Capsule Kitchen
A few of my favorite items to outfit your kitchen, but it's #notanotherrandomgiftguide
Almost every day, I field questions related to kitchen equipment. Don’t worry, keep asking! I love to chat with you all, whether you’re an empty nester wanting to refresh a kitchen or a recent college grad filling up an apartment. I get countless DMs, texts and emails from you guys asking about holiday gifts, outfitting kids’ apartments, and replacing outdated skillets and nonstick pans. That’s why I put together this quick reference.
One thing I’ll say: Don’t automatically ditch what you have. Your knives might need professional sharpening, or your cast iron might need cleaning and re-sealing, but otherwise, they might be fine. One caveat: Toss scratched non-stick. I also don’t believe in complete and matching sets of non-stick or ceramic cookware because you need various pieces of equipment depending on the job. Good investment pieces will stand the test of time, and those are what you need.
I’ve assembled a few items perfect for recent college grads, first apartments, newlyweds or my empty-nester friends. I’ve considered practicality, quality, and the fact that these would make lasting contributions to a kitchen for young adults just starting. These aren’t throwaway pieces but investments that will last them for decades. I’ve focused on Staub and Zwilling in this post because some of these items currently have great sale prices. These are all items in my kitchen that I use every day, whether cooking for my family or teaching cooking classes. Some of these pieces don’t get put away because I use them so often!
Knives
Zwilling Pro 3-Piece Knife Set
This is a perfect starter set! It includes a paring knife, a serrated 6-inch utility knife, and an 8-inch chef’s knife. Also, I rarely recommend buying a whole knife set in a block. Buy the individual knives you need.
Zwilling Pro 7” Chef’s Knife (Pro or Pro Le Blanc)
I love this knife, and it might be my current favorite (right after my Miyabi). It’s an excellent option for a woman’s smaller hands, with the Pro Le Blanc featuring a white handle that is so pretty. I love their look (I use the Pro Le Blanc knives at Kitchenette Farm). The 7-inch size offers versatility for a multitude of kitchen tasks without feeling too heavy or bulky.
Zwilling Pro 8” Chef’s Knife (Pro or Pro Le Blanc)
The 8” knife is slightly heftier than the 7” version and has a thicker blade. It’s ideal for chopping, slicing, and dicing. We use this knife in our cooking classes, I have one for every station in my kitchen.
Zwilling 7” Pro Hollow Edge Santoku Knife
The Santoku shape is perfect for a multi-purpose knife that can easily handle everything from chopping vegetables to slicing meat. I prefer a chef’s knife, but I know some of you love this shape.
Cookware
This is a classic Dutch Oven for anyone starting their kitchen collection. It’s perfect for making stews, soups, pasta, risotto and casseroles. The coated cast iron makes it easy to clean, and the pan retains heat beautifully, perfect for braising. It’s available in colors like Grenadine (red), Matte Black, and Ocean, but I love the Graphite Grey. Note: These enameled cast iron pots work on induction stoves as well.
Slightly larger, it’s ideal for big simmering pots of soup or stew or cooking for guests. The Staub cocotte can go from stovetop to oven to table, perfect for braising, roasting, or even baking bread. I have this in the Graphite Grey color, and I use it so much that it never gets put away. It has a permanent home on my stovetop. Again, if you have an induction stove, not to worry!
Staub 8.5-Inch Traditional Deep Skillet
Staub’s deep cast iron pan has excellent heat retention and perfectly sears food. It’s oven-safe and works on any stovetop (including induction). This skillet will last a lifetime and is perfect for Dutch Baby pancakes, frittatas or one-pan skillet dinners. Works on induction.
Staub 12-Inch Square Cast Iron Grill Pan
The ridges create the perfect grill marks and the pan can be used on the stovetop (induction as well) or in the oven.
I’ve been looking for a new egg pan and researching options. This is my newest find: a ceramic non-stick pan that’s perfect for scrambled eggs.
Zwilling 8-Inch Aluminum Non-Stick
Here’s the trick to safely using non-stick pans: Heat them with some fat in the pan to conduct heat. Just add some butter, ghee, olive oil or cooking spray. I really only use these pans for fried eggs, and I’m not afraid of a bit of fat in the pan for flavor. This pan can’t be used on induction stoves; opt for the ceramic non-stick above.
Small Appliances
Zwilling Enfinigy Personal Blender
This is a high-quality blender with a sleek design. It’s perfect for smoothies, salad dressing and small-batch sauces or dips. It’s ideal for someone with limited counter space who still wants a high-powered blender. I love the on-the-go lids that turn the blender canister into a to-go smoothie cup. I’m getting this for my oldest daughter for Christmas – she can use it for blended matcha and smoothies!
I got this for my son’s dorm room and he’s been using it on repeat. It will move with him into his first off-campus house next year.
This would be the perfect gift for a tea or coffee drinker. I like to have an electric water kettle going at all times, especially when it’s cold outside!
Storage
Zwilling 7-Piece Fresh & Save Vacuum Storage System
These vacuum-sealed storage containers keep food fresh up to five times longer! They work in both the refrigerator or freezer.
I don’t have this set yet, but I plan to purchase it on sale. I bake with a variety of different specialty flours, which will help keep my ingredients fresh.
Baking Dishes
Three Piece Rectangular Baking Dish Set
The set includes three sizes ideal for casseroles, lasagnas, or roasting. Sturdy, pretty and dishwasher-safe!
Four Piece Mixed Baking Dish Set
I purchased this set for cookbook photography, but it’s stayed in rotation. I love the little square covered baker, it’s a pretty serving piece that goes from oven to table.