Looking to stock your kitchen with the best tools and appliances?! This kitchen essentials list is for you!
Moving into a new house can be stressful and just when you think you have everything you need, you start making a meal and realize there’s something you’re missing!
We moved into this house two years ago after a few years in our apartment. I was sure that since we had our own kitchen for so many years that we were set with kitchen essentials.
As soon as I started making meals in the new house I realized there were actually so many things I either needed (or wanted) that would make the kitchen so much more functional.
I slowly started purchasing items and adding them to my Christmas list because it ended up being more than I would have thought. This kitchen essentials list will help give you a good idea of what you may need in your kitchen so you can plan ahead!
I have purchased so many things for my kitchen that I strongly believe are needed but I have also bought things that just truly were a waste of money and space. This post will cover some of the best kitchen tools I truly believe every home owner needs. We will touch on tools, appliances, gadgets, etc. Everything I am going to mention are tools I truly use all of the time that help make cooking easier and faster.
This post is all about kitchen essentials!
Basic Kitchen Needs List
There are certainly some items you’ll need in your kitchen that feel like a no brainer. However, there are some basic items that I certainly forgot about! This is a comprehensive list of the basics that I believe every home owner needs.
- Silverware
- Knife Set
- Reusable Straws
- Cooking Utensils
- Kitchen Towels
- Dinner Plates/Bowls
- Mixing Bowls
- Strainer
- Pots & Pans/Cast Iron Skillet
- Drinking glasses/Coffee Mugs
- Can Opener
Additionally there are so many items in these larger categories that are extremely helpful to have especially if you have a larger family or like to host. However, I would not call these items basic or the necessities. I truly believe that the list above covers what you will need to cook and eat in your new kitchen!
Kitchen Tools and Equipment List
I have tried a number of tools and appliances over the years. Some I have repurchased if necessary and some I have gotten rid of or donated because the simply weren’t necessary or helpful. The list below are the items I have gotten that I use all of the time and would recommend over and over again.
Bodum Electric Water Kettle
I saw this black tea kettle on the Pinch of Yum Instagram and knew I had to have it. I had been in the market for an electric tea kettle that I could keep out on my counter. Not only do I love the sleek look to it, but the Bodum brand makes great products so I knew for the price it was a great find.
I actually put this on my Christmas list and my mom and sisters wanted the same one! Although I love using this for tea, I also use it to heat up water for a ton of cleaning purposes. It heats up quick and has an automatic shut off so I’m never worried about it.
Hamilton Beach Food Processor
Funny enough this was another item on my Christmas list one year. A food processor was never something I thought I needed (until I did). It’s definitely not necessary for basic, every day meals. But there are so many meals where this product comes in extremely handy. This one chops, shreds, slices and mixes. It’s very easy to put together and isn’t heavy at all. I love it because its quick to use, clean and store. I would say I cook a lot, but not in order to need to highest end food processor. I love this one because it’s reasonably priced and gets the job done.
Vegetable Chopper
Ok if you do not have this item, you NEED it. I am all about finding ways to make the cooking process faster. This is an absolute game changer when it comes to prepping. I am always dicing and chopping onions and bell peppers in this thing. There are so many attachments so it truly does everything. You can grate, slice, chop, mince, etc. And trust me when I say it’s not hard to clean. Everything is top-rack dishwasher safe and there is a tool that helps get any additional food out of the top.
This was honestly the best $30 I ever spent when it came to a kitchen tool.
Knife Sharpener
A knife sharpener was another item I didn’t realize I needed until I had one. I was so used to using dull knives that I didn’t realize what a sharp knife actually felt like! And trust me, it’s actually dangerous to use a dull knife. This product makes your knives feel brand new again and it is so east to use.
Lemon Squeezer
Having a lemon squeezer is a game changer. It may seem unnecessary because you can just use your hands but hear me out. This takes so much less effort than using your hands and ensures you don’t get any of the seeds in the bowl. It’s great for lemons and limes when cooking or making drinks! It’s super easy to wash and don’t take up a lot of space. I also feel like I don’t always get all of the juice out when using my hands and there is nothing left in those lemons or limes when you use this tool.
Cast Iron Skillet & Cleaner
I am a firm believer that literally everyone should have a cast iron skillet hands down. Food just simply tastes better when cooked in cast iron. I know they can be intimidating but this one comes pre-seasoned and it truly isn’t difficult to keep it seasoned and non-stick.
I was always nervous to get one because I wasn’t sure how to clean it in a way that kept it in good shape. Thank goodness for TikTok right? Chef Ming Tsai made a video about how to clean your skillet and I immediately jumped on Amazon to purchase this chain cleaner. You can either use this with just water or heat your skillet, pour some kosher salt on it and use this under a towel to scrape off any reside. Just remember to let it completely cool before rinsing it under water and be careful because it heats up really quickly!
Ninja Personal Blender
I use this product pretty much every day. I used to have a larger, bulky blender that was great for larger batches of things, but for my morning smoothie, this was all I needed. It is extremely lightweight but super powerful. I personally don’t think it’s necessary to spend Vitamix money just for smoothies. This is a great alternative at an affordable price!
Bella Air Fyer
Yes I’m on the air fryer train and you should be too. I turn my oven on so rarely these days I love it. When I say you can cook anything in an air fryer you can cook in the oven, I mean it. It’s quicker, great for the summer because it doesn’t throw heat like the oven, and it’s super easy to clean. And my food comes out crispy all of the time.
Toaster Oven
We just replaced our toaster oven with this one because it finally died on us. We knew we wanted a digital one that didn’t break the bank. We have always used a toaster oven instead of toaster (personal preference). But let me tell you. This thing is powerful and was worth every penny. I also love the color of it!
Nespresso Vertuo
I would certainly not call this a necessity and it is definitely a splurge. However, I got this as a gift and oh my goodness I have recommended it to so many people. If you are a Starbucks or latte lover, I highly suggest looking into this. They run sales around the holidays so you can always get a deal. The coffee is amazing and comes out perfect every time.
Frother
My Nespresso didn’t come with a frother, but even if it had, I would still have one of these on hand. Yes I use it to froth my milk, but I also use it to mix protein power, collagen, greens, etc. It is super affordable, easy to clean and I keep mine out on my counter because of how often I’m reaching for it.
Meat Thermometer
If you’re anything like me, you’re always worried about your meat being cooked but not over cooked. Buying a meat thermometer was the best decision I ever made. I use it whether I’m making something in the oven, air fryer or grilling. It’s super cheap but you’ll be reaching for it over and over again.
Okay we’ve covered a lot! Some of these items are super necessary and others not so much. However, they all serve a purpose that every home owner could use.
I try to make sure I don’t have too many items in my kitchen because it becomes overwhelming. But these items are staples that I can’t live without!
I hope this kitchen essentials list is helpful if you are looking to make sure you have everything you may need or want in your new kitchen!
This post is all about kitchen essentials!