Keep your kitchen safe, organized, and running smoothly with these essential storage and safety tools I rely on every day. From glass containers to thermometers and aprons, this list is built for real home cooks who want practical and reliable gear.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- More Than Miscellaneous
- Why Storage & Safety Tools Matter
- 1. Glass Storage Containers
- 2. Labels & Masking Tape
- 3. Thermometers (Instant-Read + Oven)
- 4. Trivets
- 5. Kitchen Towels & Mitts
- 6. Aprons
- 7. First Aid Kit (Optional but Recommended)
- 8. Tongs
- 9. Splatter Guards
- 10. Cutting Boards & Mats
- 11. Gloves
- 12. Step Stool with Non-Slip Feet
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Kitchen Essentials and Tips
- Cooking Tips and Tutorials
- Have a Comment or Question?
More Than Miscellaneous
There's more to a functional kitchen than just pots and pans; how you store, label, and protect yourself while cooking can make or break your workflow. Over the years, I've learned that good kitchen habits come from having the right tools within arm's reach: safe, practical, and built for everyday use.
From keeping leftovers fresh, checking meat temperatures, or just having a trusty towel to grab a hot pan, these tools keep my kitchen running safely and smoothly.
This list includes the unsung heroes I turn to daily, tools that save time, reduce waste, and help prevent accidents in the kitchen.
Why Storage & Safety Tools Matter
Storage and safety might not be the flashiest categories in your kitchen, but they're the ones that keep everything flowing smoothly behind the scenes. Proper storage tools help reduce food waste, save space, and make it easier to find what you need, whether you're mid-recipe or packing up leftovers.
And safety tools? They're what protect your hands, your countertops, and your peace of mind while you cook.
As someone who cooks a lot (and teaches others to do the same), I've learned the hard way that having a cracked container, a mystery freezer bag, or a missing oven mitt at the wrong moment can derail even the best meal plan. That's why I've invested in a few core items I now swear by for durability, practicality, and ease of use.
Recommended Reads
- Kitchen Safety Tips for Families: A Guide for Cooking Together
- Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Kids: 5 Essentials
- What Not to Buy: 7 Common Mistakes People Make
- Upgrade or Skip? How to Know When a Kitchen Tool Is Worth It
- Kitchen Tools on Sale | Curated Cooking Deals by Chef Maika
Featured Tools & Reviews
Here are the everyday storage and safety tools I reach for constantly in my kitchen-whether I'm prepping meals, cleaning up, or keeping things organized.
1. Glass Storage Containers
Reliable and reusable, glass containers are a must for storing leftovers, meal prep, and even mixing small sauces. I prefer ones with airtight lids that can go from fridge to microwave to dishwasher without worry. Unlike plastic, they don't stain or hold onto odors, making them perfect for everyday use. Learn more about Containing Food Safety with the Right Containers (MSU.EDU).
My Review: These Pyrex Freshlock containers are the closest match to my favorite Ikea version, shallow, stackable, and built for everyday use. The shallow design is especially helpful for food safety, allowing hot meals to cool down faster before refrigerating. They don’t stain, the airtight locking lids seal in freshness, and they work beautifully for both hot and cold storage. Plus, they’re freezer-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
2. Labels & Masking Tape
A roll of masking tape and a permanent marker may seem basic, but they are one of the best kitchen hacks for labeling containers with the date and contents (ColumbiaDoctors.org). It helps you track what's in your fridge or freezer at a glance and avoid mystery meals. For dry storage, I love decorating my glass canisters, mason jars, and bins with the chalkboard label stickers.
My Review: This professional-grade blue electrical tape might not look like a kitchen tool, but it’s one of my simplest HACCP-friendly tricks. I use it to quickly date prepped meals. Just tear a piece, write the date with a Sharpie, and stick it to any container. It holds up in the fridge, peels off clean, and helps me stay on top of food safety without fuss. Keeping a roll of color-coded tape and a marker nearby makes labeling fast, visible, and reliable.
My Review: These classic Sharpies are a staple in my kitchen, not just for notes, but for food safety. I pair them with blue electrical tape to label prepped meals, making it easy to track dates and follow proper storage guidelines. The fine tip writes clearly, the ink dries fast, and it holds up well in the fridge or freezer without smudging or fading. Seriously, has a Sharpie ever failed you?
My Review: My kitchen became so easy to organize thanks to these reusable waterproof labels. As a cook, I love transferring my ingredients into air-tight containers so that they are fresh. Labels like these helped identify what's inside. There are two different chalk markers and tons of labels inside. It’s more bang for your buck. Plus, stickers are easy to peel without the annoying outline, so they aren't wasted. There are so many options that you won't run out of them for a long time. Gave them a four because they can be hard to peel off, but are erasable.
3. Thermometers (Instant-Read + Oven)
A reliable instant-read thermometer is a game-changer for perfectly cooked meats, baked goods, and candy-making. I also keep an oven thermometer inside my oven to make sure the temp is truly what it says, especially for recipes that need precision. Here's a Short Guide to Food Thermometers (EatRight.org).
America's Test Kitchen - Winner
My Review: The Thermapen ONE by ThermoWorks is my go-to kitchen thermometer - simple, fast, and incredibly precise. It delivers accurate readings in just one second, making it perfect for everything from meats to baked goods. I love that it's waterproof, has a rotating backlit display, and turns on automatically when you unfold the probe. It's been voted the top thermometer by America's Test Kitchen. It comes with a 5-year warranty and a NIST-traceable calibration certificate, ensuring its reliability—a must-have tool for any cook.
4. Trivets
Protecting your counters and tabletops is non-negotiable, especially when transferring hot Dutch ovens or sheet pans. I keep a couple of silicone trivets handy; they're flexible, heat-resistant, and easy to store.
My Review: These silicone trivets are a godsend, especially when I’m cooking multiple meals and need to move things fast. They’re perfect for quickly placing down a hot sheet pan right out of the oven or juggling several dishes at once without damaging your counters. The best part? They’re multifunctional: I use them to open jars, protect surfaces, and even remove smaller items from the oven safely. Durable, non-slip, and super handy.
5. Kitchen Towels & Mitts
Every kitchen needs a good set of towels for drying hands and wiping down surfaces, plus heat-resistant mitts for handling hot pans safely. I prefer cotton towels and mittens that are machine-washable and thick enough to actually protect.
While I didn’t buy this exact set, these are the classic, no-fuss cotton towels you’ll find in most professional kitchens, for good reason. They’re super absorbent, machine-washable, and do exactly what they’re supposed to do without fraying or fuss. I always keep a stack on hand because they handle everyday tasks with ease, leaving me one less thing to worry about in a busy kitchen.
6. Aprons
Aprons might feel optional, but when you cook as often as I do, they become a daily uniform. I wear mine for protection, yes, but also because it signals I'm about to get into the zone.
My Review: This is hands down the best apron I’ve purchased (and I have sooo many), it checks every box without breaking the bank. The adjustable neck strap and long hip ties make it super comfortable, and I love having the option to tuck my towel into the strap or use the built-in loop for quick access to a towel or tongs. It has smart pockets for your phone, pen, notepad, whatever you need close by. The fabric strikes the perfect balance between soft and structured, so it doesn’t wrinkle easily and keeps you looking sharp. Professional, functional, and stylish, it’s the one I reach for every time. Hands up to Caldo!
7. First Aid Kit (Optional but Recommended)
Even if you're careful, accidents happen. Keeping a small, kitchen-friendly first aid kit nearby, complete with bandages and burn ointment, is a good safety practice, especially when working with sharp knives or hot oil.
Having a compact kit like the Band-Aid Travel Ready Portable Emergency First Aid Kit is a smart and inexpensive way to stay prepared for minor kitchen mishaps. With 80 essential pieces, including adhesive bandages, gauze pads, and antiseptic wipes, it’s the perfect grab-and-go option for burns, cuts, or nicks that happen while cooking. It’s affordable enough to stash one in your kitchen drawer, another in your car, and a backup in the bathroom. Just be sure to check it periodically and replace anything past its expiration date to keep it ready for use.
8. Tongs
Tongs are an underrated kitchen hero when it comes to both safety and cleanliness. From flipping hot items in a pan to transferring roasted vegetables, a sturdy pair keeps your hands away from steam and splatter. Look for locking tongs with silicone tips for better grip and surface protection. I keep two sizes on hand, one for high-heat cooking and one for serving.
My Review: These tongs have been indispensable kitchen tools. Their sturdy build and heat-resistant silicone tips make them dependable for various cooking tasks, from flipping delicate fish fillets to pulling a hot oven rack, ensuring they're a valuable addition to my kitchen. The only problem I've had is grasping items with the tip. Silicone tongs are flexible and are not sturdy enough to pick heavy things with their tips. So I gave it a 4 out of 5. Hence, the reason why I still keep my metal tongs.
9. Splatter Guards
A splatter guard is a must when searing meats or sautéing on high heat. It helps prevent hot oil from popping out of the pan and turning your stovetop into a war zone. I use mine regularly when shallow frying or cooking bacon, especially helpful in small kitchens. Bonus: It reduces cleanup time significantly.
My Review: Oh yes! One of my biggest helpers in the kitchen is the splatter screen. You’ve probably seen in one of my videos where I have two round red spots on my hand. That was thanks to good old kitchen oil that popped from a hot pan. It was the day I didn’t use my splatter guard. Silly me. And that’s why it has become one of my must-haves. I got the 13-inch one to fit most of my pots and pans. Watch me use it in action while making my Butternut Squash Chicken Chili recipe. I gave this a four since I still get oil splatters, but in smaller droplets, and it prevents the big poppers! If you have a better solution, reply in the next newsletter.
10. Cutting Boards & Mats
Preventing cross-contamination starts with your cutting board setup. I recommend using color-coded or labeled cutting boards, one for meats, one for produce, and one for ready-to-eat items like bread or fruit. Flexible plastic mats are great for quick swaps, while wooden or bamboo boards are excellent for dry ingredients. Don't forget to sanitize thoroughly after prepping raw meat! Learn more about preventing cross-contamination here.
My Review: I’ve used these Fotouzy Cutting Board Mats for a long time, and while they’re flexible, dishwasher-safe, and great for preventing cross-contamination with their color coding, I now prefer solid plastic cutting boards. They’re BPA-free, non-porous, and wide enough to protect my wooden board, especially handy when zesting or transferring ingredients. That said, they don’t stay perfectly steady, even with a damp towel underneath, so I give them a 4 out of 5. But I still use it a lot for quick meat and veggie preps and place them right in the dishwasher.
My Review: I absolutely love this Plastic Cutting Board Set of 4 with a Storage Stand! The color-coded boards are a lifesaver for preventing cross-contamination, especially when I’m switching between meats and veggies. The plastic is super sturdy, so I don’t have to worry about it flexing while I’m chopping. What really stands out for me is how easy they are to use after chopping. I slide everything straight into the pot, which keeps my kitchen clean and saves time. Cleanup is such a breeze, too; they go right into the dishwasher without any warping. Plus, the storage stand keeps everything neat and organized. These boards have made cooking so much easier and more enjoyable!
11. Gloves
Food-safe gloves are essential if you wear rings like I do, or want to stay extra clean when handling raw poultry. I keep disposable nitrile gloves stocked for high-risk tasks like deboning chicken, and reusable textured ones for scrubbing produce. They're especially helpful for prepping spicy ingredients like Scotch bonnet or jalapeños so you won't burn your eyes hours later!
My Review: I highly recommend the ForPro Professional Collection Disposable Nitrile Gloves. They’re food-safe, powder-free, and latex-free, making them perfect for cooking. I’ve ordered these several times and use them both personally and for my videos. The gloves are durable and chemically resistant, offering excellent protection when handling raw ingredients. When pressed for time, they’re my go-to for preventing cross-contamination without needing to wash my hands constantly. A must-have for any busy kitchen!
12. Step Stool with Non-Slip Feet
Safety isn't just about food; it's about avoiding injury. A kitchen-friendly step stool with a secure grip helps you reach high cabinets safely, especially when organizing pantry items or pulling out infrequently used equipment.
My Review: I use the Kikkerland Rhino Foldable Step Stool every day in my kitchen, and it holds up impressively well. It is stable, non-slip, and strong enough to support up to 300 lbs without wobbling. And when I'm done with it, it fits flat and easily in the tight space next to my fridge. It’s lightweight, folds flat for easy storage, and is perfect for reaching high shelves or doing yard work, which is why I bought a second one just for outdoor use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you will find a list of common questions that I have answered. If you have questions, please write them in the comment section below.
Glass containers are non-porous, stain-resistant, and safe for hot foods. They don't absorb odors or colors, and they're microwave-, oven-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe, making them more versatile and long-lasting than plastic.
Use masking tape or color-coded vinyl tape with a Sharpie to label containers with the prep or expiration date. This simple practice follows HACCP food safety guidelines and helps prevent waste by reminding you what needs to be used first.
Shallow containers help hot food cool down quickly and evenly, which reduces the risk of bacterial growth. They also make portioning and reheating easier.
Yes, trivets protect your surfaces from thermal shock and prevent long-term discoloration or damage, especially when moving hot pots or sheet pans around quickly.
Even experienced cooks benefit from thermometers. Instant-read and oven-safe thermometers ensure food safety and perfect doneness, especially for meat, baked goods, and casseroles.
Kitchen Essentials and Tips
Get more tips and find the tools I use in the kitchen.
- Best Pans for Searing Chicken (and How Each One Behaves)
- Your Kitchen Assistants: Appliances That Do the Work for You
- The Best Kitchen Tools for Stir-Frying at Home (What I Actually Use)
- Kitchen Measuring & Mixing Tools That Make Cooking Easier
Cooking Tips and Tutorials
Get all the essential cooking tips you need.
- How to Cut Up a Whole Chicken | Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Marinate Chicken: Tips, Quick Methods & Flavorful Shortcuts
- Cooking Tips for Searing Chicken
- How to Cut Chicken: Large Chunks vs Small Dice
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
SUBSCRIBE: 👈To my YouTube Channel to Get Notifications of New Videos.
Chef Maika Frederic
Chef and Educator
Haitian-American chef and educator Maika Frederic blends bold flavors with approachable recipes. With a background in both professional kitchens, classrooms, and children therapy as a trained chef, former teacher and technician she brings a thoughtful, inclusive touch to every dish. Through her platform, Just Maika Cooking, she shares diverse meals and practical tips to empower home cooks of all ages and levels.
Have a Comment or Question?
If you have a question or comment about this post, please post it below. You will receive a prompt response. It also helps our other readers to stay informed. Thanks!
Leave a Reply