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Kitchen Essentials - A Basic Kitchen Equipment List

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Kitchen Essentials - A Basic Kitchen Equipment List

Kitchen essentials - a basic kitchen equipment list is essential, especially for that first apartment or house. How does one start out? Or, how do you help that son, daughter or friend start out? The objective here is not to provide a list for a dream kitchen, but to make a list of needed items that are not too expensive. All of the recommended items have been rated highly by online reviewers. This essential kitchen equipment list can be modified depending on the needs of the individual. Also, tableware such as plates, silverware and drinking glasses/cups are very much a matter of personal taste and for that reason are not included in this list. Please feel free to suggest additional items and we hope that you will enjoy (and rate) our favorite quotes from Julia Child.

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You will also see these lists -

List of Kitchen Essentials
Basic Kitchen Equipment List
Cool Kitchen Gadgets - Great Kitchen Gifts
Kitchen Items for Coffee Lovers
Cooking Tools - Other Kitchen Stuff

Table of Contents

#1 Knives, Cutting Board

Paula Deen KnivesEssential cutting tools should include a large chef's knife, a medium-size utility knife and a paring knife. Made of forged metal and nicely balanced, the 3-piece Paula Deen set is a very good value.

The debate continues - plastic versus wood cutting boards. Plastic has an obvious advantage in being dishwasher safe and the Progressive 17.5 x 11.25 inch cutting board is the right size to go into most dishwashers.

Knives, Cutting Board

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#2 Measuring Cups and Spoons

Measuring Cups and SpoonsFor the money, the Progressive 19-piece plastic measuring spoon/cup set is hard to beat although most people will not need all the different sizes. You can, however, use the extra cups as prep dishes.

The Pyrex Prepware 2-cup is essential for measuring hot liquids - or just to heat water in the microwave.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

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#3 Mixing Bowls, Colander

ColanderAn essential kitchen item is the Pyrex 3-piece mixing bowl set. These can also be used as serving bowls.

A large (4 quart) plastic colander - cheap and durable - a great bargain!

Mixing Bowls, Colander

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#4 Pots and Pans

Pots and PansAny list of kitchen essentials would include an assortment of pots and pans and the Cook' N Home 15-piece set has everything. For a first-time homemaker it is nice to have non-stick items, but one has to avoid using metal utensils. Cleverly, the marketer has included a complete set of plastic spoons and spatulas. Truly a great way to get every type of pot or pan plus the right utensils all in one purchase! Highly rated and not expensive!

Pots and Pans

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#5 Bakeware

Cookie SheetPlanning on a potluck? Everyone needs a covered casserole dish and the World Kitchen casserole can be used to heat food in the microwave or for storing food in the fridge or for serving. A true bargain for the price!

Speaking of potlucks, the Nordic Ware cake pan has a cover which is great for taking a cake to any type of get-together - or just for keeping food covered at home.

Cookie sheets are indispensable. The Nordic Half Sheet has a nice 1-inch lip which makes it stronger and less likely to warp in the oven.

Bakeware

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#6 Miscellaneous Tools

CorkscrewEvery kitchen collects a hodgepodge of miscellaneous items, some of which can be purchased at a local store for less money than on-line. Nonetheless, for the sake of convenience, the following are included:

For non-stick cooking, a pair of Calphalon nylon tongs is essential.

Who doesn't need a trio of magnetic vegetable peelers?

An inexpensive, but highly-rated corkscrew is good to have.

The Progressive International Shears is remarkably sharp.

Miscellaneous tools

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#7 Kitchen Things

Cool Kitchen Gadgets to add to your list of kitchen essentials.
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#8 Small Electric Appliances

ToasterPerhaps not at the beginning, but eventually every household needs these highly-rated bargains:

The Proctor Silex toaster is a good basic toaster for that first kitchen.

Likewise, the Crock-Pot Cook' N Carry is one of the least expensive slow cookers and it is portable.

And finally, a hand mixer is great for those who like to bake. The Waring Pro is powerful and has a nice range of speeds.

Small Electric Appliances

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#9 Beginners Cookbooks

Cooking for DummiesCookbooks are great. These are good for beginners and are fun to read even if you are a veteran.

Beginners Cookbooks

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#10 Julia Child Cookbooks

French CookingClassic cookbooks are never out of fashion. French cooking made accessible. "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" was a transformative book - both for individuals and American society at large. More than a book, it was a loving companion for many - Julia was and is never far away.

And with the publication of "My Life in France" you can learn even more about this American treasure. And fall in love all over again!

Julia Child Cookbooks

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Julia Child Quotes

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Essential Kitchen Things
Safe time and money with these kitchen essentials. Highly rated by reviewers. Get the best for less!

What would you add to this list of kitchen essentials?

  • ryurek Jul 25, 2011 @ 10:39 pm | delete
    Love the info. Got a question about knives though, the prices go from $12 to $612 for a set. What to do? How bad are the cheapo's? How good are the pricey ones? Any idea?
  • jimkazoo Jul 26, 2011 @ 4:55 am | delete
    Thanks for the complement. For the knives, I would go with the 3-piece Paula Deen set. As you say, you can spend a lot of money on knives. However, if you follow the link to the Amazon page, you will see that the Paula Deen set was highly rated. Are they the best knives in the world? Probably not, but for the money ($26.99), they are quite good. I hope this helps :)
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