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A real-life list of minimalist kitchen essentials with basic tools used every day to make cooking simple and stress free.
When I downsized my kitchen a few years ago, I faced the task of deciding what to keep and what to let go. I realized that over time, I had collected gadgets and duplicates that took up space but rarely got used. Once everything was sorted, what remained was a small set of minimalist kitchen essentials that I reach for every single day. It was surprising how little I truly needed, and how much easier cooking became with just the basics. Today I’m sharing the ten everyday kitchen tools that form the backbone of my kitchen. They are simple, dependable, and make daily cooking a pleasure.
After clearing out what I didn’t need, I was left with the things I truly use every day. These are the minimalist kitchen essentials that make cooking simple, organized, and enjoyable. Each one has earned its place by being practical, dependable, and part of my daily routine.
KitchenAid Mixer
This is probably my most-used appliance. It’s not exactly “minimal,” but it earns its place every time I bake. For years, I had a basic black KitchenAid mixer, and it served me well. Not long before we moved, I decided to sell it, and my family surprised me with the ivory model I have now as a birthday gift. I adore the color, and even though the black one was perfectly functional, this one feels special. It has a permanent spot on my counter and gets used often for everything from cookie dough to quick breads.
Crock of Cooking Utensils
My utensil crock is actually a one-gallon pickling crock from Ohio Stoneware. Since I’m from Ohio, and the stamp on the front is navy blue, it felt like the perfect choice. It’s sturdy, simple, and holds all my most-used utensils…spoons, several spatulas, a soup ladle, and a whisk. Having them together on the counter keeps cooking easy and organized.
Cast Iron
I have a Lodge cast iron skillet, and while it’s not the pan I reach for every day, I’m glad to have it. It’s sturdy, budget-friendly, and can go from stovetop to oven with ease. I use it when I cook ground beef and bacon, or when I’m making something that benefits from steady, even heat. I also have this darling 2-quart pot that is the perfect size for a batch of homemade peasant bread.
Pyrex Mixing Bowls
My set of Pyrex mixing bowls came together over time. Two of the bowls were from my mother-in-law’s kitchen and are authentically vintage. The smallest one was added last, and it was the perfect finishing touch. I’ve always loved Pyrex, and this mismatched but complete set is one of my most treasured kitchen essentials.
Glass Measuring Cups
These are a small thing that make a big difference. I use my glass measuring cups for melting butter, heating liquids, and mixing small batches. They’re sturdy, microwave-safe, and always in use.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Cooking and baking both rely on accurate measurements, so a good set of measuring cups and measuring spoons is a must. I keep mine in a drawer next to the stove, and they’re used almost every day.
Sheet Pans
Sheet pans are the workhorses of my kitchen. They are well worn and much loved. I use them for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or heating up leftovers. Lining them with parchment paper makes cleanup quick and easy. Large half sheet pan | small quarter sheet pan | tiny sheet pan.
Sharp Chef’s Knife
I have a wonderful chef’s knife with an ivory handle that I use literally every day. It’s comfortable to hold and cuts cleanly through anything from vegetables to meat. When my knives got dull, I used to take them to my dad’s house, and he would sharpen them with an old electric sharpener that was at least thirty years old. After he passed away, I wasn’t sure what to do, so I finally bought a small, easy-to-use sharpener of my own. It keeps the blade ready for daily cooking and every time I use it, I think of him.
Cutting Boards
I have a very mismatched set of plastic cutting boards that I’ve collected over the years. There are five in total, each a different size, and I use them all. They go straight into the dishwasher, which makes cleanup easy and helps prevent any worries about cross-contamination. It’s not a fancy or expensive collection, but it works perfectly for everyday cooking.
Dutch Oven
Over the years, I’ve had a few different Dutch ovens, and my favorite by far was a navy blue Tramontina cast iron with an enamel finish. I eventually had to let it go because it became too heavy to lift comfortably. My hands used to be very strong, but they’ve weakened a bit in recent years. Now I use a lightweight Dutch oven from Caraway, and it’s wonderful. Easy to handle, cooks beautifully, and cleans up in no time.
Bonus: Everyday Counter Tray
Next to my stove, I keep a round wood tray that holds a few things I reach for constantly. A small vintage salt bowl, a pepper mill, two oil cruets, and my mom’s wooden spoons. Having these items together in one spot keeps my counters tidy and makes cooking easier. It’s a simple setup, but it adds warmth and function to the space, and I love the daily reminder of my mom’s kitchen.
Letting go of the extras in my kitchen turned out to be one of the best things I did when I downsized. I didn’t miss the gadgets or duplicates, and I found myself enjoying the process of cooking even more. These ten basic kitchen essentials are the tools I lean on daily, and they are more than enough. I use these same items in simple family recipes like Chicken and Rice Soup and Chocolate Chip Cookies, and they never let me down. If your kitchen feels crowded or cluttered, try setting aside the items you rarely use and keep just the everyday tools that truly make a difference. You may be surprised at how calm and efficient your kitchen feels.
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Thank you Ann for this post. You have inspired me to downsize my kitchen items. My goal is to include all of my kitchen items (cookbooks, dish towels, etc.). Thank you also for including your suggestions for the items that you have found to be keepers.
I have used the same kind of keeper for my Kosher salt for 25 years. What a coincidence!
The tips in this post are so timely! My kitchen needs downsizing. And, the lightweight dutch oven and two-handled iron skillet will be my next purchases, as my wrists & hands could use the help. I’ll be sure to use your amazon site.
I love the navy utensils in the crock! Where might I look for the utensils?
Hi Jeannie…here is the link! https://amzn.to/4oAAYq5
I really like the drawings of you. Where do you get them done, please?
Hi Melinda…I wrote about the process in this post: https://www.onsuttonplace.com/the-curated-life-7/
I am really enjoying the new format of your blog. Interesting, thoughtful and practical. I like the way cast iron cooks food, and need a big skillet, but they are too heavy for me now to lift. What do you use as alternative?
Hi Diana…the only one I can personally recommend is a large skillet that came with my Caraway set. Here is the link: https://amzn.to/4qCpzb9 The other thing that I figured out is that my cast iron skillet with two handles is much easier to lift than the one I had with just one handle. You might want to try that. I linked to the 2-handle skillet in this post.
Thank you very much for the beatifull things yoy send.
Paula
Madeira Island, Portugal