Getting settled into your kitchen can take some time, but it is so much easier when you know exactly what you need. These new home kitchen essentials will make your everyday so much easier, because you’ll have everything you need within reach.
I know how overwhelming it can be to even begin to feel comfortable in your kitchen, and that’s exactly why I made this list to share with you.
These new home kitchen essentials will give you a sigh of relief and make you feel a sense of calm in your kitchen. You’ll have everything you need on hand.
This post is all about new home kitchen essentials. Let’s get started!
1. Kitchen knives
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Having a 7-9 inch chef’s knife is the most essential, but let’s be real, it’s really nice to have more than one knife. I love to have a variety of knives in different sizes so that I can use a small paring knife to cut up an apple if I don’t feel like whipping out the big guys in that moment (which usually, I don’t).
To keep your knives safely out of the way, I love these magnetic knife strips. They’re super easy to install on your wall and once you have one, you will never look back.
2. Cutting boards
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You need more than one cutting board! Large cutting boards are the most essential, but having a few small ones in the mix for when all you’re doing is cutting up an apple for a quick snack or wedging some lemon to squeeze into your water.
3. Dish towels
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Having reusable dish towels is a simple necessity so that you have a place to dry your hands after you wash them. They also look so pretty! I love these colorful patterned ones from Anthropologie. These are some simple dish towels from Amazon if those are more your style.
4. Utensils
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Fork, knife, spoon, done! It also can be really nice to have chopsticks and soup spoons on hand. But whatever your preference is, you’re going to need something to eat with.
5. Dishes to eat out of
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Small and large plates plus some cereal bowls will take you far. It can be nice to have even more dishes than this, but these are the bare necessities.
6. Microwave
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This microwave gets so many great reviews on Amazon. It’s a little pricier than some of the other options, but all I can say is I’ve purchased a cheap microwave before and I paid double in how long everything took to get hot.
7. Toaster
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You definitely need a toaster in your kitchen. Having toast vs having plain bread may seem like it’s “not a big deal” if you’re trying to cut costs, but… it is. Everyone loves toast! You’re going to need this. A toaster oven is another option if you feel like you would get more use out of that!
8. Coffee machine
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If you love coffee, I don’t need to explain this one to you! You get it. Having an easy way to make coffee everyday is a must. It doesn’t hurt if the machine looks nice on your counter, too. Personally, I love cold brew, so I skipped the machine and got this cold brew maker instead and I absolutely love it.
You also can treat yourself to an espresso machine if you know you would use it every day! The one other thing related to coffee that’s worth mentioning isย an electric kettle. They’re super nice to have to make tea and use for ramen.
9. Pots and pans
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There are a few different pots and pans that make cooking a lot easier. Having a nonstick skillet is essential. A big pot for pasta or soup making is also essential. And it’s really smart to keep to a dutch oven on hand as well!
10. Cast iron skillet
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This needed its own category because it’s that important. There are endless opportunities of things that you can make with a cast iron skillet, and they last forever! If you don’t already have one, you need to start building up the seasoning on yours anyway. It’s arguably just as important as building your credit score.
11. Baking sheets
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12. Parchment paper, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap
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Do NOT sleep on this plastic wrap! It’s literally SO MUCH BETTER than any other plastic wrap that I have ever used. It’s so sticky and clingy. Parchment paper and aluminum foil are so helpful to have on hand as well.
13. Strainer
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For all of your fruit and veggie washing needs. Actually, I mostly use strainers for pasta but whatever it’s being used for, it sure is useful. This is something that helps a lot around the kitchen.
14. Mixing bowls
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These metal mixing bowls are amazing for anything you use a bowl for, and they’re extra awesome because they can double as containers to store things in since they come with plastic lids.
15. Rubber spatula
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These are the best! Whether you’re cooking or baking, these come in handy all the time. It’s super nice to have more than one in case one is dirty or you just need a small one.
16. Spatula for flipping
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This is super utilitarian and not that exciting, but you need this for making all sorts of different foods. I would be lost without a spatula like this one. I think I have like 5 in my kitchen.
17. Whisk
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Bring on the whisking! I love a mini whisk and I think they’re so underrated, which is why it’s so helpful to have a larger one, a medium one, and a small one.
18. Kitchen Aid Mixer
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These are expensive but they are so useful, especially if you enjoy baking.ย A hand mixer also can work if you need to save some money here.
19. Oven mits
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Anyone who has an oven needs oven mits, it’s a simple rule! You can slip these on when you need to pull baking sheets or a hot skillet out of the oven.
20. Metal tongs
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These are the BEST! I love using them to toss salad or turn over something hot. They’re super convenient and so worth it for the price. You’ll be so glad to have these metal tongs in your kitchen.
21. Meat thermometer
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Overcooked or undercooked meat are both not ideal. This helps you cook your meat so that it still is delicious but is definitely safe to eat. This one gets great reviews on Amazon and works like a charm.
22. Wooden spoon
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Many recipes will call for a wooden spoon. Now you know why your grandmother had so many! Seriously, though, having access to a wooden spoon is one of those things you might forget that you need.
23. Loaf pan
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A metal loaf pan is perfect for baking banana bread or any quick loaf. The metal pan provides a more even bake with less of the risk of over-baking that comes with a glass pan (the glass stays hot for longer after being taken out of the oven).
24. Measuring cups
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I always see cool chefs use these measuring cups (aka Claire Saffitz on her YouTube channel). Having a measuring cup is essential!ย It’s also really helpful to have measuring cups for dry ingredients.
25. Measuring spoons
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These don’t need much explaining, and if you “eyeball” things half of the time like I do, you’re with me! We need these more than most people do lol.
26. Box Grater
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Whether you’re grating cheese, chocolate, vegetables, or something else, many recipes call for a grater like this one. It’s great to have in the kitchen and it seldom needs replacing.
27. Fruit bowl
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One of my favorite spots in the kitchen is the fruit bowl. I love when it’s summer and it’s filled with nectarines, plums, apples, and bananas. It’s really nice to have and it’s an opportunity to add some beauty to your kitchen.
28. Butter dish
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This is something that some people might not consider a necessity, but I absolutely do. Having room temperature butter to spread on toast, grease a pan, or add to a recipe is so convenient. It is one of my simplest pleasures in life to have room temperature butter at the ready for when I need it.
29. Utensil holder
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Having a utensil holder (also known as a crock) is essential. It makes it easy to grab whatever you need while you’re cooking without having to search. I keep mine right by the stovetop.
This post was all about new home kitchen essentials.
I hope that this list helped remind you of something you need and helped provide a little bit of comfort as you settle into your kitchen.
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