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.
From basic cooking tools to handy appliances, we’ll guide you through the key items you’ll want to have on hand.
With these basics in place, you’ll be ready to whip up tasty meals and snacks in no time.
1. Non-stick Skillet
A non-stick skillet is a must-have for your new apartment kitchen. This versatile pan will make cooking and cleaning up so much easier.
You’ll use it for everything from frying eggs to sautéing veggies. 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.
Remember to use wooden or silicone utensils with your non-stick skillet to avoid scratching the surface. With proper care, it’ll be your go-to pan for years to come.
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.
Remember to keep your chef’s knife sharp. A dull knife can be dangerous and makes cooking less enjoyable. Store it safely in a knife block or magnetic strip to protect the blade.
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.
Get at least two boards – one for meats and another for fruits and veggies. This helps prevent cross-contamination when cooking.
Pick a size that fits your available counter space. A medium-sized board works well for most tasks in a typical apartment kitchen.
4. Measuring Cups
Measuring cups are a must-have in your new apartment kitchen. They 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.
Don’t forget about liquid measuring cups too! A glass or clear plastic cup with volume markings is perfect for measuring liquids and seeing contents clearly.
With these tools, you’ll be able to whip up tasty meals and baked goods with confidence in your new kitchen.
5. Measuring Spoons
Measuring spoons are a must-have for your new apartment kitchen. You’ll use them all the time when following recipes or portioning out ingredients.
Look for a set with common measurements like 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon. Stainless steel spoons are durable and easy to clean.
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.
With measuring spoons, you’ll be able to cook and bake with precision in your new kitchen. They’re small but super useful!
6. Mixing Bowls
Mixing bowls are a must-have for your new apartment kitchen. You’ll need a set with different sizes – small, medium, and large.
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.
Get at least three bowls to start. You’ll use them more than you think. They’re handy for food prep, serving, and storage too. Pick ones that stack easily to save space in your cupboards.
7. Blender
A blender is a must-have for your new apartment 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.
Don’t forget about size. If you have limited counter space, a smaller blender might work better. Some even come with to-go cups for busy mornings.
With a good blender, you can get creative in the kitchen. Try making your own nut butters or homemade salad dressings. It’s a versatile tool you’ll use again and again.
8. Toaster Oven
A toaster oven is a must-have for your new apartment kitchen. It’s 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.
Toaster ovens are energy-efficient too. They heat up quickly and use less power than your main oven. This can help save on your electric bill.
When choosing a toaster oven, look for one with multiple settings and a timer. This will give you more control over your cooking.
9. Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet is a must-have for your new kitchen. 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. With proper care, your skillet will last for years.
Look for a 10-inch skillet to start. It’s big enough for most meals but not too heavy to handle. Season it well and it’ll develop a natural non-stick surface over time.
10. Salad Spinner
A salad spinner is a must-have for your new kitchen. It 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.
Look for a spinner with a large capacity and easy-to-use mechanism. The OXO Good Grips model is popular for its pump-style spinner and sturdy design.
To use it, just put your washed greens in the basket, fill with water, and drain. Then spin to remove the extra moisture. Your salads will be fresher and tastier in no time!
11. Colander
A colander is a must-have tool for your new apartment kitchen. You’ll use it 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.
Choose a size that fits your needs. A medium-sized colander works well for most tasks. If you cook for groups, consider getting a larger one too.
Keep your colander handy in a cabinet near the sink. You’ll reach for it often when preparing meals in your new kitchen.
12. Microwave
A microwave is a must-have for your new apartment kitchen. It’s 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.
Don’t forget to get some microwave-safe containers too. They’ll come in handy for storing and reheating your food. With a microwave, you’ll always have a hot meal ready in minutes.
13. Coffee Maker
A coffee maker is a must-have for many new apartment dwellers. It 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. These are easy to use and make multiple cups at once.
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. With your own coffee setup, you’ll start each day right in your new place.
14. Electric Kettle
An electric kettle is a must-have for your new apartment kitchen. It’s 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.
Look for a kettle with a good capacity – around 1.5 to 2 liters is ideal for most people. Some models even let you set different temperatures for various types of tea.
15. Stand Mixer
A stand mixer is a great addition to your new apartment kitchen. It 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.
Some models have extra features. These could include a timer or multiple speed settings.
While stand mixers can be pricey, they’re worth it if you love to bake.
Look for a mixer that fits your counter space. Also, think about how often you’ll use it.
A smaller model might work if you only bake occasionally.
16. Hand Mixer
A hand mixer is a must-have for your new apartment kitchen. 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.
A good hand mixer can last for years, making it a smart investment for your kitchen.
You’ll use it often for baking, cooking, and even making homemade smoothies or milkshakes.
17. Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is a must-have for your new apartment kitchen. This handy appliance 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. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to cook.
Slow cookers are great for soups, stews, and tender meats. They’re also energy-efficient and easy to clean.
You’ll love how simple it is to create tasty, home-cooked meals in your new place with a slow cooker.
18. Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker is a great addition to your new apartment kitchen. This handy appliance can save you time and energy when cooking meals. It uses steam pressure to cook food faster than traditional methods.
You can make soups, stews, and tender meats in a fraction of the time. Pressure cookers are also great for cooking beans and grains quickly.
They’re 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 is a must-have for your new apartment kitchen. This versatile appliance can save you time and space. It 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.
The Instant Pot is also great for meal prepping on weekends.
Using an Instant Pot can help you save money too. You can cook cheaper cuts of meat and dried beans, which become tender and flavorful.
It’s a smart investment that will make your cooking life much easier in your new apartment.
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.
Look for a model with different blade attachments. This will give you more options for food prep.
A medium-sized processor is usually enough for most cooking needs.
Remember to read the instructions carefully. This will help you use your food processor safely and effectively.
21. Immersion Blender
An immersion blender is a handy tool for your new apartment kitchen. This compact device 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.
Look for a model with multiple speed settings and attachments. Some come with whisks or food chopper accessories for even more versatility.
When choosing an immersion blender, consider cordless options for easier maneuverability. KitchenAid and Cuisinart offer popular models that are reliable and efficient.
22. Air Fryer
An air fryer is a must-have for your new apartment kitchen. 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.
Air fryers are perfect for small spaces. They take up little room on your counter and can replace several other appliances.
You’ll save time and energy compared to using a big oven.
Many air fryers come with preset cooking options. This makes it easy to cook your favorite foods without guesswork. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since most have dishwasher-safe parts.
23. Baking Sheets
Baking sheets are a must-have for your new apartment kitchen. 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.
Don’t forget to grab some parchment paper too. It’ll make cleanup a breeze and keep your baked goods from sticking.
With baking sheets, you’ll be whipping up tasty treats and easy meals in no time!
24. Muffin Pan
A muffin pan is a versatile tool for your new apartment kitchen. You can use it to make more than just muffins. It’s great for baking cupcakes, mini quiches, and even small portions of meatloaf.
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 also use your muffin pan to freeze herbs in olive oil or make bite-sized ice cream treats.
It’s a handy item that will help you create lots of tasty dishes in your new home.
25. Grater
A grater is a must-have tool for your new apartment kitchen. You’ll use it to shred cheese, zest citrus fruits, and grate vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
Choose a box grater with different-sized holes for versatility. It’ll help you tackle various recipes and cooking tasks.
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.
Don’t forget to clean your grater right after use. Rinsing it immediately prevents food from drying and sticking to the holes.
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.
When buying a can opener, look for one that’s sturdy and easy to clean. A good grip is important too.
With this tool, you’ll be ready to tackle any recipe that calls for canned ingredients.
27. Peeler
A peeler is a must-have tool for your new apartment kitchen. This handy gadget makes quick work of removing skins from fruits and vegetables.
You’ll use it for potatoes, carrots, apples, and more. A good peeler saves time and reduces waste compared to using a knife.
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.
Keep your peeler clean and dry after each use to prevent rusting.
With proper care, it can be a reliable kitchen helper for years to come.
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.
They come in different sizes, so pick one that fits your cooking needs.
Keep your whisk handy in a utensil holder on your counter. You’ll be surprised how often you reach for it when preparing meals.
With this simple tool, you can elevate your cooking and baking skills in no time.
29. Tongs
Tongs are a must-have tool for your new apartment kitchen. 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. They’re great for grabbing hot items from boiling water too.
Look for tongs with silicone tips to protect your cookware. Spring-loaded tongs are easier to use and control.
Get a pair that locks closed for compact storage in your drawer.
30. Rolling Pin
A rolling pin is a must-have for any kitchen. You’ll need it 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.
Make sure to get one that feels comfortable in your hands. A good rolling pin will last for years and help you create delicious homemade treats.
It’s a simple tool that can make a big difference in your cooking and baking adventures.