I spend a lot of my time in the kitchen and have kitchen staples that I use every day! Many of these products are simple but they really make a difference in keeping my cooking or meal prep routines run more smoothly. From building a smoothie, to my morning coffee, here are my must-haves that I swear by.
High Powered Blender
A high-powered blender, like a Vitamix, is the one household product I cannot go without! I use it for my Fab 4 Smoothie, protein coffees, and homemade dressings or dips. It is truly a lifesaver.
Terrine Jars
Glass terrine jars are the perfect food-savers that I love to use for smoothie ingredients or nuts. Whether it’s a 7-ounce jar or liter, I can always find use for these jars in my pantry.
French Press
French press coffee is often criticized for being too chalky, however if it's done right, with the correct coffee grind, it tastes oh-so-good! I am a major proponent of coffee and must have my morning cup of joe after a workout to kick start my day and get after my inbox. This Freiling French Press has cold brew capabilities, which is a personal favorite and perfect for summer weather.
To-Go Mug
My go-to to-go mug is the Corkcicle tumbler, which keeps my water cold for 9 hours and coffee hot for 3. I don’t love plastic – especially for hot beverages, so the triple insulation and stainless steel base is crucial.
Zoodler
I love this GEFU zoodler because it is the perfect tool for when I am craving pasta. Take the extra five minutes to create zucchini noodles instead of empty carbohydrates like pasta noodles that will only leave you craving more in a few hours.
Dehydrator
My most recent kitchen toy, this Excalibur dehydrator, is perfect for kale chips, dried fruit, beef jerky, you name it – the list goes on. Pop your food of choice inside and let the dehydrator work its magic in just a few hours.
Food Processor
One of my favorite salads of all time is coleslaw, so I use my food processor for slicing cabbage and vegetables to create a beautiful homemade salad. Switch the blades and use the processor to create a dressing or dip, and you are set for leftovers!
Mandolin
I love my mandolin for chopping veggies and making slaw. It’s the perfect tool for a salad bar lunch because you can effortlessly shred any vegetable in seconds. I am also a huge proponent of slaw and always break this out for dinner party prep.
Nut Milk Bag
I use my nut milk bag to make homemade almond or cashew milk. This bag makes life so much easier and is the best tool to DIY your milk to ensure you are getting the best product without any packaging additives.
Glass Containers
I prefer glass to plastic, especially when it comes to saving food. These Pyrex containers keep the food fresh for days, and are dishwasher-friendly. They also make great travel containers for beach trips or road trips with the family.
Produce Keepers
I am obsessed with these OXO vegetable savers because they keep my vegetables clean and fresh for a whole week or longer. Another great option are stasher bags, not only do they keep your vegetables fresh but you can also cook with them!
Pro Chef’s Knife
This Zwilling knife is a staple in my kitchen because it’s so versatile – I can chop, dice, and slice any ingredient that I need.
Slow Cooker
The Instant Pot has really changed the kitchen appliance game. As a pressure cooker, you can create delicious meals in a fraction of the time you’d normally spend on them. There are so many other features - like slow cooking, sauteing, and steaming - included that this is really an all-in-one kind of appliance. .. One of my favorite weeknight dinners is braised pork in a slow cooker. First I braise the meat in a Dutch oven or sauté pan with coconut or algae oil, and then cook it in my slow cooker. With the Instant Pot’s all-in-one capabilities, there’s no need for the extra braising step. Perfect for those of us who are on the go or have little ones at home.
Retired Products
Caraway Pans
I no longer use Caraway cookware because, after about a year of use, I noticed it started to break down and scratch more easily than I expected. While I appreciate their design and the promise of being free from harmful chemicals, the durability didn't hold up to my cooking habits. I prefer cookware that can withstand daily use without showing significant wear, so I’ve decided to explore other options that offer both safety and longevity.
Want to learn more? Click here to read my full blog post on non-stick cookware.
Article inspired and originally published on The Inspired Home: 14 Must Have Kitchen Products
