When my husband and I were picking out kitchen utensils for our home, we just went nilly willy picking things out in Bed, Bath & Beyond. Being how I was a complete novice cook (having never even picking up a cooking utensil), I really didn’t even know what we needed! Now, after almost 12 years in my own kitchen I have finally figured out what I think are the essentials.

10 Essentials for Your First Kitchen

Dutch Oven
I just got a Dutch Oven 2 years ago. It was on my wish list for years and then Santa blessed me with one! I cook my stews, chili, soups and more in it. While Le Creuset can be pricey, the one that Santa bought for me is from Home Goods and was much cheaper.

Mixing Bowls
Truthfully, I spent the last decade using dollar store bowls. The problem is that they don’t hold up very well. You know that saying, you get what you pay for? Yea. About a year ago, I splurged on some great stainless steel mixing bowls. I love that I can be rough with them (like I am with everything) and they don’t break.

A Cast Iron Pan
A cast iron pan is an investment you will make that down the line your children and maybe even their grandchildren can enjoy. I am currently using my great grandma’s cast iron pan and it is so versatile! From the stove top to the oven, it is so versatile! If they aren’t in your budget, scour goodwill, yard sales and flea markets for a second hand pan.

Cutting Board
After over ten years of buying and throwing out cutting boards, I decided this year I was going to invest in a good, high quality cutting board that was going to last me for a long time. After doing some research, I decided on an end grain cutting board that has anti-bacterial qualities. Plus, this type of cutting board won’t dull your knives as quickly.

Good Knives
I had no idea how important it was to have a good knife until I cut myself on some junky, dull ones multiple times! Pick out knives that can cut bread, fruit, meat (think steak and that Thanksgiving turkey) and vegetables. Some types of knives you will pick out are a serrated knife, a paring knife and a chef’s knife. You will also want to pick up a knife sharpener.

Tongs
We bought tongs for BBQ’ing, but it wasn’t until I started cooking more that I realized how useful a pair of tongs would be to turn over meat, take things in and out of pots, etc.

Wooden Spoons
I adore mixing sauces and vegetables with wooden spoons. I sort of have an obsession for them to be honest! Plus, they don’t contain all sorts of chemicals and toxins in the plastic.

Magic Bullet
I love my Magic Bullet and I have been using it for a few years now. It does everything a food processor can do, but keeps nutrients in the foods and is a heck of a lot smaller!

Casserole Dishes
There is nothing better than a hardy casserole in the dead of winter or on a particularly bad day when you need some comfort food. You will want something than can withstand the test of time. Brands like Le Cruset, Pyrex and Calphalon are well-known brands. I have quite the collection of casserole dishes and I use a different dish depending on what I am making or even my mood.

Kitchen Towels
If you are like me, your kitchen is going to be quite messy! You can use your kitchen towels to clean up, protect your counters and tables from hot dishes and pots or even to just look pretty hanging in your kitchen.

What is your favorite kitchen gadget, tool or appliance?

*This post contains affiliate links which helps run this website.