The Kitchen Tools Every New Cook Needs Before the Holidays, Starting at $8

The holiday season is arguably the best time of year for cooking. Granted, we all love a patriotic summertime barbecue or a fresh spring get-together, but there’s something so magical about the warm, comforting dishes and sugar-dusted desserts of holiday time. In fact, many of us first fell in love with cooking, clinging to the apron strings of Grandma or Uncle Doug as they prepared their infamous Thanksgiving pumpkin pie or Christmas cranberry sauce. 

This year, maybe you, too, have started to fall under the magic spell of autumn and wintertime cooking. Maybe for the first time, you’re starting to see what all the fuss is about after receiving a chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” over something you helped to prepare. There’s something so special about cooking, especially cooking that’s done for friends and family, as is so often the case this time of year. So, if you find yourself wanting to take part and share in some of the holiday cooking for the first time this year, you’ll need to be prepared with these kitchen essentials.

Best Kitchen Tool Deals for New Cooks

• Imarku Japanese Chef Knife, $30, originally $66, at amazon.com
• John Boos Cutting Board, $130, at amazon.com
• Le Cruset Dutch Oven, $280, originally $430, at williams-sonoma.com
• HexClad Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set, $99, at amazon.com
• All-Clad Silicone Tools Set, $50, originally $60, at target.com
• Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor, $130, originally $150, at walmart.com
• All-Clad 6-Quart Stainless Steel Essential Pan, $200, originally $350, at williams-sonoma.com
• Hotec Stainless Steel Kitchen Tong Set, $8, originally $10, at amazon.com
• OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler, $10, originally $12, at amazon.com
• Scanpan 12-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan, $130, originally $235, at williams-sonoma.com
• Nordic Ware Sheet Pan Set, $30, at target.com

Imarku Japanese Chef Knife

There is no greater tool in a true cook’s kitchen than a trustworthy, high-quality chef knife. Under the blade of a great knife is where all meals begin, and having one that you can trust to be sharp and get the job done right is essential. It’s also worth noting that while there are many luxurious knives on the market that can cost thousands, a good-quality knife needn’t break the bank. This trusty knife from Imarku is the perfect choice for any cook looking for a multi-use knife that can chop, dice, and mince with the best of them. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel with an ultra-sharp blade, this knife is designed to last for years.

John Boos Cutting Board

Of course, there are many cutting boards on the market. They range in everything from size to color to material, and many of them are great options. But there is no better choice when it comes to quality than a John Boos board. Designed to last for decades with its superior craftsmanship and attention to detail, this board is a fantastic choice for the cook in your life who values quality. 

Le Cruset Dutch Oven

A good Dutch oven is a must for braises, soups, and just about anything else you can cook on the stovetop or in the oven. Just as with cutting boards, though, there are plenty of Dutch oven brands to choose from when shopping for kitchen staples. The Le Cruset name has stood the test of time for great reason. With its enameled cast iron construction, generous cooking surface, excellent heat distribution and retention, and beautiful collection of colors, the Le Cruset Dutch oven is the perfect choice for any cook, no matter how experienced. 

HexClad Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set

Not all mixing bowls are created equal. Of course, you can toss ingredients into just about any vessel and mix, but when it comes to cooking well, there are more considerations to be made. This stainless steel mixing bowl set from HexClad is a great choice for new cooks because it actually helps to make your food better. With their high-quality stainless steel construction, these bowls will help keep your food at your desired temperature, chilling things like doughs and whipped creams and helping to retain the heat of warmer foods. We also love the nonslip, silicone bottom of these bowls, helping you to mix safely without the risk of slips or spills. 

All-Clad Silicone Tools Set

Arguably just as important as a great knife, a high-quality set of cooking utensils is crucial when cooking just about anything. This set of silicone tools from All-Clad includes a spatula, “spoonula,” and jar scraper, each crafted from brushed stainless steel and durable silicone. Each tool is dishwasher and heat-safe up to 450°F. Perfect for mixing, spreading, scraping, and stirring, any new cook can expect to have these in their kitchen toolbelt for years to come.

Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor

A food processor is a must in the kitchen for chopping, grinding, pulsing, mixing, and even liquifying any number of foods. From mixing pie dough to making an excellent pesto, the food processor is one of the most helpful tools in the kitchen. This model from Cuisinart is equipped with a large 11-cup bowl, a unique SealTight Advantage System that helps seal and lock the lid in place, and a wide tube that can accommodate larger ingredients like whole fruits and vegetables.

All-Clad 6-Quart Stainless Steel Essential Pan

All-Clad pans are made to last for ages with their high-quality designs, alternating layers of stainless steel and conductive aluminum, and commercial-grade standards. If a new cook could only have one pan in their kitchen collection, this 6-quart Essential pan would be the one to have. Perfect for everything from pasta to stir fries to soups to pork chops, this pan will cook food beautifully with its ability to distribute heat evenly and cook every dish how it's meant to be cooked.

Hotec Stainless Steel Kitchen Tong Set

Whether you’re flipping steaks or just reaching for something on the top shelf, tongs are a kitchen must-have for any new (or seasoned) cook. We love the two sizes of this set from Hotec, and their sturdy, stainless steel construction and ergonomic handles. Their pull ring locks and hanging loops make these tongs easy to store anywhere in the kitchen. 

OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler

Experienced cooks can debate all day about the ideal shape for a vegetable peeler, but we love the classic Y-design for many reasons. It’s comfortable, easy to use, and gets the job done. This particular model from OXO is a great peeler. With its sharp blade and soft, non-slip handle, peeling anything from butternut squash to manchego cheese is an easy task.

Scanpan 12-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan

A good nonstick pan is a must-have for any new cook who may not yet have perfected the art of preventing food from sticking to the pan. Designed for foods that are infamously difficult to work with, like eggs, seafood, or anything cheesy, nonstick surfaces help to release those ingredients with ease, saving the cook from a frustrating mess and ruined meal. This nonstick fry pan from Scanpan is made from recycled aluminum, designed for even heat distribution, and perfect for preparing all of those deliciously sticky foods. 

Nordic Ware Sheet Pan Set

Every kitchen needs a good sheet pan or two. It’s upon these little trays that we bake cookies, roast vegetables, and crisp bacon. However, sheet pans can be unreliable and frustrating in their tendency to warp in the oven and deteriorate in quality after only a few uses. Enter Nordic Ware sheet pans. Nordic Ware has a reputation for being one of the best brands in baking, and after cooking with their pans for years, it’s easy to understand why. We especially love this set from Target, which comes with a half-sheet pan and oven-safe nonstick grid that’s perfect for roasting or cooling all of your delicious meals.