Best Utensil Sets of 2023

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The types of kitchen utensils you have can be a surprising variable in how pleasurable and easy a cooking experience can be. Having utensils that don't work for you is almost like wearing shoes a size too small; you can walk in them, but it's not fun. Like flatware sets, they're something you'll use every day, so it's vital that they suit your specific preferences and needs.

Whether you're looking to overhaul your utensil drawer, add a few more tools, or even pick out a set for your first kitchen, there's a utensil set for you on this list. We scoured the internet to find the best picks for every need, whether you're looking to save some cash or find the perfect grilling utensils. Kenzo Kishita, a retired chef and founder of Blades Power, a knife buying guide site, says, "A good kitchen utensil set for home cooks has to be durable, have a range of sizes, and be easy to clean. I like sets that come with a variety of spoons, spatulas, and whisks. I also look for sets that are dishwasher safe and have non-slip handles. But the most important thing is that the utensils are comfortable in your hand and easy to grip." After assessing each set for its size, material, cost, and value, we landed on the OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Utensil Set as our favorite. Below, you'll find the best pick for your cooking needs.

Our Favorites

Best Overall: OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Utensil Set
Best Budget: Glad Cooking Kitchen Utensils Set
Best for Stainless Steel: OXO Steel 15 Piece Utensil Set
Best Silicone: Misen Complete Prep Tool Set
Best Wooden: q.b. Cucina Olive Wood Utensil Set
Best for Grilling: Cuisinart 20-Piece Deluxe Grill Set
Best Colorful: GIR 5 Piece Ultimate Tool Set

Best Overall: OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Utensil Set

View at Amazon ($140)

Also available at Bed Bath and Beyond and Williams Sonoma.

Why It's Great

Comprehensive
High quality
Dishwasher safe
Safe for non-stick

Grain of Salt

Poorly designed container
Cumbersome

OXO has been a trusted brand in kitchen wares for years, and it's the brand that many home cooks choose to stock their home kitchens with. The OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Utensil Set pulls out all the stops. Sure, it's got the basics like tongs and spatula, but this 15-piece set also includes some cool extras not typically included, like an ice cream scoop, pizza cutter, and even a rasp. Individually buying those "luxury" items would cost you much more in the long run. Several of the included tools, like the flippers, spoons, and spatula, are made of nylon, so they're perfect for non-stick cookware. Others, like the whisk, potato masher, and meat tenderizer, are made from sturdy stainless steel, so you really get the best of both worlds — especially since all the pieces (besides the can opener) are dishwasher safe.

The downside of so many extras is that many of the tools in this set aren't things you might use every day, so 15 tools in a kitchen drawer can feel cluttered fast. If you choose to store your tools in the container that comes with the set, it's a very tight fit, making it difficult to grab just one utensil without pulling all the others out with it. Additionally, tools like the rasp and pizza cutter have sharp edges that can pose a danger if you're not extremely careful when grabbing the utensil you want.

The Details: Stainless steel, nylon, and silicone; 15 pieces; no color options; nylon and silicon tools safe up to 400 degrees F

Best Budget: Glad Cooking Kitchen Utensils Set

View at Amazon ($15)

Also available at Walmart.

Why It's Great

Dishwasher safe
Inexpensive
Safe for non-stick

Grain of Salt:

Low heat resistance
Not much variety

For those looking to get just the basics, the Glad Cooking Kitchen Utensils Set is the best choice. It includes a turner, slotted turner, spoon, slotted spoon, ladle, skimmer, and spaghetti server. At just 15 bucks, that works out to about $2 per piece, which is a great deal.

All seven pieces are made of 100% nylon and are dishwasher safe. Since they're made of plastic, this set is perfect for non-stick cookware. Be warned, though, this set has one of the lowest heat capacities of any option on this list, so make sure never to rest any of the utensils on a hot pan or stove.

The Details: Nylon; 7 pieces; comes in grey or blue; up to 410 degrees F

Best for Stainless Steel: OXO Steel 15 Piece Utensil Set

View at Amazon ($170)

Also available at OXO.

Why It's Great

Durable
Comprehensive
Dishwasher safe

Grain of Salt:

The holder is too small
No ladle
Not safe for non-stick

Stainless steel is the most durable material for utensils. If you're looking for a set that will last forever and not degrade, look no further than the OXO Steel 15 Piece Utensil Set. Built to last, this set is made of heavy stainless steel, and several tools have a non-slip handle. This set has 15 pieces and includes a spoon, slotted spoon, serving spoon, turner, lasagna turner, spaghetti server, tongs, stainless fish turner, stainless steel flex turner, whisk, pie server, pizza wheel, swivel peeler, can opener, and utensil holder. Unfortunately, though, there isn't a ladle included in this set, which is a common kitchen tool and would have to be purchased separately. All pieces but the can opener are dishwasher safe.

Because the utensils are made of durable stainless steel, they're heavy. Additionally, this particular OXO set includes tools that are a bit longer and larger than many other utensils sets out there. Unfortunately, this means that the holder that comes with this set is just too small. Further, the non-slip handles make it difficult to pull each utensil out. The top-heavy nature of the tools combined with their length causes the container to tip over when filled.

The Details: Stainless steel with some rubber handles; 15 pieces; no color options

Best Silicone: Misen Complete Prep Tool Set

View at Misen ($99)

Why It's Great

Comprehensive
Safe for non-stick cookware
Easy to clean

Grain of Salt:

Expensive
Not as durable

If you're looking for a complete kitchen utensil set that is easy to clean and safe with your non-stick cookware, let us introduce to you the Misen Complete Prep Tool Set. This set is the best of both worlds, made of durable stainless steel and dishwasher-safe silicone. This ten-piece set includes a mixing spatula, fish spatula, mixing spoon, slotted spoon, spoonula, tongs, whisk, ladle, pastry brush, and a peeler. The silicone design makes each tool flexible and easy to maneuver; plus, they won't scratch up your non-stick cookware. The fish spatula, in particular, is incredibly well designed. On top of the regular stainless steel fish spatula design, Misen attached a silicone border around the top and side to get under food without scraping the stainless steel.

Silicone is a long-lasting and durable material, but in the end, it's not as durable as steel, so it might not be worth the high price tag to some. While this utensil set has great qualities and is versatile, it is a bit on the expensive side. At $99 for ten pieces, that works out to about $10 per item, which is higher than other options on this list.

The Details: Stainless steel and silicone; 10 pieces; comes in blue, black, or grey; up to 450 degrees F

Best Wooden: q.b. cucina Olive Wood Utensil Set

View at q.b. Cucina ($53)

Why It's Great

High-quality wood
Handmade
Visually appealing
Heat resistant

Grain of Salt:

Requires extra maintenance
Limited variety

Beyond their very practical use, this olive wood utensil set from q.b. cucina looks absolutely stunning on your counter. Handmade in Italy, this set is a show stopper. It includes a squared-off spatula, a pronged spaghetti server, and a set of salad servers. The spatula, in particular, is my favorite piece. The squared head is a classic Italian design meant to get into the corners of a pan and scrape up all that delicious browning. Wood tools are incredibly heat resistant because they don't conduct heat like stainless steel and won't melt like plastics. The set includes just four pieces, but they're all so versatile that you can use them for more than just their intended function. The salad servers, for example, also double as serving spoons. Though, if you're looking for an all-encompassing set that sets you up with everything you need in the kitchen, these probably aren't for you. They make a great addition to an existing collection and an even better gift.

Since these utensils are made from high-quality olive wood, they require a bit of extra care. Wooden utensils should never be put in the dishwasher; it's hand-wash only for this set. Per the website's instructions, the wooden tools need to be seasoned. This can be done by rubbing a light layer of food-safe mineral oil all over the surface. q.b. cucina recommends reseasoning about once a month, or whenever the wood feels dry.

The Details: Olive wood; 4 pieces; no color options

Best for Grilling: Cuisinart 20-Piece Deluxe Grill Set

View at Bed Bath and Beyond ($70)

Also available at Walmart.

Why It's Great

Comprehensive
Portable
Good material for high heat

Grain of Salt:

Not durable

This grilling set has all you need for a killer cookout conveniently wrapped up in an aluminum carrying case. This means it's easy to take on the go for park BBQs and more. One of the best items in this set is the digital temp fork. This is not your dad's BBQ fork; the tines are actually probes for a digital thermometer. You can flip and temp simultaneously, and there are even presets and a built-in alarm to ensure your meat is cooked perfectly every time. The other 19 pieces are all incredibly useful for any grilling aficionado and include a spatula, tongs, a cleaning brush, and even corn holders. All the pieces are stainless steel, which can take the intense heat of the grill in stride.

The metal used to make this set is very thin, making some of the utensils not as durable. The tongs are especially prone to warping or bending over time because they have a hinge that takes more stress.

The Details: Stainless steel and silicone; 20 pieces; no color options

Best Colorful: GIR 5 Piece Ultimate Tool Set

View at GIR ($51)

Why It's Great

Durable
Cute
Wide variety of colors

Grain of Salt:

Expensive
Low variety

This set is my go-to housewarming gift. I'm pretty sure all my friends and most of my family now have this set. What I love most about the GIR set is that it comes in so many colors and patterns. I love the deep, saturated colors; it's so fun to look through and try to pick the color that suits someone's personality best. I especially love the mixed sets where each piece is a different color.

This utensil set is on the smaller side: It includes a ladle, spatula, flipper, spoon, and spoonula. This works out to be about $10 per piece, which is a bit steep compared to some other sets. So if you're looking for a more comprehensive set, this might not be the one for you. However, it does make a great addition to your already established collection. Plus, the cured silicone exterior over the metal core makes these utensils incredibly sturdy, so you know they'll last a long time.

The Details: Cured silicone exterior; 5 pieces; 15 color options; up to 550 degrees F

Our Takeaway

If you're looking for a high-quality utensil set with a wide variety, check out our "Best Overall" pick, OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Utensil Set. It's got everything you need, plus a few things you didn't even know you needed from a brand that's been a favorite in kitchen wares for decades. If Instagram-worthy kitchen aesthetic is the name of the game for you, look no further than our "Best Colorful," the GIR 5 Piece Ultimate Tool Set for #kitchengoals.

How to Pick the Right Utensil Set

Ease of use

If you're going to invest in a new utensil set, you obviously want it to be easy to use. It's important that the fish spatula is actually pliable enough to get under that finicky fish skin, and the grill fork can stab into the meat well. It's also important to know how the utensils will feel in your hand. If you have a hard time gripping steel, then something without a no-slip handle will probably be harder to use.

Material

What your tools are made of is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a utensil set. Stainless steel is durable but will scratch non-stick and enameled cookware. This can be dangerous in the long run and can ruin your pans, making them unsafe to eat on. Silicone is easy to wash and safe for non-stick but doesn't last as long. If you're going to pick a silicone set, make sure it's full silicone and not mixed materials. Former pastry chef and current founder of Caramel and Cashews, a gluten-free recipe site, Carolyn Truett says, "Look for a set that has a silicone handle too. When the silicone top is attached to a wood handle, the trapped moisture attracts mold." Wooden utensils are beautiful and perfect for some tasks but can't go into the dishwasher and often require more upkeep. Nylon is great for non-stick cookware and is dishwasher safe but has a low heat capacity.

Heat resistance

For cooking tasks like grilling, it's essential that your tools can take the heat. While stainless steel utensils have the highest heat resistance, they are also great conductors, so heat is often passed onto the cook. Silicone has a much lower heat capacity and can't be used for high-heat cooking. Wooden and other plastic tools also have lower heat capacities, so for high heat tasks like grilling, searing, or wok cooking, stainless is the way to go.

Ease of cleaning

The easiest way to clean your tools is to just toss them in the dishwasher, but some utensils are handwash only, like our Best Wooden pick q.b. cucina Olive Wood Utensil Set. Silicone and stainless steel can be put in the dishwasher, though it's better to handwash stainless steel if possible.

Common Questions

What comes in a utensil set?

What comes in a utensil set depends greatly on which set you choose. Most contain some sort of stirring or serving spoons. Many also come with tongs, spatulas, whisks, and flippers. Still, a few of the more comprehensive sets include some utensils beyond the everyday use ones like a meat mallet or pizza cutter.

What cannot be used to dry utensils?

If you're hand washing your utensils, air drying is always best. Using a kitchen towel or paper towel can spread bacteria or mildew. Often, this method doesn't fully dry the item, leaving water behind to become unsanitary. If you have dishwasher-safe utensils, letting the dishwasher dry them is a great route. If they're still wet when they come out, just let them air dry on a drying rack or set them on a clean kitchen towel.

What is the most useful utensil?

Which utensil is the most useful depends on your cooking and lifestyle, but to me, it's always tongs. They're like extra-strength heat-proof fingers. You can use tongs to mix and stir, flip, and even anchor food that's too hot to cut. A rubber spatula or flipper might also be most useful depending on what you tend to cook, but just a plain spoon is hard to beat on the practicality scale. Many meals and kitchen tasks can be completed with just one good spoon.

How many utensils do I need?

Most cooks can probably get by with just four or five solid utensils, but adding even just a few more can make many tasks much easier. Sure, you could cut a pizza with a chef's knife but using a pizza cutter, a tool made for that specific task, generally goes much more smoothly. Take the advice of registered dietitian from Frugal Minimalist Kitchen, Bril Bell, "Look for a utensil set with the type of utensils you actually use. Some sets come with multiple options that are very similar to each other, like multiple spatulas, or they come with out-of-the-ordinary versions of utensils. Either way, if you're not going to use all of the pieces in the set, you're wasting money and adding unnecessary clutter to your kitchen."

Why Take Our Word for It?

Nick DeSimone researched and wrote this list. They have nearly a decade of experience in professional restaurant environments — not to mention years of home cooking experience. Nick loves to collect tools and utensils for their knife roll used at the restaurant so they've tried out (nearly) everything on the market. Since Nick has trial-tested many different types and brands of utensils for work, they know what works at home as well.

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