As a first-time home buyer, you’ll want to make sure you have all the essentials in your kitchen.

Buying your first home can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. With so many things to consider, it can be easy to forget the small details that make a big difference in your daily life.

One of the most important rooms in your home is the kitchen, and as a first-time home buyer, it’s essential to think about the kitchen necessities you’ll need to create a functional and comfortable space.

Popular kitchen items you need

Here’s a list of common kitchen items to consider when you first move into a new home. This is a basic list to get you started, but as you start cooking and using your kitchen, you’ll likely discover other items that you need or want.

Don’t hesitate to invest in high-quality items, as they’ll make your cooking experience more enjoyable and last longer.

Here are some must-have kitchen items that every home cook should have:

Cookware and Bakeware

• Pots and pans: A good set of pots and pans, including a saucepan, a stockpot, a frying pan, and a Dutch oven, is essential for cooking a variety of dishes.
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: T-fal Signature Nonstick Cookware Set
• Baking sheets and pans: Baking sheets and pans are essential for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and more. You’ll want at least 2 baking sheets. One for savory dishes and one for sweet treats!
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet

Measuring tools

• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are important for cooking, so having a set of measuring cups and spoons is a must.
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: KitchenAid Classic Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
• Mixing bowls: A set of mixing bowls in various sizes can be used for everything from mixing ingredients to serving salads.
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl Set

Food prep equipment

• Knives: A knife set is essential to have in the kitchen. A chef’s knife for chopping, a paring knife for food and veggies, and a serrated knife for slicing bread. These are the three most essential knives for any kitchen.
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: Mercer Culinary Millennia Knife Set
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board is essential for preparing fruits, vegetables, and meats. A cutting board can be wooden or plastic.
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: Totally Bamboo Cutting Board

Appliances

• Slow cooker or Crock-Pot: A slow cooker can make it easy to prepare flavorful meals with minimal effort.
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: Crock-Pot Cook & Carry Slow Cooker
• Blender or food processor: A blender or food processor can be used for blending smoothies, pureeing soups, and much more.
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: Hamilton Beach Food Processor
• Small appliances: Toaster (Jenna’s Top Pick: Cuisinart 2-Slice Compact Toaster), coffee maker (Jenna’s Top Pick: Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Coffee Maker), and microwave (Jenna’s Top Pick: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven)
• Water purifier: A water purifier such as a Brita, makes it easier for filling up water glasses instead of using tap water or purchasing bottled water. I would recommend purchasing a pack of filter replacements as one filter only lasts 2 months.

Dishware

• Utensils: A good set of utensils, including a spatula, tongs, and slotted spoon, is essential for cooking and serving food.
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: Home Hero Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensil Set
• Silverware: A nice set of silverware including steak knives, butter knives, forks, and spoons.
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: LIANYU 20-Piece Silverware Set
• Dinnerware: Plates, bowls, and mugs for serving and eating.
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: Gibson Elite Soho Lounge Dinnerware Set
• Glassware: Drinking glasses for water, juice, and other beverages.
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: Libbey Polaris Drinking Glasses Set

Clean up equipment

• Trash can: A small kitchen trash can and bags.
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: Umbra Venti 16-Gallon Swing Top Kitchen Trash Can
• Dish towels: For wiping counters and cleaning up spills.
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: Utopia Kitchen Flour Sack Dish Towels
• Other cleaning supplies
  • Jenna’s Top Pick: Lysol All Purpose Cleaner, Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge, Bounty Quick-Size Paper Towels

These are just a few of the must-have kitchen items that every home cook should have.

Having the right kitchen tools and supplies can make cooking and meal preparation much easier and more enjoyable.

With these tools and supplies, you’ll be well-equipped to prepare a wide variety of delicious meals in your own kitchen.

Where to look for kitchen items

There are many places you can look for kitchen supplies, both in-store and online. Here are some options to consider:

1. Department stores: Large department stores such as Walmart, Target, and Macy’s carry a wide selection of kitchen supplies, including cookware, bakeware, small appliances, and dinnerware.
2. Kitchenware stores: Specialty kitchenware stores, such as Sur La Table, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Williams-Sonoma, carry a large selection of high-quality kitchen supplies and appliances.
3. Online retailers: Online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, Facebook Marketplace, and Overstock offer a wide variety of kitchen supplies and often have competitive prices.
4. Secondhand stores: Thrift stores, consignment shops, and garage sales can be a great source of gently used kitchen supplies at a fraction of the cost.
5. Wholesale clubs: Wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club offer bulk items at discounted prices, including cookware, small appliances, and dishware.

No matter where you shop, it’s a good idea to compare prices and read reviews to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

And don’t forget to measure your kitchen and cabinets before purchasing larger items like cookware sets or appliances to ensure they’ll fit.

How to wash used kitchen items

When you buy used kitchen items, it’s important to clean them thoroughly before using them.

Check out my Amazon Kitchen Must Haves: Cleaning Supplies for a full list of cleaning tools and products for your kitchen!

Here’s how to wash used kitchen items:

• Dishware: Wash dishes, glasses, and silverware in hot soapy water or in the dishwasher. For especially dirty or greasy items, you may need to soak them in hot soapy water for a few minutes before washing them.
• Cookware: Wash pots and pans with hot soapy water, using a scrubber or sponge to remove any buildup. For cast iron, be gentle and avoid using harsh chemicals or steel wool, as these can damage the surface.
• Bakeware: Wash baking sheets, muffin tins, and cake pans with hot soapy water, using a scrubber or sponge to remove any food residue. For tougher buildup, you can soak the bakeware in hot soapy water for a few minutes before washing.
• Small appliances: Wipe down small appliances like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers with a damp cloth, being sure to remove any crumbs or debris. For more thorough cleaning, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Utensils: Wash utensils like spatulas, slotted spoons, and tongs in hot soapy water. For tougher food residue, you may need to soak the utensils in hot soapy water for a few minutes before washing.

After washing, be sure to rinse the items thoroughly and dry them completely before using them.

This will help ensure that your used kitchen items are clean and ready for use in your home.

How to organize all your kitchen supplies

Organizing your kitchen supplies can make cooking and meal preparation much easier and more efficient.

Check out my Kitchen Storage Ideas and Kitchen Organization Ideas for a full list of storage tools and organization hacks for your kitchen!

Here are some tips for organizing your kitchen supplies:

• Assess your space: Take a look at your kitchen cabinets, drawers, and countertops to determine how much storage space you have and what needs to be organized.
• Group similar items: Store items that are used together, such as pots and pans, in the same location. Group spices together, and store baking sheets near your oven.
• Use drawer organizers: Drawer organizers can be helpful for separating utensils, flatware, and other small items.
• Hang items on the wall: Utensil holders, pot racks, and hooks can help free up counter and cabinet space and make items easier to access.
• Store items in clear containers: Clear containers can make it easy to see what you have and keep things organized. You can use them for storing dried goods like pasta and cereal, as well as baking supplies like flour and sugar.
• Label everything: Labeling items can help you keep track of what you have and make it easier to find what you need. Check out these nifty storage labels.
• Make use of vertical space: Use stackable containers and shelf risers to maximize vertical space in your cabinets and pantry.
• Rotate items: Make sure to rotate your supplies, especially items like spices and condiments, to ensure they’re being used before they expire.

Remember, the key to organizing your kitchen supplies is to find a system that works for you and your space.

With a little effort and some creativity, you can have an organized and efficient kitchen in no time.

Comment your questions and experiences below! We would love to hear your insights!

Until next time…

Cheers Lovelies!