Plus, some of the exact kitchen tools she owns
While you’re spring cleaning, it might be worth taking a closer look in the depths of your kitchen cupboards, the place where worn and grease-covered utensils are often forgotten.
Kitchen essentials need to be regularly replaced, and to help refresh your setup, PEOPLE spoke with executive chef Maeve Rochford, owner of Sugar and Scribe in La Jolla and winner of Season 2 of Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. “A lot of people are holding onto things way longer than they should,” she says. She adds that a seasonal reset is the best time to rethink what deserves a spot in your kitchen and shares the tools worth swapping out and what to buy instead.
Even better, all of her picks are available on Amazon, and some are items she personally owns. Prices start at just $9.
Chef Maeve Rochford-Recommended Kitchen Essentials
- Everyday Essential:Chefaide 5-Piece Silicone Spatula Set, $9 (orig. $13)
- Double-Duty Hero: Fuhitim Bamboo Cutting Boards, $20 (orig. $36)
- Cut Above:Moss & Stone 14-Piece Knife Block Set, $25 (orig. $28)
- Chef Maeve’s Go-To: All-Clad 2-Piece Nonstick Frying Pan, $100
- Pretty and Practical: Martha Stewart Oven Mitts, 2-Pack, $11 (orig. $20)
- Oven Workhorse:Nordic Ware 4-Piece Baking Sheet Set, $42
- One-Bowl Wonder: Dqswko Stainless Steel Multifunctional Basin, $28
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Martha Stewart Oven Mitts, 2-Pack
$20 $11 at Amazon
Rochford tells PEOPLE that oven mitts are one kitchen essential that many people forget to replace. Over time, they collect grime and the inner lining wears down, making them less reliable. When it’s time for a new pair, she recommends skipping silicone styles — which can “feel stiff” and make it harder to get a secure grip — and opting instead for a classic, properly sized cloth mitt.
A fan of Martha Stewart’s line, the chef likes that these come in a range of colors and patterns to suit different kitchen styles. “You just need the good old grandma one,” she says.
Chefaide 5-Piece Silicone Spatula Set
$12 $9 at Amazon
If your spatulas have seams, such as where the head meets the handle or along the edges, it’s time to toss them. Rochford tells PEOPLE that those designs can trap food and bacteria in hard-to-clean crevices “where dirt can grow.” Even regular washing, she notes, won’t fully remove build-up. Instead, opt for a one-piece silicone option that’s easier to clean and more hygienic for everyday use.
Moss & Stone 14-Piece Knife Block Set
$28 $25 at Amazon
When it comes to shopping for a new knife set, bigger and heavier aren’t always better. According to Rochford, you should choose a well-made set that isn’t too heavy, as bulky knives and long handles can be harder to control. You don’t need an oversized set, either, she adds. Most home cooks are better off with knives that feel balanced and comfortable in-hand. If you’re going to splurge, she suggests investing in a high-quality set like this one by Sur La Table that will last for years.
Pro Tip:
Chef Maeve suggests sharpening your knives every six months to keep them performing their best.
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Fuhitim Bamboo Cutting Boards
$36 $20 at Amazon
Cutting boards are one kitchen item Rochford says you shouldn’t overlook. She suggests replacing plastic cutting mats every year, noting that wear and tear can lead to bacteria build-up. For a longer-lasting option, she prefers double-sided wooden boards, which let you chop on one side and flip to use the other as a serving piece. As she puts it, “it’s a more practical, multi-use option that easily transitions from prep to entertaining.”
Dqswko Stainless Steel Multifunctional Basin
$28 at Amazon
Still using a box grater? The chef has a clever swap. She explains that classic graters can be tough to clean, trap food in hard-to-reach spots, and make it easy to nick your fingers. Instead, she prefers a multi-use grater and bowl set that lets you grate directly into a container and doubles as a strainer for less mess — a “genius” hack for everyday cooking, she says.
All-Clad 2-Piece Nonstick Frying Pan
$100 at Amazon
“Nonstick pans aren’t meant to last forever,” Rochford says. “We replace ours all the time.” She recommends swapping them out regularly, noting that even high-use home kitchens can wear them down faster than expected. Instead of trendy, expensive options, she prefers reliable, well-made pans that heat evenly and truly stay nonstick, like this set she uses at home.
Chef Maeve Rochford’s Rule of Thumb:
If food starts sticking or your frying pan shows signs of wear like scratches or a dull coating, it’s time for a new one.
Nordic Ware 4-Piece Baking Sheet Set
$42 at Amazon
Bakeware is another category Rochford says is worth upgrading. Cheaper pans may seem like an easy option, but she notes they can warp and bake unevenly over time. “If you don’t start with a level base, your baking won’t be great,” she explains. Instead, she suggests choosing durable sheets like these that hold their shape and heat evenly, plus, they come with a lid for easy storage and transport.
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