Discover more from Pamela’s Monday Musings
Happy Monday! To remind, you can leave comments or questions on this thread. Scroll to the bottom to see where. Feel free to add your favorite “First Kitchen Must-Haves!”
I built my collection of kitchen appliances and tools over decades. I was strategic about what I purchased, looking for high quality cookware on sale or at outlets, and keeping my collection tight. I have two daughters who are out of school and live on their own and now my son (who is still in college) is moving into a living environment with a kitchen (not that he will use it that much.) I have had many requests for a newsletter about “what to buy for a starter kitchen.” As always, think about your own style, the things you like to cook and for how many people, and keep within your budget. I still have the list that we used to set up my younger daughter’s kitchen and I asked my intern Dani to weigh in as well.
You only need 3 knives: Zwilling Pro 8-inch chefs knife, 8-inch bread knife and 4-inch paring knife
1 wood or bamboo cutting board
Zwilling Enfinigy power blender
Zwilling Enfinigy personal blender
1.5 qt petite French oven graphite
1 10-inch cast iron skillet graphite
Demeyere Atlantis stainless 3-pc cookware set or equivalent
Staub 10-inch round grill pan graphite or the Staub stackable can take care of multiples
Toaster oven - Breville toaster oven w/air fryer feature so you don’t need an extra air fryer
Flatware, Glasses, Plates - I have no opinion about these. You can find basics at Target, Ikea, Home Goods, and the like.
Mixer or hand beaters
Wooden spoons
Measuring cups, glass and metal
Basic white Serving platter
Basic white Serving bowl
Spatulas silicone and metal
Zwilling Fresh & Save containers for leftovers
Caraway Bakeware Set - I have an affiliate link for this but I can’t figure out where.
A food processor is not an essential appliance, but I use mine all the time. I wouldn’t bother investing in one that is less than an 11-cup equivalent. My personal preference is the Breville Sous Chef. I have the 16-cup, but the 13-cup is great too.
For serious coffee drinkers: An intermediate espresso machine Delonghi Stilosa
I am not a fan of nonstick pans. The less toxic, ceramic-based ones are fine, but they don’t last more than a couple years. If you’re ok with that, I like Caraway.
xxPamela
First Kitchen
I have two young adult children. This was so helpful. Thank you!
Great list! I would add a regular box grater and a micro plane. I use the latter for parmesan cheese and zesting lemons. Couldn’t do without it!! About to move my son into a dorm with a kitchen and we’ve been making lists too.