15 Essentials You Need for Your First Post-Grad Kitchen

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 cheeses and 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

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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

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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

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15 Essentials You Need for Your First Post-Grad Kitchen

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The pots and pans:

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The dish towels:

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The make-anything cookbook:

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The coffee maker:

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The mixer:

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The knives:

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The cutting board:

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The mixing bowls:

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The measuring cups:

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The kitchen utensils:

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The oven mitts:

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The dining ware:

13 of 16

The flatware:

14 of 16

The tea kettle:

15 of 16

The measuring utensils:

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15 Essentials You Need for Your First Post-Grad Kitchen

1 of 16

The pots and pans:

2 of 16

The dish towels:

3 of 16

The make-anything cookbook:

4 of 16

The coffee maker:

5 of 16

The mixer:

6 of 16

The knives:

7 of 16

The cutting board:

8 of 16

The mixing bowls:

9 of 16

The measuring cups:

10 of 16

The kitchen utensils:

11 of 16

The oven mitts:

12 of 16

The dining ware:

13 of 16

The flatware:

14 of 16

The tea kettle:

15 of 16

The measuring utensils:

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