Quality Kitchenware You NEED That Will Last a Lifetime

When it comes to quality kitchenware, it can sometimes be hard to find in the age of consumerism. We are bombarded with all of these products that are marketed to be “the best” but how can we be so sure?

I have purchased my fair share of cheap quality items, but in hindsight, it has taught me what to look for when it comes to a quality piece.

Keep it Simple = Quality Kitchenware

When it comes to quality kitchenware, I like to keep it simple. What does that mean? Well, it means that I try not to fall for all of the gadgets. Those one-use gadgets are usually pretty low quality (who needs a flimsy avocado slicer?!) Not to mention they take up precious space in our kitchen, making it hard to maintain and stay organized.

Keeping it simple and focusing on staples is how you are going to build a kitchen full of quality pieces that will last you a lifetime.

Cast Iron Pans

We spent a few years buying pans over and over again. Only to have them wear out super quickly and break. It was 8 years ago that we purchased and restored our first cast iron pan from an antique shop that we fell in love with cast iron. We have never turned back. If you maintain and care for your cast iron pans you will have them for more than a lifetime. They will eventually become heirloom pieces that you can pass down to your children and then their children.

To ensure you are purchasing a true cast iron pan and not a cast iron plated pan, feel how heavy it is. Most cast iron pans have some significant weight to them. A plated cast iron pan will be lighter and won’t last as long.

1. Lodge Yellowstone Skillet
2. Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle
3. Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillet Set
4. Backcountry Iron 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
5. Smithey 8″ Cast Iron Chefs Skillet
6. Lodge 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan

My Favourite Cast Iron Brands

Lodge / Utopia / Simthey Ironware / Le Creuset / Backcountry Iron

Ceramic Mixing Bowls – Quality Kitchenware Musthave!

I ditched plastic mixing bowls years ago. There is something about using a ceramic mixing bowl that makes whatever I am doing more enjoyable. I honestly use ceramic mixing bowls for everything, especially batter bowls for pancakes (like my classic mini pancake recipe) The great thing about them is that they don’t hold stains, smell, or residue like plastic bowls do. Stainless steel bowls are a quick second to ceramic, but I do find they can scratch and dent a lot easier.

By far my favorite brand of ceramic mixing bowls is Mason Cash. I was first drawn to the brand by their stunning designs. Then after Ryan gifted me my first bowl for Christmas, I was blown away by their quality.

1. Mason Cash Cream
2. Mason Cash Batter Bowl
3. Ohio Stoneware 12 in Mixing Bowl
4. Green Into The Forest Mixing Bowl
5. Casafina Ceramic Stoneware 1.3-Qt Mixing Bowl

My Favourite Mixing Bowl Brands

Mason Cash / Ohio Stoneware / Casafina

Wooden & Metal Kitchen Utensils

I am obsessed with wooden spoons. They are a staple in our home and I am always on the lookout for them when I am looking for more quality kitchenware. Being someone that hates a cluttered home, I have an embarrassing amount of wooden spoons that I just cannot part with. Truth be told, I use them all, whether it is for baking, making soup or stews, and even using them to style photos for this blog, I use them all!

The wonderful thing about wooden utensils is that again if you care for them and buy quality, they will last a lifetime. You should oil them just like you would a butcher block countertop or cutting board. Avoid putting them in the dishwasher (I am guilty of this one), and rinse them as soon as possible to avoid staining.

Unlike nylon utensils, wooden kitchen utensils are natural and won’t seep harsh chemicals into your food. I find that they hold up to heat a lot better, and they just look prettier stored in a crock on your counter.

If you do a quick online search for wooden utensils you will see a wide range of quality and pricing. It can be a little overwhelming when deciding whether you are buying the right brand. A lot of cheaper wooden utensils are made of bamboo which is still better than nylon, but they won’t last very long.

I like to buy a lot of my wooden utensils from the thrift store and I’ve had luck with my favorite bowl brand, Mason Cash.

1. Mason Cash Innovative Kitchen Spatula
2. Mason Cash Innovative Kitchen Whisk and Reamer
3. Newness Soup Ladle
4. Wooden Slotted Spoon
5. Kitchen Turner and Rack Grabber
6. Pastry Brush and Fork

Serving Ware

If you host often as we do, having quality serving ware is a must. You can easily go overboard when purchasing serving ware for each and every dish. Instead of buying all the colors, patterns, and styles. Stick to one color palette and style. I like to go with white so it carries me through all of the seasons and celebrations.

The next tip I have is to stick to a few staple pieces. I have 3 different sizes of platters which I use for sides, chunkier salads, grazing boards, and desserts. I also have 3 sizes of bowls, and 2 sizes of cake stands. The next item on my list is one medium shallow bowl, then my collection is finished. By sticking to my own personal theme, I avoid any impulse holiday-themed purchases. It also allows me to focus on the quality of the piece without being distracted by the look of the item.