Slow Cooker

A slow cooker will do the majority of the work involved in preparing perennial crowd favorites like chili and pulled pork, but it doubles as a chafing dish, too, for foods that haven't necessarily been prepared in the slow cooker.

By Teri Tsang Barrett

BUY IT - All-Clad Gourmet Plus 7-Quart Slow Cooker: Williams Sonoma, $199.95

Rice Cooker

A big batch of rice stretches servings at any meal. Plus, the only method for perfect rice, each and every time, is a rice cooker.

BUY IT - All-Clad Gourmet Rice and Grain Cooker: Williams Sonoma, $199.95

Rimmed Baking Sheets

Think beyond the cookie! The rim allows the sheet to keep messes contained while also doubling as a large baking dish or roasting pan for anything from brownies to roast chicken.

BUY IT - Chicago Metallic Commercial II Baking Sheet: Amazon, $23.95 for 2

Toaster Ovens

These junior-size ovens can do anything a standard oven can do — with a much shorter preheating time, making toaster ovens ideal for quick tasks like toasting nuts or reheating appetizers.

BUY IT - Breville Smart Convection Toaster Oven: Amazon, $349

Chafing Dishes

Not everyone needs or has the space to indulge in this serving vessel, but if feeding large crowds is a house specialty, having a chafing dish on hand means hot foods remain hot without need of the oven or a stovetop burner.

BUY IT - Stainless-Steel Chafing Dish: Amazon, $122.08 for 4

Stockpot

These extra-big pots are great for making and holding big batches of soups and stews, but when it comes to cooking lots of pasta, that's where stockpots really shine: The extra room in these pots makes it easier to make multiple batches with enough water that the pasta cooks evenly and without sticking.

BUY IT - All-Clad Stainless-Steel Stockpot: Amazon, $199.5