9 Kitchen Tools Experts Say Are Totally Worth the Storage Space
Across several decades and 100 books, Martha has taught us how to whip up almost anything in the kitchen. From her favorite pot roast to cookie recipes, it can all be on the menu—if only you have the right kitchenware to pull it off. Some kitchen tools definitely take up more room than others, so it can be difficult to navigate what’s necessary. What’s really worth that precious kitchen space, and what will end up shoved to the back of the cabinet? We asked professional chefs what they think.
Here’s what the pros think is worth making room for, even in cramped and bustling kitchens. (Better clear that counter.)
KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl Lift Stand Mixer
Courtesy of Kitchen Aid
At the top of chef Ann Ziata’s essentials list is a KitchenAid stand mixer. “There is no substitute,” she says. “You can use it for everything from making cakes, cookies, and meringues to bread, pizza dough, pasta, and ice cream. You can even churn your own butter.”
Ziata notes that she loves a bowl-lift mixer, but KitchenAid’s classic tilt-head is a great option as well. Either way, you’ll have enough power to tackle just about any task and can choose from a variety of colors to match your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Martha Stewart Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Courtesy of Amazon
Since pots and pans can take up so much space, opt for versatile options that can handle a variety of foods and cooking methods. Martha’s cast-iron Dutch oven heats quickly and retains heat well. Its enamel coating also helps preserve the cookware while adding a pop of color to the kitchen. You can use it to make a batch of chili on the stovetop, braise brisket, or bake homemade bread.
Vitamix Blender
Courtesy of Amazon
Make everything from milkshakes to soup with this high-powered 64-ounce blender. Archibald says he’ll happily sacrifice the counter space for this tool, given its great build quality, durability, and straightforward controls. “The texture and consistency of the product coming out of the Vitamix is both smoother and more consistent than any of the other high-end blenders I have tried,” he explains.
Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor
Courtesy of Williams Sonoma
While a food processor takes up space, it will make cooking a meal that much quicker and simpler. Ziata says this 14-cup option from Cuisinart will always be her favorite food processor thanks to its incredible power. “The blade is huge and is great for making purees, dips, grinding nuts, aerating flours, and more. With just two buttons, it’s so easy to use and also easy to clean.”
Martha Stewart Stoneware Bakeware Set
Courtesy of Amazon
The ultimate kitchen tools are those that are multi-use. While bakeware is typically for cakes and cookies, this three-piece set can assist with so much more. Each piece is made from durable stoneware and is oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. (Stoneware does an excellent job at retaining heat for your best brownies and evenly cooked meatloaf.)
Pyrex Glass Food Storage Set
Courtesy of Walmart
Put away leftovers and meal prep with ease. This set of three Pyrex bowls, made from tempered glass with secure snapping lids, is an essential, Ziata says. “They are so easy to clean, never stain or hold odors, and look great even as service pieces.” And since they can be stacked and nested neatly, they’ll take up less space than you think.
Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale
Courtesy of Target
While it’s another gadget to add to the mix, a kitchen scale is key for baking. It helps measure ingredients with greater precision. Ziata loves that this budget-friendly scale is easy to use and comes in multiple colors to match any kitchen décor.
Ooni Karu 2 Pro Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
Courtesy of Ooni
This pizza oven is a splurge and will take up some outdoor kitchen space, but chef Josh Archibald says it’s worth it. “I make pizza at home at least weekly. My multi-fuel Ooni oven was a game changer for me—even on the rainy Oregon Coast, I am able to use it year-round.”
The portable oven can be fueled with either propane or wood, reaches up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit, and will cook a pizza in under two minutes. Plus, you can use it with cast iron to make steaks, roasted vegetables, and even baked goods like skillet cookies, cobblers, and baguettes.
Krups Electric Coffee Grinder
Courtesy of Amazon
According to Ziata, this electric three-ounce coffee grinder is endlessly useful. Of course it can be used to grind coffee beans for the perfect cup—but it can do so much more, too. “The grinder is essential for creating spice blends and grinding seeds. I use it more often than you would think,” she shares. “It’s easy, fast, and gives perfectly ground coarseness at whatever level you desire.”
