Cooking is more than just preparing meals—it’s about creating moments, flavors, and experiences. With the right tools, your time in the kitchen transforms from routine to remarkable. Here are five essentials that bring both function and flair to your culinary adventures.
1. LEVO II+
Think of this as the secret weapon for infusions. Whether it’s oils, butters, or honey, the LEVO II+ lets you create your own gourmet infusions right at home. Imagine lavender honey for cocktails or chili oil for your noodles, it’s the gadget you didn’t know you needed.
What makes this machine so special is its precision. Instead of guessing temperatures or making a mess on the stovetop, the LEVO II+ does all the heavy lifting for you. I love using it when I want to experiment with flavors—like rosemary butter to melt over grilled steak, or a calming chamomile-infused oil for baking. It gives you the freedom to get creative without worrying about ruining delicate herbs.
Another bonus? It’s perfect for gifting season. Homemade infused oils or honeys in a chic little bottle always impress friends and family. It’s the kind of tool that sparks ideas every time you see it on your counter.
2. Quality Cookware (Caraway Home)
Cooking is just better when your pots and pans actually perform. I love Caraway Home because they’re non-toxic, sleek, and heat evenly. Plus, they look so good you won’t mind leaving them out on the stove.
The thing about cookware is, it sets the foundation for every dish. If you’ve ever fought with a pan that sticks or cooks unevenly, you know how frustrating it can be. Investing in quality pots and pans saves you time, stress, and in the long run, even money because they last so much longer.
Caraway is one of my favorites because it blends beauty and practicality. The colors are dreamy and instantly make your kitchen feel more styled, while the ceramic coating means your food slides right off without a ton of oil. I’ve cooked everything from delicate omelets to seared salmon in these pans, and they handle it all.
Pro Tip: If you’re upgrading your cookware, look for sets that include smart storage solutions. Caraway’s built-in organizers keep everything neat and tidy, which makes your kitchen feel like a chef’s studio instead of a cluttered mess.
3. Kitchen Torch
Because sometimes, you just need a little drama. Perfect for caramelizing crème brûlée, torching meringue, or even getting that restaurant-quality char on your veggies. It’s equal parts practical and impressive—and let’s be real, it’s just fun to use.
A kitchen torch adds that final touch you didn’t even know was missing. I’ve used mine for cocktails, lightly toasting a marshmallow garnish on a s’mores martini, and instantly everyone at the table wanted to know how I did it. It’s a show-stopper tool that also makes everyday things special, like giving your mac and cheese a golden crust or adding smoky flavor to a simple tomato soup.
And while it might sound intimidating, they’re actually super easy to use once you get the hang of it. The key is control. You get precise, direct heat exactly where you want it, something you’ll never achieve with a broiler.
4. Juicer
Freshly squeezed juice just hits different. Whether it’s bright citrus for cocktails, nourishing greens for a morning boost, or vibrant blends for marinades, a juicer adds layers of freshness and creativity to your everyday cooking.
I love mine because it instantly makes me feel like I’m treating myself. A glass of fresh orange juice in the morning tastes like a hotel brunch, and green juice after a workout feels like self-care in a cup. Beyond drinks, fresh juice can completely change your cooking—lemon juice for a marinade, beet juice for a natural food dye, or fresh ginger shots to kick a cold.
If you’re buying one, look for something that’s easy to clean. That’s usually the dealbreaker for most people. A compact, high-speed juicer works great for citrus and soft fruits, while a slow-masticating juicer extracts maximum nutrition from leafy greens.
Pro Tip: Save your pulp! Carrot pulp can go into muffins, citrus pulp into smoothies, and celery pulp into soups. No waste, more flavor.
5. Mortar & Pestle
Sometimes old-school is best. A mortar and pestle unlocks flavors in a way pre-ground spices never could. From hand-crushed herbs to aromatic spice blends and pesto, this timeless tool connects you to the roots of cooking while elevating your flavors to new heights. And it also helps that it looks gorgeous sitting on your counter.
What I love most is the hands-on ritual. Crushing basil into a pesto or toasting whole cumin seeds and grinding them yourself gives dishes a depth of flavor that you just can’t get from a jar. It’s slower, yes, but that’s part of the experience. Cooking becomes tactile, aromatic, and grounding.
A good mortar and pestle can last a lifetime, so choose wisely. Granite versions are heavy and great for tough spices, marble looks chic and handles herbs beautifully, and ceramic is perfect for softer tasks like grinding garlic or ginger. It’s functional, stylish, and connects you to centuries of tradition in the kitchen.
These five gadgets aren’t about cluttering your kitchen, they’re about elevating it. Each one brings something unique, whether it’s precision, beauty, drama, freshness, or tradition. Together, they help turn everyday cooking into an experience worth savoring. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what you cook, but how you feel while you’re cooking it.
Written by Brittaney Denise
