Tools Every Kitchen Needs
Maybe your kitchen already has a few things that you can get by with (extra dishes from your parent's house, a bowl or two you got as a housewarming present, or a favorite coffee mug), but not enough to consider your kitchen . . . well, a kitchen.
If you're not sure where to start outfitting your kitchen, we've made it easy. Begin with the IKEA 365+ line of cookware, tableware, glassware, food storage and utensils to find things that you use every day. The line is designed to make everyday tasks in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable. Another easy idea is to begin with the STARTBOX TILLAGA ($89.99), a starter kit of 38 essential kitchen tools, and the STARTBOX PLUS ($89.99) is a 60-piece dinner set. The two together cover all the basic kitchen needs. Here are a few of the most essential pieces you'll need:
Flatware. Even if you eat takeout every night, it will be nicer with your own forks and spoons than with plastic ones. A basic service for four will meet most needs. If you'll be entertaining friends from time to time, opt for a larger set.
Glassware. Every kitchen should have at least a minimal number of drinking glasses and some stemware. The STARTBOX PLUS includes a set of six drinking glasses and wine glasses each, but you also can buy individual pieces from the IKEA 365+ glassware line ($1.99 to $2.99) or other IKEA kitchen series.
Plates, saucers and cups. Paper plates and cups are fine most of the time, but some occasions (a quiet dinner date at home?) call for more. A simple set of solid colored dishes is a smart choice, and white is the easiest color to expand on later.
A can opener. You're bound to need to open a can of soup or something. A manual one will do.
A frying pan. For beginning cooks, a basic frying pan will meet most top-of-stove needs. Use it to make scrambled eggs, to sauté vegetables, or to heat up water in a pinch.
Knives. Choosing these can be tricky because there are so many kinds. Unless you have specific carving and chopping needs, a basic kitchen will be well served with a simple paring knife, a utility knife, a bread knife and perhaps a few steak knives.
Storage containers. Whether your food is takeout or home-cooked, you'll need something to store leftovers in. A few plastic storage containers that can be used in either the fridge or freezer are a good idea.
A well-equipped kitchen also should have dishtowels, potholders, oven mitts and maybe an apron or two—and when it comes to choosing those, your personal style and tastes are just as essential as function.