Kitchen Equipment Basics

I started cooking for myself when I was 18. My kitchen was the size of a small bathroom, and I had 2 burners and a toaster oven as my cooking gear. From there I progressed to the luxury of college dorm kitchens, and after a brief layover in an industrial kitchen in a food co-op, I moved on to my own place in NYC. Which, of course, meant a small kitchen I shared with two friends. I didn't have a lot of money to invest in kitchen equipment at any point in this journey, nor did I have the space to store a lot of bulky stuff. But that didn't stop me from cooking all my meals at home and potlucking with friends.

Here is my short guide to high quality kitchen items to buy on a tight budget.

pots and pans:
There are only 3 pots or pans you need in a starter kitchen. Yes, I said 3.
First: The 6 qt pot.
Second: The Chicken Fryer (any of these other options are great too)
Third: The Frying Pan (this is a high quality non-stick pan. Once the teflon comes off, the pan is very carcinogenic, so make sure to get a sturdy one. I like this cuisinart one.

In general:

• go with stainless steel
• aluminum core is good for heat conduction, copper is better but very expensive

utensils:

• any sort of basic stainless steel spatulas, ladels, and such will do
• basic measuring cups. (Though I do love my Adjust-a-cup if you want to splurge).
  
• basic measuring spoons (only really required if you plan to bake)
  

With measuring equipment, make sure that the measures are engraved and not painted onto the handle. Paint rubs off, and then you will be trying to guess which measure is which.



For the Oven
I don't do much conventional baking, but I do roast things all the time. and to that end, I recommend getting:

• one roasting pan/ lasanga pan, either in stainless steel, pyrex, or corningware
• one pyrex bowl (more if you are so inclined).

Appliances:
Basics:

• an immersion blender- its such a necessity. You can get the fancy model with the attachments, or the basic. Either are great.
• a crock-pot (crucial for people with too little time)

Extras:

• hand mixer
• rice cooker (I love this thing)
• food processor (the basic, or the amazing 3 in 1).
  

Dishes:

• always Corelle (microwave safe, dishwasher safe, union made in the USA, and will look brand new 30 years later).
  

Where to shop:

• Amazon has great deals (frequently 4 for 3 on kitchen items)
  
• Macys frequently has big sales- check the circulars (during college I got a set of pots, a roasting pan, measuring cups & spoons, and mixing bowls for a total of $50). Their "tools of the trade" brand is high quality and frequently on sale.
• If you live in NYC, check out the following for good deals on cookware:
  

1. El Mundo (134th & Broadway)
2. Lot-Less (97 Chambers St)