19 French Kitchen Essentials for Making French Meals
Cooking authentic French cuisine at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right kitchen essentials, you can easily recreate the flavors of France in your own kitchen. From the perfect sauté pan for making rich béchamel sauces to the essential tools for crafting delicate pastries, having the right French cooking equipment on hand makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover the must-have items every home cook needs to master the art of French cooking, whether you’re whipping up a simple ratatouille or an elaborate beef bourguignon. With these French kitchen essentials, you’ll be well on your way to serving up mouthwatering Gallic dishes in no time.
There are simply a few kitchen essentials and tools that every French person has in their kitchen. Here are a few of the most vital items:
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
A staple in any French kitchen, a cast iron Dutch oven is perfect for cooking stews, casseroles, and other one-pot meals. The most popular French cast iron oven brands are Le Creuset and Staub. Try the Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven and the Staub Enameled Cast Iron Round Wide Dutch Oven, 6-Qt to begin with.
Pots and Pans
A set of pots and pans is essential. French cooks typically use a lot of fresh ingredients, so a good set of pots and pans will be necessary for cooking those ingredients properly. We recommend the Mauviel Copper 12-Piece Cookware Set, made in France.
Baking Sheet
A good baking sheet is an essential item in any French kitchen. A good baking sheet by French brand Silpat will help you make a variety of different baked goods or pastries. Try the Siilpat Nonstick Silicone Baking Mat.
Ramekins
Ramekins are perfect for serving individual portions of food. They can be used for everything from crème brûlée to soufflé to small portions of soup.
Chef’s Knife
A good chef’s knife is an essential item for any kitchen, but it is especially important in a French kitchen. A good chef’s knife will help you to properly prepare all of your ingredients. Go with the French-made Sabatier Forged Stainless Steel Chef Knife with EdgeKeeper Self-Sharpening Sheath, that measures 8 inches long.
Bread Knife
A bread knife is another essential item in a French kitchen. A bread knife will help you to properly slice bread, as well as other baked goods. The classic Opinel Parallele Stainless Steel Bread Knife will help you cut baguettes the proper way!
Knife Set
A good quality knife set is a must in any French kitchen. A good set of knives will make prep work much easier and faster. The Laguiole Steak Knives set is a basic in many French households.
Cutting Board
A good quality cutting board is a must. A good cutting board will make it easier to prep your food and will also help protect your knives. Go with the authentic Aubrac Walnut Cutting Board made in Laguiole, France.
Hand Mixer
A small hand mixer is a French kitchen essential. A hand mixer will make it easier to whip up sauces, soups, and other dishes. A french spring coil whisk is good to have nearby.
Duralex Glass Bowls
Duralex is a respected French company that makes high-quality glassware. Their bowls are perfect for mixing, serving, and storing food. This 10-piece set should suffice.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
A good set of measuring cups and spoons is also essential. This will help you measure ingredients properly so that your dishes turn out just the way you want them to. Ideally, you’ll find a asset with both American and European measurements (tablespoons vs. milliliters) like this de Buyer Stainless Steel Measuring Cup & Spoon Set.
Cheese Board
A cheese board and knife set is essential for any French kitchen. A good cheese board will help you properly serve and enjoy all of your favorite cheeses. This marble board and olivewood cheese knife set seems practical!
Herb Shears
A good set of herb shears or herb scissors is essential for any French kitchen. Herb shears will make it easy to properly chop fresh herbs for use in your cooking. You have to get the seasoning just right!
French Press
A French press is an essential item for any coffee lover. A French press will help you make a delicious cup of French coffee every morning.
Mortar and Pestle
A mortar and pestle is an essential part of any French kitchen. This tool will help you properly grind spices and herbs required for many French recipes.
Linen Dish Towel
A set of French linen dish towels is a must in any French kitchen. These dish towels are perfect for wiping up spills, drying your hands, and keeping your counters clean.
Wood Spoon
A wooden spoon is an essential item in any kitchen, but it is especially important in a French kitchen. A wooden spoon will help you properly stir and mix ingredients without damaging your pots and pans.
French Soap
French soap is a must-have in any French kitchen. Authentic French soap is perfect for keeping your hands clean while you cook. Marseille is a town in France known for its soap production.
Wine Glasses
No French kitchen is complete without a set of wine glasses. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of red or white, having the proper glassware is a must. These La Rochere wine glasses are the same ones used in Paarisian brasseries. The brand has been making glassware since 1475!
These are just a few of the French kitchen essentials that every French person should have in their kitchen. With these items, you’ll be well on your way to cooking like a true Frenchman (or woman)!
