20+ Kitchen Essentials You Need When Moving Into Your First Apartment
- form + flow
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
A practical guide to the tools, cookware, and everyday basics that set you up for home-cooked meals from day one.
Moving into your first apartment is exciting — but nothing makes you feel more “at home” than a kitchen stocked with the right essentials. This checklist skips the clutter and focuses on the must-haves you’ll actually use (and reuse).
Quick note: These aren’t fancy extras or once-a-year gadgets. They’re the foundation of your everyday cooking. Build your collection gradually — but start here.
Written and curated by Form + Flow
Just a quick note: This post includes affiliate links, which means I earn a lil' commission if you buy something through these links, at no additional cost to you.
Moving into a new apartment is exciting, but setting up your kitchen can feel overwhelming. What do you really need, and what can wait? That’s why this guide brings together 20 kitchen essentials that make your space functional, stylish, and ready for everyday cooking.
No fluff, no extras — just smart basics that help you chop, cook, and serve with ease. Whether it’s your first pasta dinner, hosting friends, or simply brewing morning coffee, these tools will make your kitchen feel like home from day one.
Scroll through the list to discover the must-haves, save your favorites, and shop them all in one place.
Our Top 5 picks:
Japanese Chef’s Knife — Shop Now →
Stainless Steel Cookware Set — Shop Now →
Magnetic Knife Strip — Shop Now →
Clip-On Pot Strainer — Shop Now →
Wooden Cutting Board — Shop Now →
The Fall Essentials 2025 Checklist
01.
Wooden Cutting Board
A durable and stylish wooden cutting board that doubles as a prep station and serving piece. Its natural grain adds warmth to any kitchen, while the sturdy surface makes it perfect for chopping vegetables, slicing bread, or presenting cheese and charcuterie.
02.
Wooden Utensil Holder
A minimalist wooden utensil holder that keeps your cooking tools organized and accessible. Its clean design adds warmth and style to your countertop while helping you maintain a clutter-free kitchen.
03.
Wooden Measuring Spoons
A set of wooden measuring spoons that brings both function and charm to your kitchen. Perfect for baking or cooking, they measure with precision while adding a warm, natural touch to your countertop.
04.
Japanese Chef’s Knife
A premium Japanese chef’s knife — the sharpest, most reliable tool in the kitchen and the only knife you’ll ever need. Handcrafted for precision and durability, it makes every chop, slice, and dice effortless, turning everyday cooking into a professional experience.
05.
Magnetic Knife Strip
Turn your kitchen wall into a chef’s station. This magnetic strip keeps your knives sharp, safe, and always ready.
06.
Knife Sharpener
Keep every cut razor-sharp. This pro-level knife sharpener restores your blades in seconds — the secret to effortless slicing and a chef’s confidence in your own kitchen.
07.
Garlic Press
Unlock bold flavor in seconds. This garlic press crushes cloves effortlessly, giving you fresh, aromatic garlic without the mess — the ultimate shortcut to gourmet cooking.
08.
Stainless Steel Grater
From cheese to citrus zest, this razor-sharp grater transforms everyday dishes into chef-worthy creations. Sleek, durable, and always ready to add that perfect finishing touch.
09.
Oil & Vinegar Dispenser
Elevate everyday cooking with this sleek oil and vinegar dispenser set. Designed for precision pouring and stylish storage, it turns your counter into a chef’s station and your salads into a masterpiece.
10.
Lemon Squeezer
Fresh flavor at your fingertips. This sturdy lemon squeezer extracts every drop with zero mess — the easiest way to add zest and brightness to any dish or drink.
11.
Bench Scraper
No more messy counters. This bench scraper gathers chopped veggies and herbs in one swift motion — the fastest, cleanest way to move ingredients from board to pan.
12.
Can Opener
A must-have in every kitchen. This sturdy can opener glides smoothly every time, making pantry staples instantly accessible. Without it, you’ll always find yourself stuck with sealed cans.
13.
Clip-On Pot Strainer
No more juggling hot pots and heavy colanders. This clip-on strainer snaps right onto your pan, draining pasta or veggies in seconds — safe, simple, and space-saving.
14.
wine opener
Celebrate without the struggle. This sleek wine opener makes uncorking effortless, so you’ll never be stuck fighting a stubborn bottle when the moment calls for a toast.
15.
Smash Burger Press
Crispy edges, juicy center — every time. This smash burger press lets you flatten patties to perfection, locking in flavor and giving you that irresistible diner-style crust at home.
16.
Meat Tenderizer
Turn any cut into a melt-in-your-mouth experience. This meat tenderizer breaks down tough fibers, making your steaks softer, juicier, and packed with flavor.
17.
Kitchen Torch
Bring the restaurant experience home. This powerful kitchen torch caramelizes crème brûlée, crisps meats, and adds that
pro-level finish to any dish — a must-have for culinary creativity.
18.
Digital Kitchen Scale
Precision made simple. This digital scale ensures every recipe is exact — from baking to meal prep, it takes the guesswork out and guarantees perfect results.
19.
Digital Meat Thermometer
Never overcook again. This instant-read thermometer gives you perfect accuracy in seconds, so every steak, roast, or chicken comes out juicy, safe, and restaurant-quality.
20.
Salt & Pepper Grinder Set
Fresh flavor at your fingertips. These elegant grinders add a touch of style to your table while unlocking the rich aroma of freshly ground spices with every twist.
21.
Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Everything you need, all in one set. From simmering soups to searing steaks, this stainless steel cookware collection covers every recipe. Durable, versatile, and built to last — it’s the kind of cookware professional chefs rely on, and the ultimate foundation for your first kitchen.
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