First Kitchen

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

Multipurpose shears

Staub 10-inch round grill pan graphite or the Staub stackable can take care of multiples

9.5-inch springform pan

Toaster oven - Breville toaster oven w/air fryer feature so you don’t need an extra air fryer

Rimmed baking sheets

Mixing bowls

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 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