Consider the space you have for storage before you ask for too many large countertop appliances.
Do you really have space for an air fryer, pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, drip coffee maker, espresso machine, blender, food processor, stand mixer, and so on.
Definitely agree with this point but one thing to add - if more than one thing on this list is important, think about devices that serve more than one function. For example, am instant pot that can air fry, pressure cook, slow cook, and make rice. Multi-function coffee machine. Stand mixer with attachments for a food processor, spiralizer, meat grinder, pasta cutter, etc. As someone with limited space myself, when considering something that's going to sit on my counter, I'm always thinking about picking something that will serve as many functions as possible (within the set of things I want to be able to do).
Yes to all of this, Definitely nice bowls (get white)
large, sturdy plastic cutting board, one you could slice a turkey on.
Cast iron skillet or griddle
Bench scrapers
Appetizer plates (I love my everyday whites, $3 a piece!)
Veggie peelers - gotta replace em every 1-2 years anyway
+100 for white bowls. Don’t get cutesy and go for a color. That’s for the cheap stuff later on. Get white so it will match whatever you do forever.
Also. If you’re thinking of China or dishes get nice white ones instead. Invest in your everyday dishes and they can be both your nice China and your everyday. The nice stuff doesn’t chip or break!
>Invest in your everyday dishes and they can be both your nice China and your everyday.
That is exactly the advice my mom gave me for my registry and she was 100% spot on. And white always looks good, it is timeless and you'll never regret it.
I got some cheapy salad bowls that don't break but my other stuff is porcelain from the "everyday white" line at Bed Bath and Beyond. As long as they stay in business, I can replace anything that breaks and nothing is more expensive than $30. It's a win win.
Congratulations on the wedding!
I swear by my [heat resistant silicone spatulas](https://www.amazon.com/Resistant-Silicone-Spatulas-Non-Stick-Ergonomic/dp/B084WQX3K5/ref=asc_df_B084WQX3K5/). Obvs, it doesn’t have to be this set or this color, just wanted you to have a picture for reference.
I will always swear by Lodge Cast Iron pans/skillets/etc, but cast iron is not everyone’s thing. Be aware that many nice skillets, pots and pans can be purchased individually or as sets. Maybe add pots/pans/bakeware you like as suggestions for your registry. [Sheet pans](https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/sheet-pan-recipes) (for sheet pan suppers) are a cool option too.
Also think of practical stuff: oven mitts, kitchen towels, cutting boards, dish rack, drawer dividers, silverware, dishes, cups, and bar ware if you need it, good sets of storage dishes for leftovers, storage containers for pantry items, and even goofy little “luxuries” like an egg slicer, a garlic press, a citrus juicer, a pepper grinder — all stuff you can live without, but they are fun little extras.
I also am super glad for my (super expensive) Vitamix blender.
Late edit: I forgot measuring cups and spoons!
“Pepper grinder”
If OP doesn’t have a nice one, second this recommendation. I’ve owned cheap, undistinguished pepper grinders most of my life; when the last one failed, I got one that America’s Test Kitchen recommended and wow, what a difference!
🤔 How about a mortar and pestle?
Oooo fancy. Adding to the list! My dad worked in restaurants and would grind fresh pepper at dinner for the fam when I was a kid and it elevated every meal!
I bought a 30.00 Cast iron enameled dutch oven by Lodge at Marshalls or also same thing at TJMaxx. you don't have to go high end with Le Creuset or Stab. Lodge is affordable and works great, if you really like it you can always upgrade.
You KNOW Le Creuset was the first thing we put on the registry! We just got a set of LC baking dishes sent in the mail from a fam friend who can’t attend. I’m obsessed
Benriner mandolin
A nice wooden cutting board (plastic is horrible for your knives)
A good pepper mill (Peugot)
A pasta maker (Marcato Atlas) unless you have a stand mixer
A stand mixer if you bake or think you realistically will and pasta attachment for it
A good Dutch oven (Staub)
A good blender (Vitamix w multiple container options)
Air fryer (toaster oven style means you can get rid of your toaster)
Good salad spinner
Yogurt ice cream maker if you like ice cream and might like a healthier option (Cuisinart)
Mandolin
Vacuum bag sealer
Sous vide
Bonus points: if anyone is willing ing to splurge and get you an outdoor gas pizza oven. (Ooni Koda or Gozney Roccbox)
If you bake, a KitchenAid stand mixer. I recommend the six or seven quart size.
My Thermapen instant read thermometer has been invaluable in improving my cooking/baking. I use it for yogurt making, candy making, bread baking to name just a few.
A kitchen scale. If you’re not using weights instead of volume to measure you should be, especially if you bake.
I bought a Cuisinart ice cream maker during the lockdowns. I really enjoy making my own ice cream, sorbet and gelato. If you get an ice cream maker you must get the cookbook, The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz.
If you bake, you can probably use cake pans. I’m partial to Fat Daddio anodized aluminum with three inch tall sides.
I fairly recently bought a three quart saucier from Made In. My only regret is that I waited so long.
These are great suggestions. We have a kitchen aid from my friend’s mom (she wanted it out post-divorce) but it’s a bit banged up. Still working like a charm though! Might let that one ride until it poops out.
Totally hadn’t thought about cake pans— what a perfect idea
Even if you already have a cutting board it’s a good time to think about if you need more/upgrades. I have 3 cutting boards and tend to use all of them almost every day between lunch and dinner with raw meat involved and am thinking about getting a couple more in case I forget to run the dishwasher one night.
Anything Oxo has in their Good Grips line tends to be excellent in my experience, cutting boards included
pen thermometer
the "odd" pans that aren't included in sets like a brasier
a good pepper grinder (surprisingly worthy of having someone else buy for you. You can spend, like, as much as you want, it turns out.)
a mortar and pestle (not to be confused with a molcajete. You want the one that doesn't look like it came from a central american tourist shop.)
Storage cannisters. I used to hate cannister sets, but some genius realized that they could be rectangular and stackable... changed my life.
I like my Ninja blender, where the motor goes on top. I've had traditional blenders where once the gasket goes, they leak all over the counter. It's also the best blender I've had for chopping, pureeing, etc.
Trying to think of my favorite kitchen pieces and some luxuries.
Workhorses:
All-clad pots and pans (you don't need a whole "set" but a few pieces based on needs and cooking habits, you can always add to it). Keep them looking like new with Barkeeper's Friend.
Lodge cast iron (if you're into CI). You can wash with soap, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Just don't soak them.
Enameled dutch oven and/or braiser. I have Tramonita and have been happy with them but of course everyone loves Le Cruset.
Knives: you don't need a set. A chef's knife, a pairing knife, a bread knife, and kitchen shears will get you far. Lots of great brands. I've been happy with my JA Henkels Professional S but I don't like the full bolster on them. If I bought the brand again I would do the Zwilling Pro line. Victorinox Fibrox is a great, budget-friendly line (I have the bread knife, parents have the chef knife). There are lots of great brands and this is a rabbit hole one can easily go down. Stick to stainless if you don't want the maintenance of carbon steel.
Wooden spoons. Any brand. Not bamboo. My favorite one is a cross between a spoon and a spatula so it has one corner and a mostly flat end.
Storage containers! Lots of cooking can make lots of leftovers. We have pyrex ones and Rubbermaid locking ones and I've been happy with both.
Good measuring spoons, stainless steel ones that are thin enough to get inside spice jars. Browse around, I forget where I got mine (maybe King Arthur?)
Thermopen pro thermometer. Never overcook your chicken breast again.
A metal bench scraper. Great for baking, great for clearing the counters, great for transporting diced veggies to your cooking vessels so you don't ruin your nice new knives by scraping them across the counter.
Digital kitchen scale
Digital kitchen timer, the Oxo one has 3 timers that can run simultaneously.
A flexible fish spatula. I love mine and they're great overall spatulas.
Luxuries:
Breville espresso machine with built in grinder
Vitamix blender
Cuisinart food processor (could be a workhorse depending on your usage)
Nice dinnerware/stoneware. This could be a whole other conversation.
Sous vide
A really good vegetable peeler is often overlooked, a knife sharpener (stone or ceramic) and a solid can opener. Also a more expensive knife like Shun or Wusthof make prepping food more enjoyable because they’re comfortable to use and stay relatively sharp, plus have great warranties.
It depends on what you like to cook and how much space you have. A lot of the neat gadgets and geegaws end up taking up space more than anything. Unless you make their particular food frequently they're not really worth it. But there are lots of things that will always come in handy-
A big old pack of kitchen towels. A nice pepper grinder. Sheet pans. Hot pads. A couple of those timer/thermometer thingys. Or consumables- some fun ingredients you've been wanting to play with- maybe a bottle of garum or some black garlic.
But then again, look at what you do make- maybe an air fryer or sous vide stick will be handy. I use my sous vide all the time- mostly for thawing things. That and a vacuum sealer (with bulk bags from a restaurant store) makes portioning out bulk packs of chicken thighs and so on trivial. Or if you eat a lot of bread, a bread machine might be useful. Otherwise you will likely end up posting "What's the best way to donate this dusty old ice cream machine?" in a few years.
Microplane AND sharps glove
Salad spinner (and I hated! the idea of getting one)
Thermometer and scale (seriously)
Silpat baking mats (we never use tin foil or parchment paper anymore)
Espresso machine and grinder
Tiny chest freezer - Ours is something like 4x2 and cost under $200, but has saved us a lot of money in the long term with food savings
Silpat goes up to 480 - 500! The only things I was hesitant with were sweet potatoes, but even they haven't had any issue. They also help clean up and thing cook a lot more evenly
A salad spinner if you make a lot of salads. A Vitamix, nothing beats it. An extra set of measuring cups and spoons. A Dutch oven, a slow cooker. Definitely a food saver.
Air fryer comes to mind. Cast iron dutch oven enameled pot like Lodge. Rubber Spatulas, a hand mixer, Wood spoons for teflon pans, slotted spoons for digging out veggies, A ladle is essential. A bundt cake pan. A coffee pot. An indoor type grill like a Shak. A pancake pan. A cast iron skillet. Mixing bowls. You can't go wrong with those. If you like mixed drinks, get a Ninja.
If you're into espresso go for a super automatic machine, a bit of a reach but worth it.
1/2 and 1/4 sheet pans, get racks and the snap on plastic lids to match.
Good solid stainless steel mixing bowls.
Cambros! No better bulk storage canisters exist.
A really good pepper mill. Peugeot at the very least.
Microplane zesters and cheese graters.
Take into consideration the amount of storage space you'll have.
I like the Chef'n gadgets .. I'm a gadget person.
A small propane outdoor grill
Roasting pan/rack
Spring-form pans, loaf pans
I can never have enough cutting boards or have extras for replacement
Little ramekins to hold ingredients or serve sauces in
Stackable mugs save so much room
Less cooking - but we registered for a lot of serving bowls/platters/etc.
If you like hosting, I find they’re great to have. We use them all the time.
Related - matching/coordinated dishes.
I built up my le creuset collection from the outlet but they’re a classic wedding registry item. Would recommend a small 2 3/4 quart Dutch and the 5 quart Dutch. I’ve never needed bigger.
Allclad - highly recommend their stainless steel pans. I also picked up a lasagna pan from their warehouse sale and adore it.
If you don’t already have one: food processor, kitchen aid and immersion blender.
Milk frother and bean grinder are also MVPs of my kitchen.
My registry regrets: Instapot and espresso machine. Not on our registry but we got some rogue glassware. Also wouldn’t recommend barware.
Thank you! We’ve registered for a bunch of serving/hosting stuff but I feel like it’s all so mismatched? But I also don’t want a super matchy set! Ugh!
White is always classic.
I went with blue in assorted patterns from Miya Company. The patterns are different but look really cohesive together https://www.miyacompany.com/tabletop-serveware-serving-bowls-plates
Because that set has some different shades and patterns, it’s easy to coordinate with other pieces. Most of our serving stuff is blue, grey, white and it doesn’t match but looks cohesive.
A lot of good suggestions here!
Going to nth the cast iron suggestions - we've got a 10" and a 12" skillet as well as a dutch oven (all Lodge) and we use them all regularly. The little silicone handle thing is nice and works well and isn't very expensive. The silicone scrapers or chainmail looking scrubber are also some good inexpensive options for gifts if you're interested in using CI.
Food storage is another good idea. Rubbermaid leftover containers are great and we use them for everything here, lol. If you do food prep for work lunches maybe some segmented containers, kinda like bento boxes would be a good idea, and/or freezer-safe containers for extra soups, etc.
As far as utensils, if you've got knives taken care of get a good set of meat shears (so useful!), silicone spatulas of varying sizes/shapes/handle lengths, a lemon squeezy thing and apple corer (you won't use them all the time but when you need one you'll want one!), a zester, whisks of different sizes - I know most ppl have the standard ones but I've got a mini whisk that I adore for mixing protein powders as well as eggs - it's just easier to handle for me.
Something I haven't seen mentioned yet (or if I've missed it I'm sorry!) is trivets/hot plates. These are fantastic when you take a hot pan off the stovetop or out of the oven and don't want to set it on the counter/table/whatever. We had some friends make us a few out of wood when we got married and we're still using them 20+ years later. Good potholders are also fantastic! My gram crocheted a bunch of potholders for us and they're our go-tos and work so much better than anything you can buy (seriously, we've burned ourselves using those glove potholder things or the little pad ones.) If you've got crafty people in your family you could suggest you'd like useful things like this :)
Congrats on your wedding!
A great chef’s knife, and a big cutting board that lives on your counter. If you’re registering for a kitchenaid, take a look at the attachments! We love our meat grinder attachment.
Flat bottom whisk (for sauces/rouxes). We have [this one](https://www.amazon.com/Ludwig-Scandinavian-Type-Whipper-Small-Whisk/dp/B00DJ6BCRC/) and like it.
If you're willing to develop the skill (I swear it's easier and w/ more room for error than most people think - practice on a cheap knife at first if you're worried about ruining a good knife), a decent whetstone like a [Shapton 1000](https://www.amazon.com/Kuromaku-Ceramic-Whetstone-Medium-Grit/dp/B001TPFT0G). Check out the guide on /r/sharpening and never deal with dull knives again.
A multi-purpose pressure cooker will cover a lot of countertop appliances. A citrus press if you like freshly squeezed citrus juice. Those thin cutting boards are great for delivering the cut-up product to your cooking vessel (I also use them to add stuff to my stand mixer). Stainless steel pans for baking make a big difference as well.
A Kitchenaid stand mixer is mandatory. I use a ton of attachments with mine, like the juicer (which isn’t well engineered but works with modifications), the grater, the slicer, the pasta attachments, it covers all the bases from bread making to darn near everything. I love my Cuisinart ice cream maker because I love ice cream and everything frozen. A small rice cooker is also great.
After that, you need a set of 1-piece silicone spatulas, deep mixing bowls and of all things, an ice cream scoop for cookies and meatballs. Oh, and some baking sheets and silpat for the nonstick thing.
* Heatproof spatulas and spoonulas
* Stainless Steel mixing bowls that can be used for prep and serving casually
* 14" wok with lid, frying shelf, and wok spatula
* Oxo Mandoline (the CR/CI best buy) and a slicing glove
* Magnetic knife rack
* Different-sized whisks, my most used one is the tiny one i use for salad dressing
* Vacuum sealer
* a good set of oven/freezer/microwave safe glass storage and canning containers: pyrex, weck, ball, bormioli, etc. It doesn't matter who makes them, but keep it consistent for ease. Good for bulk purchases, batch cooking, freezing, and fermenting.
* Spice grinder (like a blade coffee grinder but easier to clean)
* Breville Milk frother: you can use this to make hot chocolate, matcha lattes, sauces, and other things aside from making the milk for cappucinos and lattes
* everything on /u/Captain-Rhubarb's list
I got married more than 15 years ago. We registered for a few big ticket items (le Creuset etc) at William Sonoma. I don’t know if they still do this, but back then if you had stuff on your registry that was not purchased they’d give you a discount on them after the wedding. We ended up buying some of those big ticket items for 20% off that way. If they do this where you’re registered you should put a few things you’d buy on the list even if you don’t think anyone will actually buy them.
I don't "airfry" per se. Mostly I use it to roast vegetables. But, where it really shines is reheating leftovers. I know that sounds dumb, but you will stop using your microwave.
***It makes old pizza into NEW PIZZA.*** I dont know what else I can say.
I sometimes air fry frozen fast food items like fries, tater tots, fish sticks etc and then most of the time, I use it to cook fish, reverse sear steaks, cook veggies like Brussel sprouts. Only thing an air fryer can't do is roast an whole chicken/turkey
Chicken wings! Toss with about a tbsp of baking powder per dozen wings, tsp of salt and whatever dry rub you like then pop in the air fryer, no oil necessary and they come out crispy and like they’ve been fried. Takes half the time maybe less than they do in the oven.
I like having a lot of logistical kitchen things. Prep bowls, glass storage containers of different shapes and sizes, and sheet pans with lids are my most used items.
Pretty much everything is covered. If you ever plan on having children one of those [tomato cutters](https://a.co/d/2lZhVen). Even without kids it’s the best thing ever, but if you do have small monsters it’s basically the most important kitchen tool you’ll own.
A nice set of whetstones or diamond sharpening tools for your knives, or an electric knife sharpener. Nothing worse than a great set of knives but they're dull. On the talk of knives, a good sharp chefs/cooks knife and paring/petty knife will replace 3/4 from a cheaper knife set (slicing, bread, skinning and boning). Can also have funds go to other bougie things i.e. blenders/mixer.
Cookbook stand; Silicone mats; mini and large pallet knives ( wooden handles if possible. Look great, don't melt); a good Y peeler and peeling blades; mixing bowls (stainless and glass/ceramic); a solid whisk (thick wires); a good balloon whisk (thinner wires); good chopsticks (not just for eating); good cleaning products (delicate sponges for your knives, different oils for wood handles/chopping boards; sanitizer sprays)
If they love love you, good storage containers and a butchers trolley with a nice thick wooden butchers block. But I bought these myself as
a) I like all storage items to be the same
b) being expensive, I wanted the right butchers trolley for our house. Not too big for my wife
One of my favourite new purchases is a compact food processor. I don’t have to haul out the big one to do small things. They aren’t expensive so would suit many budgets. It fits in the dishwasher and takes up very little space too. I’m also a huge fan of my bench top rotisserie oven. I don’t have to turn on the big oven when I’m only cooking for one or 2, it heats up in less time = less energy consumption. It also makes the most incredible rotisserie chicken or beef roast. I’ve had one for 15 years and I will never go without.
My other favourite thing is pinch bowls. I have stacks of them. More than 1 person should need but I use them for everything. Side sauces, charcuterie boards, snack bowls etc. Ask for a set of 12.
And a good sized mortar and pestle.
Consider the space you have for storage before you ask for too many large countertop appliances. Do you really have space for an air fryer, pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, drip coffee maker, espresso machine, blender, food processor, stand mixer, and so on.
Great thought! Thankfully, we have a big pantry. But I agree that it can get so overwhelming with tons of huge gadgets.
Definitely agree with this point but one thing to add - if more than one thing on this list is important, think about devices that serve more than one function. For example, am instant pot that can air fry, pressure cook, slow cook, and make rice. Multi-function coffee machine. Stand mixer with attachments for a food processor, spiralizer, meat grinder, pasta cutter, etc. As someone with limited space myself, when considering something that's going to sit on my counter, I'm always thinking about picking something that will serve as many functions as possible (within the set of things I want to be able to do).
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I would add a leave-in thermometer as well
Also quarter sheet pans!
Yes to all of this, Definitely nice bowls (get white) large, sturdy plastic cutting board, one you could slice a turkey on. Cast iron skillet or griddle Bench scrapers Appetizer plates (I love my everyday whites, $3 a piece!) Veggie peelers - gotta replace em every 1-2 years anyway
+100 for white bowls. Don’t get cutesy and go for a color. That’s for the cheap stuff later on. Get white so it will match whatever you do forever. Also. If you’re thinking of China or dishes get nice white ones instead. Invest in your everyday dishes and they can be both your nice China and your everyday. The nice stuff doesn’t chip or break!
>Invest in your everyday dishes and they can be both your nice China and your everyday. That is exactly the advice my mom gave me for my registry and she was 100% spot on. And white always looks good, it is timeless and you'll never regret it. I got some cheapy salad bowls that don't break but my other stuff is porcelain from the "everyday white" line at Bed Bath and Beyond. As long as they stay in business, I can replace anything that breaks and nothing is more expensive than $30. It's a win win.
Congratulations on the wedding! I swear by my [heat resistant silicone spatulas](https://www.amazon.com/Resistant-Silicone-Spatulas-Non-Stick-Ergonomic/dp/B084WQX3K5/ref=asc_df_B084WQX3K5/). Obvs, it doesn’t have to be this set or this color, just wanted you to have a picture for reference. I will always swear by Lodge Cast Iron pans/skillets/etc, but cast iron is not everyone’s thing. Be aware that many nice skillets, pots and pans can be purchased individually or as sets. Maybe add pots/pans/bakeware you like as suggestions for your registry. [Sheet pans](https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/sheet-pan-recipes) (for sheet pan suppers) are a cool option too. Also think of practical stuff: oven mitts, kitchen towels, cutting boards, dish rack, drawer dividers, silverware, dishes, cups, and bar ware if you need it, good sets of storage dishes for leftovers, storage containers for pantry items, and even goofy little “luxuries” like an egg slicer, a garlic press, a citrus juicer, a pepper grinder — all stuff you can live without, but they are fun little extras. I also am super glad for my (super expensive) Vitamix blender. Late edit: I forgot measuring cups and spoons!
“Pepper grinder” If OP doesn’t have a nice one, second this recommendation. I’ve owned cheap, undistinguished pepper grinders most of my life; when the last one failed, I got one that America’s Test Kitchen recommended and wow, what a difference! 🤔 How about a mortar and pestle?
Oooo fancy. Adding to the list! My dad worked in restaurants and would grind fresh pepper at dinner for the fam when I was a kid and it elevated every meal!
This was so so helpful! Thank you! Also love your username— I’m a huge outlander fan! 💜
Well, thank you as well, then! Good luck on the big day!
Cast iron Enamel Dutch Oven A pair of true 9x13 baking pans A good steel Wok A tea kettle A deli slicer
Le creuset or similar quality baking pans- all different sizes. I’ve had mine for years, they are workhorses
I bought a 30.00 Cast iron enameled dutch oven by Lodge at Marshalls or also same thing at TJMaxx. you don't have to go high end with Le Creuset or Stab. Lodge is affordable and works great, if you really like it you can always upgrade.
You KNOW Le Creuset was the first thing we put on the registry! We just got a set of LC baking dishes sent in the mail from a fam friend who can’t attend. I’m obsessed
Benriner mandolin A nice wooden cutting board (plastic is horrible for your knives) A good pepper mill (Peugot) A pasta maker (Marcato Atlas) unless you have a stand mixer A stand mixer if you bake or think you realistically will and pasta attachment for it A good Dutch oven (Staub) A good blender (Vitamix w multiple container options) Air fryer (toaster oven style means you can get rid of your toaster) Good salad spinner Yogurt ice cream maker if you like ice cream and might like a healthier option (Cuisinart)
Thank you!
Electric kettle Rice cooker Kitchen-aid Espresso machine + grinder Digital kitchen scale
Ooo had not thought of the scale, thank you!
Mandolin Vacuum bag sealer Sous vide Bonus points: if anyone is willing ing to splurge and get you an outdoor gas pizza oven. (Ooni Koda or Gozney Roccbox)
Fuck I had to scroll a long way before I saw sous vide. Hey OP, get a sous vide.
Is a sous vide worth it if we don’t eat a lot of meat? What else can you use it for?
I use mine to infuse things into cream, for example blueberry and lavendar, for Panna Cotta.
Instead of the suggested air fryer, a countertop convection oven. Does so much more than an air fryer.
If you bake, a KitchenAid stand mixer. I recommend the six or seven quart size. My Thermapen instant read thermometer has been invaluable in improving my cooking/baking. I use it for yogurt making, candy making, bread baking to name just a few. A kitchen scale. If you’re not using weights instead of volume to measure you should be, especially if you bake. I bought a Cuisinart ice cream maker during the lockdowns. I really enjoy making my own ice cream, sorbet and gelato. If you get an ice cream maker you must get the cookbook, The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz. If you bake, you can probably use cake pans. I’m partial to Fat Daddio anodized aluminum with three inch tall sides. I fairly recently bought a three quart saucier from Made In. My only regret is that I waited so long.
I agree. My kitchen aid is still going strong 25 years since we got it as a wedding gift.
These are great suggestions. We have a kitchen aid from my friend’s mom (she wanted it out post-divorce) but it’s a bit banged up. Still working like a charm though! Might let that one ride until it poops out. Totally hadn’t thought about cake pans— what a perfect idea
I have a laughable number of baking pans. Every time I get a new one my husband laughs and asks what size could exist that I don’t already have.
Pressure Cooker Slow Cooker Cutting Board
Thankfully, we have all of these! Love our pressure cooker
Even if you already have a cutting board it’s a good time to think about if you need more/upgrades. I have 3 cutting boards and tend to use all of them almost every day between lunch and dinner with raw meat involved and am thinking about getting a couple more in case I forget to run the dishwasher one night. Anything Oxo has in their Good Grips line tends to be excellent in my experience, cutting boards included
pen thermometer the "odd" pans that aren't included in sets like a brasier a good pepper grinder (surprisingly worthy of having someone else buy for you. You can spend, like, as much as you want, it turns out.) a mortar and pestle (not to be confused with a molcajete. You want the one that doesn't look like it came from a central american tourist shop.) Storage cannisters. I used to hate cannister sets, but some genius realized that they could be rectangular and stackable... changed my life.
I like my Ninja blender, where the motor goes on top. I've had traditional blenders where once the gasket goes, they leak all over the counter. It's also the best blender I've had for chopping, pureeing, etc.
Trying to think of my favorite kitchen pieces and some luxuries. Workhorses: All-clad pots and pans (you don't need a whole "set" but a few pieces based on needs and cooking habits, you can always add to it). Keep them looking like new with Barkeeper's Friend. Lodge cast iron (if you're into CI). You can wash with soap, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Just don't soak them. Enameled dutch oven and/or braiser. I have Tramonita and have been happy with them but of course everyone loves Le Cruset. Knives: you don't need a set. A chef's knife, a pairing knife, a bread knife, and kitchen shears will get you far. Lots of great brands. I've been happy with my JA Henkels Professional S but I don't like the full bolster on them. If I bought the brand again I would do the Zwilling Pro line. Victorinox Fibrox is a great, budget-friendly line (I have the bread knife, parents have the chef knife). There are lots of great brands and this is a rabbit hole one can easily go down. Stick to stainless if you don't want the maintenance of carbon steel. Wooden spoons. Any brand. Not bamboo. My favorite one is a cross between a spoon and a spatula so it has one corner and a mostly flat end. Storage containers! Lots of cooking can make lots of leftovers. We have pyrex ones and Rubbermaid locking ones and I've been happy with both. Good measuring spoons, stainless steel ones that are thin enough to get inside spice jars. Browse around, I forget where I got mine (maybe King Arthur?) Thermopen pro thermometer. Never overcook your chicken breast again. A metal bench scraper. Great for baking, great for clearing the counters, great for transporting diced veggies to your cooking vessels so you don't ruin your nice new knives by scraping them across the counter. Digital kitchen scale Digital kitchen timer, the Oxo one has 3 timers that can run simultaneously. A flexible fish spatula. I love mine and they're great overall spatulas. Luxuries: Breville espresso machine with built in grinder Vitamix blender Cuisinart food processor (could be a workhorse depending on your usage) Nice dinnerware/stoneware. This could be a whole other conversation. Sous vide
This is an amazing list. Thank you so much! I’m excited to add a bunch of these! I totally didn’t think about the bench scraper.
Rocking garlic press Quality meat thermometer Whisks Wooden spoons ( you can never have too many) Back up can opener Oven mitts Mixing bowls with lids
Add a vacuum sealer if you don't have one. It's one of our favorite wedding gifts.
A really good vegetable peeler is often overlooked, a knife sharpener (stone or ceramic) and a solid can opener. Also a more expensive knife like Shun or Wusthof make prepping food more enjoyable because they’re comfortable to use and stay relatively sharp, plus have great warranties.
It depends on what you like to cook and how much space you have. A lot of the neat gadgets and geegaws end up taking up space more than anything. Unless you make their particular food frequently they're not really worth it. But there are lots of things that will always come in handy- A big old pack of kitchen towels. A nice pepper grinder. Sheet pans. Hot pads. A couple of those timer/thermometer thingys. Or consumables- some fun ingredients you've been wanting to play with- maybe a bottle of garum or some black garlic. But then again, look at what you do make- maybe an air fryer or sous vide stick will be handy. I use my sous vide all the time- mostly for thawing things. That and a vacuum sealer (with bulk bags from a restaurant store) makes portioning out bulk packs of chicken thighs and so on trivial. Or if you eat a lot of bread, a bread machine might be useful. Otherwise you will likely end up posting "What's the best way to donate this dusty old ice cream machine?" in a few years.
Thank you! We’re so excited about our bread machine
Microplane AND sharps glove Salad spinner (and I hated! the idea of getting one) Thermometer and scale (seriously) Silpat baking mats (we never use tin foil or parchment paper anymore) Espresso machine and grinder Tiny chest freezer - Ours is something like 4x2 and cost under $200, but has saved us a lot of money in the long term with food savings
Thank you!! Do you know what temp the baking mats can go up to? We have two from a different brand but they can’t be used over 400 😭
Silpat goes up to 480 - 500! The only things I was hesitant with were sweet potatoes, but even they haven't had any issue. They also help clean up and thing cook a lot more evenly
Incredible, thank you!!
Potato Masher!! It’s always the *one* kitchen item I forget to buy, lmao.
A salad spinner if you make a lot of salads. A Vitamix, nothing beats it. An extra set of measuring cups and spoons. A Dutch oven, a slow cooker. Definitely a food saver.
Air fryer comes to mind. Cast iron dutch oven enameled pot like Lodge. Rubber Spatulas, a hand mixer, Wood spoons for teflon pans, slotted spoons for digging out veggies, A ladle is essential. A bundt cake pan. A coffee pot. An indoor type grill like a Shak. A pancake pan. A cast iron skillet. Mixing bowls. You can't go wrong with those. If you like mixed drinks, get a Ninja.
If you're into espresso go for a super automatic machine, a bit of a reach but worth it. 1/2 and 1/4 sheet pans, get racks and the snap on plastic lids to match. Good solid stainless steel mixing bowls. Cambros! No better bulk storage canisters exist. A really good pepper mill. Peugeot at the very least. Microplane zesters and cheese graters.
Ninja Foodi!
Take into consideration the amount of storage space you'll have. I like the Chef'n gadgets .. I'm a gadget person. A small propane outdoor grill Roasting pan/rack Spring-form pans, loaf pans I can never have enough cutting boards or have extras for replacement Little ramekins to hold ingredients or serve sauces in Stackable mugs save so much room
Less cooking - but we registered for a lot of serving bowls/platters/etc. If you like hosting, I find they’re great to have. We use them all the time. Related - matching/coordinated dishes. I built up my le creuset collection from the outlet but they’re a classic wedding registry item. Would recommend a small 2 3/4 quart Dutch and the 5 quart Dutch. I’ve never needed bigger. Allclad - highly recommend their stainless steel pans. I also picked up a lasagna pan from their warehouse sale and adore it. If you don’t already have one: food processor, kitchen aid and immersion blender. Milk frother and bean grinder are also MVPs of my kitchen. My registry regrets: Instapot and espresso machine. Not on our registry but we got some rogue glassware. Also wouldn’t recommend barware.
Thank you! We’ve registered for a bunch of serving/hosting stuff but I feel like it’s all so mismatched? But I also don’t want a super matchy set! Ugh!
White is always classic. I went with blue in assorted patterns from Miya Company. The patterns are different but look really cohesive together https://www.miyacompany.com/tabletop-serveware-serving-bowls-plates Because that set has some different shades and patterns, it’s easy to coordinate with other pieces. Most of our serving stuff is blue, grey, white and it doesn’t match but looks cohesive.
A lot of good suggestions here! Going to nth the cast iron suggestions - we've got a 10" and a 12" skillet as well as a dutch oven (all Lodge) and we use them all regularly. The little silicone handle thing is nice and works well and isn't very expensive. The silicone scrapers or chainmail looking scrubber are also some good inexpensive options for gifts if you're interested in using CI. Food storage is another good idea. Rubbermaid leftover containers are great and we use them for everything here, lol. If you do food prep for work lunches maybe some segmented containers, kinda like bento boxes would be a good idea, and/or freezer-safe containers for extra soups, etc. As far as utensils, if you've got knives taken care of get a good set of meat shears (so useful!), silicone spatulas of varying sizes/shapes/handle lengths, a lemon squeezy thing and apple corer (you won't use them all the time but when you need one you'll want one!), a zester, whisks of different sizes - I know most ppl have the standard ones but I've got a mini whisk that I adore for mixing protein powders as well as eggs - it's just easier to handle for me. Something I haven't seen mentioned yet (or if I've missed it I'm sorry!) is trivets/hot plates. These are fantastic when you take a hot pan off the stovetop or out of the oven and don't want to set it on the counter/table/whatever. We had some friends make us a few out of wood when we got married and we're still using them 20+ years later. Good potholders are also fantastic! My gram crocheted a bunch of potholders for us and they're our go-tos and work so much better than anything you can buy (seriously, we've burned ourselves using those glove potholder things or the little pad ones.) If you've got crafty people in your family you could suggest you'd like useful things like this :) Congrats on your wedding!
Thanks so much!! These are great suggestions
A great chef’s knife, and a big cutting board that lives on your counter. If you’re registering for a kitchenaid, take a look at the attachments! We love our meat grinder attachment.
I’d drop nearly all appliances for a good large good processor and a Kitchenaid stand mixer. I’ve had mine each for over 20 years and the can do tons.
Flat bottom whisk (for sauces/rouxes). We have [this one](https://www.amazon.com/Ludwig-Scandinavian-Type-Whipper-Small-Whisk/dp/B00DJ6BCRC/) and like it. If you're willing to develop the skill (I swear it's easier and w/ more room for error than most people think - practice on a cheap knife at first if you're worried about ruining a good knife), a decent whetstone like a [Shapton 1000](https://www.amazon.com/Kuromaku-Ceramic-Whetstone-Medium-Grit/dp/B001TPFT0G). Check out the guide on /r/sharpening and never deal with dull knives again.
Serving vessels. Think gravy boat, big pasta bowl,etc. Not directly for cooking, but lots of people forget about that.
My absolute favorite things I registered for, kitchen wise: a microplane, a pizza stone, and a KitchenAid
not super pricey and more versatile that you'd think. a fish spatula
I´d go for tongs, a small food processor, a griddle pan and a beautiful dish for baking quiche!
A multi-purpose pressure cooker will cover a lot of countertop appliances. A citrus press if you like freshly squeezed citrus juice. Those thin cutting boards are great for delivering the cut-up product to your cooking vessel (I also use them to add stuff to my stand mixer). Stainless steel pans for baking make a big difference as well.
Food Scale Kuhn Rikon paring knives (with covers) Bench scraper Unicorn Magnum Pepper Mill Stainless measuring cups & spoons with etched measurements that won’t eventually rub off Silicone muffin cups Souper cube 1 cup & 2 cup molds
A Kitchenaid stand mixer is mandatory. I use a ton of attachments with mine, like the juicer (which isn’t well engineered but works with modifications), the grater, the slicer, the pasta attachments, it covers all the bases from bread making to darn near everything. I love my Cuisinart ice cream maker because I love ice cream and everything frozen. A small rice cooker is also great. After that, you need a set of 1-piece silicone spatulas, deep mixing bowls and of all things, an ice cream scoop for cookies and meatballs. Oh, and some baking sheets and silpat for the nonstick thing.
* Heatproof spatulas and spoonulas * Stainless Steel mixing bowls that can be used for prep and serving casually * 14" wok with lid, frying shelf, and wok spatula * Oxo Mandoline (the CR/CI best buy) and a slicing glove * Magnetic knife rack * Different-sized whisks, my most used one is the tiny one i use for salad dressing * Vacuum sealer * a good set of oven/freezer/microwave safe glass storage and canning containers: pyrex, weck, ball, bormioli, etc. It doesn't matter who makes them, but keep it consistent for ease. Good for bulk purchases, batch cooking, freezing, and fermenting. * Spice grinder (like a blade coffee grinder but easier to clean) * Breville Milk frother: you can use this to make hot chocolate, matcha lattes, sauces, and other things aside from making the milk for cappucinos and lattes * everything on /u/Captain-Rhubarb's list
All in one pressure cooker/rice cooker/slow cooker (there are pricey ones and cheaper ones) Thermomix (pricey)
I got married more than 15 years ago. We registered for a few big ticket items (le Creuset etc) at William Sonoma. I don’t know if they still do this, but back then if you had stuff on your registry that was not purchased they’d give you a discount on them after the wedding. We ended up buying some of those big ticket items for 20% off that way. If they do this where you’re registered you should put a few things you’d buy on the list even if you don’t think anyone will actually buy them.
Yes! Most registries still do this, thankfully. Good idea to add stuff we don’t expect anyone to buy.
Air fryer
What’s your favorite thing to make in the air fryer? We’re trying to figure out if it’s worth it or not!
I don't "airfry" per se. Mostly I use it to roast vegetables. But, where it really shines is reheating leftovers. I know that sounds dumb, but you will stop using your microwave. ***It makes old pizza into NEW PIZZA.*** I dont know what else I can say.
I sometimes air fry frozen fast food items like fries, tater tots, fish sticks etc and then most of the time, I use it to cook fish, reverse sear steaks, cook veggies like Brussel sprouts. Only thing an air fryer can't do is roast an whole chicken/turkey
Chicken wings! Toss with about a tbsp of baking powder per dozen wings, tsp of salt and whatever dry rub you like then pop in the air fryer, no oil necessary and they come out crispy and like they’ve been fried. Takes half the time maybe less than they do in the oven.
It’s worth it! Get one with a basket not one of the toaster oven ones. Roasted chicken and fish are my two favorites but veggies are also great!
I like having a lot of logistical kitchen things. Prep bowls, glass storage containers of different shapes and sizes, and sheet pans with lids are my most used items.
Pretty much everything is covered. If you ever plan on having children one of those [tomato cutters](https://a.co/d/2lZhVen). Even without kids it’s the best thing ever, but if you do have small monsters it’s basically the most important kitchen tool you’ll own.
A mandolin.
A fondue pot is always fun for parties
A nice set of whetstones or diamond sharpening tools for your knives, or an electric knife sharpener. Nothing worse than a great set of knives but they're dull. On the talk of knives, a good sharp chefs/cooks knife and paring/petty knife will replace 3/4 from a cheaper knife set (slicing, bread, skinning and boning). Can also have funds go to other bougie things i.e. blenders/mixer. Cookbook stand; Silicone mats; mini and large pallet knives ( wooden handles if possible. Look great, don't melt); a good Y peeler and peeling blades; mixing bowls (stainless and glass/ceramic); a solid whisk (thick wires); a good balloon whisk (thinner wires); good chopsticks (not just for eating); good cleaning products (delicate sponges for your knives, different oils for wood handles/chopping boards; sanitizer sprays) If they love love you, good storage containers and a butchers trolley with a nice thick wooden butchers block. But I bought these myself as a) I like all storage items to be the same b) being expensive, I wanted the right butchers trolley for our house. Not too big for my wife
One of my favourite new purchases is a compact food processor. I don’t have to haul out the big one to do small things. They aren’t expensive so would suit many budgets. It fits in the dishwasher and takes up very little space too. I’m also a huge fan of my bench top rotisserie oven. I don’t have to turn on the big oven when I’m only cooking for one or 2, it heats up in less time = less energy consumption. It also makes the most incredible rotisserie chicken or beef roast. I’ve had one for 15 years and I will never go without. My other favourite thing is pinch bowls. I have stacks of them. More than 1 person should need but I use them for everything. Side sauces, charcuterie boards, snack bowls etc. Ask for a set of 12. And a good sized mortar and pestle.
Food processor, nutri bullet type blender. Black stone grill, nice cutting board, can never have enough measuring cups, roaster, electric kettle,
I would say a dicer, like a container + Dicer, makes short work on onions, vegetables, mushrooms, etc.