Essential Kitchen Tools Every Starter Kitchen Needs

 When I moved into my first apartment, my kitchen was a sad sight and mostly included a collection of second-hand plates, glassware, cookware, and utensils from the local thrift store. I needed an essential kitchen tools guide, but the internet wasn't available back then. So I forged my way through the best I could, and eventually what started as a collection of odds-and-ends turned into a full-on, well-stocked kitchen.

With so many products on the market, it's hard to know what are essential kitchen tools and what you might only use from time to time. Below are the essentials for any starter kitchen, items that I use in my own home kitchen every day, or at least once a week.

KNIVES

Every kitchen needs three knives: a Chef's knife to do the bulk of your cutting, a serrated knife for cutting bread, and a paring knife for slicing or mincing smaller items. You can buy a knife block that has all of these, or you can opt to mix-and-match.

CUTTING BOARDS

To go along with your new, sharp knives, you're going to need some cutting boards! They come in all shapes, sizes, and varieties. I like my bamboo wooden cutting boards for veggies and plastic cutting boards for proteins.

MIXING BOWLS

Mixing bowls are essential kitchen tools. Just try mixing a cake without them! They come in many different materials, but I prefer my glass mixing bowls. They're easy to clean, heat resistant, dishwasher safe, and don't react to any food products.

MEASURING CUPS & SPOONS

Again, try to make a cake without measuring cups and measuring spoons. You're going to have a bad time. I look for a set that is easy to store and can be washed in the dishwasher.

Metal sets aren't as sexy as their colourful plastic counterparts, but they last longer and are easier to clean.