kitchen
Kitchen tools I actually use
This isn't a fancy curated list. It's just the kind of pans, trays, knives and small bits I actually use at home to cook the recipes on this site.
You don't need all of this. Use what you already have first. These links are here if you're missing something and want something simple that works.
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, it might send a tiny bit back to support the recipes. Price is the same for you.
Pans for everyday cooking
Stuff I use for chicken cutlets, pasta sauces and weeknight dinners.
Non-stick frying pan
Wide, not too deep. Lets chicken and veg sit flat and actually brown instead of steaming.
Heavy stainless steel pan
Good for searing meat and making pan sauces. Gets hot, holds heat, lasts years.
Deep sauté pan with lid
Perfect for one-pan rice dishes, stews, quick braises and big pasta sauces.
Trays & baking stuff
For roast chicken, cookies, apple cake and anything that needs a flat hot surface.
Heavy baking tray / sheet pan
Thick metal so it doesn’t warp. Great for roast potatoes, veg, chicken and cookies.
Cooling rack
Lets fried food and baked stuff rest without going soggy underneath.
Non-stick cake tin (20cm)
Works for apple cake, simple sponges and most small cakes.
Knives & chopping boards
You don’t need a full set. One good knife, one small one and a stable board.
Chef’s knife (20cm)
Main knife for almost everything: veg, meat, herbs. Feel > brand. Get one you like holding.
Small paring knife
Handy for garlic, small fruit, trimming meat and little jobs.
Big chopping board
Stable, big enough to actually prep on. Wood or plastic is fine.
Little upgrades that help a lot
Not essential, but they make cooking easier and take some guesswork out.
Instant-read thermometer
Helps you stop undercooking or overcooking chicken, beef, anything. Great for fried chicken and roast meat.
Digital kitchen scales
For baking and getting repeatable results. Much better than guessing cups.
Silicone spatula
Scrapes bowls clean, stirs sauces, doesn’t scratch non-stick. Use it every day.
If you're not sure what to buy, start with a solid pan, a good board and one sharp knife. That alone makes cooking way less annoying.
See the chicken cutlets recipe