As I’ve shared before, I love the rush of getting ready for a dinner party. I like planning things out and figuring out how they should be sequenced to get everything done when I need it to be done. However, I definitely find it easier to do that with some of the specific kitchen tools, small appliances, and cookware that we’ve carefully selected over the years. Although I know that preferences will certainly vary, this list of kitchen tools that improve the efficiency of my prep and cooking contains many items that have become essential to our kitchen over the years.
Anytime I see an article or round-up of kitchen essentials, I wind up going down a reflective rabbit hole. The tools one deems “essential” depend on a wide array of factors. Such variables include but are not limited to:
- How often do you cook?
- For how many people do you typically cook?
- What types of food do you want to cook?
- How much storage space do you have?
- How much are you willing to spend?
- How much usable counter space do you have to work with at any given time?
With that very fluid set of evaluation criteria in mind, I’d like to share some of the kitchen and hosting tools that I find most valuable and / or fit for a given purpose. Starting with the caveat that these are my opinions based on my specific needs and experience and may not be best suited for you, let’s jump in.
Because I find most things more manageable with a modicum of categorization, we’ll first divide these products as follows:
- Kitchenware
- Bakeware
- Small Appliances
- Cookware
- Storage
- Table and Buffet Supplies
- Party On-the-Go
- Disposable Hosting Supplies
Today, we’ll just be talking about the first three categories–kitchenware, bakeware, and small appliances. We’ll save cookware, storage, serving ware and hosting supplies for another day.
While this list is by no means exhaustive, these are some of the most used items in our kitchen.
Kitchenware that Improves My Kitchen Efficiency
This category is really for some of the utensils and tools that make prep and cooking easier and / or more efficient.
We’ve found these particular chef’s knives to be both great tools and cost effective. We like them so much that we not only have one at home, but we also keep one as part of our travel kitchen tools and each have one at my mom’s for our cooking adventures there.
One of the key features that I look for in kitchen shears is that they can be separated (i.e. come apart). This allows for better cleaning, especially after I’ve used them on raw meat.
Microplane Zester with Measuring Cup Catcher
If you can’t find the one with the catcher, this one will work: Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester
Or you can get it from Sur la Table.
We use this zester for everything from zesting citrus fruit to grating nutmeg or ginger. The measuring cup catcher comes in particularly handy for grating or zesting the right amount.
This adjustable measuring cup is a game changer when it comes to measuring thick liquids, condiments, or other semi-liquid substances like sour cream. You don’t have to worry about scraping the sides of the measuring cup to make sure you get everything out. This gadget does it for you.
This miniature version of the adjustable measuring cup has proven just as handy as its big sibling. No more trying to scrape the Dijon mustard out of the tablespoon. 🙂
Bakeware that Improves My Kitchen Efficiency
The list of baking supplies runs deep. This small subset really comprises the kitchen tools I use pretty much “all of the time” whether baking, prepping, or storing. You’ll probably notice that I absolutely love vessels that can go from fridge to oven to sideboard. I do not like doing dishes, so when I can refrigerate prepped food, bake it, serve it, and store any leftovers in the same container, I’m pretty happy about it. I consider such kitchen tools a definite improvement to the efficiency of my prep, cooking, and hosting. Here are some of my favorites.
I use these rimmed baking sheets for all sorts of things–prepping raw items, roasting baking, searing, refrigerating, staging small appetizers, and more.
We chose these particular ones because they are non-stick and we run them through the dishwasher.
We use these wire rack inserts (or wire cooling racks) for a great deal of our roasting. We chose these ones because they are also oven and dishwasher safe.
Plastic Lids for Rimmed Baking Sheets
Commercial Grade Half Size Aluminum Baking Sheet Snap-Tight Plastic Lid Cover
This item may seem a bit out there at first, but we have found it very useful to be able to prep and store food directly on the large rimmed baking sheets and then just use these covers when we stick them in the fridge. While you can use plastic wrap to cover items on the pan as an alternative, these lids allow you to stack either multiple pans or just other items in general and therefore save you fridge space.
9×13-inch Casserole Dishes with Lids
Pyrex 223 Oblong Rectangle Clear Glass Casserole Baking Dishes & 2233-PC Red Lids
I could probably wax poetic about Pyrex casserole dishes with lids. I use these for baking, storage, warming, prepping. The lids are game changing. I am firmly in the camp of “you can’t have too many of these”. I think I’m currently at five of the 9×13-inch ones. The 8×8-inch, 7×7-inch, and 11×15-inch ones are also useful, but a different link.
Similar to its bigger sibling, I use these 8-inch Pyrex Baking Dishes for everything from baking to serving to storage to prep. I’m going to repeat my note that you “can’t have too many” of these.
These are extremely versatile and can be used for heating, serving, and storing dips or other hot dishes.
One of the things that I like most about these is that I have no issue with how they look if I use them for serving. If I’m feeling fancy, I can put them on a colorful plate or platter or something like that. However, there is much to be said for the convenience of being able to prep, store, heat, serve, and store leftovers all in a single dish.
Small Appliances that Improve My Kitchen Efficiency
I know that small appliances can often be a slippery slope of countertop creep. We’ve had to reorganize our kitchen on more than one occasion to handle some new small appliance or other. Nonetheless, I find many of them particularly useful and generally boons to my kitchen prep and cooking efficiency. While I am by no means suggesting that you need to go out and get all of these items, here are the ones that we’ve acquired, used, and fully integrated into our kitchen workflow.
While getting a sous vide cooker may seem a bit extreme at first glance, hear me out. Similar to slow cookers or instant pots, this cooking method largely allows you to “set it and forget it.” It is awesome for holding foods at their correct temperature without overcooking them or drying them out. The food is in a vacuum sealed bag, so the moisture isn’t going anywhere. We use our sous vide for everyday dinner or when we’re cooking for a crowd. We’ve even done the Thanksgiving Turkey sous vide (multiple times). It’s also great for thawing foods that you forgot to thaw until the last minute. So useful.
Although my most frequent use of the vacuum sealer is in conjunction with the sous vide cooker, its utility extends beyond. It’s great for sealing up anything you want to freeze and save for later or just want to store in a completely sealed bag.
Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker With Temperature Probe
I like the slow cookers that are programmable so that I can set a cook time and then let it automatically turn to warm without me having to think about it or be home to switch it. However, I also use several non-programmable ones as well.
I know that storage space can be a challenge, but I personally find it useful to have multiple slow cookers of various sizes.
This casserole style crockpot is great for either cooking casseroles or keeping food warm on a buffet. The only caution I will give is that it gets very hot, so handle with care.
I’ve been using this 6-Quart Instant Pot for the last 6 years. Of its many functions, I definitely use the pressure cooker, slow cooker, and sauté features the most.
The exact size that you want in a stand mixer may vary depending on your specific needs. We went with the 7-Quart version so that it can handle pretty much anything we toss in it. We also prefer the lift bowl versus the tilting head, but again that falls under personal preference. Regardless of size or style, having a stand mixer has been a fairly significant efficiency improvement for me.
We love our Induction Burner for any time we benefit from really even and consistent heating OR need to hold something a steady temperature. Some examples are: making custards, reducing sauces, melting chocolate. I even use it for my version of stir-frying because it gets so hot so fast.
The only thing to be aware of is that you need to use a pan that is compatible with induction burners. Here is an example of a pan that is compatible. The easy way to tell is if a magnet clings to the bottom of the pan.
Cookware to Improve My Kitchen Efficiency
Over time one acquires a certain collection of cooking tools that you know and love. If something doesn’t make cooking easier or more efficient in our house, it usually sinks to the bottom of a drawer or gets put out of the way on the top shelf of a cupboard that I can only reach by literally climbing on top of the counter. I’ve been through plenty of both in my cooking life and want to hopefully save you some time and money with my lessons learned.
These are the cooking tools and utensils that I use the most. In fact, we like many of them so much that I keep a second set for when I am going to be cooking somewhere else. (Have party; will travel. 🙂)
Silicone Spatula / Rubber Scraper (Straight-Edge)
Tovolo Flex-Core All Silicone Spatula Turner, Tapered Edge, Ergonomic Handle, Heat Resistant
I use this silicone spatula / rubber scraper all the time. Personally, I’m a fan of the straight edge with no scoop for most of my cooking. (Not all, obviously, or else the one with a scoop wouldn’t be on this list too. 🙂 ) This one is just my favorite.
Great for making sauces, soups, or other liquids, this spoon-like silicone spatula / rubber scraper also sees a lot of use in our house. We actually have 2 sets, so that we can both have them when we’re cooking together–same with the straight-edged version).
The jar shaped (i.e., long, skinny, slightly curved, and slightly scooped rubber scraper is the answer to how you can actually get everything out of the bottom of a jar. I can’t stand wasting that bit at the bottom and in the corners, and sometimes using a butter knife for the job just doesn’t cut it.
These miniature silicone spatulas / rubber scrapers come in quite handy for me whenever I’m using the small saucepan or a smaller bowl.
These have been our go-to standard cooking utensils since we got them more than 10 years ago. I love the little stand on the back so that I can set whichever one I’m using down on the counter without making a mess, particularly in the event that my spoon rests are in use or it’s just for a second. Also, there’s an adorable kid version too. I know I’m biased, but it would be a cool gift for a kid who likes to cook.
I really like this particular basting brush because of the inner part. It helps to better pick up and hold onto whatever liquid I’m trying to spread better than any of the other brushes I’ve got.
I find the longer-handled version of these tongs particularly useful when I’m cooking something that might have a pop of hot oil other spatter that I would rather be farther away from.
I use these shorter handled tongs for any number of things (like turning bacon), particularly if I’m not trying to keep my hand away from hot splatter.
As someone who is mildly accident prone when it comes to burning myself or cutting myself in the kitchen, these mitts come in very handy. They are labeled for up to 1472°F. However, I’ve only personally tested them up to 500°F. (They passed.)
I most frequently use the 7-quart size of this Dutch Oven. It’s great when cooking for a crowd or making enough to have leftovers. However, if you’re looking for a smaller version, the 4-quart is great to have on hand as well. Looking for something in between? Then the 5.5-quart might be a better choice for you.
This deep sauté pan is easily the most used cooking vessel in our kitchen (or at least a tie with our rimmed baking sheets). I make one-pan skillets, sauces, side dishes, pretty much anything in it. The only 2 downsides for me are that it does not work with our induction burner and the version that I have does not have an oven-safe handle. (This version does.) Also, here’s a pan that is induction compatible, in case that’s important to you.
We have and use many flexible cutting mats in any given cooking session. In addition to the standard spiel about keeping foods separate, it’s also just a handy way to quickly clean up our messes.
Great for preventing sticking while baking. Silicone mats are one of those things that I know I baked before having them, but I don’t think I’ve made cookies, biscuits, or scones at home without using them in the intervening 10 years.
I actually like the 12-count version better but can’t find it online at the moment. However, I’ve had great luck with this brand and use it regularly.
I use this for slightly smaller muffins or biscuits, which is a size that actually works great for dinner parties in which the food is part of a meal rather than a meal in and of itself.
Silicone Tart Pan (Mini Muffin)
Anaeat Silicone Muffin Pan set – Mini 24 Cups Cupcake Tray, Non-Stick Silicone Baking Molds for Making Muffin Cakes, Cupcakes, Chocolate, Bread, Tart and Desserts, Just Pop Out (2 Pack)
These are the size I normally think of when I think of mini muffins. I like the silicone version for the ease of popping the finished products out.
Table and Buffet Supplies
I’m not sure if you have the same obsession that I do with serving plates, platters, bowls, trays, chargers, etc. If we had infinite storage space, who knows what I would have acquired by this point in time. (Someone needs to create the Tardis butler’s pantry.) However, since the space in our house is indeed limited, I’ve had to prioritize. This list includes many of the items that made the cut.
You’ll probably notice a couple of trends throughout the list. While I’m drawn to some of the pretty, trendy patterns that I see, my practical side almost always wins out. I typically go for solid or “plainer” items that can be dressed up or down or incorporated into a theme leveraging the color scheme of other things like linens or accent pieces. Where my practical side loses the battle is with the colorful Italian pattern (closest to Deruta) that I love. Oh well, you can’t win them all.
Anyway, on to the list . . .
These mini tongs are perfect for self-service plates of appetizers, finger foods, desserts, etc. Personally, I like the multi-color ones to help keep track of which one goes with which dish, but if you prefer a more sober look, they have them in black too.
I use these White Ceramic Rectangular Plates for all sorts of dishes. Sometimes they’re appetizer serving dishes for the table. Other times they serve as starter, salad, seafood, main, or dessert course dishes. They make great sushi plates too. They’re easy to dress up or down based on your plating or table linens.
While I know that at first glance, these White Corelle Plates might seem a little plain, I absolutely love them. They can be dressed up with a simple charger, cloth napkin, and napkin ring or stand alone for a casual gathering of friends or family. I appreciate the fact that they are lightweight and have a thinner profile so I can stack service for 12 in my cupboards without an issue. Last but not least, they’re durable, so I don’t have to worry about chipping them when moving them around or loading them into the dishwasher. I have the dinner plates, appetizer / dessert plates, small bowls, shallow but larger bowls, and small serving bowls.
I love these little Le Creuset Stoneware Mini Round Cocottes. While I have red ones (of course), they’re available in many colors so they can be easily adapted to your decor / color preferences. I find them to be great for soups, desserts, dips, and more. Plus, the lids are nice when I need to store them in fridge from either advanced prep or leftovers.
Similar to the cocottes but a bit smaller, I most frequently use this size of Mini Ramekins for desserts, either hot or cold. I’ve also lined them with plastic wrap and used them as molds which I then turned out onto a serving plate.
Ramekins 8 oz-Delling Creme Brulee Ramekins, Round Fluted Quiche Dishes Tart Pan, Oven Safe Ramekins for Baking, Souffles, Ramekins Set of 6
So cute, these Mini Tartlet Dishes are handy for any number of dishes, although I most frequently use them for starters and desserts. Mine are purple (technically “Cassis”); but as with other things, pick the colors that work for you. What I will say though is that the more you can have dishes and serving plates that work together but are not actually the same, color or style per se, the more flexibility you’ll give yourself.
I use these Steak Knives everyday, multiple times a day. The fact that they are also perfect for dinner parties in which we’re serving anything that requires cutting that needs to be cut is honestly a pleasant bonus. That said, us using them for dinner parties is why we have 2 sets.
One of the challenges of setting up a buffet table in the confines of one’s home is often setting up the dishes and silverware in a location that is logical for the flow of people getting their food and doesn’t take up a ton of space. In banquet halls, you have the table space for stacks of plates, napkins, and silverware as well as orderly lines. The space in our house is not conducive to that setup, so this Buffet Caddy comes in quite handy for stacking all of those items vertically rather than consuming a large amount of counter or table space.
I most commonly use this Black Round Tablecloth for dessert or appetizer tables. However, it also comes in handy when I need to set up an extra table due to the number of guests. I choose my tablecloths for washability and durability and this one meets those requirements for me.
I consider Black Cloth Napkins classic for a reason–they’re classy, versatile, and don’t show spills. While these tend to offer a bit more dramatic of a look than many colored cloth napkins, their level of formality can be adjusted by your table setting and decor.
If you haven’t noticed, I’m a bit obsessed with red. However, bear with me for a second and think about how versatile it is (as long as you pick the right shade). Some holidays in which it can work include: Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (just pair it with autumn tones), Christmas. I’m sure there are more, but those are the first ones that come to my mind. These Red Cloth Napkins are the same napkins as my black ones, just in red. There are many colors to choose from, so pick whatever works best for you, your decor, and your table setting(s).
Having serving platters / plates with height like this 3 Tier Serving Plate Stand offers two benefits in my opinion. From a display and aesthetics point of view, the height can add interest. From a practical standpoint, adding height vertically rather than horizontally can help a bit with space issues on a buffet table.
Similar to the 3 Tier Serving Plate Stand also on my list, this 3 Tier Cake Stand provides similar benefits. The varied heights add visual interest to the table, and moving dishes up vertically can give you more space for food. My most frequent use of this cake stand is for holding trays of appetizers or desserts. I tend to use the 12” round catering trays to place on this stand.
Although we most frequently do wine pairings with our dinner parties, we typically offer whiskey options as digestifs. While I actually prefer these Snifter Glasses, my other half likes to use these Glencairn Whiskey Glasses instead.
As noted, these Snifter Glasses are my “go to” for sipping whiskey and, actually, for drinking homemade cold brew coffee as well.
These cute Glass Carafes are perfect for things like a Mimosa Bar, a Bloody Mary Bar, a Keto Milk Bar, pre-made mixes for cocktails, and more.
When you want to take your party outdoors but don’t want to share food with flies, gnats, etc. these Pop-up Mesh Food Net Covers save the day. They’re lightweight and easy to store and transport to any picnic location or just your backyard.
Party On-the-Go
While we love to host people at our house, sometimes we’re heading to someone else’s home and usually taking various foods and beverages with us. The number of dishes we take can range from one to many (usually no more than ten). Over the years, we’ve tried a great many transportation options to keep things hot or cold and contained. These are our current favorites.
Lori’s Version of “Have party; will travel.”
This 2 Decker Insulated Casserole Carrier is one of my most frequently used carriers. With 2 separately insulated compartments and a pocket for serving utensils, it comes in incredibly handy. I also have multiple single layer casserole carriers. However, if you’re only going to get one, I recommend the 2 layer version.
Neoprene 2-Bottle Wine Tote / Carrier
BUILT 2B-BLK 2-Bottle Stain Resistant Neoprene Wine/Water Bottle Carry Tote, Black
This Neoprene 2-Bottle Wine Tote probably gets even more use than my casserole carriers. We use it whenever we’re taking wine to a friend’s house or on some other trip. It’s durable and has nicely sized bottle sheaths even for slightly more curvaceous bottles.
Similar to the rectangular version also on my list, this Round 2 Decker Carrier solves the problem of transporting round casserole dishes and pie dishes. It also has 2 separate, insulated compartments.
I use my Insulated Food Transport Bag when I have several dishes to take with me. This one is for when I’m in my “have party, will travel” mode. While this is probably more than what a lot of people need, if you’re into cooking at scale and / or are a bit on the intense side like I am, it comes in quite handy.
I unfortunately remember the days before slow cooker carriers like this existed. I’ve hauled around many a crockpot in ill-advised ways. Fortunately, this Slow Cooker Travel Bag makes the transport process much easier for me, my car, and the crockpot. This one is sized to fit my 6-quart oval, programmable slow cooker. However, I also use a smaller one for my 4-quart crockpot when needed.
This is one of my more recent acquisitions and I am so happy I got it. Whether I’ve used the Instant Pot for pressure cooking or slow cooking, taking it along had previously been a bit of a pain due to the shape which was incompatible with any of my crockpot carriers. This 2 Compartment Carry Bag is sized for my Instant Pot and has an extra compartment on top for an additional dish. Plus it has an exterior pocket and a shoulder carry strap. When I’m getting stuff in and out of the car, the shoulder strap is particularly helpful for me.
Disposable Hosting Supplies
While I like to leverage reusable / real plates, silverware, etc., sometimes that just isn’t practical. Those are the times when dinner party hosting gets to steal some ideas from catering. I most frequently employ these tactics and devices in the following situations:
- I’m hosting outdoors and want the advantage of non-breakable supplies.
- We’re having more than 12 guests.
- I need the cleanup to be expedited because we’ve got another round of party within 24 hours, more guests coming over, or we’re leaving for a trip the next day.
(Figuring out socially distanced outdoor dining during quarantine was a great way to stretch my thinking for these types of supplies.)
Sometimes using real plates just isn’t in the cards for whatever reason. When that’s the case, I use these Heavy Duty Disposable Plates. They look nice and can hold up to use with steak knives and the like. I particularly like to use them when I’m doing back-to-back parties and my “reset” time is limited. They are also my go to if I’m having more than 12 guests.
Similar to the Mini Spoons I have in this list, I like these 3 oz. and 5 oz. Disposable Mini Cups for Appetizers and Desserts for their cuteness and ease of cleanup. I pick whichever size is relevant for what I’m doing. I’ve use them for things like Gazpacho Shooters, Chocolate Coffee Mousse, sorbet, and the like.
I like to use these Disposable Mini Silver Spoons when I’m serving shooter style desserts (usually also in disposable containers). However, they’ve also made an appearance or two with hors d’oeuvres. They’re cute, tiny, and I don’t have to keep track of them.
Depending on the party size and style, I set out these Disposable Guest Towels in the powder room for guests. I use this pretty napkin / towel holder for them.
Napkin or Disposable Bathroom Towel Holder
Boston International Garden Gate Design Napkin Holder, Guest Towel Caddy, Antique Brass
Paired with some disposable guest towels, I set this Napkin / Disposable Bathroom Towel Holder out in the restroom for guests.
Stemless Unbreakable Crystal Clear Plastic Wine Glasses (10 ounce)
24 piece Stemless Unbreakable Crystal Clear Plastic Wine Glasses Set of 24 (10 ounces)
When hosting at home for 12 guests or less, I generally stick with real wine glasses. However, if I’ve got more than 12 people coming over, am going to be hosting outside, or am hosting somewhere other than my house, I’ll use these Stemless Unbreakable Clear Plastic Wine Glasses. I’ve tried a variety of stemmed ones over the years and those work okay, but they’re usually a little more limited in volume. Plus, I like these for any drink, not just wine.
Whenever I’m making appetizer skewers, I like to use these little Bamboo Cocktail Picks and so try to keep them on hand. I like them for a little flair and because I find their ends easier to pick up.
I use these Clear Plastic Cups with Dome Lids (No Holes) for individually packaging desserts for an outdoor party. I find that this makes it easier to protect them from bugs and move them around when you have a picnic setup or something similar. They’re usually pictured with cupcakes, but really could be for anything room temperature or chilled.
These Serving Trays with Lids work well for prepping things like cookie trays, appetizer trays, veggie trays, etc. You can just put the lids on and stack them in the fridge or cooler until you’re ready to set them out. Then just leave the lids on until you’re ready to serve.
Summary
These are the kitchen tools that most improve the efficiency of my prep, cooking, and hosting. Stay tuned for the next round in which I’ll share my favorites in terms of storage and serving.
What are your favorites? Feel free to share in the comments. I love to hear suggestions.
Thank you Lori.. I never thought about rack inserts. Good idea.
They come in very handy and double as cooling racks.