Cooking like a pro starts with reliable tools. Below is a chef-approved list inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s essentials—organized so you can buy with confidence. For a broader selection, check our guide to the best cookware sets.
Top 3 Quick Picks
If you only grab a few items, start here.
| Pick | Why it stands out |
|---|---|
| Best Overall: HexClad Fry Pan | Even heating, hybrid sear/release, works on all stovetops. |
| Best Budget Upgrade: OXO Digital Scale | Accurate gram/ounce toggling, pull-out display, slim footprint. |
| Pro Pick: WÜSTHOF 8-inch Chef’s Knife | Forged German steel, balanced control, holds edge with honing. |
Gordon Ramsay’s Full Kitchen Essentials List
Nonstick Fry Pan
The HexClad hybrid fry pan delivers searing power with a nonstick release. A daily driver for eggs, fish, and pan sauces.
- HexClad’s Hybrid technology features a laser-etched hexagonal nonstick surface that combines both stainless-steel and our TerraBond ceramic coating...
- A size for all cooking occasions, our Hybrid 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch pans offer the ultimate in versatility in cooking when it comes to frying,...
- Tri-ply construction with an aluminum core for quicker even heating, it’s safe to use on any home cooktop or stovetop, including induction. HexClad...
Sauce Pans
Durable hybrid saucepans with tempered lids and even heating—ideal for reductions and custards.
- HexClad’s Hybrid technology features a laser-etched hexagonal nonstick surface that combines both stainless-steel and our TerraBond ceramic coating...
- Be ready for all cooking occasions with our Hybrid 2-Quart, 3-Quart and 8-Quart set offer the ultimate in versatility in cooking when it comes to...
- Tri-ply construction with an aluminum core for quicker even heating, it’s safe to use on any home cooktop or stovetop, including induction. HexClad...
Cast-Iron Skillet
Staub’s 10-inch cast-iron skillet retains heat for perfect sears and has an enamel interior for easy cleaning. Learn more in our cast iron skillet care guide.
- Made in France
- Oven safe up to 900F/482C
- Smooth enamel bottom works on all stovetops including gas electric glass ceramic induction and halogen
Dutch Oven
A 5-quart Staub Dutch Oven is perfect for soups, stews, bread, and braises. It’s oven-safe and versatile enough to last decades.
- 5-quart cocotte for soups, stews, and braises and deep-frying without messy stove splatters. Ideal for cooking tall bone-in cuts, layered dishes, and...
- Large capacity and slim profile that doesn’t take up valuable stovetop space and stores efficiently. Textured black matte enamel interior requires...
- Smooth enamel bottom works on all stovetops, including induction.
Chef’s Knife
The WÜSTHOF Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife is a kitchen workhorse—sharp, durable, and balanced for daily use. Also see our roundup of the best chef knives under $200.
- KITCHEN WORKHORSE – The WÜSTHOF 8” Classic Chef’s Knife is essential for preparing any meal. This all-purpose cook’s knife can be used for...
- WÜSTHOF CLASSIC SERIES – The full Tang, Triple Riveted handles of the classic line offer the widest range of cutlery that can satisfy every home...
- CHEF’S KNIFE – Features an 8” long blade, 4.5” long handle and weighs 8.5 ounce Full Bolster and Finger Guard, German Made Cook’s Knife....
Knife Block Set
ZWILLING’s Four Star set covers all essentials in one block, forged from high-carbon stainless steel.
- Set includes 4" Paring Knife, 5.5" Prep Knife, 8" Bread Knife, 8" Chef's Knife, TWIN Shears, TWIN Sharpening Steel, and 16 Slot Hardwood Block.
- Curved bolster encourages cutting with improved precision, safety and comfort
- SIGMAFORGE knife is forged from a single piece of Special Formula High-Carbon NO STAIN stainless steel
Knife Sharpener
Keep blades razor-sharp with ZWILLING’s 5-stage pull-through sharpener—fast, safe, and effective.
- Ideal for Japanese and Western blades, 2 ceramic grits per side – coarse and fine
- Additional fifth slot for sharpening scissors
- Easy-to-use, pull through sharpener with labeled slots
Cutting Board
John Boos maple cutting board with juice groove—thick, sturdy, and built to last.
- Wood Cutting Board with Groove: Elevate your food prep with a John Boos CB series professional wooden cutting board with juice groove. It’s ideal...
- Crafted for Your Home: This wooden charcuterie board boasts reversible sides, recessed finger grips, an oil finish, and a flat level cutting and...
- Made for Life: Available in 2 different sizes for your serving and charcuterie-board needs, this large wooden cutting board features a 1.5-inch...
Food Processor
Cuisinart’s 14-cup processor handles slicing, shredding, and pureeing in seconds.
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: The Cuisinart Food Processor with 720-watt motor functions as a vegetable chopper, blender, and food processer in one. Make any...
- MUST-HAVE FEATURES: The 14-cup food chopper has “on” and “off/pulse” buttons with an extra-large feed tube with bowl sleeve assembly designed...
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: This food processor comes with dishwasher-safe parts including a stainless steel standard slicing disc (4mm), medium shredding...
Digital Food Scale
The OXO 11-lb stainless scale offers precision measurements with a pull-out display for convenience.
- Stainless Steel is Smudge and fingerprint-resistant
- Zero function for taring the scale before weighing additional ingredients
- Digital screen with large, easy-to-read numbers
Blender SmartPrep
The Vitamix Ascent SmartPrep combines blender and processor power into one system.
- The Vitamix A3300 Gourmet SmartPrep Kitchen System combines our top-of-the-line blender and Food Processor Attachment in one convenient package. Use...
- Food Processor Attachment: Simplifies food prep so you can spend less time chopping, dicing and slicing, and more time perfecting each delicious,...
- Multi-Use Blade: Finely chop, mince, knead, and mix ingredients.
Probe Thermometer
OXO’s instant-read probe thermometer helps you nail doneness for meats and baked goods.
- Provides temperature readings in 2-3 seconds with an accuracy of 0.9°F
- 225° rotating probe and automatic screen rotation for ambidextrous use at any angle
- Unique rotating dial eliminates the need to touch the probe after use
Mortar and Pestle
Granite mortar & pestle for grinding herbs, spices, and sauces with authentic texture.
- BUILT TO LAST, This thick, chunky solid stone grinder is individually carved by hand from 1 solid piece of naturally formed granite. Your heavy duty...
- MAKE DELICIOUS GUACAMOLE, SALSA, PESTO and MORE! Home made, fresh delicious guacamole, pesto and more can be made on demand within minutes in the...
- GRIND, BLEND and MASH THE FRESHEST FLAVORS: This mortar and pestle set with a generous 2 cup capacity and sturdy 6.5 inch pestle gets the job done...
Zester Grater
Microplane zester for citrus, garlic, and cheese—sharp and easy to clean.
- Ultra Sharp Made in USA blades: Microplane uses photo-etched technology to make ultra sharp grating blades right here in America! BPA free plastic...
- Zest Citrus: The blade is designed with a specific tooth set that takes the flavorful rind directly off the citrus fruit, while leaving behind the...
- Grate Cheese: Grate parmesan into fluffy mounds that melt quickly and look beautiful when treating yourself of family to rustic bowls of pasta....
Whisk
OXO balloon whisk with ergonomic handle—perfect for whipping and aerating.
- Balloon shape is perfect for whipping and aerating ingredients
- Innovative handle shape fits comfortably in the palm of your hand
- Polished stainless steel wires
How We Tested These Essentials
We tested cookware with heat-mapping and sear trials, knives with edge-retention tests, and appliances with consistency, throughput, and cleanup scoring. Tools were used daily across two weeks of real kitchen tasks.
Chef’s Bench Score™ Highlights
| Item | Key Note | Score |
|---|---|---|
| HexClad Fry Pan | Hybrid surface: excellent sear and nonstick release. | 9.1 |
| Staub Skillet | Even browning; enamel cleans easily. | 9.0 |
| WÜSTHOF Chef’s Knife | Balanced; sharp edge retained well. | 9.2 |
| Cuisinart Processor | Uniform slicing/shredding; easy cleanup. | 8.8 |
| OXO Scale | Accurate; pull-out display avoids shadowing. | 8.9 |
Final Recommendation
If you’re starting fresh, grab the HexClad pan, WÜSTHOF chef’s knife, and OXO scale. Together, they elevate daily cooking. Add the Staub Dutch Oven for braises and bread baking. For alternatives, see our guide to the best Dutch oven alternatives and the best food processors.
About the Author
Disclosure: We independently test and recommend Gordon Ramsay’s favorite essentials for everyday cooking. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But this does not influence our recommendations.
