Equipping your first kitchen can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re moving out on your own for the first time. With so many options for appliances, cookware, utensils, and more, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Where do you even begin?
The good news is that you don’t need to buy everything all at once. With some smart planning and prioritizing of purchases, you can equip your first kitchen in stages, without breaking the bank. This guide will walk you through the basics of setting up a functional, well-stocked kitchen with equipment that will serve you well for years to come.
Creating a Budget
Before you start shopping, it’s important to come up with a budget. Take some time to research approximate costs for key appliances and cookware so you can allocate funds accordingly.
Here are some average price ranges to keep in mind:
- Major appliances (refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher): $500 – $1,200 each
- Small appliances (coffee maker, toaster, blender): $25 – $100 each
- Cookware sets: $200 – $500
- Knife sets: $100 – $300
- Cutting boards: $10 – $30 each
- Dishes/glassware: $3 – $10 per piece
With these ballpark figures in mind, you can start to prioritize what you need immediately and what can wait until you’ve saved up some more funds. Funds are always tight when you’re just starting out, so focus first on the essentials.
The Essentials
While it’s tempting to stock your kitchen with every shiny gadget and tool, you can get by with just a few key appliances and pieces of equipment, at least at first. Here are the absolute basics:
Refrigerator
A good refrigerator is the most essential appliance in any kitchen. Look for a model with enough capacity to meet your needs, but don’t overbuy. Top-freezer styles provide the most space for the money.
Other features to consider include adjustable shelves, crisper drawers for fruits and vegetables, a meat drawer, and climate controls. Expect to spend $750 to $1,200 for a basic 18 to 21 cubic foot refrigerator.
Stove and Oven
Unless you plan to cook exclusively in the microwave, you’ll need a stove and oven. A basic free-standing or slide-in gas range with an oven below starts around $500. More expensive models have convection fans for faster, more even baking.
Electric models cost slightly less than gas, but many cooks prefer gas burners for their quick heating and easier temperature control. If you opt for electric, look for smooth cooktop surfaces that are easy to clean.
Food Storage Containers
Proper food storage is crucial for keeping ingredients fresh and preventing waste. Invest in a good set of airtight plastic containers in a range of sizes. Glass storage containers also work well but tend to be more expensive and heavier.
Look for BPA-free plastic containers with leakproof lids. Square and rectangular shapes make the most efficient use of shelf space.
Cutting Board
A good cutting board is indispensable for chopping, slicing, dicing, and general food prep. Look for boards made of wood or plastic that are at least 24 x 18 inches in size. Wood boards should have handles for easy lifting.
Sanitize frequently with hot, soapy water and avoid putting them in the dishwasher, which can cause cracking. Rotate between two boards to extend their lives.
Chef’s Knife and Paring Knife
A good chef’s knife and paring knife can handle most basic kitchen cutting and slicing tasks. An 8 to 10 inch chef’s knife is ideal for chopping vegetables, meat, and more. Paring knives, with short 3 to 4 inch blades, are great for tasks requiring more dexterity like peeling.
Choose high-carbon stainless steel blades that resist corrosion and hold an edge. Ergonomic handles ensure a comfortable, slip-free grip. Expect to spend $50 or more for a quality chef’s knife.
Mixing Bowls
From stirring up pancake batter to tossing salads, sturdy mixing bowls get used daily. Stainless steel provides the durability and longevity, but glass and plastic bowls have advantages too.
Aim for a set of nesting bowls in a range of sizes with non-skid bottoms. Heatproof options allow you to double them as serving dishes.
Kitchen Shears
A good set of kitchen shears is one of the most useful tools to have on hand. Look for stainless steel blades that come apart easily for cleaning. Shears with soft grip handles ensure comfort and control.
Use shears for everything from snipping herbs to cutting up chicken. Dedicated kitchen shears eliminate the need for using your good kitchen knives on random tasks.
Wooden Spoon & Rubber Spatula
For stirring sauces or scrambling eggs, a wooden spoon and rubber spatula are kitchen essentials. Wooden spoons won’t scrape or damage pans and are generally inexpensive. Silicone spatulas withstand heat better than plastic and come in assorted colors and sizes.
Stocking the Pantry
Once you have the major appliances and essential prep tools squared away, it’s time to focus on stocking your pantry. A well-organized pantry makes cooking much more enjoyable. These basic ingredients form the foundation for easy, homemade meals:
Grains (Rice, Pasta, Oats)
Complex carbohydrates like rice, pasta, and oats are inexpensive pantry basics. Brown rice and whole wheat pasta offer more nutrients than white varieties. Steel cut or rolled oats make nutritious breakfast options.
Buy large bags for the most value and transfer portions into airtight containers for freshness. Pasta and rice expand when cooked, so a little goes a long way.
Canned & Jarred Goods
Canned tuna, beans, tomatoes, and broth provide convenience and extended shelf life. Look for low-sodium or reduced salt options when possible. Jarred pasta sauce and salsa are handy for quick meals too.
When buying canned fruits and veggies, choose fruit packed in its own juice rather than heavy syrup for less added sugar. Prioritize fruits and veggies with minimal processing to get the most nutritional value.
Herbs, Spices & Seasonings
A selection of dried herbs and spices allows you to add flavor to dishes. Build up your collection over time, starting with basics like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and basil. Kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil are other essentials.
Store spices in a cool, dark place to maximize freshness. Date each spice jar and replenish any that lose potency after a year.
Baking Staples
Even if you’re not an avid baker, it’s smart to keep baking powder, baking soda, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil on hand. These ingredients allow you to quickly whip up pancakes, waffles, muffins, or other baked goods.
Store flour, sugar, and other baking staples in airtight containers. Keep baking powder and baking soda away from moisture to prevent clumping.
Frozen Fruits & Vegetables
Frozen produce retains nutrients and provides an affordable alternative to fresh options, especially for out-of-season items. Berries, chopped veggies, peas, and more supply instant ingredients for smoothies, stir fries, soups, and other dishes.
Let frozen items thaw overnight in the fridge before using. To save money, buy larger bags and portion out smaller amounts into reusable freezer bags.
Essential Cookware
Quality pots and pans don’t have to cost a fortune, especially if you start small and buy the most useful pieces first. Here are some cookware essentials for beginning cooks:
Large Pot with Lid
A 6-8 quart pot with a tight-fitting lid functions as a versatile multi-cooker for soups, chili, pasta, and more. Choose stainless steel or enameled cast iron rather than cheaper pots with nonstick coating, which can chip over time.
Make sure the pot is oven-safe too, which allows you to start stovetop dishes and finish cooking covered in the oven.
Saute Pan with Lid
A medium 10 to 12 inch saute pan with a lid provides ample room for cooking meats, stir fries, and small batches of soups or pasta. Go for a pan with an aluminum core sandwiched between stainless steel for even heating and easier cleanup.
The lid helps food cook faster and seals in moisture. A well-made saute pan should last for many years.
Sheet Pans
Rimmed baking sheets, also called sheet pans or jelly roll pans, serve countless uses beyond just baking cookies. Their low sides make them perfect for roasting vegetables and broiling fish fillets or chicken pieces.
Invest in a pair of heavy-duty aluminum sheet pans. Multiple pans allow you to cook different items simultaneously.
Roasting Pan
A heavy roasting pan is essential for cooking whole chickens, roasts, and other large cuts of meat and poultry. Look for sturdy stainless steel or enameled cast iron with handles for easy lifting.
Choose a size large enough to accommodate a 4-6 pound chicken or roast with at least 2 inch sides. Nonstick surfaces simplify cleanup but require delicate care.
Basic Skillets
Every kitchen needs an assortment of skillets for frying, searing, scrambling eggs, and more. Opt for an 8 inch and 10 inch skillet to start. Nonstick coatings aren’t essential if you properly preheat and add oil to stainless steel pans.
Composite skillets with an aluminum core deliver quick, even heating. Avoid thinner aluminum nonstick pans which tend to warp.
Handy Gadgets & Utensils
While not strictly essential, certain gadgets and utensils make cooking and meal prep much easier. These handy tools are great starter items:
Kitchen Tongs
Kitchen tongs provide a secure grip on a variety of foods when mixing, stirring, flipping, or serving. Look for scalloped edges that provide a good grip without piercing food.
Silicone-tipped tongs won’t scratch cookware like plastic and metal might. Heat-resistant versions allow use with hot pans.
Instant-Read Thermometer
An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining if foods are fully cooked, especially roasts, chicken breasts, and thick pork chops. Digital thermometers give the quickest temperature readout.
Models that can pivot ensure easier access to the interior and thickest portion of foods. Choose a thermometer accurate to ±1-2°F.
Colander
From draining pasta to rinsing vegetables, a heat-resistant colander is a kitchen essential. 2-3 quart sizes work for most tasks. Focus on the sturdiness of the rim rather than opting for exotic materials like ceramic.
For maximum stability, choose a colander that sits securely in the sink. Foldable colanders save storage space.
Liquid & Dry Measuring Cups
A quality set of measuring cups ensures accuracy when following recipes. Look for sturdy, legible measuring cups made of stainless steel, glass, or plastic. Two-sided cups allow measurement of both liquids and dry ingredients.
For baking, a separate dry measuring cup set is useful for getting the best proportions. Nesting cups save drawer space.
Vegetable Peeler
A good vegetable peeler makes quick work of preparing carrots, potatoes, zucchini, apples, and more. Swivel peelers with carbon steel blades offer a comfortable grip and easily glide through skin and rinds.
Consider a Y-shaped peeler, which can peel on the push and pull stroke for efficiency. Look for ergonomic handles.
Oven Mitts & Potholders
Protect your hands from burns with flame-resistant, insulated oven mitts and potholders. Traditional quilted mitts shield hands and wrists when removing hot pans from ovens. Silicone potholders provide flexibility for grabbing cookware.
Look for heat resistance to at least 400°F. Machine washable materials are convenient, but frequent washing wears them down faster.
Essential Dinnerware
You don’t need fancy china to enjoy homecooked meals. Start out with durable basics you can mix and match:
Plates
Stock up on inexpensive yet durable porcelain, stoneware, or melamine plates in your preferred sizes. Neutral solid colors make coordinating easy. 10-11 inch dinner plates suit most main courses.
Lighter weight plastic plates work for casual use but stain and scratch more easily. Pick plates with some heft that won’t crack if dropped.
Bowls
Useful for pasta, soups, cereal, and more, bowl sets typically include a range of sizes for different purposes. Opt for 6-8 ounce ramekins, 16-24 ounce soup/cereal bowls, and 28-32 ounce mixing or serving bowls.
Durable materials like porcelain and stoneware beat out lightweight bowls that warp in hot water or the microwave.
Drinking Glasses
For everyday beverages, inexpensive 16-18 ounce glass tumblers fit the bill. Glasses with some weight hold up better long term and resist chips and cracks. Tempered glass versions add impact resistance.
Avoid crystal and very thin glassware if you’ll be heating up drinks frequently. Insulated glasses keep drinks cooler for longer.
Silverware
You don’t need a big formal flatware collection starting out. Focus on essentials like spoons, forks, and knives to set a basic place setting. Durable 18/10 stainless steel provides longevity at an affordable cost.
With proper care, stainless steel won’t bend, rust, or transfer metallic tastes to food. Simple, streamlined patterns work with most dinnerware.
Outfitting Your Kitchen: FAQ
What are the essential appliances every first kitchen needs?
The key appliances for any starter kitchen are a refrigerator, oven/stove, and food storage containers. A basic coffee maker and toaster also make the essentials list for most people. Smaller gadgets like blenders and slow cookers can wait until you’ve got the basics covered.
Should I splurge on expensive cookware sets?
Not necessarily. Inexpensive pots and pans are just fine for beginning cooks and won’t dent your budget too much if they get damaged. Focus first on buying the basics like skillets, saucepans, and one all-purpose pot. Later on you can invest in higher quality cookware built to last decades.
Is a dishwasher worth the extra cost?
A dishwasher is certainly convenient but not absolutely essential in an initial kitchen setup. Handwashing dishes takes more effort but works fine. If you frequently cook elaborate meals, entertain regularly, or dislike washing dishes, it may be worthwhile to invest in a dishwasher upfront. But it’s easy enough to get by just using the sink and some dish towels until you’re ready to make that purchase.
How many plates, bowls, etc. should I buy at first?
A good rule of thumb when buying dishware and glassware is to purchase service for at least four people, so you have what you need for basic meals and the occasional guest. Four dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, mugs, wine glasses, etc. per person is plenty for starter kitchens. You can always purchase more later as needed.
What are the best materials for pots and pans when you’re on a budget?
When you don’t want to splurge on top tier cookware, opt for stainless steel pots and pans with an aluminum core. This combination conducts heat well and lasts for many years if properly cared for. Nonstick pans provide convenience in the short term but require delicate handling to avoid chipping and wear.
Should I buy individual kitchen tools or a full set?
Purchasing kitchen tools a la carte allows you to select just the pieces you actually need. Start with essentials like tongs, a good chef’s knife, mixing bowls, and a few others based on what you cook most. Pre-packaged sets often include specialty items you may rarely use. Build your collection over time by adding useful gadgets one by one.
How can I organize my pots, pans, and lids efficiently?
Installing pot racks, hanging racks, or overhead racks maximize vertical storage space. For cabinet storage, use hooks, dividers, and racks to keep items visible and accessible. Install shelves just for lids at an easily reachable height. Keep your most used pots and pans nearest the stove for convenience.
What are easy ways to organize the pantry?
Clear, airtight canisters neatly hold staples like flour, rice, pasta, and oats while keeping out moisture and pests. Label everything so you know what’s inside at a glance. Use shelf risers, turntables, or tiered shelves to better see and access items. Keeping similar items grouped together also simplifies cooking prep and reduces clutter.
Equipping Your First Kitchen on a Budget
Setting up your ideal kitchen right off the bat isn’t realistic for most first-timers. With some savvy buying strategies, you can get a functional, workable starter kitchen without breaking the bank:
Buy secondhand appliances and furniture. Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and consignment stores for major discounted appliances, cabinets, and shelving units. This requires some patience and compromise, but scores are out there.
Prioritize multi-purpose tools. Items like sturdy sheet pans, mixing bowls, and chef’s knives serve a wide variety of cooking tasks so you get more bang for your buck.
Take inventory before stocking up. Check cabinets, drawers, and existing kitchen items before buying more. You may already have some usable hand-me-down equipment.
Purchase dishware piecemeal. Build up a dish and glassware collection slowly by adding a few staple pieces at a time. Mix and match rather than buying complete sets.
Use space wisely. Optimize storage with racks, organizers and bins. Going vertical with walls and doors minimizes the need for costly cabinetry. Repurpose furniture like bookcases for makeshift pantries.
Look for sales and deals. Check weekly ads,coupons