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Chef's knife -

As every home chef knows, a good knife can do wonders. While a high-quality chef's knife can be quite expensive, it's not always the only option. When looking for the right knife, ensure the blade is sharp enough to handle hardy, heavy vegetables like carrots and squash.

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Wood cutting board -

Second only to a butcher block countertop, wooden cutting boards are a home chef's best friend. While they can be expensive, the investment proves worthwhile. Look for wooden boards with edge grain as it is more resistant to gashes and knife marks.

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Cast iron skillet -

Look no further than the cast iron skillet for searing capabilities, heat retention, and longevity! These skillets last for years and are great additions to any kitchen.

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Versatile knife set -

You never know what knife you might need while cooking. Some home chefs see knife blocks (where the knives are kept) as space hogs on the counter. However, there are slimmer yet functional sets available.

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Large capacity stand mixer -

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Paring knife -

Sometimes, when you're cooking at home, you'll find that a chef's knife is awkward and too large. That is when you should consider turning to the paring knife. Paring knives should be ultra-sharp and fit naturally in your hand.

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Large-capacity food processor -

Whether you're making pesto, salsa fresco, or something else entirely, by using a food processor, you'll spend less time prepping and more time enjoying your delicious recipe. Food processors turn boring, tedious knife tasks into completed steps with only a push of a button.

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Hand mixer -

Sometimes, you'll be cooking and need to mix something more than a whisk can handle but less than you'd need a stand mixer for. Enter the hand mixer! You can now make whipped creams, cookies, and even shredded chicken, all with this handheld tool.

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Air fryer -

The air fryer is, more or less, a convection oven that uses a fan to circulate hot air to cook, crisp, or caramelize food. This tool has gained popularity over the years, and now you'll find them in kitchens everywhere.

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Electric citrus juicer -

Want to make some freshly squeezed juice? Look no further than the electric juicer. These powerful tools are great for squeezing every last drop of juice. Adding fresh citrus to recipes like salmon adds a flavorful, distinct touch.

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Nonstick pan -

Home chefs will find that having at least one non-stick pan will prove useful, especially when making eggs or searing flaky fish. Non-stick pans are worth the investment and will save you time cleaning (and scrubbing) pans.

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Dutch oven -

From slow-cooking pork shoulder to simmering tomato sauce and everything in between, Dutch ovens are a must-have for any serious home chef. The Dutch oven can handle extremely high temperatures, and it is glazed in enamel, which protects the cookware and makes it easy to clean.

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Stainless steel cookware set -

Stainless steel often gets a bad rap because it's a terrible heat conductor, which ultimately can leave hot spots in the pan. However, having a set at the ready can actually prove quite useful for smaller, miscellaneous tasks.

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Slow cooker -

Slow cookers are usually incredibly efficient at heat distribution and great for any stews, soups, or otherwise that you might be making. When purchasing a slow cooker, consider buying one with a glass lid so that you can check on progress without releasing heat.

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Personal blender -

Small, personal blenders are excellent for the home chef who frequently is on the go. In most models, the base of the blender doubles as a cup, so once you blend, you're good to go. Just swap the lid, and you're out the door.

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Immersion blender -

These convenient tools could even be called essential during soup season. They are often powerful but also slim enough to be stored in a kitchen drawer. With the immersion blender, you hold the power to blend cooked broccoli, onions, and celery into a smooth, soup-like consistency in only a minute or two.

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Coffee maker with grinder -

The world runs on coffee, or so they say. Go ahead and get a built-in grinder with your upgraded coffee machine, as it will save some countertop space. Lattes, cappuccinos, and even your regular cup of joe just got easier!

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Electric kettle -

If you're brewing tea or simply need boiling water for other warm beverages, the electric kettle is here to help. Electric kettles can achieve accurate, precise water temperatures. When buying an electric kettle, look for things like boiling time, heat retention, capacity, and how easily they pour.

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Rice cooker -

Is rice a staple item in your diet? What if you could make perfectly cooked, fluffy rice without scorching or other common problems? The rice cooker is just the tool for you! These tools can be relatively well-priced, and you can get a lot of return on your investment.

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Silicone kitchen tools -

Silicone kitchen tools such as spatulas are excellent choices because they won't scratch your cookware and can be used in pans over high heat. The tools are also flexible, so scraping the sides of jars and bowls becomes possible.

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Box grater -

From zesting citrus to shredding cheese, the box grater is a necessity. Consider also purchasing a pull-out attachment drawer to catch the grated ingredients, making clean-up a breeze and keeping your workspace organized.

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Instant-read thermometer -

When cooking at home, it's important to cook different dishes at certain temperatures to ensure health and safety. Take the guesswork out and buy an instant-read thermometer that will give you quick and accurate temperature results.

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Baking sheets -

Baking sheets are worth spending a bit more money on. Avoid cheap baking sheets that warp when exposed to high temperatures. These sheets are great for baking things like cookies, and most fit easily into standard home ovens.

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Casserole dish -

Casserole dishes are durable and heavy-duty. They can help you master your lasagna recipe, macaroni and cheese, or even delicious enchiladas while making clean-up easy.

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Food storage containers -

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Mandoline slicer -

Uniformly slicing food can be challenging even for the most skilled of chefs. Uniform cuts are important to make food look more presentable, but also so they cook evenly. The mandoline slicer helps home chefs achieve the perfect slice.

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Spiralizer -

Spiralizers help create vegetable ribbons for stir-fry recipes, salads, and even for low-carb pastas. Looking for a healthier way to eat veggies? The spiralizer might be your answer.

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Butter bell -

This handy tool allows you to safely leave soft butter at room temperature, making it easier when it comes to spreading the butter. If shredding your toast with super cold butter starts your morning off on the wrong foot, look no further than the butter bell.

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Salad spinner -

These handy little tools help dry wet, freshly washed lettuce. The salad spinner keeps greens fresh and crisp, and the centrifugal force created by spinning pulls out dirt and hidden particles in the crevices of your lettuce and other leafy greens.

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Silicone baking mat -

Also known as a baking sheet, silicone pad, or pastry mat, this is one tool you can use to replace parchment paper and non-stick sprays in home baking projects. These environmentally friendly surfaces are also easy to clean up after.
Sources: (Food & Wine) (The Spruce Eats) (Ambitious Kitchen)
See also: The benefits of home cooking

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