33 First Apartment Kitchen Essentials You Don’t Want to Forget
If you’re moving into your first apartment, find out all the must-haves with this list of first apartment kitchen essentials!
Moving into your first apartment is exciting, and I’m sure you are ready to make everything perfect. One of the trickiest places to prepare and pack for is the kitchen!
There’s so many little things you need that you may have never thought of. This list of first apartment kitchen essentials will get you fully stocked with all the basics you’ll need!
This post is all about first apartment kitchen essentials.
Best First Apartment Kitchen Essentials
Dishes and Silverware
1. Dish Set
First and probably most importantly, you need dishes! You could splurge and get a fancy dish set, but for my first apartment, a basic white dish set did the trick. This set includes bowls as well as small and large plates (6 of each).
2. Mugs
If you’re a coffee/tea drinker (or host friends who are), you’ll want to have some mugs. The mugs linked above are simple clear mugs, but you could definitely get funky and colourful mugs instead if that’s more your vibe.
3. Glass Set
Drinking glasses are definitely another first apartment kitchen essential! This set has different sizes which adds some nice variety to your set. You can also find really inexpensive glasses at stores like IKEA.
4. Silverware Set
This silverware set on Amazon has options for a 20-piece, 40-piece, and 60-piece set. In my apartment we have a 40-piece set for 2 people, and it works perfectly for us! Silver is always a classic option for silverware, but I have seen gold or black cutlery sets that could be really cute too.
Appliances
5. Toaster
Everybody needs a toaster! It’s definitely a staple kitchen appliance. This is the exact toaster I bought for my first apartment (and still have!). It’s basic, but has everything I need.
6. Kettle
Kettles are essential if you’re a tea drinker, but can also come in handy when you’re cooking – if you need boiled water for things like pasta, often an efficient kettle can be faster than stovetop boiling!
7. Blender
My blender gets used all the time for smoothies, making sauces, purees, and more! This Ninja blender is pretty compact which is handy if your kitchen is on the small side.
8. Coffee Maker
There’s tons of different coffee maker options out there. Keurigs are super easy and popular (linked above), but you could also opt for a French Press if you prefer fresh coffee grounds over pods. Nespresso machines are also super popular!
9. Microwave
Not all apartments come with microwaves. If yours doesn’t, make sure to buy one before moving in!
Cooking/Baking Prep and Accessories
10. Knife Set
If you plan to do any type of cooking in your kitchen, you definitely want a knife set. Knives can get really pricey, so unless you’re super into cooking I’d say a basic set like the one linked above will be fine for your first apartment.
11. Cookware Set
Of course, a kitchen essential for cooking is a cookware set! The set I linked above has 8 pieces including 2 frying pans as well as 3 saucepans with lids. Cookware is an item that can range from $50 up to hundreds of dollars. I think the Amazon Basics set is great for a first apartment, but you could also spend more money on a nicer set like this one if you really love cooking and want your set to last longer.
12. Cutting Boards
A set of cutting boards is a staple for your cooking prep. You definitely don’t want to be cutting things on your kitchen counter – it’s unsanitary and could damage the countertops. This set comes with 3 different sizes for all your cooking prep needs.
13. Mixing Bowls
These stainless steel mixing bowls are dishwasher-safe, which is a must-have! They’re super inexpensive too, and you can choose the size(s) that meets your needs. Or, if you’d rather buy a full set, try these mixing bowls with lids – it’s so handy that they “nest” together to save storage.
14. Measuring Cups & Spoons
I probably don’t have to tell you why measuring cups and spoons made it on the first apartment kitchen essentials list! One thing I love about this set is the measurements are engraved on the handles. This doesn’t sound like a big deal, but I’ve had sets before with measurements painted on and it can easily rub off.
15. Baking Sheets
This baking sheet set includes 3 different size options! Every kitchen should have at least one, but I found that having more than one was handy for both cooking and baking.
16. Baking Dish Set
Glass baking dishes are another important kitchen essential. They’re oven-safe, so they can be used for cooking things like casseroles and lasagnes, or baking desserts like brownies.
17. Strainer/Colander
When I moved into my first apartment, I totally forgot about a strainer! So I made sure to include this on this apartment essentials list.
18. Tongs
Tongs are a must-have cooking utensil, so make sure you have at least one pair for your kitchen!
19. Spatula Set
This basic spatula set is great for cooking and baking. The spatulas are heat resistant up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and are also dishwasher safe so they’re easy to use and clean!
20. Whisk
I’ve always liked the OXO brand for kitchen accessories. They’re sturdy, durable, and have a comfortable handle.
21. Vegetable Peeler
Vegetable peelers are super inexpensive so I definitely recommend buying one to make your cooking prep so much smoother!
22. Grater
I love that this grater has multiple options including coarse grating, fine grating, and slicing blade. It’s multi-functional!
23. Can Opener
A can opener is another easily forgotten kitchen essential, and it’s not really an item you can do without or substitute an alternative!
24. Serving Spoon
A serving spoon is handy to have for cooking and also serving. If you host often, you may want to get a set of serving spoons instead of just 1!
Other Must-Have Kitchen Essentials
25. Tupperware Set
Don’t forget about food storage! A durable, stackable tupperware set is a must-have for every first apartment kitchen. This set checks all the boxes- it’s freezer and microwave safe, has airtight lids, and is BPA free!
26. Oven Mitts
You definitely don’t want to get halfway through cooking the first meal in your new apartment…and realize you don’t have oven mitts to take the food out!! I love this oven mitt and pot holder set, but if you’re looking to save a few dollars, you can definitely find inexpensive oven mitts at a dollar store.
28. Trash Can
A trash can is something you’ll probably need on day 1 in your kitchen, so make sure to add this to your shopping list before you move in!
27. Dish Cloths
Dish cloths are essential for washing dishes, wiping down counters, etc. I always like to buy multiple (this pack comes with 12) because you’ll need to swap these out for fresh ones regularly. The reviews rave about how absorbent these towels are!
29. Kitchen Hand Towel
Similar to dish towels, these should be changed regularly so it’s helpful to have a multi-pack on hand. There are tons of other colour options in case you’re not a fan of the teal colour pack.
30. Utensil Holder
In the cooking prep & accessories category, I mentioned a ton of different utensils you’ll want – spatulas, tongs, serving spoons and more. Unless you have space in drawers to store these, make sure to add a utensil holder to your list! If you can’t find a utensil holder you like, you could always get creative and use plant pots or other jars instead!
31. Drying Rack
This plastic drying rack with a mat is a super simple and inexpensive drying rack option. I have this drying rack, and love that I can fold it up and tuck it under my kitchen sink when I’m not using it. If you have a ton of room in your kitchen you can try a larger drying rack like this one.
32. Ice Cube Trays
If your apartment’s refrigerator doesn’t come with an ice maker (most don’t), you’ll definitely want to buy some ice cube trays!
33. Paper Towel Holder
Lastly, a paper towel holder is a first apartment must-have! If your kitchen lacks counter space, you could always opt for one that mounts on a wall or under a cabinet like this one.
This post was all about first apartment kitchen essentials.
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