Assuming you already have well-sharpened knives, assorted pots and pans, mixing bowls, and mixers, below is a list of our favorite and most-used kitchen tools. None of them are fancy or expensive, but they are all great investments for a well-rounded kitchen.
Bamboo steamer
Brown sugar saver (13)
Cast-iron grill pan
Cast-iron skillets
Cheesecloth (preferably unbleached) (17)
Dough whisk (3)
Dumpling press
Heat-resistant rubber spatulas (19)
Instant-read thermometer (18)
Julienne peeler (14)
Kitchen scale
Kitchen timers (6)
Liquid measuring cup (11)
Mandolin (2)
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons (5)
Metal tongs (assorted sizes)
Microplane zester (16)
Mortar and pestle (8)
Parchment paper
Pastry brushes (10)
Rolling pin (1)
Shears (12)
Small ceramic paring knives
Spaetzle maker
Undyed kitchen twine (4)
Vegetable peeler (15)
Whisk (9)
Wooden chopsticks
Wooden spoons (7)