Rather than having cupboards packed full of different pots and pans, you should only have a few well-designed pieces of cookware that allow you to do what you want, under different temperatures and situations.
When I look into cookware, I judge off of a few different things:
- Price. At the end of the day, the price matters.
- Heat retention. How well will they heat up and retain temperature over different heat sources?
- Design. Will the handle get too hot, or will the cover not seal completely?
- Utility. Will this be able to handle all of my basic needs, and then some?
Generally speaking, good cookware is solid and a bit heavier than others. It will sit flat on a stove and conduct heat well – meaning it adapts quickly to changes in temperature. It will be sturdy, heat-proof, and will have secure handles and lids that will feel comfortable. In my opinion, these are the best cooking recommendations for your keto journey:
Cookware
CUISINART MULTICLAD PRO STAINLESS STEEL COOKWARE
COOK SAFELY AND LIKE A PROFESSIONAL
While using non-stick pans have the appeal of easy cleaning, they just don’t cook as well as these will. Going stainless gives a longer life to the pans, fewer chemicals released when cooking, and the use of being dishwasher safe (though I always suggest hand washing pans).
Stainless cookware offers an aluminum core, which responds extremely well to temperature changes, with a durable steel finish that allows for plenty of use. Used in professional kitchens all over the world, stainless is the way to go – and Cuisinart brings it to us at a very fair price.
LODGE 12 INCH CAST IRON SKILLET
EXTREMELY STURDY AND PRE-SEASONED FOR EASE
A cast iron skillet is perfect for those times you need a non-stick surface without having any of the chemicals. From heat distribution to heat retention, cast iron does a fantastic job of getting hot and staying hot.
Although it is pre-seasoned, I recommend seasoning it on your own for the perfect cook on your foods. Lodge is always a brand I choose because they’re known for using quality iron, which shows through on the heat distribution.
LODGE REVERSIBLE CAST IRON GRIDDLE
BREAKFAST TO DINNER IN A FLASH
You get two cook surfaces here. On one side, you can grill meats (with grill marks) easily and effectively.
On the other side, you can flat griddle sausage, eggs, and bacon in no time flat – and have it as crispy as you like it! Better yet, you can easily save all of that delicious fat and jar it up for the next time you need it!
Baking & Bakeware
RACHEL RAY OVEN LOVIN' BAKEWARE
TIME TO UPDATE THOSE RUSTY NON-STICK PANS
Non-stick bakeware is well known for losing its non-stick surface after 4-5 months.
We don’t want to spend too much here because we will eventually replace them, but we do want to have the essentials for all of our baking needs. You shouldn’t need to have much more than these in your kitchen to create, bake, and show off to all your other low-carb friends!
BIA CORDON BLEU RAMEKIN SET
IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS WITH EASY BAKING
Ramekins not only impress people with the presentation, but they are awesome containers for cooking portion-controlled food in an easy way.
Ramekins can be covered with plastic wrap and used as storage containers at the same time. They’re versatile – working from breakfast to lunch, dinner, and dessert – and can be used in almost any recipes if you apply a bit of creativity.
SILICONE BAKING SHEETS
MAKE YOUR DINNER WITH A SET AND FORGET ATTITUDE
Silicone is one of my favorite things to use in the kitchen. From rolling out dough to baking cooking, silpats can be used for pretty much anything you need.
These replace practically almost all the uses for parchment paper and gives you the versatility of easy storage. Being able to fold in half, in thirds, or even in quarters, these will fit practically anywhere. And, you’ll love how easily your cookies come off of this baking sheet.
PANTRY ELEMENTS SILICONE CUPCAKE LINERS
SLIDE OUT OF THE MOLD NON-STICK CUPCAKES
Being heat resistant up to 500°F, silicone is one of my favorite non-stick surfaces to cook with. They don’t lose the non-stick property as you use them, either, and are durable for all cooking.
Taking your cupcakes out of the molds? As easy as flipping the mold over! No more digging knives into the non-stick coating just to end up with uneven cupcakes. Give these a try and I know you’ll never buy another cupcake pan again.
Measurements & Utensils
OZERI PRONTO DIGITAL KITCHEN SCALE
MEASURE WITH PRECISION
Being able to accurately measure your food should be a priority in any kitchen. As many of you know, using cups as a weight measurement isn’t always the best way to find out how much you’re eating.
Using a scale will give you all of the information you want to know, so when you’re tracking your food – you’ll know exactly how much you’re eating and the exact macros of what you’re eating.
RUBBERMAID 42-PIECE STORAGE SET
FREEZE, REFRIGERATE, AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS
Most of us don’t like to cook on a daily basis, but storing your food properly is one of the best things you can do to get the most bang out of your buck.
Using airtight containers that are both durable and space-friendly will make your food last longer, and your cupboards feel emptier. Reheating in the microwave is a breeze with these. They’re microwave-safe and can be used to heat up any and all of your leftovers.
MIUSCO SILICONE KITCHEN UTENSILS
NEVER SCRATCH YOUR BAKEWARE AGAIN
Going silicone is something that I’ve made the move to recently. Silicone utensils are easy to clean, won’t scratch the surface of anything, and look great! They’re hard to burn, so unlike plastic, you can leave them in a pot for hours on end without having to worry.
They’re durable, so unlike wood, you don’t have to worry about breaking them – and they fit great in your hand. From non-stick bakeware to steel cookware, these will work great every single time.
CIA MASTERS COLLECTION MEASURING SPOONS
DURABLE, WEIGHTED, AND EASY TO USE
These are the tools that have to be in every baker’s kitchen. From measuring out the exact amount of xanthan gum to the correct amount of oil I need to use, measuring spoons are something I use on a regular basis.
Even when it comes to grabbing a spoonful of peanut butter out of the jar, I measure it out first so I know exactly how much I’ve eaten.
STAINLESS STEEL MEASURING CUP SET
DURABLE, BEAUTIFUL, AND SIMPLISTIC IN DESIGN
These guys save time and guesswork by allowing you to properly create the recipes you want to make.
Without having to measure out the ingredients in grams, these (almost) universal measuring cups will be the perfect addition to any ketogenic kitchen – and any baker’s arsenal.
Looking for something else? Head over to our recommended keto products page for more suggestions on the products we and the community use or check out our online store for all things keto!