My Kitchen Essentials

Over the years, I’ve realized I don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets — just the right ones. These are the tools I actually use in my own home, whether I’m cooking for a quiet night in, testing recipes I share here, or hosting a cozy book club gathering.

Nothing here is trendy — just practical, well-loved essentials that earn their place in my kitchen. Some links may be affiliate or sponsored recommendations. I update this page as my kitchen evolves.

You’ll see many of these tools used throughout my Reader’s Kitchen recipes and book club pairings .

This page may contain affiliate or sponsored links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Everyday Kitchen Tools I Reach For

Cutting Boards

Sturdy enough for everyday prep and easy to clean after long cooking days.

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Knives

Comfortable, sharp, and reliable.

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Measuring Cup & Spoon Set

Accurate, easy to read, and used constantly.

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Rustic Pizza Peel

Perfect for sliding homemade pizza into the oven and serving it straight to the table.

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Organization & Storage

Storage Containers

Perfect for leftovers and meal prep.

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Spice Rack

Keeps everything visible and within reach.

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Fine-Mesh Sieve

Essential for straining sauces, broths, and cooking liquids.

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Mixing Bowls

Essential for everyday prep and baking.

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Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor

Quick prep for sauces & veggies.

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My most-used small appliances

If I had to keep only two appliances on my counter, it would be my Instant Pot and my Breville oven. They make weeknight cooking simple.

Small Appliances Worth the Counter Space

Instant Pot

Makes hands-off cooking easy — perfect for soups, stews, and cozy one-pot meals.

Used in: Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup

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Breville Oven

Great for roasting and baking without the full oven.

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Countertop Vacuum Sealer

Keeps proteins, vegetables, and leftovers fresh longer — great for meal prep and freezing ingredients.

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Hand Mixer

Great for quick baking — and my favorite shortcut for shredding chicken straight from the Instant Pot.

Used in: Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

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