Gathering your first apartment kitchen essentials can be an overwhelming task when moving into your first place. This checklist for your first apartment kitchen essentials aims to provide a convenient go-to resource for you and to ensure you have everything you need for this exciting new phase in your life.
Moving into your first apartment signifies a new chapter filled with excitement and independence. One of the key areas to set up in your new apartment is the kitchen. The kitchen is where you will be cooking, baking, and creating not only meals but memories too. To ensure you’re well-equipped, let’s delve deeper into the essential kitchen supplies for your new space.
This post is all about first apartment kitchen essentials:
Here you will also find a first apartment kitchen essentials checklist.
Pots, Pans, Baking Sheets and More!
A quality frying pan is a kitchen must-have — it’s versatile and can be used for various recipes, from frying eggs to searing meats to making french toast. Investing in a quality, non-stick, durable frying pan of medium size can be a great starting point. Alongside that, having a few different-sized pots will allow you to cook pasta, soups, and sauces efficiently. A baking sheet is also an invaluable kitchen essential for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, or even reheating last night’s pizza in the oven for that perfect crispy bite.
Consider the materials of your cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick are popular choices and each has its advantages: stainless steel is durable, cast iron offers excellent heat retention, and non-stick provides easy cleanup. However, each material also has applications for which it is best suited. For example, cast iron pans, while amazing with gas ranges, are not best suited for a glass top stove and due to their weight could result in an accidental crack.
- Small baking sheet
- Large Baking Sheet
- Casserole Dish
- Medium Frying Pan
- Large Stock Pot (6+ quart)
- Medium Pot (5 quart)
First Apartment Food Essentials
Building a foundation of food staples is crucial for every day meal planning and cost saving. Start with basic items like rice, pasta, canned beans, and sauces to create simple yet satisfying and healthy meals. Consider your dietary preferences and stock up accordingly using this list as a quick reference:
- Rice
- Grains
- Oatmeal
- Pasta / instant noodles
- Beans
- Canned vegetables
- Tomato sauce
- Pasta sauce
- Coffee cream
- Jam
- Peanut butter
- Soups
- Chicken/vegetable stock
- Jarred pickles
- Eggs
- Vegetables and fruit
- Meat / tofu
- Dairy
- Milk or dairy alternatives like almond milk
- Easy meals for those super busy days
For more information and recommendations for stocking your first apartment with all its essential food items check out the Canada’s Food Guide here or the Dietary Guidelines for Americans here.
Kitchen Essential Condiments:
Enhance the flavors of your dishes with essential condiments like salt, pepper, olive oil, vinegar, and a selection of your favorite spices. These items can transform a plain meal into something delicious and personalized to your taste. The list below is a good place to start but can be expanded upon based on your individual tastes and culinary background.
- Hot sauces
- Chili oil
- Oils
- Spray oil
- Vinegar
- Syrup
- Soy sauce
- Minced garlic
- Teriyaki, Szechuan, and other stir fry sauces or marinades
- Mayo
- Mustard
- Ketchup
Pantry Essentials:
A well-stocked pantry enables you to cook various dishes without frequent grocery trips, and to entertain when friends or family drop by for a tea or coffee on Sunday. Flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and other baking essentials are fundamental to a complete pantry, and sometimes come in handy for stain removal too! Additionally, having a selection of canned goods like tomatoes, beans, and tuna can be lifesavers for quick meals when time is low.
- Tea
- Tea bags
- Coffee
- Coffee filters
- Flour
- Baking powder and soda
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Cayenne
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Cumin
- Chili flakes
- Oregano
- Bay leaves
- Cinnamon
Food Preparation and Storage Essentials:
Storage containers are essential for space saving when organizing leftovers, meal prepping, and keeping your pantry items fresh. Consider investing in a variety of sizes to accommodate different portions and types of food. Plastic or reusable bags, such as resealable freezer bags or zip-top bags, are also useful for storing items like fruits, vegetables, or even marinating meats. Alternatively, you could consider beeswax wraps or other sustainably minded solutions for most of the items below.
- Zipper/plastic baggies small and large
- Plastic or glass storage containers
- Reusable bags
- Aluminum foil
- Parchment paper
- Plastic wrap or beeswax covers
Miscellaneous Kitchen Essentials:
Consider additional tools like can openers, kitchen scissors, cutting boards, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons. These items can simplify food preparation and cooking processes, and will keep you from trying to open a can with a knife. Trust us, a can opener exists for a reason!
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater
- Zester
- Peeler
- Tongs and flipper/turner
- Ladle
- Slatted spoon
- Spatulas
- Mixing spoons
- Can opener
- Strainer/colander
- Steam basket
- Bag clips or rubber bands
- Digital thermometer
- Bottle and wine opener
- Whisk
- Scissors
- Ice cube tray
- Oven mitts
- Trivets
- Garbage can and bags
- Lemon juicer
- Mandoline
First Apartment Dinnerware and Glassware:
Enhance your dining experience by investing in quality dinnerware and glassware that aligns with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. These essentials not only serve practical purposes but also contribute to the ambience of your dining space and home.
Durability: Prioritize materials that are dishwasher-safe and chip-resistant for longevity.
Versatility: Select items that can serve multiple purposes to minimize the need for different sets.
Style and Comfort: Opt for designs and shapes that align with your preferences and comfort in handling.
Consider the Number: Determine the number of people in your household or for whom you’ll be serving meals to make sure you have an appropriate quantity. For first apartments, 6 is often an appropriate amount for each item… nothing is worse than having friends over and having to use a mixing bowl or an empty can for a couple of your guests.
- Mugs
- Cups and glasses
- Wine glasses
- Soup bowls
- Plates
- Side plates
- Serving platter
First Apartment Utensils:
Basic dinnerware is indispensable for everyday meals. A set of plates, cups, bowls, and eating utensils (forks, knives, spoons) will cater to your dining needs.
Material Quality: Opt for sturdy materials like stainless steel, silicone, or wood for durability and ease of use.
Comfortable Handles: Ensure ergonomic handles for a comfortable grip, especially for utensils used frequently.
Versatility: Look for utensils that serve multiple purposes to minimize clutter in your kitchen drawers.
Dishwasher Safe: Check if the utensils are dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning.
These essential kitchen utensils are the backbone of your day to day meal preparation and consumption, and will be used every day, multiple times a day. Investing in quality utensils ensures an enjoyable cooking and dining experience, and like in all things, the details often matter. A nicely weighted, and pleasantly designed fork can be a simple but eye-catching way to elevate your table setting.
- Forks
- Knives
- Spoons
- Steak knives
- Cooking knives and chef’s knife
- Serving spoons
Essential Small Appliances and Kitchen Gadgets:
Depending on your space availability and cooking habits, consider small appliances like a blender, toaster, or microwave. These appliances can significantly ease meal preparation and cooking tasks, and will likely be used nearly every day.
- Blender or hand blender
- Toaster
- Microwave
- Coffee maker or French press
- Kettle
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rice cooker
- Coffee grinder
- Air fryer
Kitchen Storage:
Efficient kitchen storage solutions are vital for keeping your space organized. Consider adding shelves, drawer dividers, or cabinet organizers to maximize storage and accessibility.
- Drawer dividers
- Cabinet organizers
- Large storage containers
- Tables
- Baskets
- Hanging racks (in cupboard and backsplash)
- In cupboard dish and shelf dividers
Kitchen Essentials Dishwashing Rack, Soap, and Sponge:
For those without a dishwasher, a dishwashing rack helps in organizing freshly washed dishes, allowing them to air dry efficiently. Alongside that, a good dishwashing soap and sponge are essential for keeping your kitchenware clean. A meal isn’t complete until it’s also been cleaned up and prepared for the next one. Consider environmentally friendly options, such as bamboo or natural compounds, for soap, sponges, and brushes if sustainability is a priority.
- Sink protector
- Drying rack
- Soap
- Sponges
- Dishwasher pods
- Dishwasher cleaning tablets
- Scrubbers and brushes
Kitchen Essentials Napkins, Table Cloths, Place Mats and Cloths:
Maintain cleanliness in your kitchen and dining area by keeping napkins and cleaning cloths handy. Cloth napkins or paper napkins serve well for wiping hands and cleaning spills. We recommend choosing all the same color as it makes doing laundry easier.
- Dish towels
- Hand towels
- Paper towels
- Placemats
- Cloth napkins
- Paper napkins
- Table cloths
- Table runner
Cleaning Essentials for the Kitchen:
Maintaining a clean kitchen is essential for food safety and overall hygiene. Apart from sponges, having an all-purpose cleaner, scrub brush, and a mop or vacuum cleaner for floor maintenance is advisable.
Regular Maintenance: Tackle spills and messes promptly to prevent stubborn stains or residue buildup.
Create a Cleaning Schedule: Establish a routine for daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks to maintain a consistently clean kitchen.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation while using cleaning products to avoid inhaling fumes. Open windows or use exhaust fans if available.
Safe Storage: Keep cleaning supplies in a designated area, away from food and cooking areas, and out of reach of children and pets.
Environmentally friendly cleaners: Where you can look to invest in environmentally firendly cleaners. Using eco-friendly cleaners not only helps keep your kitchen clean and safe but also contributes to a healthier environment by reducing the use of harsh chemicals and plastic waste.
Maintaining a clean kitchen not only ensures a hygienic environment for food preparation but also contributes to a welcoming and comfortable space for cooking and dining.
- Scrub Daddy
- Soft sponge
- All purpose cleaners
- Degreaser and oven cleaner
- Floor cleaner
- Stove top cleaner
- Scrub brush
- Mop
- Vacuum
- Cleaning gloves
- Microfibre cloths
Essential Kitchen Supplies for Your First Apartment: Commonly Asked Questions
What are the absolute must-haves for a basic kitchen setup in a first apartment?
While we have listed what we consider to be many of the absolute must-haves for a basic kitchen setup in a first apartment, the absolutely essential kitchen supplies for a basic setup include a versatile frying pan, a few pots in various sizes, basic dinnerware (plates, cups, bowls, utensils), storage containers, pantry staples, cleaning supplies (dish soap, sponge), and miscellaneous tools like a can opener and cutting board. These items will ensure you are able to prepare some simple meals while you continue to build out your kitchen.
How do I prioritize purchasing kitchen items on a limited budget?
Start by focusing on the most crucial items needed for daily cooking and dining. Prioritize essentials like a frying pan, pots, plates, and utensils. Consider purchasing multipurpose items that serve various functions, and gradually expand your collection as your budget allows. Selecting a relatively large and versatile pan such as a ceramic skillet can allow you to cook a variety of items and styles of cuisines without needing a host of specialized cookware. When looking at dishes and tableware consider the types of things you will be eating and drinking most often. Unless you are a martini connoisseur you probably won’t need a set of martini glasses right away, whereas a good quality set of coffee cups is likely a better place to start.
Are there affordable alternatives to expensive cookware and appliances?
Yes, there are budget-friendly options available in a variety of forms. Consider purchasing second-hand or discounted kitchenware from thrift stores, online marketplaces, or during sales. Additionally, some affordable brands offer quality items without the hefty price tag. Stores like Winners, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Sierra all often carry good quality items at reduced prices perfect for affordable alternatives when setting up your first apartment kitchen.
What are some space-saving solutions for small kitchens?
Optimize vertical space with wall-mounted shelves or hanging racks for pots and pans. Utilize stackable storage containers to maximize cabinet space. Magnetic knife strips and drawer organizers can help keep essentials organized without cluttering countertops, and nesting pot and pan sets can help to reduce space requirements.
How can I avoid overspending when setting up my first kitchen?
Create a checklist of essential items based on your cooking needs before shopping. Stick to the list to avoid unnecessary purchases. Consider quality over quantity and invest in durable items that will last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Consider the type of food you will cook most often and prioritize cookware that makes the most sense for this style of cooking. A tajine is certainly a neat piece of cookware but it’s unlikely that most first apartment kitchens will require it on setup. Instead, go for a quality medium sized, approximately 5 quart, stock pot which can be used for soups, stews, hard boiling eggs, making ramen, or even frying chicken. Versatility is key when purchasing first apartment kitchen essentials.
Are there kitchen essentials that are often overlooked but incredibly useful?
Some overlooked essentials include a kitchen scale for precise measurements, a quality chef’s knife for everyday use, and silicone spatulas that are gentle on cookware. Also, consider a food processor or a hand blender for meal prep efficiency. A french press for coffee instead of a coffee maker and filters can save you space and money. Philosophically, the mentality of quality, durability, and versatility are often overlooked, as spending a little more will save you money in the long run and help you make better food overall. This mentality can be applied to a quality skillet, dutch oven, and glassware among others.
How do I maintain and organize my kitchen essentials efficiently?
Regularly declutter and organize your kitchen by donating unused items and rearranging storage spaces to bring forward the most commonly accessed and used items. Label storage containers to identify contents easily, and try to avoid overstocking your fridge drawers or cupboards to ensure ease of access and maintain freshness of food. Establish cleaning routines to maintain a tidy and functional kitchen, and consider multi-purpose utensils and gadgets to save space.
Can I rely on inexpensive kitchen tools, or is it worth investing in quality items?
Here at Countess we are big fans of quality, as we have found that it makes life easier on the day to day, and saves you in the long run. Balancing cost and quality is essential. While inexpensive tools may serve their purpose, investing in durable, high-quality items for frequently used tools like knives, pans, and appliances can save money in the long run as they tend to last longer and perform better. However, items like cork trivets can often be purchased from a dollar store and function just as well as their expensive counterparts. Do a little research to help you understand where to save and where to spend.
What should I do if my kitchen space is limited, and I can’t fit all the essentials?
Prioritize multi-functional, and versatile items that serve various purposes, and avoid duplicating functions with items like a blender and a hand blender. Consider collapsible or stackable kitchenware to maximize storage in small spaces. Opt for smaller-sized appliances and look for dishware that nests well.
Where can I find guidance or inspiration for setting up my first apartment kitchen?
Explore online resources, blogs, and videos dedicated to apartment living, kitchen organization, and budget-friendly setups. Social media platforms like Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram can also provide a wealth of creative ideas for designing and organizing small kitchens.
Summing Up Your First Apartment Kitchen Essentials:
While the lists and information above are by no means exhaustive, they should provide you with an excellent starting point when it comes to outfitting your first apartment with its essential kitchen items. Equipping your first apartment’s kitchen will likely be a gradual process that happens over time as you develop your aesthetic and your culinary abilities. Prioritize acquiring the essentials based on your immediate needs and budget constraints. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to start with the basics and build up your collection little by little as you settle into your new space and develop your skills in the kitchen.
Consider shopping lists or online guides, such as the ones we’ve linked above, that can help you organize your purchases and avoid buying esoteric or rarely used items that will simply collect dust in the back of the cupboard. Thrift stores, online marketplaces, discount stores, and sales can also be excellent resources for acquiring quality kitchen items at reasonable prices.
Setting up your first apartment’s kitchen is an exciting step toward independence. Embrace the process, enjoy experimenting with new recipes, and personalize your space to reflect your style and culinary preferences. Happy cooking and here’s to creating delightful meals in your new home!
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