35 Kitchen Essentials For Your First Apartment
Moving out for the first time and have no idea what to purchase to furnish your new home?
Having the right kitchen essentials for your first apartment makes all the difference especially if you plan on making your own meals.
35 First Apartment Kitchen Essentials
Did you know that Americans spend an average of 37 minutes per day preparing food and cleaning up in the kitchen?
With so much time spent in this space, you’ll want to make sure you have all the tools necessary to make cooking more enjoyable.
If it’s your first time moving out, whether you’re moving into a college dorm or your first big girl apartment, you’ll definitely want to check out this kitchen essentials list for your new home.
Before we get onto the list, get my printable kitchen essentials checklist along with other furniture and essentials for every room you’ll need in one easy package. It even includes a shopping list so it’s easy for you to keep track of what you still need to purchase.
1. Water Filter
If you like the taste of clean, filtered water and don’t like to drink tap water, a Brita Water Pitcher is a must.
If you’re not ready to install a full-blown water filter system, this can give you peace of mind that the water you’re drinking is clean.
2. Glass Storage Containers
If you’re going to be cooking at home often, Pyrex or Glasslock storage containers will be necessary to store away leftover food that you can’t finish. You can also use them to bring lunches to work or school to help you to save money.
I recommend glass containers instead of plastic containers for food that needs to be reheated in the microwave because heating up food in plastic isn’t healthy.
3. Toaster Oven
For those times when you just want to toast a slice of bread in the morning or bake something small, a normal oven takes a while to heat up and uses a lot of energy.
A toaster oven is extremely useful in these circumstances because it’ll help you save waiting time and hydro costs.
4. Ice Cube Tray
For those hot, summer days, it’s always nice to have ice cubes ready to be put into a cold, refreshing drink.
If your fridge doesn’t have a built-in ice maker, you’ll want to invest in at least one of these ice cube trays.
5. Oven Baking Tray
If you love to bake meals and desserts in the oven, a set of oven trays is definitely a must. These rose gold oven trays will make a beautiful addition to your kitchen.
6. Electric Water Kettle
An electric water kettle is such a useful tool and a total time saver if you’re an avid tea drinker or coffee lover.
You definitely won’t regret getting one if you like hot beverages and hate waiting for water to boil on the stove.
If hot water is your jam and you need a constant flow of it, you might want to check out this Zojirushi water boiler and warmer.
I have the smaller version of this and I love it so much because it allows me to use hot water at all times. Once the water is boiled, it keeps it warm for you so you don’t have to wait the next time you need it.
7. Microwave
I survived without a microwave for a long, long time and I regretfully wish this was one of the first kitchen appliances I had bought when I first moved in.
I highly suggest you buy one early on if it doesn’t come with your apartment because it’s so useful.
This Panasonic Inverter microwave is a great little powerful but affordable microwave.
8. Oven Mitts
It’s always a good precaution to use oven mitts to protect your hands from the heat if you’re going to be baking.
This adorable set of oven mitts also comes with pot holders.
9. Bottle Opener
If you’re hosting a party with some friends or you’re ready to relax at home with a glass of wine or a bottle of beer, a bottle opener is a staple kitchen essential.
10. Dish Drying Rack
Regardless of whether or not you have a dishwasher, you’ll want a dish rack where you can lay out your dishes to air dry.
11. Knife Set
For knives, you should invest in a brand like J.A. Henkel knives because they’re made to last even though they’re a little more expensive.
I’ve used them for years on a daily basis and they’re still in excellent condition so I suggest investing in a good set of knives.
12. Pots & Pans
I suggest buying both non-stick and stainless steel pots and pans from a reputable but affordable brand like Cuisinart.
They’re made to last and will allow you to save time by simultaneously cooking with multiple-sized pots and pans.
13. Chopping Board
Get chopping in your kitchen with this beautiful custom engraved bamboo chopping board.
14. Kitchen Utensil Set
This silicone and wooden kitchen utensil set has 35 pieces of all of the essentials you’ll need to make delicious meals.
From a whisk, tongs, and measuring spoons, to ladles, you’ll have everything to be ready to cook with this set. It even comes with a nice storage box to keep them organized on your countertop.
15. Kitchen Shears
Having a sharp pair of kitchen shears will come in handy if you need to cut meat and other food quickly and efficiently.
16. Peeler
Save time when you peel your tough-to-skin fruits and vegetables with a fruit and vegetable peeler.
17. dish Set
A great set of plates and bowls can help brighten up and add color to an otherwise bland kitchen. This beautiful ceramic 16-piece dinnerware set is perfect for a starter home.
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18. Cutlery
Cutlery is a definite kitchen essential especially if you like to host dinner parties and have guests over. This comes in a set of 4 and includes all the knives, forks, and spoons you’ll need.
19. Cups
It’s always nice to have different types of cups for every occasion. I’ve included different types of glassware sets, mugs, beer and wine glasses, and so on for some ideas.
Mugs
Beer And Wine Glasses
20. Spice Containers
Love flavorful meals? This beautiful revolving spice jar and rack set will organize all of your spice jars on your kitchen counter.
21. Grater
Save time with your vegetable and cheese blocks by slicing and shredding them with this handy stainless steel box grater.
22. Colander
Save space in your kitchen with this collapsable colander and strainer set. It’s great for small apartments with minimal space.
23. Measuring Cup
Make sure you’re using the perfect proportions of your ingredients in your meals with this handy Pyrex measuring cup set.
24. Instant Pot
Need to save time but still cook delicious meals? You’ll love having the Instant Pot in your kitchen.
Don’t forget to also check out some Instant Pot meal plans for great dinner ideas!
25. Apron
Get excited about cooking with these beautiful, personalized aprons.
Personalized Floral Initial Apron
26. Can Opener
A can opener is one of those apartment necessities that you might forget to buy when you first move in but you should definitely get one if you plan on adding canned food to your pantry.
The last thing you want to do is spend an hour trying to hack open a can with a knife when you’re hungry.
27. Coffee Maker
If you’re addicted to coffee, lattes, or just anything caffeine-related, a coffee maker is a must if you want to save yourself from going on too many expensive trips to Starbucks.
Either stick to a traditional drip coffee maker if you’re more old school or invest a little more and get a Nespresso machine or Keurig machine.
28. Garbage Can
To keep your apartment clean from litter and bugs, a stainless steel garbage can is always a necessity. Don’t forget to also get some trash bags.
29. Blender
If you’re the type of person who likes making your own smoothies, a blender is an essential tool in your kitchen.
Check out the NutriBullet and start easily making delicious and nutritious fruit or green smoothies in less than a minute.
30. Cabinet Organizers
Hate messy cabinets? You’ll want to check out different types of cabinet organizers for all of your pots, pans, and dishes in your pantry.
31. Drawer Organizers
Keep your cutlery and cooking utensils tidy and neat with this kitchen tray organizer.
32. Hand Towel
Decorate your kitchen with your very own personalized kitchen hand towel.
33. Coasters
Make sure you’re protecting your dining room table with this beautiful coaster set when you’re eating.
34. Reusable Straws
If you love drinking iced drinks at home, invest in a set of reusable metal straws. It even comes with a handy little cleaning brush.
35. Soap Dispenser
Love a minimalistic home? This hand soap and dish soap dispenser make a beautiful addition to any kitchen.
Have you snagged your printable first home essentials checklist yet? If not, get yours now.
More First Home Essentials
- 30 First Apartment Bedroom Essentials
- 20 Must-Have Bathroom Essentials
- 35 Essential Cleaning Supplies For Your First Home
- 17 Living Room & Dining Room Essentials
- 35 Useful Household Tools & Safety Items
What is on your list of kitchen necessities for your first apartment?