15 Essentials You Need for Your First Post-Grad Kitchen

By Food & Wine
Updated July 09, 2019
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Courtesy of CB2
If you’re gearing up for graduation and preparing to mourn the end of campus life, at least you can look forward to that real-life apartment (and kitchen!) that will finally make you feel like a full-fledged adult. We may be a little biased here, but we think that shopping for your first kitchen is one of life’s greatest joys – and you only get to do it once. While you may have to wait until move-in day to buy that perfectly-sized couch, the rug that will be positioned just-so and the art that will line your walls, the kitchen? That you can start shopping for right now. From bright mixing bowls to the perfect French press, these are the 15 must-have items to add to that graduation wish list.
Start Slideshow

1 of 15

The pots and pans:

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

Whether you’re whipping up some scrambled eggs or making a full-on chicken dinner, invest in a stovetop set that will have you channeling your inner Julia Child.Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 14-Piece Cookware Set, $250, amazon.com

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

The dish towels:

Anthropologie

Don’t be boring when it comes to your linens. Choosing colorful dish towels is the easiest way to infuse some pizazz into your cooking space.Cabana Striped Dish Towels, Set of 4, $24 at anthropologie.com

3 of 15

The make-anything cookbook:

Courtesy of Amazon

These recipes for unfussy food will make you excited to cook on weeknights. Alison Roman teaches readers how to build flavor while still saving time, an ideal lesson for those starting out in their first adult kitchen. Dining In: Highly Cookable Recipes, $20 at amazon.com

Advertisement

4 of 15

The coffee maker:

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Keep it classic when it comes to your coffee. Instead of an electronic coffee maker, invest in a French press.Bodum Copper French Press, $40 at amazon.com

5 of 15

The mixer:

Courtesy of Amazon

Perhaps the biggest splurge of the bunch, a standing mixer will be your most treasured lifelong purchase. Bake cookies, whip up some frittatas or knead dough for a batch of bread. No matter what you’re cooking, this mixer will do it best. KitchenAid Stand Mixer, $274 at amazon.com

6 of 15

The knives:

Courtesy of Amazon

No, you can’t use your butter knife for everything. Instead, get yourself a block of assorted slicers and dicers that will last for a very long time. J.A. Henckels International Forges Premio 18-Piece Block Set, $210, amazon.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

The cutting board:

Courtesy of Amazon

An investment piece that you'll use more regularly than your toaster, a Boos block cutting board will last you many years. Boos Block Maple Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board, $100 at amazon.com (originally $215)

8 of 15

The mixing bowls:

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

Why buy one mixing bowl when you can buy three? These nesting bowls are non-skid so you can get to making those brownies that much faster. OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl Set, $25 at amazon.com

9 of 15

The measuring cups:

Courtesy of Amazon

Pyrex is, perhaps, the definition of have-it-forever kitchenware. The classic loved by your mother and your mother's mother is a still a homewear-staple for a reason and a must-add to any registry. Pyrex Measuring Cups, 3-Piece, $15 at amazon.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 15

The kitchen utensils:

Courtesy of Amazon

Whisks, spatulas and all the essential kitchen utensils are here for you in their silicone glory. Buy a whole set in a fun color to liven up your baking prep. 10 Pieces Silicone Cooking Utensils, $28 at amazon.com

11 of 15

The oven mitts:

Courtesy of Amazon

No recipe is finished without oven mitts to remove your meal from the oven. This pack is easy to wipe clean, plus two pot holders can act as trivets when you're in a pinch.Silicone Oven Mitts and Potholders, $16 at amazon.com

12 of 15

The dining ware:

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Opt for simple sets that come in bulk to aid all of those messy post-grad dinner parties you’ll be hosting. Pottery Barn Caterer’s Dinner Plate, Set of 12, $59, potterybarn.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 15

The flatware:

Courtesy of IKEA

There’s no need to overspend on flatware. Make sure you have enough spoons for all those late-night mac and cheesesand plenty of forks for the ramen you’re going to microwave (sorry, Mom…).Farberware Cayenne Satin 20-Piece Flatware Set, Service for 4, $30 at amazon.com

14 of 15

The tea kettle:

Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

Whether you’re cooking instant noodles that remind you of your dorm room days or classing it up with a good cup of Earl Grey tea, a reliable tea kettle is essential for several of your after-college kitchen needs. Chantal Vintage Cobalt Blue Steel Enamel Tea Kettle, $50, crateandbarrel.com

15 of 15

The measuring utensils:

Courtesy of CB2

Get a measuring cup set that will last and look great in any kitchen setting (these are dishwasher safe, too). Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Measuring Cup Set, $30, williams-sonoma.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Food & Wine