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Gear guide

Starter kitchen: the 15 things you'll use most

Setting up a kitchen, or filling in the gaps? We counted the gear every Simmerbee recipe asks for. These 15 items show up most, ranked by how many of our recipes can't do without them. It's a count, not a product review: any sturdy version of each works.

Counted across all 342 Simmerbee recipes. The ranking counts how many of our recipes use each item; it isn't a product test or review.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Brands are suggestions; any similar item works.

  1. Measuring cups and spoons

    Needed in 263 of 342 recipes (77%)

    Accurate dry measures for baking.

    Suggested: OXO

    See price on Amazon: Measuring cups and spoons (opens Amazon)

  2. 8-inch chef's knife

    Needed in 221 of 342 recipes (65%), nice to have in 4 more

    One sharp knife handles most prep.

    Suggested: Victorinox

    See price on Amazon: 8-inch chef's knife (opens Amazon)

  3. Large cutting board

    Needed in 215 of 342 recipes (63%), nice to have in 1 more

    Room to chop without ingredients sliding off.

    Suggested: OXO

    See price on Amazon: Large cutting board (opens Amazon)

  4. Nesting mixing bowls

    Needed in 197 of 342 recipes (58%)

    A few sizes cover mixing, marinating and proofing.

    Suggested: Pyrex

    See price on Amazon: Nesting mixing bowls (opens Amazon)

  5. Balloon whisk

    Needed in 100 of 342 recipes (29%), nice to have in 7 more

    Smooth batters and sauces with no lumps.

    Suggested: OXO

    See price on Amazon: Balloon whisk (opens Amazon)

  6. Locking tongs

    Needed in 87 of 342 recipes (25%), nice to have in 4 more

    Flip and grab hot food with control.

    Suggested: OXO

    See price on Amazon: Locking tongs (opens Amazon)

  7. Half sheet pan

    Needed in 83 of 342 recipes (24%), nice to have in 7 more

    Heavy aluminum bakes evenly and won't warp in a hot oven.

    Suggested: Nordic Ware

    See price on Amazon: Half sheet pan (opens Amazon)

  8. Instant-read thermometer

    Needed in 79 of 342 recipes (23%), nice to have in 41 more

    The only sure way to know meat is safely cooked.

    Suggested: ThermoWorks

    See price on Amazon: Instant-read thermometer (opens Amazon)

  9. Liquid measuring cup

    Needed in 71 of 342 recipes (21%), nice to have in 3 more

    Read liquids at eye level for the right amount.

    Suggested: Pyrex

    See price on Amazon: Liquid measuring cup (opens Amazon)

  10. Wooden spoons

    Needed in 71 of 342 recipes (21%), nice to have in 1 more

    Stirs without scratching and won't melt.

    Suggested: OXO

    See price on Amazon: Wooden spoons (opens Amazon)

  11. Parchment paper sheets

    Needed in 65 of 342 recipes (19%), nice to have in 6 more

    Nothing sticks and cleanup takes seconds.

    Suggested: Reynolds

    See price on Amazon: Parchment paper sheets (opens Amazon)

  12. Silicone spatula

    Needed in 58 of 342 recipes (17%), nice to have in 2 more

    Scrapes every bit out of the bowl and handles heat.

    Suggested: GIR

    See price on Amazon: Silicone spatula (opens Amazon)

  13. Colander

    Needed in 52 of 342 recipes (15%)

    Drains pasta and rinses produce.

    Suggested: Bellemain

    See price on Amazon: Colander (opens Amazon)

  14. Can opener

    Needed in 49 of 342 recipes (14%)

    Opens cans smoothly and safely.

    Suggested: OXO

    See price on Amazon: Can opener (opens Amazon)

  15. 3-quart saucepan

    Needed in 48 of 342 recipes (14%), nice to have in 8 more

    Sauces, grains and custards.

    Suggested: Cuisinart

    See price on Amazon: 3-quart saucepan (opens Amazon)

Nice to have later

These show up in the same recipes, but more often as optional than as needed.

How we count

Every Simmerbee recipe lists the gear it uses, and marks the extras that help but aren't required as "nice to have". This list counts the recipes that need each item and ranks the items by that count. As recipes are added, the counts update on their own.

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