A reliable set of kitchen utensils is one of the most valuable investments a home cook can make. Ask anyone who has tried to roll the perfect French omelet without a silicone spatula or create a silky smooth pan sauce without a proper whisk. While many kitchen utensil sets include the same types of tools, not all are made with busy home cooks in mind. The best kitchen utensil sets are designed to work with your go-to cookware set and flow seamlessly into the cooking techniques you naturally use the most.
We tested 23 top-rated collections to help you find the best kitchen utensils for every recipe in your weekly cooking rotation. From a 10-piece GIR silicone set to a minimalist Le Creuset crock that looks stunning on your countertop, the below kitchen utensil sets aced our thorough tests.
Best Overall
Get It Right 10 Piece Silicone Utensil Set
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Amazon
We recommend this GIR set to home cooks looking for a no-frills, quality set of cooking utensils. It’s made of durable silicone (except for a metal whisk and peeler), allowing it to flex between different types of pots and pans, ranging from hearty cast iron cookware to more delicate nonstick cookware. The comprehensive 10-piece collection — which includes spatulas, flippers, and a ladle — is heat-resistant up to 550°F with long, sturdy handles that keep your hands away from flames or a hot cooktop.
In our tests, this utensil set quickly rose to the top of the pack thanks to its functionality and durability. We felt the variety of tools included were suitable for most home cooks, without creating a crowded collection that goes mostly unused. Most impressively, this utensil set came out of our testing virtually unscathed, with the silicone looking brand-new, even after dozens of cooking sessions and just as many dishwashing cycles.
Materials: Silicone, metal | Number of Pieces: 10 | Dishwasher safe: Yes
Best Value
KitchenAid Classic Tool and Gadget Set
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Amazon
KitchenAid is a trusted name in cookware, so it’s no surprise that their versatile 15-piece collection made our list of the best kitchen utensil sets. Priced at a modest $30, this collection of utensils includes staples like a whisk, slotted turner, basting spoon, and scraper spatula. Each piece is made from a combination of heat-resistant plastic and metal, ensuring their durability.
As we were testing this set, we came to love how weighty these pieces felt in hand. Each utensil has a long enough handle to allow for safe cooking, and the durability of the plastic and metal design was unmatched. We did find that the handles could get slippery while cooking, especially if you’re whipping up a sauce that splatters, but this typically wasn’t much of an issue. As a helpful bonus, this set also comes with a few extras, like a can opener (which was the best we’d ever used) and measuring cups.
Materials: Plastic, metal | Number of Pieces: 15 | Dishwasher safe: Yes
Best Splurge
Caraway The Prep Set
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Caraway
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At almost $400, this collection is a definite investment, but one many serious home cooks will find to be a worthy splurge. These utensils are also not dishwasher-safe.
On the hunt for a kitchen utensil set that looks as good as it performs? Caraway’s streamlined prep set combines form and function into one beautiful set of kitchen utensils. The DTC brand is a favorite for quality cookware that’s also aesthetically pleasing, and this comprehensive utensil set follows suit, with six versatile color combinations that will compliment any kitchen decor. Included is everything you need to whip up your next culinary masterpiece, ranging from five birchwood tools (a scraper, spoon, spatula, and more), as well as four of Caraway’s precise German-steel knives and a pair of kitchen shears.
During our tests, this set earned high marks for those who want premium construction and beautiful aesthetics. The wooden utensils are coated to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup, and the knives feel balanced in hand and adept at all manner of prep tasks, from slicing bread to chopping veggies. We found the organizer to be one of the biggest perks of this collection, with a streamlined shape that helped save room on our countertops while keeping all the must-have tools at the ready.
Materials: Birch wood, German steel, BPA-free plastic | Number of Pieces: 14 | Dishwasher safe: No
Best Large Set
Kaluns 35 Piece Kitchen Utensil Set
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Amazon
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Because this utensil set is so large, it includes some useful (and oft-forgotten) niche tools, like dough scrapers and an ice cream scoop.
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While this utensil set does come with hooks for hanging pieces, it does not include any sort of container to hold your utensils, so you may need to buy a crock or drawer organizer.
With a whopping 35 pieces, this dynamic kitchen utensil set from Kaluns is the ideal pick for home cooks who are revamping their collection or starting from scratch. Made of cookware-friendly nylon with stainless steel handles, these sturdy pieces will help you coast through any cooking task with ease. Included in the set is everything you could need in a home kitchen, from a masher and scraper to a slotted spoon, measuring tools, and more. There are even several unexpected pieces included, like a cheese grater and ice cream scoop.
While testing this set, we were impressed with the sheer versatility of the collection. There were so many options for cooking, it almost took an effort to use them all. Each tool in the set felt durable and safe, with long handles and heat-resistant material that took the worry out of frying and sauteéing. This set also earned high marks for how easy it was to clean — each piece can be popped in the dishwasher. We also found the material didn’t hold on to grease or stains. At just $16, this utensil set is the best bang for your buck on our list.
Materials: Nylon, stainless steel, silicone | Number of Pieces: 35 | Dishwasher safe: Yes
Best Small Set
Chef’n 6 Piece Tool Set with Crock
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Crate & Barrel
Whether you live (and cook) in a small space or just consider yourself a minimalist when it comes to kitchen tools, this concise utensil set from Chef’n is for you. The six pieces chosen for inclusion emphasize functionality and versatility, with durable materials that range from stainless steel and nylon to walnut. Translation: You can use them to sear steaks, whip up a silky-smooth roux, and flip delicate fish, no matter what type of cookware set you have.
During our tests, this set of essentials earned high marks for its clean and classic appeal, catering to a category of home cooks who prefer fewer and finer tools. The long rounded handles on each piece proved easy to hold while minimizing the risk of burns, and we especially loved the springy responsiveness of the kitchen tongs. The ribbed ceramic holder was a beautiful finishing touch that elevated the set and made our countertop organization a cinch.
Materials: Nylon, stainless steel, wood, stoneware | Number of Pieces: 6 | Dishwasher safe: No
Best Minimalist
Le Creuset Craft Series Utensil Set
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Le Creuset
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This entire set is made with silicone tool heads, making it a suitable choice for a range of cookware, including stainless steel and ceramic-coated.
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Designed to be minimal and streamlined, this assortment of tools is missing a few key components, like a spatula.
Another great pick for minimalist home cooks, this Le Creuset utensil set bottles everything you know and love about the heritage brand into one functional and beautiful collection. While this bundle of tools may be small in numbers, it’s big on versatility, with removable silicone tool heads that are easy to clean in the dishwasher. The handles are made from weighty solid wood, with a slightly tapered shape that feels natural in the hand. This set includes small and medium spatulas, a spoonula (great for scooping heartier stews), and a basting brush.
Le Creuset’s utensil set received rave reviews during our tests due to its ergonomic details and attention to craftsmanship. While we acknowledge that a spatula or turner would be a welcome addition to the set, we didn’t mind the pared-down selection of tools, finding the spoonula a particularly versatile option. We loved that this utensil set comes in a selection of Le Creuset’s signature shades, including Cerise and Marseille.
Materials: Wood, silicone, stoneware | Number of Pieces: 5 | Dishwasher safe: Yes (silicone heads)
Best Design
Food52 Five Two Kitchen Utensil Collection
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Food52
Gorgeous and effective in its simplicity, this 7-piece collection from Food52 is everything a home chef could want out of a utensil set. Designed with a combination of acacia wood handles and metal or silicone tool heads, these pieces cater to a wide variety of cooking tasks, from frying and sauteing to baking and stirring. While they’re not dishwasher safe, they are easy to clean, thanks to smart shapes that allow you to suds up the nooks and crannies.
During our testing, Food52’s utensil collection scored high marks for its beautiful aesthetic and high quality. We noted that the back-to-basics assortment of tools more than covered each cooking category. The slim and long handles were easy to maneuver and grip, and the silicone spatula heads came in handy when working with coated non-toxic cookware (which can be damaged by metal tools). This collection doesn’t come with a crock, but the streamlined shape of each piece makes it easy to fit the tools into your drawer or countertop container.
Materials: Acacia wood, silicone, wire | Number of Pieces: 7 | Dishwasher safe: No
Editor Pick
Material The Fundamentals
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Amazon
For a utensil set that pairs stunning aesthetics with undeniable quality, look no further than this chic collection from Material Kitchen. The comprehensive culinary toolkit includes an 8-inch knife and 4-inch Japanese stainless steel knife, along with tongs, two spoons (one wood, one metal), and a slotted spatula, all packed into a graphic walnut or maple display base that doubles as sculptural art on your countertop.
Commerce Director Taysha Murtaugh quickly fell hard for this set after trying it out nearly two years ago, and it has since become a staple on her kitchen counters. “As someone who has always lived in small spaces, I appreciate the smart simplicity of the wooden base,” she says. “A hybrid between a utensil crock and a magnetic knife holder, it cleanly corrals everything I need to have at my fingertips: the two essential knives and a handful of attractive and solid tools. There’s also room to stuff a few more utensils in there, which I absolutely do.”
Materials: Stainless steel, wood, composite | Number of Pieces: 6 | Dishwasher safe: Tongs, metal spoon, and slotted spatula are dishwasher safe; knives and wood spoon are handwash
Our Favorite Kitchen Utensil Set
We tested a lot of great utensil sets for this piece, but our top honors went to GIR’s 10-Piece Silicone Utensil Set. This collection comes with everything you’ll need for any cooking task, and the heat-resistant silicone material allows for use on different types of cookware. This set was hands-down the most versatile of the bunch.
How We Tested Kitchen Utensil Sets
We tested 23 kitchen utensil sets which varied in size, material, and the exact tools included. Some collections included just the basics, while others incorporated niche tools like ice cream scoops and pizza cutters. Each utensil set was rated on five different attributes, including:
- Design: We observed how the tools felt in our hands and how they performed with our cookware. Bonus points were awarded for ergonomic picks. We noted any limitations in size, shape, or material.
- Ease of use: Throughout testing, each utensil set was incorporated into our regular, day-to-day cooking routine, tasked with tackling everything from omelets and fish to soups and pasta.
- Performance: Several other methods were used to determine each collection’s stamina in the kitchen, including close inspection of how they cleaned up and whether they held their own against high heat and common cooking stains like grease and oil.
- Ease of cleaning: For dishwasher-safe picks, we ran the utensil set through several dishwashing cycles and observed any damage, discoloration, or other signs of wear and tear after each wash. For hand-wash-only picks, we paid attention to how easy or difficult it was to clean them.
- Value: We evaluated the collections for perceived value before actually learning the cost of each set to help determine whether each was worthy of its price tag.
Food & Wine / Michael Navarro
Factors to Consider
What’s Included
One of the first things you need to consider when shopping for the best kitchen utensil set is what is included in the collection, and whether it overwhelms your needs. The tool sets on our list range in size from 5 to 35 pieces, so determining how big of a collection you need is a great place to start. While most home cooks can get away with a utensil set that hovers around 7 to 10 pieces, others — particularly those starting their gadget collection from scratch — may find more value in springing for a larger toolset that includes more niche products.
Material
The type of material your cooking utensils are made from is also an important factor to consider when shopping, as it directly correlates to which cookware you can pair your tools with. As a general rule of thumb, stainless steel or metal utensils should never be used on coated cookware, like nonstick pans. Instead, look for cooking utensils that are made of softer nylon, wood, or silicone, which will protect the coating of your pans.
Ease of Use
While you may assume that most kitchen utensils are straightforward to use, you’d be surprised to find how many nuances there are from slotted spoon to slotted spoon. When shopping for a utensil set for your kitchen, aim to see them in person if possible so you can consider important factors such as weight, length, and grip.
Food & Wine / Elizabeth Theriot
Other Kitchen Utensil Sets We Tested
Strong Contenders
Made In Kitchen Utensil Set, 5-Piece Set
This small but mighty collection from Made In looks like it came right out of a pro kitchen. It performed just about as well. The tools were lightweight and easy to maneuver, but we got tripped up by the extra-long handles during testing, which threw off our grip. Additionally, because this set is made from stainless steel, it isn’t compatible with all cookware, so it lost a few points in our book.
OXO Everyday Kitchen Tool 15-Piece Set
Made from nylon, silicone, and metal, these OXO tools range from the expected (like a slotted spoon) to the off-beat, like a pizza cutter and meat tenderizer. While the set did perform great in our tests, we found that some of the spoons showed signs of wear, especially when used in higher temperatures. The storage container also takes up a lot of room on the countertop.
All-Clad Professional Stainless Steel Kitchen Gadgets and Caddy
This All-Clad set earned high marks in our testing but fell short in versatility (they can’t be used on coated cookware) and practicality. We felt the meat fork was unnecessary. We would have preferred something more practical, like a whisk. That said, this is a solid set that won’t steer you wrong in the kitchen.
Misen 10-Piece Prep Tools Set
Comfort is king with this versatile utensil set from Misen — each tool has a soft silicone handle for easy grip and a comfortable hold. During testing, we gave this collection high marks for its sturdy feel, which can sometimes be lacking in silicone pieces. Still, there were a few shortfalls, including a few tools that felt unwieldy (the tongs in particular) and a slotted spoon that didn’t quite drain as well as others on our list.
Food & Wine / Jennifer Zyman
Tovolo Olivewood Utensil Set
Made from sturdy olivewood, this rustic collection provides more versatility than most wood utensil sets, with picks that include a slotted spoon and classic spreader. Obvious aesthetic beauty aside, this collection fell short on functionality — they were a bit bulky to use during more delicate cooking tasks (like turning fish), and the wood had a rough feel that made them seem unfinished.
Umite Chef Silicone Cooking Utensil Set of 15
This hefty 15-piece utensil set from Umite has tons of tools, making it a great starter product for cooks just fleshing out their cooking arsenal. That being said, the pieces included in this collection didn’t feel as high-quality as others on our list, due to hollow handles that lightened the overall feel in-hand. We liked that the utensils came with a storage crock, but we could have done without the hooks on the end of each tool (with no included way to hang them).
AOTHOD Silicone Cooking Utensils Set of 15
One of the biggest perks of silicone cooking utensils is that they can be used on any cookware. Because of its versatility, this comprehensive set from AOTHOD earned high marks in our testing. We liked how sturdy these felt and appreciated that most of the tools were made from one solid piece of silicone, cutting down on the nooks and crannies we had to worry about while cleaning. They showed slight discoloration when cleaned in a dishwasher, and the included utensil caddy barely fit all the tools in the set comfortably.
Material Kitchen The Iconics 10-Piece Set
Offering a slight variation to Material Kitchen’s The Fundamentals utensil set, this more robust collection offers a few more tools than its counterpart—though that doesn’t mean it’s better. While many of the similarities between the two (like the stunning wood organizer) made us love this version, a few of the tools fell short or felt unnecessary. We loved the addition of the fish spatula, but the air whisk and slotted spoon could have received higher marks in our testing.
What Didn’t Make the List
Our goal with product testing is always to bring you the best gadgets on the market, so there are inevitably some options that don’t meet our rigorous criteria. In the case of several utensils sets from brands like Joseph Joseph, Lékué, and Ruffoni, there were several instances where each fell short, either in durability, style, functionality, or practicality. We also took the price and size into consideration, as well as how much room any included organizers would take up on your countertop.
Our Expertise
- Alyssa Longobucco is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist with a background in food, interior, and lifestyle content. She has over a decade of experience in the digital and magazine industry creating unique and innovative content for storied brands such as Food and Wine, House Beautiful, HGTV, The Knot, Domino, Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, Food52, Good Housekeeping, and more.
- Laura Denby is a writer and former professional chef. She has a degree in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education and experience cooking in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Hamptons.
