12 Must-Have Utensils for Italian Cooking - Chef’s Essentials!

Close your eyes — a sunlit table, a carafe of wine, the aroma of a simmering tomato sauce. This is the promise of the Dolce Vita: simple, warm, irresistible. To bring it to your home, a good recipe isn’t enough — you need the right tools.

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Whether you’re a curious foodie or dreaming of cooking like your Nonna, here’s a selection of must-have utensils to fully enjoy Italian gastronomy at home. These gestures and tools carry a family heritage — little secrets we share in our book “Our Secret Italian Flavours”.

All the Essential Utensils to Cook Italian Like a Chef!

Want to make a creamy risotto or a sauce that simmers like Nonna’s? Discover our selection of essential utensils to bring true Italian flair to your kitchen.

Discover the utensils and cook like in Italy

Essential Utensils for Bringing the Dolce Vita Home

1. The Pasta Board (Spianatoia) — the magic of homemade

It’s impossible to imagine fresh pasta without a wooden board. It absorbs moisture, prevents sticking, and becomes the perfect playground for shaping tagliatelle, ravioli, and gnocchi.

Working dough on a spianatoia lets you feel the tradition: flour under your nails, eggs whisked, and that aroma transporting you straight to Nonna’s kitchen. A small famiglia ritual that makes all the difference.

Read also: Homemade Italian Gnocchi: 4 Authentic Recipes from my Nonna

2. The Rolling Pin (Mattarello) — for thin, perfect dough

The mattarello isn’t just any rolling pin: long and slender, it lets you stretch dough evenly for a light, airy texture. Slow gestures, a guiding hand — and the dough becomes as delicate as a leaf.

Regional tip: in some provinces, the mattarello can reach up to a meter — proof of Italians’ obsession with finesse. Play some Italian music and let the dough sing.

Read also: 10 Pasta Cooking Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them Like an Italian Chef)

3. The Pasta Machine — tradition meets convenience

For those who want consistency and time-saving, a pasta machine is a real asset. It transforms homemade dough into perfect sheets, ready for tagliatelle, fettuccine, or lasagna.

Experiment: add spinach for green pasta, beetroot for a soft color, or squid ink for dramatic flair. Cooking becomes a little Italian scene, full of Italian style.

Read also: How to Master Real Italian Pasta: Techniques, Tips, and Recipes

4. Pastry Cutter and Fluted Wheel — the authentic touch

The fluted wheel and pastry cutter add character to your creations. They seal ravioli, shape rustic edges, and deliver that artisanal finish you immediately recognize.

For true authenticity, a handcrafted brass wheel offers precision and weight — making every gesture more confident and the result more elegant.

Read also: Top 17 Most Famous Italian Pasta Varieties in Italy and Worldwide!

5. Mortar and Pestle — the art of old-school pesto

Nothing beats pesto crushed in a mortar. The aroma of basil, the texture of pine nuts, the creaminess of Parmesan — all come alive when you grind slowly, without overheating.

Nonna’s tip: never heat pesto. Hand emulsifying preserves the basil’s aromatic oils, giving a more intense flavor than a blender.

Read also: Trofie with Genovese Pesto: Authentic and Delicious Italian Recipe

Essential Utensils to Cook Italian Like a Chef

Treat yourself to the true Italian culinary experience with utensils that make all the difference. From creamy risotto to delicious pasta, equip yourself like a pro and share the Dolce Vita with your family.

Discover the utensils and cook Italian-style

6. The Heavy-Bottomed Pot: For Slowly Simmered Sauces

A true Italian sauce takes patience: it needs to simmer slowly so the flavors can fully meld. A heavy-bottomed pot distributes heat evenly and prevents burnt spots.

Tip: add a chunk of Parmigiano at the end of cooking — it will melt gently and bring unmatched depth to your sauce.

Also read: Tagliatelle with Bolognese Sauce: The Authentic Homemade Ragù Bolognese Recipe!

7. The Panini Grill: For Sandwiches Like in Milan

Nothing beats a well-pressed panino to recall the cozy cafés of Milan. The panini grill creates that golden crisp and melts mozzarella without soggy bread.

Practical tip: don’t overload your panino — leave some space for heat to circulate and get the perfect crust.

Mix up your fillings: grilled veggies, homemade pesto, or thin slices of mortadella — the Casa Bandera family loves this creative freedom at the table.

8. The Cheese Knife (Coltello da Formaggio): Essential for Italian Cheese Lovers

Italian cuisine celebrates cheese diversity: Parmigiano, pecorino, mozzarella di bufala… A good knife respects the texture and makes presentation effortless.

With the right tool, you can serve perfect slices or pieces paired with fruits or honey. The gesture matters as much as the taste.

Casa Bandera tip: for a family platter, alternate textures and intensities — tasting becomes a little shared story.

9. The Olive Oil Dispenser (Oliera): The Essence of Italy

Extra virgin olive oil is the heart of many Italian dishes. A beautiful oliera makes using it at the table both practical and elegant.

Choose local, high-quality oils: a drizzle of the right olive oil can turn a simple salad or bruschetta into a memorable moment.

At Casa Bandera, we serve the oil at the end — a simple yet powerful gesture that brings warmth and authenticity to the dish.

10. The Flour Sifter (Setaccio): The Magic Powder for Pasta and Pastries

Sifting flour prevents lumps and gives pasta and desserts a lighter texture. The setaccio is simple but indispensable for clean results.

For panettone or Italian cookies, sift before mixing: the result will be airy and professional, even for beginners.

Grandma’s little trick: gently shake the sifter over a bowl to incorporate air and lighten the dough.

11. The Risotto Pan (Risottiera): The Secret to Perfect Risotto

Risotto requires attention and patience: a heavy-bottomed risottiera ensures even heat and controlled cooking. This is the key to creamy, silky risotto.

Stir regularly and add broth gradually, just like Italian chefs do. At the end, a bit of butter and parmesan adds the finishing touch.

Also read: My 5 Best Italian Risotto Recipes (Passed Down by Nonna)

12. The Cream Whipper (Sifone per Panna): For Desserts Like in Italy

The whipper lets you create airy creams and mousses worthy of an Italian bistro. Perfect for light, sophisticated desserts.

Make a light mascarpone cream for tiramisù or serve with fresh berries: the texture makes all the difference.

Practical tip: always follow the whipper’s safety instructions and use only cold or slightly warm preparations.

Also read: Authentic Amaretto Tiramisu Recipe – Just Like in Italy!

Cook Italian like a chef with the right tools!

Discover our selection of essential utensils to master sauces, pasta, cheeses, and Italian desserts. Bring the true Dolce Vita and Italian elegance to your kitchen.

Discover the tools and perfect your recipes!

Conclusion: Live the Dolce Vita in Your Kitchen!

Whether you dream of a ragù that fills your home with aroma or a silky risotto, these tools bring you closer to authentic Italian cooking. The Dolce Vita in the kitchen starts with simple gestures and carefully chosen ingredients.

At Casa Bandera, every utensil tells a family story — from Nonna’s recipes to shared tables — turning preparation into moments of joy.

Discover the full list of must-have utensils in our book: Our Secret Italian Flavours.

Questions? Contact us!

Chef Valentin

I share my famiglia’s culinary heritage so you too can delight your loved ones with simple, authentic Italian recipes.

Casa Bandera is your seat at our table