The Ultimate Guide to Stocking Your Kitchen Like a Chef (Without Becoming One of Those People)
Let’s get one thing straight.
You don’t need a $700 knife that looks like it belongs in a museum. You don’t need a drawer full of gadgets designed to solve problems you don’t have. What you need—if you actually cook—is gear that works. Tools that perform under pressure. Stuff that doesn’t flinch when the oil starts smoking and guests are ten minutes early.
This guide isn’t for the influencer crowd with “aesthetic” spice racks and lavender-scented dish soap. It’s for real cooks, or at least people who want to cook like they give a damn. Whether you're a full-time private chef, a meal-prep machine, or just someone who’s sick of your gear failing mid-sauté, this list has your back.
No gimmicks. No affiliate spam. Just the tools I’ve bled, cursed, and survived with.
Chef Tools That Can Take a Beating
OXO Good Grips Peeler
Sharp. Comfortable. Doesn’t break in your hand after three yams. It peels—cleanly, reliably, without drama. You’d think that would be a given. It’s not.
OXO Mandoline Slicer
Want perfect slices and a side of mild danger? Here’s your guy. Use the hand guard unless you’re interested in garnishing your gratin with finger tips.
Cutting Boards That Don’t Flee Mid-Chop
Non-slip edges. Juice grooves. Doesn’t warp like a teenager’s moral compass.
Digital Scale
Because measuring by volume only worked for grandma, not you.
Thermometer
Stop poking meat with your fingers. Temp it like a pro.
Bench Scraper
The unsung hero of mise en place. Move stuff. Clean stuff. Scrape burnt stuff. Could it open a bottle of wine in a pinch? Probably.
Wüsthof 8” Chef’s Knife
It’s not flashy. It’s not viral. But it works. Every. Single. Day. Like a German dad in knife form.
Food Mill
Because sometimes you want silky-smooth mashed potatoes without plugging something in or listening to a motor scream at you.
Storage That Doesn’t Suck
30 oz Glass Containers
They stack, seal, don’t leak, and won’t melt into an abstract sculpture in the microwave. We use them for clients. We use them for ourselves. The end.
Prokeeper Herb Keeper
You paid $3.99 for cilantro and now it’s dead. Don’t do that again.
OXO POP Containers
Airtight, stackable, and they make your pantry look like you’ve got your life together—even if you’re eating peanut butter from a spoon.
Universal Knife Block
Because those “pre-slotted” knife blocks are a scam designed by someone who’s never held a cleaver.
Cookware That Can Handle Real Heat
Nordic Ware Sheet Trays
These don’t warp like the discount ones that scream at 400°F. We roast vegetables, sear steaks, bake cakes—hell, you could sled with them.
MINERAL B Carbon Steel Pan
Nonstick, without the chemicals. This thing earns its patina like a cast-iron with a French passport.
Nuwave Double Induction Burner
Two burners. Zero excuses. It heats up fast, cools down fast, and doesn’t act like a toaster in disguise.
Winco Stainless Saucepan
Thick, even heat. No hot spots. No peeling coating. Just a straightforward pan that doesn’t need your validation.
Pantry Staples That Actually Make You a Better Cook
San Marzano Tomatoes
Real ones. Grown in Italy. Sweet, not acidic, and built for low-slow simmering. Not whatever’s on sale for 89 cents.
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
Every chef’s secret weapon that’s not a secret. If you’re using table salt, just stop.
Momofuku Chili Crunch
Crispy garlic, shallots, umami bomb. Put it on anything and pretend you knew what you were doing.
Maldon Flaky Salt
Finishing salt. For when you want to make food taste better and look like you tried.
Hero Hosting (Because Solo Cups Are a Cry for Help)
Electric Wine Opener
Because fighting a cork mid-toast is not the move. Iykyk.
Stemless Wine Glasses
Don’t ask if they’re red or white glasses. They’re wine glasses. Put wine in them.
Rechargeable Table Lamps
Look like you planned the vibe—even if you forgot dessert.
And remember: it’s not about having the right tools—it’s about having the right attitude. The tools just help you fake it ‘til you make it.
Or at least until the wine’s gone and nobody cares anymore.
