7 Kitchen Essentials Every Cook Needs, According to Ina Garten
When we're not looking to Ina Garten for fashion inspiration, relationship tips or nuclear energy policy (kidding—kind of), we're hanging onto every gem of kitchen advice she blesses us with. It's no surprise that the Barefoot Contessa knows a few things about a well-stocked kitchen. She even has a dedicated “equipment” section on her website. So we took a peek, then compiled a shopping list of seven kitchen essentials every cook needs, according to Queen Ina herself.
RELATED: Ina Garten Reveals Her ‘All-Time Go-To Dinner’ (Surprise: It’s Not Crispy Mustard Chicken)
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel 11-Pound Food Scale with Pull-Out Display
While Ina also uses standard measuring cups and spoons, she knows that the most accurate method for measuring ingredients—especially when baking—is by weight. Bonus points for less cleanup.
Taylor Dial Oven Thermometer
If you’re like Ina, you’re roasting chickens on the reg. But how can you get a golden skin and moist interior if your oven runs 20 degrees too warm? This thermometer will give an accurate reading, every time.
Cuisinart Pro Custom 11-Cup Food Processor
It’s not just for chopping vegetables. Ina also grates her own cheese and whips up pie crusts in this workhorse.
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
Are you surprised that the kitchen queen recommends this classic investment piece?
Wüsthof Classic 6-Piece Knife Set
As Ina puts it, "good knives" are essential to executing any recipe. While they’re certainly more expensive, they’ll also last you forever.
Williams-Sonoma Stainless-Steel Nesting Mixing Bowls, Set of 5
It makes sense that Ina favors these sturdy mixing bowls: They’re dishwasher-safe, nest inside each other for easy storage and won’t shatter if you accidentally drop one from your countertop (it happens).
Waring Professional 2-Way Bar Blender
A blender might not seem like a must-have, but it’s not just for smoothies. We promise it will come in handy when soup season rolls around.