19 French Kitchen Essentials for Making French Meals
We may earn a commission through all links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.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.
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.
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven, 5.5 qt., Meringue
Check Price on AmazonPots 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.
Mauviel M'Cook 5-Ply Polished Stainless Steel Stewpan With Curved Lid, And Cast Stainless Steel Handles, 6.2-qt, Made In France
Check Price on AmazonBaking 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 baked goods or pastries. Try the Silpat Nonstick Silicone Baking Mat.
Silpat Premium Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat, Half Sheet Size, 11-5/8 x 16-1/2, Orange
Check Price on AmazonRamekins
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.
Emile Henry Made in France 5 oz Ramekin (Set of 2), 3.5" by 2", Burgundy Red
Check Price on AmazonChef’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 prepare all of your ingredients. Go with the French-made Sabatier Forged Stainless Steel Chef Knife with EdgeKeeper Self-Sharpening Sheath, which measures 8 inches long.
Jean Dubost 1920 Chef Knife, Oak Wood Handle - Rust-Resistant Stainless Steel - Made in France
Check Price on AmazonBread Knife
A bread knife is another essential item in a French kitchen. A bread knife will help you properly slice bread, as well as other baked goods. The classic Opinel Parallele Stainless Steel Bread Knife will help you cut baguettes the right way!
Opinel Parallele Bread Knife – Serrated, Curved Blade for Slicing Bread and Tough Rinds, High Carbon X50CrMoV15 Stainless Steel, Made in France
Check Price on AmazonKnife Set
A good quality knife set is a must in any French kitchen. Sharp knives of varying sizes will make prep work much easier and faster. The Laguiole Steak Knives set is basic in many French households.
French Home Laguiole Connoisseur 5pc Olivewood Knife Set & Magnetic Display
Check Price on AmazonCutting 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.
Kitchen Series 11.5" × 9" Cutting Board in Nutmeg
Check Price on AmazonHand 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.
Duralex Made In France Lys Stackable 9-Piece Glass Bowl Set,Clear
Check Price on AmazonMeasuring 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 set with both American and European measurements (tablespoons vs. milliliters) like this de Buyer Stainless Steel Measuring Cup & Spoon Set.
de Buyer Stainless Steel Measuring Cups - Set of 4 - Measure & Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients - Easy to Use & Store - Dishwasher Safe
Check Price on AmazonCheese 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 is practical!
Shanik Upgraded Acacia Wood Charcuterie Board Set with 3 Removable Ceramic Bowls and Serving Utensils - Ideal for Hosting Elegant Parties and Entertaining Guest (Without Engraving)
Check Price on AmazonHerb 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!
5-Blade Herb Cutter Scissors with Safety Cover, Cleaning Comb - Green
Check Price on AmazonFrench 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.
MuellerLiving French Press Coffee Maker 34oz, Stainless Steel French Press Coffee, 4 Filter Heat Resistant Double Insulated, Rust-Free, Food Grade, Dishwasher Safe Coffee Pot
Check Price on AmazonMortar 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.
Candy Cottons Stripe Kitchen Towels With Hanging Loop - Boho Absorbent Dish Towels Set of 3 - Reversible Reusable 18x28 Inch - Spring French Stripe Red - Festive Gift
Check Price on AmazonWood 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.
Berard 22274 French Olive-Wood Handcrafted Pointed Spoon
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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.
Pre de Provence Marseille Olive Oil Soap Cube, Traditional French Clean Scent Multi-Purpose use on Hands, Body, Laundry or Dishes, Natural, 300 Gram
Check Price on AmazonWine 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)!
