Today I want to talk about how to equip your homestead kitchen. These are, what I feel, are essential tools for making your homestead venture a success; but as I always say, there may be more to add. I have included some basics as well as some larger equipment for you.
Homestead Kitchen: Basic Essentials
A Solid Wood Cutting Board – I know a lot of people switched to plastic a few years back but did you know that a study from the University of Michigan found that “more bacteria are recovered from a used plastic surface than from a used wood surface.” Get yourself a good wooden cutting board, learn to care for it, and it will be a staple in your kitchen. Check out this maple cutting board! 
Rolling Pin – No they aren’t just for chasing around the bad guys in old cartoons. I rolling pin is the tool for bakers, pie makers and those who like to roll and cut biscuits. I really like the French style rolling pins but whatever works for you is the one to get.
Good Set of Knives – A truly awesome set of knives can run you several hundred dollars; but when you can make the investment I suggest you do so. Until then consider a set that can, at least, be sharpened – like this.
A Mandolin Slicer – Ok, this may not qualify as an essential but my time is valuable and this shaves of a lot of it in the kitchen. Not to mention I get consistent thickness in all my slices – SCORE! I have this model and it has worked great. Just watch those fingers!
Meat Grinder – You can go with a manual grinder or an attachment for your Kitchen Aid.
Stock Pot – A homesteader’s kitchen is not complete without a good (large) stockpot. From healthy bone broth to homemade cheese…you’re going to need one! 
Cast Iron Dutch Oven – Really any good quality cast iron is going to be an asset to your homestead kitchen. But a dutch oven is so very versatile. You’ll be able to use it on your stove top, in the oven and over a campfire when needed. Treat your cast iron well and it can last a life time. I highly recommend you stick with the Lodge Dutch Oven or the Lodge Cast Iron Beginner’s Set.
Also see 12 Reasons You Should Be Cooking with Cast Iron.
Homestead Kitchen: Power Equipment
Food Processor – I went years without a food processor because I really didn’t see the necessity in having one. But let me tell you; if you’re cooking from scratch it never hurts to have some high-powered helpers. Once I really figured out all that my food processor could do, it never left the counter. I have this 8 Cup model and have not had any problems with it. 
Canning Equipment – A lot of people will tell you that the All American Pressure Canner
is the only way to go; but I’m still using my Presto Pressure Canner
and happy to continue with it for now. You may want to consider a separate water bath canner I don’t see any need to when I can use your pressure canner for that as well. You’ll want to keep canning jars on hand as well and possibly a set of Tattler Reuseable Canning Lids. Don’t forget to pick up a canning kit!
Stand Mixer – I’d say this is the Kitchen Aid
gold standard in most homestead kitchens. There are many uses beyond baking too. Now if the price is way beyond your budget I say, start scouring yard sales, thrift stores and Craigslist – that’s how I got mine! 
Dehydrator – I’ve had the Nesco Food Dehydrator
for a few years and have no complaints. But the more I dry my own spices and herbs the more I’m thinking it is time to invest in the Excalibur.
Homestead Kitchen: A Few Luxury Items
The Instant Pot – I didn’t put the Instant Pot in power equipment simply because you can live without it…but I wouldn’t want to. I can make soups, stews, bone broth, pot roast in a fraction of the time AND the flavor is phenomenal! Not to mention it can replace your yogurt maker, rice maker, slow cooker and more. I love it, that is all.
Single Burner for Canning – This is one of the few single burners I found that can handle my full sized pressure canner.
Vacuum Sealer – It may be a luxury item for some but I do feel like this is an essential for the homestead kitchen to keep food fresh. I like this basic model. 
Fermentation Kit – you don’t need this fermentation kit to ferment but it sure does help!
Grain Mill – Even if you are a grain-free home you can use a Grain Mill to grind wide variety of flours from wheat to almond to rye and more!
Thank you for this pretty complete list!
I have most everything listed here, and am glad to know that I’m well prepared! I also have several manual “appliances” in case electricity isn’t an option….. a good idea! ( I have picked up several grinders that can do grains,. meat, etc, from antique stores for not too much cash… , also MANY cast iron items…including a cast iron waffle maker that can fit on any stove….propane or regular.) I am a cast iron fanatic!!!It can be used on any stove, or open fire, and is the best for making so many things.
Thanks again for the great post.
OMG I had No idea you could get a waffle maker- I was excited to find out you could get a cast iron toaster this is so amazing.
Did you see my article on Hand Powered Tools for your homestead kitchen? I agree we need to have equipment that can be used w/o electricity. I love that cast iron!!!
What a great list! I don’t know what I would do without my Kitchen-Aid and dehydrator, they are invaluable to me. I keep meaning to get a wooden cutting board, now I am going to have to bump that to the top of my wish list.
Thank you for sharing.
Glad you liked the list! 🙂
Thanks for the list. I am only lacking a few things. I do have a few yogurt makers already and I have a pressure cooker so don’t really need instant pot. I love the Bamboo cutting board myself.I also have a stone one. We use all cast iron pots and pans so we can use them in both oven and stove. We heat with wood so it can help when power is down.
Stone is great for so many things, but it is my understanding that it is not good for a cutting board as it will dull your knives.
Had a Kitchen Aid for years. But I learned about the Bosche Bread mixer it is my very favorite mixer. I also looked over dehydrators and chose the LEM over the Excalibur. It has a drain tray and it cost a lot less through Amazon.
I am not a homesteader, but I like to cook real food for health and taste reasons! I am curious what you use your food processor for. I admit that mine often stays in the cabinet. I know I probably am missing out on its capabilities.
I use it to make nut flours a lot lately. But great for pulverizing, slicing (with right attachment) and more.
Hello! This is a great list. (I need a dehydrator, I know, shut up.)
I would add a couple of things. On the “nice to have” I’d add an upright blender. It’s much easier to use for soups and sauces than stick blender and is better than a food processor. Plus, unless you get a magic bullet, it holds more, too. I’m all for cutting down time!
On the “necessity” list, homesteaders *need* a cream separator. Most of us don’t raise cows due to lack of space and cost, but prefer goats, sheep, even yaks and water buffalo, for dairy, since there’s so much less forage and land requirements. The problem with those is that they don’t separate their one cream very easily or even at all (depending on the breed and species). Even if you do raise cattle, turning milk to cream is so much easier with a separator. There are hand and electric separators in a variety of sizes (do you have one goat or ten?). I hate making cheese without one.
I lived “off the grid” for about 10 years and also used to own a kitchen store. The most important tools in the kitchen in my opinion are good cookware and good knives. It’s nice to have a lot of other tools to make life easier, but I always consider whether the tool does only one task and is it really necessary for that. If you have a pomagranate tree, then maybe the pomegranate juicer is worthwhile. I also love my mandoline, in fact I gave away my Cuisinart food processor since I hardly ever used it.
Susan – I love your input! Thank you!
Did you ever get the Excalibur ? I love mine. Now have two.
Enjoyed your list.
Are you also a Michigander?
No, not yet. It is still on my list. I’m actually in Arizona.