A well-equipped kitchen is the key to unlocking your culinary potential. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner, the way you set up your kitchen can make a big difference in your cooking process. Mary Kathryn Reese of Kitchen Design Concepts says: “For a home cook, the most important part of a kitchen is functionality. I truly believe that every home cook has a different approach, and therefore every home cook has different needs for their kitchen.”
From organizing tools and ingredients to optimizing space usage, the right kitchen setup saves time, reduces stress, and inspires creativity. There are a lot of recommendations, but there’s no need to be overwhelmed. Instead, keep it simple and listen to Lauren from Tastes Better From Scratch. I love having prep space near the stove to make cooking easier, but a few quality tools, like a good chef’s knife and a cast iron skillet, can make a big difference. Plus, keeping tried-and-true from-scratch recipes in your rotation, like homemade soups, sauces, and dressings, will make cooking even more fun and rewarding. ”
Whether you want to optimize the kitchen in your Seattle apartment, new home in Chicago, or rental home in New Orleans, this Redfin article explores top tips for preparing your kitchen for home cooking. Not only is it functional, but it’s also fun to work with.
Efficient storage: the key to stress-free cooking at home
Effective storage in the kitchen is the cornerstone of successful home cooking. Having an organized space to store ingredients, tools, and utensils makes meal preparation smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. Chef’s Vision Knives says: “The ideal home kitchen balances efficiency and creativity. Thoughtful organization, such as labeled storage containers, drawer dividers, and open shelving, helps home cooks organize ingredients and utensils. Helps keep things within reach: Kitchens with flexible storage solutions, such as pull-out pantry shelves and stackable bins, make it easier to maintain an organized space and create a smoother cooking experience. It will be possible.”
Martin from Dad What Cooks writes: The biggest problem I faced was storage. I had to rethink how I store all my baking and cooking ingredients. We decided to purchase an additional island to provide additional storage space and a worktop. This was very helpful. ”
Additionally, we converted the downstairs cupboard space into a pantry/storage area and added shelves to the sides. I also use the back of the door as a spice rack to keep things organized. Plus, by labeling jars and cans, finding ingredients is much faster when cooking. ”
Kevin Gibbons of The Savvy Life added: “Space is always at a premium in the kitchen. Prioritize multi-purpose tools over single-function tools, keep frequently used items within reach, and store less frequently used items. Before you start cooking, Take the time to measure out your ingredients and find a clean, empty space. A little organization at the beginning will pay off in the end. Invest in a suitable set of nesting containers and lids, preferably with common lids. Storing and searching are some of the most space- and time-consuming tasks. One.”
Organize and Optimize: Make the most of your kitchen space
No matter the size of your kitchen, making the most of the available space is the key to staying organized and efficient. In a compact city apartment or a spacious suburban kitchen, everything matters. Chahinez of Simple Copycat Recipes says: “In my experience, a truly functional and inspiring kitchen starts with smart organization. Designate specific zones for prep, cooking, and cleanup to create a smooth workflow.”
Debbie Miller from Social Hospitality added: When we bought a new condo last year, we converted the small enclosed kitchen into a larger open concept. This gives you plenty of counter space and an efficient layout, making cooking much more manageable. A functional design with plenty of lighting, easy-to-clean surfaces, and a logical flow between prep, cooking, and cleaning areas ensures a seamless cooking experience. ” To make the most of your space, you need to be organized, especially if you have a small space.
Ian Northeast from Dad’s Delicious Dinners said: Think about it. A functional and inviting space can make a big difference in your culinary adventures. There’s a reason the triangular layout between stove, sink, and refrigerator is classic. Keep everything within easy reach so you don’t have to run around like a headless chicken. ”
Personal chef Micah Frederick breaks down his tips for staying organized.
“When working in a small kitchen, organization is everything, especially when it comes to the prep area. Ideally, a cutting board should be placed between the sink and the stove for a smooth workflow. This setup allows you to move back and forth in the kitchen. You can efficiently chop, wash, and transfer ingredients without having to do anything.
Sink racks are a great way to make the most of your counter space. You’ll have extra space to dry dishes or hold food while keeping your counters clutter-free. Multipurpose kitchen appliances, such as KitchenAid mixers with multiple attachments, can also help save space by eliminating the need for additional gadgets. The same goes for air fryers and small food processors, which are compact but versatile, making them ideal for small kitchens.
Can it also save space? A small hanging garbage can that clips onto your drawer. A convenient way to keep your space tidy without taking up floor or counter space. In a small kitchen, an efficient workflow is important. Even the smallest kitchen will feel more functional if everything you need is within reach. ”
Essential kitchen tools for home cooks: Set yourself up for success
Having the right equipment in your kitchen is similar to having the right set of instruments for a musician. Each tool plays a role that helps you create a masterpiece. From basic necessities to more specialized items that serve their own purpose, the right kitchen tools can make a big difference.
Charlie DeSando of Cooking Secrets for Men says: “Most home cooks don’t need a fancy kitchen. They need something functional. They need good knives. Store them in a knife block, not in a kitchen drawer. Must be placed on the counter next to the knife block. I prefer plastic or wooden utensils for easy access and won’t scrape or scratch my nonstick pans.A few cutting boards and a full set of measuring spoons or measuring cups. should be nearby.”
Moving on to pots and pans, Emily Oldani of Namaste Home Cooking has this to say. “The most important tools in a home kitchen are pots and pans. Buy several high-quality options in a variety of sizes and make sure you have easily accessible cabinet space to store them. There’s nothing worse than having to struggle to pull a pot out of the back of your cabinet every other day. You don’t necessarily need every size or style to do so. Instead, consider what amount of food you cook most often and make sure your pots and pans are suitable for that. A durable enameled cast iron brazer or large cast iron skillet is my go-to choice because it’s an easy transition from the stovetop.”
COSORI says: “Every home cook should be equipped with high-quality multifunctional appliances that not only maximize kitchen efficiency, but also simplify meal preparation, reduce clutter, and make cooking more enjoyable and accessible. For example, the COSORI TurboBlaze Air Fryer has 5 fan speeds and 9. With three cooking presets, you can do more than just air fry. It can be used to bake, bake, defrost, reheat and more, giving home chefs the opportunity to explore new recipes and cooking techniques.”
Chef Inichka says: “From personal experience, it was enough to cook on an electric stove for just two weeks. Using a gas stove allows for better control of the heat, which is essential to achieve the best results. I think there is.
Also, while a large, sharp chef’s knife may seem intimidating, it’s actually safer. The important thing is to keep it sharp. A dull knife is far more dangerous!”
Invest in quality ingredients for inspiration and higher-level cooking. Miguel B. of Le Gourmet Central said: We focus on carefully selecting high-quality staples, such as premium extra virgin olive oil and artisan French butter, essential for versatility and flavour. Stock up on the various seasonings and spices you need for everyday cooking, and when entertaining, don’t forget to include gourmet and luxury ingredients to take your dishes to the next level. A thoughtfully stocked pantry not only simplifies daily meal preparation, but also allows you to create impressive restaurant-quality meals. ”
Bobby Jo of Two Adorable Labs says: Another consideration is to hide trash cans or garbage cans under the counter and next to the sink to match the cabinets. The double oven is a must for me, but be aware that the deep fridge is small and holds less food. If you’re lucky enough to have enough space, design and build a butler’s pantry. Choose designs that are timeless and timeless. Don’t think “just for now”. Think about the future of your home and how your kitchen will serve you and your family. ”
Beyond the stove: Designing a kitchen that welcomes everyone
Take a step back from functionality and try to make your kitchen appealing to others as well. The home kitchen requires the inclusion of others, whether as hosts or parents. Alex Sullivan of Mom Cooks Fast & Slow says: I love sitting at the counter to watch and help my kids, so ample counter space and comfortable seating are essential. ”
Sarah Cervold of Pete’s Real Food added: “Most importantly, having a place for your friends and family to sit around you while the food is being cooked, sharing stories and catching up is my favorite thing about cooking at home most of the time.” ” No matter what kind of kitchen your new home has, if you cook with love and care, good things will happen. ”
Samantha Burns, founder of Radish Kids, also said: “The ideal kitchen for home cooks has features that make the kitchen feel like a welcoming space, whether you’re hosting a meat night for friends or whipping up an after-school snack for the kids. This usually looks like an uninterrupted counter or island space with comfortable stools.The counter can become a prep space, a serving area, a bar top, or a homework station.
Jamie Saunders of Family Adventures Blog says, “My idea of a dream kitchen has changed a lot since having kids. I would like to incorporate many elements. One is a low-level microwave. Many microwaves are located above ovens or countertops and are not suitable for children to safely reheat food or heat soup. Other essentials include a large pantry, countertop seating, and soft-close cabinets and drawers.”
Bottom line: Customize your kitchen for home cooks
Creating a kitchen designed for ease, efficiency, and inspiration is an investment that will pay off every time you cook. By focusing on the basics like organized storage, maximizing space utilization, and having the right tools and ingredients within reach, you’ll not only streamline the cooking process, but also make it more enjoyable and stress-free. You can make a kitchen.
The advice we’ve given here may not be for everyone, but you can create the kitchen that’s right for you, so there’s no need to stress. Kelly LeBlanc of Oldways says: “For generations, families around the world have fed their loved ones with home-cooked meals that utilize resources and use little more than stoves, grills, and ovens. Even if you don’t have all the items, with a little ingenuity and the right way of thinking, Know that delicious home-cooked meals can be achieved every day. Learn about traditional recipes made by our ancestors, or immerse yourself in the world’s culinary traditions through a culinary journey, all with a frugal kitchen setup. It’s a great way to see how far you can go.”
