Last Updated on May 22, 2023 by Ellen Christian
Now that the kids have grown up and moved on, I’ve been evaluating my must-have kitchen essentials. Check out my list of minimalist kitchen essentials.
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Minimalist Kitchen Essentials
Since it’s just my husband and me, we no longer feed four to six people each night. There are no more school lunches to pack or sporting events to attend.
I no longer need plastic cups, cartoon-themed bowls, or lunch bags. That doesn’t mean that I don’t still spend time in the kitchen.
As a woman who loves to cook, I have a few things that I consider must-have kitchen essentials. I’m preparing smaller meals but we still entertain occasionally and I enjoy setting an attractive table.
Here are a few things on my must have kitchen item list.
Instant Pot
My Instant Pot is hands down one of my favorite small kitchen appliances. Even when I forget to defrost something for dinner, I can have dinner on the table in less than an hour.
If you haven’t tried it yet, I’d recommend my Instant Pot Italian Beef Dinner, one of our favorite meals.
Solid color tablecloth
We invested in a wooden kitchen table once the kids were old enough not to color on it any longer. We want to keep it in good shape for as long as possible.
A tablecloth not only protects your table, but it’s an easy way to dress up your kitchen when entertaining.
This style is available in over 40 different colors. See it here.
Wooden cutting board
I find nothing more valuable than a sturdy wooden cutting board. It’s not only functional but beautiful at the same time. Properly cared for, a wooden cutting board can last for years.
It needs to be coated periodically with mineral oil to prevent cracking because the water and soap you use to wash it will dry out the wood. Get the oil here.
Spice rack
I use lots of herbs and spices when I cook and I hate having to hunt through the cupboards for the right spice. It is so much more efficient and organized to keep your spices and herbs displayed in a spice rack.
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The spices are easy to see and all in one place. Remember that most spices should be replaced every six months.
Heavy pot
I love to cook, and a heavy pot can serve so many different purposes. We make homemade popcorn on the stovetop in our large pot.
We also use it to make my Paleo beef stew recipe and gluten-free chicken soup recipe. Be sure to choose one with a tight-fitting lid when you’re making your choice.
You want something that will last you a long time. I love this brand.
Knife set
A knife set is something that makes cooking easier. While you don’t need to go crazy and buy every type of knife imaginable, you will want to have the basics on hand and a set of serrated steak knives.
I recommend a paring knife, a bread knife, a carving knife, and a chef’s knife. This is a great all-purpose set.
Of course, your kitchen will likely have other essentials like the ones I’ve listed, depending on what you enjoy cooking.
If you love desserts, a rolling pin may be on your list. If you enjoy Asian cuisine, you may want to own a wok and a bamboo steamer.
What else is on your list of must-have kitchen essentials?
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Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
Great list! I am constantly paring things down. My daughter moved out last summer. My son is a sophomore in college and my youngest is starting his senior year in high school. I have a Goodwill box by the door year round! xo laura
Thanks, Laura! I have a donation box too. There just always seems to be more to add.
I am trying to minimize my kitchen things right now and having a hard time letting go of favorite coffee cups! I have too many, some gifts, which I don’t even use, so will have to get tough with myself! I agree with keeping my Instant Pot, good knives, wooden cutting boards and heavy pot. I don’t have a kitchen table and don’t need one, or a spice rack. With a background in nutrition, I spent my time in the kitchen but now prep more simple foods (seeing more Instant Pot use in my future!) I was proud to let go recently (donate) two working coffee makers and a cappuccino maker, and have a few more, seldom-used kitchen appliances that need to go. One essential I am finding is my Ball drinking mason jars (with handles) for meals and drinks, so they can replace all but one set of Corelle dinnerware. Those blessed coffee cups take up the most cupboard space right now though, so I’ll keep working on it!
I totally had the same issue with coffee cups. I felt like I “should” keep the set that went with my dishes – but I really didn’t want them. Instead, I got rid of those and kept the cute ones with sayings and locations on them that the kids and my husband had given them. We drink from our Mason jars and I use them for storage so for them, those are a must keep. I will never willingly give up my coffee maker though! Best of luck as you continue to let go!
I didn’t give up my coffee maker–heavens no! I just had too many backups, which came about when someone broke my only one and I was left with none! Now I have one (very inexpensive) drip coffee maker and a pod coffee maker (which I won) but want both in case it breaks! I love tea more now though but that was the incentive to let go of the coffee dependence (a little).
Ah I understand! I have one regular coffee maker. But I also have a pour over in case we have no power – because I do not function without coffee.