When you are living on your own (or with roommates) for the first time, one of the most important things to do is get the necessities stocked in your kitchen. Moving from a home where the kitchen was fully furnished with everything you could need, into an empty kitchen can be intimidating! Let’s look at what you need for your first apartment kitchen essentials!
Moving into your first place can be fun, exciting, scary, and expensive! You don’t realize how your parents had everything that you needed, accumulated over many years. It is expensive to start out!
How to buy your first apartment kitchen essentials?
Some of these rules can apply to other areas than just kitchen items. But start out slow. Identify the “I must have to live” items like basic bedding, basic utensils, basic bathroom items, etc to buy immediately. Then make an “I want to get” and an “it would be nice to have” list that you start to buy over the next few months or keep an eye out for sales or nice items at thrift stores.
Utilize creative shopping methods like estate sales, thrift stores, discount stores like Ross or Marshalls to find items on your list for less than buying them all at full price. Also, shop your network! Make sure family and friends know you moved out and ask them to let you know if they have any items they are looking to get rid of.
Pro-tip, Christmas is a great time to ask for some of those items as gifts rather than having to spend your hard-earned money on them! Parents and family members can be extremely generous at times like these, so take advantage of it. Your birthday is also a great time to ask for some fun and nice kitchen items too!
This list is a generic list that should apply to most people. If there is something listed on it that you know, you will never use then just don’t get it. Simple as that!
Dishes
A basic set of plates, cups, and utensils will be the start to any kitchen. There is no point in having cooking utensils if you don’t have anything to eat what you just cooked! If you don’t care about matching, the thrift store is a great place to pick these up. Otherwise, you may find some nice sets at estate sales or look for sets like these at the store.
Dishes: A basic version like this will serve you well for many years and are easy to find replacements for if you need more than 6.
Utensils: This is a great basic set of utensils that will last for years. Get a larger set than you think you will need so you don’t run out in the middle of the week!
Glasses: Know yourself well, glass or plastic? Decide what you prefer and will actually use!
Food storage: You will need something to store leftover food and take your lunch to work. I love these leakproof plastic dishes. Based on your preferences, you may also want to get some ziplock bags or saran wrap to have on hand too.
Stovetop cooking
Pots and pans are the basics of stovetop cooking. Many people start with buying a set of pots and pans. That can be handy, but often people only use two or three of the pots and the rest just become ones you have to store. Be mindful of what you use and if you never use the medium-sized pan or the smallest pan, then don’t be afraid to donate it and gain back some of your valuable storage space!
Pot and pan set: There can be an overwhelming amount of choices for pots and pan sets. Don’t be afraid to buy the individual pots that work for your needs.
Nonstick skillet with lid: Some pots and pan sets come with a skillet, but if yours doesn’t then make sure you grab one with a lid. It can be used for a ton of different cooking options!
Soft utensil set: Make sure it includes a slotted spoon, regular spoon, whisk, spatula, and ladle. Anything else is just a bonus!
Large stockpot: Especially if you are a soup fan, then this large stockpot will be invaluable for you. If you don’t make big quantities of soup often, you might consider skipping this and having a versatile crockpot for the occasional time you make soup.
Baking items
Even if you are not a dessert or cake baker, there will still be dinner items that you need to bake in the oven. These are the tools to help you with baking anything you want in your oven!
9” X 13” casserole dish: The workhorse of the kitchen! You can roast all sorts of things in this, and not worry if it will overflow the sides into your oven.
8”x8” casserole dish: The smaller workhorse, but still super useful! Plus, this is the perfect pan to bake some brownies in!
¼ sheet pan: These USA Brand sheet pans are the best. I have killed way too many cheap ones, and these feel great and last forever. They are easy to store, so grab two so you can cook multiple parts of dinner at the same time!
Mixing bowls: These can also double as a salad bowl or serving bowl when you have guests over. I look for ones that are pretty as well as functional!
Measuring cups: Often these sets include both cups and measuring spoons. If your preferred set doesn’t, then make sure to buy a set separately. It’s important to measure things like salt and spices very carefully!
Liquid measuring cups: Yes, you do need a different cup to measure liquids. I promise! Bonus, you can microwave the liquid directly in the measuring cup if you need to add something pre-warmed.
Veggie peeler: If you will ever cook with potatoes, carrots, squash, or apples then this is a must!
Can opener: Definitely make sure you get one of these so you are not starving and trying to break into a can with something sharp…. That was a mistake!
If you love to bake cakes and desserts, then go ahead and get all of the fun things for your first apartment kitchen essentials! Remember, this is your apartment, buy a few things you love!
Appliances
This section is determined more on your personal cooking preferences. There are so many different small kitchen appliances available these days. They can be incredibly helpful to the home cook. However, they can be expensive, take up lots of counter space, and promote clutter.
So, know yourself, what things you like to cook, and the pros and cons of these appliances before you buy! Most people won’t need all of these, but here are a couple of common appliances to consider.
Crockpot: These come in roughly two sizes, 4 quarts or a 6-8 quarts option. Even when I cook for one person, I found the 4 quarts one to be just too small. I like this 6 quart version.
Instant Pot: If you get one of these, they have multifunctions that mean you do not need to get a crockpot or a rice cooker. They can do a ton, but require some knowledge to use. Check out this blog for the pros and cons before you decide to buy!
Air fryer: These can be great products, but also take up a good size amount of counter space. If you are a fan, then grab one. Otherwise, you can do most things in an oven or a toaster oven.
Toaster Oven: These can take up a lot of counter space, and do pretty much what an oven does. But if you are cooking for yourself most of the time, and have extra counter space, then give this a try. Some of these come with an air fryer option, so if you get one you might as well get both!
Hand mixer: This hand mixers can be a smaller and cheaper option to springing for a Kitchen Aid Mixer at the start. These are especially handy if you will be baking a lot!
Blender: If you are a smoothie person, then make sure to grab a blender. If not, then this is something that can probably be skipped for many people.
Rice cooker: If cooking rice on the stovetop is difficult for you (it is for me, I boil it over EVERY TIME I cook rice), then these are great appliances!
Miscellaneous items
Not all of these items may apply to you, but they are good to have on hand. Similar to my perspective on pots and pans, I don’t usually recommend knife sets. You will end up using the same one or two knives over and over, and the rest will just sit there.
I prefer to buy 2 or 3 of the same knife I love and use over and over again. Think about cooking and chopping you have done in the past and what style of knife you felt comfortable using. Is it a bigger chef’s style knife, or a smaller paring style knife? Pick one that is similar and try it out. I made a couple of recommendations below of the knives I use.
Plastic cutting board: I like having a few of the smaller cutting boards that are easy to pull out and can go right into the dishwasher when I am done!
Chef knife: I prefer the feel of this style of chef knife. If it feels too big, I would look for a Santoku-style knife that is similar but has a snub nose.
Paring knife: Many people are more comfortable with a smaller sized knife, and a paring knife can do a lot
Kitchen scissors: You will find that you need to cut a lot of stuff in the kitchen. Kitchen-specific scissors are a lifesaver!
Towels: Find some towels you love to brighten up your kitchen. Then grab a few flour sack towels that you can use for anything so you don’t ruin your nice towels!
Hot pad or oven mitt: If you don’t grab these early, you will remember the first time you try to pull something out of the oven!
Rag or sponges for washing dishes: These are vital to ensure your kitchen stays clean. Buy the style or type of dish rags that you are used to using at home.
Wine opener: This is a single-use item, but if you ever think you might possibly serve a bottle of wine at home or cook with wine, then grab one from the start!
Specialty items
Some specialty items can really help if you eat one thing often. My brother loves meatloaf, so having a meatloaf pan (with inserts to drain the fat as it cooks), is something he gets great use of. Me, I pretty much only eat meatloaf when I make it for him so that pan isn’t valuable in my life.
Knowing yourself and your habits will help prevent you from buying or asking for items that sound nice, but you won’t really use.
Most kitchens have a limited amount of storage, so be selective in the items you buy. If it is going to take up valuable space, make sure it is something you love or you need.
Salad spinner: I eat a ton of salad, and often buy heads of lettuce to keep the cost down. A salad spinner is big and bulky to store, but I get a ton of use out of it. If you are a bagged salad person, or not a salad person at all then skip this one!
Pie plate: If you are a pie lover then grab one. It can be used to bake or cook anything just like a glass baking dish. You can also make fancy breakfast egg bakes in it!
Cast iron skillet: If you are an outdoor cook or want to make steaks inside, then you need one of these cast iron skillets. Otherwise, stick with your nonstick frying pan and skip this.
Dutch oven: A great dutch oven to use for soups, roasts, or certain types of bread but if you are not already a fan of cooking with one, then skip it to start with.
Colander: Especially if you wash produce, cook pasta, or use canned beans frequently, this colander is a must-have for your kitchen!
There are an infinite amount of kitchen items that will work for your first apartment kitchen essentials! The key is to know your cooking habits and your eating preferences. Buy things that you know you will use frequently. Don’t let yourself get pressured into buying a spendy kitchen gadget because Aunt Gwen swears by it. Make sure it does something useful for you before ordering it!
How to save money on your first apartment kitchen essentials?
- Don’t be in a rush to buy everything. Buy the essentials like dishes immediately, but take some time and look at estate sales, thrift stores, and discount stores and pick things up slowly.
- Plan ahead. Even if you are not moving out until this summer or fall, ask for a few more expensive items like pots and pans, appliances, or knives at Christmas this year. You can also keep an eye out for sales now and buy things you will need in the future. Kitchen goods can be stored until you need them!
- Splurge on a couple of things you love! These could be big or small, but find a few things that make you smile in your kitchen and it’s ok if you splurge on them. It may be some kitchen towels that make you smile, or that Kitchen Aid mixer you found on clearance you have been dreaming about. Just keep the splurges to a minimum or else you will blow your whole budget on just the kitchen!
Moving into your first apartment or living space is such an exciting time! I hope you enjoy the process of making this feel like your cozy and personalized space. By knowing what are your first apartment kitchen essentials, you can be prepared and save money when moving day finally arrives!
What was your most important or most used kitchen item when you first moved out? I would love to hear about it in the comments or over on Instagram!
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As a foodie I am obsessed with kitchen gadgets and have had to minimize after moving to a smaller house. Just give me a good chef knife, cutting board and a good pot and pan set and I’m good to go!
I love kitchen gadgets too! I worked hard to figure out the most utilitarian basics that people would need without breaking the banks!
I love a kitchen goodie. While I have more than I need for my kitchen, this is a good list to pass along to my recent college grad kids.
I know! I had such a hard time narrowing it down to what normal people would need. I want all of the kitchen gadgets!
Im terrible at cooking but checking your post, I wonder if it`s because my kitchen is so basic.
thanks for sharing, will check these utensils more in detail.
Having a few useful tools can help! Let me know if you have any other questions!
I have yet to buy an air fryer. Thanks for the reminder.
I have heard they are amazing! Let us know what you think when you get it!
This is a awesome list!! These are definitely must haves!!!
These are all solid suggestions! I truly think that instead of bridal showers, there should be “first home” showers since many people get an apartment or house of their own before getting married. Your suggestions would make a great registry reference list.
Thats such a great idea! We should totally start that trend!
Great list! I tend to thrift a lot of the things like plates, dishes, pots, & pans. Then I can splurge on the appliances and get what I really want!
I do that too! Appliances are so much more fun than dishes! Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks!