Moving into a new apartment is exciting, but setting up your kitchen can feel overwhelming. You want to make sure you have everything you need to cook meals and feel at home.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a list of must-have items for your new space.
These 30 kitchen essentials will help you get your new apartment kitchen up and running smoothly.
1. Non-stick Skillet
This versatile pan will make cooking and cleaning up so much easier. The non-stick surface means you can cook with less oil, which is great for healthier meals.
When choosing your skillet, look for one that’s about 10-12 inches wide. This size is perfect for most cooking tasks. Make sure to get a pan with a sturdy handle that stays cool while cooking.
2. Chef’s Knife
A chef’s knife is a must-have for your new apartment kitchen. This versatile tool will be your go-to for countless tasks. You’ll use it to chop veggies, slice meat, and mince herbs.
Look for a knife that feels comfortable in your hand. An 8-inch blade is a good size for most home cooks. Stainless steel is durable and easy to maintain.
3. Cutting Board
A cutting board is a must-have for your new apartment kitchen. You’ll use it daily to chop veggies, slice bread, and prep meals.
Choose a sturdy board that won’t slip on your countertop. Wood or bamboo options are great for protecting your knives.
4. Measuring Cups
Measuring cups help you follow recipes accurately and avoid cooking disasters.
Get a set with different sizes, usually including 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, and 1/4 cup measures. Look for sturdy plastic or stainless steel options that will last.
5. Measuring Spoons
With measuring spoons, you’ll be able to cook and bake with precision in your new kitchen. They’re small but super useful!
Choose a set that’s held together with a ring so you don’t lose any. Some even come with a storage box to keep them organized.
6. Mixing Bowls
These versatile tools are perfect for beating eggs, mixing cake batter, or tossing salads.
Choose bowls made of plastic, glass, metal, or ceramic. Each material has its benefits. Plastic is lightweight and affordable.
Glass lets you see what’s inside. Metal is durable and great for whipping cream. Ceramic looks nice and keeps food warm.
7. Blender
With a good blender, you can get creative in the kitchen. You’ll use it for so many things! Make smoothies for breakfast, whip up sauces for dinner, or blend soups for a cozy meal.
Look for a blender with multiple speed settings. This lets you tackle different tasks easily. A pulse function is handy too.
8. Toaster Oven
A toaster oven is more versatile than a regular toaster and takes up less space than a full-sized oven.
You can use it to toast bread, bagels, and English muffins. But that’s not all! It’s great for heating up leftovers, baking small batches of cookies, or cooking frozen pizzas.
9. Cast Iron Skillet
This versatile pan can handle almost any cooking task you throw at it. From searing steaks to baking cornbread, it does it all.
Cast iron holds heat well and cooks food evenly. You can use it on the stove, in the oven, or even over a campfire.
10. Salad Spinner
A salad spinner helps you clean and dry leafy greens quickly and easily.
You’ll love how it removes excess water from your lettuce, spinach, and herbs. This means your salads will be crisp and your dressings won’t get watered down.
11. Colander
A colander is a must-have to drain pasta, rinse fruits and veggies, and strain liquids from canned goods.
Look for a sturdy colander with small holes to prevent food from slipping through. Stainless steel options are durable and easy to clean.
12. Microwave
A microwave is perfect for quick meals and reheating leftovers. You’ll save time and energy compared to using a conventional oven.
Look for a microwave that fits your counter space. Consider features like a turntable and different power settings. These will help you cook food more evenly.
13. Coffee Maker
A coffee maker lets you brew your favorite morning drink without spending money at cafes every day. Choose a simple drip coffee maker if you’re on a budget.
For coffee lovers, consider a single-serve machine. They’re quick and let you try different flavors.
Don’t forget to pick up filters, a coffee grinder, and your preferred beans or grounds.
14. Electric Kettle
An electric kettle allows a quick and easy way to boil water for tea, coffee, or instant meals.
You’ll love how fast it heats up compared to a stovetop kettle. Plus, it turns off automatically when the water boils, so you don’t have to worry about it.
15. Stand Mixer
A stand mixer makes baking and cooking much easier. You can use it to mix cake batter, knead dough, and whip cream.
Stand mixers come with different attachments. These let you do various tasks. You might find a dough hook, flat beater, and wire whip in the box.
16. Hand Mixer
This handy tool makes quick work of mixing batters, whipping cream, and blending ingredients.
Look for a mixer with multiple speed settings to handle different tasks. Choose one that’s lightweight and easy to store in small spaces.
Many hand mixers come with attachments like whisks and dough hooks. These extras let you tackle more recipes without needing lots of separate tools.
17. Slow Cooker
A slow cooker lets you make delicious meals with minimal effort. Just toss in your ingredients before work or school, and come home to a hot, ready-to-eat dinner.
Slow cookers are great for soups, stews, and tender meats. They’re also energy-efficient and easy to clean.
18. Pressure Cooker
This handy appliance can save you time and energy when cooking meals, perfect for busy people who want tasty, home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
When using your pressure cooker, be patient as it builds up steam. This process can take 10-15 minutes before the actual cooking time starts.
Always follow the safety instructions to ensure proper use.
19. Instant Pot
An Instant Pot combines multiple functions in one device, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, and rice making.
You can make delicious meals quickly and easily with an Instant Pot. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t have much time to cook.
20. Food Processor
A food processor is a handy tool for your new kitchen. It chops, slices, and purees ingredients quickly. This saves you time and effort when preparing meals.
You can use it to make smooth sauces, creamy dips, and finely chopped vegetables. It’s also great for grinding nuts or making homemade pesto.
21. Immersion Blender
An immersion blender is a compact device that lets you blend, puree, and emulsify foods right in their containers.
You can use it to make smooth soups, sauces, and dressings without transferring hot liquids to a regular blender. It’s also great for making smoothies or baby food.
22. Air Fryer
Air fryers are perfect for small spaces. They take up little room on your counter and can replace several other appliances.
This handy gadget uses hot air to cook food quickly and with less oil. You can make crispy fries, roast veggies, and even bake in it.
23. Baking Sheets
These flat, rectangular pans are perfect for baking cookies, roasting veggies, and even making sheet pan dinners.
Look for sturdy, non-stick baking sheets that won’t warp in the oven. It’s a good idea to get at least two different sizes to fit various recipes.
24. Muffin Pan
Muffin pans come in different sizes. A standard 12-cup pan is a good choice for most kitchens. Look for one made of non-stick material to make cleaning easier.
You can use it to make more than just muffins. It’s great for baking cupcakes, mini quiches, and even small portions of meatloaf.
25. Grater
Grating your own cheese is often cheaper than buying pre-shredded bags. Plus, freshly grated cheese melts better in dishes like mac and cheese or pizza.
Choose a box grater with different-sized holes for versatility. It’ll help you tackle various recipes and cooking tasks.
26. Can Opener
A can opener is a must-have for any new apartment kitchen. You’ll need it to open canned goods like vegetables, soups, and sauces.
Manual can openers are affordable and don’t require electricity. They’re also compact, making them easy to store in a drawer.
Electric can openers are a bit pricier, but can be a good choice if you open lots of cans. They’re easier to use, especially for people with hand strength issues.
27. Peeler
This handy gadget makes quick work of removing skins from fruits and vegetables. You’ll use it for potatoes, carrots, apples, and more.
Look for one with a comfortable grip and a sharp blade. Stainless steel models tend to last longer. Some peelers even have multiple blade types for different tasks.
28. Whisk
A whisk is a must-have tool for your new apartment kitchen. You’ll use it to blend ingredients, whip cream, and beat eggs. It’s perfect for making fluffy pancakes or creating smooth sauces.
Choose a whisk with sturdy wires and a comfortable handle. Stainless steel whisks are durable and easy to clean.
29. Tongs
These handy gadgets let you grip and move food easily without burning your fingers. You’ll use tongs for flipping meat on the grill, tossing salads, and serving pasta.
Look for tongs with silicone tips to protect your cookware. Spring-loaded tongs are easier to use and control.
30. Rolling Pin
A rolling pin is a must-have to make pizza dough, pie crusts, and cookies. It’s also great for flattening chicken breasts or crushing nuts.
Choose a wooden or marble rolling pin based on your preference. Wooden ones are lighter and easier to handle. Marble pins stay cool, which is perfect for pastry dough.