Kitchen Essentials – Barefeet in the Kitchen

Whether you cook every night or just find joy in the occasional evening spent baking, the right tools make all the difference. I have found that some tools become lifelong companions, and others end up gathering dust in the back of a drawer. These kitchen tools are the everyday essentials that I reach for more than any others.

This is not a sponsored post. But, it is a list of things that I consistently recommend. I own every single one of these products. How else could I swear by them? If you want to give the chef or baker in your life an upgrade that will last, these are the gifts to give.

Knives

When it comes to kitchen essentials, I’m not sure there is anything that would be considered more essential than knives. It’s a divisive subject, because chefs have strong opinions on their knives. Well, I have owned a lot of knives. A LOT. I have been given quite a few. I’ve bought plenty of others. And, at one point or another, I’ve tried just about every top-rated or trendy knife that exists.

It was over 10 years ago when I first tried Victorinox knives, while visiting a professional test kitchen. It was love at first slice. I looked up the knives when I got home and my jaw dropped at the inexpensive price. These are stellar knives, and the price point can’t be beat for quality. My 8″ Chef’s Knife and the 4″ Paring Knife are pictured above.

That said, my all-time favorite is a Misen Chef Knife. The weighting of this knife makes it an absolute dream to use. And, it holds an edge incredibly well. It is a higher quality knife, but that comes with a higher price tag. So, Victorinox is the way to go, starting out.

Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards are a staple in my kitchen and I have a lot of them. I tend to stick with acacia, walnut, and oak for the most part when I’m chopping and cutting. But, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money on something fancy.

I have to admit that a few years back, I did splurge on a lovely handmade block that I leave out on my counter all the time. No matter your price point, take care of your cutting board. Oil it often. If you keep it hydrated, it will last for years and years.

The GIR Spoonula

One of my favorite kitchen tools that I use nearly every day is called the ​Get It Right Spoonula​. And, dang did they get it right. It’s part spatula, part spoon, and practically perfect in every way. I am a HUGE fan of this handy tool, because nothing sticks to it, it’s heat proof to 550°F, and it’s completely dishwasher safe. (It’s currently out of stock, but it’s worth watching and waiting for, and YES I am brand loyal here, the others are not the same!)

Measuring Cups

I have a drawer full of various measuring cups, but I reach for my stainless steel measuring cups more than any others. They measure clean and smooth, they’ve got a nice heft without being too heavy (if you know, you know) and they’re dishwasher safe. Plus, they look just as good as the day I bought them 8 years ago (that’s a rare thing).

Measuring Spoons

When I first started cooking, it took no time at all for me to develop an intense dislike for measuring spoons that don’t fit inside of spice jars. That’s why these stainless steel measuring spoons are hands-down my favorite. They’re also quite a bargain.

For a peek into the rest of my kitchen, check out my favorite Kitchen Splurges, Kitchen Pots and Pans, and Kitchen Extras, for everything from the big ticket item to the last little thing to round out your gifts!