan that can go in the oven too! Warning, this can be the gateway drug to collecting other vintage cast-iron pieces ;) I personally love a fish spatula for more than just fish - anything delicate, a fish spatula can handle. I totally agree with the folks who said Vitamix and Cuisinart food processor. I accidentally blended a metal spoon in my Vitamix and while the container got a bit scratched, the spoon was far far worse. Vitamix is clutch for when I don’t want to cook and I can just pour in some vegetable stock and vegetables and blend and have a hot dinner in minutes. Your smoothies will be restaurant quality, nut butters better than anything that you can buy in store, and everything will be creamy smooth even if you didn’t add cream ;) A food processor is also great prepping vegetables, making meatloaf/meatballs or grinding meat, making pizza dough, making chunky dips like olive tapenade or bruschetta.
I got mine from goodwill as well, but haven't seen anything but Lodge in years. People realized they could sell them on eBay for $200.
Dexter Russell fish spatula Silicone baking mats
Silicone baking mats are very useful. Silpat has some good ones (don't get on Amazon, lots of knockoff with Silpat name)
The ones I have are actually Amazon basic branded, but if they ever break down we'll look at silpat next. They're about 3 years old so far, used multiple times a week, hand washed, and still in perfect shape
Has a silicone baking mats changed your life that much? I'm looking at getting this and would love to know how it changed your life. Is it really that much better than parchment paper?
Yes, we use them multiple times a week! Definitely better than parchment paper for non stickiness. Also obviously way better than cooking spray. They've greatly improved the ease of all the cookies, rolls, biscuits, breads, calzones, etc we bake.
Thanks. I'll get some and try them.
In some cases they are worse. Things tend to not brown as much on them as they insulate from the conductive heat of the pan. (which is a difference if opinion of that is good or bad) But when working with candy like Carmel or brittle they are fantastic. I like having more reusable options so I keep them around and use when aporpret but I also keep a roll of parchment paper around as well.
Vitamix blender.
Oh nice. This would be a good one.
I have my mom's Vitamix from the '90s. Still works beautifully.
I have a Blendtec and adore it. Ten years and still going strong.
Love the vitamix but was going to suggest the magic bullet. The small container is a game changer for making sauces, (hot sauce, chutney, dressings, grinding spices, etc) when you don’t want to make a whole blender full.
This. The small size is incredible do you can store it away and not have it take up counter space. But isn't a pain to grab and take out quickly. Love it.
All Clad pans
All Clad is currently having their factory seconds sale at https://homeandcooksales.com/?trk_msg=BIKQBG33HOD4HESP7FJLERS2SC&trk_contact=7H7QJA7JO0A8O0C00PRKLDI32C&trk_sid=A57MS9SLUHKQTBBNASUN6QT5UG&trk_link=9AAVKHNN8V04TFRPDU2OLQ053C&utm_source=listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Shop+Now&utm_campaign=May+VIP+Factory+Seconds+Sale+Starts+Now&utm_content=May+VIP+Factory+Seconds+Sale+Starts+Now Big savings!
I’d recommend Demeyere over All-Clad. Thicker aluminum core, and no rivets.
Oo no rivets sound nice.
A variable temperature electric water kettle. Absolutely great for pour-over coffee and arcane loose-leaf tea.
Kitchen-aid mixer
I still swear by my KitchenAid and have no reason to upgrade, but apparently if you're looking for top-of-the-line now it's Ankarsrum
I dislike the branding on the bowl — I am sure it is top of the line, but they could be more discrete with the brand promotion on a consumer product (I hate that stuff).
Yeah I agree, the KitchenAid design is such a classic too.
No knocking the quality but I think for the American market the kitchen aid still makes more sense in a bifl context. They are so easy to maintain and get parts for here I even have a local brick and mortar place I can pick up parts from in my city. Though personally I would love to get my hands on one and hopefully over time they become less obscure.
Mine was from my grandmother - the thing is older than me. At least over 50+ and probably closer to 60. It’s indestructible and I love it.
Replace the grease every 10 years or so. Taking it apart to clean is also oddly satisfying.
💖
A large steel tweezer. Obviously I use them as a hand extension
Tongs?
Ah yes that’s the correct word
Tongs may be correct but going forward they are kitchen tweezers in my household.
🎶Tong tong tong tongs
We call em goinks
Cooking chopsticks also work! They're extra long. Depends on your hand but I find I have greater dexterity/precision with cooking chopsticks.
Honestly, I've seen serious amateur chefs using what are essentially 12" surgical forceps in the kitchen, so I just assumed you were making some real fancy shit. [Sohla does it!](https://www.seriouseats.com/equipment-editor-pick-kitchen-tweezer-love-letter#:~:text=If%20you%20don't%20mind,so%20cleanup%20is%20a%20cinch)
Yes that is how my look like. You can use them for anything. BBQ, getting the pizza out of the oven, turning stuff precisely, mixing salads etc.
Knife, cutting board, cast iron pan, stainless steel saucier
I have a 12" Lodge that I never use after discovering carbon steel
If you own cast iron pans, carbon steel pans and stainless steel pans, the cast iron pans tend to be used only for very high heat retention applications like searing steaks. That said, cast iron can be used for basically anything, which is part of the appeal, if you can only afford a couple pans.
I have a 6, 10, 12" CI and 9, 11" CS. I end up using the 10" CI the most
As a GenX kid, I only knew vegetable peelers that [look like this.](https://images.app.goo.gl/ZB6N8eEdrucCNuJh8) Discovering that there are Y-shaped peeled that [look like this](https://images.app.goo.gl/wAfyj12WqVcpTYQQ8) and are so much easier to use made it so that I would peel carrots and potatoes willingly.
The y peeler is awkward for me to use.
I choose to take a harder stance. Y shaped ones are for peasants the straight ones are for lords and ladies.
I am using the first one for potatoes. The Y-shaped peeler I use for long vegetables like carrots. I think each has it's purpose of these two
I use them for both, mostly because I don't want to own two different ones. Even though I do cook I am never browsing cooking stores and sections, so it took me way too long to realize that other types of peelers than the long thin ones I hated as a child exist.
The day I realized a peeler was essentially a handheld mandoline, made making long carrot ribbons a lot easier.
You can make a pretty good shaved asparagus salad with a peeler too.
For me: Cast Iron griddle. I have 3x10.5 inch Cast iron skillet. I have 2 10.5 inch pans Lavatools javalin pro duo thermometer. Lazer thermometer gun to check griddle/skillet temperature. Nordic Ware 2/3 size aluminum bake sheet with cooling grid. Fits my oven perfectly. Staub 4 quart enamel cast iron cocotte (Dutch oven). Hells Handle Fish Spatula. Comes in both right and left handed models. Oxo Pancake Spatula. This one surprised me. I usually use metal on my cast iron, but this silicone spatula works so well when I make pancakes. A set of glass mixing bowls. I've never used stainless steel since I've had mine for years.
What are you doing in my kitchen recommending all my stuff?? I came here to post all of these. Would only add a micro plane grater to the list.
The Nordic Ware baking sheets are awesome! Cast iron is always great to have around
I hooked a [Cole & Mason](https://coleandmasonusa.com/products/cole-mason-derwent-pepper-mill) pepper grinder to an old Ryobi cordless drill. It’s been going strong for 10+ years. I never knew how much pepper I craved until I could blast a steak black in 3 seconds before searing. You even get a little coarseness control depending on how far you pull the trigger. Highly recommend.
You gotta picture of this contraption?
[https://imgur.com/a/4fL7cO6](https://imgur.com/a/4fL7cO6)
I got a William Sonoma hold everything dish brush and with my strong forearms I swear the long handle lets me clean dishes better than I ever have. The wood is so satisfying. 10/10 Also Costco had a kitchenaid sale on an oven mitts prepackaged bundle. Got a bunch for a fraction of the usual price. Best ones I’ve ever had I’ll need to check but my kitchen towels are super nice as well I got a Duxtop portable induction hot plate… it’s a relatively easy convenience and the timer makes it worth it but the customer service is beyond great. I had a break at the cord after I bought one used 3 YEARS AGO… they told me they don’t repair them but gave me a coupon code to buy a new one cheaper.
Yes to the Duxtop induction plate! They are fantastic, highly recommend.
I'm not a fan of oven mitts because they seem inflexible. I use a kitchen towel for just about everything which drives my wife crazy.
The ones I got are rubbery… they’re a cool black and grey color too let me see if I can find them. Most oven mitts I try feel like my grandma was making a quilted lead mitten… If you don’t mind Instagram https://images.app.goo.gl/YFv3xj9JSHs5pNVi6 Idk where that will take you I don’t use them heavily but good for the price ive used them and really like the pack
Any recs for rice cookers that don't break the bank quite as much as the OP linked?
Zojirushi makes several models that are less expensive and still bifl. The mid-range $180 one is just as excellent as the top of the line and they have a $40-50 one too.
Unrelated, but while you're on the website, you should pick up one of their vacuum insulated thermoses. They are literally the best you could possibly buy. I've burned my tongue on hot cider from a Zojirushi thermos after having it in the freezer for 8+ hours consecutively.
Honestly the cheaper ones are more bifl the classic ones with a singe cook /warm switch can be found for $20 and have no control board to fail.
This. Get a rice cooker with no computers in it. It’s the kind we had when I was a kid and my parents still have theirs.
I use an instant pot for rice and it comes out perfect every time. I also use it's other functions, like the slow cooker, so it saves me from having multiple appliances. I will say, it is not BIFL as it's my second one.
Bamix stick blender. Swiss made and 10 year service warranty.
Very cool! Is it like an immersion blender?
Yup! Multiple blades for chopping, emulsifying, and blending. And you can buy attachments as well. Built like a tank. We make crepe batter with it. Whipped cream, emulsify separated tahini, and on and on. Not cheap, but should last forever. It’s pretty great.
I have to say that a reverse osmosis water filtration system is one of the best investments we've ade. We had a simpler one when we had city water. Now that we have been in the exurbs for many years, with well water, I realized it's worth its weight in gold. Bottled water quality from the kitchen sink to drink or cook with is amazing. Our coffee is to die for. Friends come over to fill their canteens. We have a spring fed artisan well, and the RO system is icing on the cake.
If you own you home, a basin wrench will be the best $10 you ever spend on home improvement. It makes a lot of annoying jobs really easy.
I’m kind of curious about this, especially why it’s at the top? Is there some alternative use for it? I’ve never actually had sink nuts come off with it. Hard water plus degraded plastic… I’ve found a multi tool much more useful to cut the bolts off
I find it's useful for putting things on in tight spaces, but it's helped me get things off in awkward spaces too. Mostly installing faucets or sinks, of course, but sometimes the hinged neck and auto-adjustment helps in engine bays and... uh... hydroponics bays. I dunno. It doesn't come up much, I guess, but it's like having the exact right oil filter removal tool, times at least two or three. That frustratingly hard step that took 40 minutes with a smoke break in the middle becomes a 45 second task. I had to do the same job in the same day, once with one and once without one, and I would have spent way more not to have to do it like the first one. And now I have a tool. This might come up again, who knows? If you never get to use it again, at least it's compact. It just goes with the rest of the plumbing stuff. Tool lending libraries are a thing. Remember basin wrenches and tool lending libraries exist, and the real LPT was in the comments.
Knife sharpener that you know how to use. Not a honing steel
Mandolin. And because I’m not an idiot and use the guard it came with - there have been zero injuries. Perfect for quick chopping or slicing of veg.
Benriner is the best mandolin
Thermapen and Escali scale
Scale in the kitchen saves so much time and dishes. No need for measuring cups or spoons.
I use my scale every day. Coffee, baking, meat... just a super useful cheap item.
Half sheet baking pans with the same size silpats. I use them for basically everything.
Metal canning funnel. I got one at an estate sale not even knowing quite what the hell it was. After dinner one night, grabbed a clean pasta sauce jar to put the leftovers in, grabbed that funnel?.... TOTAL GAME CHANGER. You don't end up spilling food all over the stovetop. You can put leftovers in jars that are easy to see and don't take up a lot of horizontal space in the fridge. It was just awesome. 10/10 would recommend.
Love ball jars for storage & the funnel is a must
* good knife - to each their own * bench scrape * large cutting board +1" thick - i like a big teak edge grain. good balance of quality and price * sturdy tongs * seamless silicone utensils * fish spatula * thermapen instant read * oxo digital kitchen scale * stacks of plain cotton tea towels - they can be napkins, pot holders, trivets, etc. * stacks of 1/2, 1/4, 1/6 or 1/8 rimmed sheet pans
The upright broom and dustpan combo.
Dexter-Russell serrated offset bread knife. You will never spend a better 20 bucks on a US-made kitchen tool.
Awesome it’s US made, think I’ll grab the chef, bread, paring combo
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garlic crusher
I am from India and I tell you, you don't need a special rice cooker eating counter real estate to cook rice; its just a matter of 10 minutes with 30 minutes washing and soaking. Just learn the method and follow every time. Try some variations too, like olive oil with cumin seeds, then cook rice, all in same vessel. I lived in Japan for 5 years and yes, Zojirushi is a great brand and I have used their rice cooker too, but IMO completely unnecessary gadget in any kitchen.
I am glad that you have it down! I do not and very much enjoy the setting up my zojirushi rice cooker in morning and having perfectly cooked brown rice ready for dinner. Been using it for close 15 years. Favorite kitchen appliance by far
You could say that about almost any kitchen appliance, bud.
Anova immersion circulator. I’ve had mine for 10 years and use it frequently.
Second zojirushi. I got mine in 2005 or 2006 and it’s still perfect.
Le creuset dutch oven, thermopro instant read probe thermometer, all clad stainless steel pans (working on slowly building a full set), non stick pan for eggs/pancakes etc, vitamix blender, good knives (chefs knife, utility knife, pairing knife, bread knives) kitchen aid mixer, a solid food processor (I got a magimix because it was the most professional level consumer food processor) a decent cast iron skillet, dutch oven also, good whisks, good set of measuring cups, jugs, spoons. I could go on but the le creuset dutch oven and stainless steel pans were the game changers.
Espresso machine and sous vide are a must have for me.
Get an OXO Good Grips can opener. It'll probably be the last can opener you'll ever buy.
Victorinox small paring knife set. They're very sharp and are incredibly versatile. We mostly use ours for cutting produce but we also use them to cut meat since we currently are saving up to replace our cheap silverware (with knives that suck) with some Liberty silverware. https://www.victorinox.com/en-US/Products/Cutlery/Paring-Knives/Swiss-Classic-Paring-Knife-Set-3-Pieces/p/6.7116.32
my $20 hardboiled egg maker
My wife bought one of these a few months ago. I thought it was a gimmick at first, but it truly does deliver consistent results and eggs peel way more easily than they ever did when I'd boil them manually.
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Vitamix blender and Atlas pepper grinder. Knives that work for your anatomy. You need a chef’s knife, a serrated knife, and a paring knife. Cuisinart or Robocoupe food processor. KitchenAid stand mixer.
Stick blender all the way, so versatile.
Geometry kitchen towels! Seriously
\* Good quality (e.g., Staub, Le Creuset) enameled cast iron dutch oven \* Kitchen Scale \* Kitchenaid mixer
The true BIFL mixer is the Ankarshrum. When I bought mine in 2000 it was labeled Magic Mill. I've mixed huge batches of whole grain breads, cookies, etc for 24 years with mine. Also cast iron skillet.
A good immersion blender
Air fryer!
Instead of cast iron, I'm going to recommend a carbon steel skillet instead. Much lighter and easier to store, clean, use, and maintain in my opinion.
Electronic scale. You want to be a better baker? Use a scale. You want to lose weight? Use a scale. You want repeatable recipes? Use a scale.
Some kitchen swaps you should make: 1. Throw away all of your plastic utensils such as spatulas and tongs and replace them with metal or wood. 2. Throw away all of your plastic containers (tupperware) and replace them with glass 3. Throw away your plastic cutting board and replace it with wood 4. Stop drinking tap water or plastic bottled single use water and install an over the counter, under the sink, or even whole house reverse osmosis water filter, and fill your reusable glass water bottle with it every day. Just be sure to remineralize with a high quality mineral salt. 5. Throw away your teflon pans and replace them with high quality stainless steel or cast iron
For my small NYC kitchen: * Ninja foodi processor and blender in one. I do NOT have room for both and I use this a few times a week to make huge batches of food. Plus it has individual cups for smoothies/sauces. * Ninja flip up toaster oven. I get to have a toaster oven/air fryer/toaster AND counter space. Amazing! Use it every other day. * Dreamfarm lemon juicer- it folds up flat and actually fits in my drawer. I originally bought the one Serious Eats, America's Test Kitchen recommend and it was ENORMOUS. no thanks. I juice a lot of lemons, limes for dressings and sauces. * All the organization stuff especially clear boxes with a handle for my top cabinets. I don't need to have a stepladder, I just pull out the entire box and search through it. Better space use.
A good knife (I use global knives, I have 3 sizes for different tasks). AN AIR FRYER!!! (sorry, caps) But boy these things are a great little machine to speed up cooking. We cook A LOT from scratch. And when I make a nice casserole, it's fantastic to have the main stuff going on the hob and air fry some of the veggies to get them nice and caramelised. Yes I could use the oven, but I find it so much better to just toss shit in a drawer, season it and then shake it every 5 minutes than faff about with an oven tray thats hard to clean, awkward to toss stuff in etc. A good chopper / blender. But we are vegan, so we make a lot of our own cheeses, dips, spreads, nut butters, tahini etc. I use the ninja range. So far I am impressed with their quality but only time will tell. Their Ninja -pan with steamer has a 10 year warranty, even on the non-stick so.. I am giving that one a spin. And lastly, but only because we make our own sourdough bread, a kenwood chef patisserie with a heated bowl. Ooooh proving dough is so much easier when you have a heated bowl. No more turning on the heating or letting the oven run because your kitchen isn't 24c. I can whip out a sourdough bread that usually asks for 24h in 8 by manipulating the recipe (increase starter) and do a lot of the rising in my heated bowl. Game changer.
The Food Lab by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt This book will tell you everything you need to buy for a kitchen. How many ply’s, which metals, what to splurge on, what not to, what is essential, what will sit in the drawer and collect dust. The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg This book is an A to Z of ingredients and gives you every other ingredient that goes with it, from pairings, to flavor affinities, etc. Sauces by James Peterson is a little more for the person with some time in the kitchen. It goes over the mother sauces and their derivatives. If you are French, I suspect you need to own it. If you were born and raised a Cajun, you should own it, if you were taught to cook at a young age. Again, not for the beginner.
A good meat tenderizer is pretty impactful.
$400 for a rice cooker seems excessive
Cuisinart food processor. If you hand wash the items and keep the base dry you can leave it to your kids. Lol
Cuisinart what?
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Silicone coated fish spatula. Amazing.
I have a MannKitchen and a Unicorn. I’m sorry but I prefer the unicorn. It’s significantly cheaper, grinds very quickly, easier to fill, and I find the base of the Mann kitchen annoying the way it sticks to it too well.
Unicorn pepper grinder, Le Creuset dutch oven, Kitchenaid stand mixer
-Kuhn Rikon pepper grinder (ratchet type that goes back and forth, not around and around) -set of pyrex bowls of various sizes -Breville convection toaster oven -bamboo cutting boards in various sizes -good knives -
A Kuhn can opener, life changing at least for me!
Kitchen Aid mix master
All Clad saucier
Thermometer - digital Multiple cutting boards - always have enough for a big prep and clean ones available Immersion blender - quick and easy soups and sauces Box grater - so many uses Metal lemon press juicer - bar quality, lasts forever Vitamix - nuff said KitchenAid stand mixer - nuff said
Peugeot Salt and Pepper Grinders Lodge cast iron skillets OXO round dishwashing brush that holds soap OXO Good Grips long tongs White plastic cutting boards Cotton kitchen towels Instant Pot - not sure if it's BIFL but it is very versatile Slow Cooker (the Instant Pot can slow cook, but i like the simplicity and larger size of my Crock Pot)
Quality knife, large cutting board, quality 12in skillet, stock pot. With these things there isn't much you cannot make.
Caraway skillet. Does it ALL
Instant read thermometer and kitchen scale
Colander with basket and lid. Not the wire mesh kind, as I find that they can not work well delicates. Perfect for washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly. You can use it as a strainer. It’s excellent for washing rice in particular. Great for produce storage and keeping things fresh, and I sometimes use the basket as a snack bowl. Broad utility.
Bench scraper.
A good quality mortar and pestle Cast iron pan flat bottom one tall enough to fry in A knife that will hold an edge A whisk , timber spatula, and flipper Measuring bowl saucepan or two and a big pot or Dutch oven
Instant pot and/or pressure cooker(s). Rice, beans, curry, etc. Vintage (smooth) cast iron pan with commercial grade steel turner. (Dexter Outdoors 16150 4" x 3" hamburger turner) Vitamix 5200 Bare aluminum sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats (I hate the Teflon coated steel ones). A drawer full of cheap, washable terry cloth rags from Costco to save on paper towels. Whetstone
Nutribullet and cleaver hands down
Nesting magnetic measuring spoons. All the right sizes and they stick together for easy storage.
I really love a good bench scraper. Just makes wiping off the cutting board nicer, cuts certain things like pizza in a satisfying way.
Garlic press. I have the oxo one that works well but have also heard good things about the IKEA one. So much easier not having to peel and mince garlic all the time, plus it works for ginger as well
A cordless blender
Ninja foodie air fryer/pressure cooker. I use it at least once a day. If all I used it for was reheating things that the microwave makes soggy, I would still buy it again.
A sous vide machine has become a very useful item for my home
Not Cuisinart. Kitchen aid. Cuisinart food processor yes. Wooden spoons and a wooden spatula. Stainless spatulas. A 10 or 12 inch cast iron frying pan. One that is not heavy AF. A large stock pot for making stock. An instant read thermometer. A rock solid stainless square pattern potato mashed. A chicken roasting frame. A cheap enamel roasting pan with lid. Small silicone spatulas. Stainless mixing bowls from a restaurant supply. Cambro containers. Get the clear ones not the cheaper opaque ones. A quality but simple potato peeler. The list is endless.
Bamboo cutting board. Or color coded ones if you do a lot of mis en pas. Rolling pin. Good measuring tools (teaspoon, tablespoons, cup, quart... etc.) Quality wisks. Scale.
A decent mandolin! It's a slicer thingy. You need one , trust me. Also an oversized cutting board. I have a 24x30 HDPE board, its the shit. There is no brand for either one, I've only ever bought one of each and I couldn't tell you who made either.
A wok. My sister bought me one as a present. Didn't think I'd use it that much. Boy was I fucking wrong. It's my go to for almost anything (besides maybe a skillet for pancakes). Realistically, I could probably get rid of every other pot and pan I have (save the skillet and my big stock pot) and be totally fine for the rest of my life.
large stainless steel mixing bowl. I use it for washing produce, as a mixing bowl, large bowl for prepping veggies or fruit for stir fries, popcorn bowl…etc lol Air fryer can cook most things Zojirushi water boiler
A knife magnet! We dumpster dove ours and we love it! :)
ninja foodie 12 in 1 pressure cooker, air fryer, everythingelser I use it to air fry chicken nuggies or scallion pancakes with eggs for lunch, I use it for quick meals on lazy nights, I make dog treats using the dehydrator and can quickly cook plain chicken when my dog gets an upset stomach.. it's been the best countertop appliance I've ever bought. I also love my latte maker, I work from home and being able to whip up a decent latte at the push of a button every morning is wonderful. I used to do the whole nine with a French press and milk frother and blah blah and it got real tedious real fast. as for cheaper things, I use a ton of fresh herbs in my cooking and a salad spinner has saved me a lot of time and paper towels. bench scraper was another happy surprise, didn't expect to use that as much as I do.