GUIDES & TIPS
Share article

Top 10 Kitchen Essentials for Home Chefs

Share article

Great meals start with the right tools. From quick prep to high performance pans, here are 10 kitchen essentials every home chef needs. 

Shop now
See product

What are the cooking tools every chef needs?


1. A chef's knife to cut with precision

A sharp, versatile chef’s knife is the cornerstone of any kitchen. Perfect for slicing everything from vegetables, to meats, or delicate herbs, a quality knife makes prep work seamless. The Elevate™ SlimBlock 5-piece Multicolour Knife Set with Sharpener helps your blades stay razor-sharp with an integrated sharpener for effortless cutting every time.  

See product

2. A turner for easy flipping

Master the art of omelette-making with a silicone slotted turner. Its sleek design allows for easy flipping while protecting your non-stick pans. The Elevate™ Stainless-steel Silicone 5-piece Utensils Carousel Set keeps mess at bay with an integrated tool rest on each utenstil, helping to prevent food touching your counter.  Elevate™ Stainless-steel Silicone 5-piece Utensils Carousel Set

SEE PRODUCTS
SEE PRODUCTS

3. Tongs for delicate lifting 

A sturdy pair of tongs is your go-to for flipping, turning, and serving delicate foods. The Elevate™ Fusion Tongs feature silicone tips to prevent scratching cookware and a clever locking mechanism for compact storage. 

See product

4. Premium chopping boards for different food types

Every home chef needs a reliable chopping board. The Nest™ Boards 3-piece Bamboo Chopping Board Set is not only kind to your knives but also adds a premium touch to your kitchen while protecting your surfaces. Plus, with the Folio™ Chopping Board set you can avoid cross-contamination in your kitchen with colour-coded boards for designated ingredients.  

See product
See product

5. Measuring cups for precise ingredient measures

Precision is key in baking, and that’s where the Nest™ Measuring Cups shine. These compact, colour-coded cups are a practical addition to your baking toolkit, so every ingredient is measured to perfection. These are particularly important for baking, but discover our article on the essential gadgets for bakers to find out more. 

6. A peeler for safe and easy peeling

Peeling veggies doesn’t have to be a chore. The Multi-Peel Y-Shaped Peeler is ergonomically designed for comfort and efficiency, making quick work of potatoes, carrots, and more.  

See product
See product

7. Colanders of different sizes

A sturdy colander is a must-have for pasta lovers. The Nest™ Colanders are stackable, space-saving, and perfect for rinsing vegetables or draining spaghetti without fuss. Plus, our new Droplet colanders feature folding handles, giving you even more cupboard space, and two different sizes for washing and draining everything from small fruits to larger meals.

See product

8. A whisk to beat eggs with ease

The Twist Whisk is the ultimate space-saver. It can be used as both a flat whisk and balloon whisk, making it a multifunctional tool for mixing, whipping, and folding.

9. A quality frying pan for safe, non-toxic cooking 

A non-stick frying pan is a staple for cooking everything from breakfast classics to stir-fries. The Space Non-Stick Frying Pan Set offers even heating and a durable coating for hassle-free cooking. And once you’re done, the folding handles mean they store easily in your cupboards.  

See product

10. Baking trays for roasting perfection

For those who love baking, the Nest™ Roasting Trays are indispensable. These non-stick trays are designed for even heat distribution, making them ideal for cookies, roasting vegetables, or Sunday roasts. The easy-grip handles mean you won’t accidentally touch your food when removing it from the oven. Plus, they nest together for tidy storage. 

See product
See products

FAQs about must have kitchen gadgets

What utensils do professional chefs use? 

Professional chefs rely on high-quality, versatile tools that perform reliably under pressure. A sharp chef’s knife, tongs, and durable chopping boards are essentials for their daily tasks. For cookware, they favour long-lasting materials like stainless steel over less durable (but arguably more practical) non-stick alternatives.

What is the most important item for a home chef?

While every kitchen needs a variety of tools, the chef’s knife stands out as the most important item. It’s versatile enough to handle most prep work, from slicing meats to chopping vegetables. They’re easy to store in any drawer, so you won’t have to worry about making space. It’s important to care for your chef's knife properly - cleaning and drying it after use and regularly sharpening will increase its longevity and performance. A well looked after knife will make a world of difference to your cooking.

What is the difference between kitchen equipment and utensils?

Kitchen equipment refers to larger appliances and tools like ovens or blenders, while utensils are hand-held tools like knives, peelers, and tongs that assist with food preparation. 

Transform your cooking space into a professional-grade kitchen with these essential tools for chefs. From precision-cutting knives to multi-functional kitchen gadgets, every tool is designed to simplify your meal preparation while adding a touch of style.  

Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Explore the full range of kitchen essentials for home chefs at Joseph Joseph.