This post is going to be a bit different from the usual. I just moved into my apartment this past weekend (but came back home for my friend’s wedding and will be officially moving out the first), so I thought it’d be fun to compile a list of my kitchen necessities. Moving out, I realized that there’s plenty of accessories that you take for granted, like a can opener or kitchen towels. You kind of forget they’re there because they always have been. Does that even make any sense?
Moving out gave me an empty palette; Start from scratch and buy everything that I need in order to furnish my own kitchen. Here’s a list of the basics that made it into my kitchen:
Rubbermaid 24 Piece Container Set:: This is something I never would have remembered if it wasn’t for seeing a steal online. Where else would you store leftovers?
Pyrex Measuring Cup:: Used for every recipe in the kitchen, pyrex measuring cups are my favorite because they’re durable, made out of glass (no leftover residue, smells, or grease!), and have bold, red lines that are easy to read.
Corelle Dishes:: This set above is actually the exact set I bought online for my kitchen. Since my kitchen’s theme color was going to be a “Tiffany” blue, these fit right in. Corelle dishes are also a favorite because they’re shatter resistant, lightweight, and last forever. I’ve never had any other brand of dishes in my household besides Corelle and that’s for a dang good reason. I can’t tell you how many plates my family have dropped! Good thing they don’t break easily… unless you’re using a hammer or really trying. Plus, since I’ll be living with my boyfriend (who isn’t exactly the most coordinated person, on earth), these will survive. I bought mine from Walmart online and had them shipped to store for free. I’ve found that Walmart has the best selection of Corelle dishes.
Nordic Ware Baking Sheet:: I’ve used many baking sheets before, but these aluminum pans are the ones I have had the best luck with. They evenly bake my cookies with no burnt bottoms or sides. I actually bought these pans in 2 different sizes so that I could bake/cook different sized items.
Silpat Sheets:: Siplat sheets are a lifesaver in the kitchen. They keep your mess from getting all over the place, protect your sheets, and are quite versatile when you need more counter space. They wash easily and can withstand a lot of abuse. Plus, they come in a ton of different sizes to fit your needs.
KitchenAid 17 Piece Starter Set:: Well, this one’s pretty self explanatory. All the stuff you need to cook with in one pack. How convenient.
KitchenAid Knife Set:: Hey, you have to cut stuff up sometimes, too.
Cuisinart Stainless Steel 7 Piece Cookware Set:: I really don’t know anything about pots and pans because this isn’t my speciality, but you definitely need some in a bare kitchen.
Farberware Bamboo Cutting Board:: I’ve always been a fan of bamboo cutting boards over the regular plastic ones. They’re easier to clean, less greasy, and look nicer. Done deal.
Keurig Machine:: I actually got this as a gift for Christmas from my DB’s mom and it’s one of the greatest inventions ever. Sure, it’s a little pricy, but it’s totally worth it. For just my DB and I, there’s no need to make a whole pot of coffee…. one cup will do just fine. Annnndddd, they have a ton of different flavors to please everyone! My personal favorites are the Cafe Mocha (which tastes just like a dark hot chocolate) and Chai Tea Latte.
Black & Decker Toast-R Oven:: I’ve always had a toaster oven in my house and my DB never did until he met me. I personally don’t understand how people can live without one. They’re so convenient! Crisp up some cold pizza, toast your entire sandwich, or make some french bread without wasting all the gas to turn on your oven.
KitchenAid Artisan 5 Quart Series:: And of course… we have the Kitchenaid. How can any kitchen live without one? It’s made my life so much easier. Since my mom wanted to keep the other Kitchenaid I had, I bought a new ice blue one for myself… to go with the kitchen, of course! I did a lot of research debating between the Artisan and the Professional series, but I ended up with the Artisan again because of the price and the quality. Apparently there really isn’t that much of a difference between the Professional mixer and the Artisan one.
Is there anything that I missed/must have? What’s your favorite kitchen item? Feel free to shout them out in the comments!
Love it. I just made a page about things I want for when my fiance and I get our own house. Since we’re talking about kitchen items, some of the ones I listed were pot clip spoon rests, touchscreen recipe reader, toaster/oven combo and a touch20 tech. kitchen faucet. If you want to see what everything is, you can see it at http://www.squidoo.com/My-Housewarming-Wish-List You’ve given me so many more ideas, though! I really love those plates. <3 Thanks!! 🙂
Hmm, a rolling pin, perhaps? And a cheese grater. Thermometer? (My roommates moved out recently with all our kitchen stuff, these are some of the things I’ve re-bought…)
You gotta have a pizza stone and peel. Assuming you like homemade pizza 🙂
I second the cheese grater, thermometer and rolling pin!
I have to have a food processor, stock pot, and an apron =P
I went from not having no, or very low quality cooking tools at my dad’s house, to a plethora of things when I moved in with my boyfriend. I like to joke that his kitchen it was really got me 😉
I have to say: a food processor. I use it to make almond meal for my macarons.
P.S. I read your blog religiously, but this is my first time commenting. 🙂
A blender is always a good thing, but we are addicted to smoothies so might be biased.
A slow cooker can be useful, especially in winter and when you feel lazy.
Congrats on the move! I am looking forward to new recipes that you post from your new kitchen!
i have the same kitchen aid and love it. i got the blender in the same color and they look so cute together. such a great list!
i love the tiffanyblue kitchenaid mixer! and did you know there’s a store in the camarillo outlet that sells corelle plates? as for pots, try Le Creuset. also in the camarillo outlet or you can find them at homegoods, tjmax, even macys.. a little pricey but will last you a lifetime! i love them!
I have just discovered you via pinterest. I know this post is a bit old, but you really got me with the Corelle dishes! My dad is OBSESSED with them. My parents still have the same ones they got as newly weds…40 yrs ago. Anytime my dad sees them at a yard sale or auction, he can’t resist. (too much of a good thing?!)
I just got a red Kitchenaid mixer today! I’m so excited to use it and make some pizza dough and muffins! I’ve never even used a stand mixer before!
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