How to Stock a Kitchen With Basic Tools

If you are stocking your kitchen for the first time, you may have discovered that stocking a kitchen with basic tools can be a little overwhelming. Some items are indispensable, so plan to purchase those first. Later, you can start shopping for interesting gadgets.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get some cookware. A basic set includes covered saucepans in 1- and 2-quart sizes. Include a 4- to 6-quart Dutch oven without plastic handles, so it can go from stove top to oven with the lid on. The set should also come with an oven proof skillet and lid.

2. Add some baking pans. You'll need a rectangular 2-quart baking dish and a square dish, which can be either metal or glass. Add to this a couple of large cookie sheets, a muffin tin, a loaf pan, a pair of round cake pans, and a baking sheet. Now you're ready for some serious baking.

3. Buy the gadgets you can't live without. This includes a corkscrew, bottle opener and can opener, tongs, plastic spatula, ladle, whisk, potato masher, and a long-handled fork. Get a set of kitchen knives. Purchase measuring cups, including a 4-cup measure and a set of measuring spoons. A set of turners and wooden spoons completes the kitchen utility drawer section.

4. Pick up various odds and ends. These items should include a cheese grater, colander, cutting boards, a set of mixing bowls and a rolling pin.

5. Purchase small electric appliances. You may find some of these to be more necessary than others, depending on your lifestyle. They include a coffee maker, electric mixer, toaster or small toaster oven and a microwave oven.

6. Choose your dining necessities. Get a set to serve either four or eight: dinner plates, salad plates, cereal bowls, soup plates and cups. Get a flatware set for four. Have some fun mixing and matching different styles to suit your personal tastes.