Emma’s Kitchen Must-Haves! – A Beautiful Mess

For anyone who is getting their kitchen together for the first time, shopping for a friend who is about to get married or is moving into a new house (or just loves to cook), this list is for you!

These are the most used items in my kitchen that I love. If I didn’t have to start from scratch with anything in my kitchen, I would buy this first (large appliances aside).

And now that you’ve seen what’s on my favorite/most used list, I’d love to know what’s on yours! Leave me a comment with your most used kitchen utensils.

hand blender

A must for all types of cooking!

If you don’t have an immersion blender yet, then you don’t know what you’re missing!!

If you’ve ever tried blending piping hot soup in a blender, then you know that an immersion blender is worth using, even just to avoid that potential burn hazard.

This hand blender is perfect for soups, smoothies and sauces. And you can froth, whip and mix food and drinks quickly and easily.

The slim design also allows you to get into small cups and bowls, and the detachable blender stick is dishwasher safe too.

Use your hand blender to make these delicious soups!

High quality knife set

Get yourself a set of kitchen scissors!

A good knife set with options is a key to easier cooking.

This set includes a chef’s knife, carving knife, santoku knife, utility knife, paring knife, paring knife with bird’s beak, steak knives for eating, a steel to keep the blades sharp and all-purpose household scissors.

And if you’ve never had kitchen scissors before, they’re a great tool for easily cutting food and super helpful for cutting things like pizza into small pieces for smaller kids.

Kitchen Aid Blender

The gold standard among blenders!

This classic blender is a classic for a reason!

As well as the coated flat beater, whisk, C-dough hook and pouring guard that the beater comes with, you can also get many other attachments from pasta rollers and cutters to grinders and ice cream blenders.

Whether you’re making cookies, bread or pasta, this blender will stand the test of time (and all the color options mean it looks cute doing it!).

beef mincer

The Secret to Making Ground Beef Easily!

This 5-blade chopper makes cooking and chopping things like cooked ground beef a breeze, and you can use it to mix and mash softer cooked foods like potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, and squash.

It’s also dishwasher safe so you can toss it with the rest of the dishes after dinner.

Always swing

Not just a pretty face; This pan lives up to the hype!

Along with the 10 on-trend colors to choose from, this Always pan is a team favorite, and we love the ease of use, the spot on the handle to hold your included wooden spatula, and the included nested steamer basket.

If you are a dumpling household, you can also add the bamboo steamer that will cook dumplings, fish and vegetables to perfection.

Glass food containers

A healthier way to store your groceries!

When it comes to storing leftovers, using glass storage containers is the way to go.

Hot food can be transferred into them instantly and you don’t have to worry about chemicals from plastics getting into your food.

These glass jars are dishwasher safe, and seeing all of these cute jars lined up in your fridge will make you feel like you have one of those celebrity kitchens.

food processor

Even a little one will be your new kitchen’s best friend!

Stand mixers can be your new kitchen’s best friend to help you prepare dips, soups, dressings and sauces.

Most of the time, if you’re cooking for a lot of people, you might want a larger model, but smaller ones like this 3.5-cup version will get the most work done and also take up less space on your counter.

Here is a mini version for even smaller households.

coffee/spice grinder

Use your grinder for double duty (with a detachable bowl!)

A coffee grinder is a must, but if you buy one with a detachable bowl so you can wash it properly (this is dishwasher safe) you can use it for spices, herbs, grains and nuts too!

Air popcorn poppers

What’s better than fresh buttered popcorn?

Freshly popped popcorn is just one of those unbeatable movie night treats!

Make the ultimate snack a breeze with this cute popcorn popper (it even melts the butter for you on the little tray above the popcorn).

Isolated can of Coozie

Keep your hands dry and your drink cold!

If you love a cold drink then your next beer or LaCroix will love being in one of these insulated can warmers.

Made from stainless steel, simply slide your can into the metal sleeve and your drink will be as chilled as you are. Not to mention they are so pretty too!

air fryer

Choose a double basket fryer for large families or frequent fry miles!

No joke, this is currently my most used kitchen item! If you haven’t used one, then you really don’t know what you’re missing.

This two basket double is my go-to choice for larger recipes, but I also love the smaller size, sleek look, and color options. It also comes in a double size!.

Need ideas? Check out our favorite air fryer recipes!

Stackable drinking glasses

It comes in six colors!

I love these stackable drinking glasses as they are everyday enough for a glass of water but cute enough to hold your wine or iced coffee.

The choice of colors (we love the sunset and sunrise colors) and shape will add a little retro flair to your table and your guests will be sure to ask, “Where do you get these from?” They also have dinnerware!

Matching cutlery set

Comes in three metal colors!

When you have a cutlery drawer full of mismatched items, it’s time to up your game and snag a matching set for your dinner table.

And you don’t have to throw fancy dinner parties for cute cutlery – they even make weekend brunch at home special!

Timeless plate set

Always in style and they will last for years!

While it can be fun to have special dinnerware (Christmas tree plates, etc.), a modern yet timeless everyday plate set is a must.

And when it’s a classic like this set, they’re perfect for a chic dinner party too.

This collection also comes with a smaller salad plate and dinner bowl to suit every meal of the day, and they’re dishwasher, microwave and oven safe (up to 350 degrees).

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There you have it – all my must-have kitchen items. What’s on your list?! xo. Emma