Looking for the BEST budget-friendly list of kitchen essentials for first apartment? Here are 56 of the most important apartment kitchen essentials for your first apartment that you ACTUALLY need!
I know EXACTLY how hard it is to make that list of kitchen essentials for first apartment! You're thinking for hours & hours about all the stuff you have in your parents' kitchen, but can't seem to figure out what items you actually use & how much you use them.
I've been through that process! It's super tiring & just overwhelming!
However, know that I've got you!! As someone who has experienced it all & went CRAZY overboard, I'm gonna show all of the kitchen essentials that you'll actually need for your first apartment!
THE BEST LIST OF KITCHEN ESSENTIALS FOR FIRST APARTMENT
APARTMENT KITCHEN APPLIANCES
Apartment Kitchen Essentials You Actually Need
01. Microwave
I have the EXACT same microwave & absolutely LOVE it! It's been with me for over 2 years now and it's absolutely the best microwave I've ever had!
It has an output power of 1100W, which is more than enough for your everyday "cooking" & reheating needs! What I love about this microwave though, is that it has 10 power levels, which makes it easy to reheat & cook a wide variety of foods!
One negative thing about this microwave is that it's pretty big for my tiny, 292 squarefeet apartment. I managed to fit it in my above-the-fridge cabinet. But if you're not very short on space, you'll be able to store it in your cabinets or even on your countertop without a problem!
02. Toaster
This toaster is all you'll ever need for your first apartment!
This 4-slice toaster has enough room for even the biggest slices of bread! What's great about this -apart from its price, of course- is that it keeps your food warm for an extra 3 minutes without burning it to ashes, so you can prepare everything else you need for the perfect breakfast!
03. Blender
I know, I know, there are blenders that are WAAY cheaper than this one. But when it comes to price-to-value, the Beautiful Immersion Blender wins!
I have this in my tiny apartment, this was one of the first things I actually got for myself! You'll love how much flexibility it provides you with!
Not only does it come with plenty of accessories that help you make the tastiest purees, cremes & soups, but the super long cord also makes it easier for you to move around while cooking! A great deal, if you ask me!
04. Hand Mixer
One of the MOST important items on this list of kitchen essentials for first apartment is the Brentwood Lightweight Electric Hand Mixer from Walmart!
It's SUPER compact, you'll be able to fit it into the tiniest drawer spaces with ease! It's also pretty quiet, so you won't have to worry about making your new neighbors angry!
In fact, this 5-speed little mixer with a performance of 150Ws will help you make irresistibly delicious cookies that are guaranteed to impress your neighbors!
05. Coffee Maker
For some of you, a coffee maker is a MUST, for some of you it's not. It WAS definitely a must for my first apartment!
If you absolutely NEED a coffee maker, I suggest you get the NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Genio 2 Coffee Machine! Call me biased, but this is THE perfect coffee maker!
Unlike some cheaper coffee makers, this one comes with all of the accessories & parts needed to brew your morning coffee. So yes, it DOES come with a water filter system & water level indicator as well! It also shuts off automatically, so you don't have to worry much about coffee-making!
One con of this machine that I find to be annoying is that it's only compatible with NESCAFE pods -and those might not be the cheapest right now. So if you want a little versatility, definitely do your own due diligence.
Nice to Have Apartment Kitchen Essentials
06. Electric Kettle
If you ask me, an electric kettle is not an ABSOLUTE must in your first even apartment, but it's certainly nice to have one! You'll never know when & why you'll need it! For example, if you don't have the time & can't wait for your pasta water to start boiling, it might be a good idea to invest in an electric kettle!
The Chefman 1.7 Liter Electric Kettle might be the perfect choice for you! It can reach boiling temperature in under 7 minutes, which is much less than with a microwave or on a stovetop! The pretty LED lighting of the kettle also make waiting for the water to boil a fun activity.
07. 3-in-1 Sandwich Maker, Waffle Maker & Panini Grill
OMG, how I LOVE this sandwich maker from Amazon! I was actually gifted this the year before going into college, and I loved it so much that I just HAD to bring it to my first apartment as well! That's why I needed to mention it on this list of kitchen essentials for first apartment - because I hold it near & dear to my heart!
If you're a broke college student, you'll appreciate how fast & how easily you can assemble a great variety of meals: I had even been cooking eggs & burgers on this apart from the basic waffles, sandwiches & grilled meat!
APARTMENT KITCHEN GADGETS
Apartment Kitchen Essentials You Actually Need
08. Cheese Grater
The good old cheese grater! An absolute must, I know.
This is the cheapest one I could find & have a similar one. And to be honest, there's nothing much needed to be said: you'll need it to grate your cheese. I also grate my vegetables on this, just so you know that it can do a bit more than just grating cheese.
09. Garlic Press
Another staple item that can't miss from any kitchen is a garlic press. I suppose you do NOT want to chop your garlic for every meal. If so, grab this very budget-friendly pick from your local Walmart!
10. Can Opener
If you work a lot with cans in your kitchen, you'll need a can opener to make your life easier! This is a great, very durable pick from Target for just $9!
Of course, there might be cheaper options out there, but as they say, cheaper is not ALWAYS better! I managed to break 2 of those!
11. Vegetable Peeler
I don't know about you, but I just cannot peel my vegetables with a simple knife! Especially carrots! That's why I wanted to put a vegetable peeler on this list of kitchen essentials for first apartment!
If you're like me, you'll need one.
12. Kitchen Sciccors
Great for opening bags, cutting meat or stem / leafy vegetables, this $9 kitchen scissor from Target can really come in handy quite often!
Nice to Have Apartment Kitchen Essentials
13. Pizza Cutter
If you're a huge pizza lover -whether you buy it or make it yourself- it's nice to have a pizza cutter in your first apartment! This one from Amazon will do the deed just right!
What's more, this pizza cutter can cut through much more than just pizza: dough, noodles, burritos.
14. Bottle Opener
Love drinking refreshers? If so, you might wanna get a bottle opener -just to make your life easier!
The KITCHENDAO Magnetic 2 in 1 Bottle Opener will help you open cans & bottles with ease!
15. Corkscrew
If you're a huge wine lover, you'll need a corkscrew in your first apartment kitchen! This is the most wallet-friendly pick I could find on Amazon. It's made out of durable zinc alloy, so you don't have to worry about it breaking too soon.
16. Lemon Squeezer
Always start your morning the right way: with lemon water made out of fresh lemons? Then you gotta get a lemon squeezer!
This cute, yellow lemon squeezer from Amazon will serve all your needs & won't take up too much space in your cabinets either.
COOKING + BAKING ESSENTIALS
Apartment Kitchen Essentials You Actually Need
17. Measuring Cups & Spoons
A set of measuring cups & spoons is always nice to have in your place! Even if you're not a big fan of baking & cooking, you'll never know when you'll actually need to measure your ingredients!
This $6 pick from Target is more than enough for ALL your baking needs! I have the exact same one! I gotta mention how easy it is to store this!
I just hung them onto my cabinet handle with the help of its hook. So handy!
18. Nesting Mixing Bowls
Whether for mixing dry & wet ingredients or for marinating meat, you'll need a set of nesting mixing bowls!
This one from Walmart is super useful! Not only does this set of nesting bowls let you save TONS of space in your cabinets, but it also has measurement markings on the inside, helping you measure your ingredients perfectly!
19. Rubber Spatula
I know, a rubber spatula is not a huge must for everyone, but you'll sure appreciate one laying in your cutlery drawer!
If you know the struggle of that comes with having a cheap rubber spatula (they melt, you can't put them in the dishwasher, they scratch your expensive non-stick frying pans), you'll be glad that you got this OXO Silicone Spatula from Target instead!
20. Glass Measuring Cup, Large
Even if your mixing bowls come with exact measurements on the insides, it's highly recommended that you get a large glass measuring cup as well!
I just can't see the measurements on my mixing bowls, for the love of god! So I always end up using my $10 Glass Measuring Cup from Macy's. So yes, it's definitely worth getting one for your first apartment kitchen!
21. Baking Pans Set
This set of 3 baking pans is on this list of kitchen essentials for first apartment, because you'll need them - whether you bake frequently or not!
The 3 different sizes of pans make this set very versatile: apart from cookies, you can also make roasted veggies or cook meat. You don't need much flexibility than this!
22. Sauce Pan with Lid
I was so clueless when it came to deciding on the pots & pans I wanted to bring to my first apartment!
But now that I'm over the whole moving process & have finally settled in, I can tell you with confidence, that a SINGLE sauce pan with lid is more than enough for ALL your cooking needs!
Even if you live with your partner, one sauce pan will suffice: you can easily boil eggs, make purees & sauces or cook pasta for the both of you with the help of this 3 qt sauce pan!
23. Saute Pan with Lid
Another MUST-HAVE in your first apartment kitchen is a saute pan with lid!
Some people will tell you that it's not, but if you're like me & LOVE one-pan dishes, you'll need this saute pan from Target! And for this price, it's a steal!
24. Frying Pan, Set of 2
Whether for making pancakes, crepes or a tasty omlette, OR cooking meat, this frying pan set of 2 from Target is PERFECT!
I included them on this list of kitchen essentials for first apartment, because they're small & their durable aluminium coating make them a long-lasting part of your kitchen.
25. Stockpot with Lid
Love having guests over? Then the T-Fal Simply Cook Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid is just what you need!
Since this is a 6 qt pot, you'll be able to surprise your guests with the most delicious soups & stews ever, without having to sacrifice all your space just to store this.
I've found that even though this stockpot is super big, I can easily store it in my undersink cabinet, which is great -both for me & my guests.
26. Ceramic Baking Dish Set
Another absolute must for your first apartment kitchen is a ceramic baking dish set! I LOVE this set of 3 from Target, because they can be placed into one another.
This saves SO much space in my tiny, 292 squarefeet apartment!
You can cook layered pasta dishes (lasagne, layered potatoes, etc...) in these nicely, but they're also super good for casserolles!
27. Oven Mitts
I know it's weird to speak of an oven mitt in an elevated way, but I just can't help it! This is my absolute favoruite from Target!
It's SUUPER soft, but the rib-knit part of the mitts let you handle hot dishes with ease! I've never had oven mitts that offer a more firm & stable grip on hot pots & bowls!
28. Kitchen Towels
The Mainstays Flour Sack Towel set is probably the cutest kitchen essential on this list of kitchen essentials for first apartment!
It's definitely time to ditch those boring checkered kitchen towels! Instead, honor your first apartment kitchen with these super cute, fun botanical herb prints!
Nice to Have Apartment Kitchen Essentials
29. Rolling Pin & Baking Mat
If you're a BIG fan of baking, you'll want a rolling pin & baking mat combo as well! This one from Amazon is not only a super wallet-friendly option, but it's also super high quality compared to its price!
30. Scraper
Whether you need one for mixing wet ingredients or icing a homemade cake, the Rubbermaid Scraper Spatula will serve all your self-made baker needs perfectly!
31. Whisker
Whiskers are nice to have in your first apartment kitchen if you work with tons of sauces. But even if you don't, a whisker can come in handy very often! And this Silicone Whisk is just what you need!
What I love about it & you will to is its ergonomic, non-slippery handle! Since it's not made out of cheap metal, you can be sure that it'll never rust, unlike other budget whiskers!
32. Basting Brush
This basting brush from Amazon is perfect! You'll appreciate that it's there in your cutlery drawer when you need to coat pastry in eggs or meat in sauce!
DISHES
Apartment Kitchen Essentials You Actually Need
33. Set of Dinner Plates
I know just how hard it is to find the perfect set of dinner plates for a first apartment! But as someone who brought too much stuff to her first ever apartment, I can tell you this:
This $18 simple, basic set of dinner plates is more than enough if you live alone or with a partner/roommate! This set contains 4 white glass dinner plates, that are literal kitchen staples!
The best choice EVER, if you ask me!
34. Set of Side Plates
Do you eat a bunch of sides for every meal? Me too! That's why I wanted to include this wallet-friendly set of side plates from Target for just $3.99 (!) on this list of kitchen essentials for first apartment!
Once again, the overall simplicity of this set is what makes it a staple piece for any apartment, but the glazed finish & irregular design make it super stylish as well! So it'll suit any interior style you have going on!
35. Set of Bowls
I've struggled a LOT with bowls when moving into my first apartment! I brought a bunch of pasta bowls, cereal bowls & mini bowls into my home.
But let me tell you, out of all those different bowls, you'll only need some great quality pasta bowls!
These white ceramic, dishwasher & microwave-safe bowls from Walmart are the perfect addition to your first apartment kitchen: they're clean in design, but offer great functionality!
Serve your favourite soups, salads, pasta dishes or even ice cream in these cute bowls! So much versatility!
36. Serving Dish (Large)
Whether you have guests over or like to enjoy your meals elegantly served & not straight out of the pot, then you'll need a large serving dish!
The 70 oz Westfield Serving Dish from Walmart is such a steal for this price! The simple white finish is super tasteful, it'll fit into your dinnerware collection nicely!
Another plus is that it's microwave & dishwasher-safe, so you can easily reheat your food in the microwave, rather than on the stovetop.
37. Serving Platter (Large)
Another serving staple is this $20 serving platter from Target. I added this one on this list of kitchen essentials for first apartment because of its versatility!
Not only can you serve meat on this, but sides, desserts or even fruit! So I definitely think it's worth sacrificing a bit of your cabinet space to have this insanely elegant porcelain platter!
38. Tall Drinking Glasses, Set of 4
Once again, I speak from experience when it comes to drinking glasses! I brought like 15 drinking glasses of all sizes & shapes, anything I could find to my first apartment.
But you really only need ONE nice set of tall drinking glasses. This one from Walmart is super budget-friendly!
This set of highball glasses is super versatile, you can use it for cocktails, lattes or as a regular drinking glass. I love the design of it: super simple, yet sleek. It never goes out of style, so it'll be a part of your dinnerware collection for a LONG LONG time!
39. Small Drinking Glasses, Set of 4
Another great investment for your first apartment is a set of small drinking glasses! Whether for guests or for yourself, this $14.55 pick from Walmart is all you'll ever need!
Serve juice, spirits or coffee in these!
40. Silverware Set
This might be controversial, but I do think that the more cutlery you have, the better! I manage to loose a bunch of silverware, so if you're like me, you'll want to get the Mainstays 49 Piece Lace Flatware Set!
This set comes with 8 knives, spoons, forks, and 8 extra small spoons & forks perfect for desserts & measuring spices!
AND it also comes with a tray, which is great!
41. Mug Set
I absolutely LOVE these mugs, I have 8 of them in my first apartment. But you won't really need much than this set of 4!
These space-saving mugs are literally life-changing! Stacking them upon each other will save so much of your precious cabinet space!
The 14.8 ounce capacity also offers the perfect drinking experience whether it's coffee, tea or anything else. It also does NOT stain, so you don't have to worry about nasty permanent coffee marks!
Don't want to gather your collection piece by piece? Here are the best dinnerware sets for a first apartment!
UTENSILS
Apartment Kitchen Essentials You Actually Need
42. Strainer
Getting a strainer for your first apartment kitchen seems very evident, but most people tend to forget about it! Me included.
So this is your reminder: get a strainer ASAP! You'll need it!
This one from Walmart is the cheapest one on the market & it's perfectly enough for your everyday cooking needs.
43. Cutting Boards
Another staple for every first apartment is this set of 3 plastic cutting boards from Target!
You won't find anything cheaper than this & I've figured this is perfectly enough for every first time renter! These are SUPER lightweight and basically don't even take up any space!
44. Wooden Spoons
What will you stir & mix stuff with, if not a cute set of wooden spoons?
Here's a 3-piece set from Bed, Bath & Beyond that contains multiple designs & sizes of wooden spoons!
45. Tongs
Another must-have utensil is right here!
You'll need kitchen tongs for turning meat or serving salads! This $4 pick from Target is all you really need!
Why? The lock on the top makes it super space-saving, it'll fit into the tiniest corners of your cabinets! The handle is also very ergonomic, if you wanna know.
BUT! Since the tongs themselves are made out of plastic, you must know that they might melt if not used correctly!
46. Solid Spoon
Whether for serving dishes or stirring soup, sauces or anything liquid, this solid spoon from Target is the perfect addition to your utensil collection!
It's made out of nylon, so you don't have to worry much about stratching non-stick pans. The hanging hole on the top also makes it possible for you to store it in a space-saving way, on a hanging pr wall-mounted utensil holder!
47. Slotted Spoon
The little sibling of the solid spoon, the slotted spoon is also a great item to have in your first apartment kitchen!
This is a staple, much-needed item for anyone that cooks on a regular basis! So get yourself this $5.99 Pick from Bed, Bath & Beyond!
It's non-slip, heat resistant to 400F, dishwasher-safe AND does not roll when you place it on the countertop!
48. Solid Turner
This Nylon Solid Turner Spatula from Target for just $4 (!) is very much needed in your first apartment kitchen no matter how frequently you cook!
With this, you can flip & remove meat from hot pots & pans with ease. The soft-grip spatula also provide for a steady grip!
It's also heat-resistant to 450F & non-scratch, but I do NOT recommend using this on nonstick pans either way!
49. Slotted Turner
Just like a slotted spoon, a slotted turner is the sibling of the solid turner. We always get them confused, but they have their differences!
I've included this $2.75 Slotted Turner from SANE on this list of kitchen essentials for first apartment due to its versatility! You can use it for the EXACT same purposes as you'd use the solid turner, but with this, you can also easily flip & remove foods soaked in oil or sauces!
50. Soup Ladle
A soup ladle is another first apartment kitchen essential you'll appreciate laying in your drawers!
This $1 pick from Target is probably the cheapest it gets!
51. Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack
When it comes to a dish drying rack, the BEST decision you could make is to get a roll-up drying rack! This wallet-friendly rack from Walmart is here on this list of kitchen essentials for first apartment for quite a few reasons!
Even if your apartment is spacious, it's nice to save countertop space! This dish drying rack helps you with that! Place it on top of your sink & let all your dinnerware dry.
It's also MUCH more easier to store it, since it can be rolled up after use! So this should among the first things you buy for your first kitchen!
52. Set of Kitchen Knives
This budget-friendly set of knives from Walmart is more than enough for your everyday needs!
The set comes with a Chef's knife, a slicer knife, a utility knife, bread knife & a paring knife, which usually suffices for most first time renters.
53. Salt & Pepper Shaker
I just HAD to put this salt & pepper shaker set from Walmart on here & not the "nice-to-have kitchen essentials" section! Why?
Simply because salt & pepper are the main spices in every household. Why would you want to struggle EVERY meal just to be able to season your food?
Go & grab the MoveCatcher Salt and Pepper Shakers ASAP!
54. Kitchen Scale
You're doomed without the proper measurements! It doesn't matter if you cook frequently or not, it's nice to have a kitchen scale somewhere in your cabinets.
And you definitely don't need to spend much just to have one! The Greater Goods Digital Kitchen Scale for just under $10 is the perfect addition to any first apartment kitchen!
It's super easy to use, lightweight & easy to store!
55. Food Storage Containers
And finally, one of the most important first apartment kitchen essentials is a set of high quality food storage containers!
I've found this one on Target for $25. For this price, the value is INSANE!! The set contains 4 glass containers in different sizes to best suit your needs! You'll be able to easily fit all of these into your fridge or cabinet space, for sure!
What I love about this set however, is the fact that it's microwave-safe! So if you don't wanna invest in a lunchbox, just use one of the storage containers as one & reheat your food safely!
Best Utensil Set: target
Nice to Have Apartment Kitchen Essentials
56. Oil & Vinegar Dispenser
If you want to make sure your first apartment kitchen looks as cute as it possibly can, but you don't wanna splurge on decorative items either, get a matching oil & vinegar dispenser from Amazon! This one for example will instantly elevate your decor, without causing clutter!
57. Spice Jars with Rack
Have no idea how to store your spices? There are tons of ways to finally organize all your spices, but my tried & true method is to get a bunch of spice jars with rack!
I love this one, my experience with it has been great so far! It's super cute & doesn't take up much space. This makes everything super accessible as well! Thanks to this, I've never had to rummage through my cabinets just to find that ONE spice I was looking for.
However, if you're REALLY short on space, invest in magnetic spice racks for your refrigerator instead! This set will save you SO much cabinet & countertop space!
58. Teapot
Love drinking tea? Instead of having to microwave your tea water all the time or drink your tea straight out of a pot, consider getting a teapot!
You'll probably love this glass teapot with a removable infuser!
Don't want to gather your collection piece by piece? Check out 3 of the best utensil sets for your first apartment!
This post featured the BEST list of kitchen essentials for first apartment.
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