Kitchen Gear That’s Worth The Splurge

Kitchen Gear That’s Worth the Splurge

Feeding three hardworking farm boys and a hungry husband means I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. A LOT.

Between preparing meals for our family, cooking from scratch, and preserving as much homegrown food as possible, our kitchen equipment gets a serious workout.

Over the years, I’ve learned that some kitchen tools are absolutely worth paying a little more for. I’ve also learned this lesson the hard way, after replacing cheaper appliances that simply couldn’t keep up with the demands of our kitchen.

Of course, not every expensive kitchen gadget is worth the money! But when you find a quality tool that makes cooking easier, saves time, and holds up to years of regular use, it can be worth every penny.

In fact, several of the tools on this list have served our family for more than a decade.

With Christmas approaching, I’ve rounded up my favorite kitchen gear worth the splurge. Whether you’re shopping for someone who loves to cook, looking for a meaningful gift for a serious home chef, or finally ready to invest in an upgrade for your own kitchen, these are the tools I genuinely love and recommend.

From beautiful cookware and everyday appliances to equipment for preserving food, every item on this list has earned its place in my hardworking kitchen.

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1. Professional-Quality Kitchen Knives

My Wüsthof knives are extra special to me because they were a Christmas gift from my husband.

When we got married, we received an inexpensive knife set as a wedding gift. I used those knives for almost 20 years! They got the job done, but eventually we decided it was time for an upgrade.

I still remember the date night when Greg and I visited a Williams Sonoma store to explore our options and choose a new set. After so many years of using those old knives, the difference was amazing.

And several years later, I’m still enjoying that upgrade!

When you cook from scratch regularly, you spend a tremendous amount of time chopping, slicing, and dicing. Having sharp, high-quality knives makes those everyday tasks so much easier.

My Wüsthof knives work significantly better than the cheaper knives I used for nearly two decades, and I expect them to serve our family for many years to come.

This would be a particularly meaningful Christmas gift for someone who loves cooking but has never invested in really good knives.

My recommendation: Wüsthof Kitchen Knives

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2. High-Speed Blender

This is one of my favorite examples of why investing in quality kitchen equipment can actually save money in the long run.

Before purchasing our Vitamix, we burned through several less expensive blenders.

Eventually, we decided we needed something that could stand up to the demands of our kitchen, so we invested in a Vitamix.

That was at least ten years ago, and it’s still going strong!

We use it for all sorts of things: smoothies, homemade popsicles, applesauce, spice blends, and plenty of other recipes.

I also love using a powerful blender to grind dehydrated ingredients into homemade powders. My beloved tomato powder is one of my favorite examples.

If you’re regularly blending thick mixtures, processing dried foods, or preparing homemade staples, a high-speed blender can make a noticeable difference.

And after our experience with multiple cheaper models, I can confidently say that our Vitamix has been worth the investment.

My recommendation: Vitamix High-Speed Blender

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3. High-Quality Waffle Maker

Some kitchen tools are simply a joy to use, and my Breville waffle maker is definitely one of them. It’s sturdy, well-made, and makes cooking homemade waffles so easy.

This appliance also brings back lots of wonderful memories of my eldest son on breakfast duty, whipping up huge batches of waffles for our family.

For years, we frequently made big batches of our favorite Paleo waffles and froze the extras, especially when preparing for family trips. Having homemade waffles ready to go made breakfast so much easier when we were away from home.

I love that this waffle maker makes the job feel effortless. It’s substantial, easy to operate, and a pleasure to use.

If you’re shopping for a family who enjoys homemade breakfasts, this would make a wonderful Christmas gift.

My recommendation: Breville Smart Waffle Maker

You can also read my tips for freezing homemade waffle batter.

A note about materials: This waffle maker does have a nonstick cooking surface. While I generally prefer cookware without synthetic nonstick coatings, I’m recommending this particular appliance because of its performance and ease of use.

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4. Large-Capacity Food Processor

If you prepare a lot of food from scratch, a good food processor can save an enormous amount of time.

I use my 16-cup model for chopping vegetables, shredding cheese, shredding zucchini, and making everything from fresh basil pesto to grain-free brownies to paleo chocolate pudding.

I’ve been using mine to prepare our garden roasted chili starter, a recipe I hope to share soon. When you’re working with large quantities of vegetables, having a machine that can handle generous batches makes a big difference.

And then there’s the everyday business of feeding three teenage boys! I love being able to prepare double batches and larger quantities of food without constantly stopping to empty the bowl.

If you cook for a big family, enjoy making homemade staples, or preserve lots of produce, I highly recommend investing in a large-capacity food processor.

My recommendation: Breville 16-Cup Food Processor

Note: I own a Cuisinart 16-cup food processor, but if I had to choose again, I’d go with Breville.

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5. Immersion Blender

My Breville immersion blender is one of the most versatile tools in my kitchen.

I originally invested in this particular model because I wanted something sturdy, reliable, and built to last. I also needed an immersion blender that could safely handle hot mixtures, since one of my favorite uses is blending soups directly in the pot.

After years of regular use, it has certainly lived up to my expectations!

I also use it several times each month to make our own homemade mayonnaise.

And while the quality and performance were my main reasons for choosing this model, the attachments have turned out to be a fantastic bonus. I use them regularly!

The small chopping and grinding attachment is perfect for preparing homemade spice blends, including my Italian seasoning, homemade ranch mix, and homemade celery salt. It also comes in handy for grinding small batches of dried ingredients, including homemade tomato powder.

And I love the whisk attachment for making whipped cream!

For me, the long-lasting quality, reliable performance, and ability to handle hot soups are what make this immersion blender worth the splurge. The useful attachments make it even better.

My recommendation: Breville Immersion Blender

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6. Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

My beautiful 9-quart Staub Dutch oven is one of my absolute favorite pieces of cookware. I reach for it constantly when making homemade soups, chili, and big-batch meals to feed a crowd, like my Chipotle Beef with Cauliflower Rice.

But here’s something else I love about this pot: it’s beautiful! 

I actually leave it sitting on my stovetop most of the time. It’s such a lovely piece of cookware that simply having it in my kitchen makes me happy. And I think there’s something to be said for investing in tools that make everyday responsibilities more enjoyable.

It’s definitely an investment, but a quality Dutch oven is something a serious home cook can enjoy for many years.

My recommendation: Staub Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

For more about why I love this type of cookware, see my Top 3 Nontoxic Cookware Options.

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7. Cast Iron Cookware Collection

If I had to choose one type of cookware I couldn’t live without, it would probably be cast iron.

Over the years, I’ve built a collection of eight Lodge cast iron pieces: two large skillets, three medium skillets, one large Dutch oven, and two smaller Dutch ovens. And I use every single one!

We regularly use our skillets for browning meat, cooking vegetables, and making eggs. In fact, it’s not unusual for us to have four or five cast iron skillets going at once to prepare a single meal. 

Having options makes such a difference! The large Dutch oven is wonderful for big batches of chili and other hearty meals, while my two small, 2-quart Dutch ovens are perfect for baking half-loaves of sourdough bread.

I love cast iron because it’s incredibly sturdy, versatile, and free of synthetic nonstick coatings. With proper care, these pieces can serve your family for generations.

You certainly don’t need to buy an entire collection at once. A good skillet makes a wonderful gift, and additional pieces can be added over time.

My favorite cast iron pieces:

• 10-inch Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
• 12-inch Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
• Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven
• 2-Quart Lodge Dutch Oven for Sourdough

If you’re new to cast iron, don’t miss my tips for keeping food from sticking to cast iron.

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8. High-Quality Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel cookware is another staple in my kitchen, especially for anyone interested in moving away from conventional nonstick coatings.

My original stainless steel cookware set has been with me for years. It’s definitely showing its age, but it still works well, and I continue to use it every day.

That’s one reason I’m such a fan of investing in high-quality cookware. A good stainless steel pot or pan can keep working long after cheaper options have worn out.

More recently, I’ve started adding pieces from 360 Cookware to my collection, and I’m impressed. The pieces are incredibly sturdy and substantial, with a beautiful finish. They feel like cookware that’s meant to last.

My favorites include an 8-quart stockpot and a 3.5-quart sauté pan with short side handles. Both are useful sizes for preparing family meals and larger batches of food.

If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, I would much rather invest in a few excellent pieces than replace an inexpensive set every few years.

My favorite stainless steel cookware:

• 360 Cookware 8-Quart Stockpot
• 360 Cookware 3.5-Quart Sauté Pan

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9. Stainless Steel Slow Cooker

A slow cooker is such a convenient appliance, but finding one that meets my standards for nontoxic cookware took some research. That’s why I love my stainless steel slow cooker from 360 Cookware.

Unlike many conventional slow cookers, this one uses an uncoated stainless steel cooking pot. It’s a wonderful option for anyone who wants the convenience of slow cooking while being particular about the materials that come into contact with their food.

I love using my slow cooker for everything from beef roasts and chicken to hearty stews and homemade bone broth.

This is definitely an appliance that makes a wonderful holiday gift!

My recommendation: 360 Cookware Stainless Steel Slow Cooker

I’ve shared much more about this appliance in my detailed review: My Favorite Nontoxic Slow Cooker.

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10. Stainless Steel Bakeware

If you’re working toward a lower-tox kitchen, don’t overlook your bakeware!

Many baking pans come with nonstick coatings, so I’ve made an effort to replace mine with sturdy stainless steel alternatives.

My collection includes four stainless steel baking sheets, two loaf pans, and a gorgeous roasting pan from Williams Sonoma. I love that these pieces are sturdy, beautiful, and free of synthetic nonstick coatings.

The baking sheets are especially useful because we use them for so many different things, from roasting vegetables and baking to preparing large family meals.

And while a single baking sheet might not seem like much of a splurge, investing in a collection of high-quality bakeware is a worthwhile kitchen upgrade.

These pieces also make practical gifts for anyone who enjoys baking or wants to replace older nonstick pans.

My favorite stainless steel bakeware:

• Stainless Steel Baking Sheets
• Stainless Steel Loaf Pans
• Williams Sonoma Roasting Pan

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11. Electric Grain Mill

If you enjoy baking sourdough bread, grinding your own flour can be a wonderful next step.

I use my NutriMill Harvest grain mill to grind einkorn wheat berries for our homemade sourdough bread.

This mill is a beautiful piece of equipment! I chose the bronze finish, and it’s gorgeous enough that I enjoy leaving it out on the kitchen counter. More importantly, it’s sturdy, reliable, and does an excellent job grinding our grain.

I especially appreciate tools that combine beautiful design with genuinely useful performance, and this grain mill delivers on both.

If someone on your Christmas list is serious about baking bread from scratch, a quality grain mill would make a fantastic gift.

My recommendation: NutriMill Harvest Grain Mill

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12. Food Dehydrator

I’ve owned my Excalibur dehydrator for approximately ten years, and it continues to work beautifully.

This is one of my favorite tools for preserving food, especially herbs, peppers, and tomatoes. My 9-tray Excalibur provides plenty of space for processing larger quantities, which is especially helpful during garden season.

I love the simplicity of dehydrating. You prepare the food, arrange it on trays, and let the machine do its work.

One of my favorite things to dehydrate is herbs. Every year, I dry homegrown herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil, and parsley to use in our cooking throughout the year. If you’ve never tried it, check out my step-by-step tutorial on how to dry your own herbs in a dehydrator.

We’ve also used the dehydrator to prepare meals for my eldest son’s hiking trips.

If you grow a garden, buy produce in bulk, or simply enjoy preserving food, a quality dehydrator is an excellent investment.

My recommendation: Excalibur 10-Tray Food Dehydrator

Note: My model is the Excalibur 9-Tray Food Dehydrator, which is no longer available.

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13. Heavy-Duty Pressure Canner

I’ve been using my All American pressure canner for more than ten years, and I fully expect it to outlive me.

Seriously! This is one of those pieces of equipment that feels like a lifetime investment.

One of my favorite features is that it doesn’t require a rubber gasket. That’s a huge advantage compared with pressure canners that need replacement gaskets over time.

I especially rely on my pressure canner for preserving green beans, and it’s been a dependable part of our food preservation routine for years.

Pressure canning is essential for safely preserving low-acid foods, which includes meat, broth, beans, and most vegetables. 

If you know someone who is serious about home food preservation, an All American pressure canner is a substantial gift that could serve them for decades.

My recommendation: All American Pressure Canner

For a look at how I use mine, see my step-by-step guide to canning green beans.

For full instructions on canning a variety of vegetables (and fruits!), check out my Sugar-Free Canning Course.

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14. Chamber Vacuum Sealer

If you regularly freeze meat or prepare food in bulk, a heavy-duty vacuum sealer is worth considering. 

We have an Avid Armor GS53 chamber vacuum sealer, and it has performed well for our family. My eldest son uses it for packaging venison for the freezer, which is a great example of why a sturdy sealing machine is such a practical investment.

Chamber vacuum sealers are more substantial than many basic countertop suction sealers and can be especially useful for larger food preservation jobs. For someone who processes their own meat, buys meat in bulk, or regularly fills a freezer with homemade food, a reliable vacuum sealer can make packaging and storing food much easier.

The model I’ve recommended below will even allow you to seal mason jars, which is a major bonus for food preservationists.

This is a more specialized kitchen gift, but one that serious food preservers will appreciate.

My recommendation: Avid Armor JarMax 12L Chamber Vacuum Sealer

Note: My model is no longer available, but I the JarMax 12L Chamber Vacuum Sealer provides even more options for food preservation.

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15. Home Freeze Dryer

This is definitely the biggest investment on my list, but it’s also one of the tools that has made the greatest difference in the way I preserve food.

I’ve owned my medium Harvest Right freeze dryer for three years, and I use it to preserve an incredible variety of homegrown foods. Onions, peppers, tomatoes, squash, peaches, raspberries, garden roasted chili, homemade marshmallows, and homemade bone broth have all gone through my freeze dryer. I’ve even freeze-dried our goat milk to keep on hand for bottle-feeding baby goats whose mothers reject them.

Another favorite use is preparing meals for my eldest son’s hiking trips, especially foods that aren’t suitable for traditional dehydration.

There are two major reasons I love freeze drying.

1. First, it saves an enormous amount of freezer space. Instead of keeping everything frozen, I can preserve much of our harvest in a shelf-stable form when properly dried and packaged.
2. Second, it requires far less hands-on time than many of my canning projects. I can prepare a large batch, load the trays, and let the machine do most of the work.

Of course, a freeze dryer is a serious investment, and it isn’t the right choice for everyone. It takes up space, requires maintenance, and has ongoing operating costs. But if you regularly preserve large quantities of food, it’s absolutely worth considering.

For our family, it has made preserving homegrown food much more manageable.

My recommendation: Harvest Right Home Freeze Dryer

Want to see how I use mine? Start with my tutorials for freeze drying onions, freeze drying diced tomatoes, and freeze drying raspberries.

Which Kitchen Gear Is Worth the Splurge?

Not every kitchen tool needs to be expensive, and I’m certainly not suggesting that you need every item on this list! But after years of cooking from scratch, feeding our family, and preserving much of our own food, I’ve come to appreciate equipment that’s well-made, reliable, and enjoyable to use.

Some of these pieces have served our family for more than a decade. Others are newer additions that have quickly earned a permanent place in our kitchen. And some, like my special Christmas gift of Wüsthof knives, carry wonderful memories along with their practical value.

If you’re shopping for a Christmas gift for someone who loves to cook, I hope this list gives you a few ideas. And if you’re looking to upgrade your own kitchen, I hope my experiences help you decide where it’s worth spending a little more.

The best kitchen gear worth the splurge is the equipment you’ll actually use, year after year.

Shopping for someone who loves gardening, raising animals, or growing their own food? Don’t miss my Great Big Homestead Gift List for even more tried-and-true gift ideas.

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