Every new cook comes into the kitchen probably a little familiar with the items pictured above and may not have actually used most of them let alone feel comfortable with them. Believe me that table full of toys will become your favourite tools as you you take on more responsibility in your home’s most important room.

Nothing is more important than a good sharpener, knives and cutting board. Personally, I think the Instant Pot has taken over from that venerable workhorse the Crock Pot Slow Cooker and a good Rice Cooker is a gift from the Gods. You’ll use either a blender, food processor, and/or a mini chopper a little more often than a good grater but your spoons and spatulas will be critical every day. My Garlic Press is used just about daily. My whisks, dry measures and my mandolin slicer come in handy all the time and, over the years I have gradually come to understand the versatility of a good cast iron fry pan. Finally, my big stand mixer is a cherished gift, but is not as important as my good old hand mixer which rounds out the list of THE 13 most important Veteran Tools in the Kitchen.