Here's a list of essential kitchen tools (and optional gadgets) from Cook's Illustrated magazine Jan-Feb 2016.
ESSENTIALS
Bench Scraper: Dexter-Russell 6" Dough Cutter/Scraper - Sani-Safe Series
Can Opener: Fissler Magic Smooth-Edge Can Opener
Coarse Grater: Rosle Coarse Grater
Colander: RSVP International Endurance Precision Pierced 5 Qt Colander
Dry Measuring Cups: Amco Houseworks Professional Performance 4-Piece Measuring Cup Set
Garlic Press: Kuhn Rikon Stainless Steel Epicurean Garlic Press
Instant-Read Thermometer: ThermoWorks Thermapen
Kitchen Shears: Kershaw Taskmaster Shears
Ladle: Rosle Hook Ladle with Pouring Rim
Liquid Measuring Cup: Pyrex 2-Cup Measuring Cup
Mandoline/V-Slicer: Swissmar Borner Original V-Slicer Plus Mandoline
Measuring Spoons: Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set
Metal Spatula: Wusthof Gourmet Slotted Turner/Fish Spatula
Pepper Mill: Cole & Mason Derwent Gourmet Precision Pepper Mill
Rasp Grater: Microplane Classic Zester Grater
Salad Spinner: OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner
Silicone Spatula: Rubbermaid Professional 13-1/2" High-Heat Scraper
Timer: American Innovative Chef's Quad Timer
Tongs: OXO Good Grips 12" Locking Tongs
Vegetable Peeler: Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler
Whisk: OXO Good Grips 11" Balloon Whisk
OPTIONAL
Adjustable Measuring Cup: KitchenArt Adjust-A-Cup Professional Series, 2-Cup
Boil-Over Prevention: Kuhn Rikon Spill Stopper
Bowl Anchor: Staybowlizer
Jar Opener: Amco Swing-A-Way Jar Opener
Wine Aerator: Nuance Wine Finer
ESSENTIALS
Bench Scraper: Dexter-Russell 6" Dough Cutter/Scraper - Sani-Safe Series
Can Opener: Fissler Magic Smooth-Edge Can Opener
Coarse Grater: Rosle Coarse Grater
Colander: RSVP International Endurance Precision Pierced 5 Qt Colander
Dry Measuring Cups: Amco Houseworks Professional Performance 4-Piece Measuring Cup Set
Garlic Press: Kuhn Rikon Stainless Steel Epicurean Garlic Press
Instant-Read Thermometer: ThermoWorks Thermapen
Kitchen Shears: Kershaw Taskmaster Shears
Ladle: Rosle Hook Ladle with Pouring Rim
Liquid Measuring Cup: Pyrex 2-Cup Measuring Cup
Mandoline/V-Slicer: Swissmar Borner Original V-Slicer Plus Mandoline
Measuring Spoons: Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set
Metal Spatula: Wusthof Gourmet Slotted Turner/Fish Spatula
Pepper Mill: Cole & Mason Derwent Gourmet Precision Pepper Mill
Rasp Grater: Microplane Classic Zester Grater
Salad Spinner: OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner
Silicone Spatula: Rubbermaid Professional 13-1/2" High-Heat Scraper
Timer: American Innovative Chef's Quad Timer
Tongs: OXO Good Grips 12" Locking Tongs
Vegetable Peeler: Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler
Whisk: OXO Good Grips 11" Balloon Whisk
OPTIONAL
Adjustable Measuring Cup: KitchenArt Adjust-A-Cup Professional Series, 2-Cup
Boil-Over Prevention: Kuhn Rikon Spill Stopper
Bowl Anchor: Staybowlizer
Jar Opener: Amco Swing-A-Way Jar Opener
Wine Aerator: Nuance Wine Finer