Chef Brandon's Essentials

Never fight plastic wrap again.

One of the best kitchen upgrades you'll ever make.

You'll wonder how you ever cooked without it.

Fresh citrus, fresh Parmesan, fresh garlic. Worth every penny.

One tool replaces an entire drawer.

Probably the single tool that improves your cooking the fastest.

Big enough to hold about two cups of Diamond Crystal, so you're not refilling it every other day. I want you cooking with your fingers, like chefs do — not shaking salt out of a tiny container.

Not the disposable grocery-store grinder. A solid, refillable mill with a consistent grind and real capacity. Freshly ground pepper makes a noticeable difference in almost every savory dish.

A weighted, easy-pour bottle that gives you control — instead of dumping half the bottle into the pan.

Same setup. One bottle for olive oil, one for neutral — both labeled, both easy to grab. A small upgrade that makes the whole kitchen feel organized and professional.

One of my favorite purchases. The bowls don't slide, the lids fit well, and they're perfect for prep, marinating, and leftovers.

For larger batches and everyday prep.

The standard in professional kitchens.

Every chef owns these. Inexpensive, they stack beautifully, and they're perfect for sauces, herbs, leftovers, and meal prep.

Worth it, every single day. Good drainage, durable construction, and a cleaner countertop.

Buy enough that you always have a clean one.

Label everything.

The most-used pen in every professional kitchen.