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We Tested the 17 Best Cooking Utensils for a Fully-Stocked Kitchen

Cover all your bases with these essential tools

Best cooking utensils collaged against colorful purple background

The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

If you’re stocking a new kitchen or upgrading to better equipment, it’s wise to choose quality products that will do a good job and last a long time. If they look good while you’re using them, that’s an added bonus.

While not everyone cooks the same foods, and not everyone has the same cooking skills, there are some utensils that just about everyone needs in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for something that stirs, preps, measures or serves, there's a tool that's right for you. There are many great utensil sets that will give you what you need all in one kit. But if you prefer to find the best cooking utensils individually, we tested out some top-rated products for attributes like quality, value, ease of cleaning, and more.

Best Instant-Read Thermometer

Taylor Precision Products Thermocouple Thermometer

Taylor Precision Products Splash-Proof Dual Temperature Infrared Thermocouple Thermometer

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Accuracy
    5/5
  • Responsiveness
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Reads temperatures quickly

  • Infrared setting for surface temperature readings

  • Auto shut-off

  • Splash-resistant design

  • 5-inch probe

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like
  • Display isn't backlit

  • Display is upside down when fully extended

  • Pricey

This two-in-one thermometer measures internal temperatures with a probe and surface temperature using infrared. It can measure up to 626 degrees with the probe, so it can be used for baked goods, meat, or even melted sugar for candy making or simmering oil for frying. The infrared measures from -67 to 482 degrees, so you can check the temperature in your freezer and then check the pizza stone in your oven. During testing, we found that it gets a read on temperatures quickly, and although it's costly, it's worth the price due to its convenience and accuracy.

The hold setting lets you freeze the last temperature measured, so you can remove your hand from the heat and read the display in comfort, and the probe is 5 inches long, so you can reach the center of a roast or dip the probe into a pot. Meanwhile, the step-down tip makes a smaller puncture hole. This thermometer even has an automatic shut-off feature timed at 10 minutes to preserve its AAA batteries.

The only minor qualm we have with this product is that the display isn’t backlit, so if you’re grilling on a dark evening, you’ll have trouble reading the temperature. Also, when the probe is fully extended, the display will be upside down; Sticking it into the meat sideways will solve this problem.

Batteries: 2 AAA | Temperature Range: -67 to 626 degrees Fahrenheit | Dimensions: 6.37 x 1.5 x 1 inches

Best Can Opener

Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Can Opener

Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Can Opener

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Locks onto cans for cutting

  • Magnet can grab lids

  • Comfortable handle

What We Don't Like
  • Lid can fall into can

  • Magnet doesn't always reach cut lid

Everyone needs a can opener, because, let’s face it, there’s no other reasonable way to get cans opened in the kitchen. This manual can opener locks easily onto cans of all sizes and the smooth-turning stainless steel cutting mechanism makes fast work of that can of soup or tomato sauce. Plus, it won’t rust or corrode and can be used either right- or left-handed.

We found this can opener easy to hold onto, thanks to the soft-grip handle that's designed to be less tiring to hold. It also has a magnet that holds onto the lid and a lever that releases it easily for safe disposal, so you never need to touch it. This should not be immersed in water. Just wipe clean by hand.

Blade Material: Stainless steel | Grip Material: Nylon and POM | Dimensions: 3.15 x 2.24 x 7.08 inches

Best Baster

Tovolo Dripless Baster

Tovolo-dripless-baster

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Dripless

  • Angled baster

  • Cleaning brush included

What We Don't Like
  • No measurements on baster body

  • Can roll on counter

When you’re basting a turkey, it’s almost inevitable that the baster will either drip or squirt liquid where you don’t want it to go. This baster is designed to be dripless, so you can actually get the liquid onto the turkey instead of onto the floor or walls of the oven.

We not only used this tool to baste chicken, but also to fill cupcake tins, dispense pancake batter, remove excess grease from a pan of grilled beef, skim fat from the top of soup stock, drizzle caramel and chocolate, and more—all without drips, causing us to ask, "What sorcery is this?" The bulb of the baster even acts as a suction-style egg yolk separator.

Material: Plastic, silicone | Heat Resistance: 600 degrees Fahrenheit | Dimensions: 11.5 x 2.25 x 2.25 inches

Best Rubber Spatula

OXO Good Grips Spatula Set

OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Silicone Spatula Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Heat Resistance
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Sturdy but flexible tips

  • Dishwasher safe

  • Scratch- and heat-resistant

What We Don't Like
  • Lighter colors can stain

Three is better than one when it comes to something as useful as spatulas, and this set includes a trio you’ll reach for over and over. It includes a medium silicone spatula, a silicone spoon spatula, and a small silicone spatula. The medium spatula is designed for stirring, scraping bowls and pots, and pushing batter into the corners of bakeware (for something like fudge brownies). The spoon spatula has a shallow bowl that makes it perfect for scooping and transferring ingredients from bowl to pot, while it’s also great for stirring. The small spatula is surprisingly useful for stirring small amounts or scraping the last bits of mayonnaise from the jar.

This three-piece silicone spatula set is an upgrade from Oxo's previous models which had plastic handles and a silicone blade, making it easy for food residue to build up under the blade head. Each spatula in this updated set is made of one solid piece of silicone, so there are no hiding spots for food to get stuck or mold to grow. We found these spatulas great for scooping, scraping, spooning, and spreading with a variety of ingredients and recipes since they are comfortable to hold and use, resistant to heat, and easy to clean via machine or hand wash. They are also safe for all nonstick cookware and bakeware, and won’t discolor, warp, or melt.

Material: Nylon core, silicone | Handle Type: Straight | Sizes: 10 inches, 12 inches, 12.5 inches | Pieces in Set: 3

Best Peeler

Oxo Good Grips Pro Swivel Peeler

Oxo Good Grips Pro Swivel Peeler

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Blade is very sharp

  • Peels smoothly and easily

  • Non-slip, comfortable grip

  • Peels in both directions

What We Don't Like
  • Slightly pricier than competitors

This upgraded version of the classic Oxo peeler features a slightly better grip, sharper blade, and sturdier construction. The swivel blade moves at just the right angle to make quick work of peeling vegetables, which we confirmed after peeling tons of white potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, and tomatoes. We even zested limes, and in all, it cut easily and smoothly.

The handle was comfortable to hold—even after a long session with potatoes—and the blade cut flawlessly in both directions, making it perfect for both left- and right-handed users. It took an average of 30 seconds to peel an average-sized potato, and the metal eye at the top allows you to remove potato eyes without reaching for a knife. There's also a hole in the middle that can be used for hanging. As far as cleaning goes, this peeler can be washed by hand or thrown in the dishwasher.

Blade Material: Hardened stainless steel | Handle Material: Thermoplastic rubber | Dimensions: 10.4 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches

Oxo Good Grips Pro Swivel Peeler displayed on a wood cutting board on a kitchen counter

The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie

Best Wooden Spoon

Sabatier 14-inch Olivewood Slotted Spoon

Sabatier-14-inch-olivewood-slotted-spoon

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Deep bowl

  • Comfortable handle

  • Solid olive wood

What We Don't Like
  • Slots make it hard to serve certain foods

A solid wooden spoon is a must-have in the kitchen—and this one from Sabatier is one of our favorites. It's made of sturdy olive wood, which is known for its strength, durability, and swirling grain pattern. The rounded handle makes it comfortable to hold, and the rustic leather cord at the end makes it easy to hang up to dry or store.

We love the smooth finish and the overall look of this wooden spoon, from the tapered slots along the deep bowl to the natural aesthetic that's so characteristic of olive wood. Although it was a little messy while serving dishes with smaller components that slipped through the slots (think: pad thai), it was strong enough to stir thicker batters and doughs where other wooden spoons would've fallen short.

Material: Olivewood | Length: 13.5 inches | Spoon Head Width: 2.7 inches

Best Garlic Press

OXO Good Grips Garlic Press

OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Garlic Press

Courtesy of Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design/Comfort of Handle
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Large enough for multiple cloves

  • Reverse handle loosens peels from press

  • Classic soft, non-slip handles

What We Don't Like
  • Yield lower than expected

OXO believes in well-designed kitchen gear, creating products with the greatest possible utility. Probably its most famous design legacy has been the improvement of handles, resulting in tools that are easier to use for those with smaller hands or reduced grip strength. This garlic press presses all those buttons. It’s easy to use, with nicely grippy handles that help keep the whole thing from slipping out of your grasp when pressing cloves.

During testing, we found that pushing through a garlic clove took moderate pressure, but it didn’t leave the hand cramped afterward. This OXO press did leave quite a bit of garlic or skins in the press chamber, but that’s typical of most garlic presses and easily solved—just flip the handles in the opposite direction, and a built-in cleaner loosens the peels. Those peels can then be removed completely by gently knocking the press against a cutting board or prying them out with a small knife or toothpick. This press is dishwasher safe, and although some customers have reported that it can snap in half after long-term use, we had no such issues during the testing window.

Material: Zinc, plastic | Dimensions: 2 x 1 x 7 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Garlic next to a OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Garlic Press on a marble table

The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing

Best Grater

OXO Good Grips Multi-Grater

OXO Good Grips Multi-Grater

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    5/5
  • Design
    4/5
What We Like
  • Multiple grating positions and surfaces

  • Foldable for compact storage

  • Pressure-absorbing handles

What We Don't Like
  • Plastic may crack with excessive use

This grater from Oxo comes with two stainless steel grating surfaces, a pressure-absorbing, easy-to-grip handle, and non-slip feet. It can be used in two positions—anchored over a plate or perched over a bowl—and snapped open for easy cleaning (by hand or via dishwasher) or easier grating. Just slide it apart at the handle/hinge when it's in the closed position, and when you're done, fold it up again for compact storage.

We grated parmesan cheese both standing up and flat over a bowl and found it worked well both ways. Although the plastic may not last forever and the grating area was a bit smaller than some others, the low price point and versatility are totally worth these minor qualms. When tested with mozzarella, it worked well and didn't gum up as much as anticipated. Perhaps best of all, we could feel the easy-grip handle absorbing pressure. The non-slip feet were nice, too. Apart from cheese, this grater will stand up to vegetables, cold butter, hard-boiled eggs, and more.

Material: Plastic, stainless steel | Dimensions: 9.38 x 3.38 x 6 inches Grating Surfaces: 2 | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

OXO Good Grips Multi Grater displayed on a cutting board next to a wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano

The Spruce Eats / Prairie Rose Free

Best Soup Ladle

Rösle Stainless Steel Ladle

Sur La Table Rösle Stainless Steel Hooked Handle Ladle with Pouring Rim

Sur La Table

Our Ratings
  • Material
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Sturdy, balanced

  • Very attractive

  • Complements Staub, Le Creuset, other elegant brands

  • No dripping

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • On the heavy side

This durable stainless steel ladle has a long handle with a central groove for more comfortable and stable handling as well as a hooked end that can hang on the rim of a pot—to avoid the ladle sliding into your soup—or a kitchen rail for storage. The handle is angled, making it easier to balance the ladle while serving and pouring, and the bowl has a curved rim to facilitate drip-free pouring in any direction. This solid, single-piece tool is dishwasher safe and comes with a lifetime warranty. 

During testing, the ladle’s smooth surface was comfortable to hold even when repeatedly lifting scoops of soup filled to the brim. Waiting just a couple of seconds after lifting the ladle from a pot of stock was enough to prevent dripping and ensure the entire ladleful poured into a bowl without dripping. It felt balanced in hand when empty, and at almost 8 ounces, it felt sturdy, as well, but could become tiresome if you’re dishing out an entire pot of soup.

Overall, you can feel the quality in the weight of the Rösle ladle the moment you pick it up: It’s balanced, smooth, sturdy, and sparkling. The elegant ladle has a price tag to match, but it should outlast many other kitchen tools.

Material: Stainless steel | Length: 12.8 inches | Capacity: 5.4 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Rösle Stainless Steel Hooked Handle Ladle with Pouring Rim displayed on a white surface

The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing

Best Kitchen Shears

OXO Kitchen and Herb Scissors

OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors

Amazon

What We Like
  • Soft comfortable grip

  • Sharp, durable blade

  • Shears come apart for cleaning

What We Don't Like
  • Not as strong as poultry shears

Sure, you can use a pair of office scissors in the kitchen to open a bag of rice, but kitchen shears are specifically meant to be used for food. This pair features a micro-serrated blade that works on meat, vegetables, twine, and more. There's an herb stripper above the handles specially designed for removing the tough stems from herbs, and the handles are soft and cushioned for a comfortable grip. Plus, the blades separate to make cleaning easier. While they are dishwasher safe, it's best to wash these by hand.

Testing found that these shears were very effective for all kinds of cutting tasks. They glided through pizza, sliced up an entire chicken easily, and quickly snipped away at herbs. Additionally, we loved the overall design of these kitchen shears—the blades come apart for sharpening and they work well for left-handed use too.

Dimensions: 10.48 x 4.76 x 1.14 inches | Weight: 3.52 ounces

OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors displayed on a white surface

The Spruce Eats / Renu Dhar

Best Flipping Spatula

OXO Good Grips Large Silicone Flexible Turner

OXO Good Grips Large Silicone Flexible Turner

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Heat Resistance
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Non-slip grip

  • Safe for non-stick cookware

  • Big enough to lift pancakes without overhang

  • Won’t scratch cookware

What We Don't Like
  • A bit heavy

  • Plastic handle susceptible to melting

While all-metal turners are still being sold, flexible silicone turners are becoming more popular since they can be used in nonstick pans without worrying about scratching. This large turner can handle a big burger or pancake with ease and is flexible enough to sneak under cookies, even if they’re a little close together. The handle has the standard OXO soft grip that’s easy to hang onto.

We loved how the blade is wonderfully designed to be thin and flexible enough to reach under delicate items like eggs and pancakes but also plenty sturdy for transferring large batches of veggies. The 6 x 4-inch blade is the perfect size for fitting an impressive portion of food and transferring them easily.

Material: Silicone, thermoplastic rubber | Weight: 4.8 ounces | Dimensions: 3.75 x 3.5 x 12.75 inches

Best Tongs

OXO 9-Inch Tongs With Silicone Heads

OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs with Silicone Heads

Courtesy of Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Grabbing Performance
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
What We Like
  • Silicone head won't damage nonstick surfaces

  • Heat safe to 600 degrees

  • Non-slip handle

  • Ergonomic grip

What We Don't Like
  • May be slightly heavy for some

These tongs from Oxo are sturdy, so you can lift heavy food, such as a small chicken, without bending or warping. They are heat safe up to 600 degrees and have a nonslip handle and a comfortable thumb rest, so you won't be achy with prolonged use. A silicone head with a scalloped edge makes it easy to grab onto food firmly without scratching nonstick cookware and bakeware. They also lock closed for storage and are dishwasher safe.

We used these to grill steaks, pull noodles from boiling water, and pick up roasted vegetables from a baking tray. There were no major limitations, though we could see them being considered “heavy” if you’re cooking with them for an extended period—your hand might need a break after a while.

The angled head means that you don’t have to squeeze as hard to get a good grip on steaks or veggies as you move them from pan to plate, and the thumb rests are a nice touch, so the tongs sit just right in your hand. The scalloped edges assist in gripping, though the edges are a little thick to slide under certain items, but it’s nothing too noticeable. The silicone heads make it safe for use with nonstick pans and are easy to clean. A run through the dishwasher makes these tongs look just like new.

Length: 9 inches | Weight: 5.1 ounces | Material: Stainless steel, silicone | Heat-Safe Temperature: 600 degrees Fahrenheit | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs With Silicone Heads displayed on a grey surface

The Spruce Eats / Vicky Wasik

Best Measuring Spoon

U-Taste 18/8 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons

U-Taste 18/8 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Cleaning
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Wide range of measurements

  • Dishwasher safe

  • Measurements permanently stamped into handles

What We Don't Like
  • Can feel like carrying a heavy keychain

  • Not as comfortable to hold as others

If it’s your first set of measuring spoons, this one from U-Taste offers every possible measurement. With the smaller increments, this set of spoons can come in especially handy for cooks who cut recipes in half and need to be more exacting, whether because they are cutting recipes or just to be extra careful in baking and seasoning. It’s a delight to find the precision of the smaller measures where you otherwise might have to estimate, such as the 1/3 tablespoon.

These spoons are stainless steel and dishwasher safe. They can be kept together on their detachable ring, hung by the hole at the end of each handle, or nested for drawer storage. This set includes 1/16 teaspoon, 1/8 teaspoon, 1/4 teaspoon, 1/3 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 3/4 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 tablespoon, and 1 tablespoon. You might not think multiple measuring spoons or an extra set is worth it, but many cooks and bakers will tell you that for the little bit of space measuring spoons take up, it’s often handy to have extras, especially when you’re switching between dry and wet ingredients, where having extras saves washing and drying between uses.

Material: Stainless steel | Includes: 1/16 teaspoon, 1/8 teaspoon, 1/4 teaspoon, 1/3 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 3/4 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 tablespoon, and 1 tablespoon | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

U-Taste 18/8 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons displayed on a marble counter

The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman

Best Wet Measuring Cups

Oxo Good Grips 3-Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set

OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Cleaning
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Volume can be read from side or top of cup

  • Dishwasher safe

  • Non-slip handles

What We Don't Like
  • Measurement marking may fade with use

Especially in baking, exact measurements can be crucial, and careful bakers often use scales, but even for other cooking applications, it helps to get the measurement of ingredients right. The best measuring cups for dry ingredients are always those with a cup and long handle. With this set, you can read measurements from the side and top, so you don't have to bend down while measuring your ingredients on the countertop.

There are three sizes in this set (1 cup, 2 cups, and 4 cups), and they nest for storage. They’re marked with both standard and metric measures, and the non-slip handles are wonderful for when your hands get wet. These are safe for the dishwasher, though the top rack is recommended.

We used these cups to measure milk, stock, and tomato sauce, and noticed several standout features that make them easy, mess-free, and comfortable to use. Firstly, they have wide mouths, so they're easy to fill, and a tapered spout makes pouring entirely drip-free. There's also plenty of clearance between the filled capacity and brim of the cup, so it's easy to transfer liquids without worrying about any sloshing over the sides. The measurement markings on the interior of the cup helped get an exact pour without bending over to get on eye level with the liquid, and the handles are extra-grippy with a contour to place your thumb for extra comfort and support. The plastic felt thick and high-quality, erasing any concern about cracking or staining. While this set is infinitely practical, it isn't the most stylish we've used.

What's Included: 1 cup, 2 cups, and 4 cups | Material: BPA-free plastic | Uses: Wet ingredients | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Oxo Good Grips 3-Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set stacked one on top of the other on a marble counter

The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman

Best Whisk

Oxo Good Grips Balloon Whisk

Oxo Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.8/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.8/5
  • Performance
    4.8/5
  • Cleaning
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Non-slip, ergonomic handle

  • Strong wires

  • Dishwasher safe

  • Works well on thick and thin batters

What We Don't Like
  • Handle isn't heat safe

This 11-inch balloon whisk from Oxo has strong metal wires that hold up to thick batters, but are still flexible enough for whipping and fluffing. We loved the ergonomic handle that fit comfortably in even smaller hands. The lightweight design also allowed for vigorous whisking without hand fatigue.

When mixing a pumpkin pie batter, the wide body easily incorporated pumpkin, eggs, maple syrup, and spices, and the result came out smooth. We also appreciated the non-slip handle, which offered stability during mixing. After finishing the pie, a run through the dishwasher made it good as new after the cycle finished. Just note that the silicone handle isn't heat-safe and will melt if left resting on the edge of a hot pan.

Wire Material: Stainless steel | Grip Material: Thermoplastic rubber | Dimensions: 11 x 2 x 11 inches

Oxo Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk displayed on a marble counter

The Spruce Eats / Vicky Wasik

Best Pastry Brush

OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting and Pastry Brush

Amazon OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting and Pastry Brush

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Performance
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Angled head prevents dripping

  • Dishwasher safe

  • Bristles don't touch countertop when set down

What We Don't Like
  • Bristles may shed

A pastry brush is handy for brushing milk, egg wash, cream, or melted butter on the top of your pie crust, dinner rolls, or biscuits. Even if you’re not baking from scratch, that extra touch makes a difference in presentation, and it’s simple to do. You can also use the brush to remove extra flour from dough or brush crumbs from a cake. The unique bristle design won’t clump and the gaps in the center hold onto liquids better, so you won’t need to dip as often when you’re brushing on that butter.

Made from silicone, the bristles won’t discolor or retain odors, and the tapered outer bristles won’t damage delicate pastries. During testing, we found that this silicone construction did not retain liquid as well as boar bristle did. However, OXO designed this brush with a row of flat bristles with holes in it, which definitely helped hold liquid better. Additionally, since this is heat resistant to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, you don’t need to worry about brushing coatings onto a hot pan or using hot liquids for basting. When you’re done with that pie, you can even use this for brushing barbecue sauce onto your chicken wings.

Handle: Plastic | Bristles: Natural boar hair | Size: 1.5 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting and Pastry Brush displayed on a marble counter

The Spruce Eats / Alec Joseph Bates

Best Dry Measuring Cups

Bellemain 6-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set

Bellemain Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set, 6 Piece

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Cleaning
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Attractive brushed interior, shiny exterior

  • Durable

  • Nests for compact storage

  • Wide variety of measurements

What We Don't Like
  • Not ergonomic

  • Measurement markings can be difficult to read

This six-piece stainless steel measuring cup set is a great addition to any kitchen because it offers the most common measures—1/4, 1/3, 1/2, and 1 cup—as well as two sizes that aren’t always included in basic sets: a 2/3-cup measure and a 3/4-cup measure. They feature metric and U.S. sizes etched on the handles, which makes it easy to grab the right one no matter what recipe you're whipping up. The measurement markings may be slightly difficult for some to read, though, due to the shiny stainless steel exterior.

We used these to measure flour, sugar, and shredded coconut for a cookie recipe. The cups have somewhat short handles, which may be a little uncomfortable for larger hands or individuals with arthritis to grip, but we didn't have any trouble with the size. However, the rectangular shape of the handle is a little awkward to grip, and we wished the handles were a bit more ergonomically designed for comfort.

Each cup is made from durable, 18/8 stainless steel that looks sleek, nests easily for storage (we fit them in a shallow kitchen drawer with no problem), and has a flat bottom, so they sit upright without tipping. The set features smooth edges and no welds, so you don't have to worry about anything sharp. Plus, they're dishwasher safe and attractive to boot.

Includes: 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, 2/3 cup, 3/4 cup, 1 cup

Bellemain 6-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set displayed on a marble counter

The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman

Final Verdict

If you're stocking a new kitchen, cooking utensils like the Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Can Opener, the OXO 9-Inch Tongs, and the Sabatier Olivewood Slotted Spoon are great places to start. Once you've covered the essentials, consider adding some upgraded options like the Taylor Precision Products Food Thermometer or the Rösle Stainless Steel Hooked Handle Ladle.

How We Tested

We researched the best brands of cooking utensils and sent them to our expert testers to use in their own kitchens, as well as our dedicated food testing lab. Each product was rated on features like material quality, ease of use, ease of cleaning, value, size, and overall performance.

What to Look for in Cooking Utensils

Versatility

Before buying a new kitchen utensil, it’s worth asking yourself how often you will use it. Is it a tool you’ll reach for every time you cook, or will you pull it out once in a blue moon? Can you use it for multiple kitchen tasks, or can it only help you with one specific thing? Do you already own something that can do its job? Does it require plenty of storage space? And if it does, is it worth it? You can shop for days on end for new kitchen utensils, but it’s important to select the ones you’ll really use.

Design

Something you may want to consider before buying a new kitchen utensil is how it looks. If you’re outfitting a new kitchen, maybe aesthetic and overall design is important to you—especially for items like whisks, spatulas, ladles, and tongs that live on the counter. You want to make sure they’re visually appealing. Also, you might want to consider buying utensils that are all made out of the same material for a cohesive look. For example, if your ladle is made of metal, maybe your spoons and pasta forks are, too. Of course, this will not affect the performance of your utensils; it’s simply for looks.

OXO Good Grips Silicone Spatula Set on wooden surface

 The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie

Materials

Kitchen utensils are available in a range of materials, such as stainless steel, wood, and silicone. Keep in mind that if you’ve got nonstick pots and pans, silicone is ideal because it will not scratch the surface. Silicone is a great option if you want to introduce a little bit of color to your kitchen, as well. It’s forgiving, soft, and flexible. Stainless steel is arguably the most common material because it offers durability and a clean finish, but wooden utensils won’t scratch your nonstick pots and pans. Wood is also a durable material, but it can be subjected to stains and warping. Do not use wood around raw poultry, fish, and meat.

Maintenance

Generally speaking, maintaining your everyday cooking utensils does not need to be a huge undertaking. Of course, it’s always helpful to make sure they’re stored in an organized drawer or cupboard, so they’re easy to find and not subject to daily wear and tear. After using, they should be thoroughly scrubbed with hot, soapy water. For cooking tools like spatulas, tongs, and whisks, it’s a good idea to keep those in a large jar that is not in the way of your stove. These tools should last a long time if they are well cared for, properly stored, and frequently cleaned.

Accessories

In order to keep track of your utensils in an efficient and user-friendly way, a utensil organizer is a great idea. Find one that will fit into your utensil drawer, so that you can organize all of your prepping and cooking utensils. It’s not a bad idea to clear these out every six months or so and clean them—they can acquire dirt and dust. Countertop ceramic utensil holders are also great for cooking utensils, so you can easily grab a whisk or spatula while you’re in the middle of cooking.

FAQs

How do instant-read thermometers work?

There a several different kinds of sensors used in instant-read thermometers, but they all produce the same end result. Their behaviors are interpreted by a microchip in the thermometer that converts the degree of reaction of the sensor(s) to a digital readout that shows the temperature in numbers, Fahrenheit and/or centigrade. They are “instant” because while a liquid thermometer might take many seconds or even minutes to reach a correct reading, the metal sensors in an instant-read thermometer react in seconds. 

How can you test an instant-read thermometer?

It’s a good idea to test your instant-read thermometer occasionally, especially because we often rely on these to test the internal temperatures of meats. The cold test is pretty easy: Fill a large drinking glass with full-size (not crushed) ice cubes and top it off with water. Swirl it around enough so that the cubes are loose, and give the water a minute or so to chill. Insert your instant-read thermometer into the center of the glass and keep it moving. Iced water should read 32 degrees Fahrenheit. 

What is the difference between wet and dry measuring cups?

An 8-ounce cup of liquid at room temperature is just that: 8 fluid ounces. It weighs 8 ounces, and that liquid will take up the same amount of space. In a liquid measuring cup, you can look at the markings along the side and see that the meniscus of exactly 8 ounces of liquid will fall on the line marking that measurement: 1 cup.

A single 1-cup scoop of flour, on the other hand, could weigh more or less than 8 ounces, depending on how much it has been tapped down, how tightly it’s packed, and even the type of flour you're using. This is why so many careful bakers and cooks will use a kitchen scale and follow recipes where weights are used for dry measure. In everyday use, where cooking can be more improvisational and inexact, a cup of, say, oatmeal or rice, can be measured perfectly well in a dry measuring cup.

How do you sharpen a vegetable peeler?

It's not always worth trying to sharpen a vegetable peeler, but there are things you can do if yours seems dull. First, check your peeling style. Most vegetable peelers are meant to be used with a fairly gentle touch, yet we often think we should really work at pushing them against the veggie. They’re not meant to slice or gouge, but to glide, almost like a razor, and take off skin or slices in a very thin layer. So, if your peeler seems dull, back off a bit and see if it suddenly seems “sharper.” 

That said, the blades of a peeler do get dull over time, and if yours has, look to see if the peeler you have is designed with that two-sided central blade. Next, look to see if there’s a way to carefully pop the blade out at the ends and reverse it. Because most of us tend to peel either right- or left-handed, and we don’t usually switch, by flipping the blade, you’re using a fresh edge. It’s a nice perk that some better peelers even come with blades that can be replaced. Sometimes, it's just better to buy a new peeler altogether.

What are kitchen shears used for?

In a word: everything. Having a pair of kitchen shears handy solves too many problems to list. Cutting open a bag of chips straight across the top instead of puling it apart can prevent a chip explosion or that annoying bag that rips in half lengthwise. They can be used to snip things you might otherwise slice: raw bacon into smaller pieces, chicken breast into chunks of chicken, herbs, an unbaked pizza or pie crust, rubber bands from bundles of veggies, cooking twine, and even smaller bones and joints (though this requires special skill and care). Some styles of kitchen shears have a notch at the base between the blades that give them greater leverage for such tasks.

How do you clean a greasy pastry brush?

No matter what a pastry brush is made of, a first best step to keeping it clean is to rinse it under hot water as soon as you’re finished brushing. Then, when it’s time to really clean up, if it’s a silicone brush, it can go straight into the dishwasher for routine cleaning. 

If it’s got natural bristles and/or a wooden handle, don’t risk the dishwasher. Instead, get a shallow dish and fill it about halfway with warm water and good dish soap. Submerge the pastry brush and let it sit for a few minutes. Then with soapy hands, rinse it under warm water, working your fingers through the bristles, separating and rolling them around. Soap your fingers some more if the bristles still feel oily. Rinse thoroughly and then squeeze the brush and handle dry in a clean dishtowel. If your kitchen is warm and airy, you can upend the brush in a glass, handle down, and let it dry there. Never put any pastry brush away in a drawer if it is anything but fully dry or you risk the growth of mold or bacteria.

What is a balloon whisk used for?

Though people will argue that whisks in other shapes—ball style, French, flat, etc.—are necessary, most cooks will tell you that if you’re going to make space for just one whisk, it should be a balloon whisk. A balloon whisk can do most any hand mixing task well, from breaking eggs into the delicate threads you want for scrambling to whipping the daylights out of rich, heavy cream to properly mixing up a thick cake batter. It does what a spoon simply can’t do because each pass, each whip, pushes multiple tines through whatever you’re mixing in a way that the single blade of a spoon or spatula just can’t. Spoons and spatulas are for turning and folding. For mixing, turn to a whisk.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Donna Currie specializes in product reviews and recipes. She's tinkered with everything from garlic presses to food processors, always looking for the best of the best even before she started writing about food. Her love of gadgets and cooking led to a recipe blog and a cookbook, "Make Ahead Bread."

This roundup was updated by Sara Tane, a food writer and private chef with a degree in Culinary Arts from Institute of Culinary Education. Sara has written for Cooking Light, MyRecipes, Saveur, The Kitchn, and Good Housekeeping.

Catherine Russell, who also updated this roundup, is a freelance writer specializing in food, culture, tourism, home and garden, business, and the arts. Her work has appeared in national and online publications, such as Bon Appetit, Saveur, and Simply Recipes.

Additional reporting by Catherine Russell,
Sara Tane,
Sara Tane
Sara Tane is a food writer and private chef. She has a degree in culinary arts from Institute of Culinary Education and covers food for The Spruce Eats.
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Taylor Rock,
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Taylor is an editor on the commerce team, where she creates and edits copy for The Spruce Eats. She joined Dotdash Meredith in November 2020, but her admiration for food and drink is lifelong.
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Allison Wignall
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Allison Wignall is a staff writer for The Spruce Eats who focuses on product reviews. She has also contributed to publications such as Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living.

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