As exciting as it is moving out on your own, it can also be nerve-wracking. Most new home or apartment owners do not know the important kitchen essentials they need. For example, a steak knife set is not just for steaks. You can use it for cutting almost anything with ease.
To make your transition to your new place a lot smoother, we have a checklist of kitchen essentials you will need.
- Pots and pans
- Spoons and forks
- Steak knife set (covers all your knives needs)
- Dishware and bowls
- Bakeware
- Cutting boards
- Storage containers
Let’s look at why these essentials are important for you.
Pots and pans
What is the point of a kitchen if you can’t cook in it? Pots and pans are essential for cooking. You don’t need to shell out too much money on these but need the following:
- A frying pan
- A couple of saucepans
- A skillet
These basics should be enough for you to start on your own. For those that truly enjoy cooking, you may need more pans. But you probably already know which ones you need.
Utensils
Utensils are another essential in the kitchen. They help you cook and eat the food you make. You will need:
- Spatulas
- Ladles
- Meat mallets
- Peelers
- Tongs
- Whisks
- Spoons, large, table, and teaspoons
- Forks
Most utensils come in different materials and sizes. So, shop around and buy them based on your requirements. Peelers are required if you enjoy cooking vegetables and a mallet is for meat. Therefore, shop accordingly.
Steak knife set
Most people tend to use the steak knife they get in a normal knife set. However, buying a steak knife set is far better. Not only do you get proper serrated knives, but you can also use them for cutting anything from vegetables to the toughest of meat. You will get a wide range of knives in a steak knife set that will make cutting food easier for you. Saving you valuable time when preparing meals.
Dishware and bowls
Dishware and bowls give you a chance to eat the food you make comfortably. You will need:
- Plates
- Cups
- Mugs
- Bowls
You will need to get plates and bowls of different sizes. You can buy them in plastic or ceramic, the latter is fancier and perfect for dinner with friends and families. But you can buy according to your preference since plastic is more durable than ceramic.
Bakeware
If you have an oven and enjoy using it, then bakeware is a must. Whether you plan on roasting a chicken or baking a cake, you will need the following:
Baking pan, round and rectangular
- Baking sheets
- Loaf pan
- Muffin tin
A baking pan makes it easy for you to make meals, from pizza to baked salmon, using the oven. It will get a lot of usage and diversify the meals you prepare.
Cutting Boards
Yes, you read that right, you will need more than one cutting board. Two is ideal since you can use one for cooked produce and food while the other is used for raw. This would help you avoid contaminating your cooked food with particles from the raw if you used the same board. It also eliminates the need for you to clean the board while cooking, you leave that until after you are done.
You have the option to pick between a plastic or wooden cutting board. Wooden options are known to be more sanitary since they lack grooves where germs can settle. But plastic is usually easier to clean.
Storage containers
Keeping leftovers safe from germs and fresh is vital. After all, you will likely be eating it later. You shouldn’t store food in your fridge, left on the plate and in the open. You need storage containers to keep them safe and secure.
There are tons of food container options of different sizes and materials. Buy a few different sizes either in plastic or glassware that have a lid. The lid ensures the food is securely packed away. You also want to consider looking for options that are reusable and dishwasher-safe.
Make Sure You Have The Right Kitchen Essentials
Shifting to a new place doesn’t necessarily have to be overwhelming. You can avoid some of the anxiety by preparing beforehand and using our kitchen essentials checklist to buy items such as a steak knife set and the right pots and pans. So, you know your kitchen is well-equipped for all the great meals you plan to cook.