Kitchen tools
You do not need a lot of gear to cook well. These are the tools our recipes are written for, with what to look for when buying — not a list of every gadget on the market.
We describe what features matter rather than endorsing a specific model; items marked Used in our kitchen are ones we cook with ourselves. Affiliate disclosure.
Kitchen Tools
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12-inch cast iron skillet
Holds heat well for a hard sear on chicken and works on the stovetop and in the oven.
What to look for
- 12-inch size for family portions
- Pre-seasoned surface
- Helper handle — a full skillet is heavy
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Enameled Dutch oven (5–6 quart)
One pot that browns, simmers and holds enough for a family-size batch of rice, chili or pasta.
What to look for
- 5–6 quart capacity
- Light-colored interior so you can see browning
- Tight-fitting lid
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Instant-read digital thermometer
The only reliable way to know chicken, ground beef and egg dishes have reached a safe internal temperature. Color and juices are not reliable indicators.
What to look for
- Reads in 3 seconds or less
- Thin probe tip for thin cuts
- Range that covers at least 32–220°F
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Rimmed half-sheet pan
The workhorse for roasted vegetables and potatoes. A half-sheet (18×13 inches) gives potatoes room to brown instead of steam.
What to look for
- Heavy-gauge aluminum
- Rolled rim that will not warp
- 18×13-inch half-sheet size
Recommended Appliances
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Basket air fryer (5–6 quart)
A 5–6 quart basket fits 4–6 chicken thighs in a single layer, which is what our timings assume.
What to look for
- At least 5-quart basket
- Temperature control in 5°F or 10°F steps
- Dishwasher-safe basket
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6-quart programmable slow cooker
Our slow cooker recipes are written for a 6-quart cooker. A programmable model switches to WARM when the time is up.
What to look for
- 6-quart capacity for family recipes
- Programmable timer with automatic WARM
- Oval shape fits roasts
Baking Essentials
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Cookie scoop (3 tablespoon)
Same-size scoops bake evenly, so the whole tray is done at the same time.
What to look for
- Stainless steel
- Spring-loaded release
- Size marked in tablespoons
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Digital kitchen scale
Weighing flour is the single biggest improvement you can make to your baking. Every baking recipe here lists grams.
What to look for
- Reads in 1 g increments
- Tare (zero) button
- Switches between grams and ounces
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9×5-inch metal loaf pan
Quick bread bake times depend on pan size and material. Our timings assume a light-colored 9×5-inch metal pan.
What to look for
- 9×5-inch size (check the inside measurement)
- Light-colored aluminized steel
- Straight sides
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12-cup muffin tin
Used for egg muffin cups and muffins. Silicone or a well-greased nonstick tin helps eggs release.
What to look for
- Standard 12-cup size
- Nonstick or silicone
- Wide rims for easy handling
Air Fryer Accessories
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Perforated parchment air fryer liners
Make cleanup easier while still letting air circulate. Never preheat with a liner alone in the basket — it can blow into the heating element.
What to look for
- Perforated (holes) so air can circulate
- Sized to your basket
- Unbleached parchment
Meal Prep Containers
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Glass meal prep containers
Glass reheats more evenly than plastic and does not stain from tomato sauces.
What to look for
- Oven- and microwave-safe glass base
- Leak-proof locking lids
- Mix of 2- and 3-cup sizes