This post is all about minimalist kitchen essentials.
Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s the hub that nurtures your family and brings them together at the end of each day to bond over a meal. Since most day-to-day activities are centered around the kitchen, your household will function at its best when the kitchen is clean.
Keeping a kitchen tidy through constant meal preparation, dirty dish pile-up, and grocery store trips is a lot of work. However, instilling a minimalist lifestyle into your kitchen will make this job a lot more manageable. A minimalist lifestyle includes decluttering your space and only having the basic minimalist kitchen essentials.
A minimalist kitchen always feels open and spacious, which benefits both your family and your personal wellbeing. If you’re not sure where to start, try stocking your kitchen with these minimalist kitchen essentials and eliminating as much else as possible.
Here are 21 Minimalist Kitchen Essentials That Every Home Needs.
Cookware
1. Cast iron skillet
A cast iron skillet is perfect for dishes that need to get piping hot. This cookware essential is extremely durable and can withstand high heat for a long time. Cast iron skillets are also the best because they’re so easy to clean–all you need to do is run it under hot water and scrub the food debris with a rough brush.
2. Non-stick pot and pan set
The hack to decluttering your kitchen cabinets is getting a matching cookware set and staying faithful to it. Instead of piling your storage space with mismatched pots and pans, get a cohesive set with the basics.
My recommendation is the Our Place cookware set. Not only does this set come in modern, visually-pleasing colors, but it has the bare necessities that work for all meals: one large and one mini non-stick pan, and two different sized pots. Nothing stains or sticks to the ceramic surfaces and the stainless steel handles don’t get too hot on the stove.
3. Baking sheet
Baking sheets are vital for every kitchen, whether you’re roasting vegetables in the oven or baking cookies.
The best way to store a baking sheet is vertically in a cabinet–since they’re so thin, they won’t take up too much space and will help minimize cabinet clutter. If you don’t have a suitable cabinet in your kitchen, I highly recommend purchasing an adjustable rack for your countertop.
4. Glass baking dish
Sometimes a baking sheet or pan doesn’t cut it, which is why a glass baking dish is just as essential for your kitchen. Glass does not conduct heat as well as metal, but it will distribute heat more evenly. You need a glass baking dish for casseroles, lasagna, or other meals that cook slowly in the oven.
5. Dutch oven
A dutch oven is a heavy-weight cast iron pot that heats up slowly and prevents burning. Dutch ovens can be a bit pricey, but the durability and longevity make it a worthwhile investment.
The Le Creuset dutch oven is one of the best out there. I love displaying my Le Creuset on the stovetop at all times as a piece of functional decor - it works with so many different kitchen cabinet trends. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Milo also has a great dupe that is just as aesthetic.
Utensils
1. Wooden spoons
Wooden spoons are not only more sanitary than plastic utensils, but they handle heat better and last longer. I also love how having only wooden cooking tools looks more cohesive and minimalist in kitchen storage space.
I recommend this cost-friendly set from Amazon because it covers all the bases with a regular spoon, slotted spoon, and saute paddle.
2. Spatula
Spatulas come in handy for a variety of dishes–mixing ingredients, scrambling eggs, flipping sandwiches, spreading toppings, scraping dishes, and much more. Spatulas are lightweight and easy to store, which is ideal for a minimalist kitchen.
Silicone is a popular material for spatulas because they can scrape non-stick surfaces without leaving scratches.
3. Tongs
Tongs are a must-have when it comes to grilling, tossing salad, and plating your food. Stainless steel tongs are best because they’re resistant to rusting and corroding, can withstand high heat, and are easy to clean.
4. Whisk
Whisks are another basic essential for your minimalist kitchen. KitchenAid is my favorite brand for whisks that are affordable, durable, and come in muted, minimalist colors.
5. Knife set
Once you find a knife set that works for you, you’ll never go back to buying tons of mismatched knives that just clutter up your drawers.
I highly recommend this Cuisinart 15-piece knife set that you can find on Amazon. It comes with every type of knife you’ll ever need and a knife sharpener. The cream and light wood color combo also blends seamlessly with a modern and minimalist kitchen.
6. Vegetable peeler
I have tried to peel vegetables with a knife several times, and it’s never as easy or efficient as a peeler. Vegetable peelers are a necessity for quick food prep, and they’re so easy to store away. This one is by far the best I’ve used - I’m obsessed with how easy it makes peeling fruit or veggies.
Food Prep Tools
1. Wooden cutting board
I seriously can’t live without my wooden cutting board. It’s always the first tool I whip out when I’m cooking a meal. A heavy, durable cutting board is essential because it doesn’t slide around on the counter while you’re chopping or slicing.
2. Measuring cup and spoon set
A minimalist kitchen should focus on cohesion and practicality. A matching set of measuring cups and spoons that stack together contributes to this look. Not only do they have a uniform style, but they’re compact for storage and clutter-free.
3. Silicone baking mat
Keeping your kitchen clean is a never-ending task. A silicone mat is one of the best kitchen tools to make that job easier. If you’re a baker, a silicone mat is extra necessary to contain runaway flour and loose ingredients.
4. Glass storage containers
Everyone needs storage for leftovers and meal prep. The Pyrex 6-piece set is one of the best because they can easily be stacked and stowed away in the fridge. They’re budget-friendly, durable, and resist stains and smells.
5. Stasher bags
Stasher bags are another minimalist kitchen essential for packing leftovers, especially if you’re strapped for space in the fridge or pantry. These silicone bags are reusable and extremely flexible.
Appliances
1. Food processor
You don’t realize how useful a food processor is until you purchase one. Food processors eliminate time spent dicing, shredding, mincing, grinding, and chopping. The KitchenAid matte food processor is a must-have.
2. Air fryer
There are so many benefits to owning an air fryer. First, air fryers cut cooking time in half. Second, cooking food in an air fryer uses less oil and fat, making a healthier meal.
The Cosori air fryer from Amazon has a sleek look that elevates a minimalist kitchen.
3. Blender
The Vitamix blender is definitely an essential for minimalist kitchens. This is a higher end kitchen appliance, but you get your money’s worth with the high-quality features and style. It’s an investment that should last for decades. Every kitchen needs a blender because they are so versatile.
4. Slow cooker
Slow cooker meals are so cozy and comforting after a long day, especially for a family. This Crockpot from Target is the best because even if you don’t have cabinet space to store it, you can display it on your countertop as modern decor.
5. Coffee Maker
If you like to start your morning by making a cup of coffee in the kitchen, a high-quality coffee maker is essential. I love the Haden Dorchester coffee for both its functionality and contemporary style.
How to Maintain a Minimalist Kitchen
Kitchens tend to be one of the messiest rooms in a home because they’re used so frequently. Here are a few tips for maintaining your kitchen organization and minimalist kitchen aesthetic.
Keep the counters as clear as possible. A cluttered countertop will make your kitchen space feel smaller and more claustrophobic. Minimize the amount of items displayed on your counter.
Get organizers for your drawers. Drawer organizers and dividers are a lifesaver for kitchen tools. It will prevent a cluttered pile of utensils in your drawer space and will make it much easier to find what you need.
Stick to neutral colors. If you do need to display items on your countertops, such as appliances, stick with neutral, muted colors. Colors like black, cream, beige, sage green, and navy blue will create a minimalist feel in your kitchen.
Invest in good cookware and tools. Opting for more expensive and higher-quality essentials will prevent you from constantly buying replicates and extras that just clutter up your space.
This post showed you 21 Minimalist Kitchen Essentials That Every Home Needs.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. See our full disclaimer here.
