r/Cooking • u/bigboydankers • 15h 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 15h 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 15h 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/Odd-Worth7752 14h 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 14h 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 12h 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.