10 Kitchen Tools I Actually Use Every Week

When we started cooking more from scratch, I realized something quickly – it’s not about having more gadgets. It’s about having the right tools.

These aren’t trendy. They’re simply the tools I reach for every single week in our kitchen.

If you’ve been wanting to cook more at home, bake more bread, or rely less on processed foods, these are the tools that genuinely make it easier for me.

Some of the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — which simply means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you choose to purchase through my links. I only share tools I personally use and love.

1. Kitchen Scale

I use my kitchen scale every single time I cook or bake. Not just for sourdough — for everything.

Measuring directly into the bowl eliminates so many dirty dishes. No measuring cups. No scraping flour out of tiny crevices. Just set the bowl on the scale, zero it out, and pour.

It’s faster. It’s more accurate. And it keeps cleanup simple.

If you bake even occasionally, this is worth every penny — and they’re very affordable. It’s one of those small purchases that completely changes your workflow. Once you start measuring by weight instead of volume, you’ll wonder how you ever existed in the kitchen without it.

2. OXO Peeler Pack

A sharp, comfortable peeler makes vegetable prep so much easier.

We use ours constantly for:

Carrots
Potatoes
Cucumbers
Apples
Even kiwi!!

OXO peelers are comfortable in your hand and stay sharp longer than cheaper versions.

It’s a simple tool — but when you’re peeling several pounds of vegetables, you notice the difference.

3. Cast Iron Dutch Oven

I use a cast iron Dutch oven and absolutely love it.

Cast iron holds heat beautifully and distributes it evenly. It transitions from stovetop to oven effortlessly, which makes it perfect for:

Sourdough bread
Soups and stews
Chili
Braised meats
Pot roast

It creates incredible crust on bread and deep flavor when searing meat.

It’s heavy, yes — but that weight is what makes it perform so well. If you cook comfort food regularly, this is a foundational piece.

4. Peppercorn Grinder

Freshly ground pepper tastes completely different than pre-ground.

It’s more aromatic. More flavorful. And you actually use less because it has more impact.

We use ours daily — on eggs, salads, soups, roasted vegetables, and meat.

It’s one of those small upgrades that quietly improves everything you cook.

5. Food Processor

My food processor has both chop and puree functions, which means it gets used constantly.

I use it for:

Making breadcrumbs
Blending cottage cheese for dips
Pureeing sauces
Quickly chopping vegetables (especially onions so I don’t have to cry)

It saves time and keeps prep work simple. Instead of grabbing a pre-made version of something, I can make it fresh in minutes.

6. Manual Rotary Cheese & Vegetable Grater (5-in-1)

This little tool gets used almost daily in our house.

It’s a manual rotary grater with interchangeable stainless steel blades — and it works fast.

We use it for:

Shredding cheese
Slicing cucumbers for salads
Julienne carrots
Prepping vegetables for dinner

Freshly shredded cheese melts better and doesn’t have anti-caking agents. Plus, the kids think turning the handle is fun — so they actually help.

Small tool. Big impact.

7. Glass Click-Tight Storage Containers

We switched to glass containers so we’re not reheating food in plastic.

They stack neatly in the fridge, don’t stain, and hold up beautifully over time.

When leftovers look organized and visible, we actually eat them. It makes meal prep feel intentional instead of chaotic.

Can be used to store food in the fridge and freezer or to bake in the oven. This is one of those quiet upgrades that just makes everyday cooking smoother.

8. Refillable Glass Oil Sprayer

We stopped buying aerosol cooking spray and switched to a refillable glass oil sprayer.

It allows me to:

Control how much oil I use
Avoid unnecessary additives
Evenly coat pans and vegetables
Choose higher quality oil

It’s a small change, but it aligns with cooking more intentionally

9. Wüsthof Chef’s Knife

Upgrading to a quality chef’s knife changed prep work entirely.

A well-balanced, sharp knife:

Makes cutting faster
Makes cooking safer
Makes prep more enjoyable

I use Wüsthof knives because they are known for their precision-forged high-carbon stainless steel, which means they hold a sharp edge longer and resist staining and corrosion. They’re also full-tang (the steel runs through the entire handle), which gives them better balance and durability.

If you cook daily, a good knife is one of the best investments you can make.

10. Cutting Boards (Epicurean + Maple)

I rotate between two types of cutting boards depending on what I’m doing.

Epicurean Kitchen Series boards are lightweight, durable, and dishwasher safe. I use these for everyday prep — especially raw meat, quick vegetable chopping, garlic and onions, or anything messy that needs easy cleanup.

My maple cutting board is heavier and more substantial. Maple is naturally gentle on knives and has a warm, solid feel that makes prep more enjoyable. I use it for larger vegetable prep, herb chopping, bread slicing, and even serving.

Both have their place — and both get used weekly.

Better Tools. Better Cooking.

None of these tools are flashy. But they make scratch cooking manageable.

When your tools work well, you cook more. When cooking feels easier, you rely less on processed food.

You don’t need everything at once. Just start with one tool that solves a real problem in your kitchen. Small upgrades over time make a big difference.