Top 10 Must Have Kitchen Items

First on my list of kitchen must haves is a Kitchen-Aid stand mixer. I was gifted this beautiful silver one seven years ago now, and I can tell you they are built to last. With several models to choose from and so many different colors, you are sure to find one that works for you. It is an initial investment but worth it in terms of use and versatility.

Three mixing devices come with the mixer. A dough hook that is excellent at kneading all kinds of dough from sandwich buns to bread to pizza dough. A wire whisk that whips up buttercream frosting and cheesecake filling in no time. And lastly, a paddle beater that mixes cakes, muffins, and cookies to perfection.

Kitchen Aid also makes a variety of attachments that work with the mixer. Available to you are a pasta roller, an ice cream maker, a vegetable spiralizer, a meat grinder, and many others. A grain mill attachment is also available for grinding your own wheat berries and different whole grains.

Cereal Dispenser https://amzn.to/3gV65PA

A dual cereal dispenser is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. The easy turn spout makes filling your cereal bowl quick and easy. It is a must-have with kids, there is hardly any mess. No more bulky boxes and ripped bags. Plus it looks really cool on your counter, and you get the feeling of a fancy hotel. It fits perfectly under the cabinets and does not stick out very far.

I have had this one for around five years now and I have not had any mechanical issues. It’s shatterproof and scratch resistant. The containers hold a regular bag of cereal and keep it fresh. It comes apart easily so you can wash it in warm soapy water.

Even my three-year-old uses it. Great for busy mornings!

50 oz Tumbler/ Thermos https://amzn.to/3zp520D

I will start this off by saying this item changed my life. If you are a big water drinker or know someone that is, this is the absolute perfect gift. I bought this for myself when I was pregnant with my third child. If you are a mom, you know just how thirsty you can get. This thermos keeps ice in your water for up to 36 hours! No more getting up in the middle of the night to refill.

This thermos holds 50oz of fluid! It’s made of stainless steel, is BPA-free, and is 100% recyclable. It is also dishwasher-safe and very durable. There are several awesome colors to choose from so you can match your unique personality. I love black and silver!

The top has three ways to drink. Gulp, sip, and use a straw. And one of the best features is an insulated design that makes the whole thing sweatproof, even in the middle of summer. This one is definitely my favorite.

These baking pans are a must-have addition to any kitchen. They are made of natural aluminum which allows your baked goods to heat evenly. And they are made in the USA. The 9×13 pan is great for cakes, cinnamon rolls, or any other baked goods. The lid stays on tight and keeps food fresh.

Kitchen Scissors https://amzn.to/3UdwG8J

Every good kitchen needs an ultra-sharp pair of scissors or shears. We cut everything from twine to pizza (yes pizza), and meat, and we harvest herbs from the garden. These multi-use scissors fit the bill in more ways than one. They are ergonomically designed to rest comfortably in your hand for those tough jobs.

I’ve had these for over a year now and use them many times a day and they haven’t lost any of the sharpness. For under $5 a pair, you can’t go wrong. Get a pair for yourself and anyone else on your gift list.

Kitchen Aid Hand Blender https://amzn.to/3NlMELI

Every good cook deserves a quality hand or immersion blender. This one is professional and easy to use. With 4 stainless steel blades, you’ll be mixing up all kinds of dishes. I’ve used this hand (or immersion) blender to perfectly puree applesauce, jams, and salad dressings, in addition to homemade mayonnaise.

One of the best applications is being able to blend up soups and hot foods without worrying about the heat ruining the blades. I love making up a big batch of homemade pea soup and this hand blender makes short work of smoothing out the texture.

It is a simple design and easy to use. No fuss, just excellent pureed foods. Go ahead and make those smoothies with ease!

Wide mouth Quart https://amzn.to/3STW7uO

Wide Mouth Pint https://amzn.to/3Uh3gGV

Reg. Mouth Pint https://amzn.to/3DPzl3g

Pint with handle https://amzn.to/3TLclrz

Half Pint https://amzn.to/3FycIl1

I can’t even begin to tell you how many uses there are for mason jars. From canning to food storage, to spice containers, refrigerator pickles, Q-tip holders, and drinking glasses. I use one with a handle to make an iced coffee every day for the school pick up. They also work perfectly for overnight oats.

Mason jars are so versatile and come in a variety of sizes to fit all of your needs. I always have some homemade vegetable broth stored in a quart sized mason jar in the refrigerator. They also come in regular and wide mouth.

The sizes in the photo are clockwise from back left… wide mouth quart (32oz), wide mouth pint (16oz), regular mouth pint (16oz), a pint with handle, and a half pint (8oz jelly jar)

8 Wide and 8 Regular size lids https://amzn.to/3gVZAMf

For all the uses of mason jars, I found having some easy screw BPA-free lids were a must. I use these to store my spices like cinnamon and cardamom. And also to make pickled jalapenos and cucumbers which are both acidic and can react with metal.

They come with chalkboard stickers to write on and look nice on snack containers. I use the 32oz mason jars for nuts and crackers. They are kid-friendly and dishwasher-safe. You can get them in regular and wide-mouth sizes.

Jumbo container https://amzn.to/3DOJ4qm

Medium container https://amzn.to/3Udtv0N

Last but certainly not least, are one of the most used items in my kitchen. Cast Iron skillets. These two pans, 12″ and 10″, are an absolute kitchen must-have. Cast iron is easy to maintain by rinsing with hot water and using a scrub brush right after cooking. No soap is needed. Dry immediately with a soft cloth or paper towel and wipe with your choice of oil. I use olive oil.