My Favorite Italian Kitchen Tools
The right tools don’t just make cooking easier—they make it more enjoyable. This collection of Italian kitchen tools features the pieces I personally use, trust, and recommend, from handmade pasta equipment to dependable everyday cookware that helps bring authentic Italian cooking into your home.
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Italian Translation: Cucina Italiana
Perfect For: Building an authentic Italian Kitchen
Pairs Well With: Fresh Pasta, Italian Pantry, Wine Pairings
Category: An Italian Kitchen Essentials
Michelle’s Cucina
A note from my kitchen to yours.
When I was studying in Florence, one of the things I noticed most was how thoughtful Italian kitchens were equipped. Every tool had a purpose, every ingredient had its place, and nothing felt unnecessary. That approach has stayed with me, and it’s shaped the way I stock my own kitchen today.
Why It Matters: A well-loved kitchen is built one thoughtful piece at a time. Start with dependable everyday essentials, invest in quality pieces you’ll enjoy using for years, and add specialty tools as your cooking adventures grow. A thoughtfully stocked kitchen makes every recipe a little more enjoyable—and every meal a little more memorable.
italian kicthen tools:
Specialty tools:
These specialty tools make traditional Italian cooking more approachable, more enjoyable, and often more authentic. Whether you’re rolling fresh pasta, shaping ravioli, or brewing stovetop espresso, each one has earned a place in my kitchen.
Marcato atlas Pasta Maker:
Why I use it
My favorite manual pasta maker, crafted in Italy and built to last. It rolls consistently smooth sheets of pasta and has earned its reputation for a good reason. It comes with an attachment for making fettuccine and tagliolini; plus, it’s easy to transport.
Great for Pasta Enthusiasts
Try it with Fresh Pasta 101
Stainless Steel Pasta Pot:
Why I use it
The built-in insert makes draining pasta simple without needing to go to the sink and/or juggle a separate colander. And it keeps that starchy pasta water within easy reach if and when that’s needed for the sauce. The steamer basket is an excellent added bonus!
Great for Beginners
Try it with Ricotta & Herb Tortellini
Wooden Gnocchi board:
Why I use it
I love that this traditional wooden board from the Italian brand, Eppicotispai, creates perfectly ridged gnocchi while also including a small dowel for shaping homemade garganelli—two classic pasta shapes with one simple tool.
Great for Pasta Enthusiasts
Try it with Fresh Pasta 101
dual Pasta cutter wheel:
Why I use it
The straight and fluted wheels make it easy to cut everything from fettuccine to beautiful homemade ravioli with clean, consistent edges. I love the wooden handle as well. This is from the Italian brand, Eppicotispai, as well.
Great for Pasta Enthusiasts
Try it with Pear & Gorgonzola Ravioli
kitchenaid 3-piece pasta Set attachment:
Why I use it
If you own a KitchenAid stand mixer and have access to an electrical outlet, these well-made attachments make homemade pasta incredibly approachable and do most of the work for you.
Great for Home Cooks
Try it with Pumpkin & Amaretto Cappellacci
Ravioli Set with Rolling Pin:
Why I use it
Another great product from the Italian brand, Eppicotispai, this set creates perfectly sized ravioli quickly and consistently, which makes homemade filled pasta much less intimidating. A small rolling pin is included to help seal the ravioli.
Great for Pasta Enthusiasts
Try it with this Lemon Mascarpone filling
collapsible pasta drying rack:
Why I use it
This rack has 20 spokes to keep your fresh pasta separated while it dries; and I love the collapsible design that stores away neatly between pasta nights. Plus, the thin paddle makes it easy to transfer the pasta onto the spokes. Yet another gem from the Italian brand, Eppicotispai,
Great for Pasta Enthusiasts
Try it with Fresh Pasta 101
Bialetti moka express:
Why I use it
Nothing beats the rich aroma of espresso brewing in a Moka pot. This classic model is brews 6 espresso cups, and It’s a fabulous way to bring a little piece of Italy into an ordinary morning.
Great for Beginners
Try it along the side of Lavender & Lemon Biscotti
pappardelle rolling pin:
Why I use it
This is a nice alternative to making consistently wide pappardelle ribbons – you just roll it through your fresh pasta sheet. I like the feeling of authenticity when using this roller; and another great product from the Italian-maker Eppicotispai.
Great for Pasta Enthusiasts
Try it along the side of Ragù alla Bolognese
Oxo Bench scraper:
Why I use it
I honestly can’t imagine making fresh pasta without my bench scraper. It keeps the dough organized, cleans the work surface, and cuts dough with ease. Plus, once the pasta sheets are rolled out, I love that the edge of the scraper is a ruler, so you can easily measure and cut 12”-inch pasta sheets.
Great for Beginners
Try it with Fresh Pasta 101
Everyday essentials:
These are the quiet workhorses of my kitchen—the reliable tools I reach for almost every time I cook. Whether I’m making a weeknight dinner or a homemade pasta feast, these everyday essentials help make cooking feel effortless.
Wüsthof Knife Set:
Why I use it
Beautifully balanced, exceptionally sharp, and durable enough for everyday cooking. A quality knife is one of the best kitchen investments you’ll make. This comes with a chef’s knife, plus 5 additional knives, kitchen shears, and sharpener – plus a gorgeous wooden block to hold them in. There are a few open slots as well, so you can add to your collection over time.
Great for Beginners
Try it with Pear, Ginger, & Sage Marmalade
Lodge Dutch oveN:
Why I use it
This 6-quart model is extremely heavy-duty, and perfect for cooking slow-simmered sauces, soups and ragù, for frying, for baking, and countless one-pot meals thanks to its excellent heat retention. It comes in a variety of colors as well.
Great for Beginners
Try it with Ricotta Zeppole (Italian Donut Holes)
Kitchenaid stand mixer:
Why I use it
A true kitchen workhorse for breads, cakes, cookies, pizza dough, and so much more—with countless attachment options as your skills grow. My favorites include the pasta set (above), the ice cream attachment for making gelato, and the slicer & shredder for prepping.
Great for Home Cooks
Try it with Lavender & Lemon Biscotti
12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet:
Why I use it
A well-made cast iron skillet is one of those pieces you’ll own for decades. It develops beautiful heat retention, creates an incredible sear, and transitions easily from stovetop to oven.
Great for Home Cooks
Try it with Spicy Charred Broccolini
Digital Kitchen Scale:
Why I use it
I use this constantly when baking, making fresh pasta, and testing recipes. Measuring by weight simply gives more consistent results than measuring by volume.
Great for Home Cooks
Try it with Cinnamon & Cider Panna Cotta
Immersion Blender:
Why I use it
This gem is perfect for blending soups and sauces directly in the pot without transferring hot liquids to a blender. I also love the inclusions – the immersion cup is great to make coulis sauces without splatter and the whisk attachment is great for beating eggs.
Great for Beginners
Try it with Simple Tomato Sauce
Microplane Zester:
Why I use it
A durable zester that creates a delicate citrus zest without the bitter pith. It is also great for finishing a dish with finely grated Parmesan, and it comes with a shield for safe storage. .
Great for Beginners
Try it with Creamy Linguine al Limone
digital thermometer:
Why I use it
The easiest way to confidently cook meat to the perfect temperature every time. This thermometer gives a speedy heat temp, is easy to read, super quick to clean, and folds away easily.
Great for Beginners
Try it with Pork Tenderloin with Blueberry Chianti Sauce
Mest strainer set:
Why I use it
These are definitely one of the most versatile tools in my kitchen—from rinsing beans to draining pasta, straining infusions, and dusting desserts. I especially like the built-in resting hook that lets the strainer sit securely over a bowl or saucepan, and the three sizes nest neatly together for easy storage.
Great for Beginners
Try it with Everyday Olive Oil Infusions
Ninja Compact Blender:
Why I use it
I use this for everything from soups, sauces, smoothies, frozen drinks, and homemade treats for my pup. My favorite feature is the included personal cups and smaller blade, so I don’t have to pull out the full-size pitcher for a single smoothie or a quick batch of sauce.
Great for Beginners
Try it with White Bean & Asparagus Soup (or Frozen Pup Cups for the Pup!)
Serveware & Entertaining:
Italian meals are about more than what’s on the plate—they’re about gathering around the table. These are my favorite pieces for serving family and friends with warmth, simplicity, and a touch of Italian hospitality.
Coupè glasses:
Why I use it
My favorite glass for sparkling wine, cocktails, and elegant desserts alike. You can snaz-up your glass even more with a subtle brown sugar rim, seasonal fruit on the side of the glass, or marinated treats stuck through a cocktail pick.
Great for Beginners
Try it with 5 Italian Sparkling & Dessert Wines with Food Pairings
Cocktail Shaker:
Why I use it
This handy piece of bar-ware is great for shaking and straining, chilling and stirring, or getting that beautiful froth when a recipe calls for it. And I especially love the textured design here.
Great for Beginners
Try it with the Rose & Cream Aperol Spritz
Red Wine Glasses:
Why I use it
I love the generous bowl because it gives red wines plenty of room to swirl and breathe, while the subtle chiseled design makes every pour feel a little more special. Bonus—they’re just as beautiful for serving an Aperol Spritz.
Great for Beginners
Try it with the “Classic” Aperol Spritz
Rectangle Serving Platters:
Why I use it
These are perfect for everything from pasta dinners, to antipasti spreads, to beautifully arranged desserts. Very versatile and a 3-piece set is really nice as well.
Great for Beginners
Try it with Burrata with Fresh Cherries & Peaches
Charcuterie accessories:
Why I use it
A nifty set that includes everything you need to serve cheeses, dips, antipasti, honeys, compound butters, marmalades, olives, chips, and cured meats at your next aperitivo or happy hour.
Great for Beginners
Try it with 5-Ingredient Tuscan Bruschetta
Marble Wine Chiller:
Why I use it
I love setting this out when we’re lingering around the table. It keeps white wine perfectly chilled without having to run back to the refrigerator, and it adds an elegant touch to the table.
Great for Beginners
Try it with 5 Italian White Wines & Food Pairings
wine decanter:
Why I use it
Giving red wine a little time to breathe can really bring out its aromas and flavor, and this decanter is perfect for doing so. Plus, it instantly makes the dinner table feel just a bit more special.
Great for Home Cooks
Try it with 5 Italian Red Wines & Food Pairings
Etched Limoncello glasses:
Why I use it
These are the perfect 1.5 oz size for serving limoncello. I really like the small elegant stem, and the etched details remind me of Tuscany. Plus, they come in a 12-piece set.
Great for Beginners
Try it with Rustic Italian Apple Cake
La Vita, Simplified:
Building your Italian kitchen doesn’t happen overnight.
I’ve gathered all of my favorite pantry staples, tools, and entertaining pieces in one place so they’re easy to browse whenever you’re ready.
These are the tools that have earned a permanent place in my kitchen—I hope a few of them become favorites in yours, too.
🍝 More Resources:
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