20 Things Professional Kitchens Have That Your Kitchen Needs

Uncover 20 kitchen must-haves that professional chefs use to cook delicious food.

Chris Graciano
May 8, 2025
4 min read

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Turning homecooked meals into gourmet dishes is easy if you have the right tools. In this article, we discuss 20 kitchen essentials which will turn you from a home cook to a chef. With these tools and appliances, you can cook the best homemade foods out there.

1. High-Quality Chef’s Knife

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Arguably the most essential kitchen tool, a sharp chef’s knife can easily slice, dice, and chop various ingredients. It’s essentially your best friend in the kitchen.

2. Cutting Board Station

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A large and sturdy cutting board provides security by preventing slips and gives you plenty of room to prep your ingredients. Having a designated cutting station is even better.

3. Heat-Resistant Cooking Utensils

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Professional chefs use silicone or metal utensils to withstand high temperatures without warping or melting.

4. Commercial-Grade Pots and Pans

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Investing in a suitable pot and pan is worth every penny because they’re highly durable and will last a long time. Plus, commercial-grade ones are also better at distributing heat than cheap ones.

5. Induction Cooktop

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Induction cooktops can save you time and energy. They heat up quickly and accurately, ensuring you cook everything at the right temperature.

6. Precision Thermometer

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A thermometer is crucial for cooking because it tells you if your meats, sauces, or pastries are cooked perfectly. Chefs heavily rely on this tool to ensure their dishes are at the right temperature.

7. Large Mixing Bowls

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Mixing bowls provide a place to mix, marinate, and prepare food. However, having a larger one is more beneficial as it offers more room.

8. Stainless Steel Prep Tables

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Stainless steel prep tables offer ample space where you can prep ingredients with ease. Plus, they’re also easy to clean, hygienic, and comes with under-table storage

9. Double Oven

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If you’re making large meals or baking different pastries, a double oven is essential since it allows you to cook food at different temperatures.

10. Quality Storage Containers

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Storage is critical in the kitchen. High-quality storage containers, such as those with tight-sealing lids, are perfect for storing leftovers or meal-prepping.

11. Speed Rack

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Speed racks offer a place to keep sheet pans, making cooling or storing baked goods more accessible in the kitchen.

12. Professional Blender

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If you like to make soups, sauces, or even smoothies, a professional blender is all you need. These blenders can blend ingredients with more power and precision.

13. Stand Mixer

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Are you planning to start baking? Then a heavy-duty stand mixer should be your next purchase. This kitchen appliance will whip, knead, and mix with ease, making it an essential in your home.

14. Bain Marie (Water Bath) Setup

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A bain marie provides low heat that’s more consistent for precise cooking. It’s best used for delicate sauces and custards.

15. Squeeze Bottles for Sauces

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Squeeze bottles make it more convenient to drizzle sauces, oils, and dressings with precision.

16. Mandoline Slicer

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A mandoline slicer helps you slice fruits and vegetables uniformly and quickly, saving you time and energy.

17. Industrial Food Processor

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Chopping, mixing, and pureeing can become tedious over time. If you want to spend less time in the kitchen, investing in a top-quality food processor will cut down prep time significantly.

18. Rolling Metal Cart

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If you have a large kitchen, a rolling cart is essential. It can transport ingredients or dishes faster. Plus, it adds more storage as well.

19. Efficient Ventilation Hood

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Ever hate it when you’re cooking, and the smells attach to your sofa? If you do, it’s best to get a proper ventilation hood. These things can suck up odors, smoke, and heat, keeping everything smelling clean.

20. Under-Sink Water Filter

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We often overlook the importance of a water filter. Even then, having one under your sink helps keep water fresh and perfect for cooking and drinking.