12 Tried and True Kitchen Tools Every New Homeowner Needs

Setting up your first kitchen can be daunting. Between cookware, appliances, utensils and more, it's hard to know what gear is really essential when you're starting from scratch. But outfitting your kitchen doesn't have to be stressful or break the bank.

Based on personal experience equipping my first apartment kitchen on a budget, I've compiled this list of 12 indispensable kitchen tools for new homeowners. These are versatile, high-quality picks that offer great value for your money. With just these essentials, you'll be able to cook delicious meals in your new home.

Cookware Essentials

Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

A basic set of stainless steel pots and pans can handle most cooking tasks, from simmering sauces to frying eggs. Opt for a 10-12 inch skillet, a 2-3 quart saucepan with lid, and a 5-6 quart stockpot with lid. I've found tri-ply stainless steel provides even heating and good durability.

Cast Iron Skillet

Nothing beats cast iron for searing steaks or frying chicken. Cast iron skillets can go from stovetop to oven, and over time form a natural nonstick coating. A 10-12 inch size will have you covered for most recipes.

Nonstick Frying Pan

A nonstick pan is essential for cooking delicate foods like eggs and fish that tend to stick. Nonstick coatings also allow you to get away with using less oil. Again, a 10-12 inch size offers the most versatility.

Hand Tools and Utensils

Quality Knife Set

Invest in a starter set of just 3 knives - an 8" chef's knife, a 3.5" paring knife, and an 8" serrated bread knife. With these, you'll be able to chop vegetables, slice meat, and cut bread with ease. Sharp knives make prep safer and faster.

Mixing Bowls

You'll use mixing bowls constantly for combining ingredients. I'd recommend a stainless steel or heat-safe glass set of 5-6 bowls in small, medium and large sizes. They'll likely become some of your most used kitchen items.

Measuring Tools

Accurately measuring wet and dry ingredients is vital for recipe success. Pick up a set each of measuring cups and spoons, as well as an adjustable measuring cup that lets you fine-tune measurements.

Assorted Utensils

Start with a basic set of 3-4 essential utensils - a wooden spoon, rubber spatula, tongs, and ladle should cover most needs for mixing, stirring, flipping and serving. Expand your collection over time as needed.

Food Storage Essentials

Glass Storage Containers

Glass storage containers are my top pick for storing leftovers and pantry items. Glass doesn't hold onto stains or odors like plastic can. Shoot for a set of 7-10 containers in various sizes.

Reusable Food Bags

Ditch wasteful plastic bags and opt for reusable food bags for produce, sandwiches and snacks. They easily wash clean and can be used over and over again.

Beeswax Food Wrap

Swap out plastic wrap with reusable beeswax-coated cotton wraps. Create a seal around foods to keep them fresh, then wash, dry and reuse the wraps.

Essential Kitchen Appliances

Toaster Oven

A toaster oven uses less energy than a large oven when cooking smaller portions. It's perfect for quickly heating leftovers, toasting bread, and broiling foods.

Electric Kettle

An electric kettle boils water for coffee, tea, oatmeal and more in just minutes, faster than the stovetop. It's an appliance I use daily in my kitchen routine.

While not mandatory, an immersion or "stick" blender is handy for pureeing soups and sauces right in the pot. No need to transfer hot liquids to a standing blender.

Starting from a clean slate stocking your first kitchen can be daunting and costly. But focus first on nailing down the basics with versatile, durable essentials you'll use daily. Then you can build up your arsenal of more specialized tools over time. With these 12 kitchen workhorses, you'll be whipping up amazing home-cooked meals in no time.