Things You Need in Your Kitchen

When us college students actually go to the kitchen to make a meal, our grub tends to fall within the four basic college scrub food groups: leftovers, coffee, ramen, and booze. Now we may be considered lazy or too busy, but if you know how to stock your kitchen right, you might just let your inner chef come out!



Now come on, lets be real, the average college student most likely can't afford all of these things, but I'm just here to tell you the things that help your kitchen feel like you're at home. This list is ideal for people getting their first apartment and have no idea how to stock the kitchen.


You Should Have

• Coffeemaker
• Dish rack
• Manual can opener
• Microwave
• Toaster oven
• Timer (many ovens and microwaves have them built in)
• Blender

Preparing/Cooking

• Cutting Board *
• Cheese grater
• Cookie Sheet**
• Colander (skip the strainer - the big one is more important)
• Garlic press
• Kitchen shears
• Knives***
• 6-inch chef's knife
• Serrated bread knife
• Measuring spoons
• Meat tenderizer
• Glass measuring cup for liquids
• Measuring cups for dry ingredients (you can go without them)
• Microwave safe dish
• Mixing bowls+
• Muffin pan
• Pastry brush
• Pots and Pans
• Small saucepan
• Large saucepan
• Large stockpot
• Large roasting pan
• 9x9 inch baking pan
• Cast iron skillet (cooking juices and greese sink in, adding flavor)
• Rubber spatula
• Stirring spoons
• Slotted spoon
• Tongs
• Vegetable peeler
• Wire whisk

Serving

• Bottle opener
• Corkscrew
• Salad tongs
• Serving fork and spoon
• 2 large bowls (for pasta, soup, or salad) - ideally with lids
• 2 small bowls (for side dishes and condiments)
• Large tray (for serving meats)
• Soup ladle
• Salt and pepper mill

To avoid needing many serving pieces, just put everything on your plates before sitting to eat. This is also a great way to control proportions. 

Storing

• Wine stoppers
• Plastic wrap, wax paper, aluminum foil, and plastic storage bags
• Assorted plastic storage containers (go with one brand so you don't have trouble matching fitting lids)

Extra to Have Around

• Kitchen scale
• Vegetable brush
• Lemon zester
• Citrus reamer or hand juice
• Meat thermometer 

TIPS: 

• * It is suggested that wood is better than plastic. Wood contains properties that help kill bacteria. The one downside to wood is that you can't just toss it in the dishwasher, make sure to hand wash it.
• ** A silpat goes over your cookie sheet and really truly helps from sticking. Find on on amazon.com
• *** Don't put your knives in the dishwasher - it dulls them.
• +Plastic bowls are easier to lift, but if you can't afford them, buy ceramic bowls that can double as serving dishes.