Set Up Your Kitchen Like a Personal Chef:
My Must-Haves as a Personal Chef
A personal-chef kitchen isn’t about more stuff—it’s about the right stuff. Tools that earn their place. Appliances that actually get used. And zero gadgets hiding in a drawer, waiting for their once-a-year moment.
I’ve cooked in hundreds of kitchens—from tiny apartments to dream remodels. The ones that work best all have the same thing in common: intention, not excess.
Here’s how to set up your kitchen like a personal chef—without overbuying or overthinking it.
Small appliances, I can't seem to live without
I use these everyday. For work + personal.
"Every tool gets asked the same question: Does this make cooking easier—or harder? If it saves time, reduces friction, and gets used weekly, it stays. If it adds clutter, decisions, or frustration, it goes. That’s the difference between a kitchen that looks good and one that works."
I use at least once a week.
Check out these posts.
The extras.
Under $15 and worth it.
What NOT to buy (this really does matter)
1. Single-Use Tools You Use Once a Year
If it only does one very specific thing—and you use it once a year—it does not belong in your kitchen. Period.
Examples:
Avocado slicers
Egg gadgets that “change your life”
Specialty peelers for one obscure vegetable
A knife already does that job.
2. Trendy Appliances Without a Real Use Plan
If you can’t name three meals you’ll make with it regularly, don’t buy it.
3. Cheap Versions of Important Tools
A bad knife, flimsy pan, or weak blender makes cooking harder—not cheaper.
Fewer, better tools always win.
If you could ask a Personal Chef one question, what would it be? Comment below + send me your question!
Have you seen these recipes yet?
Hi, I'm Kat.
Welcome to my Kitchen Counter. I’m excited to share with you a new series called “Make my kitchen work for you” along with a collection of blog posts about a variety of topics – building a gluten free pantry, staples to always have on hand and gift guides for the Chef in your life. Take a look around. I’d love to hear from you – do you like these posts?
