homestead kitchen tools and supplies

My Homestead Kitchen: Favorite Tools and Supplies

The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

The Heart of a Homestead Kitchen

Over the years, I’ve received countless messages from readers asking for my recommendations on the best tools and supplies for a homestead kitchen. After all, when you’re running a homestead, your kitchen becomes more than just a place to cook—it’s the heart of your home. It’s where you turn fresh, homegrown produce into meals that nourish your family.

That’s why I’ve decided to put together a list of my absolute favorite kitchen tools and supplies—the ones I rely on every day to make the most of what we grow, harvest, and preserve. From time-saving gadgets to eco-friendly essentials, these are the must-haves that I can’t imagine running my homestead kitchen without.

homestead kitchen tools and supplies

1. The Foundation: Must-Have Cookware and Bakeware

When it comes to building a functional homestead kitchen, your cookware and bakeware are the foundation. These are the items I use almost daily, and they’ve proven their worth over time.

Cast Iron Skillet: If I had to pick just one piece of cookware, it would be my trusty cast iron skillet. Not only is it incredibly durable, but it also retains heat like no other, making it perfect for everything from searing meats to baking bread. It’s versatile, and with proper care, it can last a lifetime—or longer. Plus, cooking in cast iron can even add a little extra iron to your diet, which is a nice bonus!

Dutch Oven: A good Dutch oven is another kitchen staple. Whether I’m slow-cooking a stew or baking a loaf of crusty sourdough bread, my Dutch oven gets used constantly. It’s heavy-duty, distributes heat evenly, and can go from stovetop to oven with ease. I find it especially useful during canning season when I need to prepare large batches of food.

Unglazed Baking Stones: I swear by unglazed baking stones! I use them for so many things—from making homemade pizza with perfectly crisp crusts to baking cookies that come out evenly golden. I also love unglazed stoneware for loaf pans and pie plates. Once properly seasoned, these stones become virtually nonstick without the need for any harsh chemicals, making them a favorite of mine for both health and performance.

Sheet Pans: Simple but essential, I always keep a couple of heavy-duty sheet pans on hand. They’re perfect for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or even dehydrating herbs in the oven. Look for ones that are sturdy and won’t warp under high heat—because trust me, you’ll be using them a lot!

Casserole Dishes: A sturdy set of glass or ceramic casserole dishes is invaluable. I use mine for everything from baking lasagnas to preparing make-ahead meals. They’re oven-to-table ready, which is especially handy and convenient.

This cookware and bakeware form the backbone of my kitchen. These items get used almost daily, and with proper care, they’ll last for years, if not generations.

homestead kitchen tools and supplies

2. Hand Tools that Make Homestead Cooking a Breeze

A well-equipped kitchen isn’t complete without the right hand tools. These are the unsung heroes of my kitchen that make everyday tasks faster, easier, and more enjoyable.

Good Quality Knives: A sharp, high-quality knife is non-negotiable in my kitchen. I rely on my chef’s knife for just about everything—from chopping vegetables to slicing meat. I also keep a sturdy paring knife on hand for smaller tasks like peeling fruits or dicing herbs. Having well-balanced, sharp knives not only makes prep work easier but also safer.

Fullstar All-in-1 Vegetable Chopper, Mandoline Slicer & Cheese Grater: This all-in-one tool is an absolute lifesaver in my kitchen. It can chop, dice, slice, and even spiralize vegetables in seconds. Whether I’m prepping ingredients for a stir-fry, making homemade French fries, or shredding cheese, the Fullstar tool makes everything quicker and more efficient. I love that it even comes with a handheld spiralizer for making veggie noodles. It’s versatile, easy to clean, and doesn’t take up much space—making it a must-have for any homesteader.

Kitchen Scale: My kitchen scale gets a lot of use, especially when I’m baking or preserving food. It’s great for accurately measuring ingredients by weight, which is so much more precise than using volume measurements. I also rely on it when portioning out large batches of food for freezing or canning. A good kitchen scale is an indispensable tool for ensuring consistent results in all kinds of recipes.

Hand Grater/Zester: The grater/zester is great for adding a bright citrus kick to recipes, and it’s essential for grating fresh ginger or garlic.

Food Mill: My food mill is indispensable during harvest season. I use it to easily remove skins and seeds from tomatoes when I’m making sauces or canning. It’s also perfect for making smooth applesauce and other purées. 

Mortar and Pestle: For grinding spices, making pesto, or mashing herbs, my mortar and pestle are indispensable. There’s something satisfying about the tactile experience of grinding things by hand, and it makes such a difference in the flavor of homemade spice blends or herb pastes.

Whisks and Wooden Spoons: Simple yet effective, these tools are used every day. My whisks come in handy for everything from whipping up pancake batter to making salad dressings. Wooden spoons are my go-to for stirring stews, sautéing vegetables, or mixing dough. They don’t scratch my cookware, and they’ll last for years if properly cared for.

homestead kitchen tools and supplies

3. Tools for Canning, Dehydrating, and Food Storage

One of the best parts of homesteading is preserving the harvest. Whether it’s canning tomatoes from the garden or dehydrating fruit for snacks, having the right tools is key to making the most of what you grow.

Canning Equipment: A good water bath canner and pressure canner are essential in my kitchen for preserving everything from jams and jellies to meats and vegetables. I also rely on a jar lifter, funnel, and canning racks to make the process easier and more organized. Once you get the hang of it, canning becomes an efficient and rewarding way to store food long-term.

Dehydrator: I love using my dehydrator to preserve fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It’s an energy-efficient way to extend the life of food, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space. From apple chips to dried tomatoes, my dehydrator is always running during harvest season. Plus, the dried foods make for great snacks and cooking ingredients throughout the year.

Fermentation Jars: I’m a huge fan of fermenting foods, and having a good fermentation jar is key. Whether I’m making sauerkraut, pickles, or kimchi, my fermentation jars allow me to store and ferment large batches with ease. It’s a great way to make the most of your garden’s bounty while adding gut-friendly foods to your diet.

Glass Jars and Containers: Glass jars aren’t just for canning. I use them for everything from storing dehydrated foods to making homemade tinctures. They’re durable, reusable, and help me avoid using plastic. I also prefer glass for long-term storage of pantry staples like flour, sugar, and oats.

These tools make food preservation much more manageable, allowing me to store away plenty of homegrown produce for the winter months and enjoy the harvest year-round.

homestead kitchen tools and supplies

4. Small Appliances that Do It All

While I love my hand tools, there are a few small appliances that make life in a homestead kitchen so much easier.

Stand Mixer: My stand mixer is a workhorse. From kneading bread dough to mixing up cake batter, it handles heavy-duty tasks easily. I also use it with attachments for grinding meat, making pasta, milling grain, or even slicing vegetables. It’s one of those investments that truly pays off over time.

Blender: Whether I’m making smoothies, soups, or sauces, my blender is always close by. I prefer a high-powered blender that can handle anything from grinding nuts to blending hot liquids. It’s fast, efficient, and saves me a lot of time, especially when I’m cooking in bulk.

Food Processor: For tasks like shredding vegetables or making spreads like hummus, my food processor is a go-to. It cuts down on prep time significantly and can handle large quantities at once, making it ideal for busy days when I’m prepping meals for the week ahead.

Bread Machine: My bread machine is a huge time-saver when it comes to baking homemade bread. It allows me to make everything from sandwich loaves to specialty breads with minimal effort. I simply add the ingredients, set it, and in a few hours, I have fresh bread without the need for constant monitoring. It’s especially handy on busy days when I still want that homemade touch without spending hours kneading and baking. I use this constantly during the winter months. 

Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: A slow cooker is a lifesaver for busy days when I don’t have time to stand by the stove. I love being able to throw ingredients in, set it, and come back to a fully cooked meal. My Instant Pot also gets a lot of use—it’s versatile enough to pressure-cook, slow cook, and even make yogurt.

French Press: While French presses are traditionally used for coffee, I find them incredibly useful for brewing loose herbal teas. The press makes it easy to strain out the herbs and enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of tea. It’s especially handy when I’m making tea with fresh herbs from my garden.

These small appliances and tools make my homestead kitchen more efficient and help me keep up with the demands of my busy life.

homestead kitchen tools and supplies
My homestead kitchen pantry

Wishlist: Tools I’m Dreaming Of

Even though I have a well-stocked homestead kitchen, there are always a few tools on my wishlist that I know would take my homesteading to the next level.

Freeze Dryer: A freeze dryer has been on my wishlist for a while now. It’s a game-changer when it comes to long-term food preservation. With a freeze dryer, I could preserve fruits, vegetables, and even complete meals for years, while retaining most of the nutritional value. It would give me even more self-sufficiency, allowing me to store food without the need for refrigeration.

Creami Machine for Healthy Ice Cream: I’ve also had my eye on a Ninja Creami machine. It’s perfect for making healthy, homemade ice cream and other frozen treats. Whether using fresh fruits from the garden or making dairy-free options, it offers endless possibilities for creating delicious and nutritious desserts that the whole family will love.

These tools aren’t just luxuries—they’re investments that would enhance my ability to store food and make more homemade goodies in the future. Maybe one day!

I hope this list gives you some ideas for your own homestead kitchen and helps you create a space that’s both functional and sustainable. Happy homesteading!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *