If the power grid ever does go down for a long period of time you’re going to have to learn how to use your kitchen the same way your grandmother, or great-grandmother did. So I have put together a list of some essential kitchen items a prepper should have in there kitchen. When choosing your kitchen items you’re going to want to stay away from plastics and the cheaper products made in China, you want to have items that will last a lifetime.

Wood Cook Stove with Oven – This is going to be your biggest expense, but your greatest asset should the power grid ever go down.

Matches – There are many ways to start a fire, but when it comes down to it matches by far are the easiest way.

Hand Meat Grinder – Used to make your own hamburger, and sausage, grind rabbit, venison, pork, beef, chicken and turkey

Can-Opener – Have a good sturdy hand operated can-opener also keep a couple of P-38’s on hand.

Hand Grain Mill – These are great to grind wheat, rice, barley, and oats, into flour.

Cast Iron Cookware – Cast Iron when properly taken care of will last a lifetime, plus it can handle the high temperatures of cooking over a wooden stove or an open fire.

Stainless Steel Cookware & Utensils – Like cast iron cookware, stainless steel can handle the higher temperatures of a wooden stove. You also want to choose stainless steel utensils, plastic and cheaply made utensils will just break over time. Some items you will want are:

Pots & Pans



Roasting Pans



Colanders



Cookie Sheets



Measuring Cups and Spoons



Tea Kettle – Stainless Steel or Copper



Spatulas



Serving Spoons & Forks



Cheese Grater



Potato Peeler & Masher



Whisk



Meat Tenderizing Hammer

Knives – Look for knives with good high-carbon stainless steel blades.

Hand Beater – A good old fashioned hand beater, you’re going to have to hit up some yard sales or antique shops to find one, because the ones made today don’t compare.

Cutting Boards

Wooden Rolling Pin

4-Cup Glass Measuring Cup

Hand Oil Press – Excellent for for making your own cooking oils from nuts and seeds.

Here are some things you will want to have on hand in your kitchen pantry also:

Sugar & Honey – Not only a sweetener but a preserver and also good for wounds.

Salt – Not only do you need salt in your diet but its an excellent preserver.

Baking Soda – has a ton of uses from toothpaste, antacid, and extinguishing fire, its uses are almost endless.

Vinegar – Apple Cider Vinegar, white distilled vinegar and wine vinegar all have many uses, from using as a cleaner, preserving/pickling vegetables to making salad dressings.

Spices – Eating the same thing everyday will get old fast, variety is the spice of life.