Equip your kitchen like a pro! Discover essential tools and gadgets with our First Apartment Kitchen Essentials guide.
In this post, you will find all the essentials for your first apartment kitchen.
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Moving to your new apartment? Congratulations!
Decorating your new kitchen is exciting but overwhelming at the same time, especially when you’re a college student!
Most people usually think about furniture and decor when setting up a new apartment, but you might not realize you’re missing an important kitchen item until you’re halfway through cooking.
That’s why, when I moved in, I made sure to focus on the must-have kitchen essentials for my first apartment—you just can’t ignore them; they’re that important.
So I came up with the perfect and budget-friendly kitchen essentials list that everyone needs.
The cool thing is, you can just start with a few must-haves and grab anything else as you go, so you don’t end up buying stuff you don’t really need!
We’ll cover all the kitchen gadgets that you need, from plates to forks and spoons, cleaning gear, rags, organizers, pots, pans, and whatever else you might need.
First Apartment Kitchen Essentials
1. Basic Utensils
There are so many utensils you need in your first apartment kitchen for Cooking and serving utensils, such as these, are also a must: Spatula, whisk, and large serving spoon.. But I’d say go for a whole set because it’s usually cheaper that way. You might not use everything every day, but it’s good to have them just in case you need something unexpectedly.
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2. Mugs & glasses
I don’t think anything can replace regular glasses, but you don’t need to splurge on fancy ones. I got the same glass cups when I moved in, and they’re of good quality. I highly recommend them!
Just grab a few, and if you have guests, you can always add more.
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3. Bowls & plates
Plates and bowls are essential, they’re non-negotiable! When you’re moving in, always go for a quality set that’s budget-friendly.
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4. Silverware Set
When it comes to silverware, just keep it simple when you move to a new place. Get a basic set that covers all your dining needs without any fuss.
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5. Sharp Knives
Cooking can be a challenge without a sharp knife; it’s one of the most versatile tools in your kitchen.
Using dull knives makes you press harder, and that means any slip could be seriously bad news, so just be careful!
Initially, you only need two sharp ones, but investing in a set is still a smart decision.
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6. Cutting Boards
Hey, don’t forget about cutting boards—please don’t chop your food directly on your countertops; that’s a big no! Go for the sturdy cutting boards, and I don’t recommend the wooden ones for hygienic reasons.
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7. Vegetable Peeler
Unless you’re an expert whittler,you need a vegetable peeler. It’s essential for your first apartment’s kitchen.
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8. Trash Can
This may be easily missed, but it’s a must-have.Grab a cute one that won’t clash with your kitchen’s decor.
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9. Lemon Squeezer
There’s a range of choices for a lemon squeezer, including handheld and stainless steel options. It’s a crucial gadget for your kitchen.
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10. Pan Set
You need a good set of pans to begin with! Start with something budget-friendly and upgrade later if you want.
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11. Grater & Zester
Perfect for sprinkling Parmesan on your pasta or zesting a lime for a homemade dressing. These are the gadgets you realize are super handy when you actually need them.
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12. Pot Holder & Oven Mitts
You gotta have potholders or oven mitts in every kitchen. Place hot pans on them to keep your countertops safe or to shield your hands. They’re really budget-friendly, so make sure they’re on your list of must-haves for your first apartment kitchen essentials.
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13. Strainer
These strainers are ideal for kitchens with limited storage. Whether it’s pasta or veggies, you get to choose how to use them.
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14. Garlic Press
Garlic is tasty, but chopping it can be a sticky hassle. A garlic press makes it easy, avoiding the annoyance of picking out pesky garlic skin from the diced pile.
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15. Mixing Bowls
Stainless steel is an excellent and durable option, and I highly recommend it. They’re pretty enough to use to serve salad or for baking.
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16. Dish Towels
You should use absorbent dish towels for your dishes; choose ones that are absorbent.
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17. Cleaning Rags
You also need kitchen towels! They’re super useful for wiping down counters, tables, and even glass windows. Trust me, it’s a good deal.
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18. Bakeware
If you enjoy baking in your oven, a baking set is a must for your first apartment kitchen. From bread to pizza, baking is absolutely crucial.
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19. Rolling Pin
If you’re not a fan of using a glass bottle, a wooden rolling pin comes in handy for crafting a tasty pizza crust or a delicious pie.
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20. Ice Cube Trays
If your freezer doesn’t already have them, make sure to grab a couple of ice cube trays.
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21. Coffee Maker
This is ideal if you’re living alone or on a tight budget, especially for college students. Brewing your coffee at home is a clever choice.
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22. Blender
If you don’t use a blender frequently, opt for a more affordable one. Personally, I use mine every day; it’s great for smoothies or soups.
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23. Trash Bags
Make sure to get plenty of trash bags; they can last you a good while.
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24. Sponges
You need sponges for both dishes and cleaning—just keep track and change them regularly.
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25. Dish Soap
Dish soap (and dishwasher detergent, if you have one) are essential for your first kitchen apartment.
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26. Cleaning Solution
Grab an All Purpose Cleaner when you’re moving in. It works for everything.
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27. Broom & Swiffer
A broom is perfect for reaching tight spots and cleaning your kitchen floor. offers a fun alternative to the traditional mop and bucket method.
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28. Dish rack
If you don’t have a dishwasher, a solid dish rack makes your dishes dry quicker and saves space.
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29. Food storage containers / wraps
Throw your leftovers in clear containers so you can easily see what’s in there. Bonus: Those containers work great for meal prep. And don’t forget, plastic wrap is super handy for keeping things neat and fresh.
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30. Silverware Organizer
If your apartment lacks a silverware organizer, you definitely need one. It keeps your silverware in place and is easy to clean.
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31. Salt And Pepper Shakers
Even if you’re not big on cooking or rarely do it, having salt and pepper shakers is still a must.
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32. Measuring Cups And Spoons
Even if you’re a fan of “eyeballing,” measuring cups and spoons are essential in the kitchen. They’re crucial for beginners learning to cook and are indispensable for following recipes.
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33. Toaster/Toaster Oven
A toaster is great for bagels and slices, but a toaster oven is the real MVP! It’s not just for toasting – it beats the microwave, crisps up cheese perfectly, roasts veggies, and more. I swear by the toaster oven – it’s super handy for everything.
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This is everything for The First Apartment Kitchen Essentials.
