Whether it’s your first time moving on your own, or you want to start living minimalist, you need to make a list of home essentials. And one of the places that need to be efficient is the kitchen, so it can be tempting to grab everything at the store.
But to save you the money and space, we have listed below everything that you’ll need to be a happy home cook. You can always shorten or extend this list, but we think these items should be enough to let your creativity run in the kitchen.
Main Cooking Paraphernalia
Cooktop and Range
The cooktop is what makes your kitchen work. In fact, we think you can ditch the appliances below if you are really tight on the budget. However, you need to be skillful on how you can maximize your cooktop for different cooking preparations and uses. It might also be more convenient for you to get a cooktop because it’s easier to use and more flexible for multiple uses.
You can get a gas or electric cooktop, depending on your lifestyle. With the former, you won’t be limited to the cookware that you can use. At the same time, you have quick and wider control over the amount of heat. However, an electric cooktop is also not a bad idea, especially those with multiple smart controls.
And if you want to save more, you can even get those cooktop and oven combos in the market. This way, you get two appliances at a lesser price.
Convection Microwave Oven
Speaking of combination appliances, one of the best deals that you can get for a minimalistic kitchen is a convection microwave oven. It can toast, brown, roast, reheat, or defrost ingredients for you. And with some models, you’ll get other preset functions for multiple types of foods. It’s like getting a toaster, microwave, and oven in one compact gadget.
At the same time, you can take advantage of convection technology to cut down your cooking and preparation time. Whether you’re fully cooking a chicken, reheating soup, or making popcorn, a convection Euroncis microwave oven will surely make it faster and easier.
Optional Appliances
Slow Cooker
Since we’re talking about convenience, the best way to cut time and effort when cooking is by jumpstarting your recipes. You can do this using a slow cooker. The best and simplest explanation of why it’s worthy of being in this list is because it does the work for you. You can do multiple dishes with it, and just come back when it’s ready. And best of all, some recipes are done in just one pot, so you’re cutting the amount of dishes to wash too.
Hot Water Dispenser
Having a hot water dispenser also means you’ll have hot water on-the-go. Since it is connected directly on your tap, getting water is as quick as turning a knob. You can jumpstart your boiled dishes, have tea any time of the day, remove the grease of cookware, and sanitize baby items. You get to save on energy as well because you have an unlimited source of hot water.
Coffeemaker
If you can’t imagine a day without coffee, think of how much you’ll save if you make them at home. You’ll wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. How great is that?
For Preservation and Preparation
Refrigerator
Unless you have a way to preserve ingredients or dishes or you plan on using them immediately, getting a fridge is non-negotiable. You don’t need to buy an expensive two-door unit immediately. You can start with something simple, especially if you live on your own. Check if the model is Energy Star-rated because this certification means that it uses energy efficiently. Not only are you cutting your electricity bill, but you’re also helping ease the burden on the environment.
Blender
As you can see in this guide, the best blenders can handle virtually any ingredient. You can control how coarse or fine you want your final product is, whether it’s a vegetable or ice cubes. But more than crushing ice quickly for milkshakes, a blender is useful for various recipes like pasta sauces and soups. Think of it as getting a food processor as well.
You can also add a hand electric mixer or an immersion blender in the mix if you feel like you’ll be needing them in your cooking.
Knife Set and Chopping Board
You don’t need to get a fancy knife set immediately. Of course, you can treat yourself to a gorgeous set later on and feel like a professional chef. But since we’re talking about a starter pack, a large knife, paring knife, serrated knife, a honing steel, knife block, and chopping board are enough.
A large knife, also called a chef’s knife, is going to be the most needed because you can use it for slicing and dicing. And for smaller ingredients or detailed cutting and removal, you’ll be safer with a paring knife that can also work as a peeler. It’s also nice to have a serrated knife for certain ingredients like fruits and bread.
Lastly, a honing rod will keep your knives usable for a long time. And since we’re talking about taking care of your knives, keep them neat in a block and remember to use a chopping board to maintain their form.
Utensils
You might have been reminded to “never forget the utensils” when shopping for your kitchen. But what utensils should you get for your starter pack? You can always expand these items and add a rolling pin, vegetable peeler, or a meat mallet later on.
However, you will survive most recipes with a spatula, wooden spoon, ladle, tong, whisk, and a can opener. You can get them in various sizes and materials, depending on your intended use. At the same time, don’t forget to grab a colander to save you the frustration of fallen pasta when draining. And more than pasta, a strainer is going to be useful when washing various ingredients as well.
Measuring Cup, Spoons, Thermometer, and Kitchen Scale
Unless you’re used to just gauging the measurements and time duration on the spot, you can skip these measuring tools. However, some recipes are strict with the quantities of their ingredients, so you might as well get them.
Cookware
It’s enticing to get a broad set of cookware, especially after seeing them looking uniform that they’d make an excellent hanging art piece. However, most people end up not using some of them. And if you’re starting out, you can always just start with these five and then expand later on.
Skillet
Perhaps the most versatile out of the bunch, a skillet can cook nearly every stovetop recipe. Whether you’re frying, toasting, steaming, or simmering, a good non-stick skillet with lid is surely a kitchen starter essential.
Stock Pot
When you’re cooking a whole chicken, a stew with various vegetables, or a large portion of pasta, you’ll need something larger than a skillet or saucepan. A stockpot that is at least 8 quarts should be perfect for most uses, but make sure that it feels thick and solid.
Saucepan
If a stockpot is too big for your intended recipe, a saucepan should do. It may be called a saucepan, but you can also use this for other dry dishes.
Casserole Dish
If you have an oven, a casserole dish is a must-have. You can buy different sizes for baking lasagna or pastries.
Sheet Tray
If you are cooking something thinner and shallower, you’ll also need matching cookware. A sheet tray is best not just for cookies, but also for finger foods and even pizza. Not to mention, you can also use it to catch drippings from other recipes and use them as flavor enhancers later on.
