I’m not a professional chef or baker, but I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Over the years in this house we’ve collected items that genuinely make food storage, prep, and mealtime easier for our family. Below I’ve shared the standout tools and products I reach for most. This isn’t an exhaustive list of every utensil or pan you should own—just the few things that have made daily life simpler and more enjoyable. Some are likely familiar to you, while others might be new ideas to try. A number of these choices also reflect our ongoing effort to make the kitchen more sustainable.
Food Storage Favorites
Wood Lid Food Storage Jars
We keep a few jars on the counter for things like sugar and pasta. These glass jars with wooden lids look nice, are durable, and were reasonably priced—so they keep pantry staples accessible and tidy.
Glass Food Storage Containers
We switched to glass containers a few years ago and appreciate that they’re oven- and microwave-safe, stain-resistant, and don’t hold odors like plastic can. They also stack neatly in the fridge.
Reusable Zip Bags
Reusable zip-style bags have cut down on single-use plastic in our kitchen. The ones with a wider base are especially handy because they stand upright in the fridge or on the counter, making filling and storing easier.
Stasher Bags
Stasher-style silicone bags stay sealed very well, which makes them great for packing food on the go. We still use different reusable bags depending on whether something needs a tight seal or just fridge storage.
Food Huggers
Food huggers are one of those small tools I wish I’d had sooner. They slip over the cut end of tomatoes, cucumbers, or apples and keep the remaining half fresh without needing a whole container.
Beeswax Wraps
I use beeswax wraps for wrapping bread before freezing or covering bowls when I don’t want to use a container. They’re flexible, washable, and reduce disposable plastic use.
Avocado Saver
If you eat avocados regularly, an avocado saver is incredibly useful. It keeps cut avocados fresh and reduces waste, so one is almost always in rotation here.
Food Prep Must Haves
Multipurpose Pan
A versatile, quality frying pan that functions as a skillet, sauté pan, and even a steamer has become a daily go-to. A well-designed multipurpose pan saves space and simplifies cooking.
Tempered Glass Nesting Bowls
A set of tempered glass nesting bowls is indispensable for baking and prep work. They’re sturdy, microwave-safe, and easy to clean, and I always have at least one in use during cooking projects.
Durable Measuring Spoons
Measuring spoons with clearly etched measurements are a small upgrade that removes irritation. A good set that won’t wear off and includes fractions like 1 1/2 tablespoons is surprisingly helpful.
Ice Cream Scoop for Cookies
An ice cream scoop is an easy way to portion uniform cookie dough balls. It speeds up baking and helps produce consistent results.
Kitchen Scissors
Kitchen scissors are used constantly here—for cutting pizza, chicken, quesadillas, and small prep tasks. They’re faster and more precise than using a fork and knife for many casual meals.
Unpaper Towels
We replaced disposable paper towels with cloth “unpaper” towels a few years ago. They work well as napkins and cleaning rags and have become part of our daily routine.
Mealtime Must Haves
Refillable Salt & Pepper Grinders
Refillable salt and pepper grinders deliver fresher seasoning and reduce single-use plastic. They’re a small investment that improves flavor and sustainability at the table.
Tempered, Hard-to-Break Glasses
Tempered glasses that resist breaking are a lifesaver with little kids. They have survived being dropped or thrown and still look great—perfect for everyday use.
Glass Kids Cups with Silicone Sleeves
Mason-style glass kids’ cups with silicone sleeves and interchangeable lids (straw or solid) work well for drinks and snacks, and they’re great to pull out when little friends visit.
Reusable Water Bottle
A reliable reusable water bottle that’s easy to open with one hand, fits in a cup holder, and feels sturdy makes everyday hydration easier when out and about.
Mini Bowls
Small bowls are incredibly useful for taco toppings, dips, snacks, and little tastes when baking with kids. They’re simple but always in use in our kitchen.
Speckled Bowls
A few colorful speckled bowls add personality to the table and are perfect for snacks or displaying fruit. I enjoy collecting them in different sizes as occasion and storage allow.
What are your kitchen must-haves?