So you decided this is the year you spend more time in the kitchen and less time on DoorDash and Ubereats. I’ve been cooking since the day I figured out how to turn on a gas stove. One thing I’ve learned over the years is how important the right tools are. I’ve rounded up 5 must have kitchen tools that everyone from the novice cook to the seasoned veteran will appreciate.

5 Must Have Kitchen Tools

Chef’s Knife – A good knife is a work horse in the kitchen. I used to think the type didn’t make much difference, until the day I took a knife skills class. Let me tell ya, a revolution was had that day. I traded in my cheap set knife for a super sharp, lightweight knife that glided through food. Choosing the right knife is kind of like when Harry Potter get’s his wand. Just like the right wand, it will choose you. You’ll know when you pick it up if it’s the right fit. It should feel lightweight in your hand, and easy to maneuver. It will cut your food prep time in half. I prefer an 8 inch chef’s knife but you can go bigger or smaller depending on hand size. Take care of it and it will last you a lifetime.

Silicon Spatulas – I love my spatulas. I use them almost every time I cook. They can do everything from folding an omelette to scraping down the sides of a mixing bowl. They’re silicone so they work on any surface. They’re also heat resistant so you don’t have to worry about them melting. I keep 2-3 in my rotation at all times. They come in different sizes, so whether you’re cooking, baking, making candy etc there is one for the task at hand.

Stainless Steel Tongs – Locking tongs are the gift that keeps on giving. They’re the best tool for flipping meat, and moving food from one surface to another. They lock, so when you aren’t actively using them you don’t have to worry about them splaying food everywhere. They’re durable and I have literally had the same pair for almost 10 years and they still look brand new. My preferred brand is OXO and I get the 12 inch tongs.

Cutting Board – Your kitchen isn’t complete without a proper cutting board. The bigger the better in my opinion. Proper food prep calls for a cutting board. You’ll use it for chopping veggies and fruit, smashing garlic, as well as resting cooked meats. When you’re starting out plastic is best, as it is easier to maintain and dishwasher safe. This will allow for you to keep it properly sanitized.

Quarter Sheet Pans – These are hands down my most used kitchen tool. I was loyal to the half sheet pans for ages, but when I bought the quarter sheet pans I was. I use them for EVERYTHING. Mise en Place, baking, resting foods, storing ingredients. They transport well, and are the perfect size for small batch cooking. Plus, they’re just so darn cute.

These are my 5 must have kitchen tools. These are things I reach for over and over again. If I was starting from scratch with stocking my kitchen, these are the items I would start with. No one expects you to be Ina Garden or Gordon Ramsey from jump, but these will give you the confidence you need to spend more time in the kitchen.