Nara Smith’s Kitchen Essentials: Must-Have Tools
Discover the premium kitchen tools and appliances that define Nara Smith's culinary aesthetic and cooking style.
TikTok Star Nara Smith’s Favorite Kitchen Essentials
Nara Smith has captured the hearts and attention of millions through her soothing ASMR-style cooking videos on TikTok. The 22-year-old model-turned-social media sensation has become a cultural phenomenon, showcasing her life as a devoted homemaker who prepares elaborate three-course meals from scratch daily for her husband, Lucky Blue Smith, and their children. While her content has sparked considerable debate about traditional homemaking in the modern era, one thing remains undeniable: Nara Smith possesses exceptional culinary skills and an impeccable eye for kitchen aesthetics. From baking elaborate pastries to braising meats to perfection, and even crafting homemade versions of beloved breakfast cereals and cookie brands, she demonstrates remarkable dedication to her craft. For those inspired by her polished kitchen aesthetic and wanting to replicate her cooking style, Smith has generously revealed the kitchen essentials and tools she cannot live without. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just beginning your culinary journey, these carefully curated selections can help transform your kitchen into a space that’s both beautiful and functional.
Premium Stovetop Kettles for Your Kitchen
A quality kettle is foundational to any well-equipped kitchen, and Nara Smith understands this principle perfectly. She features multiple kettles in her collection, each serving a specific purpose in her daily routine.
MacKenzie-Childs Tea Kettle
The MacKenzie-Childs Tea Kettle stands as a quintessential stovetop accessory that elevates any kitchen countertop. Priced at approximately $200, this kettle represents an investment in both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Even if you prefer convenience foods over elaborate home cooking, this stunning kettle serves as a beautiful decorative piece while maintaining practical utility. Its timeless design complements various kitchen styles, from farmhouse to contemporary, making it a versatile choice for households seeking to enhance their culinary space.
Modern Electric Kettles with Vintage Charm
Electric kettles offer convenience without sacrificing style, and Nara Smith has embraced this category with enthusiasm. Her collection includes several electric kettle options that combine modern technology with retro-inspired aesthetics.
Smeg Electric Kettle
The Smeg Electric Kettle represents the perfect marriage of form and function, priced at $230. Though using an electric kettle might seem slightly contrary to Nara’s “from scratch” philosophy, this particular model is simply too gorgeous to overlook. Its distinctive retro design harks back to the 1950s while incorporating all the conveniences of contemporary electrical appliances. The kettle heats water quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for morning tea service or preparing hot water for various cooking applications. Its iconic design has made it a staple in kitchens worldwide, beloved by those who appreciate vintage aesthetics paired with modern performance.
Retro Kitchen Appliances: The Smeg Toaster
Nara Smith’s kitchen aesthetic is heavily influenced by mid-20th century design, and her appliance choices reflect this preference perfectly. The Smeg 2-Slice Toaster, priced at $230 from Pottery Barn Teen, exemplifies her commitment to this vintage-inspired aesthetic.
It makes perfect sense that someone who embodies 1950s homemaker ideals would choose a toaster that looks like it emerged directly from that era. The Smeg toaster features retro-inspired design elements while incorporating all the technological advantages of modern toasters. Beyond its stunning appearance, this appliance delivers reliable toasting performance, making it both a functional kitchen tool and a statement piece. Whether you’re toasting bread for breakfast or adding visual interest to your countertop, this toaster serves multiple purposes beautifully.
Essential Cutting Boards and Food Preparation Tools
Professional home cooks understand that quality cutting boards are indispensable. Nara Smith’s choice in cutting boards reflects her commitment to quality materials and sustainable sourcing.
Larch Wood Original Cutting Board
Nara’s preferred cutting board is crafted from sustainably grown and harvested larch wood sourced from Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, priced at $270. This choice speaks volumes about her values regarding environmental consciousness. The dense, sturdy construction of this board ensures longevity and reliable performance through years of food preparation. The soft rubber feet keep the board stable during chopping, preventing slipping and ensuring safer food preparation. Beyond its practical benefits, the natural beauty of larch wood adds warmth and character to any kitchen space, serving as both a functional tool and decorative element.
Professional-Grade Knife Sets
No kitchen is complete without a high-quality knife set, and Nara Smith has invested in professional-grade cutlery to support her culinary endeavors.
Shun Premier 10-Piece Knife Set
The Shun Premier 10-Piece Knife Set, available at Williams Sonoma for $1,016, represents a significant investment in kitchen tools. This comprehensive set includes everything necessary to perform like a professional chef. The collection features a 4-inch paring knife for detailed work, a 6-inch boning and fillet knife for meat preparation, a 6-inch utility knife for versatile tasks, a 6.5-inch serrated utility knife for bread and delicate items, and several other specialized blades. Each knife in the set is expertly crafted with precision engineering, ensuring clean cuts and ease of use. For anyone serious about cooking from scratch, investing in a quality knife set eliminates frustration during food preparation and elevates the entire cooking experience.
Cookware That Does Everything: The Always Pan
Finding versatile cookware that performs multiple functions is crucial for efficient home cooking. Nara Smith has discovered the perfect solution with the Our Place Always Pan.
Our Place Always Pan
The Our Place Always Pan, priced at $159, deserves its reputation as the ultimate multi-functional kitchen tool. This innovative pan enables you to sauté, fry, roast, boil, bake, braise, sear, strain, and serve—essentially handling every cooking method you might need. The Thermakind ceramic coating lasts approximately 50 percent longer than traditional non-stick surfaces while avoiding potentially toxic materials, making it both durable and health-conscious. Available in multiple colors, Nara Smith keeps the char variant for its timeless and elegant appearance. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate weekend meal, this pan adapts to your needs perfectly. Its versatility makes it an exceptional value, potentially replacing several single-purpose pans in your kitchen.
Stand Mixers for Baking Success
Anyone baking regularly—whether homemade cookies, bread, or pastries—understands the importance of a reliable stand mixer. Nara Smith relies on a classic option that has proven itself for generations.
KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer represents a household staple for dedicated bakers. This mixer can handle enormous batches, producing up to 8 dozen cookies in a single session, making it exceptionally spacious and efficient. Beyond its impressive capacity, the mixer includes convenient features like a dishwasher-safe bowl, eliminating tedious hand-washing after baking sessions. The standard package includes a dough hook, flat beater, and six-wire whip attachment, providing the necessary tools for virtually every baking scenario. For those “slowly getting the hang of baking” like Nara, this mixer removes much of the physical strain while delivering consistently excellent results.
Storage Solutions: Weck Mini Mold Jars
Proper food storage is essential for maintaining freshness and organization in any kitchen. Weck Mini Mold Jars offer both functional benefits and aesthetic appeal.
Weck Mini Mold Jars from Williams Sonoma
Weck jars have served as staples in European kitchens since the 1900s, and it’s entirely logical that German-raised Nara Smith embraces this time-tested storage solution. Priced at $50, these jars excel at storing and preserving foods, from homemade condiments to late-night snacks. The classic glass construction allows you to see contents at a glance, while the efficient sealing mechanism keeps food fresh longer. Beyond functionality, these jars add charming visual appeal to open shelving or refrigerator displays, embodying practical beauty that aligns perfectly with Nara’s aesthetic preferences.
Bakeware for Comprehensive Baking
Building a collection of quality bakeware supports various baking projects. For those beginning their baking journey, a versatile set provides excellent value.
For individuals slowly developing baking proficiency, a comprehensive 5-piece bakeware set offers excellent versatility. Such sets typically include a loaf pan for breads, a rectangular baking dish for sheet cakes and brownies, and a pie pan for traditional desserts. This foundational collection supports most common baking projects while remaining economical. As your baking skills develop, you can supplement with specialized pans as needed.
Serving Pieces and Tableware
Presenting food beautifully is as important as preparing it well. Nara Smith’s serving pieces reflect her commitment to aesthetic excellence.
Nara consistently serves meals on distinctive chunky ceramic plates that have become signature elements of her culinary presentation. These aesthetic serving pieces transform ordinary meals into visually stunning presentations. Available in various colors, including modern black variations, these plates add contemporary elegance to any dining experience. Beyond their tabletop function, these plates work beautifully as decorative elements on kitchen shelves, serving dual purposes as both functional items and artistic displays.
Key Features of Nara Smith’s Kitchen Setup
Examining Nara Smith’s kitchen reveals several consistent design principles and practical considerations:
- Neutral color palettes dominated by whites, creams, and soft beiges create a calming, cohesive aesthetic
- Quality materials including ceramic, wood, and stainless steel prioritize durability and sustainability
- Vintage and retro-inspired designs combine nostalgic appeal with modern functionality
- Professional-grade tools enable serious cooking and baking without compromise
- Beautiful presentation pieces elevate everyday meals into memorable dining experiences
- Multi-functional items reduce clutter while maximizing kitchen efficiency
Building Your Own Nara Smith-Inspired Kitchen
Creating a kitchen that captures Nara Smith’s aesthetic and functionality doesn’t require purchasing everything at once. Consider prioritizing investments based on your cooking habits and interests. If you bake frequently, invest in quality mixers and bakeware. If you enjoy knife work and fresh ingredient preparation, prioritize cutting boards and knife sets. Those focused on quick, versatile cooking should consider multi-functional pans like the Always Pan first. Building your collection gradually allows for thoughtful decision-making and ensures each piece serves your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Nara Smith’s most essential kitchen tool?
A: While Nara uses many specialized tools, the Our Place Always Pan appears to be among her most versatile and frequently used items, capable of handling numerous cooking techniques in one vessel.
Q: Are Nara Smith’s kitchen products affordable for average budgets?
A: Nara’s collection includes items at various price points. While some tools like the Shun knife set are premium investments, others like the Weck jars and porcelain plates offer excellent quality at moderate prices, making it possible to gradually build an inspired kitchen collection.
Q: Where can I purchase Nara Smith’s kitchen essentials?
A: Most of Nara’s preferred items are available through major retailers including Williams Sonoma, Amazon, Pottery Barn Teen, Our Place, and other specialty kitchen stores.
Q: Do I need all of these tools to cook like Nara Smith?
A: No. While these tools enhance the cooking experience, fundamental cooking skills matter more than equipment. Start with basic essentials like a good knife, cutting board, and versatile pan, then expand your collection based on your specific cooking interests and needs.
Q: Why does Nara Smith use both electric and stovetop kettles?
A: The stovetop kettles offer aesthetic appeal and a traditional approach, while electric kettles provide convenience and speed. Using both allows flexibility depending on the situation and desired cooking method.
Q: Is the Smeg toaster worth the investment?
A: If you appreciate vintage aesthetic and have the budget, the Smeg toaster delivers both reliable performance and significant visual appeal, making it worth the investment for those who value kitchen design alongside functionality.
