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If You’ve Officially Entered Your Home Chef Era, Grab These 27 Things From Wayfair

Whether you’re whipping up weeknight dinners or hosting your first dinner party, these helpful finds belong in your kitchen.

Posted on Nov 6, 2026 UTC

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by Samantha Leffler BuzzFeed Contributor

I have been writing for the BuzzFeed Shopping team since 2020, with an emphasis on home goods, kitchen gadgets and must-have Amazon products, but when she's not writing, you'll find her eating cheese and watching reality television, though not necessarily at the same time.

1. A four-sided box grater that’ll help top your pizza and pasta with a mountain of freshly grated cheese. Opt for hard cheeses, like Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano, which will add plenty of flavor to pasta, roasted vegetables, and anything that’s enhanced by cheese, which is basically everything.

Wayfair

Promising review: “This is most certainly a quality product. I was afraid I was going to cut my fingers while shredding cheese as I do with other graters. I was pleased with the measuring container that attaches to the grater. Additionally, the grater gave my cheese a very appealing cut.” —Nicole

Price: $19.99+ (available in three colors)

2. A 4-quart Le Creuset casserole dish in a dreamy peach hue, perfect for showcasing your lasagna, breakfast bakes, and whatever else you plan on cooking this season and beyond. Made from premium stoneware, this scratch-resistant dish is suitable for the freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.

Wayfair

Promising review: “I truly love using the Le Creuset Covered Rectangular Casserole Dish. It is beautiful, well-made, and exceptionally versatile. I use it very often.” —Ah

Price: $144.95

3. A modern olive oil cruet to keep near the stove for all of your sautéing, dressing, and finishing needs. This vessel has a built-in handle that helps with seamless pouring and drizzling and is also dishwasher-safe. Not an olive oil fan? The cruet can hold other cooking oils and even vinegar.

Wayfair

Promising reviews: “I’m very happy with this product. It looks great and clean on my kitchen counter, and it doesn’t spill or drip when you pour it. Makes adding olive oil while cooking so much cleaner and easier. Definitely recommend, especially for the price.” —Jenevieve

"This is a fabulous addition to my kitchen! It holds a generous amount of EVOO, and it makes it so much easier to cook when you do not have to stop and unscrew a lid every time you need some oil! The purple is a nice, dark shade, and it is even dishwasher safe!" —Boy Mom

Price: $26.99+ (originally $40; available in five colors)

4. A classic 3-quart stock pot with a lid you can use to whip up soups, stews, pasta dishes, and a bevy of other delicious meals perfect for the cold weather. Made of elegant stainless steel, this pot is practically a requirement for any home cook. It's also dishwasher safe and scratch resistant, so it'll stay shiny for years to come.

Wayfair

Promising reviews: "Love these pots!! Have several now. They look like new out of the dishwasher EVERY time!" —Theresa 

“This pan is a staple in my kitchen! I have a complete set of these Cuisinart pots and pans and love them. This just happens to be the most used, so I ordered a second one!” —Laura

Price: $44.99 (originally $80)

5. Or, if you'd rather go all out, an 11-piece aluminum Cuisinart cookware set that'll cook up a storm without breaking the bank. Each piece has a nonstick interior that makes cleanup a breeze.

Wayfair

Each set includes a stock pot, two saucepans, two frying pans, a sauté pan, a steamer basket, and four matching lids.

Promising review: “This is just the nonstick cookware set I've been looking for! It is easy to clean, and the combination of the cookware is perfect for my needs!” —Brandy

Price: $149.95 (originally $215; available in two colors)

6. A hot sandwich maker for those who want to seriously improve their breakfast (or brunch) game. The genius of this appliance is that it allows you to layer ingredients (including eggs) inside, thus allowing you to prepare one epic meal.

Wayfair

Promising review: “Great appliance. I use it often. It works great for grilled ham and cheese sandwiches!” —Anonymous

Price: $49.95 (originally $54.99)

7. A versatile cooking utensil that's part spatula and part spoon, meaning you can stir, taste, and serve with it. Shoppers love that this must-have utensil is easy to handle and can be thrown in the dishwasher once you're done using it.

Wayfair

Promising reviews: “This Silicone spatula spoon is very versatile; it's my go-to utensil. It can scoop from a mayonnaise jar and mix everything together perfectly. No need for any other daily kitchen tool." —Corrine

"Perfect for rice and pasta dishes and super easy to clean. You wouldn't think a spatula spoon could up your quality of life this much, but it truly makes dishing food out of a pot so easy.” —Hannah

Price: $19.99 (originally $24)

8. A thick maple cutting board so you can slice steak (against the grain!) like a pro, even if you're relatively new to the kitchen. This durable piece is reversible, so you can keep your prep space clean, and even boasts a special finish that seals the board and protects against bacteria. It's obviously suitable for a bevy of other foods as well, like veggies, fruits, cheese, and herbs.

Wayfair

Promising reviews: “The best wooden cutting boards around. We replaced all of our plastic boards after researching, and we found John Boos' boards and haven’t looked back since. Excellent quality and value!” —Robin

"I love this small Boos Block cutting board! It’s perfect for cutting lemons and small items, especially when you don’t need a big board. My husband and I both use it all the time. It’s sturdy, easy to use, and doesn’t take up much space on the counter. Great for everyday quick prep. Definitely a favorite in our kitchen." —Michelle

Price: $29.99+ (originally $121.99+; available in six sizes)

9. A stainless-steel turner perfect for cooking your favorite type of burger, flipping pancakes, or serving cookies. Shoppers love that this must-have utensil is slightly wider than most and can be thrown in the dishwasher once your meal is ready.

Wayfair

Promising review: “Perfect size spatula! It is more versatile than a full-size spatula, and its front edge is beveled, so it’s easy to get under eggs and similar foods. It is well made and nice looking.” —Amy

Price: $12.99

10. A rice cooker with a 3-cup capacity so you can meal prep some fluffy rice to enjoy throughout the week. This particular gadget can make white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, and even steel-cut oats. It can also keep your rice warm for an extended period and reheat it if you’re prepping leftovers.

Wayfair

Promising review: “Love my rice cooker! I was hesitant to purchase such an expensive kitchen appliance. I am so happy that I decided to take my chances. This rice cooker has been a total game changer! I only need to rinse and measure out the rice (make sure to use the little cup that comes with it), add the appropriate amount of water and salt, then press one button. Voilà! Perfect rice. I highly recommend it.” —Elegant Geekette

Price:$189.99(originally $222.50)

11. A pair of bright floral oven mitts in case you want to look cute while cooking and not burn yourself. A win-win! Molded silicone on the exterior of these mitts will (hopefully) prevent you from dropping anything, while hanging loops make these beauties easy to store near the oven.

Wayfair

Promising review: “These are very nice. I ordered a few for gifts. I’ll probably buy some more because I like all the colors.” —Anonymous

Price: $24.99+ (available in five colors)

12. An aluminum Cuisinart citrus press that’s super helpful if you make cocktails, marinades, salad dressings, and more. This dishwasher-safe press is comfortable to hold and use, and expertly filters out pulp and seeds while extracting the maximum amount of zesty juice from your citrus fruits.

Wayfair

Promising review: “Classic, solid, strong. I’ll be using this for the rest of my days, no more messy lemon juice or waste. Plus, it catches the seeds. Hooray!” —Anonymous

Price: $16.99 (originally $27)

13. A digital meat thermometer with a folding probe, because nobody wants overcooked turkey (especially on Thanksgiving!) or undercooked burgers. This thermometer provides accurate readings in three seconds or less and has a backlit display that makes it a cinch to read.

Wayfair

Promising reviews: “Love this meat thermometer. It's waterproof, easy to use, and it turns on automatically when you open it up so that you can use it.” —Paul

"Highly recommend if you prefer meat cooked to the correct temperature without overcooking. We have used it several times without fail! Beef, pork, chicken, and turkey. Using it for steak tonight. Buy it!" —Jane

Price: $16.99

14. A set of five brand-new mixing bowls stacked and primed for meal prep, making baked goods, and more. Each bowl is dishwasher safe and has a pour spout on one side to help prevent spills. Speaking of messes, these bowls also have non-slip bases, so they won’t move when in use.

Wayfair, Kate / Wayfair

This set includes 1.5-, 2.5-, 3.5-, 4.5-, and 5.5-quart bowls.

Promising review: “I love these bowls. The color is beautiful, and the different sizes are perfect for cooking. They don't slip like most mixing bowls because they have a rubber edge. I recommend them to all who love to cook!” —Becky

Price: $39.99 (originally $49.99; available in two colors)

15. A sturdy garlic press that’ll mince a clove of garlic in seconds. If you want to start cooking, this easy-to-use press is a must for stir-fries, veggie sides, and anything else that benefits from a bit of that garlicky flavor. This press is big enough to accommodate several cloves and features a removable sieve for easy cleanup.

Wayfair

Promising review: “Excellent quality, dishwasher-safe, large basket for several cloves, and a strong 4-inch handle.” —Sara

Price:$39.99 (originally $58)

16. A Cuisinart air fryer–toaster oven combo with the capacity to air-fry and toast chicken wings, french fries, potatoes, and pretty much whatever you're in the mood for. And the multi-functionality doesn’t end there. This versatile appliance can also grill, bake, and warm foods. The limit does not exist!

Wayfair, Lauren / Wayfair

Promising reviews: “Cannot recommend this item enough! I use it for everything! Frozen pizza ✅, chicken thighs ✅, bagels and waffles ✅, and anything else in between! It’s especially great if you only have two or three people in the house and don’t want to wait for the oven to preheat.” —Cara

"When my old toaster oven quit, I decided to upgrade to this since it has the air fryer and other options. I just love it. The toast function works much better than my old toaster oven, and I really like using the air fryer. It's great to have both functions in one appliance. I've used the broiler but not the bake or grill functions. Like all tabletop appliances, especially with glass doors, it is a bit of a challenge to clean, but I wouldn't be without it!" —Julie

Price: $219.95 (originally $330; available in two finishes)

17. A revolving stainless-steel spice rack to make finding your cumin, cinnamon, and rosemary as painless as one twirl (instead of minutes of hunting through a drawer or cabinet that's best used for other essentials). Plus, it comes with 20 jars pre-filled with premium spices, so you can save yourself several trips to the grocery store.

Sophia / Wayfair

Promising reviews: "This spice rack is beautiful, not what I expected, but better than I expected. The seasonings and herbs in them are excellent!" —Marilyn

“I love the look in my kitchen. The polished stainless steel looks great next to my stainless-steel appliances, and the space this 20-jar rack takes is minimal and allows me to quickly find the spice I need! Definitely a great, great choice for a great price.” —Estella

Price: $50.99 (originally $60)

18. A 15-piece knife set complete with a knife block, to give you basically everything you need to slice and dice your way through the kitchen — and to improve (and sharpen, if you will) your skills with a blade. Plus, this knife set is one you'll actually want to display on the kitchen counter.

Wayfair

This set includes a carving knife, a chef's knife, kitchen shears, a bread knife, a Santoku knife, six steak knives, a kitchen utility knife, a paring knife, a knife sharpener, and a knife block.

Promising reviews: "I’m absolutely in love with this knife set! The design is so cute and chic — it really adds a stylish touch to my kitchen countertop. Beyond the looks, the quality is impressive. The knives are incredibly sharp and cut through everything with ease, making meal prep so much faster and more enjoyable. Everything arrived well-packaged and in perfect condition. Overall, this set is the perfect combination of beauty and performance. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a functional yet aesthetically pleasing knife set!" —Emmalee

“These knives are just what I needed! I love the serrated edges on the steak knives and the comfy handles. The colors match my decor and look super classy.” —Gail

Price: $59.40 (originally $74.99; available in two colors)

19. A 10-inch cast-iron skillet from Staub that can give you that perfect sear on steak, salmon, and firm tofu, taking a meal from good to great. This versatile kitchen must-have can easily go from the stovetop to the oven and, unlike other cast-iron cookware, doesn’t require additional seasoning thanks to its innovative enamel coating. You can even make a skillet cookie!

Wayfai

Promising reviews: “These pans aren't only beautiful, but they also work perfectly on my induction cooktop. Food cooks faster, more evenly, and stays hotter. They're a bit expensive and heavy, but they will last forever." —Steve

"Holy smokes, this skillet has elevated my cooking substantially. The cast-iron surface is so much smoother than a typical discount skillet, and it makes a major difference. It’s an absolute joy to cook with this skillet.” —George

Price: $229.99+ (originally $329; available in two sizes and seven colors)

20. A set of tongs in case you need to flip, toss, or move any ingredients while cooking. These tongs work with steak, chicken, veggies, and even seafood, and feature nylon tips so you won’t scratch your precious pots and pans.

Patricia / Wayfair

Promising review: “Really happy with these! Perfect size, easy to use, attractive. I like the red soft tips (no scratching). The locking thing is handy for hanging and storage. I highly recommend these tongs.” —Patricia 

"You can never have enough coated tongs to avoid scratching your pans. These are a perfect length and quality for me." —Stephanie

Price: $12.99 (originally $17.99)

21. A nonstick round Bundt pan with an eye-catching fluted shape so you can create some of the prettiest desserts around. Shoppers love that this gold pan is dishwasher-safe yet very durable.

Wayfair, Jill / Wayfair

Promising review: “The material of the pan is very heavy. My cakes cooked evenly and slid out of the pan perfectly. I loved the star shape, and it helped guide you to slice perfect-size pieces every time. I would like to order another one for a gift.” —Sheila

Price: $36.99 (originally $62.50)

22. Or, a wonderfully *portable* Ninja Crispi Air Fryer system destined to revolutionize how you enjoy food because it prepares your meal in the same container you eat it from. Once your meal is ready, you can chow down and then store any leftovers directly in the same container. Yeah, it's that good.

Jamie / Wayfair

Promising reviews: "Not your mother’s air fryer! This one is a game changer! So easy to use, and I love the fact that I can look through the glass and gauge the cooking process. Roasts veggies great. And dishwasher-safe — awesome combination!" —Mary

“Amazing!! I couldn’t wait, and the first night I cooked sweet potatoes and fried chicken, and the result was really, really great. The best air fryer I’ve had!” —Anonymous

Price: $179.99 (available in two colors)

23. A Le Creuset Dutch oven with more than 1,000 5-star reviews that prove it's a kitchen MVP for a reason. Ideal for slow cooking, braising, roasting, baking, frying, and more, you'll get plenty of use out of this baby for the remainder of this year and beyond.

Wayfair, Anuj / Wayfair

Promising review: “This Dutch oven is simply gorgeous. The enamel is bright and beautiful. It holds heat extremely well and heats evenly. I have checked it with an infrared thermometer, and it is consistent once it gets to temp. This is the cream of the crop.” —Kevin

Price: $284.95+ (available in nine colors and seven sizes)

24. An indoor grill for those who don’t have (or are too wary of) an outdoor setup. Not only can this appliance cook burgers and sear steak perfectly, but it can also make pancakes, grilled cheese, and paninis. Customers love that many components are dishwasher-safe.

Wayfair, Monica / Wayfair

Promising reviews: "I love this! It’s just like barbecuing indoors without the smoke; it works well it doesn’t take too long. It heats up great, and it’s a great size. It’s not too small." —Theresa

“This is the best grill ever. It grills steak exactly like an outdoor grill. Shows grill marks. Has temp controls. The very best part is that it comes totally apart for easy cleaning. It has a drip tray that I cover with foil to catch drippings. It’s also lightweight and easy to store.” —Dona

Price: $84.95 (originally $94.99)

25. A trio of nonstick baking pans from Rachael Ray to help you make cookies, sheet pan meals, roasted vegetables, and more. Each baking sheet is made of durable steel that won’t warp and features extra-wide, grippy handles, so you won't have any mishaps when removing them from the oven.

Anna / Wayfair

This set includes 9 x 13-inch, 10 x 15-inch, and 11 x 17-inch baking sheets.

Promising reviews: "Three years later, these pans still look brand new and yes, they have been used many times! They clean fantastically, they are dishwasher-safe, and cookies slide right off. It's Rachael Ray... of course, this item is great!" —Tracey B.

“Absolutely LOVE these pans! The nonstick is phenomenal, and the grips on the edges are super helpful when taking in and out of the oven.” —Delores

Price: $47.99 (originally $80; available in two colors)

26. A KitchenAid stand mixer so you can whip up everything from homemade spaghetti to shredded chicken for taco night. With 10 different speeds and a tilt head that makes adding ingredients super easy, you may never put this appliance away. You can also buy separate attachments for making fresh pasta, grinding meat, and more.

Carole / Wayfair

Promising reviews: “OMG, I am in LOVE with my KitchenAid stand mixer. It makes baking bread, cakes, and cookies so easy. While the batter is whipping, you can start on some of the cleanup. The splatter/pour guard that comes with the mixer is also a tremendous help in controlling the flour spilling. Would not trade it for anything in the world. I plan on using this each time I bake.” —Jacqueline

"I absolutely love this, and it’s vivid color. It’s a workhorse. I use it to bake everything from cookies to cakes, brownies, scones, and tortillas." —Beverly

Price: $499.95 (available in 19 colors)

27. A nine-piece KitchenAid measuring set, because precision is important when cooking and baking, whether you're a newbie or a pro. This stackable set, which is also dishwasher safe, is ideal for measuring both dry and wet ingredients.

Wayfair

Promising review: “Love this color! Great addition to my kitchen and a big upgrade to my previous set. Easy to use, wash, and clean in the dishwasher. The labels on the cups could be more legible, but that's a minor issue for me.” —Anu

Price: $13+ (available in six colors)

Want even more kitchen upgrade inspiration? We're here to help:

* Kitchen Products You’ll Use So Much, You May Start Referring To Them As Your BFFs

* Things That Make It Easier (And More Cost-Effective) To Cook For One

* Kitchen Products That Are Totally Worth The Space *And* The Money You Spend On 'Em

* If You’re Busy, Busy, Busy, Reviewers Say These 27 Things Will Help You Cook Faster

* Kitchen Products That Definitely Understood The Assignment When It Comes To Aesthetics

Plus, finds from Amazon, Sur La Table, Walmart, or Wayfair, and our full array of kitchen product round-ups.

Why Trust BuzzFeed Shopping?

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.