You shop for high-quality ingredients and hunt for the tastiest recipes – but finding the best kitchen utensil set can take your cooking from good to gourmet. Not only that, but the right set of utensils will also make food prep a breeze, and when it comes to hectic mealtimes, we’ll take any edge we can get. From stainless steel to bamboo, and hardwood to silicone, the options are endless – but what constitutes the perfect utensil set?
Our team sifted through brand websites and customer reviews to pinpoint the very best utensil sets on the market. Reviews took into consideration price, quality, number of pieces (ones that you’ll use!), and style. Whether you’re supplying your first kitchen or looking to replace your old, tired kitchen utensils, these sets will satisfy.
View The Best Kitchen Utensil Set Below
1. Cuisinart Curve Crock with Tools
Counter-ready in a simple-but-stylish stainless steel crock, this seven-piece basic black set contains all the kitchen utensil greatest hits. The heads on this set are made from nylon that’s safe for nonstick surfaces, and heat resistant up to 400 degrees; handles are ergonomic with a soft grip. Dishwasher safe and easy to handwash, all six of the utensils in this set feature flat designs so they won’t roll off the stove or countertop. There’s room in the crock for your other often-used utensils, too.
Pros:
+Crock is attractive enough for the countertop
+Cuisineart is conscientious about their designs
+The kitchen utensil set is heat-resistant and dishwasher safe
+These kitchen utensils have soft, comfy handles
+Spatula is thin, so it lifts even sticky food easily
Why We Like It – The little things on this utensil set added up – we took notice of the flat no-roll design and the fact that the crock is roomy enough to pull out a utensil without a struggle. Cuisineart’s reputation was a plus for us, too.
2. OXO Good Grips Everyday Kitchen Tool Set
A lot of thought goes into the handle design of OXO’s Good Grips line, which was initially inspired by the founder’s wife (she struggled with arthritis). The handles on these utensils, which are available in sets of 6, 10, 15, or 18 pieces, are optimized for all cooks: comfortable, non-slip, and durable. The 18-piece set is great for a one-stop kitchen setup, as it contains everything from a pizza cutter to a garlic press, as well as the ubiquitous slotted spoon, spatula, and ladle – all with Good Grips quality design and materials.
Pros:
+High quality from one of the best kitchen utensil brands out there
+Utensils are optimized for smooth, comfortable use
+Choose from six- to 18-piece kitchen utensil sets
+Less expensive than purchasing the individual pieces
Why We Like It – Oxo utensils are an investment, but these kitchen utensil sets are worth every penny. The handles make a huge difference, especially on tools like the spatula, garlic press, and can opener. We liked the product options as well; choose the size set that meets your needs, and build from there.
3. Riveira Bamboo Utensil Set
Wood utensils lend a classic, warm look to a kitchen, but sometimes the upkeep is more trouble than cooks care to take on – and quality hardwood tools can be expensive. This bamboo set circumvents both issues: the material resists moisture better, and because bamboo is renewable, it’s affordable, too. Safe for nonstick pans, attractive, and pragmatically designed, this is one of the best kitchen utensil sets we found for cooks on a budget. The set includes a slotted spoon and solid spoons, a spoon/fork, solid and slotted spatulas, and a turner spatula.
Pros:
+Bamboo is one of the best woods for kitchen utensils
+Affordable set that stands up to use
+Easy to clean and minimal upkeep
+Contains the kitchen utensils
+Tools have smooth, comfortable handles
Why We Like It – You can’t beat bamboo – it’s durable, inexpensive, and keeps its good looks. This cooking utensil set is finished with natural oil, a nice touch that extends its life and appearance. This kitchen set is a great buy.
4. StarPack Basics XL Silicone Kitchen Utensil Set
Bold in both color and size, these silicone kitchen utensil sets caught our eye right away. But these kitchen tools boast features beyond the way they look. They’re oversized for a reason: at 30% larger than standard kitchen tools, this set will make turning, stirring, and serving more efficient. Heat-resistant to 480 degrees, these kitchen utensils will survive being left near the stove – but it’s not likely you’ll lose sight of the bright teal or red set options. Too, kitchen tools made as one solid piece (as opposed to composite designs) harbor fewer bacteria and are easier to clean.
Pros:
+set features extra-large surface areas and extra-long handles
+Silicone kitchen material is safe up to 480 degrees
+Dishwasher safe
+Solid one-piece design is more hygienic than composite
Why We Like It – The larger size of these cooking utensils was appreciated, particularly the spatula (we’ve ruined many a pancake with an inadequate turner). If you cook for a crowd or tend toward large portions, this is the set for you.
5. Farberware Spin-and-Store Knife and Kitchen Tool Set
Starved for storage space? This is one of the best kitchen utensil sets for small kitchens staffed by cooks who want it all. The 30-pieces include many basic and specialty kitchen tools, all made with attention to detail. For such a compact holder (it spins for accessibility), we loved the array of utensils included – measuring cups and spoons, knives, and most of the other tools you’ll need. Some reviewers noted that there’s no room for additional utensils – but you’re not likely to need much else.
Pros:
+30 kitchen utensils in a compact holder
+Great for RVs and dorm kitchens
+It’s easy to remove tools for use
+Knives have high-carbon stainless steel blades
+Stable and sturdy base
Why We Like It – For the price and variety of utensils included (especially the knives, measuring cups and spoons, tools that tend to be space hogs), the compactness of this kitchen utensil set made it one of our favorite picks. And although the size is one of its best features, Farberware didn’t skimp on quality.
6. Umite Chef Silicone Cooking Utensils
Another of the best kitchen utensil sets that include a container (and one we liked for both its functionality and looks), this set of tools made our list for several reasons. Silicone construction means this cooking utensil set is compatible with nonstick kitchen items, as well as easy to clean. (And except for the whisk and tongs, all the tools are one-piece construction.)
This silicone kitchen utensils set can withstand heat up to 446 degrees and comes in a cheery multi-color option (and black and green sets as well). Reviewers noted thoughtful design details like the drainage holes in the utensil holder and the flat scraping edge on the ladle.
Pros:
+Nonstick cookware-friendly
+Cute color options
+Kitchen utensil crock included
+Helpful product design details
+Heat resistant
Why We Like It – A stainless steel core with colorful silicone exterior – what’s not to love? The handles were comfortable and soft without sacrificing durability, and the tools included in this utensil set were the ones we use most often.
7. NEXGADGET Kitchen Utensil Set
If you’re stocking a new home or are in the market to replace your existing tools with one of the best kitchen utensil sets available, Nexgadget’s 42-piece collection may be at the top of your list. There are so many useful tools in this kitchen utensil set: from a basting brush, skimmer, and slotted spoon to turners and spatulas designed for every food imaginable. This cooking utensil set is made from nylon (heat-resistant up to 400 degrees) and stainless steel for a classic look. The high quality and affordable price tag merit this kitchen utensil set a second look.
Pros:
+You can stock your home instantly with this kitchen utensil set
+Stainless steel and nylon construction
+Heat resistant and durable
+Designed with hanging loops
+Makes a perfect wedding or housewarming gift
Why We Like It – Sometimes, you may not know that you need a particular kitchen utensil until you try one. Having a product that’s designed for specific uses (like the oval slotted turner in this utensil set, which is perfect for flipping burgers) can streamline mealtimes.
8. FineDine Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensil Set
Solid stainless steel kitchen utensils have an advantage over their competitors: their modern and sleek look. Beyond that, though, you can rely on a stainless steel product to do the job and hold up to years of use. The FineDine 10-piece kitchen utensil set comes in a cute stainless steel holder – but the utensils within it mean business. We found the handles comfortable, and the design is sturdy without being clunky. Finding stainless steel utensil sets at this price range can be tricky; this one is of high quality.
Pros:
+Best bet for a stainless steel kitchen utensil set at this price range
+Sleek good looks, including the canister
+Utensils set includes tongs, potato masher, and whisk
+Dishwasher safe
Why We Like It – It’s the best stainless steel kitchen utensil set in its price range, and the utensils are attractive to boot. Sets like this are hard to come by – you’ll be getting the basics and a few “wish list” utensils, and all are easy on your hands.
9. Home Hero Kitchen Utensil Set
Reviewers took note of the variety of gadgets in this kitchen utensil set, but the collection contains many items the typical cook will use. The shears are a great example – they’re one of the unsung heroes of the kitchen, and the best pair will be sturdy and easy to wash. Nylon and stainless steel construction with simple, comfortable handle design are perks here, and this 23-piece set partners well with nonstick cookware. From the practical spatula to the handy bottle opener, it’s all included in one purchase, and this kitchen utensil set is of high quality.
Pros:
+Kitchen utensils in this set range from basic to beyond
+Stainless steel and nylon components
+Hard-wearing pieces for everyday use
+23 of the best kitchen utensils in one set
+Kitchen shears are sharp and durable
Why We Like It – A no-frills set is nice, but sometimes you want items that you don’t necessarily need. We got our fix of both with this kitchen utensil set, and the well-crafted tools were some of the best we encountered.
10. Vremi Cooking Utensils
“Oh, cute” was the initial reaction to this six-piece kitchen utensil set, which features a rainbow of hues on the handles. (One reviewer also noted that the different colors would make it easy to reach in the drawer and grab the utensil you need.) But there’s more than meets the eye with this: it’s one of the best kitchen utensil sets we reviewed. Each handle in this set is ergonomically designed with silicone finger grips. You may want to hang them from hooks to bring some instant cheer to your kitchen.
Pros:
+This set has a unique, colorful appeal
+Finger grips on the underside of each handle
+Nylon construction can withstand the heat
+Set contains six of the most-often used cooking utensils
+Won’t scratch nonstick cookware
Why We Like It – This utensil set has some heft to it – the pieces are durable, and the design is comfortable. Although the multi-colored handles are cute, they also serve a useful function: you’ll instantly know which utensil is which, even in a drawer.
Kitchen Utensil Set Buyer’s Guide
What to look for when buying a kitchen utensil set: materials matter
The best kitchen utensil sets feature pieces you’ll get years of use out of, and that are safe for your existing cookware. One of the very first considerations when utensil shopping is whether or not you own nonstick pots and pans. If you do, you’ll need to eliminate stainless steel from the list, as this material can scratch delicate nonstick coatings. For this type of cookware, you may want to consider nylon, silicone, or wood kitchen utensils set.
Fortunately, silicone kitchen tools (nylon, too!) are easy to find and come in sets that range from basic to downright luxurious. How to narrow your options down and find the best set? Look for hallmarks of good design: many brands of kitchen utensil sets offer one-piece, solid construction, which eliminates gaps and joints where bacteria love to gather. Typically, a nylon- or silicone-clad utensil – such as a spatula or slotted spoon – will have a metal core that provides stability. Here, stainless steel is your best bet – it offers strength, but your nonstick pans are protected by the outer layers of a utensil set that’s made of softer materials.
The most up-to-date nylon and silicone cooking utensil will be heat resistant, typically up to 400 degrees or so. This won’t guarantee you’ll never need to replace that spatula, but a kitchen utensil set with this rating is tougher than its cheaper competitors. Materials make the difference in handle design as well: a cushy pad of silicone can help stabilize your grip, especially if you’re prone to joint stiffness.
Look for “ergonomic” in product descriptions for utensils designed with comfort in mind. (OXO’s Good Grips line sets the standard for utensils that are easy on your hands, and their can openers and garlic presses are particularly nice for people living with arthritis.)
And then there’s wood. It’s probably one of the first materials used in the first kitchen utensil sets, and it’s stayed in circulation for good reasons. Wood, especially hard and moisture-resistant types such as bamboo and olivewood, performs well and looks great. Kitchen utensil sets made of wood can last for years, especially if you take care of them (pro tip: bamboo utensils are low maintenance and affordable, so consider sets made of this renewable resource if a wood is on your radar). Handwash your wood utensils, make sure they’re completely dry before you store them, and they’ll serve you well for years to come.
Consider storage space
Whether it’s a feature like a compact container or holes for hanging on the wall, if kitchen real estate is at a premium, you’ll need to shop for kitchen utensil sets that fit in. Cluttered countertops are a kitchen accident waiting to happen, and a clunky crock of utensils (especially one that’s too low to hold pieces upright) can be a literal pain.
If your workspace is small, look for a kitchen utensil set that’s either hangable, stored in a container with a small footprint, or one that has utensils that can be easily stored and sorted out in a drawer. (Multi-colored handles are great for the last option – you’ll be able to distinguish the spatula from the spoon without having to pull each utensil out.) A compact – and ideally spinning – countertop container can help keep you organized, as well.
The must-have utensils vs. the wish list utensils
Here’s where narrowing down the best kitchen utensil sets becomes an elimination process: what items are absolute must-haves for your ideal kitchen utensil set? The tools you’ll likely use most are a spatula and a slotted spoon, and luckily, all of the utensil sets on the market will contain these. A six- to eight- kitchen utensil set is often enough for everyday cooking; it’ll have the pieces you need to fry, bake, and stew.
Kitchen utensil sets of this size from the best brands are a good investment, and you can always add more utensils as your skills (and budget) expand. If you’re just setting up your kitchen and money is tight, look for more affordable kitchen utensil sets in this smaller range. Sets with more than a dozen or so kitchen utensil items contain “wish list” options that you can cook without for now. You’ll need that spatula, sure, but you may be set without utensils like a whisk or egg separator, for now.
However, the more serious chef may want to approach larger kitchen utensil sets with the same philosophy that DIYers do their tool kits. If you’re considering more specialized tools, purchase an affordable set first. And if you find yourself reaching for those niche utensils often, go ahead and replace that starter utensil set with a higher-quality product. A kitchen utensil set with 20 or more utensils may seem like a luxury, but that same set may spur you on to more complicated recipes – and inspire your creativity.
