Kitchen Essentials for a New Home – Must-Have Kitchen Basics

Cast iron is amazing for cooking so many different things and it will last absolutely forever. I love my Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Pan because it is a lot more forgiving than traditional cast iron (as in you can throw it in the dishwasher from time to time if you want). I have set that I’ve had for about 15 years now and I suspect I’ll have until I can no longer cook for myself. My only advice … make sure you like the color you choose because these things will never wear out.

For a budget-friendly option, Lodge makes a very sturdy cast iron skillet that comes pre-seasoned. These do require a bit more maintenance but with a bit of work will last for years to come.

This Cuisinart Chef’s Classic set includes all the essentials: saucepans, skillets, a stockpot, and a steamer insert. Stainless steel is another option that will last for years and years. It heats evenly and cleans up easily. Durable and thoughtfully designed, it’s a reliable choice for any new kitchen.

Everyone needs a great non-stick pan. The GreenPan Valencia Pro 3-Piece Fry Pan Set includes 8”, 9.5”, and 11” frying pans, perfect for everyday cooking. Crafted with a diamond-infused, PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating, these pans are tough enough for metal utensils and heat evenly across all stovetops, including induction. Scratch-resistant and dishwasher-safe, this set makes cleanup easy and adds durability to your kitchen essentials. Safe for use in the oven and broiler, it’s a versatile, reliable choice for healthy, stress-free cooking. I’ve had a set of these for several years and they still look great!

Simplify your kitchen setup with this KitchenAid 6-Piece Tool and Gadget Set—everything you need, all in one stylish crock. With a solid turner, basting spoon, slotted spoon, ladle, and utility whisk, this set covers all the basics while making it easy and affordable to get started. Each tool is designed with durable, heat-resistant nylon heads that protect your cookware, while the ceramic crock keeps everything organized on your counter. Dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup, this set combines convenience and quality, making it perfect for anyone starting fresh in the kitchen.

You can’t set up a new kitchen without some great cutting boards. This Original Gorilla Grip Cutting Board Set is all about ease and durability. I love that it comes in three different sizes so it is perfect for any job. These cutting boards are extra-thick boards and ready for any chopping, slicing, or dicing. Deep juice grooves keep countertops clean, while the easy-grip handles make each board simple to move. BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and low-maintenance, these boards are built to last without the fuss. Perfect for everyday meals or hosting gatherings, they’re one of the first purchases that you should make when stocking a new kitchen.

There are few things in my kitchen that get more use than this Anchor Hocking 10-Piece Mixing Bowl Set. With this set, you’ll have every size you need in one durable, space-saving set. From tiny 1 oz bowls to a large 3.5 qt bowl, this collection is perfect for prepping, mixing, and serving, all while keeping your kitchen organized and efficient. Made from high-quality glass that won’t stain, warp, or absorb odors, these bowls are a healthier choice over plastic. Plus, they nest together for easy storage and are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. This is the go-to set for anyone looking for simplicity and quality in the kitchen.

I‘ve gone through a lot of can openers, and I did not love most of them. The Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Can Opener feels so smooth when opening cans and has been my favorite by far. With a smooth-turn handle and a locking mechanism, it takes the strain off your hands while delivering a precise, consistent cut. The stainless steel teeth puncture cans effortlessly, and the built-in magnet lifts lids off for mess-free disposal. With a soft-touch, easy-grip handle, this can opener combines comfort with convenience, making it a reliable choice for everyday use. Whether you’re a casual cook or a kitchen enthusiast, the Zyliss Lock N’ Lift is a must-have tool for hassle-free food prep.

Every kitchen has a few good gadgets to save you time on tasks you do all the time, and this Chicken Shredder Tool makes meal prep quick and easy, perfect for shredding chicken, pulled pork, beef, and more with minimal effort. Designed with a large, heat-resistant bowl and anti-skid base, it securely holds generous portions, while the transparent lid lets you monitor the shredding process. With ergonomic handles and durable shredding claws, it’s simple to use and easy to clean—just pop it in the dishwasher. Whether you’re prepping BBQ or making salads, this tool is a must-have gadget for efficient, healthy cooking and a thoughtful gift for any food lover.

Forget clunky pizza cutters. They never work right. The Dreamfarm Scizza takes pizza cutting to a whole new level, combining the precision of scissors with a built-in serving spatula for a mess-free experience. These ergonomic pizza scissors effortlessly glide through thick crusts and deep-dish pizzas, thanks to sharp, durable stainless steel blades that protect non-stick pans and pizza stones. With a unique spatula shoe, you can slice, pinch, and serve in one simple motion—no extra tools needed. Dishwasher safe and heat-resistant up to 400°F, the Scizza is a versatile, easy-to-use gadget that makes every pizza night a breeze.

I did not think I would end up using this as much as I do, but the Fullstar Vegetable Chopper is a game-changer for any kitchen, making chopping, slicing, and dicing quick and easy. Equipped with razor-sharp, rust-resistant stainless steel blades, this chopper handles everything from potatoes to tomatoes with ease. The built-in catch tray keeps counters clean, while the non-slip base and soft-grip handle offer total control. Ideal for anyone looking to save time and eat healthier, this 4-in-1 chopper is versatile, dishwasher-safe, and designed to make every meal prep feel effortless. It’s the go-to tool for both beginners and seasoned chefs!

Another one of those kitchen gadgets I didn’t know I needed until I tried it was a milk frother. If you’re serious about your coffee, protein shakes, or, well a huge list of other things because these things can do it all, the Zulay Milk Boss Milk Frother is a game-changer. In seconds, this powerful handheld frother transforms your milk into rich, creamy foam, giving every latte, cappuccino, or hot chocolate that coffee-shop finish. It’s perfect not only for coffee but also for whisking matcha, blending protein drinks, or even whipping up smoothies. Made with high-quality stainless steel and powered by a strong motor, it’s durable, easy to clean, and stores neatly on your countertop. With the Zulay lifetime guarantee, you can be confident this frother will add a touch of luxury to your daily coffee routine.

This Pyrex 2-Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set is a kitchen classic trusted for generations for one very good reason … it is built to last. Made from durable, nonporous glass, these 1-cup and 2-cup measuring cups are designed to handle whatever your kitchen throws at them—whether it’s heating, freezing, or mixing. The bold, easy-to-read measurements make following any recipe simple, and the curved spouts allow for precise, drip-free pouring. Dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven safe, this set is all about convenience and reliability. If you’re looking for a measuring cup set that will stand the test of time, Pyrex is it.

The KitchenAid Measuring Cups Set combines convenience with a sleek design. Each of the four sizes—1/4, 1/3, 1/2, and 1 cup—features smooth, rounded edges that nest effortlessly for compact storage. With easy-to-read measurements and comfortable, soft-grip handles, these cups make precise measuring simple. Made from sturdy, BPA-free plastic, they’re dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleanup and crafted to stand up to daily kitchen tasks. A practical addition that blends seamlessly into any kitchen setup, these measuring cups are all about ease and functionality.

For anyone who loves cooking, this 6-piece set of heavy-duty stainless steel measuring spoons is a game-changer and helps with precise measurements. Made from premium 18/8 stainless steel, these spoons are safe, durable, and built to last—no rust, no fading measurements. I love how the smoothly rounded heads fit perfectly into spice jars, and the balanced handles feel just right in hand. With both metric and US measurements engraved on each spoon, there’s no second-guessing quantities, and the D-ring keeps them neatly together. These are perfect for anyone who appreciates quality tools in the kitchen.

The Circulon 10-Piece Nonstick Bakeware Set has everything you need to bake like a pro, from cakes to cookies to muffins. Crafted from heavy-gauge steel, each pan is built for even heating and long-lasting performance, with a premium nonstick coating that ensures easy food release and cleanup. The unique raised circle design adds extra durability to prevent warping, while wide handles offer a confident grip, even with oven mitts. Oven safe up to 450°F and dishwasher-friendly, this set includes two round cake pans, two square pans, a loaf pan, cookie sheets, a rectangular cake pan with a lid, and a muffin pan—your all-in-one solution for versatile baking.