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First Apartment Kitchen Must-Haves (All Under $25)
21
items Affordable, renter-friendly picks to set up your first kitchen without overspending.
Sections
4
Cooking basics
Small appliances
Cleaning up
Worth-the-Stretch Upgrades
Cooking basics
Inexpensive kitchen basics to get you set up in your first kitchen
Two versatile pans for eggs, stir-fries, and quick meals. 4.5 stars on reviews
T-fal 2pc Frying Pan Set,~$20
A classic! Perfect for pasta, soups, oatmeal for one.
Farberware 2-Quart Classic Stainless Steel Saucepan With Lid ~$22
A little bigger than the 2-quart model. Better for cooking pastas, or for making dinner for two.
Farberware Millennium 3 Qt Sauce Pan with Lid ~$25
4.8 rated on 40K+ reviews. Sharp, sturdy, and the only knife most beginners need. Skip the big set and grab this one.
Mercer Culinary Millennia 8" Chef Knife - ~$18
Get the set of glass casserole dishes with lids and with the one with the handles. So much easier for getting out of the oven and carrying. Can also use the smaller sizes for storing leftovers.
Pyrex 6pc Bake and Store Set
I've had these for nearly 10 years and they are so good, I bought a second set. Don't skip a good knife set like these!
Victorinox Swiss Army 4in Classic Paring Knife
Get a set of cutting boards with different color handles – designate one as your fruit and veggie board and another as your meat board. That way you prevent cross-contamination.
GORILLA GRIP Cutting Board Set of 3 ~$22
These double as a cutting board and a charcuterie board if you are serving guests (or just having girl dinner).
Acacia Wood Cutting Board/Charcuterie Boards
Get an inxpensive set of measuring spoons and cups. You can always add more later if you need them. I prefer metal to plastic (fewer microplastics, plus I think sticky things like honey release better from metal).
Magnetic Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
I like wood and silicone tools for cooking. Get a large inexpensive set like this one to start. When you figure out what you actually use every day, you can upgrade.
Grab these before moving day - you'll thank me later!
Grab these before moving day - you'll thank me later!
10pc Wood and Silicone Tool Set - Room Essentials™
Easy to use and holds up well. Plus you can pick a color to match your kitchen design. Don't waste your time on cheaper options!
KitchenAid Classic Can & Bottle Opener Black
Oven-safe, durable, and perfect for veggies, cookies, or reheating leftovers. Worth having at least 2 of these in your kitchen!
Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet: Aluminum Rimmed Baking Sheet, Hand Wash, Oven-Safe, 17.9" x 12.9"
Small appliances
Small appliances to get you started in the kitchen.
Love this French press for busy mornings or when I'm running late. You can take it in the car with you while it's brewing and push the plunger on the go! Also good for brewing loose leaf teas.
Bodum
Simple, functional little toaster. And cute enough to leave on the counter.
bella PRO - 2-Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots - Oatmilk
Works well for smoothies and comes in a few colors.
Hamilton Beach Personal Blender for Smoothies with Travel Lid, 14 oz, White - Walmart.com
Cleaning up
Staying on top of messes keeps your kitchen running smoothly – especially if you don't have a lot of space!
Great little collapsable dish rack. Works well in a household of 1 and folds away when counter space is at a premium.
Kitchen Details Collapsible Dish Rack 22959
Cute and functional towels, washcloths, and pot holders to get your kitchen started.
The Big One® 7-pc. Colorblock Kitchen Towel, Dishcloth, Oven Mitt & Pot Holder Set
Love the fragrance of this dish soap!
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Honeysuckle Scent Liquid Dish Soap - 16 fl oz
Worth-the-Stretch Upgrades
If you can stretch your budget a bit, here are a few items that are worth it.
I have has this knife for over a decade. Cheaper knives have come and gone, but this knife has never let me down.
Victorinox 45520 Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef's Knife
For a little more money, you can get a quality set of frying pans designed to stand up to heavy use.
Choice 3-Piece Aluminum Fry Pan Set - 8", 10", and 12" Frying Pans
This sheet pan comes with a lid. Great for transporting baked goods or for leaving a sheet cake out on the kitchen counter.
Nordic Ware Naturals® Baker's Half Sheet Pan with Lid