10. Durable non-plastic oil/vinegar cruets and spice containers

Keeping your ingredients in easy reach is key, which makes having good containers a must—as long as the containers are made of glass or some other heat-resistant material.

9. Tough wood and plastic cutting boards
A quality cutting board doesn't warp or fail, making them worth that bit of extra money.

8. Several non-stick-safe spatulas and stirring spoons
Keep plenty of these handy (and heat-resistant) cooking tools around so you don't have to worry about stopping to wash one in the middle of a big production.

7. Sharp peeler
A good peeler isn't too expensive, and it can save you a lot of time and frustration when peeling potatoes, apples, carrots and other vegetables.

6. Sharp can opener
Get one that works every time. This is probably the most inexpensive cooking tool in the list, but it will save a lot of time and unnecessary headache.

5. High-quality boning knife
Typically narrower and shorter than a chef's knife, a high-quality forged (stamped knives are apt to snap when the cutting gets tough, so choose forged) boning knife is needed to strip meat off of bones, both before and after cooking. Consider having two kinds of boning knives: a stiff boning knife for beef and pork and a flexible one for poultry and fish.

4. Forged chef's knife
To get accurate, fast and safe cuts, a forged knife is an absolute necessity. A quality chef's knife can serve as a chopping knife and a cutting knife—versatility that can save time in the cooking and preparation process. For the best in cutlery, look no further than knives made by the world-renowned Zwilling J.A. Henckels Company.

3. Pyrex glass measuring cups
Oven-safe, microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe, these measuring cups are highly versatile. Forget plastic. With Pyrex, you can heat pre-measured ingredients right in the cup.

2. KitchenAid mixer
When fully decked out with all the available attachments, these sturdy, professional mixers can do wonders. With a KitchenAid mixer, you essentially gain all the professional mixing, kneading and tenderizing equipment you need to do the job right.

1. Quality pots and pans
Most chefs swear by All-Clad brand cookware for everyday use. Meticulously crafted, All-Clad pans are renowned for their even heating, amazing durability and ease of use.