A few things to start you off

So, let’s start populating your kitchen. The first thing you need is the hardware: gadgets, pots, pans, utensils, and settings. You have different options on where to buy them, but you’re most likely to want to buy them as cheaply as possible. This means a thrift store, where you can buy enough items to ensure that you can do almost anything you would like to do. Yes, you can buy from online sources or the local department store, but this means spending a lot more, hundreds of dollars rather than well under a hundred dollars. Either way, just remember to wash the items as soon as you buy them and you should be okay.

Let’s divide into sections so we can more easily discuss this. Your gadgets are going to be the most expensive items by themselves, and will define your kitchen as they are the most visible items.  

“Gadgets” are the most obvious items you will need are: microwave oven, toaster or toaster over, electric grill, coffee machine. If you like tea, a tea kettle works as well. These items will see a lot of use, and will be used for a number of different functions.

Items to debate are:  food processors, sandwich makers, blenders, Foreman grills.  These items will see some use, possibly rarely, but are nonetheless nice to have on hand.

You can debate any other device. One to seriously debate is a bread maker; although it sounds like a great idea, it takes a few tries to get it down and the amount you save versus the time invested makes it a debatable investment. Something else to debate is a tortilla press, and for pretty much the same reasons.

Pots and pans are the next major purchases. The major issue will be what the pans are made of; you have a choice between steel, cast iron, and non-stick coating. Steel is probably the worst option; the pot or pan will have uneven heating, and is easily damaged by burns. Cast iron requires seasoning, must be cleaned as quickly as it’s been dirtied, and takes a bit longer to warm up than other pans, but otherwise it heats evenly and can handle anything you can throw at it. Non-stick pans are best for those learning to cook; the may heat unevenly but they are easy to clean. Another issue to consider is that some non-stick pans cannot be heated too hot or the coating may become poisonous. Another strike against non-stick pans is that they cannot handle being scratched; once they have been scratched too much they are no longer non-stick.

Once you have decided on what kind of pans, you will need at least three pots, one quart-sized pot, a two-quart sized pot, and a two-gallon sized pot, each with a lid. You will also need pans or skillets, a six-inch, a nin0inch, and a fifteen-inch pan, preferably with lids but not necessarily. This should get you through most situations.

Utensils are the next step. In general, the first decision will be substance and then style. Metal utensils are good, but scratch most non-stick pans, and can rust over time. Plastic/hard rubber are good, but are easily melted if placed too close to heat. Wood takes a lot of abuse, but absorbs the tastes and smells of whatever it gets cooked in the most over time. Resin is arguably the best choice as it takes the most damage, is non-reactive so is unaffected by what you cook it with, and works well with non-stick coating. Also remember a colander (also known as a noodle strainer).

Once you have decided on what they are made of, you are going to need a number of things. Feel free to grab a number of spoons and spatulas; you can never go wrong with a lot of spoons and spatulas. Just make sure that you have one closed and one slotted spoon and you should do well. Don’t forget at least one each of can opener, egg beater/whip, potato peeler, a carving fork, a ladle, and a syringe. A meat thermometer is also a good idea, as is a set of knives. You may also want to grab a number of different sized bowls for mixing, a set of storage containers for staples and seasonings, another set of storage containers for food, and at least one box each of sandwich-sized bags, quart-sized bags, and gallon-sized bags. You may also want to remember a tea jar and a garlic press.

Measuring devices are of special note. The best option is a Pyrex measuring cup with the lines made so you can see them from above. Otherwise, a set of measuring cups and spoons ranging from at least ¼ teaspoon to four cups will see you through almost any situation.

The general rule for glasses, plates , and silverware is twice the number of people you normal have plus two, with a minimum of four. In other words, if you have three roommates, you will want (1+3+2=) six settings. This means at least one steak knife, butter knife, fork, teaspoon, tablespoon, glass, plate, and bowl per setting. If you are debating oriental foods, make sure you have chopsticks and appropriate spoons. This allows you to go at deal with dirty dishes just once a day rather than each meal. You can get more settings, as well as other items, such as a gravy boat and teacups.  

It may sound like a lot, but you will find the items will serve you well. Once you have mastered cooking, then you can get a new set of dishes, and you can always purchase new items as you go. Nonetheless, this is a good enough set to start with, so enjoy!