First Kitchen Checklist (What You Actually Need)

College flies by and graduation always sneaks up on us—and suddenly you’re helping your kid set up their very first kitchen.

If you’re searching for a first kitchen essentials list, this will walk you through exactly what you need, all without overbuying or overthinking it.

What you need to set up your first kitchen.

Last year, I helped our daughter Ava get settled into her first place. And in just a few weeks, Carson graduates from the University of Illinois, which feels like a proud mom moment and a “how are we here already?” moment all at once.

Which got me thinking... what do they actually need to set up their first apartment kitchen?

Because somewhere between the “starter kits” you can find at Target and Amazon and the Pinterest-perfect kitchens you see online, it gets overwhelming fast.

I found myself thinking back to when I set up my very first apartment (you know, back in the 1900's...) and what I thought I needed vs. what I actually used, and what I wish someone had told me.

This guide is a mix of both:

what I’ve learned over the years (because while I’m older, I also get to be wiser)
and what’s actually practical for kids starting out today (I helped our oldest set up her first apartment kitchen).

So I put it all together, friends—with no fluff, no overbuying, with no fluff, no overbuying...just the basics that actually get used.

If you're a Gen Z-er, you'll notice I enjoy an emoij or two. If you notice a few emojis sprinkled in…just know I can’t help myself 😉

🎓 And if you want to make this even easier, grab my FREE printable First Kitchen Checklist so you can take it shopping with you.

What Do You Need for a First Kitchen?

If you want the quick answer, here it is:

Basic cookware
A few everyday utensils
1–2 small appliances
Simple pantry staples
Cleaning supplies

This will help you cook real meals without overspending or overcrowding a small kitchen.

Basic kitchen setup for beginners with essential tools.

🛒 How Much Do You Actually Need?

If you’re shopping for a first kitchen, here’s a simple rule:

Plates & bowls: 4–6 of each
Glasses/mugs: 2–4
Utensils: 4–6 sets
Pots & pans: 2–3 total
Paper plates (you know you'll use them).

You don’t need to fully stock a kitchen right away—just enough to get through a few days of meals.

You can always add more as you go.

You can piece these items together from places like Target, Walmart, or secondhand—but if you want everything in one place, I’ve linked my go-to picks here.

🍳 Essential Cookware (Keep It Simple)

You do not need a full matching set. Start with a few solid pieces that can do multiple jobs. Ask your relatives and they might have some hand me down pans, too.

Here’s what I recommend:

1 large skillet (nonstick or cast iron). You don't need to buy the most expensive pan, but don't buy the cheapest pan, either. Cheaper ones don’t cook evenly, can flake over time, and don’t hold up well.
1 medium saucepan
1 baking sheet (I like having 2 half sheet rimmed pans).
1 casserole dish (9x13 or 9x9 casserole) - Great for everything from egg casserole to baking brownies. I like a set with the lid.
Optional: Dutch oven (great if you like soups or one-pot meals)

Farm girl truth: I still reach for the same 2–3 pans every single day. That’s exactly how I approached Ava’s kitchen too.

🍴 Everyday Kitchen Tools

These are the things that actually make cooking doable:

Spatula
Tongs
Toaster
Mixing bowls – I like a nested set because they take up the same amount of space.
Strainer - because mac and cheese will likely live at your house, too.
Large serving spoon and mixing spoons
Sharp knife (a chef's knife, a paring knife and 2 steak knives are the necessities. You don't need an entire set just starting out!)
Cutting board - my favorite ones are wood composite and dishwasher safe.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons (you want your measuring spoons to fit into the spice jars.
Can opener - buy a good one and it will last you for 10+ years. It's better than buying a cheap one down a general grocery aisle.

You don’t need a drawer full of gadgets - just the basics that work.

📌 Save this guide for later—especially if you’re helping a graduate get set up this summer!

⚡ Small Appliances (What’s Actually Worth It)

Welcome to adulthood, the realm when you ask for small appliances for Christmas! Seriously, though - this is where people tend to overbuy. Start with:

Coffee maker (non-negotiable for most and waaaay cheaper than Starbucks. Your wallet will thank you).
Toaster
Air fryer (perfect for quick, no-fuss meals, and this is my favorite one)

Skip anything bulky that takes up precious counter space or storage

If an air fryer is part of your kitchen repertoire, this is one of the easiest places to start:

The recipes above are simple, filling, and beginner-friendly.

Kitchen utensils in a white container, including wooden spoons, spatulas, and a whisk, ideal for coo. — A collection of wooden and metal kitchen utensils stored in a white container against a white brick wall, perfect for home cooking.

🧂 Pantry Staples to Start With

You don’t need a fully stocked pantry on day one. Start with a few basics:

Olive oil or cooking oil
Salt and pepper
Pasta
Rice
Canned vegetables or beans
Jarred pasta sauce

This is enough to make simple, real meals right away.

Want a more complete plan?

Save This Recipe For Later

I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later!

I break this down step-by-step in my pantry stocking guide, including exactly what to buy and how to build it over time without overspending.

If you're wondering what to actually cook with those basics, my skillet lasagna is a great starting point:

🧼 Cleaning + Don’t Forget Items

These are easy to overlook, but they matter just as much. Because you will have to clean…for, like, the rest of your life. So go ahead and buy:

Dish soap
Sponge or scrub brush and a bottle brush if you hand-wash your water bottles.
Dish towels
Food storage containers
Aluminum foil or plastic wrap

A kitchen that’s easy to clean is a kitchen that actually gets used!

❌ What You Don’t Need (Yet)

Let me save you some money here. These are not considered kitchen essentials so you can skip these for now:

Full knife block sets
12-piece cookware sets
Fancy gadgets you’ll use once
Specialty appliances (bread makers, etc.)

It’s best to start simple and add as you go when you find you need things.

I’ve watched both of my kids figure this out in real time and simpler really does work better.

🎓 Setting up a first kitchen? Let’s make this simple.

Grab my FREE Grown-Up Kitchen Guide—a practical, no-stress plan to help you go from “what do I even need?” to actually cooking meals at home.

This first kitchen essentials list is exactly what I wish I had when I was starting out.

Inside, you’ll get:

✔ A complete kitchen essentials checklist (what to buy + what to skip)
✔ Pantry staples list so you can make real meals right away
✔ Simple spice blends to build flavor without overthinking
✔ 5 easy meals anyone can make (even on a busy weeknight)
✔ Real-life tips for cooking for one without wasting food

Download the free guide here and take it with you to the store so you know exactly what to buy (and what to skip). Or, shop on my Amazon store where all the goods are in front of you!)

Make It Even Easier (What to Cook First)

Once the kitchen is set up, the first question is, “Is this what it’s like to be an adult?” followed by "Okay…what do I actually make?” Start with easy and simple recipes.

If you want, I can show you exactly what to cook your first week with these basics. Let's talk that through. A few easy places to begin:

Easy one-pan meals:

A bowl of stir fry with vegetables and sliced pork.

If you cook extra, freeze it. Future-you will be very thankful on a busy night!

Simple comfort meals:

A wooden spoon serving up warm and hearty baked pasta, chicken and broccoli.

Breakfast basics:

A tray of homemade egg breakfast sandwiches on English muffins.

Budget-friendly protein ideas:

Skillet of dirty rice with sausage and vegetables topped with parsley.

These are the kinds of meals that are forgiving, filling, and don’t require a fully stocked kitchen.

FAQs About Setting Up a First Kitchen

How much should you spend on a first kitchen?

As little as possible - ha. You can keep it very reasonable. Focus on a few quality basics instead of buying everything at once. Many items can be added over time.

What is the most important kitchen item to buy first?

A good skillet and a sharp knife. With those two things, you can cook a surprising number of meals in your first kitchen.

Should you buy a cookware set or individual pieces?

Individual pieces, every time. You’ll actually use them, and you won’t waste money on extras you don’t need.

What do college students actually need in a kitchen?

Simple tools and quick meals. Think:

skillet meals
air fryer recipes
pasta dishes
eggs and breakfast basics

Keep it realistic, not aspirational.

Real Life > Perfect Kitchens

Real life always wins over perfect kitchens—and that’s a good thing. It's the way I live and here's why.

Life isn’t about building the "perfect" kitchen from day one. It’s about creating a space - your own space! And you'll want it to be a place where you:

enjoy making a quick dinner
save money (because you're cooking at home)
feel a little more at home (and nothing beats the cozy smell of home-cooked food)

Oh, and don't feel like you have to cook every single day. Your kitchen can include ramen nights, frozen pizza, and ice cream for dinner.

There’s something really special about that first kitchen—it’s where a lot of life starts to happen. Enjoy your first place and if you need help in the kitchen department, I'm here for you. ☺️ (I had to. Sorry.)

First Kitchen Essentials List (What You Actually Need for Your First Apartment)