I really, really love to cook. I also really love to shop for new kitchen equipment from time to time. It’s almost as good as a trip to Sephora for me, ha!  There’s something about being in the kitchen and preparing a meal that I honestly love.  Now the clean up, not so much!  I think if I had to choose one moment from my life that made me this way, it would have to be watching my Grandmother prepare meals.  She loved to cook and the energy that she put into preparing each dish is now something that I totally understand.  I so wish that she could be here with me today, so I could show her how much I learned from just watching her in the kitchen.

 

 

Today’s post is all about my favorite kitchen equipment.  These are products that I own and use myself all of the time.  It’s taken me quite some time and a lot of saving to own this much so don’t feel like you have to go out and get everything right now.  Also, there will for sure be cheaper options available than some of the items that I have listed below. Just be sure to do your research before you buy! These are just the gadgets, cookware and appliances that I find to be super helpful in preparing a good meal!

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My Favorite Kitchen Equipment:

 

One–Vitamix Professional Series 750 Heritage Blender

Owning a Vitamix has seriously changed my entire kitchen experience.  I finally broke down and bought one because the blender that I used to use, wasn’t making my smoothies smooth enough. #FirstWorldProblems  When you use ingredients like Kale, you don’t want chunks of it in your smoothie. HA!

This blender is a do-it-all type of gadget.  It can blend, chop, puree, grind and pretty much do anything else you need it to.  You can make ice cream, it will make soup and actually be warm when you go to eat it, it makes fresh juices, prepares salad dressings and even makes your own nut butters.  It even cleans itself! Need I say more?  It’s a lifesaver in the kitchen.

 

Two–Le Creuset

Give me anything and everything from Le Cruset.  I was first introduced to this amazing brand from my Mother-In-Law when she bought a piece and it’s been love ever since.  I have several Dutch Ovens, Grill Pans and several other pieces from Le Creuset and I love all of them.  These are beautiful cast-iron, enamel coated pieces that are sure to be an awesome addition to your kitchen. They’ve changed my slow cooking experience for sure!

 

Three–KitchenAid Professional 600 Stand Mixer

The most used item in my kitchen might possibly be this KitchenAid Professional Stand Mixer.  My husband bought this for me years ago and I’ve been using it ever since.  Yes, it’s pricey, but seriously, there is nothing else out there like this that I’ve used.  It’s very powerful! I even have attachments for this that can grind meat and make pasta! It’s still going as strong as when I first used it!

 

Four–Calphalon Cookware

I know people who have used this cookware for years and raved about it, BUT I never took the time to look into it and experience it for myself.  However, that changed this year and after using it and falling in love.  I have no idea why I waited so long.  Well, honestly I know why- it’s expensive. I will say that if you are one that tends to spend a lot of time in your kitchen, you will love it. It’s the best cookware that I’ve ever purchased. My food cooks more evenly, it doesn’t stick and the quality of the cookware itself is incredible.

 

Five–Nespresso Vertuoline Coffee and Espresso Maker with Aerocinno Plus

Rob and I first fell in love with the Nespresso a couple of years ago.  The first one that was had only did Espresso, but now that we have the Vertuline Coffee and Espresso Maker, we’re both very happy people in the mornings.  Having the Aerocinno is amazing for warming up and frothing milk.  Having this has pretty much eliminated the need to go to Coffee Shops because I’m so impressed with my coffee at home!

 

Six–Copper Goldtouch, Non-Stick Quarter Sheet Pans

Not only are these super pretty, but they’re also a great piece to have in your kitchen.  These are commercial-grade aluminized steel pans help distribute heat evenly, giving you a much better cooking experience. You can do so much with these that I find myself using them over and over.  I have a variety of sizes and find that the quality of these is amazing.

 

Seven-Cole & Mason Salt and Pepper Shakers

I know what you’re thinking, but seriously these salt and pepper shakers are amazing! If you’re cooking an you’ve got your hands full, not having to use both hands to grind the salt and pepper is a life saver!  I love that I can refill them when they’re running low.  They’re also on sale right now super cheap!

 

Eight–Epicurean Cutting Boards

One thing that you might not think about is a cutting board, but honestly, it’s really important to give it some thought.  I finally broke down and picked up an Epicurean when I realized how much I hated my other smaller cutting boards.  The Epicurean is made from a light-weight wood fiber composite that is known for it’s strength and also bacteria-fighting properties.  I love the size of mine, it’s really big, but I can chop so much on it and the well around the cutting board catches crumbs and juices that might otherwise go everywhere.  They do make different sizes of the cutting boards and I can’t recommend them enough! PS They also won’t dull your knives and they are dishwasher safe!

 

Nine–Calphalon Knives

Honestly, any good set of knives will be an amazing piece to have in your kitchen.  There is nothing worse than trying to prepare a good meal and dealing with dull knives that won’t cut anything correctly. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but invest in a good set of knives that features an assortment. I purchased these Calphalon knives because they were a decent price and made from German Stainless-Steel, but also featured Fiberglass Reinforced Handles.  They felt good in my hands and they are super sharp!

 

Ten–Stainless and Nylon Tongs

When you invest in good cookware, you don’t want to scratch it up.  Having tongs like this, that are non-scratch will help you so much! I use these almost daily!

 

Eleven–Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups

If you’re going to cook, eventually you will need a good set of measuring cups and spoons.  These are the exact ones that I use and I love the measuring spoons and cups because they have every measurement I could possibly need! I also use glass measuring cups for measuring liquids!

Twelve–Marble Pastry Slab, Marble Rolling Pin

This slab stays cooler than room temperature so it’s a must if you’re making pie crusts! I also love the way this look so much that I use this as a serving piece for cheese and fruit from time to time! I decided to purchase the matching marble rolling pin and I’m so glad I did.  It’s excellent quality and under $20.00!

 

Thirteen–Spatulas

You will obviously need spatulas if you plan on cooking and I have one spatula in particular to talk about today. This Omelette-Pancake Spatula is incredible. Seriously! It’s amazing for larger sized items and it flips Omelettes and Pancakes so perfectly! Even my husband commented about this one! If you struggle flipping larger things, this is the spatular that you need! Others that I love are these set of three spatulas from Crate & Barrel. They work great for so many things and don’t scratch up my pans!

 

Fourteen–Cuisinart 3-in-1 Multi Cooker

I’m not a person that uses a slow  cooker that often, but when I saw this one I was impressed enough to buy it! It is a 3-in-1 cooker so it sautés, slow cooks and steams.  Plus, I can control the temperature and the time that it’s cooking. This is a great slow cooker because it allows you to do so much with just one piece of equipment! Also, it’s dishwasher safe!

 

Fifteen–Cake pans,etc

I tried to sit down and come up with on particular cake pan that I know that I use, but I couldn’t just come up with one.  I suggest having a good variety on hand.  Bundt, Sheet, Mini, Spring Form and anything else that you think you’ll use! Have fun with them because there are so many cute designs available anymore!

 

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Obviously I could keep going on and on, BUT I think that I covered a lot of basics that would make your cooking experience great! These are suggestions, look into them and if there’s something that you couldn’t quite afford or seems a little bit extravagant, do your research and find some alternatives! I think that as long as you have kitchen equipment like this in your arsenal, then you’ll be all set to start preparing some amazing meals! Especially with the Holiday’s coming up!

I’ll be back again with another post about my favorites for my dining room!  I’ll be sharing what I have on my table for Thanksgiving and my plans for Christmas! Stay tuned!

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