Homestead Kitchen Supplies: 12 Must-Have Tools That Work Hard
Discover the essential homestead kitchen supplies that make cooking from scratch easier. Get practical tips for choosing tools that truly earn their place.
Let’s be real—homesteading doesn’t always feel simple, especially in the kitchen. Sure, we’re all about from-scratch living, but kneading dough by hand or prepping endless veggies can feel like a full-time job without the right gear. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that having the right homestead kitchen supplies can make a world of difference in how smoothly your day runs—and how much joy you find in it.
Over the years, I’ve tested, loved, and broken my fair share of kitchen tools. I’ve also asked my fellow homesteaders which tools they can’t live without, and together we’ve put together this list of true kitchen MVPs. Whether you’re preserving the harvest, baking bread, or brewing a strong cup of coffee before chores, these are the must-haves that actually earn their place on the shelf.
A Food Processor That Can Keep Up
When you’re grating carrots for fermenting, prepping a huge batch of salsa, or making nut butters and hummus, a sturdy food processor can be a game changer. It saves time and your wrists.
What to look for:
- At least 9 cups of capacity (more if you’re cooking for a big family)
- Wide feed tube for large produce
- Simple controls—you don’t need 20 buttons to do the job
- Attachments like dough blades and slicers add value
Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper (10-Cup with Bowl Scraper)
This food processor earns its spot in my kitchen because it strikes the perfect balance between power and simplicity. The 10-cup bowl is big enough for preserving projects and weekly meal prep, but not so massive that it takes over the counter. I especially love the built-in bowl scraper—it saves me from stopping every two seconds to scrape down the sides. It’s the kind of tool that quietly does its job and makes everything else easier.
A Reliable Kitchen Scale
I avoided one for years… and then wondered why I hadn’t gotten one sooner. A good kitchen scale makes baking more accurate and can help when you’re portioning out ingredients for preservation or homemade mixes.
Buying tips:
- Go for a water-resistant model—spills happen.
- Look for a tare function so you can zero out between ingredients.
- An auto-off setting saves batteries when you forget to shut it down mid-chaos.
Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale (Stainless Steel)
I chose this scale because it’s accurate, affordable, and doesn’t take up much space. It handles everything from measuring flour for sourdough to portioning herbs for salves. The tare function is a lifesaver when I’m batch-prepping ingredients, and the stainless steel surface makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a small tool that punches way above its weight in the homestead kitchen.
Wooden Spoons That Last a Lifetime
They won’t scratch your cast iron or melt if left leaning on the pot (oops). Plus, there’s something nostalgic and grounding about stirring soup with a good wooden spoon.
What to look for:
- Solid wood like maple, olive, or oak
- One-piece design (no glue or joints to break)
- Hand-wash only to keep them from splitting
Teak Wooden Cooking Utensils Set (8-Piece with Holder & Hooks)
These teak spoons are as practical as they are pretty. They don’t scratch my cast iron, feel great in my hand, and the natural grain adds a cozy, lived-in charm to the kitchen. I love that the set includes a spoon rest and hooks for easy storage—it keeps my favorite tools right where I need them. This is one of those sets that makes everyday cooking feel just a little more special.
A Stand Mixer to Save Your Arms
I love baking, but I don’t always love kneading dough by hand. A stand mixer lets me multitask—mixing dough while I prep fillings or work on other parts of dinner.
Stand mixer shopping tips:
- For big batches or bread: choose a larger bowl (5+ quarts) and a strong motor
- If you’re short on space or don’t bake often, a smaller model might be perfect
- A tilt-head design and splash guard are features worth paying for
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Stand Mixer (with Pouring Shield)
I’ve used this mixer for everything from bread dough to whipped cream, and it never lets me down. The 5-quart size is just right for our homestead needs, and the tilt-head design makes it easy to add ingredients without making a mess. It’s built like a tank and comes in colors that actually make you want to leave it on the counter. For serious from-scratch cooking, this is a workhorse worth investing in.
A Pressure Canner You Can Count On
Canning is one of the most rewarding (and sometimes intimidating) parts of homesteading. Having a reliable pressure canner can help you preserve everything from green beans to stew meat.
What to look for:
- Tall enough to stack jars
- A 15 PSI regulator
- A removable rack to prevent jars from cracking
- Bonus: Dial gauges are nice, but weighted gauges don’t require testing every year
T-fal 22 Quart Aluminum Pressure Canner (with Racks and 3 PSI Settings)
This canner gets a serious workout during harvest season. I picked it because it’s tall enough to double-stack jars and has multiple PSI settings that make it easy to adjust for recipes and elevation. It’s also lighter than an all-steel model, which makes hauling it on and off the stove a little less back-breaking. If you’re pressure canning meats, beans, or low-acid veggies, this one’s a winner.
Sharp, Durable Kitchen Knives
If I could only have one kitchen tool, it might be a solid chef’s knife. That said, a full set will take you further—and you don’t have to spend a fortune for quality.
Essentials for a homestead kitchen:
- Chef’s knife (8”)
- Paring knife
- Serrated bread knife
- Utility knife (5”)
- Cleaver (for butchering)
- Boning or fillet knife
- Honing steel or sharpening stone
Buying tips:
- Choose full-tang knives (where the metal runs through the handle)
- Heft and balance matter—test them if you can
- A magnetic knife strip is great for keeping them dry and safe
Babish High-Carbon German Steel 14-Piece Knife Set (with Sheaths)
I went with this set because it offers serious quality without the designer price tag. The knives feel solid and balanced in your hand, and they actually stay sharp with regular honing. I appreciate that each one comes with a sheath—it’s a nice touch that keeps them protected when not on the wall rack. It covers all the bases: from butchering meat to slicing tomatoes, and everything in between.
A Big, Heavy-Duty Stock Pot
From chicken stock to maple syrup to pasta night, a giant stock pot earns its keep fast. I have one that lives on my stove all fall and winter.
Look for:
- 16-quart capacity or more
- Heavy bottom to prevent scorching
- Riveted handles and a snug-fitting lid
Cook N Home 16 Quart Stockpot with Lid (Stainless Steel)
This stainless steel stockpot is my go-to for everything from simmering bone broth to making maple syrup. It’s sturdy without being outrageously heavy, and the 16-quart size is just right for a busy homestead kitchen. I love how easy it is to clean, and the glass lid lets me keep an eye on things without lifting it every five minutes. Simple, affordable, and built to last.
Cast Iron Cookware That Will Outlive You
You already know: cast iron is the homesteader’s best friend. It’s tough, versatile, and can go from stovetop to oven to campfire with ease.
Shopping tips:
- Choose pre-seasoned to save time
- Skillets and Dutch ovens are the most used pieces
- Consider buying secondhand—vintage cast iron is gold
If you’re lucky enough to score a vintage cast iron skillet at a yard sale or thrift store, don’t be scared off by a little rust or grime—those pieces are often the best quality and just need a bit of TLC. My friend Kris over at Attainable Sustainable has a fantastic guide on how to clean, season, and store cast iron that’ll walk you through everything you need to know to bring those old pans back to life.
Kitchen Shears That Do It All
From cutting herbs and parchment to spatchcocking a chicken, a good pair of kitchen shears is incredibly handy. Just don’t use them for paper or you’ll dull them fast.
What to look for:
- Stainless steel blades
- Detachable design for easy cleaning
- A built-in bottle opener or nutcracker is a bonus
Acelone Premium Heavy-Duty Kitchen Shears
These are not your average scissors. I chose them because they’re sharp enough to spatchcock a chicken, precise enough to trim herbs, and tough enough to handle meat and packaging without flinching. The grip is comfortable, the blades separate for cleaning, and they come with a safety cover. If you cook from scratch—or process your own animals—you’ll want a pair of these in your drawer.
A Handy Mandolin for Fast Slicing
When your zucchini harvest is out of control or you’re slicing potatoes for dehydration, a mandolin saves serious time. And unlike a food processor, it doesn’t need electricity.
Key features to check:
- Adjustable blade thickness
- Safety holder or glove to protect your fingers
- Compact enough to store easily
MuellerLiving Adjustable Mandoline Slicer
When I don’t want to drag out the food processor, this mandoline gets the job done fast. It’s got multiple thickness settings and comes with a hand guard that actually works (a rarity, if you’ve used cheap mandolines before). I use it for slicing cucumbers for pickles, making homemade chips, or prepping big batches of veggies for dehydrating. Compact, reliable, and easy to rinse clean—this thing earns its keep.
A Garlic Chopper You’ll Actually Use
I resisted getting one of these for years. Now? I use it almost every day. If garlic is a staple in your cooking, a mini garlic chopper will save you a ton of time and cleanup.
Why it’s worth it:
- No sticky garlic hands
- Dishwasher safe
- Small enough to store in a drawer
Chef’n GarlicZoom Garlic Chopper
I’ve chopped garlic with a knife, smashed it with a press, and tried every gadget under the sun—and this is the one I keep reaching for. The GarlicZoom is fast, fun (my kids even use it), and super easy to clean. Just roll it back and forth, and you’ve got perfect minced garlic with no sticky fingers. It’s a little thing that makes a big difference when you’re cooking with garlic daily—like we do.
My Must-Have: A French Press
There’s not much that gets between me and my morning coffee. A French press is simple, sturdy, and doesn’t need electricity. I’ve used mine through power outages and campfire mornings—and it’s never let me down.
Choose one with:
- Stainless steel plunger and mesh
- At least 32 oz. for multiple cups
Secura Stainless Steel French Press (34 oz, Insulated)
This French press is a non-negotiable part of my morning. I chose the stainless steel model because I’ve broken way too many glass ones over the years. It’s double-wall insulated so your coffee stays hot, comes with extra screens, and looks sleek on the counter. Whether I’m heading out to do chores or sitting down to write, this press brews a bold, smooth cup that never disappoints.
Kitchen Gear Questions, Answered
Pin these must-haves before your next thrift store run.
The right homestead kitchen supplies won’t turn you into an instant sourdough expert or canning queen—but they will make your life a whole lot easier. These tools help you get more done with less effort, reduce frustration, and bring joy back to cooking from scratch. That’s worth every penny, if you ask me.
What tools can’t you live without in your homestead kitchen? Leave a comment—I’d love to hear what’s made the biggest difference for you.
