17 Kitchen Essentials Every Couple Should Add to Their Wedding Registry (Because You'll Actually Use Them!)

When it comes to creating your wedding registry, there's a lot to think about. Sure, the color and style of bed linens and dinnerware you'd like certainly matters, but we think you should spend the most time focuses on your kitchen. After all, kitchen essentials often make up the bulk of a registry, and there's a lot to consider when you're selecting items for this room. The types of food you make, how often you cook or bake, how large your countertops are, and how much cabinet space you have available are just some of the many factors that dictate which gifts earn a spot on your list.

If you don't have a dishwasher, for example, are you really going to use that handy food processor instead of chopping your vegetables by hand? Probably not, as the food processor will require more complicated clean-up than a cutting board. Are you an occasional baker but an avid cook? Don't register for a ton of baking sheets and cooling racks—instead, focus on good quality pots and pans. The bottom line is that kitchen-related registry selections should be realistic! Know what your current habits are and don't waste space on gadgets that look good but don't fit in with the rest of your lifestyle.

Once you've figured out what you won't use, the fun really begins! Sit down with your partner and make a list of some kitchen items you've been dying to try. Do you dream of mastering a new device like a pressure cooker or sous vide? Now's the time to try them out! And though your registry is a great time to test the tools and products that have long been on your wish list, it's also important to consider the quality of the basic pieces that you reach for all the time. Is that small non-stick pan that makes the perfect serving of eggs every morning looking a little worse for wear? It's time for a new one! Are your large cutting boards starting to bend and bow? Throw them out and register for one that's more sturdy for daily use.

To the kitchen essentials we think every couple should register for (because you'll actually use them each day!), keep reading.

Create a tidy storage space for everything from pasta to beans with this mix and match set from OXO. Easily arranged to fit into any pantry, you can always purchase more of these modular containers later should you move into a bigger space.

Shop Now: OXO Good Grips 10-Piece Airtight Food Storage POP Container Value Set, $99, amazon.com.

Round up your favorite sips to use this set of well-made wine glasses. The crystal glasses are also dishwasher safe for regular use.

Shop Now: Riedel "Winewings" Four-Piece Tasting Wine Glass Set, $140, shop.saksfifthavenue.com.

If you need new knives but don't know where to start, we suggest starting here. This set includes durable, versatile essentials that are perfect for everyday food prep.

Shop Now: Wüsthof Classic Seven-Piece Knife Block Set, $349.95, williams-sonoma.com.

Bring a touch of luxury into your kitchen with these goblets made of cut decorated glass. The set of chic glasses are great for anything from wine to water.

Shop Now: Nachtmann "Noblesse" Tall Goblet, $48.88, amazon.com.

If you're a die-hard Nespresso fan, this is the coffee maker you need in your kitchen. This sleek machine from Breville allows you to choose from eight drink settings and has a slew of other handy features while still being incredibly easy to use (which isn't the case with all espresso makers!).

Shop Now: Breville Nespresso BNE800 "Creatista Plus," $599.99, macys.com.

Everyone needs a good set of mixing bowls, and these copper ones are perfect for doing everything from birthday cake prep to whipping the fluffiest eggs for a weekend brunch.

Shop Now: Williams-Sonoma Copper Mixing Bowls, starting at $9.99, williams-sonoma.com.

Is your kitchen lacking in the utensil department? It's time to overhaul your mix-and-match set for something streamlined and, well, complete. You'll be thanking your lucky stars (and your Grandma!) when you never have to mash potatoes with a fork or grate cheese with a zester again.

Shop Now: OXO Good Grips 18-Piece Utensil Set, $99.95, williams-sonoma.com.

These sturdy melamine bowls not only take up minimal cabinet space, but they also come with lids that are perfect for food storage. It doesn't hurt that they're also available in an array of trendy colors.

Shop Now: Food52 x Rosti Mepal Melamine Nested Storage Bowls, $48 for a set of 4, food52.com.

It's no secret that people love the convenience of a toaster oven, and Breville makes some of the best out there (this one has over two thousand positive reviews on Amazon to prove it). You can do everything from roast a chicken to bake pizza in this mini version, and its non-stick interior makes for easy cleaning.

Shop Now: Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven with Element IQ, $154.93, amazon.com.

Every kitchen needs a Dutch oven—what's better than a one-pot meal made the old-fashioned way? This one is perfect for the couple with a penchant for design who doesn't want run-of-the-mill cookware in their home.

Shop Now: Great Jones "The Dutchess" Dutch Oven, $145, greatjones.com.

Organize all those bottles of spices, jars of dried goods, or cleaning supplies with this simple and streamlined white storage cart. Conveniently on wheels, roll it anywhere in your kitchen with ease.

Shop Now: West Elm Rolling Storage Cart, $60, westelm.com.

If there's one kitchen essential we absolutely insist you register for, it's a cast iron skillet. Use it for everything from cornbread (you can put it in the oven!) and frittatas to bacon and eggs—we promise you'll be reaching for it daily.

Shop Now: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, $14.88, amazon.com.

A paper towel holder is undoubtedly one of those kitchen essentials you always forget to buy and then grab a cheap version in a hurry, only to cringe every time you grab a paper towel. With this chic marble and brass (or copper) version, you'll never cringe again. In fact, you'll actually hold on to it next time you move.

Shop Now: Hawkins New York "Mara" Paper Towel Holder, $120, hawkinsnewyork.com.

Feel guilty throwing away all that food that could be being composted? Now you can fix that! Add this ceramic bucket, which will fit in seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen décor, to your registry and you'll have a functional and beautiful reminder to avoid waste right in front of you.

Shop Now: World Market White Ceramic Compost Bucket with Filter, $19.99, worldmarket.com.

For draining that doesn't require juggling a colander in one hand and a hot pan in the other this over-the-sink version can't be beat. It's also great for larger foods.

Shop Now: Crate & Barrel Over-the-Sink Mesh Colander, $19.95, crateandbarrel.com.

Never use the same cutting board for raw meat and vegetables again! This handy "filing" system cutting board set has three tabs that mark the type of food you cut on them—cooked foods, fruits and vegetables, and raw meats.

Shop Now: Joseph Index Four-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set, $69.99, worldmarket.com.

You know how annoying it is to have a freshly cleaned stove top that almost immediately gets filthy again the moment you cook anything with oil? Never face that problem again! This super simple (but genius) splatter screening keeps grease at bay, protecting your countertops and you.

Shop Now: KitchenAid Odor Absorbing Splatter Screen, $24.99, crateandbarrel.com.