Kitchen Equipment

In order to cook for yourself, you’re going to need some equipment. Hopefully, this list will help you when you’re setting up your own first kitchen. Remember, the goal here isn’t to buy/obtain the best equipment (so buy cheap when you can), but simply to have enough stuff that most recipes will be within your grasp.

• Pots & Pans (non-stick, preferably with lids)
  • 2-quart
  • 5-quart
• Skillets (non-stick, preferably with lids)
  • 8- to 10-inch
  • 12- to 14-inch
• Microwave-safe plastic or glass bowls (with lids; can double as mixing bowls)
  • 2-quart
  • 3(+)-quart
• Baking Sheet(s)
• Glass Casserole Dishes
  • 8×8-inch
  • 13×9-inch
• Knives
  • Medium Chef’s knife (optional, but strongly recommended)
  • Utility-style (non-serrated) steak knives
    • Strongly recommend not getting serrated steak knives as they cannot be sharpened
• Knife Sharpener
• Plastic Cutting Board
• Plastic Spatula
• Long Metal Spatula (optional; for grilling)
• Plastic or Wooden Spoon
• Plastic or Wooden Slotted Spoon
• Metal Slotted Spoon or Spider (optional; for deep-frying)
• Plastic- or Silicon-Ended Tongs
• Long Metal Tongs (optional; for grilling)
• Box Grater
• Can Opener
• Plastic Whisk
• Rolling Pin
• Measuring Devices
  • Spoons
    • 1/4 teaspoon
    • 1/2 teaspoon
    • 1 teaspoon
    • 1/2 tablespoon (optional; same as 1-1/2 teaspoons)
    • 1 tablespoon
  • Cups
    • 1/8 cup (optional; same as 2 tablespoons)
    • 1/4 cup
    • 1/3 cup
    • 1/2 cup
    • 1 cup
    • 2+ cups
• 2 to 4 plates
• 2 to 4 saucers (small plates)
• 2 to 4 bowls
• 2 to 4 forks
• 2 to 4 teaspoons
• 2 to 4 tablespoons
• 2 to 4 butter knives
• 2 to 4 drinking cups or glasses
• 2 to 4 bag clips (optional, but really come in handy)