Looking for kitchen tools that are actually worth buying? These are the tried-and-true gadgets, cookware, and essentials I use in my own kitchen everyday and couldn’t do without.
I’ve been cooking, baking and testing for a long time, and over the years I’ve learned that the right tools make ALL the difference. So today I’m sharing my absolute must-haves, the things sitting on my counters and in my cabinets right now, things that I would buy again and again.
Let’s get into it.
🥣 KITCHENAID STAND MIXER + ATTACHMENTS
If you don’t have one of these yet, today is your day. I’m serious. A KitchenAid stand mixer is one of those things that once you have it, you cannot imagine life without it. I’ve said it before; I had NO IDEA how much I would use mine before I got it. Mine hasn’t had a break since I opened it 14 years ago. Bread dough, cookie dough, shredding chicken breasts, cornbread batter, whipped cream, pizza dough – it handles all of it without you breaking a sweat. And the attachments? Game changers. Pasta roller, meat grinder, ice cream maker, vegetable zoodler – your KitchenAid can do things you haven’t even thought of yet. This is a forever purchase, and worth every single penny.
🫙 VITAMIX Propel Series 750 Pro-Grade
Listen, I know Vitamix is an investment. But when it’s on sale for Prime Day at 40% off, you jump on it. This blender is in a completely different league from anything else out there. Soups, smoothies, sauces, nut butters – it blitzes everything into something silky smooth in seconds. I’ve had mine for years and it runs like the day I bought it. Worth every penny, especially today.
🍳 CUISINART PRO CLASSIC FOOD PROCESSOR
Okay, this one is a non-negotiable for me. I absolutely adore my Cuisinart food processor. Shredding cheese, slicing vegetables, making pie crust, chopping onions without crying – this baby does it all. The Pro Classic is the big one (14 cup), and trust me, you want the big one. You will use every inch of that bowl. Don’t waste your time on any of the newer models with all the bells and whistles. I’ve tried a few of them, and every single one went back; you want the classic And don’t let its quiet motor fool you; it’s obliterating whatever’s in the bowl. This is one of my absolute must-haves and I would tell anyone who cooks to grab it today.
🥤 BRAUN IMMERSION BLENDER WITH DUAL SPEED + TURBO
This little thing lives on my counter. Blending soups right in the pot, making quick sauces, whipping up salad dressings – an immersion blender is an indispensable tool. Braun makes a great one and it’s on sale today at 38% off, so grab it. You’ll thank me later.
📦 RUBBERMAID BRILLIANCE CONTAINERS (FOOD + PANTRY)
Not the most glamorous item on this list, but I will go to bat for good food storage containers every single time. Rubbermaid makes some of the best – they seal well, stack well, hold up in the dishwasher, and actually keep your food fresh. I use them for meal prep, pantry organization, and storing leftovers. If your cabinet situation is a chaotic mess of mismatched lids (no judgment, same), today is a great day to fix that.
☕ YETI TUMBLERS
Look, I’m not on the Stanley train because I don’t do what’s-in-right-now unless it’s something I personally love. I don’t go anywhere without my Yeti. Hot coffee stays hot, iced tea stays cold – these tumblers are genuinely that good. They’re also on the pricier side normally, so Prime Day is a great time to stock up or finally try one if you haven’t. Once you do, you’ll never go back to a regular tumbler again. I’ve had mine for 10 years now, and it still goes everywhere with me, still keeps my drinks the perfect temp even if they aren’t the in thing right now.
⚡ INSTANT POT PRO
If you want to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor, the Instant Pot Pro is your best friend. Pulled pork in an hour. Pot roast on a weeknight. Beans from scratch in 30 minutes. It pressure cooks, slow cooks, sautés, makes yogurt, sterilizes and more – it’s basically nine appliances in one. I use mine constantly and it’s one of the most versatile things in my kitchen.
All of these picks (and more!) are saved on my Amazon storefront – I keep it updated with the things I actually own and love, so you never have to guess. Go check it out and grab what you can before the deals disappear!
👉 Shop my Amazon Storefront: Shea’s Amazon Storefront
And if you want more deals as I find them (As I write this, it’s Prime Day, but I’ll continue to update this regardless), come follow me on Pinterest – I’ll pin deals as I spot them, as well as update my storefront.
👉 Follow me on Pinterest: Dixie Chik Cooks’ Pinterest
Happy shopping, y’all – and happy cooking! 🍴
Author
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Shea Goldstein is a recipe developer, food writer, and creator based in Alabama. She shares craveable, approachable recipes with a little personality and a lot of flavor - from over-the-top burgers to nostalgic comfort food and weeknight dinners people actually want to eat. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s balancing life as a registered nurse while building her food brand full-time.








