If you are just starting out and need some ideas for what you need to have in a kitchen, here is a basic list that will help you get started. If you have an IKEA store near you, that is a great place to purchase these items at a very reasonable cost.

The basics that you really need are:

Large frying pan – 10+ inches across

Small frying pan – 6 inches across

Large pot – with a lid, holds 6 quarts

Small saucepan – hold 2 ½ quarts

Strainer or Colander

Mixing bowls – at least 2, 1 large and 1 small

Microwave safe dish

Knives – small sharp paring knife and a large sharp knife

Cutting boards – one for cutting vegetables and one for cutting meats

Cooking spoons – heavy nylon/plastic or stainless steel

Cookie sheets

Muffin pan

Measuring cups and spoons

Grater

Pot holders and oven mitts

Can opener

These are some items that are helpful to have:

A huge pot for making soup or pasta

Scissors

Roasting pan

Loaf pan

Pie pan

Soup ladle

Tongs

Vegetable peeler

Wire whisk

Electric mixer

Microwave oven

Toaster

Rubber scrapers

Metal spatula

Potato masher

Garlic press

Wok

Food processor

Blender

Vegetable steamer