Kitchen Essentials for a First Home: Start With These

Kitting out a kitchen from nothing gets expensive quickly. Most home cooking needs far fewer tools than the big box sets suggest.

One good pan

A 28 cm frying pan handles eggs, stir-fries, pancakes and most one-pan dinners. Choose one that works on your hob and can go in the oven.

Hearthline

Everyday Non-Stick Frying Pan, 28 cm

A mid-weight aluminium pan with a ceramic non-stick coating. Works on all hobs including induction and is oven-safe to 220°C.

Pros

• Heats evenly
• Comfortable stay-cool handle
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Not dishwasher-safe
• No lid included

Check price on Amazon(paid link)

Storage that lasts

Glass containers cost more than plastic up front but do not stain, warp or hold smells, and they go from fridge to oven.

Hearthline

Glass Food Storage Set, 10 pieces

Five borosilicate glass containers with snap-lock lids, in sizes from snack pots to family leftovers.

Pros

• Leak-proof lids
• Oven and freezer safe
• Stack neatly

Cons

• Heavier than plastic
• Lids need hand-washing

Check price on Amazon(paid link)

What to skip for now

• Single-purpose gadgets
• Knife blocks with ten knives
• Matching sets of five pans