MY MEDALLION
If you’re wondering what is needed to set up your kitchen in a new apartment, there are exhaustive lists available online for what to buy. Especially if it’s your first time striking out on your own, a detailed shopping list can encompass a surprising number of items. Instead, we’re considering the absolute kitchen essentials here—those items you truly need upon first moving in that will allow you to start whipping up some meals for yourself right away. You can always add to your collection as time goes on, but these basics will get you off to a strong start.
Knife Set And Cutting Board
A solid knife set and a sturdy cutting board are absolute essentials, because you’ll need them to prep your ingredients. Look for a knife block that contains high-quality knives, as a good set can last you for years and years. You might also want to consider buying a set of cutting boards, rather than just one: some include three or four, allowing you to keep different types of food separate and avoid cross-contamination. Some are colour-coded, with a board for raw meat, raw fish/seafood, cooked food, and vegetables, etc. Investing in non-slip cutting boards is also smart as they minimize the risk of accidents.
Mixing Bowls And Measuring Tools
No matter what recipe you are attempting to make, you’ll need to keep track of how much of each ingredient is required. Thankfully measuring tools such as spoons and cups are quite inexpensive as they are items you’ll be using often and one set tends to last a long time. To make your meals you’ll also need a nice set of mixing bowls; these come in handy when you’re doing the prep work for any recipe but if you buy some that also happen to look good, they can double as serving bowls when guests are over.
Pots And Pans
You’ll want at least a few pots and pans for your new apartment. There’s no need to run out and buy a complete set as you can easily manage with just a couple of different-sized options on hand. We recommend starting out by asking if anyone in your circle of family or friends has any extra pots or pans they’re not using regularly or you can look for sales on kitchenware. Another must-have, because it’s so versatile and can be used for baking, cooking, and roasting, is a sheet pan; every well-stocked kitchen needs at least one.
Basic Cooking Utensils
Now that all of your ingredients have been measured and chopped, it’s time to move on to the actual cooking. Be sure to pick up a handful of essentials at your local kitchen goods store, including a spatula, wooden spoon, ladle, pair of tongs, and a whisk. Often these are inexpensive and you can even find a complete set that includes a convenient canister to store them in on your counter. You might want to be on the lookout for coated versions of specific tools, such as a silicone-coated whisk versus a wire whisk; it can help preserve the finish on your newly-purchased pots and pans.
Plates, Cups, Bowls, And Utensils
To fully enjoy the fruits of your creation you’ll want a good supply of plates, cups, bowls, and utensils to stock your cupboards. It can be tempting to buy fewer of these items and underestimate what you’ll need, but we urge you to purchase at least a few of each so you’re not constantly having to wash your dishes. At a minimum, buy a set of four. Look for sturdy, well-made, classic pieces that are neutral in tone; that way you can easily build onto your collection as time goes by, adding in complementary or contrasting items. Also, make sure that these items look good and feel comfortable in your hands, as you’ll use these high-touch pieces every day.
Now you should have all you need and be ready to start cooking in your new kitchen. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow the Medallion blog for more great advice on setting up your new apartment.
