Living on your own for the first time? Or perhaps temporarily stuck in a kitchen that’s not your own (we’re living in crazy times)?
These dirt-cheap kitchen essentials will set you up to cook basic meals, have utensils and dishware to eat the meals, and Tupperware to keep the leftovers in! And everything can be ordered on Amazon for around $200 or less!
**NOTE this is just the kitchenware, no food is included in this list.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Originally posted on millennialtwist.com.
Affordable Kitchen Essentials on Amazon:
Bon Flora 20-Piece Stainless Steel Cutlery Set
You’ll definitely need a set of flatware (aka silverware). This set comes with 20 pieces, including a knife, a bigger spoon, a smaller spoon, a bigger fork, and a smaller fork (four of each). This set is also dishwasher safe!
Madesmart Silverwear Tray
You’re going to need something to put your silverware in, and this tray is perfect! It should fit in nearly any drawer and is white so it will go with any decor.
AmazonBasics 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
This 16 piece set of dinnerware is a perfect match for your silverware set (since they both serve 4). This set comes with dinner plates, smaller plates (for desserts [or snacks!]), bowls, and mugs.
Everything is also microwave safe, oven safe, and freezer safe (why would you freeze these though?).
Cook N Home 15-Piece Nonstick Stay Cool Handle Cookware Set, Black
I wish I had gotten this cookware set when I first moved! It has 2 different saucepans (perfect for soup [ahem ramen!]), a casserole dish, a dutch oven stockpot (the really big pot), two different frying pans, and a 5-piece utensil set (spatula, ladle, and something you can use to flip all the pancakes you’ll be making).
Also comes in black, green, or red.
Hefty 7-Gal Textured Step-On Trash Can with Lid Lock and Bottom Cap (Stainless Steel) + Bags
You’re going to need something to put your trash in, especially if you’re going to be doing any type of cooking. This basic trashcan is a good size for the kitchen, big enough to fit any food boxes or containers you don’t need, and you just step on the pedal at the bottom to open it (so you don’t have to touch it). It even comes with trash bags!
Cotton Terry Pot Holders, Heat Resistant and Machine Washable, Set of 3
If you’re going to be cooking or baking, you’ll definitely need some potholders. This set is cute and very budget-friendly! It’s also machine washable (for when you get the pasta sauce all over them).
Dish Drying Rack Bamboo Dish Rack Collapsible Dish Drainer
This is perfect for EVERYONE. If you don’t have a dishwasher in your new place you’ll love this, but if you do, then you may not want to run the dishwasher every day (especially if you live alone – you don’t have many dishes at once).
This rack is collapsible, so you can put it away when you aren’t using it. And it is made out of bamboo, so it will go with most appliances/kitchens.
Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups Combo
You’ll need a starter set of measuring cups and spoons for your cooking and baking needs, and these fit the bill!
KitchenAid Classic Set of 3 Mixing Bowls
If you do any type of baking, then you will have a need for mixing bowls. This set gives you 3 in the sizes that you’ll use the most! Also comes in blue and white.
Rubbermaid 2065352 Easy Find Lids Food Storage Containers, 42 Piece, New Assortment, Racer Red
You will most likely have leftovers at some point, so you’ll need something to store them in. These super-durable Rubbermaid containers are microwave safe, freezer safe, and dishwasher-safe! They can also nest (put them inside of each other) which makes storing them super easy!
Norpro Cut N’ Slice Flexible Cutting Boards, Set of 3
Nice low-cost set of 3 flexible cutting boards.
Amazon Basics Toaster
Basic toaster for all of your bagel and toast needs!
Kitch Ice Tray Easy Release White Ice Cube Trays, 16 Cube (Pack of 2)
If you don’t happen to have an ice maker built into your fridge, you should pick up some ice cube trays.
KitchenAid Can Opener, Red
A can opener for opening canned anything.
AmazonBasics 12-Piece Colored Knife Set
A knife set for cutting veggies, meats, and other food items you’re going to cook. Comes in an adorable set of bright rainbow colors!
So there you have it, a set of low-cost items that will help you get started in your new kitchen!
TIP: These items also make AMAZING gifts for anyone trying to set up a new home!