Cooking, cooking, cooking! If I had an endless supply of ingredients to cook, I would do it 24/7. Like I’ve said, I just love cooking in my kitchen so much. I love creating something beautiful and delicious out of the natural beauty nature has given us to craft something of our own with. Most of the crafting and creating comes during the prep. That’s were things are cut, sliced, blended, zested, mixed, and poured. That’s where the fun is. Not the time you’re standing around for something to bake in the oven or standing over the stove making sure you’re pancakes don’t burn. The prep you do is the time to get inspired by your ingredients, get crazy, messy, and have fun. Kitchen prep can be simple with just cutting and mixing, but it can also require some more tools than just a knife. Here are 15 of my top kitchen prep tools and why I find them so!
Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap 10 Cup Food Processor – This is the greatest appliance I have. I think. I am in love with my food processor! I have about 4 or 5 blenders and I have never been happy with any. I’ve tried them all and they just don’t do the job. When I finally got an actual food processor, my life changed forever! Talk about blending, chopping, power! You can even grate things with this! Nut butter has never been easier to make, veggie burgers are a cinch, and hummus comes out so creamy! I don’t make smoothies, so a blender is a waste for me. You can do everything and more with a good food processor and I really recommend this one!
Chef’s Knife – I use the same (years old) Food Network chef’s/prep knife for everything! The only knife I use! I got it for Christmas years and years ago and wish they still sold it! But alas, you need a quality chef’s knife if you’re going to do any cooking. No way around it, a quality sharp knife is the most essential tool to have!
Fine Mesh Strainer – I need to wash a lot of veggies, fruits, grains and beans. I even always rinse anything that comes in a can. I don’t like normal colanders, I prefer a fine mesh strainer instead. The one I use I think came form the dollar store, and sadly after a few years of use, the handle broke off! However, i become attached to my kitchen tools and I still use it (I just hold the rim, not the handle). A mesh strainer is much better for washing though when you have little things like quinoa to wash off!
Measuring Cups – Obviously, you need accurate measurements at times. Even though I don’t measure most things when I cook, some things do require it. A good set of measuring cups is indeed a must. I’m also going to confess something. Most of the time (most) I use measuring cups and not a liquid measuring cups for liquids. I know, I know, cooking sin! But since I don’t do a ton of finicky baking, when cooking, you don’t need the accurate “liquid” precision 😉 I still have a liquid measuring cup, but I’m lazy. So do as I say, not as I do.
Measuring Spoons – I have about 4 sets of measuring spoons. There are two sets that I use though. One I use for more baking things and the other I use for cooking and spices. Again, I only measure spices when writing recipes for you guys. Most often I just eyeball it after years of cooking. But I do use my tablespoon about 50 times a day. Funny story; I though someone stole my tablespoon when I was at school last year. One day it just disappeared! I was so upset. Then months later when I came home, I randomly put my hand in the pocket of my robe and low-and-behold, my tablespoon was in the pocket! Don’t ask, I have no idea why it was in there, but I was very happy 😉
Microplane Zester – Remember the story I told you about “zesting” a lime? Well, that never happens now that I have a wonderful microplane! Zesting has never been easier and if I’m putting lemon or lime juice in a recipe, you better believe I’m also going to zest it! With the microplane you can also finely grate garlic (etc.) too. I really recommend getting one!
Cutting Board – Yea, you need a good cutting board. Might I add, one that is not for raw meat or fish. I really don’t have that problem, since I’m rarely cutting meat, and if I am, I do so in the foam package it came in. Anyway, have a nice veggie loved plastic cutting board. Wooden ones are nice and pretty, but bacteria hole-up in the pores of the wood and they never really get clean. I don’t use any type of wood in my kitchen anyway for gluten, food-allergy safety reasons (since wood doesn’t get clean).
Vegetable Peeler – I actually never peel most veggies unless it is essential to the recipe. My beets, potatoes, what have you, do not get peeled. I eat kiwi and mango skin. But there are some things that need peeling, like the yucca and for shaving a veggie like asparagus. Definitely a tool to have though since I know most people like to peel things more than me!
Citrus Squeezer – Along with the zester, a citrus squeezer changed my life! No more silly lemon seeds falling into the bowl. No more wasting half the juice when you just can squeeze anymore. This squeezer gets every last drop out! Amazing I tell you. (Also secret of the trade: always roll your citrus on the counter, applying pressure, before you cut and squeeze to make sure the juices are freely flowing.)
Mixing Bowls
Krups Coffee & Spice Grinder – I originally got this for grinding my own coffee beans, but it is a wonderful device to have for grinding fresh whole spices! What a difference! The flavor and vibrancy you get from using whole spices is nothing compared to already ground. So if you are a huge spice (and coffee) lover like me, an easy electric grinder is really great to have!
Can Opener – At the moment every can opener we have just, well, sucks. I’m on a mission to find a good one that actually works more than one time! Not all cans have tabs on them and when I need to open a can of tuna, tomatoes, or beans, I want it to be easy! A good can opener is a must in the kitchen and good for safety reasons. You know people stock up on canned goods for when the apocalypse takes place. Well, if you don’t have a quality, reliable can opener…you’re screwed.
Swissmar Borner V-Slicer Plus Mandoline – I’ve had this mandoline for years and never used it. I didn’t know how and when I first got it, was young and impatient (okay, I still am…but…). I needed to use it for a new recipe a few weeks ago. I needed precise cuts and shreds. Even though I butchered my hands trying to set it up (I didn’t see the child safety lock), I’m glad I do now finally know how to use it! Precision slices, juliennes, grating, everything! It is so good!
Garbage Bowl – My girl Rachel Ray is the genius behind the garbage bowl idea. Now, I don’t have her actual branded garbage bowl, but I do like to set aside a bowl or even plate to place all my garbage, scraps, unwanted peels in for easy clean up! If you don’t like prep work because you think it’s messy, use the garbage bowl method and clean up is seriously just a dump in the garbage! You all know I love easy prep!
A Big Spoon – Last thing. When mixing or scooping or just combining things together, I always opt for a big ole’ spoon. Even for baking, when things call for a whisk, if I can get away with just a spoon, I do so. A good big spoon is perfect to have at the ready and can even go from prep to pot too. Less clean up to use your prep tools for the cooking portion as well 😉
One prep tool I don’t have and really want is a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer! Then I could make my own marshmallows and maybe actually do some hardcore gluten-free baking experiments! Until then, I’m okay with what I have. Which also leaves me to note that this is only the first installment in another new series I think will be fun! Look out for more of my top kitchen tool posts to come! Think small appliances, baking, storing, etc! Don’t think I left out my love for the doughnut pan or spiralizer! They just aren’t prep tools and will fit other categories better 😉
So tell me:
+ What are your top 3 kitchen PREP tools?
+ Do you have a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer? Any specific models you recommend? Discounts, maybe? Haha!
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Rachael says
August 27, 2015 at 9:11 amCooking is my habit too…especially I love to make juices of various kinds… I prefer to use juicy blenders for fast and perfect juices… so I suggest everyone to have juicy blender as one of the kitchen tools. Thanks for the blog.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
August 27, 2015 at 9:11 amNot in to juicing!
kimmythevegan says
August 3, 2015 at 6:02 pmLove your kitchen tools! I have all of these (totally agree on the mesh strainer!!), except the good chef’s knife. I need better knives, mine suck. I’ll have to check out the one you recommend.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
August 3, 2015 at 6:23 pmI only get use my one knife. Sadly it’s not available anymore as it’s old now, but I love it!
Deborah Davis says
July 28, 2015 at 4:15 pmMy fave tool is the zester! Thank you so much for sharing your Top 15 Kitchen Prep Tools with us at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 28, 2015 at 6:48 pmIt’s so helpful!
Sherry says
July 28, 2015 at 10:42 amMy top three: a wooden spoon, Kitchen Aid stand mixer, and a cutting board. I also need a sharp knife, so my top four.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 28, 2015 at 12:04 pmHahaha, it’s hard to pick 😉
Elaine Hodges says
July 25, 2015 at 10:36 amI am a BIG kitchen gadget fan!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 25, 2015 at 10:40 amThey are fun!
Hil says
July 25, 2015 at 7:28 amStopping in from Dare to Share Saturday – my top three fav’s would be my Kitchen Aid mixer (a big time saver), my Pampered Chef bar pan, and my mortar and pestle
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 25, 2015 at 8:09 amI do have an old fashioned mortar and pestle!
I think I really need that Kitchen Aid!
karen says
July 25, 2015 at 6:19 amI Love my food processor…it;s amazing and I could not live without my cups and bowls. I need to get a new cutting board that fits over the sink. Stopping by from #SITSBlogging
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 25, 2015 at 7:05 amFood processors are a must! So glad I have a real one now!
Jody @EasyPeasyMom says
July 22, 2015 at 5:18 pmGreat list! I really need a zester and would love to get a mandolin also. It’s amazing how much of a difference some good kitchen tools can make!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 22, 2015 at 5:24 pmYea! Not always needed, but it is great to have them when you DO want to make something spectacular!
rachel says
July 22, 2015 at 3:54 pmWhat a great list of kitchen tools! I don’t experiment much in the kitchen … but I have many of the items listed on my ‘wish list’. 🙂 I guess I need to get more creative in the kitchen to justify my want/need of the items on yoru list 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 22, 2015 at 4:09 pmYes!!! That’s all the fun! Once you get them…USE them!
Melissa French, The More With Less Mom says
July 22, 2015 at 1:24 pmI confess I’ve never lost a tablespoon in my robe. Everything else I agree with, though.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 22, 2015 at 1:27 pmHahahaha!
Jessica says
July 22, 2015 at 10:25 amI love my stand mixer, and I use the food grinding attachment that came free with it way more often than I imagine. I do, however lack a real food processor. Mine is a little 1.5 cup joke. Someday, I will upgrade though.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 22, 2015 at 12:02 pmHahahaha, a big processor is a must 😉
Life Breath Present says
July 22, 2015 at 8:50 amI have/use many of these same tools. Maybe not all the time, but frequently enough. I have a set of good cutting boards, though I do use the bamboo ones and just treat them every so often. Also a food processor, good knives (need new/better ones though), measuring spoons/cups, a mandolin, peeler, can opener, and a mixing bowl. I could use probably another mixing bowl or two and that zester sounds like fun! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 22, 2015 at 12:10 pmTotally get a zester!
sue says
July 22, 2015 at 1:37 amFood processor and a good chef’s knife would be my top two. Thanks for sharing this comprehensive list for us which would be great for someone wanting to have all the right cooking utensils.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 22, 2015 at 7:37 amI agree!
Evolve with Mary says
July 21, 2015 at 8:31 pmI have a Kitchen Aid stand mixer and I’m in love with it. I can’t offer any model or discount info but it is a awesome mixer and a big staple in my kitchen. I just brought a kitchen aid food processor, I haven’t used it yet, I have big plans of it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 22, 2015 at 7:41 amA goof food processor will change the way you think about cooking 😉
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
July 21, 2015 at 7:26 pmYou use way more tools than me! I’m a minimalist and can’t say I’ve ever had interest in a big clunky KitchenAid, but I hear they are great! Our personal blender / grinder gets daily use, measuring cups and spoons (I’m addicted to measuring), and lately, my husband and I are loving our re-discovery of tongs 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 7:41 pmHaha, why do you love tongs so much?
Amy @ Happy Healthy RD says
July 21, 2015 at 5:11 pmSuch a great roundup of kitchen tools! I agree with all your picks. I just recently got a citrus squeezer and just realized I had been putting the fruit in wrong. Duh! I also love my mini whisks and mini spatulas – it seems like I’m grabbing for them daily.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 5:20 pmThe squeezer is SO good to have handy! Now I know I’m never wasting any precious juice or getting lemon seeds in something!
The Vegan 8 says
July 21, 2015 at 2:13 pmWhat an awesome list! My favorite item is definitely my food processor!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 2:44 pmI am never going back now! I am in love with mine!
Karen W. says
July 21, 2015 at 1:12 pmI love my Kitchen Aid Mixer! My husband bought it for me one year and it is my favorite kitchen tool. If you get one, you want to get a powerful one. They can stand up to any heavy duty mixing you need/want to do.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 1:17 pmHaha, which model do you have?
Karen W. says
July 21, 2015 at 5:58 pmI have the Professional 600 model. I’ve had it for a few years now and it has never failed me!
Carly @ FitLiving blog says
July 21, 2015 at 12:01 pmI love this list! I love cooking and trying new recipes. When I got married, the bulk of the items on my registry were for my kitchen, of course! There are a few things on here that are on my wish list, such as a madoline and a citrus squeezer. What a great idea to blend whole spices in a grinder! Thanks for the post!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 12:39 pmMine will be full of kitchen items too 😉 Although…I have almost everything! Just that damn stand mixer!
Carly @ FitLiving blog says
July 22, 2015 at 10:08 amOmg, yes. I registered for that and NO ONE got it for me… ugh!!
Destiny says
July 21, 2015 at 11:48 amI am so attached to my mixing bowls and can opener. I good one can make such a difference. I really want a kitchenaid mixer too! I keep threatening to steal my mom’s but I haven’t quite done it yet, haha.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 11:57 amSteal it!!! I would 😉
Miss Polkadot says
July 21, 2015 at 11:05 amMy top three? Whew, that’s a tough question. Okay, many of those you already listed plus my garlic press, kitchen scale [we don’t measure in cups over here] and wire whisk [!]. Though the latter gets some rough lovin’ from me at times, ahem … 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 11:56 amHahahaha 😉 I may want to get a garlic press, but for now, I love my pre-minced jarred garlic!
Scale are so good for accurate baking!! I want one!
revealed says
July 21, 2015 at 10:52 amMandolin chefs knife and food processor! I love gadgets!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 11:57 amAll good!
Liz says
July 21, 2015 at 10:28 amI just wrote a similar post about the 7 Best Kitchen tools I own. Cooking is so much easier when you have the right tools to do it! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 11:58 amIt just increases the fun!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
July 21, 2015 at 10:20 amI have almost everything on your list! I can’t say I’ve ever had a garbage bowl, but I like the concept. It would save all the drippy messy trips to the trashcan constantly. I’m totally in love my citrus squeezer too, and of course I left it in my apartment and didn’t bring it home with me and then decided to make 2 lime recipes…now i REALLY miss that thing!
I do have a kitchenaid stand mixer, but I really don’t use it that often tbh. You have to make a decent sized batch of whatever it is for it to work, and I often just make small test batches so it doesn’t get too much use. I usually just break out the mixing bowl and a spoon or whisk and do it by hand, but for bread doughs and marshmallows it’s a must. Now if I were to get that ice cream bowl attachment thing then it might be a different story 😉 I think I have the Pro 600 model…the one without the tilt back head. Can’t help you on the discount codes :/ sorry
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 12:00 pmGarbage bowl idea rocks…Ray Ray is a genius 😉
Omg! It’s the worst when you don’t use the squeezer and you have like a cut on your hand and the sad acidic juice gets in the cut and you’re hand is burning and…yea 😛
Yes!! That’s why I want it! I want to make big great gluten-free bread things and….pans and pans of the mash!
Michele says
July 21, 2015 at 9:28 amI need a zester and a citrus squeezer, luckily I can probably afford those 2 😉 it’s so hard to choose which of my kitchen gadgets I value the most. Definitely my knives, then food processor, and my spatulas of course, or else how would I cook my eggs!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 9:30 amMaybe I should take your spatulas away 😉
I LOVE my zester!!! I’m obsessed with zest! hahahaha!
rachel says
July 21, 2015 at 9:24 amGreat list! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 9:27 amOkay, thanks!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
July 21, 2015 at 9:10 amI love (LOVE) my chef’s knife. After that, I think I appreciate my mixing bowls and garlic press most… but my food processor and favorite cutting boards aren’t far behind!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 9:18 amIf you don’t have a good knife….I just, don’t even know! Haha! It is the most important think to a chef!
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
July 21, 2015 at 8:26 amMy food processors are an absolute must! I have a regular-sized one and a mini one. I never thought I would “need” the mini one, but it turns out that I use it all the time when I don’t have a ton to mince/chop!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 8:28 amI still love my mini black and decker one! That’s the one I used for years! But now that I have this bad boy, it’s just easier to use!
Amber says
July 21, 2015 at 8:12 amI loved this post and reading what YOU find handy, I deff am impatient, not really too “young” but I have no patience for time consuming things, I kind of want a mandolin now, and as for peeling, I didn’t know you could eat kiwi skin! cool!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 8:25 amNever ever waste the fiber filled skin or a kiwi!!! That’s the best, more nutritious part!
Jaelan @ Making Mrs. M says
July 21, 2015 at 8:08 amA chef’s knife is a MUST. It’s a kitchen workhorse.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 8:25 amIt’s my most used item!
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
July 21, 2015 at 7:24 amI never thought of using a coffee grinder to grind spices! What a great idea 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
July 21, 2015 at 8:05 amHaha, but that’s what it’s called! A coffee/spice grinder 😛 You’re supposed to!