Tips and Tricks: Kitchen Supplies

Moving out of your childhood home means that all of a sudden, you have to go out and buy all of those kitchen supplies that your parents have always had. This is one of the hardest parts about cooking in a dorm or small apartment – how do you know what to buy first? How much money should you spend? When should you prioritize price vs quality? Figuring out what supplies and appliances to invest in is difficult, but luckily we have some recommendations! 

Kitchen knives are an absolutely essential kitchen tool. We recommend three different kinds of knives: small, large, and serrated. Small knives are perfect for chopping fruit and small veggies, while a large knife is perfect for cutting squash and other larger vegetables and fruits. A large serrated knife can be used for multiple purposes since it works well for cutting bread and vegetables like zucchini. Veggies with skin, like cucumber or zucchini, are easier to cut with a serrated blade – it helps break through the skin. We found a set of six knives on Amazon for $25, and they work wonders! You don’t need fancy or expensive knives to make a great meal – just make sure you have the basics. 

A sheet pan or two is possibly the greatest investment you could make for your dorm kitchen. A dark, nonstick sheet pan will hold up better than a cheaper pan (which is something we learned the hard way!). We found a $5 sheet pan at Target, and it’s been perfect! To extend the life of your sheet pans, try using parchment paper to prevent food from sticking to the pan itself. We have two different size sheet pans and a cake pan (deeper than sheet pans), and they cover any job we could need them for.

A set of nonstick pots and pans can be pricey, but buying them in a set ends up being cheaper than buying them individually. A stock pot, skillet, and two or three pans in different sizes should be a good start for a small living space, although of course the pans you use most will depend on your own cooking practice. We bought a set from Target for about $45 – it was a pricey investment, but a good set of pans will last for years and years.

Mixing bowls are another kitchen essential, especially for people who like to bake. We love making banana bread, but we desperately needed a mixing bowl for it! We headed to Target, grabbed a big glass bowl we found on clearance, and now we use it for EVERYTHING. 

Some miscellaneous tools that people tend to forget are pot holders/hot pads, strainers, & spatulas and other baking utensils. These items are cheap and easy to find, but people often overlook them during their initial dorm or apartment shopping. 

The following items are useful depending on personal cooking style, but they aren’t absolutely essential. Remember that cooking is personal and this isn’t a “one size fits all” list!

We have fallen in love with our small slow cooker! We have a 2-quart crockpot that we found for $10 at Target (can you tell where we like to shop for cooking supplies?) and it’s perfect for making 2-4 servings of different soups. We love using leftover veggies to make unique vegetable soup in the crockpot – just throw all of your ingredients in the pot and let them cook all day! It’s an easy way to make a delicious meal on a busy day.

A food processor and/or blender is a great option for creamy soups, smoothies, and anything in between! The best option for storage is a blender with a food processor attachment, but of course it depends on your personal cooking needs and budget. 

A mini waffle maker does so much more than make waffles! They are usually priced around $10, and you can use one to make pizza pockets, hash brown patties, and of course, waffles.

When we bought a bread machine, our whole lives changed! That might be a little dramatic, but it has definitely been a game changer. Bread machines can be an expensive investment, but fresh baked bread is one of the best things on the planet. We share bread with friends and make a loaf for ourselves at least once a week. There are so many variations on white bread that you can try with a bread machine! It is also great for making your own gluten free or vegan bread. If you can’t invest in a bread machine, a loaf pan is also great to have on hand, and you can use it for lots of recipes besides bread as well. 

We hope these tips have helped you figure out what supplies and appliances to stock your own kitchen with!

❤ Juliana and Sarah