The Best Things for the Best Cook

A great cook isn’t just made in the kitchen — they are forged through passion, creativity, and, most importantly, the right tools and ingredients. Whether you're a professional chef or a passionate home cook, the quality of your tools and the freshness of your ingredients can elevate your food from good to unforgettable.

Here are the best things every top-tier cook should have in their culinary arsenal:

1. High-Quality Chef’s Knife

A sharp, well-balanced chef’s knife is the most important tool in any kitchen. It’s used for everything — chopping, dicing, slicing, mincing — and can make prep work faster, safer, and more precise.

Why it’s essential:

A good knife saves time and prevents injuries caused by dull blades.

Japanese brands like Shun or Global, and German classics like Wüsthof or Zwilling, offer excellent craftsmanship and durability.

Tip: Keep it sharpened and always wash it by hand.

2. Cast Iron Skillet

The cast iron skillet is the kitchen’s workhorse. It sears meat beautifully, holds heat evenly, and lasts a lifetime if cared for properly. You can use it on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over an open flame.

Why it’s essential:

Perfect for everything from crispy fried chicken to tender cornbread.

Adds depth and flavor to dishes thanks to seasoning built up over time.

Tip: Never soak it. Wipe and oil it after each use to keep it non-stick and rust-free.

3. Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Every great cook needs reliable, high-quality pots and pans. Stainless steel is non-reactive, distributes heat evenly, and doesn’t retain flavors.

Why it’s essential:

It handles high heat and is perfect for sautéing, boiling, and making sauces.

Look for brands like All-Clad or Cuisinart for performance and longevity.

Bonus: A large stockpot is a must-have for broths, soups, and pasta.

4. Digital Meat Thermometer

Even the best cooks can struggle with getting meat done just right. A digital thermometer ensures your meat is perfectly cooked — juicy, tender, and safe.

Why it’s essential:

Helps avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Perfect for steak, poultry, pork, and fish.

Tip: Use a thermometer with quick read times and preset temperatures for different meats.

5. Microplane or Zester

Flavor comes from the details. A microplane allows you to zest citrus fruits, grate hard cheeses like Parmesan, and even mince garlic or ginger with ease.

Why it’s essential:

It unlocks intense flavor from ingredients you might otherwise overlook.

Adds brightness and aroma to both sweet and savory dishes.

6. Fresh Herbs and Spices

No matter how advanced your techniques are, your food won't taste amazing without quality ingredients. Fresh herbs and freshly ground spices can transform an ordinary dish into a memorable one.

Why it’s essential:

Dried herbs lose potency quickly; fresh ones like basil, thyme, and cilantro offer vibrant flavor.

Grinding your own spices ensures full aromatic power.

Tip: Invest in a spice grinder and grow your own herb garden, even if it’s just on a windowsill.

7. Olive Oil & Specialty Vinegars

Every great cook knows that seasoning isn’t just about salt and pepper. Oils and acids are powerful tools for enhancing flavor.

Why it’s essential:

Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth.

Specialty vinegars (like balsamic, sherry, or rice vinegar) balance dishes and brighten flavors.

Tip: Store oils away from light and heat to preserve quality.

8. Sous Vide Machine

If precision cooking is your goal, a sous vide machine is a game-changer. It allows you to cook food in a water bath at a precisely controlled temperature, ensuring perfect doneness every time.

Why it’s essential:

Keeps meats juicy and tender without risk of overcooking.

Ideal for eggs, steaks, vegetables, and even desserts.

Bonus: Pair it with a vacuum sealer for the best results.

9. Mandoline Slicer

Uniform slicing not only looks better — it cooks more evenly, too. A mandoline allows you to get super-thin cuts for potatoes, vegetables, and fruits.

Why it’s essential:

Saves time and ensures perfect consistency.

Great for making chips, gratins, salads, or fancy garnishes.

Safety Tip: Always use the guard or a cut-resistant glove.

10. Stand Mixer

Baking is science, and a stand mixer takes the hard labor out of kneading dough, whipping cream, and mixing batters. It’s a cornerstone tool for cooks who also love baking.

Why it’s essential:

Handles dense doughs and large quantities with ease.

Attachments like pasta rollers or meat grinders expand its functionality.

Top Pick: The KitchenAid Artisan Series is a favorite among professionals.

11. High-Powered Blender

From creamy soups to silky sauces and smoothies, a powerful blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec can do it all. It also makes nut butters, dressings, and even hot soups.

Why it’s essential:

Texture is key in cooking, and a good blender ensures smooth, lump-free results.

Some models even heat food through friction alone.

12. Food Processor

This is a time-saving hero for chopping, shredding, slicing, and mixing. It’s ideal for making doughs, pestos, pie crusts, and more.

Why it’s essential:

Speeds up prep time dramatically.

Helps in achieving uniformity in texture and size.

13. Quality Sea Salt and Finishing Salts

The kind of salt you use can completely change the flavor of your dish. Table salt is fine, but a good cook explores a variety of salts — like flaky Maldon, pink Himalayan, or smoked salts.

Why it’s essential:

Finishing salts add texture and burst of flavor.

Salt draws out moisture, balances bitterness, and enhances sweetness.

Tip: Taste as you go. Layering salt gradually leads to better seasoning control.

14. Dutch Oven

A heavy, enameled Dutch oven is perfect for braising, baking bread, simmering stews, or roasting. It retains heat well and cooks evenly.

Why it’s essential:

Perfect for one-pot meals.

Can go from stovetop to oven with ease.

Top Brands: Le Creuset, Staub, or Lodge.

15. A Sense of Curiosity and Passion

The final — and most important — ingredient in any great kitchen is the cook themselves. The best cooks are constantly learning, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of flavor. They taste, adjust, improve, and make every meal with care and intention.

Why it’s essential:

No tool or ingredient can replace creativity, intuition, and love for the craft.

Passion is the true soul of great cooking.

Final Thoughts

The tools and ingredients listed above don’t just help you cook — they help you cook better. They save time, improve consistency, and expand your culinary possibilities. For the best cook, investing in these essentials is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.

Whether you're crafting a delicate risotto or searing the perfect steak, remember: great cooking is equal parts skill, soul, and setup. Equip yourself with the best, and your food will speak for itself.