Kitchen Essentials
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you.
I’m not big on gadgets, but there are a few appliances I use regularly. These are the ones that have earned a permanent place in my kitchen.
Ninja Dual Zone MegaZone Air Fryer
I use a Ninja dual zone air fryer with a large 10.4L MegaZone. You can remove the divider and use it as one big cooking area, which is perfect for large batch cooking like granola or even roasting a whole chicken.
In dual zone mode, you can cook two different things at the same time. It’s great for warming up leftovers, cooking from scratch, and even proving dough. I keep a fairly strict minimum counter rule in my kitchen, and this is one of the few appliances that has earned its permanent spot.
Ninja Dual Zone MegaZone Air Fryer (10.4L)
Ninja Blender
I use a Ninja blender for everyday jobs like smoothies, chopping nuts, soups, pea purée and hummus. It’s powerful enough to handle tougher ingredients, but what I like most is that you don’t always have to use the large jug. It comes with smaller containers, which makes quick jobs much easier and means less washing up.
It also includes a dough blade for mixing cake batter or bread dough, and even has a setting for kneading. I’ll often mix dough in the blender, then transfer it straight to the air fryer to prove. The two of them sit side by side on the counter and genuinely get used.
Ninja Blender (with dough blade attachment)
Slow Cooker
I use a basic slow cooker for things like chilli, stews, bolognese, pulled meat, rice pudding and even chicken tagine — no special pot required. It’s nothing fancy, but it does the job. You can get everything going in the morning and leave it to cook slowly without much attention.
It’s especially useful on days when I don’t want to stand over the stove but still want something cooked from scratch.
Frying Pans
I use a few different sizes of everyday non-stick frying pans, depending on what I’m cooking. They’re reliable, heat evenly and get used almost every day.
I’ll fry off onion and mince for chilli or bolognese before transferring it to the slow cooker, make omelettes and frittatas (with a lid on to finish them gently), fry bacon for quiche, or sear salmon before making a quick creamy sauce in the same pan.
They’re nothing complicated — just solid, hardworking pans that do the job well.
Everyday Non-Stick Frying Pan (10–12 inch)
Glass Jars
I use classic clip-top glass jars for things like granola, nuts and seeds. They’re practical, airtight and easy to refill, and I prefer being able to see exactly what’s inside.
For jams and chutneys, I use proper preserving jars. They seal well and store neatly in the cupboard once processed — simple and reliable.
Clip-Top Airtight Glass Jar (1.5–2L)
Preserving Jars for Jam & Chutney