For some time now I have said people should get to have a 10th anniversary shower to
- celebrate a decade of marriage and
- to replace and replenish household and kitchen items they have worn out, lost, or realized they need.
Brilliant, right? I mean, be honest. Who wants to spend money on kitchen towels and a new coffee maker when you have growing kids and a mortgage and hobbies and a thousand other things to spend $20 on?!
Welcome to adulting, they say.
5 years ago when I found out I have Celiac disease (on top of my son having a gluten allergy and all of us being lactose intolerant), my husband and I had to learn how to cook.
Like, actually cook.
We started using our kitchen for all three meals every day, and it was during that first year of eating gluten free that we learned which high quality kitchen items we absolutely must have and which ones didn’t matter as much.
And five years into this gluten free journey (and almost 14 years into our marriage), I can say those kitchen items are still at the top of my list. The old saying is so true: you get what you pay for.
Here are my top 6 kitchen items that are definitely worth spending money on, even if it means saving up for a few months to get exactly what you want.
My top 6 kitchen items to never skimp on
Storage Containers
I know plastic is so convenient, but seriously, glass is where it’s at when it comes to kitchen storage. It’s undeniably more versatile, it lasts longer, and it doesn’t emit chemicals when heated. Let’s break this down:
- Glass is more versatile. Glass containers can be heated in the microwave, oven, and toaster oven. They can be washed on both the top and bottom racks of the dishwasher and
- Glass lasts longer. unless they break, they have an indefinite lifespan. My grandmother still has glass jars from way back in the day. Plastic lasts a couple of years at best, especially if it is ever heated in the microwave or dishwasher. Extra tip: if your plastic containers are scratched or have a weird texture, it’s time to toss or recycle them.
- Glass doesn’t emit chemicals. Plastic does. Even BPA free plastics have been found to emit harmful chemicals when heated.
Hubs and I opted for this set and we have been really happy with it for the last four and a half years.
Cooking Utensils
It doesn’t take too many melted spatulas to figure out that plastic isn’t the best material for cooking. It’s just not made to withstand high heat. Or low heat, for that matter.
WoodĀ (Pampered Chef is my favorite), high quality silicon, and stainless cooking utensils are all great choices when it comes to sturdy, safe cooking utensils. These materials will all last much longer than plastic utensils and literally serve you better in the long run.
Cookware/Bakeware
Non-stick cookware might make clean up a snap, but again with the chemicals!
Stainless steal, copper, or cast iron (even enameled cast iron) are much better choices and worth the extra money. These will last you a lifetime and serve you well meal after meal.
We personally landed on Le Creuset for our main pots and skillets. We also have a nice set of stainless steel pots that we bought when we got married.
Knives
This kitchen item is what I see more people skimp on than anything else. Why? Because knives are expensive. I get that. However, companies like Cutco, that have been around for decades, offer a variety of ways to get purchase knife sets that will last for years and years.
Two years ago, I sent a couple of my Cutco knives in to be sharpened (for free). When I received them back a couple of weeks later, I found that Cutco voluntarily replaced one knife that was too far gone (my most used knife). So, yeah. This set was totally worth the investment.
Coffee Maker
I learned this one the hard way. Hubs and I started drinking coffee when our kiddos were really little and getting up early was (for us) almost impossible. We used a small coffee pot for several years until we realized how inconvenient it was to brew two pots each day (or more when we had guests over).
We upgraded, but only to a bigger pot. The hunt for a decent coffee maker that isn’t completely made of plastic continues (I think our feelings about plastic in the kitchen are pretty clear at this point).
Stand Mixer
This is my number 1 kitchen item I will not skimp on. Ever.
When we registered for wedding gift 14 years ago, I remember looking at the Kitchen Aid mixers (like this one)longingly, thinking I would never have one because they were so expensive. My almost-husband encouraged me to register for it anyway and I’m so glad I did! His grandparents bought it for us and we still use it almost every day.
I’m not gonna lie, I will probably cry the day that mixer goes out…right before I buy another one.
So there you have it. I’m sure more kitchen items could be added to this list, but these are my most used and abused tools that wouldn’t have lasted all these years if not for their quality. And as we near our 14th wedding anniversary, I am happy to say that the only item from this list that needs replacing is a couple of our silicon spatulas. Everything else is still in great shape!
What are your kitchen must-haves? I would love to know what you can’t cook without!
Ok, I agree, especially abput the knives after we bit the bullet and bought Cut Co.but I love, love, love my Vitamix. We use it almost everyda, and it takes the abuse of a family of six and keeps ticking.
However, our items that have proved most important in the kitchen are our stainless steel mixing bowls with lids from William Sonoma. I lost one and damaged one lid in a move – there may or may not have been years shed. After 16 years of marriage, we plan on replacing them! They are indispensable.
Stainless mixing bowls really are the best. I thought about adding the Vitamix to my list, but we don’t use ours all that often. Everything that made this list gets used every day. Thanks for sharing!