How to Equip Your Homestead Kitchen - The Essentials You Need (2024)

Today I want to talk about how to equip your homestead kitchen. These are, what I feel, are essential tools for making your homestead venture a success; but as I always say, there may be more to add. I have included somebasics as well as some larger equipment for you.

Homestead Kitchen: Basic Essentials

A Solid Wood Cutting Board – I know a lot of people switched to plastic a few years back but did you know that a study from the University of Michiganfound that“more bacteria are recovered from a used plastic surface than from a used wood surface.” Get yourself a good wooden cutting board, learn to care for it, and it will be a staple in your kitchen. Check out this maple cutting board!

Rolling Pin – No they aren’t just for chasing around the bad guys in old cartoons. I rolling pin is the tool for bakers, pie makers and those who like to roll and cut biscuits. I really like the French style rolling pins but whatever works for you is the one to get.

Good Set of Knives – A truly awesome set of knives can run you several hundred dollars; but when you can make the investment I suggest you do so. Until then consider a set that can, at least, be sharpened – like this.

A Mandolin Slicer – Ok, this may not qualify as an essential but my time is valuable and this shaves of a lot of it in the kitchen. Not to mention I get consistent thickness in all my slices – SCORE! I have this model and it has worked great. Just watch those fingers!

Meat Grinder – You can go with a manual grinderor an attachment for your Kitchen Aid.

Stock Pot –A homesteader’s kitchen is not complete without agood (large) stockpot. From healthybone broth to homemadecheese…you’re going to need one!

Cast Iron Dutch Oven – Really any good quality cast iron is going to be an asset to your homestead kitchen. But a dutch oven is so very versatile. You’ll be able to use it on your stove top, in the oven and over a campfire when needed. Treat your cast iron well and it can last a life time. I highly recommend you stick with the Lodge Dutch Ovenor the Lodge Cast Iron Beginner’s Set.
Also see 12 Reasons You Should Be Cooking with Cast Iron.

Homestead Kitchen: Power Equipment

Food Processor – I went years without a food processor because I really didn’t see the necessity in having one. But let me tell you; if you’re cooking from scratch it never hurts to have some high-powered helpers. Once I really figured out all that my food processor could do, it never left the counter. I have this 8 Cup model and have not had any problems with it.

Canning Equipment –A lot of people will tell you that the All American Pressure Canneris the only way to go;but I’m still using my Presto Pressure Cannerand happy to continue with it for now. You may want to consider a separate water bath canner I don’t see any need to when I can use your pressure canner for that as well. You’ll want to keep canning jars on hand as well and possibly a set of Tattler Reuseable Canning Lids. Don’t forget to pick up a canning kit!

Stand Mixer –I’d say this is the Kitchen Aidgoldstandardin most homestead kitchens. There are many uses beyond baking too. Now if the price is way beyond your budget I say, start scouring yard sales, thrift stores and Craigslist – that’s how I got mine!

Dehydrator – I’ve had theNesco Food Dehydratorfor a few years and have no complaints. But the more I dry my own spices and herbs the more I’m thinking it is time to invest in the Excalibur.

Homestead Kitchen: A Few Luxury Items

The Instant Pot – I didn’t put the Instant Pot in power equipment simply because you can live without it…but I wouldn’t want to. I can make soups, stews, bone broth, pot roast in a fraction of the time AND the flavor is phenomenal! Not to mention it can replace your yogurt maker, rice maker, slow cooker and more. I love it, that is all.

Single Burner for Canning – This is one of the few single burners I found that can handle my full sized pressure canner.

Vacuum Sealer – It may be a luxury item for some but I do feel like this is an essential for the homestead kitchen to keep food fresh. I like this basic model.

Fermentation Kit – you don’t need this fermentation kit to ferment but it sure does help!

Grain Mill – Even if you are a grain-free home you can use a Grain Mill to grind wide variety of flours from wheat to almond to rye and more!