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No matter your cooking style, we've got the right set of durable, functional kitchen tools for you. Wooden Slotted Spoon
Laura Denby is a food writer and chef with six years of professional culinary experience. Find her work in Real Simple, Food Network, Better Homes & Gardens and more.
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Investing in a utensil set is a great way to stock your kitchen with a few versatile essentials that can help tackle various tasks. However, they're not all created equally, and some sets of tools are more suited to certain tasks than others.
For example, someone cooking with a nonstick pan that they don't want to scratch will require a completely different set of tools than someone who is grilling outside. The same goes for if you prefer baking to cooking, or make pretty much everything in a cast iron skillet. Each technique calls for a different utensil, and that's where utensil sets come in handy.
Prep tools are essential in any kitchen, and purchasing high-quality equipment is the best way to set yourself up for success when cooking at home. To help narrow down the list of options, we rounded up the best kitchen utensil sets for cooking, baking, grilling, and more. Read on for more about our favorite utensil sets.
This 15-piece set is so comprehensive, it includes everyday essentials and special tools like a pizza cutter, ice cream scoop, and meat tenderizer.
This is a large set, so it does take up a good amount of space on the countertop.
Whether you're a cooking novice or looking for an all-in-one set for your new home, you can't beat this collection of high-quality tools from Oxo Good Grips. Made from either nylon, silicone, or stainless steel, every piece in this 15-piece set is nonstick-compatible and designed to withstand scratches and heat-induced misshaping. This comprehensive set comes with everyday essentials like spatulas and tongs, but it also comes with more specialized tools like a pizza wheel, square turner, meat pounder, and potato masher. Thanks to the extra-large holder, all the tools can stay neatly organized to decrease clutter. The holder also comes with a removable drip tray that is dishwasher-safe.
Food & Wine / Joy Kim
This attractive set includes two knives and a stylish wooden base.
Testers have reported the knife block may lose magnetism over time, though we recommend using extra caution when placing the knives back inside the block.
Material makes some of our favorite chic, functional kitchen equipment, and this set of fundamental kitchen tools is no different. It includes a set of tongs, a metal spoon, a wooden spoon, a slotted spatula, and two Food & Wine tested and approved knives — 4-inch and 8-inch — that sit safely against a magnetic wall of the wooden base. To personalize, select from two wood types and three handle colors. This is an elegant option for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a few essential pieces. Though the spatula, tongs, and metal spoon are dishwasher-safe, be sure to hand wash the rest.
"Material sent me a Fundamentals set to try out two years ago, and it's remained on my countertop ever since," says Food & Wine's Commerce Director, Taysha Murtaugh. "As someone who has always lived in small spaces, I appreciate the smart simplicity of the wooden base. A hybrid between a utensil crock and a magnetic knife holder, it cleanly corrals everything I actually need to have at my fingertips: the three essential knives and a handful of attractive and solid tools. There's also room to stuff a few more utensils in there, which I absolutely do."
Food & Wine / Joy Kim
Stainless steel is super strong, so these tools won't chip, stain, or bend.
Stainless steel tools shouldn't be used on nonstick cookware, so be mindful when using these on more delicate pots and pans.
This six-piece set from one of our cookware brands is made from durable, rust-resistant stainless steel. A stainless steel set is a great option for cooks who like to use high heat or heavy-duty cookware — like cast iron — and this one contains pretty much anything a home cook could need. The set includes a ladle, solid spoon, slotted spoon, spatula, fork, and storage caddy. Each piece is designed with extra-long ergonomic handles that make them easy to hold and maneuver, no matter how deep of a pot you're using. Be mindful that because these tools are made from one single piece of metal, the handles could get hot with extended use.
These silicone-tipped essentials are all you need to get started cooking a variety of things in the kitchen. They're lightweight, easy to store, and dishwasher-safe.
This simple set doesn't come with a base or holder.
For new chefs looking to invest in a few high-quality essentials, this set from Misen has everything you need to cook a restaurant-quality meal at home. It includes a whisk, a fish spatula, a set of tongs, a mixing spoon, and a spoon-style spatula. The pieces are made from a mix of stainless steel and silicone, which means they're heavy-duty, durable, and safe to use on nonstick cookware. Nonslip handles make them easy to hold and maneuver even when wet. This set is perfect for the first-time or occasional cook because it's an easy way to equip your kitchen with a few basic tools without spending too much money. They're also easy to use and care for, which is helpful for beginners who are just learning to cook.
The set comes in two colors: gray or black.
Food & Wine / Joy Kim
Silicone is flexible yet strong, so it's the perfect material to gently whip, spread, and mix delicate baked goods.
Though this set is great for baking, it doesn't include tongs or other tools that are necessary for cooking.
Cooking isn't the only kitchen activity that requires proper utensils — bakers need a handy set of tools as well. We like the bright and colorful Oannao 9-Piece Silicone Spatula Set for all your whipping, spreading, folding, and icing needs. It uses BPA-free, food-grade silicone and includes multiple different-sized spatulas (a must for baking) along with a whisk, brush, and more. The utensils are heat resistant up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit. The silicone is ideal for working with super sticky ingredients like caramel, marshmallow, and meringue, and each piece can easily be hung on a hook when not in use.
Bamboo is lightweight, durable, and non-abrasive, so it won't damage your cookware.
Bamboo utensils should not be put in the dishwasher.
With four spoons (one slotted and one forked), two spatulas, and one pair of tongs, this set can tackle a variety of tasks in the kitchen without damaging any of your cookware. Bamboo is gentle enough to keep your nonstick cookware set scratch-free but can still be used to flip hefty pancakes, stir clumpy pasta, and more. Plus, it's more lightweight and durable, meaning fewer stains and damage in the long run. Bamboo utensils are versatile, too. Not only can they be used for baking and high-heat cooking, the wooden spoons can double as simple and stylish serving spoons or salad spoons. This comprehensive set is perfect for someone looking for a few multifunctional pieces at an affordable price.
This durable set is made from heavy-duty stainless steel, so it can easily withstand super-high temperatures. Elongated handles keep your hands safe from the heat.
This equipment is made to be used on the grill, so the extra-long handles make it awkward to use on regular cooktops.
Grilling requires a heavy-duty set of tools that can withstand high heat and smoke, and this option from Cuisinart has everything you need to safely and efficiently throw a great barbecue. The 20-piece stainless steel set contains a spatula, tongs, a basting brush, corn cob holders, skewers, a digital temperature fork, and a cleaning brush with a replacement head. The elongated handles keep your hands safe from the heat, and looped rings make it easy to hang each piece on a hook. What's more, all the pieces fit into a slim, lightweight aluminum case, making it easy to store when grilling season ends.
For best results, be sure to hand wash each piece.
We love that there are wooden, stainless steel, and silicone options included.
Due to the acacia wood handles, these are not dishwasher-safe.
Beautiful and versatile, this complete set from Food52 strikes a balance with its inclusion of stainless steel, wooden, and silicone utensils, so you don’t have to choose one material over the other. This set includes a stainless steel turner, wooden spoon, ladle, two different-sized whisks, and two different-sized silicone spatulas. Each utensil has a lovely acacia wood handle that should be hand-washed.
While these pieces were certainly made with quality in mind, we particularly love the subtle details that give way to ultimate function, including the double-sided spouts on the ladle, the small spatula’s nook for resting, and the thumb notches in the whisk collars. Set these inside a glass or ceramic container and proudly leave them on display between meals.
These are quality utensils that would look fabulous on any countertop.
The diversity of utensils is limited, as most are ladles, spoons, or serving forks.
Made of Italian olivewood and hand-hammered, sanded, and finished by hand, the Ruffoni six-piece set will look sharp in any kitchen display. Included is a flat-edged spatula, rounded spatula, slotted spatula, spoon, pasta fork, and serving fork, and each handle has a copper-lined hole to conveniently hang when not in use.
We’d recommend reserving these for serving, like scooping up pasta or serving a fresh salad. Because this is a porous wood, avoid high heat or soaking in water. To maintain the quality of the finish, the manufacturer recommends rubbing olivewood with coarse salt and lemon or using a soft sponge with sodium bicarbonate and lemon juice. Regardless of the type of use, rinse with warm water and make sure each utensil is dry before storing.
For an all-inclusive set that comes with so much more than just the fundamentals, look to Oxo Good Grips Everyday Kitchen Utensil Set. It's an easy way to stock your kitchen with everything you need, and it's a great buy for both new cooks and professionals alike.
Before selecting a utensil set for your kitchen, consider size, storage, and what's included. If you need a large set to replace every kitchen tool you own, opt for a comprehensive set that includes the basics and special items. However, it's important to remember that the more inclusive the set, the more storage space it will take up either on your countertop or in a drawer. If you're shopping for a larger set, ensure it has a holder or storage solution to keep everything in place. If you're tight on storage and want to upgrade a few of your most-used items, opt for a simple set of essentials.
The point of utensils is to help you cook, so they should be easy to use. When choosing the right utensil set for you, look for products with functional designs. They should fit the size of your cookware and easily open, close, flip, and stir. In addition, the utensils should be long enough to keep your hands safe from the head as well as feel comfortable and ergonomic in your hand.
If you keep your utensils on display, consider aesthetically pleasing sets that match your decor and add style to your kitchen setup. We think Material’s Fundamental Set, Ruffoni's Olivewood Set, or All-Clad’s Professional Stainless Steel Set are great countertop additions.
Make sure to select utensils that fit the cookware you plan to use. For example, if you only cook with nonstick pans, you'll need a silicone or wood utensil set to preserve the material on your cookware. If you cook over high heat or plan to grill frequently, you'll need stainless steel materials that can handle higher temperatures. Keep in mind stainless steel can damage or scratch nonstick or enameled cookware.
Additionally, make sure to note how your utensils need to be cared for and cleaned. Silicone and stainless steel are materials used in a lot of dishwasher-safe kitchen tools. Others — like bamboo and wood — must be washed by hand. Silicone and stainless steel are great options because they don’t harbor unwanted bacteria and can be easily rinsed and dried. On the other hand, wood and bamboo should be left to completely air dry before tossing them back into the drawer.
"A crock is a tried and true classic that allows you to make a design statement on your countertop. Let the colors and textures of your utensils shine and be a feature in and of themselves," says Suze Dowling, co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Pattern Brands, which produces GIR utensils. "That said, my kitchen counter is quite small – the perils of a New York apartment – so I store mine in my kitchen drawer, separated by wooden drawer dividers. Within the drawer, I recommend categorizing by both use case and size. I store my slotted spoons and sauce spoons together, followed by my turners and flips, and tongs. Make sure to always ensure your tongs are secured prior to putting them in the drawer."
"Because most folks are right-handed, we always recommend placing serving utensils to the right-hand side of the serveware, with the handles facing out," says Dowling. "It's both personal preference and a matter of table real estate that will help you to decide whether you place the utensil within the serving platter or bowl, or directly next to it. Should you choose to place it next to it, make sure to have a utensil rest that you can lay the utensils on after initial use."
It's all about the materials, according to Dowling. "The method of cleaning dirty utensils directly relates to the material of the utensil. A number of materials – such as resin, plastic, and wood – can soften or warp with heat, so it's recommended that you hand wash. Materials such as silicone, stainless steel, and even silver-plated items can typically be put in the dishwasher. I love an easy cleanup, so my default is turning to silicone-based items. Not only can I pop them in the dishwasher, but I know they'll withstand the heat on the stove during prep, so they can go straight from stove to table to dishwasher. Easy!"
While the most useful cooking utensils depend largely on the person using them, there are a few universally helpful tools to always have on hand. For one, tongs are incredibly versatile and serve as extensions of your hands. You can use them to flip ingredients in your pan, toss pasta in a fresh sauce, or serve up a crispy salad — among other things. A wooden spoon is another kitchen workhorse that allows you to stir ingredients, break down meat, serve a dish, and more. Finally, a handy spatula can do much more than just flip the contents in your pan, including stirring, scraping, or serving.
Laura Denby is a food writer and former professional chef with years of experience writing about everything from the latest culinary gadgets to biodynamic winemaking. Laura has a degree in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education, and she has worked as a caterer and private chef in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Hamptons. Laura employs her professional culinary experience to guide her expert product reviews to help her readers find the best kitchen gadgets available. You can read more of Laura's work in Food Network, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and PureWow.
Wooden Spatula This piece was also updated by Stacey Ballis, a freelance writer, recipe developer, and product reviewer. Stacey has been published in Food & Wine, Eating Well, Allrecipes, MyRecipes, Delish, and more.