This post is about all of the best kitchen essentials for first apartment everyone should have!
Setting out to furnish your first kitchen can be a daunting task. On one hand, you have an opportunity to build something beautiful and functional that fits your needs just right. On the other hand, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the options available in stores these days. But fear not: whether you’re working with a tiny kitchen or expansive great room, we’ve got all the essential tips and tricks for creating a kitchen tailored just for you. Let’s get started on this exciting journey together!
Must-Have Kitchen Essentials For First Apartment
1. Kitchen Knife Set
I had to put this as my first kitchen essential, because of how useful it is! It is something you will be using every day. Whether you are cutting a lemon or you are cutting open a package of cheese. A solid kitchen knife set is going to help you in the long run! It is something that will be bought as a first time home owner, but can easily last for several years! Make sure you are sharpening your knives regularly!
Here is the knife set I recommend:
It does not have too many knives and has the most beautiful detailing to sit on your counter! TRUST ME, a good knife set goes a long way! It is important to have a trustworthy knife set when you are cutting up vegetables, cheeses, and/or meats all the time!
2. Kitchen Utensils
Kitchen utensils are SO important when you are cooking almost every day! Wood utensils are the number one recommended due to their gentleness and they will not scratch up your pans!! Trust me, this is SO important when you have expensive pan sets. I will talk about pan sets later, but wood utensils help make sure your expensive pans are staying shiny and clean!
Also, I have heard kitchen wood utensils tend to hold up A LOT better than the rubber ones. Rubber utensils have actually melted on me before which is NOT fun and probably not safe.
Here is a pretty inexpensive one you can get!
You can also find some more cheaper options at Ross, Marshall’s, and even Target!
3. Kitchen Trash Can
Okay… so as a first time home owner, you may not even think about a kitchen trash can. However, a kitchen trash can is SO important and essential for your kitchen. You will be throwing about 75% of your home’s trash into this bin! You should invest in a good, strong trash can for your kitchen!
I have a hand sensor stainless steel one. However, that is so not necessary! You can have a petal trash can and it will do the job just as well! Just make sure you are not always touching your trash can so you are not cross-contaminating anything when you are cooking!
I have this fancy sensor one… Definitely not necessary, but it is super nice!
4. Cutting Board
Okay…if you are a cooker in the kitchen, you know how important it is to have a strong cutting board! You will be cutting vegetables and/or meat almost every day in your kitchen!
A cutting board is a great kitchen essential because of the frequent use! Also, did you know when you cut on a wood cutting board, your kitchen knives actually get sharper?! Okay, that is amazing and that is why you should invest in a wood cutting board. You can find SO many different kinds at your local Ross, Target, and HomeGoods! You really do not have to spend a lot.
Also, cutting boards have been doing great for cheese boards or otherwise known as charcuterie boards! You can really get creative with it and get different wood stains and cuts. I have used my cutting boards to cut the cheese and meat to also serve as a cheese board! They look so good and trendy.
Here is an example of the one I have!
5. Kitchen Towels
Okay, so this may not be a kitchen essential for everyone, but I believe it should be!! There are two types of kitchen towels every new home owner should have! Microfiber towels & Drying Towels. Drying towels are pretty self-explanatory, but they can just hang from your oven! It is actually super useful to have them when you are washing your hands during cutting vegetables and meats!
PSA: Make sure to wash your drying hand towels in the washer as well! These can also accumulate a lot of germs.
Okay, microfiber towels!! These are such a game-changer. I never understood the hype until I actually started to use them. These have replaced paper towels when I am cleaning up my kitchen! Not only is this great for not buying so many paper towels all the time, but it is great for the environment.
You can use microfiber towels just as you would with paper towels.
I will use wet microfiber towels and I will use them dry. I will throw them into a dirty bin and wash them every week! When you wash them, they actually are super clean and come out with not many stains!
Here are some inexpensive ones you can get from Amazon!
6. Non-stick Pan Set
If you are going to invest in one of these kitchen essentials for first apartment as a new homeowner, it should be a Non-Stick Pan Set. There are SO many out there and I can promise you it will probably take you some time to figure out the best one for your new home!
Some advice I would give is to buy one or two different types from different companies and test them out for at least a month! The way you cook and clean them can be totally different than the reviews on the website!! I think it is important to invest AFTER you try the company out!
Just because pans can get really expensive if you buy them individually. However, if you are buying a set you want to make sure it holds up well for your kitchen and for your money! This is definitely an important kitchen essential for your first home!
Non-Stick Pans and Pots go A LONG way in the kitchen. I would have to say to do your research and do not be cheap about this kitchen essential for first home! You want these to last as long as possible when you are spending a good amount of money on them!
The set that has worked for me is this one!
7. Kitchen Cleaners – Last Kitchen Essential of First Apartment
Last, but definitely not least. Kitchen Cleaners. If there is one kitchen essential to start with, it would have to be kitchen cleaning supplies!!! Your kitchen is going to get SO much dirtier than you think.
Even if you are not cooking, you are pouring something, you are heating something up, or you are throwing something away. All of this creates a gradual “mess” and therefore you need the best kitchen cleaning supplies to help you keep a clean kitchen! I will probably do another post of all of my kitchen supplies. There are so many I have recently discovered that have saved me A LOT of time and have made cleaning a lot smoother!
My first one would have to be a good quality degreaser!! This is SO necessary so you are not scrubbing your life away on those stubborn spots! I use this on the stove, the sink, pans, and even my counters! It is EXTREMELY nice that I do not have to worry about scrubbing too hard when this does the job for me great!
Here is my favorite one! You can find it really at Walmart, Target, Kroger, or really any local grocery store!
Another kitchen cleaning supply would have to be the Dawn Powerwash. I am sure you have heard about this product from social media!
Wow, I mean I cannot say enough good things about this! Use this on your counters, pans, sink, ovens, ANYTHING! It is so powerful and strong. The scent is amazing. You can also find this kitchen cleaning supply at your local grocery store, Target, or Walmart!! GET IT! It is seriously life changing… haha.
Like I said, I will probably have an entirely post on kitchen cleaning essentials. I deep clean my kitchen about once a month and I have found a really good system for it too!
With some careful planning and research you can create an efficient and stylish space that will make cooking at home enjoyable. Start with the basics like cookware, utensils, knives, and small appliances then add in decorative items as needed to complete the look. Don’t forget essential cleaning supplies either! Taking these steps before moving into your new place will ensure you are ready to begin creating delicious meals from day one of living there. Now let’s get cooking!
This post was all about the best kitchen essentials for first apartment for first home to help you shop with confidence as you move in. There are already so many tasks to complete when you are moving, shopping for kitchen essentials for first apartment should be a breeze!
