Stock your kitchen with the essentials
You can cook very well without a high-tech kitchen. A few well-chosen tools will last you years.
The bare minimum to get started
To cook the vast majority of meals, you need very little: a frying pan, a saucepan, a good chef's knife, a cutting board, a colander, a wooden spoon, and a spatula. That already covers almost everything. No need to fill your cupboards with gadgets that will collect dust. Buy the rest only when a genuine need arises.
Invest where it counts
On certain items, quality makes a real difference and lasts a long time. A good sharp knife transforms everyday cooking and stays safe — a blunt knife slips and cuts fingers. A decent pan stops everything from sticking. For everything else, entry-level is fine. Flea markets and second-hand sites are great for kitting yourself out cheaply.
Maintain to make things last
Well-maintained equipment lasts years. Wash your knives by hand and store them separately to preserve the edge. Avoid metal utensils on non-stick pans. Dry metal items to prevent rust. These simple habits save you from re-buying equipment and keep your kitchen pleasant and safe.
Apply it now
- Buy a pan, saucepan, knife, and cutting board first.
- Spend more on quality for the knife and pan.
- Find everything else second-hand or at flea markets.
- Hand-wash knives and store them separately.
- Only add more equipment when a real need comes up.