8 Kitchen Must-Haves You Need

Creating a comfortable, convenient and enjoyable kitchen space often starts with investing in the latest kitchen must-haves. Whether you want to incorporate your kids in the kitchen or you are just trying to make daily life easier, there are convenient and versatile additions for your kitchen that you will wonder how you ever lived without. You can improve everything from accessibility and organization to overall function and convenience. Here are 10 items that you should consider for your kitchen.

1. Hands-Free Trash Can

Even if you keep a garbage bowl on the counter when you cook, a hands-free trash can is a great addition to your kitchen. With so many kitchen tasks leading to messy hands, you don’t want to spread germs through the kitchen by having to touch the trash can to open it. 

Hands-free trash cans come in many styles, such as those with a foot pedal to control the lid. Modern technology has led to advancements in options, though. New models have a sensor on the top that triggers a retractable trash can lid. Simply wave your hand over the sensor on top of the can and it opens automatically. Check out this list of top rated trash cans.

2. Immersion Blender

Whether your family likes smoothies but you don’t want to drag out the blender every morning, or you’re a fan of creamy stove-top soups, an immersion blender will become a workhorse in your kitchen. These handheld blenders are ideal because they are compact enough to store without taking up much space and portable enough to use anywhere in the kitchen. 

You have greater control of the final product with an immersion blender, and these devices even make it easier to make your own mayonnaise, salad dressings and sauces. If you have kids who like smooth applesauce, an immersion blender can puree cooked apples right in the pan, so there are no extra dirty dishes. There a ton of ways to incorporate this into your kitchen and it’s definitely a must have!

3. Cast Iron

When it comes to cookware, cast iron is among the oldest option that is still on the market. Traditions run deep with cast iron cookware, and for good reason. When you want cookware that is versatile enough to go from stovetop to oven, or even into the campfire, cast iron is the way to go. When seasoned and maintained properly, there is little this cookware can’t do.

Enameled cast-iron dutch ovens are popular for casseroles and one-pot meals. I LOVE mine and use it for soups, chilis, and my fave- goulash. The heavy construction of these pans leads to even, consistent heat distribution for more controlled cooking.

4. Storage Container Organizers

The storage container cabinet is often one of the messiest places in the kitchen, but it doesn’t have to be. When you add a storage container organizer insert to your cabinet, you’ll have specific places to separate and stack container lids by size as well as to organize the containers themselves. These organizers are ideal for matching storage container sets with ease. You won’t have to dig through the cabinet for a matching lid ever again. 

5. French Press

You might think of a French press as a novelty item, but this is an important investment for any coffee drinker. Not only does a French press produce coffee that is in a class of its own for flavor and consistency, but it is convenient to have when the power goes out and you need that morning boost. With modern coffee makers dependent upon electricity, having an alternative that doesn’t demand power is beneficial, especially during storm season. All you need to do is heat the water and add it to your French press.

6. Upright Tray Storage

Baking trays and cutting boards can be difficult to store in a way that makes them easily accessible but not obtrusive. Upright tray storage is the best option when you want to keep them all in one place. With an upright tray storage insert for your cabinet, you stand the baking sheets and cutting boards in the slots, keeping them upright, secure and well-organized. You can also use these organizers to store your foil, plastic wrap and parchment paper dispenser boxes.

7. Instant-Read Thermometer

Food safety is a paramount concern in every kitchen. Whether you are worried about testing meat temperatures or you are branching into making candies or canning jellies, monitoring temperatures is crucial.  However, with traditional thermometers, the wait time for the reading can actually lead to further cooking, which can be problematic in precise recipes. An instant-read thermometer lets you monitor your dishes precisely.

8. Tea Kettle

Don’t dismiss the tea kettle as something you only need if you drink tea. Kettles are versatile enough to be beneficial in any kitchen, providing you with a simple way to have easy access to hot water without having to worry about evaporation from a traditional pot. Whether you need boiling water from this gooseneck style to put in your French press/ pour over or to make an instant noodle soup, a kettle is a quick and easy solution. They also make electric tea kettles if you don’t want a stove top option.

Kitchen Must-Haves Are Different for Everyone

When you’re outfitting your kitchen with the convenience and organizational items that are the best fit for your family, you’ll find that your must-have items will vary depending on how you use your kitchen. These are some of the most versatile additions that can be beneficial to everyone, though they are not the only options. To look for more great deals on home essentials and other unique kitchen must-haves, check out the shop at Simply Sales with Alyssa and Sarah.

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/g36213386/top-rated-kitchen-trash-cans/