Major Appliances
Some major appliances may already be in place in your home, especially if you’re renting. New homes usually have no appliances other than heating/cooling equipment and a hot water heater.
Refrigerator with freezer Range or cooktop and oven Microwave oven Freezer, chest or upright (optional) Dishwasher (optional) Clothes washer and dryer
Countertop Appliances & Accessories
Most countertop appliances have “manual,” or non-electric counterparts. For example, you can opt for a stovetop coffee maker instead of a standard plug-in drip coffee machine.
Toaster or toaster ovenMixer (handheld or stand)Blender (standard or stick)CoffeemakerElectric kettle
Cooking Implements
Active home cooks tend to acquire specific and specialty cooking tools over time, based on the type of cooking they do. But a basic set of implements will suffice for most recipes and dishes.
6-, 8-, and 12-inch frying pans1-, 2-, and 4-quart saucepans with lidsDutch oven or large pot with lidStockpot (optional)Steamer pot or steamer basketCasserole dishRoasting Pan
Bakeware
Baking tends to be more precise than everyday cooking, so it helps to have the most standard tools, such as a classic 9-inch pie pan, to follow baking recipes without having to make modifications.
Heavy baking sheets Cookie sheets 9-inch pie pan Rectangular bakers or baking dishes Rolling pin Metal cooling racks Ramekins or custard cups
Kitchen Utensils & Tools
A well-equipped kitchen feels more like a home kitchen and less like a rental property. Think about the items you most often reach for as well as some cook’s favorites that you may not have tried, like a spider strainer.
Large- and medium-size mixing bowlsMeasuring cups and spoonsCanister set (for storing grains, flour, and other dry staples)Kitchen tool holderSpice rack or holderColander or set of strainersSilicone spatulasMetal spatula or flipperWooden spoonsSpider skimmerCan openerWiskKitchen scissorsCheese and vegetable graterPlastic and/or metal serving and cooking utensils, such as large slotted and regular spoons, soup ladle, potato masher, large meat fork, and stirring paddlesKnife set, including paring, chef, and serrated knivesSteak knivesCutting boardsVegetable cleaning brushPotholders, hot pads, and oven mittsDishcloths and tea towelsTrivets
Tableware & Serving
Dishes and silverware go quickly whether you’re cooking a family meal or hosting a dinner party. It’s best to have extra settings for the most common items.
Flatware settings (dinner fork, salad fork, teaspoon, soup spoon, knife) for eight to 12 peopleEveryday dish setting (dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl) for six, or as neededFruit or dessert dishesGlassware assortment, including 4-, 6-, and 8-ounce glassesSmall bowls, such as cereal bowls, if not included in dish setCoffee mugs and teacupsSalt and pepper setCream and sugar bowlNapkin holderSet of serving bowlsTeapot (if you don’t have an electric kettle)Serving platter
Floor Care & Cleaning Items
There are an endless array cleaning supplies you can buy, but a basic collection will get you through most everyday chores. Even professional house cleaners rely on relatively few supplies.
Vacuum cleanerBroom and dustpanFloor mop, scrub pail, scrub brush, and cleaning ragsLong bottlebrushScouring or pot cleaning pads, or brushesDust RagMicrofiber cleaning cloths (optional)
Linens & Towels
As with dishes, having more sets of towels and bed linens means you won’t have to wash items in a hurry because you’ve run out. It’s also nice to have plenty of good linens for house guests.
Bath towelsHand towelsWashclothsBed sheetsBlankets and bed coversPillows and pillow covers (include extra for guests)TableclothsCloth napkinsPlacemats
