I'm Finally Getting a Kitchen of My Own, and Here's What I'm Adding to My Cookware Collection

Like many 20-somethings, I was fortunate enough to move back into my parents' house during the start of the pandemic. And perhaps the best part of moving home is that I was spoiled with direct access to my mother's impressive cookware collection. An incredible cook and entertainer, she has kitchen cabinets filled with quality cookware that would make any food-obsessed person squeal with joy. (Think gorgeous dishware, vintage serving pieces, and prized decades-old Le Creuset Dutch ovens, which she keeps in pristine condition.)

Two years later, I'm now moving out to my own apartment. And as a commerce editor who loves to cook and shop, I'm on a quest to upgrade my solo kitchen with luxe, chef-worthy items that can compete with my mother's collection. From a game-changing nonstick pan and versatile spatula to fun drinking glasses and, yes, a vacuum, I've scoured both big names and smaller stores for my favorites. Some items in this list have been sent to me from brands, while others have been items I've grown to love and cherish over the years.

I know there's still plenty of time (and products) to build out my own kitchen collection, but here are the seven upgrades I'm starting off with.