(The Tried-and-True Essentials We Use Every Day)
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Life on the homestead means our kitchen is always busy—bread rising on the counter, broth simmering on the stove, and something nourishing being prepared for our family. Over time, we’ve learned that having the right tools doesn’t just make cooking easier… it makes it more enjoyable.
These are the kitchen tools we reach for every single day—the ones that have stood the test of time, heavy use, and real homestead life.
Why Good Kitchen Tools Matter
When you’re cooking most meals from scratch, preserving food, or baking regularly, your tools truly matter. Cheap or poorly made items tend to break, wear out, or make simple tasks frustrating.
We’ve slowly built our collection with pieces that are:
- Durable
- Simple to use
- Easy to clean
- Worth every penny
If you’re building your own homestead kitchen (or just want to simplify what you have), these are a great place to start.
Our Go-To Kitchen Favorites
1. A Quality Cast Iron Skillet
There’s almost nothing a good cast iron skillet can’t do. From searing meat to baking cornbread, it’s one of the most versatile tools in our kitchen.
We use ours daily—it goes from stovetop to oven without a second thought and only gets better with age.
2. Sharp Chef’s Knife
If there’s one tool worth investing in, it’s a good knife. A sharp, well-balanced chef’s knife makes prepping vegetables, slicing meat, and everyday cooking so much smoother (and safer).
3. Wooden Cutting Boards
We prefer sturdy wooden cutting boards for both function and beauty. They’re gentle on knives, long-lasting, and double as serving boards when we’re hosting. We’ve been lucky enough to have several homemade cutting boards gifted to us over the years and they’ve quickly become favorites of mine.
4. Mixing Bowls (Nested Set)
From sourdough to big family meals, mixing bowls are constantly in use around here. A nested set saves space and keeps things simple. Extra bonus points for a set that comes with lids!
5. Dutch Oven
This is a staple for slow cooking, soups, stews, and even baking bread. It holds heat beautifully and is perfect for cozy, from-scratch meals. Treat yourself to multiple sizes!
6. Glass Storage Containers
We try to avoid plastic where we can, and glass containers are perfect for leftovers, meal prep, and pantry storage.
7. Baking Tools
Whether it’s sourdough bread or a simple family dessert, having a few reliable baking tools makes all the difference. Think measuring cups, dough scrapers, and baking sheets you can depend on.
Building Your Kitchen Slowly
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that you don’t need everything all at once. Start with a few high-quality essentials and add as you go.
A well-loved kitchen isn’t built overnight—it’s shaped over time, with tools that become part of your daily rhythm.
A Simple Well-Loved Kitchen
At the end of the day, it’s not about having the fanciest tools—it’s about having the right ones. The ones that help you cook nourishing meals, gather your family, and enjoy the process along the way.
If you’re looking to simplify your kitchen or upgrade a few essentials, you can find all of our favorite, most-used tools here: Homestead Kitchen Essentials
From our homestead,
Eliza