I get a lot of questions about what supplies you need to stock your kitchen. These queries come mostly from brides-to-be facing the registry and gentlemen bachelors, and this list was originally crafted for those looking for exactly what they needed to own; as a result, the list is quite extensive. Every cook has their own personal must-haves; here is my list of literally everything that I own and keep in my kitchen/basement.

I think that it is important that your kitchen be filled with supplies that you actually use, on a regular basis. I have a fairly small kitchen, but it is big enough to everything that I need. Tools and gadgets that are unnecessary get the heave-ho in my house, as I simply don’t have the space to keep them. Here is my kitchen inventory:

Cookware:

First and foremost: A good set of pots and pans. I use stainless steel and I LOVE them. I also have one non-stick pan that I use occasionally, which I’d recommend. You don’t need a ton of pieces, but here are the pieces that I find necessary: a small saucepan, medium saucepan, large pot, small skillet, and a large skillet. You’ll want lids for all of them (except the small skillet).

A large dutch oven (Le Creuset or other brand – I have Mario Batali)

A set of EITHER Pyrex or Corningware. I registered for both, but I quickly discovered that I could do just fine with one and so I returned the Corningware. My Pyrex dishes work for everything (casseroles, baked meat, cakes, etc.) and I’m so glad that I don’t have to store both sets.

1 splatter screen

Baking items:

2 baking sheets

2 silicone mats

1 rolling pin

1 muffin tin

2 wire cooling racks

Utensils:

Potato masher

3 rubber spatulas

2 flat spatulas

3 wooden spoons

1 meat tenderizer

2 tongs

Ladle

Slotted spoon

Spoon

Skimmer

Basting brush

Meat thermometer

Candy thermometer

A good set of knifes

Pasta spoon

Garlic press

Vegetable peeler

Spoon rest

Kitchen shears

Whisks (large and small)

Pizza cutter

Can opener (handheld!)

Ice cream scoop

Citrus squeezer

Wine opener

Serving dishes:

3 trays

2 large bowls

1 chip and dip serving bowl

1 glass pitcher

Everyday items: (We went with 12 of each in this category, but I would think about how many people you think you’ll ever make a nice dinner for to help you figure out how many)

Dinner plates, bread plates, salad bowls, soup bowls

Silverware

Highball glasses (tall glasses)

Double glasses (small glasses)

Specialty drinkware: (We did twelve water goblets and wine glasses, but only four martini, margarita, and champagne)

Water goblets

Wine glasses

Martini glasses

Margarita glasses

Champagne flutes

Coffee/tea mugs

Martini shaker

1 nice set of shot glasses (Ours are doubles, and I use them for lots of things, including sipping after dinner drinks, or serving chilled soup!)

Electronics:

14-cup food processor (this is in my top 5 of most important kitchen items!)

Wok (not a must-have, but I LOVE this thing)

Pressure cooker (ditto from the wok)

Immersion blender (still on the wish-list for me)

Blender

Slow cooker

Handheld mixer OR stand mixer (I just have a handheld and it gets the job done, although a stand mixer is on my kitchen wish-list)

Coffee/espresso maker/teapot

2-slice toaster

Ice cream maker (We didn’t register for this, but we have one and I love it. I use it weekly in the summer.)

Prep:

1 wood cutting board (and polish for the board)

3-4 plastic cutting boards

Salad spinner

3-8 prep bowls (varying in shape and size)

Sturdy mixing bowls with plastic, gripping bases

Liquid measuring cup

Solids measuring cups

Metal measuring spoons (they obviously don’t have to be metal…I just love that mine are!)

Microplane zester

Microplane grater (handheld and box)

2 colanders (one large and one small)

Sifter

Storage:

Plastic or glass storage containers for bulk items

Cabinet shelves/hanging baskets (If you need additional storage space)

A variety of shapes and sizes of tupperware (We use the Glad cheapies and they are great!)

Things that I have, but rarely use (these get stored in the basement):

Electric crockpot

Electric fondue pot

Cappucino steamer

Large pasta pot with strainer and steamer

Miscellaneous:

Reusable grocery bags

Paper towel holder

Napkin holder

Utensil holder

Silverware divider

Step-to-open large trashcan

Dish drainer

Oil and vinegar carafes (I keep basalmic vinegar, grapeseed oil, and olive oil all in countertop carafes for easy access)

Salt shaker

Pepper grinder

Salt pig

Vegetable scrub brush

2-3 hot pads

1 oven-safe skillet handle

At least 2 aprons (can’t cook without them anymore!)

Lots of dishtowels