First Apartment: All the Kitchen Essentials

Basic Equipment

Cookware Set

At the very least, you’ll need two saucepans (one small and one medium-sized), a large saucepan with two handles, and a frying pan, with their lids. Go for a stainless steel set with a thick bottom as well as a trustworthy brand that’ll stand the test of time.

Toaster Oven

If you can avoid using the big oven, you’ll save a lot of time and energy when cooking, browning, reheating and defrosting foods. There’s no need to empty out your bank account: it just needs to do the job and cook at the right temperature.

Non-Stick Frying Pan

A medium-sized model is convenient to prevent your eggs and pancakes from sticking or to cook with minimal fat. Also, look for at least one spatula—nylon, plastic or silicone—because the non-stick coating for this type of frying pan is sensitive to high heat and can be damaged by metal utensils.

Knives

You’ll need a good peeler for peeling, a paring knife (i.e., a small utility knife), a serrated bread knife and a large, good quality chef's knife that you can get professionally sharpened once a year.

Cutting Board—Wooden, Bamboo or Plastic

Choose one that’s solid and large enough to cut your ingredients easily, but not too big. It must be easy to wash in the sink. A wooden cutting board can also be used as a presentation board for cheeses, charcuteries, pizza, quiche, etc.

Baking Sheet

You’ll use it to bake cookies, roast croutons and vegetables, make oven fries and pizza, etc. It’s also very useful to slide under a dish to avoid spills in the oven (no need to scrub like crazy, that’s good!).

Mixing Bowls (Small, Medium and Large)

They must be microwave safe and pretty enough to be used as salad bowls or serving dishes. And it’s great if they have lids: it makes it easier to store their contents.

Multipurpose Colander

You’ll use it to rinse and drain fruits, vegetables, canned legumes and the inevitable pasta. Choose a model that you like (colour, plastic or metal, with 1 or 2 handles) because you’ll use it often!

Cooking and Service Utensils

You’ll need at least one ladle, one big spoon, one skimmer (slotted spoon), one wooden spoon, one flat spatula, a pair of tongs, one whisk and one scraper spatula.

Tableware and Cutlery

You should keep in your cupboards at least 4 sets of tableware that include one big and one small plate, a bowl, a fork, a spoon and a rounded knife. Steak knives are well worth the investment too, as they’re versatile and can be used both in the kitchen and at the table.

Convenient Small Accessories

The 8 accessories listed below may be small things, but you’ll be really happy to have them on hand when you need them!

Mason Jars

These multipurpose jars can be used as airtight containers for liquids, storage for dry ingredients, extra glasses for a party, etc. They’re perfect for serving desserts and having your breakfast smoothie or granoIa on the go.

Airtight Containers

They’re practical for storing food and keeping it longer. Various models are available with airtight lids, including glass ones. They’ll save you time and dishwashing if they’re safe for the freezer, microwave and even the oven.

Grater

You’ll use it for cheese, but also to grate vegetables, apples, chocolate, ginger, citrus zest, etc. Choose a robust model, ideally a four-sided grater (also known as a box grater) with different sized grating surfaces.

Can Opener

Choose a safe cut model that opens cans horizontally to avoid cuts caused by sharp edges.

Potato Masher

A stainless steel model is super convenient to mash vegetables and make mashed potatoes to rival your mother’s.

Measuring Implements

A basic set should include a measuring cup (1 cup/250 ml) with a spout for liquid ingredients, a set of measuring cups for dry ingredients and a set of measuring spoons, which are more accurate than those you use for eating.

Garlic Press

It’s not indispensable, but you’ll find it really useful.

Bottle Opener and Corkscrew

Also called a cap lifter, the bottle opener needs no introduction or explanation, just like the corkscrew, to convince you of its practicality.

Electric Devices and Small Appliances: Really Helpful in the Kitchen

Here are some useful small appliances and electric devices you can purchase gradually—or request as birthday gifts! They’ll save you a lot of time in the kitchen and make your life much easier.

Microwave Oven

It’s well worth investing a little more to get a microwave powerful enough to reheat and defrost your meals more quickly—like dad’s shepherd’s pie that he froze just for you! When you’re ready, think of the space available in your apartment, but also the dimensions of your plates.

Mini Food Processor

A compact model will help you cut vegetables, fruits and other foods in no time. You can also use it to make sauces and vinaigrette.

Electric Hand Mixer

This small device is light and compact. You’ll find it especially useful to cream butter, make cakes and muffins, beat egg whites, make whipped cream, etc.

Hand Blender or Blender Shaft

A personal blender is useful for making milk shakes, smoothies or compotes, whereas a hand blender with a blender shaft like this one is perfect for making purées, sauces and soups directly in the pot, thus avoiding dirtying more dishes. It’s also great for milk shakes and smoothies.

Large Sauté Pan or Wok

These cooking implements will allow you to make greater quantities of food and have delicious leftovers for lunches or to freeze for later use.

Salad Spinner

There are different sized models based on the storage space available. Until you’re able to get one, wring out your lettuce in a dish towel—a clean one, obviously!

Various Moulds and Pans

You’ll find different types of moulds, including muffin pans and loaf pans, that prove to be very convenient for cooking meatloaf and banana bread. If you like cake, a round springform pan with a removable bottom is also a good purchase.