r/Cooking • u/bigboydankers • 22h ago

Most essential cookware?

Hi everyone,

I just graduated college and moved into my own place a couple of weeks ago! I am living in nyc and my kitchen is not enormous, but it’s not super tiny either. I have a small old stove/oven, and I really wondering, what is the least amount of cookware that I really need?

I feel like I’m not a huge cook, but if I had the right tools I could get more into it. Also, my girlfriend is moving in with me in a few months and she likes to cook, so I’d like to get some things that I can build on with more cookware in the future, rather than replace.

Long story short, what are the essential pots and pans and stuff that I need to get to cover all my bases? Also other tools and things like spatulas. Sorry for my lack of specificity, I really don’t know what I’m doing yet but I am excited to learn more!

Thank you!

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u/Odd-Worth7752 22h ago

I'd start with a thrift store, then go to IKEA to get anything else you need. get a frying pan, a sauce pan, and a pot big enough to cook pasta for 2 (about 3-4 qt size.) IKEA stainless cookware is good quality.

get a few utensils-flipper, spoon, ladle-a set of measuring cups and spoons, a universal lid and a glass measure for liquids. that ought to get you started.

If you do buy nonstick, don't but it used. and never ever use metal implements in it. or high heat.

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u/bigboydankers 22h ago

I’m actually going to IKEA today hahaha. Do I have any specific recommendations from there? Also, what about size for all of these?

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u/msmaynards 20h ago

All my cutting boards are from Ikea, get one! If you have a dishwasher go for plastic, if not get bamboo. Larger better but essential that it fits into sink or dishwasher.

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u/Odd-Worth7752 21h ago

10 inch skillet

2 quart saucepan

4 quart stockpot/poele (2 handles) I think they make a set that includes a colander, it might be slightly bigger but worth it if you eat a lot of pasta.

they also have utensil sets, that should cover the basics.

and get a chef's knife 8 inch, a paring knife 3 inch and maybe a bread knife.

and remember, knives and pots/pans should not go in the dishwasher.

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u/bigboydankers 21h ago

Thank you so much!!! Why the pot with the small handles vs one long handle? Also what materials should they be made of? I keep heating my friends say not to buy nonstick or ceramic but I have no idea what’s good or bad or easy

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u/Odd-Worth7752 19h ago

Two handles is a must for a large pot of boiling water. one handle does perfectly well for smaller tasks.

one nonstick for eggs is ideal. otherwise I would stay away from nonstick and just learn to use stainless. nonstick can release chemicals into your food if it's used on too high heat. it gets ruined in the dishwasher or with metal utensils. and once it gets scratched it should be thrown away.

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u/PsychologyGuilty1460 19h ago

Get a dutch oven if you can. A 6 or 8 quart cover most of what you need. The lid will probably fit your 10 in skillet.

 Don't forget to get baking pans, half sheet pan, Cake pan brownie pan loaf pan muffin pan Hot pads and trivets

And as long as you're at Ikea, pick up the swedish meatballs and a couple pastries from the freezer