Guest Picks: The Well-Stocked Starter Kitchen

If I think back 15 years to my very first apartment, the sheer enormity of nothing in my cupboards would take my foodie breath away. Two plates, two bowls, four cups, a handful of silverware, a skillet, one pot and — well, that was about it.

Part of the reason I had such a sparse kitchen was because I didn’t need much; it was just me (and my cat). I also had no idea what I needed, because I wasn’t much of a cook at the time. A list like this would have been helpful to my twentysomething self! — Liza from (a)Musing Foodie

Reston Lloyd Enamel/Steel Colander, Lemon - $15.99Whether you're draining pasta, freshly washed greens or ground beef, a colander is your best friend.


10-Piece Glass Bowl Set - $29.95Glass mixing bowls always come in handy. I love them!


Paula Deen Signature Wood Tools 2-Piece Solid Spoon Set - $14.99Wooden spoons are one of my favorite kitchen essentials.


Wilton Easy-Flex Silicone Spatulas, Set of 3 - $9.52A set of silicone spatulas is so handy. I use the biggest one several times a week and have found that it’s especially good for tasks like flipping omelets.


Taylor Commercial Waterproof Instant-Read Thermometer - $14.99An instant-read thermometer has so many uses in the kitchen, for both hot and cold foods.


Oxo Good Grips Box Grater With Storage - $17.99A sturdy grater can be used for so many things: cheese, veggies, even zesting. Using one with a measuring cup built in can save a lot of time (and prevent messes).


Wusthof Classic Cooks Knife, Stainless Steel, Black, 6-Inch - $99.95No properly stocked kitchen is complete without a really good chef’s knife. This one knife can do practically all the work.Buy


Calphalon Contemporary 17-Piece Knife Block Set - $199.99A set of knives (that includes steak knives) is superhandy. This one comes with a large chef’s knife, but investing in an additional chef’s knife or santoku knife is worth it. And if you get a set that comes in a block, make sure the slots are sideways so that the blades don’t get dull.


Martha Stewart Collection Sheesham Wood Cutting Board - $44.99A big wooden cutting board is essential. Also get a dishwasher-safe plastic one for meats.


Oxo Good Grips Utility Cutting Board - $14.99I love my Oxo cutting boards. I have two of them. They’re small, dishwasher safe and perfect for chopping veggies or slicing meat.


Pyrex Measuring Cup - $4.49In my book, Pyrex measuring cups are where it’s at. They can stand hot liquids, can go in the microwave and have such a classic look. All three sizes are useful, but if you get only one, make sure it’s the 2-cup size.


All-Clad Measuring Cups, Set of 5 - $49.99Someone gave me this set of All-Clad measuring cups as a birthday present, and I use them daily. They can even withstand a stove burner — it’s like having a set of mini pots!


Culinary Institute of America 6-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set - $21.99Simple stainless steel measuring spoons are a must in any kitchen. And they’ll last forever.


Calphalon Unison Nonstick 8-Piece Cookware Set - $499.95Even though stainless pots and pans have their place, nonstick cookware is good for a starter kitchen. I love my Calphalon set.Buy


Kevin Dundon 6-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set - $89.99Having a stainless pot or two is a must — especially for things that require using a handheld mixer, like mashed potatoes (which I always mix in the pot).


Calphalon Silicone Pot Holder - $9.99I love my Calphalon silicone pot holder even more than oven mitts. Buy at least two!


Nylon Head Tongs, Set of 2 - $7.99I use my tongs every day for everything from flipping skillet-fried meats to tossing pasta. They will be your best friend in the kitchen.


Chefs Flexible Nylon Spatulas, Gray, Set of 3 - $13.95Spatulas are great for egg flipping and pancake turning, and also for things like serving pieces of cake, casserole or pie. Having different sizes at the ready is very convenient.


Food Network Stainless Steel Spoon Rest - $16.99A spoon rest keeps the counters cleaner. This is a good thing.


Cuisinart 6-Quart 3-in-1 Multicooker Cook Central - $159If you don’t have a slow cooker, you must buy one. And don’t skimp on the size!Buy


Viv White Wine Glasses, Set of 8 - $34.95A set of simple white wineglasses will be enough to please everyone — even if true wine snobs are used to a red wineglass.


Libbey Polaris 16-Piece Glassware Set - $24.99Sometimes you need a small glass; at other times a large glass is necessary. This set of plain, clear glasses in a couple of different sizes makes things easy.


Williams-Sonoma Open Kitchen Dinner Plates, Set of 4 - $24A starter kitchen doesn’t need fancy dinnerware, just everyday white dishes. I love my set from Williams-Sonoma. Actually, I prefer a sturdy, nonembellished plate in general.


Everyday Mug - $2.95Plain white mugs will go great with the simple everyday plates.


Williams-Sonoma Pantry Cereal/Soup Bowls, Set of 6 - $29.95I love, love, love my Williams-Sonoma pantry bowls.


Oneida Everdine 45-Piece Stainless Steel Silverware Set - $89.99Silverware isn’t the most fun item to shop for, but you’ll need a good set.


Cuisinart Stainless Steel Teakettle - $74.99Even if you already have a microwave, you’ll find that having a teakettle to boil water is really convenient. And you don’t have to get fancy; keep it simple.


Bodum Chambord 12-Cup Glass Shiny Coffee Press - $59.95If you’ve never had a French press before, now’s the time! I think it’s the best kitchen accessory for coffee drinkers or for those who entertain coffee drinkers.

Next: 10 Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Feel BiggerBuy

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