We fully believe that some people are natural-born chefs, others who are fantastic at following a recipe, and then those who well, love to eat but hate to cook. We also know that at the end of a long day the question, “What’s for dinner?” is the last one we want to consider. So, to cut down on time in the kitchen and general stress/frustration, we’ve created a list of the top 10 kitchen essentials for the lazy chef. From meal prep must-haves to multi-use tools and fool-proof cookers, this list is chock full of the items your kitchen needs. Make weeknight meals in a snap with a one-pan dish on your new sheet pan (covered in aluminum foil for easy clean-up of course) and invest in an Instant Pot for quick and easy recipes that require nothing more than tossing in and hitting the start button. Then fill your fridge with top-rated glass containers full of on-the-go meals and snacks... because if you’ve got to cook, you might as well only do it once. Let the list below turn you into a full-blown chef. No need to tell anyone you took a page out of your new cookbook and that delicious soup only took 10 minutes to make. Opening image: amazon.com
Did you like our 10 Must-Haves for the Lazy Chef? Then we think you'll like our 10 Best Home Organizers, too!
March 29, 2019
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Bayco Glass Storage Containers with Lids
GLASS TUPPERWARE: Finally realizing the magic that is meal prepping? These glass containers are perfect for storing grab-and-go meal options for the entire week or pre-cut fruit and veggies for snacking.
Cuisinart 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set
KNIFE SET: It's time to toss out your dull knives and invest in a fresh set. You'll be shocked at how quickly you're able to cut down on prep time!
Nordicware Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet
SHEET PANS: Your weeknight meals just a got a whole lot less painful with these sheet pans. For easy cooking and clean up, cover with aluminum foil and throw your meat and veggies on the same sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and dinner is served!
Royal Oil and Vinegar Bottle Set
OIL AND VINEGAR DISPENSER: If you've ever ruined a salad by pouring too much oil and vinegar out, this dispenser is a no brainer.
Le Creuset Signature 7 1/4 Quart Round Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven
DUTCH OVEN: Not only do we love the bright colors of this dutch oven, but it makes cooking literally as easy as tossing in all of your ingredients and then letting the oven do the work. It's particularly great for making soups and stews (leftovers, anyone!?).
PowerLix Handheld Milk Frother
MILK FROTHER: For the coffee lovers, your morning coffee routine just got a lot cheaper and a lot more fun. Whether you're a whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, oat milk girl, this easy to use milk frother creates coffee shop quality lattes in the comfort of your kitchen.
Vitamix 5200 Blender
VITAMIX: Don't place this tool in the blender-only category. A Vitamix can be used as a blender or a food processor to quickly concoct smoothies, juices, salad dressings, soups, sauces, and more!
Athena Calderon Cook Beautiful
COOKBOOK: The hardest part about cooking can often be deciding what to cook. There are so many great cookbooks written specifically with quick, easy, and healthy but delicious weeknight meals in mind.
Instant Pot DUO Plus
INSTANT POT: Gone are the days of spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. The Instant Pot cooks complicated meals in minutes, not to mention the tenderest meat you've ever pulled apart.
KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
KITCHENAID: Every girl, cook or not, has always wanted a beautiful Kitchenaid mixer to set atop her countertop. But what's really so great about these mixers is that they literally do everything thanks to the many attachments that make baking a breeze!
The Latest
.png&w=828&q=75)
.png&w=828&q=75)
From Our Partners
.png&w=3840&q=75)
