There are so many tools out there and special gadgets, but honestly, I’m all about minimalism, even in the kitchen!  These are the top tools that I recommend, more or less in order of necessity. 

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1. Knives.

The most important tool you need is a good knife. I love this high-quality Zwilling knife set. Prioritize good knives if you want to eat healthy–you’ll need them! Click here for the Zwilling Knife Set to make your life so much easier!

2. Bamboo cutting board.

This cutting board is fantastic, because it catches juices and saves your counter from getting messy. It doesn’t dull your knife like a glass cutting board does. I use my bamboo cutting board every day, almost every meal.

3. Food Processor.

If you don’t have a food processor yet, you need to get with the program, my friend! I use a food processor for hummus, cookie dough, nice cream, and so many other things! I highly recommend every kitchen have one. This Cuisineart Food Processor is commonly known to be the best, and I do love mine. I also had this cheaper Hamilton Beach food processor one for many years and it did the job, too! If you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend a lot of money, it would work well (just might not last as long as the Cuisineart one).

4. High-speed blender.

Ok, I have a lot to say about high-speed blenders. They are expensive. Starting out, we bought a Ninja which is on the cheaper side of the nice blenders, on the expensive side of the cheap blenders. It was a bad idea. We chewed our smoothies which is just not right. Save up for a Vitamix! I have had mine for years and it’s worth every penny. I don’t know anyone who bought one and regrets it. Head to Blending for Good to get yours! They are experts and will help you choose the best one for you and support you all along. They also have an entertaining and value-packed email newsletter I love reading twice a month. Plus, they donate to end children’s hunger with every blender purchased.

5. Glass containers.  

I have these Pyrex containers and love them. They will last forever and have the perfect variety of sizes. It’s a good idea to replace your plastic containers with glass, especially if you tend to microwave leftovers. This article explains some of the dangers of plastic containers. Glass containers like these are essential for batch cooking–make a big batch of rice, beans, quinoa, roasted veggies, lentils, etc. on one day, and store it in these containers in the fridge (or the freezer, these freeze well). Cooking healthy meals will be fast and easy for days.

6. Bench Scraper.

I use this bench scraper for cutting dough, on occasion, but mostly for scraping my counters and even my floor of stuck-on food (toddlers throw a lot of food on the ground!). It comes in handy for the oddest things and I find myself using it very often! If you make homemade bread often, this is great for scraping your counters after kneading dough, or dividing dough into even pieces for rolls, loaves, etc.

7. Lemon Juicer.

I use this handheld lemon juicer constantly and am so thankful I have it! It’s lasted me years and is still in great shape.

8. Garlic Press. 

For so long I tried to save money and just cut up my little cloves of garlic. Now, I don’t dread minced garlic in recipes because it only takes a second to have fresh garlic! This OXO garlic press is the one I have and it is worth every penny because it is heavy and durable. Do yourself a favor and just get one before you waste more of your life away mincing garlic any other way.

9. Peeler.

Cheap vegetable peelers are so frustrating! I have been using these vegetable peelers for years. They are easy to use and so durable.

10. Cookie Scoop.

To make healthy cookies, mini muffins, energy balls, lentil or bean “meatballs” uniformly and quickly, you need a cookie scoop! This OXO cookie scoop is great quality and will be well worth your money. It holds the perfect amount in my opinion — 1.5 tablespoons.