12 Kitchen Essentials to Transform Your Cooking Game

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Assembling the right mix of kitchen essentials is a rite of passage. It’s a process that often accelerates as we couple up or build families, and evolves as different technological innovations emerge. Whether we’re focused on fast-and-cheap eats or a burgeoning gourmet lifestyle, it’s well worth the effort to set your kitchen up for success.

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We talked to longtime home chefs, cooking enthusiasts, and restaurant professionals to identify 12 essentials that they believe belong in any kitchen worth its salt. Some are big-ticket items, and some are small gadgets. But all make life in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable…and all are available on Amazon. After all, a happy kitchen makes a happy life.

Hollow-Edge Knives

Wüsthof Classic Hollow Edge 2-Piece Chef's Knife Set

Recommending a knife is tricky territory. There are hardcore fans of German, Swiss, French, and Japanese brands, among others. Passions can run deep and personal preferences for weight, grip, and balance come into play. However, these particular knives were recommended by amateur and professional alike when we asked for opinions on what should make the essential kitchen shortlist. These two versatile knives (classic chef’s knife and paring blade) are lauded for being sharp, durable, and well-balanced. (The blade hollows, in case you were wondering, reduce food sticking when cutting.) Another hospitality professional in our survey group swears by the streigheter-edged, thinner Santoku blade.

Amazon: $225