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Home » Lifestyle » Rufus Recommends » Kitchen Essentials

Kitchen Essentials

Modified: May 11, 2025 · Published: Jan 21, 2023 by Rufus · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Rufus Recommends is something I thought I might do from time to time. These will posts I do for fun and all about the things I love. I'll cover everything from kitchen essentials to my favorite beauty products, and even things for kids I must have as a busy parent. The possibilities are endless and I hope you love it.

I'm excited, so let's get started!

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details. 

kitchen essentials

Kitchen Essentials

First off, let's cover some of my all-time, must-have kitchen essentials. This is primarily a food blog after all!

Food Processor

First up to bat, I believe you need a good quality food processor in your kitchen essentials. I use mine for everything from grating cheese to making fresh salsa to pureeing soups. This is the new version of what I have been using since I received mine as a wedding gift almost a decade ago. It's a true kitchen work horse and, if it ever kicks the bucket, I'll be ordering another one asap!

kitchen essential - food processor

Dutch Ovens

Another kitchen essential that I could not do without is a dutch oven. Le Creuset or Staub would be a brand that I highly, highly recommend. Now, I know they are pricey, but the quality cannot be beat. Personally, I would rather spend a little more money one time and get a lifetime of use out a product as opposed to having to replace something of lesser quality all the time.

Also, these brands stand behind their products. I have dropped and cracked a Le Creuset (another story for another time), contacted the company, and was sent a brand new pot. You're also paying for excellent customer service, and that means a lot to me.

kitchen essential - dutch oven

Knives

Moving on to more kitchen essentials, let's talk knives. You need them for the kitchen, and, again, I recommend getting a good quality set. I've had the same set of Wusthof knives for at least 15 years and they continue to sharpen beautifully and hold up.

This is another company that stands behind their product. I've had a couple handles crack over the years. Just contact the company and they will either fix the knife in question or send you a brand new one. Again, customer service goes a long way with me!

knife set

Here is another great knife set in a lower price point as well!

knife set

More Kitchen Essentials

Mixing bowls are a must. I love ones made of glass so that you can put them in the microwave if needed. This great set comes with lids for storage!

Is there anything more kitchen essential than a classic Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer? I think not. This is my friend when I decide its time to bake something tasty or make homemade marshmallows!

You gotta have cutting boards and I absolutely love this set. I have these exact ones and use them daily. The different sizes are fantastic and I love being able to just throw them in the dishwasher!

Another kitchen essential is a colander. This over-the-sink colander is amazing. I bought one and immediately bought my sister one and it is our go-to!

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Thank you!

I am so incredibly happy that you are here! This is the first post in a series about all the things I love. Today, it's all about kitchen essentials - things I use and recommend and hope you'll love, too. Rufus Recommends has commenced!

Happy Cooking!

-Rufus

Rufus for Real is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I may earn a commission, with no additional cost to you, if you purchase through those links. 

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