Kitchen Starter Pack: Everything You Need to Start Cooking

I’ve tried cooking without the proper gear — it isn’t pretty. Dull knives leave tomatoes smashed instead of sliced, wonky pans burn your buns, and don’t get me started on the time I tried to boil pasta water in the oven. That’s why whenever I need some new equipment, I just head over to see all the kitchen products available on Amazon.

All the kitchen products on Amazon incredibly affordable and high in quality so that you don’t have to worry about anything breaking after just a few uses. And because there’s nothing quite like walking outside to find a package on your front step, I’ve made sure each item is available with free, two-day Prime shipping. Why not grab a few while you’re here? Your kitchen will thank you — as will anyone who’s forced to eat your cooking.

Editorial Note: We review everything independently. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission.
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A Strainer That Isn’t A Pain In The Butt

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I don’t know about y’all, but the worst part of cooking pasta is finagling my strainer out of storage. This collapsible one, on the other hand, not only lays flat so that you can easily slide it into your cabinets sideways, but it’s also completely BPA-free — that means it won’t kill you. What a treat! And if that’s not enough of a draw, it’s also available in three colors: green, purple, and red.

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These Measuring Cups That Collapse For Easy Storage

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I finally got so sick and tired of my measuring cups jamming my drawers that I grabbed this collapsible set — just so I could throw the other ones away. They’re made from heat-resistant silicone that’s great for serving hot soups and sauces (my ladle is missing, ok?), plus the spoon handles are extra long so that it’s easy to reach deep into tall containers.

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You Really Do Need This Collapsible Cooling Rack

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If you, like me, find yourself baking cookies at 11 p.m. on a Wednesday because you lack the self-control to not shovel baked goods into your face at all hours, make sure you have a cooling rack like this one ready. Not only does it collapse down for easy storage, but it also saves space — if you’re baking a few batches, you won’t have to sacrifice your entire kitchen to cooling racks.

This Knife Set That Just Looks Good

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I mean, do you really want an ugly set of knives sitting out on your counters? Of course not — that’s why I grabbed this ridiculously good looking set instead. They have a satin finish that makes them look like they cost way more than $40, and the blades are made from high-carbon stainless steel that’s resistant to dulling. The best part? The whole thing comes with its own stylish storage block.

These Baking Pans Made From Pure Aluminum

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Why’s it important that these baking trays are made from pure aluminum? For one thing, it means they’ll never rust. For two, they’re also extremely durable, and they’ll ensure that your meals brown evenly since they make sure that heat gets evenly distributed. The encapsulated steel rim adds even more durability, plus it stops them from warping — you know, that spazzy thing pans do when they get hot in the oven? Yeah, these ones won’t do that.

This Pair Of Gloves That Keep You Safe From Cuts

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There’s no shame in admitting you’re a little clumsy with knives. You know why? Because I’m a little clumsy with knives — that’s why I got myself this pair of cut-resistant gloves. They keep my fingers safe from random nicks and slices, plus they’re 100% food-safe. And you’re not limited to just using them in the kitchen, since you can also use them to keep your hands safe during DIY projects.

These Oven Rack Guards For A Little Extra Safety

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Nothing ruins the joy of shoveling an entire tray of fresh-baked cookies into your mouth like burning yourself on the oven rack, so keep yourself safe with these guards. Each order comes with three, and they’re made from heat-resistant silicone so you don’t have to worry about them melting. “It is nice to know that I’m not going to burn myself by accidentally touching the hot racks when I take something in or out of the oven,” one reviewer raved. “I love the bright color as it is a reminder that things are HOT…they look the same color as the heating element.”

A Pair Of Oven Mitts Made From Heat-Resistant Silicone

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I’ve never owned a pair of cloth oven mitts that didn’t let heat through to my hands, whereas this pair made from heat-resistant silicone is the real deal — no heat, no burns, no problem. They’re extra-long so that your forearms are equally protected, and they won’t absorb liquids so that you can also use them in boiling water. Personally, I use mine to empty the dishwasher when the dishes are still too hot — and yes, I am aware that I’m a weenie.

You Can Use These Utensils On Non-Stick Cookware

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These utensilsare safe to use on non-stick cookware since the silicone heads won’t scratch away the coating. While they’re not great for super hot activities like grilling, I’ll use my set whenever I’m making eggs, chopping up ground turkey, or straining spaghetti straight from the pot. Unlike other utensil sets, this one is made with wooden handles made from durable acacia wood — and you’ve gotta admit, it makes them look better too.

These Cutting Boards With Easy-Grip Handles

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Wooden cutting boards are so overrated, and I can say this because I’ve tried both — my honest opinion? These ones from Gorilla Grip are far superior. The easy-grip handles on the side make it easy to pick them up without having to peel them up from the counter, and the juice grooves along the edges help prevent messes. Grab them in multiple colors, including blue, purple, orange, navy, and more.

You Absolutely Do Need This Roasting Pan

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If you’re new to cooking, this roasting pan is a must-have for quick, easy meals. Personally, I like to rub a chicken down using olive oil + garlic salt, then cook it in the oven using this pan for a little over an hour depending on its size. If you line the pan with foil it’ll make cleaning up quick and easy, and if it does get dirty, no worries — it’s also completely nonstick.

A Meat Thermometer So Your Know Your Chicken Is Cooked

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Why not grab this meat thermometer to go with that roasting pan? Because trust me —nothing is more embarrassing than cutting open a chicken at a dinner party, only to discover it’s still raw. Just stick the probe into your meat, then wait for the temperature to register. And because each order also comes with a battery, you can easily use it right out of the box.

A Handy Tool That Opens Jars And Pops Bottles

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My brother used to close the jars in our house suuuuuper tightly when I was growing up, which made a jar opener like this one an indispensable tool. And even if you don’t have trouble opening jars, each order also comes with a bottle opener that doubles as a pop tab lifter — if you’re playing bartender during a summer BBQ, you’ll definitely want this little tool by your side.

These Pot And Pan Protectors That Prevent Scratches

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No matter how careful you are, you can still wind up accidentally scratching your non-stick cookware — unless you’re storing them with these protectors, of course. Just slip them in-between your pots/pans, and the soft polyester will act as a gentle barrier between each. “These pan protectors were perfect for stacking not only my nice new pans, but also my older Cuisinart pans,” one reviewer raved. “Great gift and great item. It’s also really nice that there are so many of them in the package!”

These Food Saver Sheets That Extend The Life Of Your Produce

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We’ve all been there: you have fresh stuff in the fridge, but decide to spend $30 on delivery pizza instead. The next day you open your fridge to find that your ingredients have spoiled — unless you stored them with these food saver sheets. 100% BPA-free as well as food-safe, these sheets help extend the life of your fresh produce by up to four times. Easily trim them to fit your drawers, or even put them in tupperware along with your lunches.

A Spice Rack That Comes With Free Refills For 5 Years

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You’ll spend hundreds of dollars on spices over the yearsor you could just grab this spice rack that comes with five years of free refills. That’s right — five years. The spices are sealed for freshness in chic little glass jars, and each rack comes with 20 of the most popular ones: thyme, parsley, marjoram, garlic salt, coriander, rosemary, oregano, celery salt, and more.

These Baking Mats That Replace Parchment Paper

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I always forget to buy parchment paper and foil when I’m at the store, which is why I started using these baking mats instead. Not only are they oven-safe up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, but they also eliminate the need for oil, parchment paper, foil, and cooking sprays. You can also use them to roll out pastries since they’re flexible, plus cleaning them is easy — just toss them into the dishwasher and you’re good to go.

A Garlic Peeler Just To Make Your Life Easier

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Peeling garlic quickly becomes a sticky mess, but you know what makes it easier? This handy lil’ tube. All you have to do is put your garlic clove inside, then press down as you roll it back and forth — the shell will quickly fall away, leaving you with just the fresh clove. And because I’m a sucker for little freebies, I love that it also comes with 2 for the price of 1!

This Mandoline Slicer That Makes Delicious Potato Chips

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Not a fan of potato chips? Not a problem, as you can also use this mandoline slicer to spiralize zucchini, grate cheese, or even julienne some carrots. And if you’re worried about cutting yourself on the very sharp blade, don’t — each order also comes with a cut-resistant glove, as well as a protective finger guard. One reviewer even wrote that it’s “super-easy to use, it has great versatility, and is a nice size. Storage also does not take up much room in my cabinet. I would highly recommend this and am eager to try new recipes with my new tool.”

This Cheese Grater Straight Out Of A Restaurant

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My arm quickly gets tired whenever I’m using a regular cheese grater, which is why I switched over to this restaurant-style one. Not only do I feel cool using it (yes, I am that lame, thank you for noticing), but the grating barrel is sharp enough that you can also use it on chocolate and nuts. You can switch the handle to either side depending on whether you’re left- or right-handed, plus the whole thing dissembles for easy cleaning.

Everybody Needs At Least One Kitchen Scale

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You might not realize it now, but if you don’t have one already, you really do need a kitchen scale. This one is able to measure up to 11 pounds, and the large LCD screen is easy to read. I like to use mine to measure out my food before cooking, as portioning out my ingredients helps me save money. But why take my word for it? “It is so slim, lightweight, and compact,” one reviewer writes. “It’s easy to store and easy to use. I can choose between pounds and ounces, grams, and even fluid oz and ml. It’s easy to zero out the container weight with the press of one button. Measurements have been accurate: I just weighed parsley leaf by leaf.”

These Mixing Bowls Made From Tempered Glass

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There’s just something about using glass mixing bowls instead of plastic ones that makes you feel oh-so classy — and I know it’s not just me! Not only is this set made from tempered glass that’s safe for pre-heated ovens, but it’s also completely non-porous so that it won’t absorb any odors, flavors, or stains. And if you’re worried about storage space, they also nest inside of each other added convenience.

If You Have Leftovers, You’re Gonna Need These Food Storage Containers

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You already know you’re gonna wind up with leftovers tonight, so why not plan ahead and grab these food storage containers? I like them better than regular tupperware because the lids lock down, and they’re completely airtight so your food stays fresh. They’re safe to put into the microwave, and they’re the perfect size to fit into backpacks or lunchboxes.

This Personal Blender That Takes Up Hardly Any Space

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You don’t need a full blender in your house — just this personal-sized one. Even though it’s smaller than a regular blender, the stainless steel blades still power through ice, vegetables, fruits, and whatever else you put inside…but not rocks. Basically if it’s edible, this blender can handle it. Each order also comes with a travel lid that lets you use the blending jar as a to-go cup, which is great for saving yourself some clean-up in the morning.

A Dish Drying Rack That Looks Good

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Let’s face it: most dish drying racks are hideous behemoths that take up a ton of space on your counters. This drying rack, on the other hand, is cute, compact, and made from eco-friendly bamboo. It’s odor- as well as water-resistant, and it doesn’t require any maintenance — just wipe it down if it gets dirty. And because it’s collapsible, it won’t take up too much space while in storage.

A Fruit Bowl With Space To Hang Your Bananas

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If you’ve got room to spare, a fruit bowl like this one can be a classy addition to any kitchen. I picked this one because there’s a hook hanging above where you can hang a bunch of bananas or grapes, plus the bronze coating looks good no matter how you’ve decorated your kitchen. It’s also great for helping to keep your fruit from spoiling — “I have always set my Fruit on the counter in the bag, which is obviously terrible for them and they go bad so quick this way,” one reviewer explains. “I have said for a year that I need to get a fruit basket and finally broke down to get one. This is the best basket and I can fit an entire bag of Halo oranges, and Pink Lady apples with room to spare with hanging bananas so they do not overripe.”

This French Press For Delicious Coffee

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I was never much of a coffee drinker — until I got this French press for Christmas this year. For some reason it makes my coffee taste better than a drip machine, and the permanent filter means I don’t have to go out and buy wasteful paper replacements. Made from 100% stainless steel, you can also use this press to make tea, hot chocolate, almond milk, or even fruit-infused water.

Everybody Needs A Good Pair Of Tongs

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Even if you already own a set of tongs, you can’t go wrong with another pair. Why? Personally, I use mine so often that I find myself constantly pulling them out of the dishwasher to wash by hand; it gets old. That’s why I bought myself multiple pairs, and these ones are not only BPA-free, but they’re also made from rust-resistant stainless steel.

This Cast Iron Skillet That Even Novice Cooks Can Use

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As far as fancy cookware goes, a cast iron skillet like this one will upgrade your meals without adding much cost — it’s priced at less than $30, after all. It’s great for getting that hard sear on proteins so that they’re ready to be finished off in the oven, plus it arrives pre-seasoned which means you can use it right out of the box. The only catch? Make sure you always wash it by hand, as it’s not suitable for the dishwasher.

This Stainless Steel Saucepan That’s Great For Searing

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If you’ve never tried searing meats and seafood in a stainless steel skillet, trust me — it’ll take your meals from “oh whatever” to “oh wow.” Unlike nonstick cookware, this skillet is safe to put into the dishwasher, and it’s oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. The handle stays cool while it’s on the stove to keep you safe, plus it’s riveted to the skillet for added durability.

A Knife Sharpener That Also Comes With A Cut-Resistant Glove

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No matter how dull your blades are, this sharpener’s three-step honing system can help get them back to almost-new. Made from solid ABS plastic, the ergonomic handle is designed to fit comfortably in your hands, and the non-slip base keeps it steady while you run your blades through. “This knife sharpener was reasonably priced, small, and I liked the three step process,” one reviewer raved. “I sharpened all my knives (about 5) in less than 15 minutes, and they work great! They glide through tomatoes again!”

This Skimmer For Fried Foods And Poached Eggs

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Not a fan of fried food or poached eggs? Then you can still use this skimmer to pull pasta directly out of the pot when you’re in too much of a rush for a strainer. It’s made from stainless steel that’s resistant to rust, and the extra-long handle keeps your hands safely away from the hot stove. Sturdier than a fine-mesh strainer, you can also use it as a steaming basket for vegetables over boiling water.

A Set Of Spatulas Made From Silicone

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Silicone spatulas are must-haves when you’re cooking eggs, and this set is completely non-stick as well as heat-resistant. Unlike other rubber spatulas, these ones come in one whole piece so that there’s zero risk of the heads popping off the handles, plus they’re also stain-resistant. Grab them in three colors: black, red, or grey.

When In Doubt, Set Some Stuff On Fire With This Butane Torch

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Ok, so you don’t really need this butane torch when you’re first starting out in the kitchen, but so what? It’s cool, and you have money to burn (har har). If you ever get bored you can see what happens when you torch random ingredients in your kitchen, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, use it to brown creme brulee as intended. Each order also comes with a silicone basting brush, and the aluminum body is resistant to scuffs.

This Food Processor That Does All The Work For You

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Tired of chopping up everything by hand? Just toss your ingredients into this food processor, then sit back as the ultra-sharp blades power through to make salsa, smoothies, marinades, guacamole, and more. The blending bowl is made from rust-resistant stainless steel, plus it’s incredibly compact — this is one gadget that won’t be taking up a ton of space in your kitchen.

You Can’t Go Wrong With Set Of Pots And Pans

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If your pots and pans are damaged or flaking, it’s probably time to upgrade to a high-quality, yet affordable set like this one. Each set comes with pots, pans, utensils, as well as a steaming basket, and they’re all dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. “This is a really nice set of lightweight, ceramic, non-stick cookware,” one reviewer wrote. “[It’s] safer than cooking on Aluminum or Teflon-coated [cookware], and easier than coking on cast iron.”