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Kitchen Essentials For Your First Home

Kitchen Essentials For Your First Home

Kitchen Essentials For Your First Home

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Whether you’re opening a new short-term rental, bought a new house, or just really wanting to start fresh and start over in the kitchen, we got you. After several years, we’ve stocked many kitchens and we’ll let you in on what really is a basic essential and exactly what to get!

Related: The Ultimate First Apartment Checklist

modern kitchen What Are Kitchen Basics

The first real question you’re probably wondering is what exactly is a “basic.” We’re talking tools and gadgets, all the “STUFF.” Whether you prefer frozen pizzas or love to cook gourmet meals, there are some gadgets and tools that should be in every kitchen! Your favorite mug and one trusty plate are not going to cut it, and no, you can’t eat everything with your favorite spoon!

Kitchen Essentials for Your First Home

Let’s start with the most obvious items and work backward!

Pots and Pans 

The brand and type of cookware depend on your budget and how much you cook. However, I highly recommend getting a set, so you have a variety of sizes! 

Amazon Basics Non-Stick Cookware Set

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Professional Set

Bakeware

Trust me, you’ll need more than just one cookie sheet! Again I suggest getting a set of different sizes!

Amazon Basics Non-Stick Oven Bakeware

Farberware Non-Stick Steel Bakeware

Dishware

Cupboard shelves of glasses, plates, and coffee cups This is where you can get creative and show your style! Again, the more sets, the better. It’ll either mean you don’t have to run your dishwasher as often because you ran out, or you’ll have plenty of matching sets when guests come over. Oh, and don’t forget to make sure your set is dishwasher and microwave safe!

Stone Lain Coupe Dinnerware Set

Amazon Basics Dinnerware Set

Glasses

More opportunities to show your style! We recommend getting both short and tall glasses!

16 Piece Tumbler and Rocks Glass Set

Vintage Glassware Set

Mugs

If you didn’t get a dinnerware set that includes mugs, grab a couple of matching sets. If you’re anything like me you have a bunch of random mugs from travel or with cute sayings, but it’ll be good to have matching ones for guests!

Glass Mug Set

Porcelain Mug Set

Eating Utensils

: Kitchen counter with knife block and cutting boards on it. You’ll want extras, trust me! 

Silverware Cutlery Flatware Set

Bottle Opener & Corkscrew

Always keep them handy and always have a backup!

Magnetic Bottle Opener Set

Wine Opener Set

Cooking Utensils

If you still haven’t caught on, we are ALLL about the sets….

Nylon Cooking Utensil Set

Cooking Utensils Set

Strainer/Colander

Stainless Steel Colander

Collapsible Colander Set

Silverware Organizer

This is a necessity! Make sure you measure your drawer!

Bamboo Silverware Organizer

Silverware and Flatware Organizer

First home? When you’re ready for design tips for your new place, contact Nestrs – we’re obsessed with this stuff! 

Ice Cube Trays

Even if your fridge has an icemaker, we highly suggest getting back up ice cube trays. If you’re having a get-together, you don’t want to run out!

4 Pack Ice Cube Tray

Paper Towel Holder

To each their own, but just setting the roll on the counter isn’t cute…

Basic Paper Towel Holder

Related: The Best Kitchen Ceiling Light Fixtures For Your Home

Storage Containers and Plastic Bags

Personally, I feel like I am always running out of food storage containers. Whether you’re storing leftovers, packing a lunch, or bringing cookies to a potluck, you’ll want plenty of containers in different sizes!

Food Storage Containers with Lids

Glass Food Storage Set

Measuring Utensils

If measuring utensils aren’t included in your cooking utensil set, make sure you add them to the list. I would get both dry and liquid measuring utensils!

Glass Liquid Measuring Cups

Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

Grater

Works for grating and zesting!

5 Piece Grater Set

Juicer

Even if you’re not into juicing, it’s still good to have a little handheld citrus juicer!

Manual Citrus Juice Presser

Vegetable Peeler

Check your utensil set but make sure you have one!

Mixing Bowls

Mixing bowls can double as serving bowls! Make sure to get (you guessed it) a set of different sizes.

Glass Mixing Bowls

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

Cutting Board

Personally, I like having two different sets, one basic and another that’s cute and can be used for appetizers and a charcuterie board!

Basic Set of 3 Cutting Boards

Bamboo Cutting Board Set

Sharp Knives

Speaking from experience, a single sharp knife can not, in fact, be used for everything. 

AmazonBasics Knife Set

Cuisinart Knife Set

Coffee Maker

This choice is yours! Personally, I like to make a regular pot of coffee but if you like single-serve pods, go for it. Or you can even get a coffee maker with both options like the one below!

Hamilton Beach Flexbrew

Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker

Kettle

If you’re an avid tea drinker, you may want something fancier. If not, at least get a basic kettle. 

Whistling Tea Kettle

Can Opener

You’ll thank me later!

KitchenAid Classic Can Opener

Toaster

This is a hot debate. (ha, get it) But, I think a toaster oven is WAY better than a simple toaster, you decide!

Cuisinart Compact Toaster

Black and Decker Toaster Oven

Microwave

Maybe I should’ve moved this higher on the list, but if you don’t have one already, IT’S A MUST!

Toshiba Microwave Oven

ZLINE Convection Microwave

Blender

Smoothies, Soups, Margaritas?

Hamilton Beach Blender

Trash Can

No explanation is needed!

Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Trash Can

Recycling Bin

Don’t forget a recycling bin! Be sure to check your local recycling guidelines to see what is acceptable! If you’re short on space, maybe try a can with two sides, one for trash and the other for recycling.

Double-Sided Trash and Recycling Can

Dish Towels

When buying dish towels, some things to keep in mind are, are they absorbent or decorative and easy to clean? Here are some of our favorites!

Utopia Dish Towels

Waffle Weave Dish Cloths

Set of 4 Kitchen Towels

Dish Drying Rack

You could try one that goes over the sink or a rack beside your sink!

Dish Drying Rack

Roll Up Over the Sink Rack

Broom

I love this type of broom for a quick clean-up!

Standup Broom and Dustpan

Mop

We are all about simple and easy, but think about getting a mop that is washable! This will save you a ton of money in the long run!

Spin Mop

Microfiber Spray Mop

Vacuum Cleaner

A vacuum can, of course, be used all over the house but is great to keep close to the kitchen! For crumbs and quick cleanup consider a small handheld vacuum.

Eureka Full Size Vacuum

Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Bucket

One of those things you’ll thank yourself for getting when you need it!

Casabella 4 Gallon Bucket

Related: How to Choose Affordable High-End Kitchen Appliances

Final Thoughts

Did we forget anything? Did we mention an item you hadn’t thought of? What are your kitchen basics? Let us know!

Thinking about renovating, design, or even short-term rentals? We’re your ultimate resource! Check out Nestrs today. 

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