Building a personal collection of kitchen tools can be time-consuming and expensive. Beyond the quirky, trendy, single-function tools you see on social media, there are plenty of basic tools you need to cook. While having a well-stocked kitchen is important, the work doesn't end once you've purchased the products.
All cookware, appliances and utensils require some maintenance to stay in good condition, but eventually, many of them will need replacing, which is the last thing we want to do, but it's no doubt important.
Over time, even the highest quality kitchen tools lose their effectiveness. And oftentimes, kitchen tools can accumulate years of bacteria and grime that can get onto your food (even if you clean and maintain them regularly). In the spirit of keeping your kitchen in tip-top condition, we've compiled a list of 12 cooking and cleaning tools that should be replaced regularly.
Microplane
The Microplane grater is a versatile tool capable of finely grating citrus peels, nutmeg, cheese, and more. But its sharp teeth will dull over time, especially with regular use. According to Microplane, a good way to test the sharpness of your grater is to grate the peel of a lemon. A sharp grater will leave you with a dry, fluffy peel. If you end up with a wet, oily paste instead, it's time to buy a new one.
Silicone Spatula
Spatulas are kitchen workhorses. Their pliable, soft material makes them easy to slip into the crevices of bowls and pans without worrying about scratching the surface. But they have a big downside: They're prone to odor and staining. Sniff your oldest spatula and you'll smell the scent of stale onions. And our culinary producer, Justin Sullivan, says that spatulas with removable wooden handles are even more unpleasant. If your spatula is stained, smelly, or broken, buy a new one. And pro tip: reserve a spatula just for desserts to avoid flavor transfer to sweets.
Non-stick Cookware
Nonstick pots and pans are great for cooking things like frying eggs and flipping pancakes. But what you might not know is that the nonstick coating can wear off over time, even more so if the surface is scratched by metal cookware or abrasive sponges. Unlike cast iron or stainless steel cookware, nonstick pans don't last forever, so plan on replacing them every year or so depending on how often you use them.
Cutting board
Whether wooden or plastic, cutting boards see a lot of wear in the kitchen. Proper maintenance requires careful attention. But in many homes, cutting boards can become warped, worn, cracked, or filled with bacteria. The USDA recommends replacing a cutting board when it becomes too worn or grooved and difficult to clean. If you do replace it, Sullivan suggests opting for a rubber cutting board.
thermometer
A thermometer is an essential tool in your kitchen, especially if you cook animal proteins regularly. Digital thermometers are great for accurately detecting the internal temperature of your food. But even the highest-end models lose their accuracy over time. Thermometers should be recalibrated periodically, according to the manufacturer's instructions. But even with consistent calibration, after a year or two, your thermometer's readings will become unreliable, its response time will slow, and it may even show signs of physical damage. Experts at thermometer brand ChefsTemp recommend replacing your thermometer every 1-2 years.
Wooden spoon
The beloved wooden spoon is one of the most beloved kitchen utensils. However, wood is porous, making it especially susceptible to bacteria and stains. It's also a very delicate material. Prolonged exposure to water, such as putting it in the dishwasher or soaking it in water, can cause a wooden spoon to crack or split. Plan to replace your wooden spoon about every five years, or as soon as you notice any physical damage.
Vegetable Peeler
Like a knife, microplane, or other sharp kitchen tool, your vegetable peeler will eventually lose its sharpness. It may seem counterintuitive, but a dull blade more They're more dangerous than sharpened ones (because it takes more effort to get the job done and increases the chance of cuts), and depending on how you clean and store your peeler, the metal blades can rust over time. Food and Wine She recommends replacing your peeler once a year.
Pastry brush
Pastry brushes are essential for washing eggs, glazing baked goods, and searing roasts. But brush bristles are notoriously difficult to clean. The inside of the brush can become clogged with layers of old eggs, butter, and sugar. If your brush is made from natural fibers, it's prone to absorbing unpleasant flavors and odors that can transfer to your food. On the other hand, even with diligent cleaning, pastry brushes will deteriorate. If your brush has stains, odors, or bristles that are falling out, it's worth buying a new one.
Dish towels
We should all start our day with clean dishcloths (instead of using the same ones for days or weeks at a time). But even if you wash your dishcloths regularly, they can start to wear out after about a year. If your dishcloths are dirty, lint-stained, torn, or just not as absorbent as they used to be, it's worth buying new ones.
sponge
You probably already know that sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria. Their absorbency traps a wide variety of bacteria, and the moist environment gives them a place to grow freely. While there are some tips and tricks to extend the life of your sponge, like wringing it out after each use, sanitizing it in boiling water, and storing it in a place with good air circulation, you should still replace your dish sponge fairly regularly. The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute recommend replacing your sponge every 1-2 weeks.
Dish brush
Anything that lives in or near your kitchen sink is a favorite food source for bacteria, and dish brushes and straw cleaners are no exception. Thankfully, though, they last longer than sponges. Bristle cleaning tools can last about two months if properly washed and thoroughly dried between uses, and silicone brushes last even longer (thanks to their antibacterial properties).
Home Appliance Filters
Let's be honest: Most people don't change the filters in their appliances often enough. Any appliance that collects water, like your water filter or coffee maker, uses a filter to remove debris and unwanted minerals. But your range hood, refrigerator, and dishwasher also use filters that probably haven't been cleaned or replaced in years. Your best bet to determine how often you should change your filter is to check your product's manual. But a good rule of thumb is to use your own sense. If your appliance isn't working as well as it used to, if it's starting to smell moldy, or if your food and drinks are starting to taste bad, it's time to consider changing the filter.
Expertise: TikTok Trends, Drinks, Pop Culture
education: in Journalism and Communications from New York University and a Culinary Arts degree from the Institute of Culinary Education.
about me: As an associate editor at Delish, Gabby works on everything from features to recipes to content for our social media channels. Prior to joining the team, she contributed to StarChefs Rising Stars Magazine, Mashed, and Food52. When she's not developing cocktail recipes, she's creating cocktail-inspired dishes like and . In her features, she covers online trends like and ranks everything from to and answers the most pressing food safety questions. She also posts content on TikTok for Delish, where her article on how to cook like influencer Nara Smith has garnered over 3 million views combined. She loves to eat spicy food, collects cookbooks, and likes to slather a heaping serving of Parmesan on any dish.
