15 Chef Curated Items: Must Have Cookware and Bakeware for The Home Cook
As a professional chef, I’ve spent years in the kitchen, working with the best tools and equipment available. Whether I’m preparing an intricate dish at work or a simple meal at home, having the right cookware and bakeware is key to success. For home cooks, it can be overwhelming to know which items are truly necessary, and which ones are just taking up space in your cupboards.
I’m breaking down the essential cookware and bakeware every home cook should own. I’m also giving you a sneak peek into the items you’ll usually find in a professional kitchen, so you can elevate your cooking even further.
Essential Cookware
Skillet/Frying Pan
A good skillet is a home cook’s best friend. Whether you're sautéing vegetables, searing meat, or making the perfect scrambled eggs, a high-quality skillet will deliver consistent heat and reliable results. I recommend getting an oven-safe stainless steel or cast iron skillet, as both are versatile, durable, and easy to maintain.Saucepan
From making sauces to cooking grains, a saucepan is a must-have. A medium-sized (3 to 4 quarts) saucepan will cover most of your needs, whether it’s heating up stock, simmering soups, or preparing pasta.Dutch Oven
A heavy-duty Dutch oven is perfect for slow cooking, braising, and making soups or stews. It’s also great for baking bread. Look for one made from enameled cast iron, which provides even heating and holds up over time.Stockpot
If you love making big batches of soup, stews, or boiling pasta, a large stockpot (around 8 quarts) is essential. It ensures you have plenty of room to cook without overflowing or crowding the pot.Sheet Pans
Sheet pans are incredibly versatile—use them for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or even meal prep. Go for sturdy, rimmed baking sheets, which are less prone to warping and ensure even cooking.
SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan, Cuisinart 1.5 Quart Saucepan, Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Stainless Steel Stock Pot, Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet
Essential Bakeware
Mixing Bowls
A set of mixing bowls, preferably stainless steel, is a must for any home baker or cook. They’re durable, easy to clean, and come in different sizes to handle everything from whisking eggs to mixing doughs.Baking Dish (9x13)
A 9x13 baking dish is a classic piece of bakeware for casseroles, lasagnas, brownies, and more. Glass or ceramic options work well, but make sure it’s a sturdy piece that can handle a variety of uses.Muffin Tin
Not just for muffins! A 12-cup muffin tin is perfect for cupcakes, egg bites, or even savory dishes like mini quiches.Loaf Pan
A loaf pan is great for baking bread, meatloaf, and even pound cakes. I suggest getting a non-stick metal version that makes releasing your bakes easy.Cake Pans
A set of round cake pans (8 or 9 inches) is a great addition for anyone who loves to bake cakes, whether it’s for special occasions or experimenting with new recipes. If you want to try your hand at layer cakes, having two is ideal.
Cuisinart Mixing Bowl Set, DOWAN Casserole Dish, Wilton Premium Non-Stick Cupcake Pan, Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan, 6 Inch Cake Pan Set of 3
Bonus: Professional Tools to Level Up Your Kitchen
If you’re looking to take your kitchen skills up a notch, here are a few items that you’ll often find in professional kitchens. These tools are typically overlooked by home cooks but can add a touch of chef-like precision to your cooking and baking.
Silicone Baking Mats (Slip Mats)
In professional kitchens, we use these to line sheet pans instead of parchment paper. They’re reusable, non-stick, and perfect for baking cookies, pastries, or even roasting vegetables. They also make cleanup a breeze!Ring Cutters
These circular cutters come in a variety of sizes and are perfect for making uniform cookies, biscuits, or even shaping dishes like tartare and salads. They give your food that professional, polished look.Piping Bags and Tips
Whether you’re frosting cupcakes or decorating cookies, a piping bag with a variety of tips will make the process much easier. Pro kitchens use them for everything from fine pastry work to garnishing plates with sauces.Bench Scraper
This small but mighty tool is invaluable. It helps you divide dough, clean surfaces, or scoop up ingredients to transfer to a pan. I use mine almost every day, both in the restaurant and at home.Fish Spatula
Don’t let the name fool you—this flexible, slotted spatula is perfect for handling delicate items, not just fish. Its slim, flexible edge allows you to flip pancakes, vegetables, or eggs with precision.
Non-slip Pastry Mat Extra Large, 12 Pieces Round Cookie Biscuit Cutter Set, Riccle Piping Bags and Tips Set, Pro Dough Pastry Scraper, Zulay Kitchen Fish Spatula
With the right cookware and bakeware in your kitchen, you’ll find cooking at home to be much more enjoyable and efficient. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade, these essentials will serve you well. And if you're feeling adventurous, adding a few professional tools to your kitchen will not only make cooking more fun but also help you achieve that polished, restaurant-quality look and feel.
Cleanliness in the kitchen is paramount for every chef. It serves as the foundation for food safety, ensuring that ingredients remain uncontaminated and meals are prepared in a hygienic environment. Keeping surfaces clean, maintaining proper sanitation practices, and organizing kitchen tools not only enhances the overall efficiency of food preparation but also reflects a chef's professionalism and dedication to quality. A clean kitchen minimizes the risk of foodborne illnesses, safeguards the integrity of dishes, and creates an inviting atmosphere for both staff and guests. Embracing cleanliness is not merely a habit but a commitment to excellence in culinary arts.
