New homes require new kitchens, and therein lies the pleasure (and mess) of the matter. Creating an entirely new kitchen seems incredibly daunting, but if you have the right list (and can get it all organized), your new kitchen will be functional and ready to use.
In this article, we’ll walk you through an kitchen essentials checklist for new home, covering all of the items you need to get started in each group from cookware and utensils right up through appliances, storage and cleaning products. Clean, practical tips from professionals, good ways to organize for yourself, and answers to the most common questions are added at the end.
So let’s see: start even as we speak!
The reason why a Kitchen Checklist counts
Starting from nothing can be a bit daunting when you realize that this means countless other things to buy: decisions just pile up on top of one another.
An excellent checklist helps you regulate all of that chaos. Clear, literally:
- What to buy at once and what can wait.
- Avoid those “oh no I forgot a knife” moments.
- Keep your budget under control and cut down upon superfluous purchases.
- So you can work in the kitchen as quickly and efficiently as possible—and be ready for parties sooner.
As one specialist comment puts it, “Moving into a new home without a kitchen checklist often results in missed meals and unnecessary stress.”
That’s right. A checklist will help keep you smart, efficient and in place to enjoy your new home.
Major Categories You Need to Cover Before You Buy Anything
Dividing your checklist into large categories before you buy anything often helps. Here is what you need to pretend to buy in each category:
- Cookware & Bakeware
- Utensils & Prep Tools
- Small & Large Appliances
- Serving, Storage & Cleaning Supplies
- Pantry Starter Items
Let’s go over each category in detail.
Cookware & Bakeware Essentials
Why They’re Important
Cooking smooth and effectively is always a result of good tools. With good cookware, you’re more likely to save time, get better results and have fewer burnt fingers in between steps. You’ll thank yourself for making wise decisions in the future as these implements last year after year.
Irritating But Necessities
- One medium pot, one large pot (sauce pan and skillet)
- Twelve-cup muffin tin for baking or baking sheet
- Casserole pan and dutch oven that go in the oven
- Mixing bowls of different sizes
- Large and small cutting boards or at least a few
- Sharp chef’s knife and paring knife
Suggestions From Pros
Start with good, moderately-priced cookware; upgrade later on as needed. If you don’t have much space, look for multifunctional pieces like an oven-proof pan that’s also a casserole dish. Nonstick pans are great for starters and quick clean-up, while stainless steel lasts longer and is for browning.
Utensils & Prep Tools
Irreplaceable! They are the “behind-the-scenes” heroes that make cooking smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools
- A chef’s knife, serrated breadknife, paring knife
- Knife sharpener or honing rod
- Cutting boards (one for meats, one for vegetables)
- Wooden spoon, silicone spatula, turner
- Tongs, ladle, slotted spoon
- Peeler, grater, whisk, potato ricers
- Measuring cups for liquids and dry goods (also measuring spoons)
- Can opener, bottle opener, knife block
- Sieve or strainer for flour etc.
- Oven mitts or pot holders
Top Organising Ideas
Use drawer organizers and sometimes for the larger kitchen gadgets we need; also fill up a few dishes with toys from around the house to keep them on hand just in case someone decides they want to play with some food—for examples forks, knives and spoons!
Put different types of cutting boards in separate colors or with labels marked up all over them for sake of hygiene.
Make your counter into a “prep zone” for those complicated recipes that need lots of ingredients and steps.
Large & Small Appliances
Large Appliances
These large purchases–a refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, or dishwasher at hand. Your new home should be equipped for them in terms of plugs and place.
Small Appliances
A range of littling tools has been added utility and comfort in daily cooking:
- A blender or food processor
- A good toaster or toaster oven
- Microwave
- A coffee machine or french press
- Electric pot sets that fold away into its case for storage
- An electric die stand mixer (if you’re a keen on baking biscuits regularly)
Shopping Hints
- Measure countertop spaciness & storage space before purchasing appliances.
- Try to find multipurpose appliances such as a hand blender that also functions as an immersion blender.
- Start with the basics (coffee maker, toaster, blender) and add specialities like an air fryer later on.
👉 Best Large-Capacity Air Fryer Ovens for Families
Food Service, Storage & Cleaning
Serving and Storage
- Dinner plates, bowls, flatware (fork, spoon, knife), glasses and mugs
- Food storage containers — glass or BPA-free plastic in different sizes
- Trash bags, Zip-locks for leftovers
- Pantry storage: vacuum-sealed jars for flour, sugar, coffee and tea
- Food-wrap, cling film and zip-locks for leftover stores
- Serving utensils such as tongs and a big ladle for soups
👉 10 Best Non-Toxic Glass Food Storage Containers for a Healthier Kitchen
Cleansing Material
- Garbage can and plastic trash bags
- Dish soap, sponges, cleaning brushes
- Washstand or Haskell McClellan’s dishwasher machine
- In your drawer crockery: kitchen linen products like napkins, tea towels, pot holders
- Cleansing spray bottle and dustcleanser water sprayed Spray bottle and lion Duster. Just in case re all wrong.
Organization Tips
- Keep a “cleaning area” near your sink, where cleaning products and clothes can be kept ready to hand.
- Store cleaning products under the sink using bin units and carriers.
- Create a little “junk drawer” for miscellaneous small objects in your kitchen; this keeps the countertops neat.
8 Budget and Smart Setup Tactic
- Prioritize essentials to buy first – a good knife, pot, or frying pan, cutting board, basic utensils, and plates will get you started.
- Make good use of multi-purpose items – for example a Dutch oven does better assemblages at just a fraction of the price, and it can cook things up too.
- Spend wisely – you don’t have to always get the most expensive equipment in order for it cook great meals.
- Use what you know – look for seasonal sales, bundles or second-hand appliances.
- Finally, arrange things according to space – for example by placing racks or hooks near the stove/ovens, so that all four burners are kept free as well as several cabinets worth available below at any one time.
- Gradually raise your game: dream kitchens don’t come overnight; you build them slowly.
- Keep receipts and guarantees for expensive items.
- It’s important to maintain a list of everything you’ve bought – this way other people will not go out purchasing the same item twice.
FAQ
How much should I spend on a new kitchen?
The costs vary depending on your kitchen size, cooking habits, and where you are located. A simple set up (cookware, utensils, dishes and some minor appliances – a lot of people use toasters as an example, are coming along in packs these days) will cost only a few hundred dollars. You can start small and upgrade your equipment along the way.
Must I buy the whole set of utensils at the same time?
Not at all. Just buy the necessities and then add bit by bit. This way you can save money and ensure that you get only what is truly needed.
Which type of kitchenware is best No-Stick, Stainless Steel or Cast Iron?
- Non-stick: Best for beginners and low-maintenance.
- Stainless steel: Durable, good for searing and browning.
- Cast iron: Retains heat beautifully but requires ongoing maintenance.
The selection and style of each type of cookware is up to you!
How to maximize the space in a small kitchen?
Wall racks for pots and pans, multitasking gadgets, stackable storage, only save what you use regularly and donate or store the rest.
Conclusion
A new house, a new kitchen, new cookware… how exciting! A planned checklist will save you time, money and no small amount of stress.
This complete Kitchen Essentials Checklist for A New Home provides everything you need. Personalize it to meet your way of life and tick off items one by one. Before long, the kitchen will feel completely yours.
Happy cooking – and happy housewarming!