Moving into your first apartment is exciting… until you realize you don’t have anything to cook pasta with. Don’t panic: here’s a kitchen essentials checklist for a first apartment, designed to give you just what you need. The goal isn’t to have a five-star chef’s kitchen, but simply enough to feed yourself (and impress your friends with your famous spaghetti sauce).
Basic utensils
Spatula
Wooden spoon
Ladle
Whisk
Kitchen tongs
Vegetable peeler
Can opener
Corkscrew / bottle opener
Chef’s knife
Paring knife / multi-purpose knife
Cutting board, preferably wood
Measuring cups and spoons, ideally glass for hot liquids
Cookware
Saucepan (1 small, 1 medium)
Frying pan (non-stick or stainless steel, depending on your cooking habits or dishwashing patience)
Stockpot or large cooking pot
Colander
Sieve
Oven dish (for lasagna, gratins, etc.)
Baking sheet (for vegetables, cookies, pizzas)
Dishes and storage
Plates, bowls, glasses, mugs
Cutlery (forks, butter knives, sharp knives, spoons)
Containers (for leftovers and lunches for school or work)
Ice cube tray
Small appliances
Kettle
Toaster
Coffee maker (drip, stovetop, French press, pod-based, or whatever suits your morning routine)
Microwave (if space allows)
Other useful accessories
Oven mitts
Dish towels
Dish rack
Kitchen scissors (choose a durable, multi-use model)
A final word
This kitchen essentials list for a first apartment isn’t universal. It depends on your cooking habits. If you’re into baking, a stand mixer might be a priority. If you run on smoothies, a blender might go straight to the top of your list. And if the air fryer is your one true love, go ahead and make space for it on the counter. What matters is starting with what feels truly useful to you. You can always build up your kitchen gear over time, based on your needs and available space.
See also:
