The 7 Best Kitchen Utensil Sets, Tested & Reviewed

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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 to 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 massive silicone sets to a minimalist Le Creuset crock that looks stunning on your countertop, the below kitchen utensil sets aced our thorough tests.Editor's Note: A previous version of this story included kitchen utensils made of black plastic, which a recent study found may contain high levels of cancer-causing chemicals. As a result, we have replaced those sets with other high-scoring options as we continue to test utensils of various materials.

These silicone tools are comfortable to hold and usable with almost any cookware, plus the set includes a lovely stoneware storage crock.

With only four tools, the rather pricey set lacks a few must-haves.

Le Creuset’s utensil set received rave reviews in our tests due to its ergonomic details and attention to craftsmanship. The weighty wood handles have a slightly tapered shape that feels natural in the hand, and the removable silicone tool heads are easy to hand-wash or fully dishwasher-safe. The bundle includes two sizes of spatula, spoonula (great for scooping heartier stews), and a basting brush, all available in a selection of Le Creuset's signature bright shades.

Perhaps the best part is the included stoneware crock. Made with the same craftsmanship as the Le Creuset pan that topped our tests of enameled cast iron skillets, the non-porous, scratch-resistant vessel matches the utensils and provides storage for them and plenty of other cooking tools.

The downside is that you'll likely need to buy some additional items if your kitchen isn't fully outfitted already. This set includes only four actual cooking tools, and it leaves out some indispensables almost every kitchen should have: a flat spatula, a ladle, and a slotted spoon or skimmer. It's also on the pricey side per piece, but the crock adds a lot of value.

Materials: Wood, silicone, stoneware | Includes: 2 spatulas, spoonula, basting brush, storage crock | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

This comprehensive set has a smart design at a reasonable price. smart additions like a notch on the side of a spatula to help you clean the edge of a bowl or jar.

None of the tools are dishwasher-safe, and the metal ones are not suitable for all cookware.

Gorgeous and effective in its simplicity, this 7-piece collection from Food52 is everything a home chef could want, at a nice price. The acacia wood handles look great, and the individual tools are full of thoughtful design elements. The ladle has spouts on either side to let you pour cleanly whether you're left- or right-handed. The smaller spatula has a notch in it made to let it rest on the side of a bowl without slipping onto the counter, as well as to scrape every last bit of frosting or batter out of the corners and edges of containers.

Now, if you have a set of non-toxic cookware whose coating can be damaged by metal tools, you might need to look elsewhere. This collection has two silicone spatulas and a wooden spoon, but everything else is metal. We had no trouble hand-washing anything, but another potential negative is that these tools are not dishwasher-safe.

Materials: Acacia wood, silicone, metal | Includes: 2 silicone spatulas, metal spatula, wooden spoon, 2 wire whisks, ladle | Dishwasher-Safe: No

This set includes cooking utensils, knives, a pair of shears, and a streamlined organizer to hold them all.

The set is pretty expensive, even per-piece, and you may not need all the items.

Caraway makes a variety of kitchenware that looks as good as it performs. The brand's made the list of winners in our tests of cutting boards, cookie sheets, nonstick cookware sets, and more. And its streamlined Knife & Utensil Set can outfit your entire kitchen all at once. This package includes wooden tongs, spoon, scraper, spatula, and server; a chef's knife, prep knife, bread slicer, paring knife, and pair of shears; and a modular magnetic organization unit to hold everything in one place. Plus, there are six color options with matching handles and organizers.

During our tests, this set earned high marks for those who want premium construction and beautiful aesthetics. The birch utensils are coated to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup, and the knives feel balanced in hand and are adept at all manner of prep tasks, from slicing bread to chopping veggies. We found the organizer set 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.

Caraway is definitely not a cheap brand, however, and this is a large set that has a large price — especially if you already have a set of knives you're happy with. You can order just the five-piece Utensil Set or Knife Set by itself, but neither includes the organizer set that's part of this full package deal.

Materials: Birch wood, stainless steel, BPA-free plastic | Includes: Tongs, server, spoon, scraper, spatula, chef's knife, prep knife, bread knife, paring knife, shears, organizer set | Dishwasher-Safe: No

Made almost entirely of silicone, these long-lasting utensils are safe to use on any style of cookware.

The silicone can stain if you don't wash it soon after using.

We recommend GIR to home cooks looking for a no-frills, quality set of cooking utensils. The tools (except for a metal whisk and peeler) are made of durable silicone that can flex into the corners of pans and won't damage hearty cast iron or more delicate nonstick cookware. The comprehensive 10-piece collection 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, GIR's utensil set got high marks thanks to its functionality and durability. The variety of tools included is both extensive and useful for most home cooks, without any over-specialized gear that will go unused. Most impressively, everything survived testing virtually unscathed, with the silicone looking brand-new after dozens of cooking sessions and dishwasher cycles. The only downside is that silicone can stain fairly easily, especially if you let heavily pigmented foods — tomatoes, beets, berries — sit and dry on the surface. You should give the tools a thorough rinse, if not a full wash, immediately after use.

Materials: Silicone, metal | Includes: 3 spatulas, flipper, 2 spoons, spoonula, ladle, peeler, whisk | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

This pared-down utensil set comes with all the basics and a beautiful ceramic storage crock with plenty of extra room.

The tools are heat-resistant to just 400°F and can't go in the dishwasher.

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 items emphasize functionality and versatility, with durable materials that range from stainless steel and nylon to walnut. You can use these tools to sear steaks, whip up a silky-smooth roux, and flip delicate fish, no matter what type of cookware set you have. And then you can put them away in the included ceramic holder, whose ribbed shape is distinctive but fits in anywhere.

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. You should note, though, that these items need a bit more careful treatment than others. None of them are dishwasher-safe, and the nylon turner and spoon can't handle heat above 400°F.

Materials: Nylon, stainless steel, wood, stoneware | Includes: Turner, spoon, slotted spoon, tongs, whisk, storage crock | Dishwasher-Safe: No

These gorgeous wooden tools can be used on any cooking surface, and they're a joy to hold.

They're quite expensive and require careful washing, drying, and oiling to stay in top condition.

Olive wood isn't cheap, but its hardness and vibrant color make it a great choice for knife handles and other kitchen tools. Ruffoni's set felt great to hold in testing, with smooth and slightly rounded handles that never slipped or felt uncomfortable. Each also has a hammered copper rivet in the end to make them hangable and reinforce the wood. The spoon, flat spatula, and rounded spatula are everyday tools you'll use for cooking of all kinds, and we found the serving tools — a pasta fork and serving fork — to be more useful than expected. (The slotted spatula also has its place, though we didn't love the large round hole in the middle instead of traditional slots.)

Unfortunately, olive wood is as delicate as it is beautiful. The Ruffoni tools are hand wash–only, and you're supposed to stand them vertically to dry. You should also oil them every few washes with a cutting board oil or similar food-safe product to keep the wood from warping or splitting. It's worth spending a few bucks on care, as these beautiful tools are pretty pricey.

Material: Olive wood | Includes: Flat spatula, rounded spatula, slotted spatula, spoon, pasta fork, serving fork | Dishwasher-Safe: No

These durable tools stay shiny and new-looking through all kinds of abuse.

Metal tools aren't suitable for many kinds of cookware.

Metal tools are forbidden in many kinds of nonstick pans, but if you use stainless steel cookware or cast iron skillets, this durable set could be a perfect choice. All-Clad's tools are strong, easy to clean, and stayed shiny through all our rounds of testing and washing. You get one of each of the standard everyday cook items — spoon, slotted spoon, turner, and ladle — plus the less-common carving fork for impressive presentations like carving a Thanksgiving turkey or slicing a whole brisket. And on top of that, the set comes with a caddy to hold them (and all your other tools).

The All-Clad set is entirely dishwasher-safe, and we were impressed that the metal didn't dull at all through multiple machine washes. Each item is one solid piece of metal, with no screws or rivets that can hold onto food bits or start to rust. The handles are extra-long, which is a bonus when reaching into deep pots but can make it a bit awkward to maneuver in smaller spaces.

Material: Stainless steel | Includes: Turner, solid spoon, slotted spoon, ladle, carving fork, storage caddy | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

We tested a lot of great utensil sets for this piece, but our top honors went to Le Creuset's Craft Series Silicone Utensil Set. This collection comes with a great assortment of heat-resistant silicone tools safe for use on many different types of cookware, plus a matching stoneware crock to keep them in.

For this story, we tested a total of 23 kitchen utensil sets in a variety of materials, sizes, and assortments of items. Some collections included just the basics, while others incorporated niche tools like ice cream scoops and pizza cutters. We rated each utensil set was rated on five different attributes.

Food & Wine / Michael Navarro

After completing our evaluation period, we revealed the retail prices of the sets to consider value for money. At the time of testing, the sets ranged from $17 to $440, with an average of $107. These prices represent sets of varying sizes and contents, so it's somewhat difficult to compare them all directly. We considered not only the total cost but also the cost per individual item in our analysis.

The first thing you need to look at when shopping for the best kitchen utensil set is what is included in the collection, and whether it fits 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. Many of the larger sets include kitchen knives, which is great if you're building up a new kitchen but unnecessary for cooks who already have a set of blades.

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 plastic, wood, or silicone, which will protect the coating of your pans. Keep in mind that both plastic and silicone tools have a maximum temperature capacity and can can warp or melt if they get too hot. Metal utensils are generally safe for non-enameled stainless steel and cast iron pans, and they don't have any temperature restrictions.

Food & Wine / Elizabeth Theriot

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.

While the exact cooking utensils you use most can vary from person to person and cuisine to cuisine, there are a few tried-and-true favorites that we recommend shopping for as you build on your essential kitchen tools collection and kick off your utensil collection. At minimum, we say to look for a set that includes a flat turner/spatula, a spoon for stirring, and a larger spoon or ladle for serving. Other handy basics include tongs, whisk, slotted spoon, and an angled spatula to reach into pan corners. Beyond that, there are more specialty items like pasta forks, salad forks, and carving forks that you might find helpful depending on what you like to cook. Keep in mind that you can always buy individual items to add to a set; you don''t need to get everything all at once.

Keeping your kitchen utensils at the ready should be your focus when deciding how you’ll store your tools. For many people, this means a countertop organizer or crock that can corral everything right by the oven, but you can also opt for a nearby drawer if you have the room. Beyond that, some home cooks opt to install a hanging bar with s-hooks, though that solution only works if your chosen utensil set includes holes in the handles meant for hanging.

If you want to extend the life of your cookware, it’s important to pay close attention to the type of tools you’re using on it. More fragile finishes like nonstick can be easily chipped at or worn away by metal utensils, so it’s a good idea to pair those types of cookware collections with a softer tool made from silicone, wood, or plastic. On the flip side, these materials also get worn out more quickly than metal utensils. Especially with plastic or silicone, when a tool starts to crack or tear, it's time to replace it.

A study published in the journal Chemosphere in October 2024 found high levels of toxic flame retardants in 85 percent of black plastic items tested, including kitchen tools and children's toys. These chemicals are now banned, but used to be common in plastic electronics casings, which were then recycled into other items.

Just how much of these cancer-causing chemicals actually makes it into food is unclear, but out of an abundance of caution, we suggest getting rid of any black plastic tools in your kitchen and will be removing them from our recommendations for the time being.

Made In Kitchen Utensil Set, 5-Piece Set ($99 at Made In)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.

Nayahose Wooden Utensil Set ($36 at Amazon)

This teak set has a lovely wood feel, but the assortment felt repetitive. The six pieces include two near-identical turners and two spoons of very similar size, in addition to a slotted spoon and salad fork. The price is nice but we noticed some uneven shaping and didn't love that the tools can't go in the dishwasher.

Oannao Silicone Cooking Utensil Set ($29 at Amazon)

This inexpensive set is quite comprehensive, with 14 different tools and a crock that fits them all snugly. But we have some concerns about quality. The tongs in particular lacked sturdiness, and the silicone heads of all the tools weren't attached perfectly, leaving room for food to collect. They're very cheap tools that feel only mildly cheap in use.

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, and Lékué, there were instances where each fell short, whether 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.