Kitchenware Essentials: Tools Every Home Cook Needs - 2025!

It's my birthday 🎂 and to celebrate World Gbemi Day, I give you this blog! One of my favourite things to watch, research and talk about - Kitchen essentials, the update 2025 list!

Introduction

I'm strongly of the opinion that when you have the right tools you will thoroughly enjoy your cooking experience. This is because you are not being slowed down for example by blunt knifes or doing something that could easily be done by a piece of handy equipment.

Now don't get me wrong, you don't need to buy every single thing at your local store or that you see on social media. This just creates clutter and you'll easily forget those 1-trick tools quickly. I've also spent the last 5 years curating my kitchen essentials list and would love to share this with you.

The Basics: Must-Have Tools - not exhaustive but a good start!

Prep

1. I have chopping boards in two to three sizes: small, medium, and large. This variety allows me to prepare meals in bulk, which I am a big fan of. I prefer wooden chopping boards, and I recently updated mine with ones from the Considered brand at Dunnes.

2. Get ready to transform your cooking experience with top-notch knives! At the very least, you'll want a paring knife, a chef's knife, and a vegetable knife. While it's easy to spend a fortune on these essentials, I've recently switched to the Ikea range, and let me tell you, they've taken my culinary skills to a whole new level without costing a fortune!

   
   

   

   
   

3. I have the same measuring scale from Argos that I bought 10 years ago. If you want any accuracy in baking, then I recommend getting one. However, this might serve as the coffee grind measuring scale if you're like my husband. Don't ask! But here is one I'm looking to upgrade to later.

4. Glass or ceramic mixing bowls are a total must-have! Grab 2 to 3 different sizes, and you’re ready to roll. These materials are awesome because they last long and don’t stain. Plus, they’re super versatile—you can melt chocolate in the microwave or store prepared ingredients and pastries in the fridge. I suggest having a couple of sizes handy, especially for those epic cooking or baking sessions!

Cooking

1. Stainless steel pots and pans, optional cast iron sets - Stainless steel cookware is my favorite material for pots due to durability, resistance to rust and corrosion, and ability to handle high temperatures. I still have 2 from over 2 years ago and the set my husband gifted me in 2021. They are easy to maintain and clean,and don't alter the taste of acidic foods, so making it ideal for a variety of dishes. On the other hand, I have recently invested in some cast iron cookware from Ikea and have been enjoying them, my Jollof rice has never been soo good! They are great at heat retention and even distribution, perfect for slow cooking or frying too! Although cast iron requires more maintenance, once you get the hang of it - its totally worth it!

2. Cooking utensils - now you have to know what works best with your pots and pans and also have some for serving your meals at say a dinner party. But I have been using wooden spoons for some years now and find them versatile and pretty to look at. I have this set from Amazon, note that they are hand-wash only. These are teak wood and have lasted 2 years but I am now upgrading to Acacia wood as these are moisture resistant and much more durable.

   

   
   

Upgrades for Enthusiasts

When it comes to elevating your cooking experience, investing in advanced or specialty kitchen tools can make a significant difference. These tools not only enhance efficiency but also improve the quality of your dishes. Below are some essential tools that every serious home cook should consider adding to their kitchen collection according to me!

Stand Mixer

A stand mixer is an indispensable tool for any baking enthusiast. Getting a multitool makes it a thousand times better like mine (see my Kenwood blog) which has a blender, food processor attachments. Unlike handheld mixers, stand mixers are powerful and stable, allowing you to mix ingredients thoroughly without the need for constant manual effort. With various attachments available, such as dough hooks, whisks, and paddle attachments, a stand mixer can handle a wide range of tasks, from whipping cream to kneading bread dough.

Food Processor

A food processor is a super handy gadget that can seriously cut down your time in the kitchen. It can chop, slice, shred, and puree stuff with just a button press. Plus, lots of food processors come with different blades and discs, so you can slice and grate just how you like it. Whether you're throwing together a quick dinner or working on a tricky recipe, a food processor can make things way easier and help you get pro-level results. As you know, I love batch cooking so this is super helpful for chopping in as many ways you could think.

In conclusion, these advanced and specialty kitchen tools can significantly enhance your cooking capabilities, allowing you to explore new techniques and achieve professional-level results in your home kitchen. By incorporating these tools into your cooking routine, you can enjoy a more efficient, enjoyable, and rewarding culinary experience. As I started this blog off with, I could go on for ages but will save it for future blogs and reviews.

Here's to more consistency in posting blogs and recipes. Let me know what tools you can't live without in the comments below or via email. Until next time, happy cooking!