If one of your many goals for 2018 is to give your kitchen a serious upgrade, a great place to start is by assessing your current cookware inventory. Your old, hand-me-down pots and pans may have once fit the bill, but that is no longer; they are now turning out disappointing dishes, and you've likely had enough. Fret not — we have 15 must-have items that will get you on your way toward becoming the culinary master you dream of being in the new year. Scroll through to see which cookware items and gadgets are on the horizon for 2018.
Copper pots and pans are trendy right now. It's no secret they are on the pricier side, so if you don't need a whole set, get this Fleischer and Wolf Pan Set ($100). The combination of copper and stainless steel makes these practical and pretty.
Anyone who regularly cooks breakfast for their family knows how crowded and messy the stovetop can get. This Presto Griddle Jumbo Cool Touch ($18, originally $40) allows you to cook everything on one surface and even collects grease runoff — no stove necessary!
Think about the dinners you'll whip up in the Rachael Ray 4.5QT. Oval Casserole ($39, originally $100).
The Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer ($160) belongs on your countertop.
A good bakeware set is essential for all of those bake sales and birthday parties you'll inevitably be prepping for. This Food Network 7-pc. Ultimate Textured Bakeware Set ($75, originally $100) is nonstick and textured to improve airflow for even baking.
One of our editors was a little too tired of the sound of scrambled-egg residue being scraped off the bottom of her "nonstick" frying pan, so she tried the WaxonWare 11-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan & Skillet ($40), and she's never going back.
The Taylor Weighing Bowl Digital Kitchen Scale ($50) was featured on Oprah's Favorite Things List of 2017.
A microplane grater ($15) is a must have in my kitchen for two reasons: it's the easiest way to zest a lemon and the quickest, most mess-free way to finely mince garlic.
The KitchenAid Artisan Caviar 5-qt. Stand Mixer ($340, originally $380) is a sleek black shade.
Create your own delectable dishes with the Gourmia Automatic Healthy Frozen Dessert Maker ($50).
These KitchenAid Mixing Bowls (3 PC) ($60, originally $130) will help you prepare any dish you want.
The price tag of a Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven ($100-$400) might make you cringe at first, but trust us: buying one of these is an "adulting" moment you won't regret later. It's the best dutch oven ever, thanks to its cast-iron lid, enameled exterior, ability to cook anything in or out of the oven, and undeniably chic look. One of our writers swears, "There is no piece in my kitchen that works as hard and looks as good."
When the thought of standing outside to flip burgers just doesn't sound appealing (hello, rainy weather!), consider this All-Clad 11" Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Grill ($50, originally $155) your go-to for deliciously grilled dinners from the convenience of your stovetop.
Any supreme chef needs a trio of OXO Good Grips Angled Measuring Cups (3 PC) ($20) at the ready.
Skip the chaos and expense of trekking to a brunch spot to get your waffle fix by making your own gourmet versions with this Cuisinart Waf-F10 Round Belgian Waffle Maker ($60, originally $90). You can easily control the crispiness with the settings, clean up with the nonstick surface, and flip for even cooking.