10 Essential Tools to Have in a Cook-From-Scratch Kitchen

Cooking from scratch is a rewarding way to prepare wholesome, nourishing meals for your family. Whether you’re baking bread, fermenting vegetables, or making homemade stocks and sauces, having the right tools in your kitchen can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll explore 10 essential tools every cook-from-scratch kitchen needs to make meal prep efficient and enjoyable.

1. Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is one of the most versatile tools in a from-scratch kitchen. It’s perfect for searing, roasting, sautéing, and even baking. Cast iron skillets evenly distribute heat and can go from stovetop to oven, making them ideal for a variety of dishes, from crispy vegetables to homemade cornbread. Not to mention they are likely the most affordable cookware you can buy! Besides my sauce pan and my canning caldron these are the only pans I own!

Health Tip: Cooking with cast iron also increases the iron content in your food, which can be a great boost for those with low iron levels.

2. Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven is a heavy-duty, lidded pot made from cast iron or enameled cast iron. This tool is essential for slow-cooking stews, braising meats, baking bread, or even making homemade yogurt. Dutch ovens retain heat exceptionally well, making them perfect for cooking hearty meals with minimal effort. These pots age well and can be found second hand.

Recipe Idea: Use your Dutch oven to make a slow-simmered bone broth, which is packed with collagen and nutrients essential for gut health.

3. Wooden Cutting Boards

Investing in a quality wooden cutting board is crucial for both food prep and the longevity of your knives. Wooden boards are durable and naturally resistant to bacteria. They’re perfect for chopping vegetables, herbs, and meats, and can double as a beautiful serving board for homemade breads or charcuterie. I like to keep mine fresh using a food grade bees-wax oil and polishing them up every now and again.

Sustainability Tip: Choose cutting boards made from sustainably sourced hardwood like maple or walnut for an eco-friendly option.

4. Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measuring is important in a cook-from-scratch kitchen, especially when baking or making sauces. Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons are durable, easy to clean, and can handle both wet and dry ingredients. Having a reliable set ensures your recipes turn out perfectly every time.

Pro Tip: Keep a magnetic set on your fridge or in a drawer for easy access while cooking.

5. Quality Chef’s Knife

A high-quality chef’s knife is essential for all your chopping, slicing, and dicing tasks. Look for a knife with a comfortable grip and a sharp blade that will stay sharp with proper care. A good knife makes food prep faster, safer, and more enjoyable. If it is a chore to slice a tomato… sharpen your knife!

Maintenance Tip: Invest in a sharpening stone or take your knives to a professional for regular sharpening to keep them in top condition.

6. Mixing Bowls

A set of mixing bowls in various sizes is indispensable for preparing dough, whisking eggs, marinating meats, and tossing salads. Stainless steel or glass bowls are sturdy options that are easy to clean and don’t retain odors. We keep a variety of both in our cupboards and I often find I could use a few more.

Pro Tip: Use glass bowls when working with acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar, as they won’t react with the food.

7. Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer

For those who frequently bake from scratch, a stand mixer or hand mixer is a must-have tool. Stand mixers can handle heavy tasks like kneading bread dough, whipping cream, or mixing batter, while hand mixers are great for smaller tasks like beating eggs or mixing lighter batters.

This tool is certainly an investment and can wait until you are truly in the rhythm of cooking from scratch regularly before you buy. It wasn’t until my fifth year of marriage that my husband surprised me for our anniversary. And while I could never go back now that I have one, I mixed everything by hand for many years just fine.

Pro Tip: Use the dough hook on your stand mixer to knead bread or pizza dough without the elbow grease.

8. Rolling Pin

Whether you’re making homemade pie crust, pizza dough, or biscuits, a rolling pin is an essential tool for any from-scratch baker. Opt for a traditional wooden rolling pin for even, smooth dough every time. If you bake often, a marble rolling pin is another excellent option as it stays cool, helping keep pastry dough from sticking.

Pro Tip: Dust your rolling pin and surface with flour to prevent dough from sticking while rolling.

9. Fermentation Crock or Mason Jars

If you love fermenting foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, or homemade pickles, a fermentation crock or Mason jars are essential. These tools allow you to ferment foods at home, promoting gut health through probiotic-rich, fermented dishes.

Pro Tip: Choose Mason jars with airlock lids for easy fermenting, or use a traditional fermentation crock for larger batches.

10. Immersion Blender

An immersion blender is perfect for pureeing soups, sauces, and smoothies directly in the pot or bowl without transferring to a blender. This versatile tool saves time and reduces cleanup, making it ideal for everything from homemade baby food to creamy fall soups.

Recipe Idea: Use an immersion blender to blend roasted pumpkin and vegetable broth into a smooth, comforting fall soup.

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10 essential tools every cook-from-scratch kitchen needs

Cooking from scratch is a rewarding way to nourish your family with wholesome, homemade meals. By equipping your kitchen with these essential tools, you’ll be able to cook with ease and confidence, whether you’re baking bread, fermenting vegetables, or simmering a pot of bone broth.

What are your must-have tools for a from-scratch kitchen? Share your favorites in the comments below!