Must-Have Items for a Ready-to-Go Kitchen
Now that you’re a homeowner (or about to be one), you’ll need to lay in some important items that you may not have considered when you either lived with roommates who handled the day-to-day workings of the household or with your family. There are so many things that you would just reach for, never thinking about where they came from or how they got there.
In this series of blog posts, we’re going to talk about some of the everyday things you use all the time, but won’t be provided when you purchase a new home. You’ll need to put aside some additional cash around closing time – not just to get through the closing process itself, but also to outfit your new place. Today we’re going to talk about the essential items every fully functional kitchen needs to operate efficiently. We’ve skipped the obvious items like glasses, dishes and flatware – these are items that make cooking and baking a joy rather than a chore!
- Good knives – Don’t buy the cheapest ones you can find… this is one tool where it pays to have the very best!
- Cutting board
- A set of good pots and pans – Like the knives, spend a little more here. Quality counts!
- Tongs
- Spoons – Wooden, serving, slotted, measuring and solid
- Ladle
- Whisk
- Corkscrew
- Spatulas
- Kitchen shears
- Nesting bowls
- Measuring cups
- Funnel
- Strainer or colander
- A set of basic bakeware – cookie sheets and cookie cutters, cake and pie pans, muffin tins, a loaf pan and a large roasting pan
- Pyrex or glass casserole dish
- Rolling pin
- Blender
- Food processor or chopper
- Can opener
- Salt & pepper shakers
- Grater
- Vegetable peeler
- Oven mitts or hot pads
- Kitchen thermometer
- Timer
- Cooling rack
- Electric mixer – hand-held or stand type
- Toaster
- Coffee maker
- Teakettle
- Wine rack
- Crock-Pot
- Hand towels
- Dishcloths
- Cutlery divider – to keep your silverware drawer neat
- Dish drying rack
- Storage containers – essential for leftovers
- Dry goods canisters – for flour, sugar, coffee and tea
- Fire extinguisher
If this comprehensive list makes dollar signs dance before your eyes, don’t worry. For many of these items, you can buy low-budget. With the exception of the items above where we state that quality matters, it’s easy to find gadgets, gizmos and tools for next to nothing. Dollar stores, deep discount stores and thrift stores are excellent sources for essential kitchen items.
If you’re still designing or selecting finishes for your new home, don’t forget that our Design Studio offers guidance and inspiration for creating a kitchen you’ll love. You can often find “good as new” small kitchen appliances, cookware and bakeware at thrift stores or online marketplaces at a deep discount from their original prices.
And don’t forget a first aid kit! It’s crucial to have this handy item nearby in case of an accident or injury.
Still searching for the perfect home or kitchen layout? Explore our available floor plans or browse our new home communities. If you have questions or need help during your home-buying journey, feel free to contact our team.
So… now that your kitchen is outfitted and ready to go… when are you inviting me to dinner?
