Kitchen Must-Haves

15 Must-Have Kitchen Essentials
That We Never Want to Cook Without

by: Crate & Barrel Editor  |  6 min read
C

ome to a Crate & Barrel office party, and you’ll see that we take cooking and entertaining very, very seriously. As a team of obsessive home cooks, our goal is finding kitchen essentials that make weeknight dinners and party prep simpler and more fun, while also looking effortlessly impressive. While we are always excited about the hottest new thing, there are some tried-and-true staples that we keep coming back to, whether it’s mixing bowls that double as serving pieces or a cookware set that’s both ultra stylish and easy to clean. Read on for the must-have items we can’t stop gushing about. 

#1  |  

over the sink mesh colander

This impeccably designed colander is one of our top selling kitchen gadgets—and for good reason. The rectangular shape accommodates longer ingredients like carrots or kale, and the extendable handles suspend the colander over the sink, instead of down with dirty dishes inside the sink or puddling on the countertop. The just-right perforations are designed to be big enough to quickly wash produce but not so big that smaller ingredients like lentils pass through.

200+ 5-star reviews.
#2  |  

pyrex 20-piece storage set

We achieved kitchen cabinet bliss in our own Crate Kitchen by ditching the mismatched food storage containers and switching to this sleek glass set of 10 lidded vessels for under $50. Organization is easy with dishes that are both nestable and stackable. Pyrex glass is oven-, microwave-, freezer- and dishwasher-safe and doesn’t absorb food smells and stains like plastic.

200+ 5-star reviews.
#3  |  

acacia salt cellar

If you haven’t made the switch from salt shaker to salt cellar, we are here to change your mind. (As are 500+ of our customers who have left 5-star reviews for this item.) This beautiful, solid acacia wood salt cellar allows you to generously pinch and sprinkle salt while cooking for more accuracy and better layers of seasoning. The swivel top protects the salt from dust and debris when not in use.

500+ 5-star reviews.
#4  |  

berry box colander

This is an insider fave at Crate & Barrel. We reimagined the classic farmer’s berry box in porcelain to create this cute kitchen must-have that adds a little character to the standard fruit bowl. Perfect for washing, straining and storing fresh berries, it’s also a handy vessel for organizing produce that doesn’t require refrigeration like cherry tomatoes, garlic, shallots, avocados and stone fruits.

800+ 5-star reviews.
#5  |  

square end grain cutting board

With end-grain wood, your knife slices with the grain instead of against it to help preserve both your knife and the board. One reviewer raves, “Love this cutting board we got as a wedding gift 10 years ago. Still in daily use.” Plus, the square shape makes a beautiful display piece for charcuterie or decor as well.

400+ 5-star reviews.
#6  |  

microplane grater/zester

Once you’ve experienced the lightest, fluffiest grated parmesan cheese possible, you won’t go back to a regular grater. See why this hand-held zester is found in professional chefs’ knife rolls when you use it to zest citrus, shave chocolate, grate nutmeg and get that pillowy grated cheese for pasta.

200+ 5-star reviews.
#7  |  

stainless measuring spoons

What could be so special about measuring spoons? This stainless steel set is about as close to perfect as we can get: heavy-duty, dishwasher-safe, and–a thoughtful touch– stable bases and curved handle ends that allow them to sit upright on the counter for filling in addition to scooping. Brilliant.

100+ 5-star reviews.
#8  |  

molcajete

You haven’t had guacamole until you’ve had it hand-made in a molcajete. The rough surface of the volcanic stone more efficiently grinds and releases flavorful oils from vegetable and spices, giving you bold flavor and the perfect rustic texture. Plus this dish goes straight from kitchen prep to tabletop.

200+ 5-star reviews.
#9  |  

scrub pads

We have been singing the praises of these reusable scrubbing pads to anyone who will listen. Made from textured cotton, they safely remove grit and mess from most cookware and kitchen surfaces. Most impressively, they clean up in either the dishwasher or the washing machine, saving you from a lifetime of smelly kitchen sponges.

100+ 5-star reviews.
#10  |  

french kitchen paper towel holder

Can you make paper towels look elegant? We think so with our French Kitchen Marble Paper Towel Holder. The heavy base keeps paper towels in place, and the natural veining patterns of marble make each piece a unique work of art.

400+ 5-star reviews.
#11  |  

expandable bamboo flatware tray

Perfectly organized kitchen drawers unlock a new level of luxury. Our expandable flatware tray is made from renewable bamboo and keeps forks, knives, spoons and all kinds of kitchen utensils neatly in their place. The adjustable size means it can fit a variety of different drawers, even if you move to a new kitchen.

200+ 5-star reviews.
#12  |  

lodge skillet

If you are looking for a cast iron skillet that you can pass on to your great-grandchildren someday, we’ve found it. Heavy duty, generously-sized and with a pre-seasoned finish that’s naturally stick-resistant, you’ll see why these pans become family heirlooms. Use it for searing a steak, baking cornbread or–one of our favorite uses–putting it on the grill to cook up fish or veggies.

40+ 5-star reviews.
#13  |  

french kitchen marble spoon rest

What we love about our spouses: almost everything. What we don’t love: when they put dirty spoons on the kitchen counter. This elegant marble spoon rest keeps cooking clean and sanitary and adds a pretty marble accent to your kitchen when not in use.

100+ 5-star reviews.
#14  |  

caraway home 7 piece ceramic set

Caraway Home impressed us with their chic ceramic cookware set that actually features pieces that you’ll use (and nothing that you won’t). But what really won us over are the included pan racks and lid organizer that keep the collection tidy in compact spaces. Plus we love bold color options, including our exclusive Silt Green.

2400+ 5-star reviews.
#15  |  

atlas 150 aluminum pasta maker

We have yet to meet someone who isn’t obsessed with making homemade pasta after using this pasta maker. With just flour and eggs, you can roll out fresh sheets of pasta for lasagna or ravioli or cut noodles like spaghetti and linguine with the included cutter. This Italian-made, hand-crank machine clamps to your table for stability and cleans up easily with a dry cloth.

100+ 5-star reviews.

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Kitchen Essentials: Our Editor's Must-Have Kitchen and Entertaining Picks

Step into a world of culinary possibilities with Crate and Barrel's extensive range of kitchen essentials. Our selection is meticulously curated to cater to both seasoned chefs and home cooks, offering a diverse array of tools and gadgets that are essential for any kitchen. Whether you're looking for high-quality cookware that guarantees even heat distribution, ergonomic utensils that provide a comfortable grip, or innovative appliances that streamline your cooking process, our collection has you covered. Every item is thoughtfully designed to enhance your cooking experience, empowering you to create dishes that reflect your passion and expertise.

Functionality Meets Aesthetic Appeal

We understand that the heart of any home is its kitchen, and that's why we take pride in offering kitchen essentials that combine functionality, durability and aesthetic appeal. Our products are crafted by renowned brands and skilled artisans who prioritize quality, ensuring that every tool you use becomes an extension of your culinary artistry. Discover timeless stainless steel cookware, ingenious chopping boards, versatile mixing bowls, and much more—all of which contribute to the efficient and enjoyable operation of your kitchen. Whether you're setting up your kitchen for the first time or seeking to upgrade your existing culinary arsenal, Crate and Barrel's kitchen essentials are your gateway to a world of exceptional cooking.