My dear radiant friends, today I want to introduce you to some of my companions without whom my day neither begins nor ends. They live with me in my home. Yes, in my kitchen. So come, I welcome you to my kitchen – the heart of my home, where spices crackle, ideas cook and memories are made.
Knowing how to cook is a very important life skill. Of course, we also need some tools to perform those tasks. Over the years, I have come to depend on some essential tools that make cooking not only easier but also more fun. These are not just gadgets but my trusty companions. So today, I am sharing my 10 favourite kitchen tools that I absolutely cannot live without – and if you want to step up your cooking game, I have also provided some links where you can bring my favourites into your kitchen and your craft.
So let’s get started.
1. Cast Iron Pan – My Cooking Companion for Life
If my kitchen were a movie set, the cast iron pan would be the dependable co-star that quietly steals the show. There’s just something timeless and soulful about cooking with cast iron. It’s sturdy, loyal, and brings a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate.
A well-seasoned cast iron pan does so much more than just look rustic — it enhances everything you cook, thanks to its ability to retain and distribute heat like a dream. I reach for mine almost every day — and not just for the usual suspects.
Of course, it gives me the crispiest dosas with golden, lacy edges. But then, the next day, it’s turning out grilled cheese sandwiches with the perfect crunch and melt. And when I’m in the mood to level up dinner, it effortlessly goes from stovetop to oven, roasting veggies, baking skillet cornbread, or finishing off a cheesy pasta bake.
Its versatility is what I adore most about it:
- Sautéing onions and tomatoes for a masala base? Done.
- Frying aloo tikkis or cutlets? Easy.
- Making a one-skillet shakshuka or creamy mushroom sauce? Absolutely.
- Even baking a deep-dish cookie for dessert? Oh yes.
Plus, it just feels good to cook in — like you’re part of something old-fashioned and authentic. Once you start using it, you’ll understand why so many people treat their cast iron pans like heirlooms.
Check out the cast iron pan I use and love on Amazon
Check out this cast iron cookware set as well which I use daily for cooking for my family.
Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, a good cast iron pan is truly a one-time investment that only gets better with age. Just give it some love (and maybe a little oil), and it’ll take care of you for years to come.
2. Silicone Spatula – The Unsung Hero of My Kitchen
Let me tell you — if there’s one tool in my kitchen that quietly works the hardest without ever asking for attention, it’s my silicone spatula. It doesn’t have buttons, lights, or any fancy features, but its simplicity is exactly what makes it so indispensable.
At first glance, you might think, “It’s just a spatula, how special can it be?” But once you’ve scraped the last bit of batter out of a bowl — leaving no drop behind — or gently folded egg whites into a cake mix without deflating them, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
What I love most about silicone spatulas is how multifunctional they are:
- Do you fear to damage your pan while scraping off all the sauce from it? Not any more – it glides effortlessly.
- Flipping a delicate omelet or pancake? No problem — it’s gentle but sturdy.
- Stirring something hot and bubbling? It’s heat-resistant and won’t melt.
- Mixing dough, spreading icing, sautéing veggies, folding whipped cream — it does it all without scratching my cookware or making a mess.
This silicon spatula in particular feels like an extension of your hand in the kitchen. And let’s be honest — when something is this useful and easy to clean, why stop at one? I have a few in different sizes and colours, and they’re all in regular rotation.
Honestly, once you’ve cooked with a good silicone spatula, there’s no going back to wooden spoons that stain or plastic spatulas that warp. This little hero is durable, hygienic, flexible, and just so satisfying to use.
Shop my favorite silicone spatula sets on Amazon
I have recently added this set and I am simply loving it.
If you’re someone who cooks even a few times a week, do yourself a favor and grab one (or three). You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
3. Chopping Board – My Steady Prep Partner
Let’s talk about the one kitchen item that quietly supports almost every dish — the chopping board. It might not be flashy, but without it, where would all the action happen? From dicing onions to slicing fruit, prepping herbs to carving roasts — this is where the magic begins.
My favourite chopping board is large, sturdy, and non-slip — because let’s be real, a board that slides around while you’re wielding a knife? No, thank you! I like one with a juice groove too — it’s a small detail, but it saves my countertop from becoming a puddle every time I cut a tomato or juicy watermelon.
What makes a good chopping board an absolute must-have?
- It gives you a safe, steady surface to prep on — which means faster, cleaner, and more confident chopping.
- It’s gentle on knives, unlike glass boards that dull the blades.
- It can double as a serving platter — think cheese boards, snack trays, or even rustic-style sandwich presentations.
- And when you have multiple boards (like I do!), you can assign one for veggies, one for fruits, and one for meat — hello hygiene!
Honestly, I didn’t realize how much a good chopping board mattered until I switched from a cheap plastic one to a proper wooden and BPA-free board set. I also use a steel one for handling fish and meat. The difference? Night and day. Now it’s not just a tool that I use ibn my kitchen — it’s a kitchen anchor that holds the base.
Here’s the chopping board sets I use — separate for handling meat and veggies and fruits. They are durable, easy to clean, and oh-so-practical.
If you’re still using that wobbly old board with knife scars and warps, consider this your sign. Trust me, your knives (and your nerves) will thank you.
4. Microplane Grater – Tiny Tool, Big Flavor
Ah, that microplane grater — it is one of the most underrated tools in the kitchen. For me, it is indeed small in size, but a total flavor powerhouse. I didn’t know I needed one until I used it for the first time. Now? It’s earned a permanent spot in my kitchen drawer — right next to my daily go-tos.
This little tool looks unassuming, almost like a sleek nail file, but don’t let appearances fool you. It delivers ultra-fine, feathery shavings that can instantly elevate any dish — and make you feel a bit like a gourmet chef in the process.
So what exactly do I use it for?
- Zesting lemons, limes, and oranges to add a citrusy zing to cakes, salads, or marinades.
- Grating garlic or ginger finely enough to blend smoothly into sauces or curries.
- Dusting fresh parmesan over pasta, risotto, soups — or even popcorn (try it!).
- Grating nutmeg or cinnamon sticks for that warm, cozy aroma in desserts or chai.
It’s fast, efficient, and incredibly satisfying to use — watching those delicate, fluffy ribbons fall is a whole vibe. And because it grates so finely, you get all the flavor without the chunky texture.
It also takes up nearly little space and is much easier to clean than a box grater. I usually rinse it right after use, and boom — good as new.
Here’s the microplane grater I swear by — sharp, sleek, and surprisingly addictive.
I use this one particularly for grating garlics.
If you’re into cooking with bold, fresh flavors (and let’s face it — who isn’t?), this tiny tool is a total game-changer. I promise you won’t stop zesting once you get going.
5. Pressure Cooker – The Weeknight Lifesaver
If I had to crown one kitchen tool as the ultimate time-saving superhero, it would hands-down be the pressure cooker. I truly believe every home cook in India has a pressure cooker story — the soft hiss of steam, the comforting whistle, the aroma of dal or rajma bubbling away… it’s not just cooking, it’s a whole experience.
I use my pressure cooker almost daily — it’s my go-to for lentils, legumes, stews, khichdi, pulao, soups, and even quick curries. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and tastes like though it has been slow-cooked for hours.
Now here’s something I’ve always found interesting: I’ve seen many Western cooking shows and even spoken to chefs who often boil or slow-cook everything in open containers — from beans to pasta sauces. It looks beautiful on screen, but in real life? It takes so much longer, and let’s be honest — it uses way more cooking gas or electricity.
That’s where our humble pressure cooker shines. It:
- preserves nutrients by using less water and heating food more quickly.
- Uses less fuel, making it energy-efficient and cost-effective.
- Cuts down cooking time by more than half — a blessing on busy weekdays.
- Can be used for batch cooking, meal prep, or even desserts like gajar ka halwa!
The modern ones come with safety features and sleek designs, but even my old-school steel model is still going strong. It’s durable, dependable, and honestly? I don’t think I could run my kitchen without it.
Here’s the pressure cooker I use — sturdy, efficient, and built to last.
If you’re still simmering your food for hours in open pots, consider making the switch. It’s not just an upgrade — it’s a whole new (faster, easier) way of cooking.
6. Glass Mixing Bowls – The Multi-Tasking Marvels
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough appreciation — glass mixing bowls. At first, they might not seem like a “must-have,” but once you start using a good set, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them.
These bowls are real culinary workhorses, in my opinion. They’re outrightly dependable; they are neither pompous nor intricate. Whether I’m preparing a salad, marinating paneer, mixing cake batter, or even reheating leftovers in the microwave, my glass dishes are always at my fingertips.
Here’s what makes them absolutely essential:
- They come in nesting sizes, so you always have the right one for the job — and they don’t hog cabinet space.
- They’re microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe, which means no constant switching between containers.
- The clear glass lets me see every angle of what I’m mixing or whipping — helpful and satisfying.
- And bonus: they look so lovely, I often use them for serving snacks, popcorn, or layered desserts too!
There’s also something kind of grown-up and satisfying about using proper mixing bowls — like I’m filming my own little cooking show in my kitchen (complete with dramatic spatula swipes and all 😄).
This is the glass mixing bowl set I use — sturdy, stylish, and super handy.
7. Immersion Blender – The Souperhero of My Kitchen
You know those kitchen tools you don’t realize you need until you finally get one — and then can’t imagine life without it? That’s exactly how I feel about my immersion blender. Or, as I like to call it, the souperhero — because it saves the day, especially when soup is involved!
I used to perform the whole “let the soup cool, transfer to blender in batches, pray nothing spills, blend, pour back into pot” dance before I discovered this tiny portable marvel. It took a lot of time, was messy, and caused me to reconsider every recipe for creamy soup I saw.
Now? I just dip my immersion blender straight into the pot and blend away. No transferring, no mess, and no extra dishes — just smooth, velvety results in seconds.
But it’s not just for soups! Here’s how I use mine:
- To whip up smooth chutneys and dips (think mint chutney or hummus).
- For blending smoothies or milkshakes directly in the glass or jug.
- To make creamy tomato or pumpkin sauces, without hauling out a big blender.
- Even to quickly emulsify salad dressings or blend baby food on the go.
It’s compact, easy to clean, and fits into drawers or tiny kitchen nooks without fuss. Some models even come with attachments like a whisk or chopper, making it even more of a multitasking star.
This is my go-to immersion blender: it’s stylish, strong, and simple to operate.
If you’re someone who enjoys creamy soups, homemade sauces, or just quick and easy blending, an immersion blender is one of the best kitchen investments you’ll ever make. It’s one of those tools you didn’t know you were missing… until it becomes the one you reach for every other day.
8. Kitchen Shears – The Secret Weapon You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s take a moment to reflect on one of the most undervalued kitchen tools: kitchen shears. I’m referring to a sturdy, sharp, food-safe pair of scissors that are made for real multitasking, not your typical craft scissors.
In my kitchen, these shears are comparable to the Swiss Army knife. Once I started using them, I realized just how much they can do — and now, I reach for them more often than a knife! Seriously.
Here’s just a taste of what they help me with:
- Snipping fresh herbs directly into the pan or over a dish (zero mess, zero chopping board required).
- Trimming meat or poultry — especially handy when cutting through fat or bones.
- Opening food packets, stubborn sachets, or sealed spice pouches without ruining your nails.
- Cutting pizza slices, parathas, or sandwiches for the kids (or just for fun).
Even things like chopping spring onions or leafy greens — it’s faster than you’d think!
And the best part? They’re safer and quicker than pulling out a big knife for small jobs. Plus, most come apart for easy cleaning — so you don’t have to worry about gunk getting stuck in the hinges.
Here’s the pair of kitchen shears I use — sharp, comfortable, and super reliable.
If you’ve been overlooking this tool, trust me — once you bring it into your kitchen routine, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s the kind of practical magic that makes everyday cooking feel smoother and smarter.
9. Measuring Cups & Spoons – The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Let’s be real: while cooking may be an art, baking is definitely a science — and that’s where my trusty measuring cups and spoons come in. These humble tools may not be flashy, but they play a crucial role in getting every recipe just right.
Sure, we’ve all done the “andaaz se” cooking now and then (and it does have its charm), but when it comes to fluffy cakes, perfectly balanced sauces, or even a good cup of coffee, precision is everything. And that’s when these tiny titans shine.
Here’s why I absolutely can’t do without them:
- They help me nail the perfect proportions — no more second-guessing how much baking powder went in.
- They’re faster than pulling out a scale, especially for quick everyday cooking.
- A good set comes in all the essential sizes, from a full cup to that elusive ¼ tsp.
- I love using them for dry ingredients like flour and sugar, or liquids like oil and vanilla essence — no more eyeballing disasters!
Plus, let’s not forget the aesthetic factor — a cute, color-coded or stainless steel set instantly makes your kitchen feel a bit more organized and Pinterest-worthy. Mine hang right near my prep counter, ready to jump in when needed.
This is the measuring cup and spoon set I use — sturdy, accurate, and super cute
Whether you’re baking banana bread, making homemade spice blends, or trying a new salad dressing, having a good set of measuring tools is like having your recipe’s back. It’s one of those small investments that brings big consistency and confidence to your cooking.
10. The Trusty Whisk – For Whippy Goodness & Fluffy Magic
Every time I grab my whisk, I feel like I’m about to create something delicious. It’s such a simple tool — no plug, no blades, no fancy attachments — just a handle and loops of wire. And yet, it’s responsible for some of the most comforting textures and feel-good recipes in my kitchen.
This is the tool I reach for when I want to add air, smoothness, and love to whatever I’m making. Whether I’m whisking eggs for fluffy omelettes, blending pancake batter on a Sunday morning, or whipping cream for a last-minute dessert — the whisk is always ready for action.
What makes it so indispensable?
- It’s perfect for breaking up lumps in sauces, gravies, or besan batters.
- It helps incorporate air when needed — hello, fluffy scrambled eggs and light-as-air cakes!
- It makes emulsifying salad dressings or mixing hot chocolate a total breeze.
- It even has a meditative rhythm to it — something calming and satisfying about whisking by hand.
Plus, it’s a great little workout for the arms when you’re whipping cream from scratch (bonus points, right? 😄). And while I do love my electric mixer for bigger batches, the whisk is my go-to for quick tasks and smaller portions.
This is the whisk I use — lightweight, comfortable, and endlessly reliable
Honestly, the humble whisk doesn’t get enough credit. It’s the kind of tool that quietly supports all your sweet and savory creations, bringing lightness, texture, and soul to every dish.
Now that we’ve whisked our way through all 10 of my must-have kitchen tools, I hope this list inspires you to give a little extra love to the everyday heroes hiding in your own drawers.
A Little Note Before You Go…
Thank you for joining me on this little tour of my kitchen favorites! These tools may seem simple, but they truly make my everyday cooking feel smoother, more joyful, and sometimes even magical. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting to build your own kitchen essentials, I hope this list gave you a few helpful ideas (and maybe a couple of “aha!” moments too).
Just so you know — some of the links I’ve shared are Amazon affiliate links. That means if you choose to buy something through them, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). It’s a lovely way to support this blog and help me keep sharing recipes, tips, and honest recommendations with you — so thank you for being here and cheering me on.
Now tell me — what’s your can’t-live-without kitchen tool? I’d love to hear what’s on your essentials list! Drop a comment below and let’s swap kitchen secrets.
Until next time,
Cook with heart, stir with love.