Must-Have Kitchen Essentials

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Fridge Essentials

Mesh Bags - Great way to store fresh produce for a longer time. They are washable and reusable.

Shelf Liners - I love these Fridge Liners. They are non-slip and made of absorbent material. They are easy to clean and keep your fridge mess-free.

Storage Container - This one comes with 4 dividers and a clear lid. I keep ginger, fresh curry leaves, green chillies, and lemons in these small containers. Make them easily accessible.

Organizer Bins - These are a set of 8 clear bins that come in different sizes to suit your different storage needs. They are also freezer-friendly.

Turntable - This non-skid Lazy Susan is a great way to store sauces and other tall bottles.

Good-To-Have Kitchen Appliances

Mixer Grinder - This commercial-grade Mixer Grinder is perfect for all my blending and grinding needs. I have had it for a couple of years now and use it to make Idli Batter, Dosa Batter, Chutney, Purees, Pastes, Masala, Milkshakes, and Smoothies.

Air Fryer - The one I have is a countertop Toaster, Oven, and Air Fryer Combo. I prefer this over the regular air fryers because they're bigger. You can air fry your favorite vegetables and fruits in fewer batches. Check out all the Air Fryer recipes I have on the blog.

Stand Mixer – A must-have if you bake regularly. This appliance is great for kneading dough, whipping cream, and mixing cake or brownie batter. It saves so much time and effort when preparing large quantities. I use mine to make bread, cookies, and even pizza dough!

Instant Pot – This multi-cooker is a game-changer. It’s an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and steamer all in one. I use it for making lentils, soups, stews, rice dishes, and even yogurt! It drastically cuts down cooking time without compromising on flavor. Check out all the Instant Pot recipes I have on the blog.

Food Processor – A food processor is great for chopping, slicing, shredding, and grating. I use mine to quickly prep vegetables, knead dough, and make dips like hummus or pesto. It’s a versatile appliance for batch cooking or meal prepping.

Ice Cream Maker – Perfect for making homemade ice cream, sorbets, and frozen yogurts. I love experimenting with different flavors and vegan alternatives, and nothing beats the fresh taste of homemade ice cream! Check out all the Ice Cream recipes I have on the blog.

Blender – A high-powered blender is essential for smoothies, soups, and sauces. I use mine daily to make smoothies, blend soups, or make nut butter. It's also great for making silky smooth purees and sauces.

Rice Cooker – A rice cooker takes the guesswork out of cooking rice. I use mine for perfectly cooked rice every time, without having to watch over it. It’s also handy for making quinoa, couscous, and steamed vegetables. Check out all the Rice recipes I have on the blog.

Vegetable Chopper – This is the only chopper I have been using for years! It's so good that whoever visits me from India goes back home with this in their bag. It's not expensive, plus it's easy to clean, and store. It chops most of the vegetables efficiently, saving me tons of time in the kitchen especially when I am making a recipe like Indian Curry Pasta with lots of vegetables.

Immersion Blender – Also known as a hand blender, this tool is perfect for blending soups and sauces directly in the pot, without the need to transfer hot liquids to a blender. It’s also great for whipping up quick smoothies or salad dressings.

Electric Hand Mixer and Whisk – I use this for whipping cream, or mixing batter. It’s perfect for when you don’t want to pull out the stand mixer but need to quickly whip or whisk something. Compact and easy to store!

Griddle – This flat surface is perfect for making pancakes, dosas, rotis, or grilled sandwiches. I love using mine for weekend brunches and for making large batches of items that need an even surface for cooking.

Toaster – A classic toaster is always handy for making quick breakfasts. Whether it's toasting bread, and bagels, or even reheating waffles, a toaster is essential for crispy perfection.

Waffle Maker – I love making homemade waffles for breakfast or brunch. The one I have is non-stick and makes crispy waffles every time. It’s a fun way to mix up breakfast, especially with different toppings and batters.

Panini Press Maker – A panini press is perfect for making crispy, grilled sandwiches. I use mine for quick lunch sandwiches or for grilling veggies. It gives that perfect café-style toasted sandwich at home.

Pressure Cooker – Before the Instant Pot, this was a kitchen essential for making lentils, beans, and rice in Indian households. It's a classic appliance that cooks food fast and locks in flavor.

Idli Cooker - If you love South Indian food, an Idli Cooker is a must-have. This special steamer allows you to make perfectly soft and fluffy idlis right at home. I use mine regularly to prepare fresh idlis, which pair perfectly with chutneys and sambar. A great addition to any kitchen for healthy and light meals!

Indoor Grill - This indoor grill is perfect for grilling indoors without the hassle of outdoor cooking. I love using it for grilling veggies, tofu, paneer, and even sandwiches. It heats up quickly, cooks evenly, and gives food that delicious charred flavor, all while being compact and easy to clean. A great addition to any kitchen, especially when outdoor grilling isn’t an option! Check out all the Grill recipes I have on the blog.

Fondue Maker – Whether for cheese, chocolate, or broth, a fondue maker adds a fun, interactive element to entertaining. I use mine for parties or cozy nights with family, and it always makes for a great experience.

Soda Maker – I love making sparkling water or soda at home with this. It’s eco-friendly and saves you from buying bottled fizzy drinks. Plus, you can make your own custom soda flavor drinks and popsicles, making it a fun addition to the kitchen.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools

Hexclad Wok – This hybrid stainless steel and non-stick wok is a dream for stir-fries, curries, and sautéing. It provides the durability of stainless steel and the convenience of non-stick, making it an incredibly versatile tool in the kitchen. I love using mine for quick and even cooking!

Instant Pot Stackable Pans – These versatile stackable pans are perfect for making multiple dishes at once in your Instant Pot. I use them to steam veggies, cook rice, or make dal while using the other pan to cook a dessert or side dish simultaneously. They’re great for meal prep and ideal for saving time without mixing flavors, making your Instant Pot even more efficient!

Can Opener – A good, sturdy can opener is a kitchen essential. I use mine frequently for opening cans of beans, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Make sure to invest in one that is easy to grip and smooth to operate for quick and safe use.

Garlic Chopper – A small but mighty tool! This makes mincing garlic super easy and mess-free. It saves me so much time in meal prep when I need finely chopped garlic for making noodles, curries, marinades, or stir-fries.

Nut Chopper – I love this tool for quickly chopping almonds, walnuts, or cashews. It’s perfect for baking, salads, or adding a crunchy topping to desserts. It's much easier than using a knife, especially when you need small, even pieces.

Mandolin Slicer – For perfectly thin, uniform slices of vegetables and fruits, a mandolin slicer is unbeatable. I use mine to prep salads, make chips, Aloo Pakora, Bombay Sandwich, or create thin slices for gratins. It’s also great for slicing onions or zucchini evenly.

Le Creuset – An iconic piece in my kitchen! I use my Le Creuset Dutch oven for everything from soups to stews to baking bread. Its cast-iron construction distributes heat evenly and holds up over time. Plus, the vibrant colors make it a beautiful addition to the kitchen!

Dosa Tawa – This flat, heavy-bottomed pan is essential for making the perfect dosa. Its non-stick surface ensures that the dosa doesn’t stick and gets that crisp, golden texture. I like to keep my dosa tawa seperate and not use it to make flatbreads like chapatis and parathas.

Appe Pan – I use this pan to make crispy, delicious appe (paniyaram), which are small South Indian savory dumplings and Sabudana Wada. The pan has small wells that cook the batter evenly on all sides. It is a better option to deep frying as the food is cooked in less oil.

Our Place Pans – These multi-functional pans are a game-changer. They’re non-stick, easy to clean, and designed to replace multiple cookware pieces. I use mine for everything from sautéing veggies to boiling pasta, and I love that they come with a built-in spatula rest.

Knife Set – A high-quality knife set is one of the most important investments for any kitchen. I recommend a set with a chef’s knife, paring knife, and serrated knife for all your chopping, slicing, and dicing needs. A sharp knife makes food prep faster, safer, and more enjoyable.

Mortar Pestle – This traditional tool is perfect for grinding spices, making pastes, and crushing herbs. I use mine to make fresh Thecha, pestos, guacamole, crush garlic when making Garlic Bread, and spice blends. There's something very satisfying about using it over electric grinders for smaller quantities.

Chopping Board – A sturdy, non-slip chopping board is a must-have for safe and efficient cutting. I prefer a large wooden or bamboo board for its durability and easy maintenance. I use it for everything from prepping veggies to slicing fruits.

Dish Drying Rack – A compact yet effective dish drying rack is great for keeping your kitchen organized. It helps air-dry dishes quickly, reducing the need to towel dry.

Ice Cream Scoop – A good ice cream scoop with a comfortable grip makes serving desserts a breeze. I use mine not just for ice cream but also for scooping batter for Coconut Macaroons, Ladoos, muffins or cookie dough. A solid, heavy-duty scoop makes all the difference.