Tools I Use
9 tools, honest picks

Tools I actually use.

I don't keep many single-use gadgets. These are the things that earn their drawer space every week, listed by category, with honest notes on what they're good at and what to skip.

DISCLOSUREThis post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I actually use.

Cookware

Le Creuset Signature 7-quart round Dutch oven in cerise, cream interior, brass knob.
Le Creuset · Heirloom
Le Creuset Signature 7-qt Round

The pot I use almost every Sunday from October to April.

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Lodge 6-quart bare cast iron double Dutch oven, matte black with a skillet-style lid.
Lodge · Budget
Lodge 6-qt Double Dutch

If money is tight, buy this one and don't think about it again.

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Staub 4-quart round cocotte in matte black enamel with brass knob.
Staub · Splurge
Staub 4-qt Round Cocotte

What I cook in when I don't want to lift the big one.

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Great Jones Dutchess 6.75-quart enameled Dutch oven in pale blue with gold handles.
Great Jones · Mid-range
Great Jones Dutchess 6.75-qt

A great-looking, mid-priced pot that earned a real spot on the shelf.

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Lodge 3-quart enameled cast iron Dutch oven in oyster white.
Lodge · Budget
Lodge 3-qt Enameled

Tiny, cute, surprisingly useful. My go-to for sauces and dal-style dinners.

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Appliances

Braun MultiQuick MQ7077 immersion blender with stainless steel wand and ACTIVEBlade.
Braun · Mid-range
Braun MultiQuick MQ7077

Lives in a drawer, earns its space. Smooth tomato lentil, creamy carrot, done.

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Baking tools

Nordic Ware Naturals aluminum half sheet pan, 13x18 inches.
Nordic Ware · Budget
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet

Big enough to crisp, not steam. Two of these handle a whole sheet-pan dinner.

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Small essentials

Microplane Premier Zester with a black handle and stainless grating surface.
Microplane · Budget
Microplane Premier Zester

For lemon zest, fresh cardamom, parmesan. The single most-used tool in my drawer.

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Mac MTH-80 Pro chef's knife with a dimpled 8-inch blade and dark Pakkawood handle.
Mac · Splurge
Mac MTH-80 Pro Chef's Knife

Sharp, balanced, and light. The knife I picked up once and never put down.

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