7 Kitchen Essentials Every Cook Needs, According to Ina Garten

While Ina also uses standard measuring cups and spoons, she knows that the most accurate method for measuring ingredients—especially when baking—is by weight. Bonus points for less cleanup.

If you’re like Ina, you’re roasting chickens on the reg. But how can you get a golden skin and moist interior if your oven runs 20 degrees too warm? This thermometer will give an accurate reading, every time.

It’s not just for chopping vegetables. Ina also grates her own cheese and whips up pie crusts in this workhorse.

Are you surprised that the kitchen queen recommends this classic investment piece?

As Ina puts it, "good knives" are essential to executing any recipe. While they’re certainly more expensive, they’ll also last you forever.

It makes sense that Ina favors these sturdy mixing bowls: They’re dishwasher-safe, nest inside each other for easy storage and won’t shatter if you accidentally drop one from your countertop (it happens).

A blender might not seem like a must-have, but it’s not just for smoothies. We promise it will come in handy when soup season rolls around.

Buy it ($216)