There are several essential kitchen supplies every man needs in the kitchen.

More importantly, upgrading and maintaining your essential kitchen supplies is just as important as using fresh ingredients.

Knives, pots and pans, and a quality cutting board go without saying for any cook. However, there are a few other essential items that can make your time in the kitchen much more enjoyable.

Whether you just discovered a recipe that calls for a mandoline or you’re interested in upgrading your equipment, we’ve gathered nine essential kitchen supplies for your consideration.

1. Pots and Pans

You need pots and pans. That is, of course, unless you never intend to graduate from microwave cooking.  You don’t need a huge set with all different sizes and lids to match. None of that is going to make you a better chef. Instead, take the money you would spend on an entire set and invest in a high-quality stockpot, saucepan, and large frying pan. Look for those that are heavy with nonstick coating. 

2. A Set of Knives

In the kitchen, you are going to cut a lot. Meats, vegetables, sandwiches, etc. But you can’t effectively do any of this without a good set of knives. Don’t worry about getting a fancy knife block. Rather, invest that money in a couple of really good knives. Something built of quality that can last you for many years to come. And, while you are at it, learn how to sharpen them!

3. Cutlery

What happens when you take a Saturday afternoon to cook a delicious meal and then serve it with cutlery that can’t match the quality of the food? If you are trying to impress someone, this isn’t the way to do it. Instead, set the table with shiny cutlery that is deserving of the attention – and the food it is about to pick up. 

Whatever you do – please don’t buy that stuff with the plastic handles. Choose heavy, stainless steel cutlery. You don’t need any heavy details or etchings. Just plain, classic silverware. 

4. A Colander

Nobody ever thinks of a colander. You know you need a pot to boil noodles, for instance, but what about draining them? You don’t need anything fancy. As you begin your quest for the perfect colander, you are going to find that they have all sorts of them. Different sizes, different colors, different designs. Some are larger than others. Some even clip onto your pot. 

Get a plain colander. Something that will work for draining foods – and hold a good amount for those days you are feeding an army. And ditch the rest of the options. And one last note: you only need one. Seriously, when are you going to drain more than one thing at the same time? It’s not going to happen so don’t even waste your money. 

5. A Casserole Dish

Before you say you are not a casserole kinda guy, you may want to reconsider. It doesn’t have to be used just for casseroles – even though a quick search online may surprise you with some delicious recipes. But you can also use your casserole dish for things like stews, slow-cooking meats, and various hearty one-pot meals.

You may want to consider a durable, cast-iron dish. 

6. Chopping Board

You never want to chop anything directly on your countertop. This can either damage the counter or else leave/pick up germs. You need a cutting board. One nice chopping board – whether wood or plastic – should be fine. Though, some prefer to have at least two – one for produce and one for meats. It is totally up to you. 

Questioning which chopping board is most hygienic really doesn’t come with an answer as long as you clean each properly. 

7. A Mandoline

Mandolines can be so handy to have but often get overlooked. Sure, you could get a workout for your muscles by manually chopping vegetables (after all, you have the chopping board). But who wants to do that – especially when you have a meal to prepare? A mandoline will take away the DIY needs of cutting vegetables, but it also gives you neat ways of cutting, such as having Julienne carrots! It’s both convenient and fast. 

Choose a mandoline that is of good quality with a variety of chopping options. 

8. A Cheese Grater

Having your own cheese grater can come in handy. You can absolutely use it as intended – to shred a block of cheese. But graters can be used for other things, too, such as shredding carrots, flaking chocolate, prepping potatoes, or grating spices. 

Invest in a good quality grater that would look good on your table for those romantic, Italian dinner nights when you’d love to share some freshly-grated parmesan cheese. 

9. An Apron

Finally, a man in the kitchen needs to look good. And that means donning a sexy apron. Maybe it is just there to give you the chef vibes – and make it look like you know what you are doing. Or, maybe you just don’t want to get your clothes dirty so you can look stunning as you present the fruits of your labor. Whatever your reason, invest in an apron for yourself. Choose one that has a witty saying or perhaps one that just looks classy and stylish. Just make sure it is a quality apron – remember, it is supposed to stop the tomato sauce from going through. 

Well, there you have it. If you want to make magic in your kitchen, then this is what you need to do. Don’t overstock your kitchen with useless items. Instead, spend your money wisely on a few premium essentials that will work well and last you a long time.