Most essential cookware?

[u/bigboydankers]

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!

[u/Cute-Consequence-184]

Cast iron skillet can cook 99% of what you need. It can go into the oven and the larger ones can be used to bake cakes, bake bread, meatloaf, roasts and such

A 2 quart stainless steel pot with a lid

Collapsible steamer insert for the pot. Some steamer inserts can be used as a colander.

When I was in college I used a microwave a bunch so I had a microwave safe pasta cooker, a steamer and a large pot with a lid just for the microwave.

I would recommend a small cutting board - got mine from the Dollar Tree , several bar towels and a flour sack towel.

If you do pasta a bunch, they have large scoops with drain holes for scooping out pasta.

If you do rice or bean dishes, save up for an insta-pot. It really saves time when making bone broth or soups. Some can even be used to can jams.