kitchen supplies in a container Credit: Getty Images/Aleksandr Zubkov
kitchen supplies in a container Credit: Getty Images/Aleksandr Zubkov
kitchen supplies in a container Credit: Getty Images/Aleksandr Zubkov
kitchen supplies in a container
Credit: Getty Images/Aleksandr Zubkov
Welcome to Thrifty. A weekly column where assistant nutrition editor and registered dietitian, Jessica Ball, keeps it real on how to grocery shop on a budget, make healthy meals for one or two, and make earth-friendly choices without overhauling your entire life.
Whether you are headed back to college and living off campus for the first time or just moving into your first apartment, it can seem like there are a lot of things to figure out. One of the biggest changes for people living on their own is making (or, in some cases, buying) all of their own meals. The first step to being kitchen savvy in your new place is to make sure you have the tools you need to set yourself up for success. These are the essential kitchen tools you need to stock your first apartment.
Trust me, there are few things worse than having everything almost ready for dinner then realizing you don’t have a sheet pan that will fit all of your veggies or a food processor to make pesto for you. This may seem like a long list but with these kitchen tools, you’ll be able to make almost anything, as you become more experienced in the kitchen.
Chef’s Knife
Cutting Board
If you have the space, it can be worthwhile to have a few different cutting boards—having one that’s just for raw meat or fish can be helpful to prevent cross contamination. However, if you only have the budget or space for one, just be sure to wash it thoroughly between uses.
Skillet
Pots
Pro tip: make sure to buy pots with lids. Not only will this help your water heat up faster, but also they can double as a strainer in a pinch. Or if something finishes cooking a little too early, throwing a lid on top will help keep it warm off the heat, so it doesn’t overcook while you finish up everything else.
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups, spoons & liquid measure
Rubber spatula, wooden spoon & ladle
Metal tongs
Whisk
Strainer
Microplane or box grater
9x13 baking dish
Sheet pan
Can opener
Blender
When you think of blenders, you may just think of smoothies. But they are much more versatile than that. I puree salsas, sauces and batters in my blender as well. The vortex shape pulls solids down towards the blades to give you an even, smooth texture every time. Better yet, to clean, simply add hot water and dish soap, and run on high for 20 seconds. Rinse and it’s ready for another use. For more, check out the best blenders according to our Test Kitchen.
Instant-read thermometer
Bottom Line
Moving into your first apartment can be full of surprises, but the kitchen doesn’t have to be one of them. These essential kitchen tools will cover you for your basic cooking needs and beyond to keep you well-fed and ready for the new school year (or a new job). For more on how to cook on the cheap, check out our Budget Cooking Guide.
