If the kitchen is the heart of the home, a space where memories are made and culinary creations come to life, then it stands to reason that investing wisely in your cookware is a smart move. It can significantly enhance your cooking experience and elevate your meals.
While Instagram-worthy and budget-friendly options may seem appealing, investing in high-quality cookware offers numerous long-term benefits.
Durability. High-quality cookware is built to last. Unlike budget-friendly options that may warp, rust or lose their non-stick coating, well-made pieces can withstand years of regular use. This translates into long-term savings and reduces the need for frequent replacements.
Healthier Cooking. Many budget-friendly options contain harmful chemicals like PFOA and PTFE. By opting for non-toxic materials like ceramic or stainless steel, you ensure you're cooking healthy meals for yourself and your family.
Improved Cooking Performance. High-quality cookware heats evenly and efficiently, allowing for better control and more consistent results. This translates to tastier meals and a more enjoyable cooking experience. Evenly distributed heat allows you to sear a steak to perfection, sauté vegetables without burning them and simmer sauces to the ideal consistency.
Enhanced Culinary Skills. Cooking with high-quality tools can inspire creativity and elevate your skills. The responsiveness of a well-crafted pan or professional chef’s knife encourages experimentation and refines your techniques.
When deciding where to start when investing in your kitchen cookware, there are a few essentials that are not to be missed.
First, pick up a set of stainless steel pots and pans that include a variety of sizes and shapes (with lids!) to suit your cooking needs.
Then, consider purchasing a high-quality Dutch oven. This versatile workhorse can be used for braising, stewing, roasting and even making bread. With beautiful and brightly hued options, it can add a splash of color to your kitchen.
Next, look at picking up a cast iron skillet—it’s a classic for a reason. Cast iron skillets are incredible durable when cared-for properly, and can be used for searing steaks, baking cornbread and even making delicious desserts.
You can’t go wrong investing in an excellent set of knives. Not only do quality, sharp knives make cooking safer and more efficient, they can also make the process of prepping more enjoyable. Just make sure to keep them in good working order.
Wooden utensils and cutting boards are non-toxic and beautiful pieces to add to your kitchen. Butcher block cutting boards safeguard knives and provide a stable surface for chopping and slicing, while wooden utensils will protect pots and pans. Be sure to use a food-grade mineral oil regularly to keep wood pieces looking their best and performing at their peak.
When investing in cookware, consider heritage brands like Le Creuset, All-Clad and Staub. They are known for their exceptional quality, craftsmanship and durability.
Investing in quality cookware is an investment in yourself, your family and your overall enjoyment of cooking. By choosing long-lasting, high-performing pieces, you'll be creating a kitchen that sparks culinary creativity with products that can last a lifetime.
Our favorites for purchasing investment cooking essentials and kitchenware
Made In
Chef-designed cookware crafted in the U.S. and Europe.
MadeInCookware.com
Le Creuset
Legendary colorful enameled cast iron cookware and bakeware.
LeCreuset.com
All-Clad
A go-to for stainless steel kitchen essentials.
All-Clad.com
Caraway
Safer-for-you nonstick cookware.
CarawayHome.com
Vitamix
The classic investment mixer.
Vitamix.com
John Boos
One of the country’s oldest hardwood butcher boards manufacturers.
JohnBoos.com
Staub
Heirloom quality French cast iron cookware and ceramic bakeware.
Staub.com
Breville
An Australian brand of high-end kitchen and cooking appliances.
Breville.com