Are you moving into a new home and wondering what tools to stock in your kitchen? Here’s the ultimate minimalist kitchen essentials list to help you get started.
Moving into a new home but don’t know what you should have in a kitchen?
I’ve been in the same position before.
Setting up a brand-new kitchen is daunting and expensive.
To be honest, I had no clue what to buy when I moved into my first home.
I spent a lot of money on unnecessary kitchen items – some of which are now white elephants in my house! I’m looking at you, air fryer!
There is a common misconception that you need a lot of state-of-the-art kitchen equipment to whip up delicious meals.
After four years of using our kitchen, I can assure you that’s not the case.
I cook daily, and all I have are minimalist kitchen essentials.
My secret to a minimalist kitchen? Investing in high-quality kitchen equipment that will save you time and energy.
Not only does this practice save you more money in the long run, but it also helps to save you so much time.
Imagine a kitchen where you don’t have to rummage through cabinets or drawers every time you’re looking for something you need.
Whether you’re a minimalist or just trying to stick to your budget, you’ll need this ultimate minimalist kitchen essentials list.
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Table of Contents
Minimalist Kitchen Essentials List
Knife and knife sharpener
Notice how I wrote knife and not a knife set?
Let’s be honest. How often do you use all of the knives in your knife set? A knife set is bulky and takes up valuable counter space!
When it comes to knives, choose quality over quantity.
You only need one chef knife that’s sharp and easy to hold. If you cook a lot and prefer different knives for different products, you can add a paring and serrated knife to your collection.
Don’t forget to invest in a knife sharpener to keep your knives in good condition.
Cutting board
You may have lived without a cutting board when you were in college.
Who cares about scratching an ugly melamine countertop as long as you can get the job done in two seconds, right?
Well, guess what? Your priorities will change as soon as you start paying for everything in your house. And that includes your beautiful marble or quartz countertop.
Invest in a wooden or bamboo cutting board. You only need one, and it’ll last for decades if you take care of it.
Scissors
A pair of scissors is one of the most underrated tools in the kitchen.
I use mine frequently to cut food and open packages. It’s especially handy for someone who has subpar knife skills (re: me!)
Can opener
If you consume a lot of canned food, a can opener is a must. Bonus points if it’s multipurpose and can be used as a bottle opener too!
Peeler
Since fruits and vegetables make up a huge part of our diets, a peeler is necessary.
I recommend purchasing a peeler/brush combo; so you can give your fresh produce a good clean before peeling them.
Measuring cups and spoons
Now, I have to be completely honest here. I don’t own any measuring cups. I eyeball everything, and it works for me.
However, not everyone has the nerve to follow suit! If you need measuring tools, make sure to purchase nesting measuring cups and spoons as these save space.
Tea towels
These are a must-have in my kitchen. I’m a bit of a neat freak, and I hate it when stuff gets all over the counters when I cook.
I always have a cotton or linen tea towel on hand because they absorb moisture well.
Plus, having a tea towel means using fewer paper towels, which is great for the environment!
Minimalist Kitchen Utensils
Utensils are the type of things you probably don’t think twice about buying because they are so inexpensive.
But, these are also the main culprit when it comes to clutter!
Think about what you cook regularly and determine which utensils you need. Chances are you’ll only need one of each.
Don’t be tempted by the cheap utensil sets you see online. These come in 14-28 pieces, and you won’t need most of them.
These are five of the most commonly-used utensils in most kitchens:
- Spatula
- Ladle
- Tongs
- Serving spoon
- Whisk
Either bamboo or high-quality non-stick silicone will work fine.
Minimalist Kitchen Essentials For Cooking
A few pots and pans of different sizes
A few pots and pans of different sizes are all you need in a minimalist kitchen.
Many people get into the habit of buying a pot or a pan in each size. However, cookware is bulky, heavy, and takes up A LOT of space.
Rather than filling your cabinets to the brim, consider investing in these few must-haves instead:
- A stainless steel saucepan (get a 4-quart if you have a big family whereas 1-quart is perfect for 1-2 people)
- A 12″ stainless steel frying pan
A saucepan/stockpot is great for soup, stews, curries, and pasta. On the other hand, a frying pan is great for cooking eggs, vegetables, seafood, and tofu.
When in doubt, always get the medium-sized pot/pan.
A small pot/pan may cause overcrowding, which takes longer for food to cook and the taste to deteriorate.
On the other hand, big pots and pans are hard to work with because they are so heavy!
I highly recommend stainless steel pots as a material because they last for years.
While non-stick pans are great for cooking delicate food like eggs and tofu, the coating doesn’t last.
Spend your money on good quality cookware – these will last long and they make your food taste better!
Metal baking sheet pan
I LOVE one-sheet pan meals. They’re so yummy and easy to make! They truly make the perfect weeknight dinners. A baking sheet and some foil are all you need to make a simple and hearty sheet pan meal.
Colander or metal strainer
Whether you’re using it to drain pasta water or wash your vegetables, a colander or metal strainer is always a good idea. Just don’t use it to wash rice!!!
Silicone pad
A silicone pad is important to have to protect your countertops. Besides that, you can also use the silicone pad to hold hot handles and to help open tough jars.
Food storage
I know it’s trendy to have a Khloe Kardashian-inspired pantry these days. Nothing against that, but I generally prefer to only purchase what I need instead of stocking up for days!
Since we’re talking about a minimalist kitchen essentials list, here’s what I use to store spices, dry food, and leftovers:
- Salt and pepper grinder
- Spice rack
- Food storage containers
- Food containers for leftovers
Tableware
I don’t own a lot of kitchen gadgets or tools, but I must admit, I have a sizeable tableware collection because I love entertaining. That said, I hardly purchase 12 or 18-piece sets because I prefer mixing and matching my dinnerware.
If you’re starting from scratch, I highly recommend the basics:
- 12-set tableware in white – white matches every table setting
- 4 tall glasses – taller is better as these can double up as informal wine glasses
- 2-3 mugs
- 4 pairs of stainless steel cutlery
- 1 serving board
Kitchen tools I don’t need but I use often
Although the items below are not part of my minimalist kitchen essentials, I still love them to bits and I use them frequently.
Electric kettle
My husband and I love drinking hot beverages, so we can’t live without our electric kettle. We use it daily, and it saves us so much time! It doesn’t hurt that it looks super cute and can pass off as part of our home decor.
Rice cooker
We LOVE rice, and it’s a staple in our meals. We can cook rice on the stove, but the rice cooker does a quicker and better job at it.
Toaster
My husband eats bread for breakfast almost every day. Toast is one of his favorite meals. Safe to say, the toaster is extremely well-loved in our home!
Panini press
There’s a funny story behind the panini press. We never intended to own one! We were grocery shopping in England and came across the panini press for nine pounds. It was freaking amazing! We bought it instantly (duh) and brought it back with us.
I didn’t expect to use it so frequently, but it MAKES the most amazing grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s also surprisingly easy to clean!
Kitchen tools you don’t need
A rule of thumb to sticking to minimalist kitchen essentials is to lose any item that only serves a single purpose. Here are a few things that come to mind:
- Bread maker
- Garlic crusher
- Herb peeler
- Ice cream maker
- Multiple coffee machines
- Salad spinner
- Steamer
- Spiralizer
- Popcorn maker
- Juicer
- A stand mixer (unless you bake frequently)
Additionally, there are other appliances that you may be tempted to buy (or already have) but will rarely use!
For instance, we have a slow cooker, a juicer, a blender, and an air fryer that we barely touch. Since we’re so accustomed to using our regular pots and pans, we find it such a hassle to use and clean something new.
Try to avoid purchasing novelty kitchen appliances. If someone gifts you an appliance you’ll never use, sell, or re-gift. There’s no point keeping it until you find a use for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dishes do I need if I want a minimalist kitchen?
I love to host, so I have more than the average person. But, if you want a minimalist kitchen, one set per family member is sufficient. Add a couple of serving plates if you enjoy having family-style lunches or dinners.
What are the 5 things you consider essential in the kitchen?
Everyone uses the kitchen differently, but these are the 5 things I consider essential in the ktichen: a knife, a chopping board, a pot (or a pan), a spatula, a plate, and a pair of cutlery. Ok, I cheated, I named six things, but they’re absolutely necessary!
Analyze your kitchen habits
Before we dive in, it’s important to analyze your kitchen habits. Why? Because what works for me may not work for you!
Look at what you typically use your kitchen for. Do you cook daily? Are you cooking for two, or are you preparing meals for a big family? Are you an avid baker? Do you like to entertain? Are you running a small food business from home?
These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself before you create your shopping list.
If you’re cooking for a large family or running a small food business from home, you will probably need more tools than the average person.
Since I don’t bake and I only cook for two, the list below covers everything I need in the kitchen.
Conclusion
What do you think of my minimalist kitchen essentials list? What is the one thing in your kitchen you can’t live without?
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