A Basic Kitchen Equipment List

I am experimenting with scaling down what I have in my kitchen. It seems like I have the storage space for a lot of stuff, and the temptation is to fill up that space. But I have found, with some reorganizing, that having everything I need where I can easily see it and reach it, without having to move other things, means that I will make more use of the equipment I do have. So it’s better to have a slightly empty cabinet if that means I’m making use of everything in that cabinet.

So here’s my absolutely minimal list of kitchen equipment for cooking the recipes that I habitually cook. I would appreciate comments or suggestions.

1. Aluminum foil
2. Freezer bags (small and large)
3. Dish towels (lots)
4. Baking sheet: for baking, roasting and broiling; these are cheap, so it might be good to have one for pastries and one for other foods
5. Casserole dish with lid: for casseroles, gratins, lasagna and other baked dishes
6. Large (12-inch), deep skillet with lid: for braising, pan-roasting, pan-frying and simmering
7. Medium (10-inch) cast-iron skillet: for pan-searing, sauteeing and making cornbread
8. Small (10-inch or 8-inch) nonstick skillet: for making eggs only
9. Nonstick pan with high, curved sides: not essential but useful if you stir-fry
10. Large pot with lid: for soups, stock, stew, braises, roasts, no-knead bread and boiling water for pasta; a dutch oven is ideal
11. Medium pot with lid: for boiling, simmering, steaming, reheating, melting and making sauces
12. Colander: for draining pasta and washing fruits and vegetables
13. Serving tray or platter
14. Utensils: whisk, tongs, food turner, wooden spoon, rubber spatula, brush, microplane, vegetable peeler
15. Knives: chef’s knife, paring knife and serrated knife for bread
16. Cutting boards: one plastic for meats, one of any material but glass for everything else; I think it is also nice to have one wooden one for making and cutting bread
17. Something for pureeing: food processor, stick blender or food mill; I have all 3 but probably don’t need them all (the food processor is the biggest space hog but also handy for thinly slicing vegetable, grating a block of cheese and kneading pizza dough).
18. Bowls: at least 3 of various sizes
19. Measuring cups (dry and liquid) and spoons
20. Glass dishes with lids: for keeping leftovers, freezing, marinating and pickling; since these are endlessly useful, buy as many as you can store.
21. Corkscrew
22. Kettle
23. Coffee grinder and press pot: Maybe not a necessity for everyone, but definitely for me
24. Toaster: I have a combination toaster and toaster oven, which I love.
25. Slow cooker: This is an optional appliance, but it cooks a lot of different things and really comes in handy.