Whether you’re a college student getting used to living on your own for the first time or coupled up and moving into your first home together, you’ve probably spent some time wondering “What do I need to buy for my kitchen?” Kitchen supplies and appliances can be pretty pricey, so starting slow with just the necessities and building from there is often the best – and most economical – way to a fully fleshed out kitchen with everything you need to become a burgeoning home chef.
But where do you start? With your starter kitchen set, of course!
There are two ways to go about furnishing a starter kitchen set. Most big box retail stores, like Target and Bed, Bath, and Beyond will have complete starter kitchen sets that they sell in a box for anywhere from $60 – $150. It’s a simple and convenient way to get everything at once, but it does have the pretty large drawback of not letting you choose the brand and type of kitchen tools you’ll need. And in fact, a lot of the boxed up starter sets aren’t the highest of quality, so you’ll likely be replacing them pretty soon after purchasing one.
The second option to creating a starter kitchen set is to buy each piece of kitchen equipment separately, creating a sort of DIY starter set. This is the option we like, since it offers a lot more variety and freedom in choosing tools that are of better quality and more suited to your exact needs.
What kitchen staples are necessary when you’re just starting out?
There are a few staples you’ll need when you’re creating your own starter kitchen kit, and some things can be substituted for others depending on how often you cook and what types of meals you usually make. Here’s what we suggest going with, though.
- A Good Knife Set – If there’s one thing that every good starter kitchen needs, it’s a solid knife set. And if you can’t splurge for a good knife set, then splurge for a good chef’s knife.
- Mixing Bowls – A good set of mixing bowls in a variety of sizes is also important in a starter kitchen set. There are a number of different types of bowls available, but your budget and the types of meals you prepare will be big guiding factors in which ones make the most sense for you. For more help figuring out which mixing bowls you should choose, check out our overview on the different types of mixing bowls you’ll need in your kitchen.
- Set of Measuring Cups and Spoons – A set of measuring cups and spoons is a cheap and useful tool to have around the kitchen. A metal set will last longer, but if you’re price conscious, a plastic set will still get the job done.
- A Skillet – Or ideally, two. One large one and one smaller one are a great way to start building up a full set of skillets. If you can only get one, however, go with a larger skillet as that will give you more use.
- A Stockpot or Sauce Pan – A stockpot is a necessity if you’re going to be spending some time in the kitchen. While it’s ideal to have a couple (especially if you multiple things cooking at once), it’s definitely doable to start with one and add a few more later on.
- Cutting board – Not all cutting boards are created equal, and to find one that will last a while, choose a thick wood block cutting board. If you have a little extra to spend, get two – one primarily for cutting meat and one for cutting vegetables.
- Utensil Set – Every home kitchen needs a few basic utensils in order to be able to function well. A spatula, slotted spoon, whisk, ladle, and a wooden spoon or two are all necessary basics for a new kitchen. Luckily, if you don’t want to purchase them separately, many stores will offer a collection of common cooking utensils for a flat price.
- Baking Sheet – A simple non-stick baking sheet is usually enough for a starter kitchen set. However, if you enjoy baking, you’ll want to expand your baking utensils and supplies to include another baking sheet, a muffin tin, and a rolling pin.
- Glass Baking Dish – You can usually buy an affordable set of glass casserole dishes and baking dishes at most kitchen supply stores (click the link to check out our favorites). These are useful for roasting vegetables, baking and roasting meat, and cooking the occasional casserole – if you’re so inclined.
How did you fill out your kitchen when you were just starting out? What would be your suggestions to someone who’s furnishing their kitchen for the first time? Give us your tips in the comments!
