18 Essential Kitchen Tools for Weeknight Cooking

Most weeknights, you need simple, straightforward meals that don’t take long to make or clean up. Efficiency is what’s on the menu, and you deserve a toolkit of well-designed basics that help you speed through the cooking process. Think: the knife that’s up for any task, the peeler that precisely strips off skins, the turner that flips eggs fast.

Stock up on these OXO kitchen essentials, and rest easy knowing that you’ll have what you need to make most meals. Fast, efficient weeknight cooking, here you come.

Reliable, Easy to Use Utensils

• Chef’s Knife. This kitchen workhorse can slice, dice, trim, and chop, which makes it an ideal base for any starter knife collection. The Santoku-style version has grooved dimples along the blade, and air pockets that help prevent food from sticking to the metal.
• Can Opener. That tiny jar of tomato paste? The can of chickpeas? You need a can opener you can rely on. Cut easily through lids with the sharp, stainless steel cutting wheel and oversized knob of OXO’s Soft-Handled Can Opener. Bonus: It has a built-in bottle opener.
• Peeler. Prep produce for salads, smoothies, roasting, snacking, and more. This peeler is non-slip, rust-proof, and swivels to comfortably follow the shape of fruits and veggies.
• Turner. OXO’s Silicone Flexible Turner has multiple superpowers: Its silicone outer layer is durable and won’t scratch or otherwise damage a pan’s non-stick finish. The thin, flexible shape slides easily under whatever’s cooking.
• Whisk. A comfortable whisk takes you from scrambling eggs to whipping cream with nary a cramped hand or forearm. OXO’s whisk has a teardrop-shaped, non-slip handle that nestles gracefully into the palm of your hand.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons. A dash of this or a pinch of that can work sometimes, but when you need exact proportions, OXO’s measuring cups and spoons belong in your pantry. They stick together with a magnet and are simple to store.
• Big and Small Tongs. Toss noodles, turn bacon, mix salads, and more with these 9-inch large tongs. And mini tongs are just right for serving and getting those last pickles out of the jar. Both lock in place for simple storage.
• A Slotted Spoon and a Solid Spoon. Is the fusilli done? This nylon slotted spoon will help you check; it’s high heat resistant and non-stick friendly. For mixing, a solid spoon is your friend. This stainless steel spoon stirs as well as it scoops, and also looks lovely on serving duty. 
• Fish Turner. A fish turner’s super-slim profile lets it slip underneath salmon fillets and other delicate foods to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
• Scissors. A good pair of scissors is a kitchen must; they’re crucial for opening packages, cutting meat, snipping herbs, and more. OXO’s Kitchen and Herb Scissors include an herb stripper, just right for removing leaves of thyme, rosemary and more off their hardy stems.

Versatile Pots and Pans

• Non-Stick Skillet. A valuable asset to your kitchen collection, non-stick pans let you make omelettes, burgers, rice dishes, and more without worry. OXO’s Trident Hybrid series pairs stainless steel with a ceramic non-stick coating that is scratch resistant and oven, broiler, and dishwasher safe.
• Sheet Pan. There are so many ways to use a sheet pan: roast vegetables, bake cookies, broil meats and fish, and slide it under other dishes to catch drips (and keep your oven clean). If it’s time to replace yours (and let’s be honest, it probably is), the sturdy design of OXO’s Non-Stick Pro Ceramic Sheet Pan resists warping and has a rolled edge that’s easy to grab.

Tools for Super Quick Prep

• Salad Spinner. Clean and dry greens in no time, thanks to the one-handed pump atop OXO’s Glass Salad Spinner. Remove the colander and the glass bowl makes an elegant serving dish.
• Colander. This one’s a must for draining pasta and other cooked foods, as well as rinsing rice, beans, and more. OXO’s Collapsible Colander is ideal if you’re short on storage space.
• Non-Slip Cutting Board. There are several reasons to love OXO’s Cutting Board: a groove around the edge catches juices, its sturdy plastic doesn’t absorb odors, and the non-slip feet keep the board securely in place on your countertop.
• Mixing Bowls. This OXO 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set includes nesting bowls in 1.5-, 3-, and 5-quart sizes and are as pretty on the dining table as they are in the kitchen. All have nonslip bases and are dishwasher safe.
• Instant Read Thermometer. When you like your steak medium rare, it’s nice to know when it is, in fact, medium rare. OXO’s Thermocouple Thermometer delivers accurate readings in two to three seconds.
• A Zester. A zester seems a little fancy, but is, in fact, a sturdy staple. Why? Because of its flexibility. Use it to grate parmesan cheese, garlic, ginger, and, yes, zest your citrus—all elements that add satisfying (and fuss-free) depth of flavor to your dish in no time. 

Dinner duty is much more friendly with these everyday cooking tools on hand. Get a jump start on the basics with OXO’s 20-Piece Everyday Kitchen Set, and check out these ideas for speedy, plan-ahead weeknight menus.