What do you really need to cook healthy meals off-grid or in a minimalist kitchen? After months of trial and error, here are the only 10 tools I use daily — and what I ditched for good.
The Problem With “Essential Lists”
Before going minimalist, I had a drawer full of gadgets and half a dozen “essential” tools I never used.
Once I moved into my small cabin, I gave myself one rule:
If I didn’t use it in 7 days, it goes.
Now, months later, I’ve narrowed my kitchen to just 10 essential tools — and I actually enjoy cooking more.
The Only 10 Tools I Use Daily
1. One Good Knife
Not a set—just one sharp chef’s knife.
👉 Amazon Link: Victorinox 8″ Chef Knife
- Multi-purpose: chopping, slicing, mincing
- Easy to sharpen
- Lightweight
“If it can’t be done with this knife, I probably don’t need to do it.”
2. Cutting Board (Wood or Bamboo)
Durable, easy to clean, won’t damage your knife.
Bonus: Doubles as a serving tray.
👉 Bamboo Cutting Board Set
3. Cast Iron Skillet (10” or 12”)
Yes, it’s heavy — but it’s indestructible.
Cooks everything from eggs to bread to dinner stews.
👉 Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Off-grid tip: Cook on gas, fire, or even hot rocks.
4. Medium Stainless Pot (2–3 Qt)
Ideal for boiling, soups, oatmeal, tea, and one-pot meals.
👉 Cuisinart Stainless Saucepan
5. Spatula & Wooden Spoon
Nothing fancy. One for flipping, one for stirring. That’s it.
👉 Minimalist Cooking Utensil Set
6. Mug You Love
Forget sets. One durable, heatproof mug that brings joy every morning.
👉 Enamel Camp Mug (Unbreakable)
7. Compact Strainer or Lid Trick
I used to own 3 sizes of colanders. Now?
I use a clip-on strainer or just the lid of my pot.
👉 Clip-On Pot Strainer
8. Sharp Peeler
Underrated. Makes prepping fast, waste-free, and safe.
👉 OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler
9. Stainless Storage Containers or Mason Jars
No plastic, no staining, lasts forever.
👉 Mason Jar 16oz Set
10. Simple Manual Can Opener
Don’t rely on electric tools. Go manual — off-grid approved.
👉 Swing-A-Way Can Opener
What I Don’t Use Anymore
- Blender
- Garlic press
- Rice cooker
- Toaster
- Measuring cups (I eyeball everything now)
What I Might Add Later
- Pressure cooker (for beans/off-grid fuel savings)
- Hand grinder (for coffee if I go full purist)
- Dutch oven (if I start baking regularly)
Lessons I Learned
- Fewer tools = more creativity.
With less clutter, I actually started cooking more often. - Durability matters.
You don’t want tools breaking halfway through a recipe in the woods. - Beauty is part of function.
Choose items that feel good to use and you’ll use them more.
Community Picks?
What are YOUR top 3 most-used kitchen tools?
Post them in the comments below. We’ll feature our favorite minimalist setups in a future post.
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