The Ultimate List of Kitchen Essentials For a New Home

There’s nothing worse than not being able to cook the mouth-watering recipe you found online – because you don’t have the needed kitchen tools. Luckily for you, we’ve got the ultimate kitchen essentials list to prevent that awful moment.

Also, we have done a lot of the hard lifting for you and have linked out to some of our favorites & affordable options from trusted stores.

Keep reading for our complete list of Kitchen essentials, including:

Essential Cookware pieces
Essential Kitchen Utensils
Other essential kitchen items

Kitchen Essentials: What Should Every Kitchen Have?

Here are kitchen essentials that every kitchen should have:

Essential cookware (Skillet, saucepans, roasting pans, etc.)
Essential Utensils (Chefs knife, Spatula, Whisk, etc.)
Knife sharpener
Prep Bowls of all sizes
Cutting boards
Colander
Can Opener
Toaster & Kettle
Tongs
Can opener
Measuring Cups

Of course, a lot of the items named above are categories of Kitchen essentials. To ensure that you don’t miss any you need for your next meal, we broke down all of these kitchen essentials in detail below and gave you some of our recommendations.

Essential Cookware Pieces

Cooking and getting dinner on the table without the essential cookware pieces every kitchen needs?

Yep, that would be pretty hard – let’s take a look at what cookware pieces every kitchen needs.

Our all-in-one set recommendation: 23pc Full Essential Cookware Set

1. Skillet/Frying Pan

Eggs? Bacon? Omelets? We don’t think any of us could survive without our favorite fried classics, and that’s precisely why every kitchen needs a frying pan. You may also want to consider getting a Sauté Pan which is very similar but has a lid on top.

For most of our frying tasks, you can use them interchangeably. But this isn’t always the case, so make sure to check your recipe. And if you are a fry fanatic, you may want to consider adding both to your kitchen collection.

Our Skillet recommendation: Non-stick 2 piece skillet set for under $30

Our Sauté Pan recommendation: Chef’s Classic Stainless 5-1/2-Quart Saute Pan

2. Small Sauce Pan

A saucepan is one of the cookware essentials that you’ll probably use daily. Veggies, pasta, or rice are just a few of the classic foods you’ll need it for… and we don’t know about you, but we cook these very often and use our saucepans almost every day – so we’d assume that that’s the case for you too.

We recommend getting a small saucepan when you are just boiling water, making a sauce, or cooking yourself. Our next cooking essential will be what you need when you have guests around.

Most affordable high-quality saucepan: Stainless Steel, Aluminum-Clad Straight Sided Saucepan with Cover

Premium Recommendation: All-Clad Sauce Pan with Lid, 3-Quart, Silver

3. Large Stockpot

The large stockpot is essential for all great cooks. It’s also quite versatile as you can use it for stock, soup, chili, pasta, and so much more. It’s also one of those cooking essentials that you’ll NEED if you have lots of guests around – because there are not many things worse than not being able to fit all the food in a saucepan.

Affordable 16 Quart Stockpot with Lid, Stainless Steel (4.8 out of 5 stars based on 1990 reviews)

4. Dutch Oven

The Dutch oven is one of our favorite kitchen essentials because it’s so versatile. While it’s used primarily for braising, you can also use it as a skillet or a large saucepan… So if you do at one point need several of them because you have guests round, your Dutch oven can be the support.

We recommend that you go for something that’s at least 5 or 6 QT to make sure it’s big enough for all purposes.

Our recommendation: 6 quarts enameled cast iron Dutch oven.

5. Roasting Pan

Roast Chicken? Roast potatoes? Again, you will need a roasting pan for endless delicious recipes, especially if you love large meats and veggies. Also, keep in mind that roasting and braising CANNOT be interchanged, so you will definitely need a roasting pan for your kitchen.

Note: If you are vegetarian, we probably wouldn’t consider a roasting pan a kitchen essential. You can use alternatives like our next item instead!

Baking Equipment Essentials

Who doesn’t love baking? Let’s look at what equipment is essential for a good baking session.

1. Baking Sheets

Whether you’re a vegetarian, a meat addict, or whatever your diet may be – baking sheets are essential. Most baking recipes you put into the oven will need them. Plus, some pizza, some chicken, etc., the list goes on and on.

Our recommendation: Check out this Affordable 3-piece baking sheet set

Note if you are a Pizza-lover: You may want to consider getting a Pizza tray too.

2. Muffin Pan

Nothing makes a weekend more fun than baking your favorite muffins – so don’t forget the muffin pan in your kitchen. Otherwise, you may end up with muffins that have a strange shape… And again, that destroys the presentation aspect (especially important when you’re showing off to Guests or on social media!)

Our choice: Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Muffin Pan

3. Glass Measuring Jug

You might occasionally get away measuring by eye. But it can seriously mess up that recipe you found online and have never tried before. So, yes, a good glass measuring jug is essential.

Looking for an affordable option? OXO Good grips angled measuring cups is just $8.99 (at the time of writing)

4. Rolling Pin

Whether you’re cooking your own pizza or cookies, you’ll need a rolling pin to create a flat, circular shape. Rolling pins are very affordable too, check out the Farberware classic wood rolling pin, which costs just $12!

5. Mixing Bowls of All Sizes

When looking for mixing bowls, we suggest going for a set rather than purchasing them individually. This way, you can be sure to get several sizes for a more affordable price. Our recommendation is this set of 6 nested bowls.

Essential Kitchen Utensils

Now let’s look at which Kitchen Utensils are essential enough to make the cut (no pun intended).

1. Chef’s Knife

“The one thing in my kitchen that I can’t live without is a good, sharp chef knife. You can do anything with a good knife.” – Executive Chef Rahaf Amer of the Nashville-based wine bar and restaurant Salt & Vine.

A sharp chef’s knife won’t only make your life a lot easier – but it will also help you keep the beautiful presentation thanks to your smooth cuts. Again, if you’re having guests, it’s always nice to show off the presentation of your meals.

I have used many Chefs Knives over the years, but I’m very happy with the ZWILLING 8-inch chefs knife.

2. Metal & Silicone Spatulas

No kitchen is complete without spatulas.

Yes, that includes both metal and silicone spatulas. Why do you need both?

The metal spatula is essential for flipping and tossing endless foods such as eggs over easy, baked salmon, roasted veggies, and countless others.

You’ll need your silicone spatulas for folding egg whites into cake batter, or stirring boiling mixtures, so you’ll use them frequently too.

3. Whisk

Mixing ingredients with a whisk is one of the most fun (and essential) tasks in your kitchen. We recommend going for a medium-sized whisk like the one linked below, as this will be suited for most purposes.

Check out our favorite affordable whisk set here.

4. Tongs

Tongs are essential kitchen utensils where you don’t realize how much you need them until you start using them. You can use them to flip just about anything (meat, fish, etc.). Or you may use them to pick up foods like waffles, your Salad, or baked potatoes.

Check out our tongs recommendations here: Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs

5. Slotted Spoon

Another essential kitchen utensil is the slotted spoon. It’s a large spoon that has little gaps in the middle.

When you’re cooking solid foods like meats, you’ll want to pick them up without the liquid. And that’s exactly what you’ll need the slotted spoon for, as it lets the liquid slip through its openings.

Our recommendation: MJIYA Silicone Slotted Serving Spoon

6. Stirring Spoons

Every kitchen needs an excellent stirring spoon. We recommend one that is heat resistant and dishwasher safe. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself having to invest in another too soon.

Our recommendation: Baker Boutique Nonstick Kitchen Spoon (2pc set)

7. Ladle

Your slotted spoons will not be suited to serve dishes like soups, stews, sauces, or any other liquid-based dish. For this, you’ll need a ladle, which is much longer than a traditional spoon, making it perfect for serving these use cases.

Check Out Amazons Top Rated Laddle

8. Measuring spoons

The good thing about a set of measuring spoons is that they come in all different sizes out of the box. And they’re perfect for measuring ingredients like oil or dry ingredients like sugar and salt. So, no matter what your diet, you will use your measuring spoons a lot.

Our recommendation: Affordable Premium Heavy Duty Measuring Spoons

9. Can Opener

Whether it’s beans, tuna, or whatever else it may be. Not opening a can of food is very frustrating, so we recommend investing in a strong can opener that will be enough for all your needs.

If you’re looking for a simple yet effective option, we recommend this can opener on Amazon.

Glasses & Cups

Every kitchen needs an excellent selection of glasses and cups. Take a look at our list of essentials below.

1. Large, Medium & Small Glasses

Having glasses of all sizes is essential, especially if you love an occasional alcoholic beverage or even a smoothie. We recommend getting large, medium, and small glasses so you are equipped for all occasions. Check out our recommendations below.

Our large glasses recommendation

Small and Medium Glasses Set

2. Coffee Cups/Mugs

Love your early morning coffee? Well, you’ll need a set of coffee cups. For a start, we recommend just getting a set of plain coffee cups so you have enough in your home. Of course, you can add a special one with print to your collection later on.

Check out our recommendation of 4 coffee mugs.

You May Also Like: The Best Cheap Espresso Machine 2021

3. Wine Glasses

There’s nothing like Friday night wine and Amazon Prime after an exhausting week of work. Check out our recommendation for an affordable yet classy wine glass set.

All-purpose 12 oz wine glasses

Other Essential Kitchen Items

Of course, there’s a lot more to a good kitchen than Utensils and cookware. Let’s take a look at what other essential kitchen items every house needs.

Oven Gloves/Mitts

Don’t burn your hands! We all know the pain. So make sure to invest in a pair of oven gloves or mitts that will make taking your food out of the oven so much easier. And ensure that they are heat-resistant ones too.

Cutting boards

Having a flat and sturdy surface to prep on is essential for all cooks. Without a good cooking board, things can get messy quite quickly, or your plates will get scratched. Cutting boards come in all materials ranging from plastic to wood or even glass.

Grater

Whether it’s toasted cheese, egg salad, or any dish that contains cheese sauce, you’ll need a grater. We also recommend getting a fruit grater to make it a lot easier to make your favorite fruit salads.

Check out our favorite Grater here.

Pepper grinder

Having a good pepper grinder adds more flavor to your kitchen. Check out our favorite pepper grinders on Amazon below.

We recommend getting a large pepper grinder, so you won’t have to refill it as much.

Toaster & Kettle Set

No kitchen is complete without a toaster and kettle set. So, no matter whether you’re a tea or coffee person, make sure your kitchen is not missing these two kitchen essentials.

Check out this Toaster & Kettle Set for just $20.

Kitchen Scissors

Yeah, you may get away with regular scissors in some cases. But overall, you’ll need a pair of kitchen scissors for snipping herbs and especially for breaking down poultry.

Our recommendation: 2-Pack Kitchen Shears

Pizza Cutter

Again, this one is only for the Pizza lovers – but if that’s you, you’ll definitely need a pizza cutter. It’s just not the same feeling cutting your pizza with knives, and it does sacrifice the presentation aspect.

We Recommend: Pizza Cutter With Cover