I was first inspired to take a look at my kitchen equipment in 2002 when I first read Sally Fallon’s landmark book, Nourishing Traditions. It has taken me quite a while to purchase all these things, and I still have more items on my wish list. I’m going to arrange these somewhat in order by purchase price, although these may vary according to where you live or how resourceful you are (ie. garage sales, auctions, Ebay, etc.). You probably don’t have the money to just dump all your current equipment and run out to buy new. Don’t worry about it! Just begin to compile your own wish list. One by one, you’ll eventually have each item you need.
- An apron — this is my favorite kitchen item, LOL! Mine has ample pockets, which means that some days, I wear it all day long so that I can catch hair bows, Legos, and pennies. I find I have much more of a mind to work when I can slip into a comfortable and pretty apron. I don’t mind digging in and getting my hands dirty!
- A step stool — this helps short women like me reach cabinets with ease. This also helps my kids cook with me, or at least watch and beg to lick the spoon.
- A good knife or two, plus kitchen scissors — I also purchased a sharpener, because this keeps my Wal-mart quality knives performing much better. You can use “office” scissors in the kitchen, by the way! Just set aside a designated pair so that you don’t find bits of Elmer’s glue or crayons in your kitchen drawers.
- Storage containers — Like you, I have years of accumulation of plastic storage containers. However, I’ve learned that only dry goods that will not be heated should be stored in these. For all other foods, I have begun purchasing Pyrex storage containers, as well as simple glass canning jars. For canning jars, I’ve found that wide-mouthed styles are easier to fill and clean. I have both pint and quart size. These can go in the fridge, in the freezer, and in my cupboards. I use them a LOT!
- A dough scraper and a rolling pin — I make much of my own bread, so these two tools are indispensable! If you can afford more expensive appliances for bread making, I recommend it, but for many years I couldn’t. These two tools make my kitchen life bearable — even fun! The Baker’s Catalogue carries them, although you’re likely to find them cheaper in a local kitchen shop.
- Pots, pans, and skillets — I try to avoid aluminum and non-stick surfaces, so most of my pots and pans are made of stainless steel. I have ceramic casserole dishes. I have Pyrex glass or stainless steel mixing bowls. Instead of non-stick skillets, I’ve made the switch to cast-iron skillets.
- Toaster oven — This non-fancy device stands in quite well for a microwave oven. No, it can’t do everything (and yes, I still hanker for microwave popcorn!). But I’m happy and content with what it can do. It helps if I store my leftovers in glass dishes that can be warmed in the toaster oven, so that I don’t have more dishes to do.
- A grain mill — I started with a Family Grain Mill that is hand operated. If your budget can handle it, I highly recommend getting an electric grain mill, as I did in 2008. Otherwise, you’ll get lots of exercise! A grain mill is truly a blessing, since you can purchase bags of wheat or rye in huge and CHEAP quantities. (Freeze your grain for a month or two, then it should be bug-proof at room temperature.) Once you have your own mill, you can even sprout your own flour and grind it for flour that is healthful and can be used in all traditional bread recipes. From here, you can make just about anything!
- A dishwasher — This invention can’t be beat! When I make food from scratch, without a microwave, I end up with more dishes than the average Joe. (Many little mouths contribute to the number of dishes, too.) My only caution is to not use too much dishwasher soap, as it is highly toxic. Seventh Generation sells dishwashing detergent that is better, if you can find it near you or order it through a buying co-op. If someone in your home has a compromised immune system, please wash your dishes by hand. (In my current home, I don’t have a dishwasher — but I have four children who are old enough to do all the dishes.)
- A freezer — Yes, freezing your food is still considered healthful! Isn’t that a relief? A freezer can help me make plenty of chicken and beef stock in advance, stored neatly in labeled canning jars. I can purchase half a side of beef from a local farmer with confidence. I can soak nuts, make “crispy nuts” (see Nourishing Traditions for recipe), and store them in quantity in the freezer. Butter freezes nicely. Bags of frozen vegetables are my personal life-savers. Herbs from the garden can be frozen, also.
- An extra refrigerator — We were blessed with this a few years ago, and I am so thankful for it. I can make yogurt in quantity, buy lots of Bubbie’s Sauerkraut from our local shopping co-op, and buy enough milk from our local dairy to make it a whole week in our thirsty household!
I’m sure there are other pieces of kitchen equipment that are great! I’ll add more as I think of them, and I’d love to hear your recommendations!
AnnMarie writes… “Mixer – any type. My friend has a Sunbeam and makes all her bread in it. It is great for pancakes, mashed potatoes, meatloaf, etc. I had a Kitchen Aide and recently traded for the Bosch and it really isn’t any better except in quantity. Also, a blender is great!”
I agree, Ann Marie! I was given a Bosch mixer last year, and it has been such a blessing to our family. Now that blender… how could I manage without it? Our family adores smoothies. Yum!
Jodi in Slovakia writes… “I have a kitchen recommendation, but I don’t know what they are called in English! Maybe it would be called a mini food processor. It is a small container with a post in the middle. A blade fits over the post and then spins. It is powered by a little motor that you hold in your hand that fits over the top of the container. I use this thing every day! It is GREAT for cutting onions, chocolate (no chocolate chips here), making cracker crumbs, etc. The container is small enough to fit in the top rack of my dishwasher. Love this thing! I would buy this just for cutting onions alone. It saves me so much time. The motor also will fit onto a stick blender attachment which I use, but not as much.”
Thanks, Jodi! I have just the hand-held blender part (and I use it for soup). I didn’t even realize you could get other attachments. (I’m drooling here…) I found the following brands at Amazon: Cuisinart, Miallegro, and Bosch.
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Feel free to add more comments below, and next time we’ll look at how to PAY for all this equipment and healthy food.
