Equipment 101

Okay, so you want to Rule Your Kitchen, but you don’t have any “equipment”. In fact, let’s assume you have no cooking utensils at all: you just moved in and you have nothing! This is your basic list of supplies you need to acquire as your first task on the road to conquering your kitchen.

• A set of dinner dishes and bowls (as many as you need—I recommend 6 of each)
• A set of silverware (includes forks, knives and spoons, same as above)
• A basic set of mixing bowls (3 will do)
• A set of glassware (this should include at least 6 basic pint-size glasses)
• 2 good non-serrated knives – 1 paring knife, one chef’s knife
• 1 set of cheap but sturdy consumer-quality serrated steak knives
• 1 spatula (avoid wooden handles)
• A set of measuring spoons (the cheapest will do)
• A set of measuring cups (the cheapest will do)
• 1 baking pan (9 x 12)
• A basic set of skillets (large and small)
• 1 large pasta/stew pot
• A medium saucepan
• 1 metal strainer that can double as a colander
• A wooden spoon
• A slotted spoon
• A brush
• A can/bottle opener
• A set of cutting boards
• A basic 4-sided grater
• A set of potholders (gloves are best)
• Drying rack