Being a good cook isn’t just about technique—it’s also about having the right tools.
If your kitchen’s missing these essentials, chances are you’re winging it a little too hard, and your meals might be paying the price. Obviously, you don’t need to be kitted out with the latest and greatest gadgets to make some tasty meals, but there are some basics that every kitchen needs to make preparing food easier and more flavourful.
1. A sharp chef’s knife
If you’re still sawing through tomatoes with a dull supermarket knife, it’s time to level up. A sharp, reliable chef’s knife is the backbone of every functional kitchen. It makes prep faster, safer, and way less frustrating. Chopping with a dull blade isn’t just annoying—it actually increases your chance of injury. A good knife gives you precision and control, and once you use one, you’ll never go back to struggling with a wonky blade again.
2. A cutting board that isn’t glass or tiny
If you’re using a cutting board the size of a paperback novel—or worse, one made of slippery glass—you’re setting yourself up for chaos. You need a decent-sized board that actually stays put while you work. A sturdy wooden or plastic board with grip is essential for safety and efficiency. Tiny boards just create mess, and glass ones? They’re a knife’s worst enemy. If your board clacks when you use it, ditch it.
3. A set of measuring spoons and cups
Guesswork might work for the pros, but if you’re eyeballing everything and wondering why your cookies flop, this might be why. Proper measuring tools make all the difference, especially for baking or sauces. They’re not expensive, they don’t take up space, and they instantly make your cooking more consistent. Being a “just wing it” cook is fine for scrambled eggs, but not so much for soufflé or anything involving ratios.
4. A non-stick frying pan that hasn’t been abused
If your non-stick pan has more scratches than a cat fight, it’s probably not doing its job. A good-quality, non-stick pan is essential for eggs, pancakes, and quick sautés without everything turning into a sticky mess. Bonus tip: if you’re using metal utensils on non-stick pans, please stop. It’s a recipe for frustration and ruined breakfasts. A decent pan will instantly improve your cooking experience (and your clean-up game).
5. A proper salt container (and more than one type of salt)
If you’re still using those tiny salt shakers with the metal cap, you’re missing out. Good cooks keep salt accessible, like in a salt cellar or pinch bowl, and they use different kinds depending on the dish. Table salt, kosher salt, flaky sea salt—they all serve a purpose. Knowing when to use each one is a quiet flex. And no, adding salt after cooking to make up for it doesn’t count—it’s about layering flavour as you go.
6. A microplane or fine grater
This little tool is a game-changer for zesting citrus, grating garlic or ginger, and adding a dusting of parmesan that doesn’t look like it came from a bag. It’s small but mighty, and it instantly elevates your cooking. Without one, you’re either skipping steps or hacking at ingredients in a way that compromises texture. A good cook knows that tiny touches, like fresh zest or a sprinkle of nutmeg—make all the difference.
7. Tongs you actually reach for (not buried in a drawer)
Whether you’re flipping chicken, tossing pasta, or grabbing toast from the oven like a heathen, tongs are your go-to. If you don’t have a pair within arm’s reach, you’re probably making things harder than they need to be. Good cooks keep their most-used tools handy, and tongs are right up there. Bonus points if you’ve got the kind that lock and unlock easily. Once you’re using them properly, they’ll basically become an extension of your hand.
8. A digital thermometer
Guessing whether your chicken is done is not a personality trait. A digital thermometer takes all the stress out of cooking meat, and it helps you hit that sweet spot between dry and undercooked. It’s especially helpful for roasts, steaks, and anything you’re not slicing open mid-cook. Good cooks know temperature control is everything, and a simple thermometer puts you in charge without the guesswork.
9. A cast iron skillet (that isn’t just for display)
If you have a cast iron pan, but it’s hiding in a cupboard because you’re scared of it, it doesn’t count. Good cooks actually use it—for searing steaks, baking cornbread, and getting that perfect crisp on roasted veg. They also know how to care for it. It’s not as high-maintenance as people think—and once you get comfortable, it becomes one of the most versatile, dependable tools in your kitchen.
10. A blender or food processor that works reliably
Blending soups, making sauces, crushing nuts—these aren’t things you should be trying to do with a fork. If you don’t have a decent blender or processor, you’re missing out on an entire category of food prep. Good cooks know the joy of a silky soup or perfectly blended dressing. You don’t need the fanciest model, but you do need one that doesn’t sound like it’s about to explode every time you use it.
11. A timer that isn’t “vibes-based”
If you’re cooking based on your gut feeling of “when it smells done,” it might be time to embrace timers. Good cooks know timing is everything, especially when you’re multitasking or working with something precise. Your phone timer works just fine. The point is having a system that lets you cook without constantly hovering. No more burned garlic or dry pasta because you got distracted scrolling while sautéing.
12. At least one good-quality saucepan
If all your saucepans wobble, burn everything, or have a mystery origin, they’re probably not doing you any favours. You don’t need a full matching set—just one dependable pan that heats evenly and doesn’t stick. Good cookware doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but having one reliable piece can change how you cook (and how confident you feel doing it). No more watching your sauce bubble and praying it doesn’t scorch.
13. A rubbish bowl (or a better way to manage scraps)
Professional chefs always have a spot for scraps—and home cooks should too. If you’re running back and forth to the bin mid-chop, you’re wasting time and probably making a mess along the way. Good cooks use a rubbish bowl or keep a compost bin nearby. It’s a small habit that streamlines prep, keeps your space tidy, and makes you feel like you actually know what you’re doing, even if you’re just chopping carrots.
