Top 11 Must-have Items for a First Kitchen

By Bethany Imondi, Georgetown University

Although items like extra-long twin sheets and shower caddies rank high on the list of things to buy for a new year at college, kitchen items are equally essential for college students. With the monotony of dining hall food and campus take-out, cooking for yourself is the perfect antidote. Whether you’re living in an apartment or sharing a kitchen with 100 peers on your dormitory floor, here are the top 11 must-have items for a first kitchen:

1. Cutting board (or two). After browsing the bounty at the local markets, you will need something on which to slice those luscious strawberries or dice those ripe tomatoes. Consider buying two boards: one specifically for cutting meat, and another for everything else. If you splurge for a nice wooden one, then you can even use it as a serving platter for parties.

2. A knife set. All kitchens should be stocked with at least a paring knife, a serrated knife and a chef’s knife. Although your budget may convince you that one knife fits all, you may regret it when you attempt to saw your bread into crostini-perfect slices with a chef’s knife. (It’s difficult.)

3. Measuring cups and spoons. Although T.S. Eliot famously wrote about measuring life out with spoons, when it comes to baking, the type of measuring utensil matters. For those late-night brownie cravings, it’s crucial to have measuring cups for wet and dry ingredients. When not baking, use your spoons to measure out the perfect cup of coffee or to spice up a hot chocolate.

4. Hot pot (aka electric kettle). Even if you have access to a microwave or stove, a hot pot is great for rapidly boiling water. Whether you use it to brew a cup of tea, to create a bowl of instant oatmeal or to cook college’s iconic ramen noodle dinner, you can find 1,001 potential uses for the hot pot.

5. Can opener. Admit it: We’ve all had that moment when we’ve reached for a can of soup or beans only to realize that we didn’t have anything to open it with. Instead of banging the can incessantly or dangerously stabbing the lid with a knife, invest in a can opener. Your cutlery and countertops will thank you later.

6. A large pot, preferably a heavy-bottomed one. Pasta is a go-to college meal, so you’ve got to have something for boiling water and pasta. If you can afford a large ceramic pot, you’ll also be able to saute onions and garlic evenly, making this a good choice for soup and chili too.

7. Colander. After the water boils and before your dinner is ready to be eaten, you’ll need a utensil to properly drain your pasta. Flipping a pot with a slightly ajar lid may seem like a clever way of draining pasta water, but the risk of burning fingers and dropping the contents are high indeed. With a colander, you can not only properly prepare al dente pasta, but also use it to wash fresh produce. You can even use it as a fruit bowl for the table.

8. Casserole Dish. Popular among the neighborhood crowds, potlucks are becoming trendier among college circles. Although you might be tempted to try something fancy, you can never go wrong with a classic casserole. And don’t think casserole dishes are just for savory items; they are the perfect vessels for something sweet.

9. Ice Cream Scoop. A perfect sundae begins with the perfect scoop of ice cream. You can also use a scoop to measure out equal portions of cupcake and muffin batter.

10. Nonstick Skillet. There is nothing worse than preparing a meal and then returning to the kitchen to see a collection of dirty pots that need washing. A good nonstick pan will ensure even heating and help conserve elbow grease in the cleaning process.

11. Tupperware (lots and lots!). All those containers from deli meats and restaurant leftovers are worth saving. In addition to preventing food from going to waste, use Tupperware to store flour and sugar, or to sneak food from the dining hall. When on a college budget, no food should be left to spoil.