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.
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.
I personally prefer the Vitamix and I prefer the metal pitcher over the plastic. That said, it's too expensive for my kids (unless you can find a refurbished one) and the Zwilling is very strong and high quality for the price.
Thank you SO much Pamela! I can’t begin to tell you how helpful this is! I appreciate the time you put in to compiling this list. What a great resource for young adults to start their own cooking journey! Something I wish I had when I was that age! You are the best. xoxo Carey
I absolutely love your Monday Musings. My home in BC came with an AGA cooker, which is always on. I have come to love this oven but it does generate a lot of heat which is welcome in the winter, but not so much in the summer. We are thinking of turning it off in the summers, and have looked at the Breville as a summer oven replacement. The people at Williams Sonoma told the only difference between the "joule" unit and the next cheaper version is WiFi connection. I don't need that feature, so can get all the other features for less! Do you also have a hot plate/cook top recommendation? thanks!!
I totally agree re: Breville toaster oven. My husband has enjoyed the Joule feature for proofing and following recipes on the app, but I could do without it. I have a Cuisinart portable hot plate that I use for cooking demos, and it works great but it doesn't get quite as hot as my stovetop.
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.
Both are well-used in my kitchen too!
Do you like the Zwilling blender over the vita mix?
I personally prefer the Vitamix and I prefer the metal pitcher over the plastic. That said, it's too expensive for my kids (unless you can find a refurbished one) and the Zwilling is very strong and high quality for the price.
Thank you SO much Pamela! I can’t begin to tell you how helpful this is! I appreciate the time you put in to compiling this list. What a great resource for young adults to start their own cooking journey! Something I wish I had when I was that age! You are the best. xoxo Carey
My pleasure! It is a good starting point at least!
I absolutely love your Monday Musings. My home in BC came with an AGA cooker, which is always on. I have come to love this oven but it does generate a lot of heat which is welcome in the winter, but not so much in the summer. We are thinking of turning it off in the summers, and have looked at the Breville as a summer oven replacement. The people at Williams Sonoma told the only difference between the "joule" unit and the next cheaper version is WiFi connection. I don't need that feature, so can get all the other features for less! Do you also have a hot plate/cook top recommendation? thanks!!
I totally agree re: Breville toaster oven. My husband has enjoyed the Joule feature for proofing and following recipes on the app, but I could do without it. I have a Cuisinart portable hot plate that I use for cooking demos, and it works great but it doesn't get quite as hot as my stovetop.
Great list. Don’t forget a can opener!
Oh absolutely! Thanks!