My Top 10 Essential Kitchen Tools for Fall

As the days get shorter, I can’t help but want to be in the kitchen even more so than usual! Whether it’s hearty soups and stews, tender roasts, or cozy desserts and treats, there’s no end to the joy this time of year brings to cooks, both novice and professional!

Having the proper tools will make your time in the kitchen even more enjoyable and easier, so here I’ve compiled a list of my must-have tools for this season.

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1. Slicing Knife

My Go-To: Victoronix 12-inch Slicing Knife

This is the time of year for carving all sorts of roasts, and this slicing knife is an essential in my kitchen. It makes the job so much easier, especially if you’re looking for razor-thin slices of your favorite meat.

If you watch my videos, you’ve likely seen me use this knife multiple times – here are some of the recipes where this tool comes in handy:

• Deli-Style Roast Beef
• Sauerbraten
• Prime Rib Au Jus

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2. Dutch Oven

My Go-To: Lodge 7.5 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid

I have made countless recipes with my Dutch Oven and it truly has paid for itself over time. Its versatility allows you to move from stovetop to oven effortlessly and since it’s 7.5 quarts, it can accommodate a lot. The lid is heavy and provides a tight seal that’s ideal when using the oven. It’s a must if you love soups and stews!

While the Lodge is my go-to because of its affordability, the Dutch Oven is one item you may wish to splurge on, especially if giving as a gift. Le Creuset is generally regarded as the “Cadillac” of Dutch Ovens, so if the mood strikes you, go for it – this is a good one.

Here are just a few of the recipes I couldn’t make without my Dutch Oven:

• Chicken and Dumplings
• Classic Pot Roast
• Hearty Chicken and Potato Stew

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3. Large Stock Pot

My Go-To: Winware Stainless 20-Quart Steel Stock Pot

One of the best tips I can give my readers is to make and use homemade stock in your recipes. It not only elevates the flavor, but it gives you absolute control over the sodium levels in your dishes.

I recommend making a large amount of stock and freezing it in smaller containers for use throughout the Fall and Winter. To make a lot, you’ll need a pot large enough to accommodate the stock ingredients and liquid. A large stock pot is a non-negotiable for those looking to make their own stock!

I use a stock pot for both my homemade Chicken Stock and Beef Stock recipes.

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4. Meat Masher

My Go-To: Farberware Heat Resistant Meat Masher

This may just be the most underrated kitchen tool of all time! So much so that I didn’t think I needed it until a reader sent me one as a gift, and since then I cannot imagine life without it!

It truly comes in handy when breaking up ground beef, sausage, turkey, etc., and its design makes it so much more efficient than a regular old spoon or potato masher!

Here are a few recipes I won’t make without my meat masher:

• Classic Beef Chili
• Sausage Gnocchi Soup
• Pasta alla Norcina

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5. Oven-Safe Digital Meat Thermometer

My Go-To: ThermoPro Large LCD Digital Meat Thermometer

In all my years of cooking, I’ve found a digital meat thermometer to be the most efficient way to ensure temperature accuracy when cooking meat. I use this tool all the time; it is essential in my kitchen, especially this time of year! I also like an instant-read thermometer too! These thermometers have different use cases which makes it a good idea to own both.

Here are a few recipes that rely on temperature accuracy where this thermometer comes in handy:

• Spatchcock Turkey
• Brown Sugar Glazed Spiral Ham
• Roast Beef with Onion Gravy

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6. Stoneware Casserole Dish

My Go-To: Le Creuset 4-quart Covered Casserole Dish

Fall is the season for casseroles! Whether it’s family gatherings, potlucks, or Thanksgiving, we all find ourselves reaching for a casserole dish this time of year. This one’s great because it’s large, retains heat well, and the enamel interior makes it easy to clean. Use it with an insulated casserole carrier like this one when traveling.

Here are a few of my favorite casserole recipes you can use with this dish:

• Italian Sausage Stuffing
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Italian-American Lasagna

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7. Parchment Paper

My Go-To: Katbite Heavy Duty Parchment Paper Sheets

With all the baking and roasting that goes on in the Fall, these parchment paper sheets are a must. They create a non-stick surface and allow for easier clean-up. Since they’re cut to fit a baking sheet there is no hassling with a roll of parchment paper that doesn’t fit and doesn’t lie flat in your pan.

These sheets save you time which is priceless this time of year, especially heading into the holidays!

Here are a few recipes where these sheets come in handy:

• Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots
• Chocolate Chip Scones

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8. Oven Gloves

My Go-To: The Ove Glove

I’m constantly retrieving items from the oven this time of year, whether it’s pumpkin bread, Coq au Vin, or Riso al Forno, protecting your hands from heat is a no-brainer.

These gloves offer better protection (up to 540°F) than any I’ve tried, and I love the five-finger flexibility they offer; vastly superior to oven mitts!

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9. Cast Iron Pan

My Go-To: Lodge 15-inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet

I love a large cast-iron skillet for many Fall and Winter recipes, like my cast iron pan pizza pictured above. They’re excellent for retaining heat and can easily transfer from the stovetop to the oven.

While my go-to is the 15-inch pan, you can definitely opt for something smaller like a 10-inch or 12-inch pan.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes to use cast iron:

• Garlic Butter Steak Bites
• Sweet Potato Frittata
• Philly cheesesteak

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10. Baking Sheets

My Go-To: Nordic Ware Half Sheet with Nonstick Grid (2 Piece)

I use baking sheets all the time and for so many different recipes! I love these particular ones because they include a nonstick grid that can be used as a cooling rack for cookies, but is also great for using in tandem with the baking sheet for crisping bacon, draining fried food, or making wings.

These baking sheets are a must for these recipes (and many more):

• Snickerdoodles
• Buffalo Wings
• Chicken Cutlets

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While I tried to limit this list to my top 10 Essential Tools, there are certainly more kitchen tools to be used this time of year, many of which are in the shop linked here.

I hope you find these tools help to increase your efficiency and enjoyment in the kitchen this season and beyond!