Kitchen Essentials

This is a list of what I would call basic kitchen essentials. Of course depending on the size of your family you possibly could go bigger or smaller. This list does not include any kitchen appliances big or small.








* 2 quart saucepan with lid
* 8 quart stock pot
* 8 inch skillet
* 12 inch skillet with lid
* 4 to 6 quart dutch oven
* roasting pan with rack
* broiler pan
* teakettle







* 13x9 baking dish
* 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish
* 2 cookie/baking sheet
* pizza pan or stone
* muffin pan(s) (enough for 12)
* 1 or 2 9x5x3 loaf pan
* 2 8" or 9" round cake pans
* 1 or 2 9" or 10" inch pie pans
* rolling pin
* set of 3 graduated-size mixing bowls (glass or stainless steel)
* springform cake pan (optional splurge)








* 2 sets of nesting measuring cups
* 2 sets of measuring spoons
* pint or quart glass measuring cup
* 4 wooden spoons assorted sizes
* 2 large stirring spoons
* slotted spoon
* soup ladle
* rubber spatulas/scrapers
* 2 pancake turners
* potato/vegetable peeler
* whisk
* potato masher
* meat mallet
* long handled fork
* tongs
* ice cream scoop
* silicon pastry brush
* corkscrew
* bottle/can opener
* manual can opener
* small & large strainer
* colander
* vegetable steamer
* kitchen scissors
* grater/shredder
* funnel
* baster
* zester
* cutting boards - at least 2
* meat thermometer
* candy themometer
* wire cooling rack
* kitchen timer








* 1 or 2 casserole dishes
* serving bowls and platters - assorted sizes
* storage containers with lids in assorted sizes
* canisters
* clear glass custard dishes or ramekins
* freezer wrap, foil, plastic wrap and large and small plastic bags
* plastic pitchers (for juice or iced tea)
* teapot








* paring knife
* serrated knife
* chef's knife
* carving knife
* sharpening steel




I will follow up this post on why I feel some of these are essentials with some photos and links to some favorite products.