Coffee maker, knives, cutting board

Wusthof 8 inch chef’s knife

Le Creuset 7.25 quart Dutch oven

Flat edge wooden spoons

Not counting knives, major appliances, or seasonings which really are my most used:

A small casserole dish (about 6" x 4") - the perfect size for baking or reheating for 1. I have 3 of various brands/designs, and to me they're interchangeable.

A 2.5" deep frying pan, which I can use for saute-ing or steaming (with a little steamer rack).

A large 6 quart pot, which I use for boiling pasta or dumplings, or for brewing iced tea.

Microwave for thawing and reheating.

Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven for Toasting and Crisping

The left front burner on the gas range.

Global Classic 5" Cook's Knife

Small cutting board (about 8" x 12")

OXO silicone spatula

It's really tough to narrow it down to 3 items. I use a variety of pots and pans pretty equally (All-Clad stainless, Greenpan ceramic non-stick, Staub cast iron). I also use cookie sheets pretty heaavily for roasting veggies. And I do use my mixing bowls a lot. And of course my coffee maker gets a morning workout.

Sink, stove, refrigerator.

Unpaper towels (small cotton cloths to use for hand-drying, wiping up counters, etc. Will link below, but this is not where I bought mine-can't remember the name of it) . Mine are slightly smaller than these. Unpaper towels Jojoco, we still buy Bounty, but hardly use them now!

Small cast iron frying pan

toaster oven

Sabatier knives

Le Creuset dutch oven

@chisue, as I said in my followup post, I think my colander is Tupperware. But I have no idea if it’s still made

Wusthof 10 inch chef’s knife

Large wood cutting board

Magnalite 3 qt Dutch oven

Coffee maker

Knife

cutting board

skillet

And I have two of same Yellow strainer's small and large. Best thing ever, they are Tupperware from years ago. Check Ebay, they sell them. They come in different colors.

I'm not sure where I got them - I usually only pick up everyday housewares at Walmart or TJMaxx/Home Goods - but I got a set of 3 graduated size colanders at one of those places. Inexpensive and the sizes are spot on! The littlest one is perfect to rinse a pint of berries.

I don't think I was looking for something like that specifically but their bright colors - red, orange and yellow - and unusual shape made them jump out at me. One of the handiest purchases I've made.

I found this photo online and except for the coloring, mine look exactly like them. My largest is red and theirs is turquoise.

Dish cloth.

Sink.

Refrigerator.

Thanks for the tip about the Tupperware strainers. Is Ebay the only place to find them? Not being made today? I never had any Tupperware...didn't know what I missed, I guess!

A knife for opening amazon packages. I even keep one in the bedroom.

Paper towels. Sorry trees, but I need them for cleaning.

Scissors

@littlebug zone 5 Missouri, I’ve had mine forever, too. Using the bigger one today to defrost shrimp.

I have one also that's about 40 years old. Gee, they hold up well.

Ollie Jane and Chisue, I just found them on ebay for $14.95, free shipping.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=Tupperware+colander&_sacat=0

You can also buy Joseph brand colanders. They come in lots of sizes, WS, WFM and Amazon, of course. These two are $12.

My first thoughts were

• Refrigerator (with ice maker)
• Sink
• Stove

To add to the list, I would include

• Dishes (including bowls and glasses)
• Microwave
• Knives with chopping board

Knives are of little use without a chopping board, and so I have to lump them together.

I'm not a big microwave person, and so I could easily do without it, but since I have it, I do use it, mainly to heat water for tea, but occasionally to heat leftovers.

Right now I'm in Cathedral City by myself, and so what I use is somewhat different from what I would use if my brother were here with me.

For those who don't like sponges (@jojoco), I like the sponge cloths - they are reuseable and can be washed. I also like magic eraser, microfiber cloths, regular dish cloths, and those net scrubby things. etc. My laundry room is right off my kitchen and I keep a hamper in there for kitchen washable items. I don't like sponges either, although I do use them in the bathroom (sinks and counter tops). I have a scrubby thing on a handle for showers/tubs.

PS jojo, I was looking for a particular plant today and Longwood came up as a seller. Is that your LW?

I have a white colander that looks almost identical to the yellow one (which I can remember my grandmother having). I believe it may be rubbermaid, but I've had it for years.

I bought a small colander with a handle that I use to rinse fruit at the dollar store.

I have those Tupperware colanders in two sizes. One I've had for 40 years but the other two were picked up at yard sales. You can always find these at yard sales or the flea market. I use them regularly, all three of them.

1. Lamson stainless steel flexible spatula from WS. bought about 4 years ago, can't believe I went without this all those years.

2. All clad 4 qt pot with the little handles on each side.

3. My large and small vintage cast iron skillets.

4. Wusthof: serrated bread knife.

5. All Clad colander (but also a really small cheapy red silicone one for rinsing berries, etc.)

6. 2 cup glass measuring cup

(^ Sorry, got carried away). Jinx - I have that same jar opener but the wooden handle is red.

A second vote for "unpaper towels" I always have a roll of paper in the house, but it's on the cellar steps and probably lasts more than a year. It's pretty much exclusively cat vomit, and since we changed brands that is much less frequent.

I also have some flour sack cloths, that's what I used tonight to pat dry scallops before pan searing.

“I have one also that's about 40 years old. Gee, they hold up well.“

They really do. This oldie’s been around for me as long as the yellow ones.

refrigerator, microwave and wood board

Any of my (mostly Victorinox) knives

Any of my collection of cast iron cookware

Mueller Ultra (glass, electric) Kettle

Little strainer to catch lemon pits. I recently bought a lemon squeezer but was disappointed in it. I donated it to the animal shelter's thrift shop.

Knives (Wusthof chef’s knife and paring knife)

Le Creuset for cooking (9” skillet, small braiser, medium-ish Dutch oven)

Enameled steel butter warmer with wooden handle

Danish dough hook (my new favorite thingie, using it a lot lately)

Steel bench knife and plastic scraper

Aluminum sheet pans

Kitchen shears, tongs and silicone scraper

stainless steel spider and immersion blender (not every day but often enough that i would be lost without them)

I notice most people have some kind of coffee maker on their list; we buy refrigerated cold press coffee concentrate and mix it by the cup with boiling water from the insinkerator installed next to the kitchen faucet, so that cuts down on one appliance. But i do use a slow cooker often, a stand mixer and a food processor so we do have small appliances. We use the toaster rarely, don't own a toaster oven and no instant pot…yet 😎 Still on the fence about that one.

Kitchen scissors and A Sharp knife

Cutting board usually wooden

A pot and a lid with a steamer and an insert colander

A roasting pan

A fry pan with a lid .

I could do all my cooking with these implements. I would definitely miss my KitchenAid processor and my Vitamix blender though.

Cast iron skillet, cast iron griddle that doubles as a toaster for me, and I use it for pancakes or a quick steak.

I have lots of knives and forks, but I use the same 2 forks over and over. I like the length of the tines. One is old and has a bakelite handle, and the other has US Navy on the handle.

I collect old kitchen utensils with colored handles that are stainless steel and I use them all the time. I also use a lot of paper towels.

Tina, Longwood does sell some plants grown (and not needed) in our gift shop, but the majoity sold come from local ( and very good) nurseries one is called ”quality nursery).

Top three are coffee maker, a couple of Wusthof knives, and my 10” iron skillet.

Others that get frequent use are a new set of sheet pans I recently bought, a smallish whisk, immersion blender, and a large deep All-clad skillet with lid I’ve had for years.

I also have one of those Tupperware strainers and it is the one I grab the most often.

For those who like paper towels, consider at least switching to a recycled brand. I use paper towels for general cleaning with vinegar and water, because I can toss them in the composting bin. When I use chemicals to clean, I use a cloth that I can toss in the washer.

The water dispenser in the fridge door. DH and I both drink lots of water throughout the day.

Our kitchen table/chairs. For eating, reading, writing, and dumping stuff when we come in the back door.

Kitchen sink, sponge, and towel.

Okay, where were we now?

wildchild, I use the right front burner all the time.

murraysmom, next stop-ebay! Thanks!

I actually miss our toaster oven, but counter-space being a problem, I had to choose between that and the GE Ice machine-which should have been on my most used list! Love that thing. My DH is a trim carpenter, so I am going to have him re-do our mud room/laundry room/pantry area and eventually put the ice machine in there. I'm always last on the list, you know how that goes.

Talking about dish cloths, I have this in my stainless steel sink from Amazon and I love it! Confused about the ratings because its very strong.

Magisso Lux Magnetic Dish Cloth Holder in Copper #70104

I can't get pic to post, sorry.

I really have to exclude basic kitchen items like my pots & pans, mixing bowls etc unless you really want to hear what basics I use the most (which would be my 1 qt saucepan, 8" saute pan, one-cup coffeemaker, and mini wok. Oh, and Ginsu knife, bought at the Del Mar Fair back in the late 80s and still doesn't need sharpening LOL.)

Sort of basic but definitely would miss, and use most days: the convection toaster oven, the Nutribullet, my sturdy tea kettle, the on-the-counter glass, bail-closure, airtight, storage jars for coffee, tea, walnuts, dried fruit, the flexible cutting boards. The pullouts under the sink and in the pantry cupboard - how could I not mention those, they'd probably be #1 missed!

Okay, that's more than 5, but two more: the Ikea colander/strainer that hangs on the sink, with the roll-up dish drainer ($2 at Menards!). No, one more: this clip on strainer which does get used several days each week and works on both large and small pots:

Yes, I would be at a loss without my blender - for all the smoothies! I'm not one to like alot out on my counters, although now I have an AF sitting there LOL. But no other appliances. No jars other than the Mr's "treat" jar (usually packaged crackers). Other storage containers are in the pantry. Yes @raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio how could I forget pull-outs!!

Someone mentioned cutting boards. I have a few antique wood ones displayed, but the one I use is glass, dishwasher safe. Slides right into my tray/cooking sheet area.

My wood cutting boards I use to put hot pans on when cooking. I have a lucite Pampered Chef board that I like for actually cutting and chopping because I feel like it cleans up better.

Magnalite 5 qt Dutch oven

Kitchen shears

8 cup Pyrex measuring cup

Danish dough whisk

Funnel

Electric kettle gets used all day long.

"I have a few antique wood ones displayed, but the one I use is glass,"

A glass cutting board will dull knives faster than a kernel of popcorn pops when placed in hot oil. Cutting boards should have some give in them. Wood and NSF approved plastic are the best choices.

I haven”t had a problem thus far Elmer, but thanks for the warning.

Tina, At the risk of sounding pedantic, glass is harder than steel, so you are undoubtedly harming your knives by using such a cutting surface. I also realize not everyone cares about knives hugely, but a dull knife is a dangerous instrument and can slip more easily than a sharp one. Sharp knives make kitchen work easier and more enjoyable. You'll note how many people here said their Global, Wusthof or Victorinox knives were prized, that is why.

From The Spruce Eats:

Choosing (and Using) a Cutting Board

So your knife is sharp and the edge is honed to perfect alignment. It's time to work! But what surface you cut on is another major factor in keeping your knife sharpand prolonging its life.

You should always cut on a cutting board. That means one made of wood, plastic, or bamboo (which technically is a type of grass, not wood).

For the sake of your knife, your cutting board should not be made of any material that is harder than the knife itself. That means no glass cutting boards. Nor should you chop directly on your granite or marble countertop. Or any countertop. Cutting boards are cheap. Use one!

Bamboo is the hardest material of the three types mentioned, so it's probably your third choice, at least as far as what's best for your knife. Plastic ones are easier to keep clean since they can go in the dishwasher, and you can throw them out when they get scarred. But a softwood cutting board like larch, teak or Japanese cypress will be best for your knife.

Whether to prioritize the life of your knife versus the life of your cutting board is another matter, and hardwood cutting boards like maple and walnut have much to recommend them. Moreover, you can sharpen a knife much more easily than you can replace a high-end cutting board.

https://www.thespruceeats.com/caring-for-kitchen-knives-dos-and-donts-908913

PS Some kitchen stores have carrots and such out on a chopping block for people to try knives with. My local SLT used to do that. You may want to try that out and see what you think.

"I haven”t had a problem thus far Elmer, but thanks for the warning."

Whether or not you believe you've had a "problem", using a glass cutting board has dulled your knives. They're known to do that, as Zalco explained. Their use is advised against by any source you would take a moment to look at. You won't find anything saying otherwise.

Here are two sources, dozens more are easily found

From Kitchn, WHy You Shouldn't Use Glass Cutting Boards

From Healthy Cookware, 5 cutting boards that can damage your knives

OH I can't stand the way it feels to cut on a glass cutting board, when the knife hits, it is jarring. I much prefer the plastic cutting sheets. I have bought mine at TJM/Home Goods in the past.

OH I can't stand the way it feels to cut on a glass cutting board, when the knife hits, it is jarring.

Yes, this, almost like "nails on a chalkboard." I've never really understood glass cutting boards.

I have finally curated (and styled) some faves. Good knives and a good wooden cutting board, absolutely indispensable of course.

Here are a few I'd add.

1. Microplaner. Turns parmesan into snow, and makes zest that is so delicate I put lemon zest on almost everything.

2. TJ Olive oil spray. Bought (and discarded) many an atomizer. This product has no propellants or preservatives. I use it for frying. (My go-to EVOO is Flamingo Estates.)

3. Salt grinder. I love salt, and this grinder gives me just the right texture

4. I hate those ugly colorful plastic "chip clips;" these are smaller, work just as well, and aren't ugly.

5. I had a very cheapo Chinatown mandoline I bought for a cooking class years ago, and it finally broke. I also have a very fancy WS mandoline that is a pain to use. This OXY one is perfect. I even use it to "dice onions" (gets me halfway there). I don't use the guard (I'm not 8) but I don't want y'all to sue me.

chemex cofffee maker

vitamix

cutco knives

cutco scissors

my le creuset & all- clad cooking vessels

i do agree about the cutting boards, wood only

Wustoff Chef’s knife

wooden cutting boards

Measuring cup

Washcloths from Costco (in place of paper towels)