A Complete Kitchen Essentials Checklist for New Cooks and Homeowners

Moving into a new home or stepping into the world of cooking for the first time? You’re ready to whip up your first homemade meal—maybe a cozy pasta or a hearty stir-fry—only to realize you don’t have a cutting board. Then you notice that one pan is too small, and the only seasoning in your cabinet is salt from a takeout packet. Sound familiar? 

Fortunately, we’ve put together a complete kitchen essentials checklist tailored for beginners who want to cook with confidence and style. From must-have pots and utensils to the elegant spice racks offered our Evermill brand, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to build a functional and beautiful kitchen. Keep reading to get inspired and start creating meals you’ll actually look forward to making.

Cookware Basics: Must-Have Pots and Pans

Did you know that people who cook at home five times a week are 47% more likely to live longer? Creating a kitchen you love encourages you to cook more, eat better, and feel less stressed about mealtime.

Before you can journey into that cooking mindset, take note that every kitchen needs a few essential pieces of cookware to cover the basics. If you're just starting out, prioritize a:

• Nonstick skillet for eggs and quick sautés

• Sauté pan for stir-fries and one-pot meals

• Saucepan for everything from oatmeal to boiling pasta

• Stockpot for soups, stews, and batch cooking. 

These four pans form the backbone of most everyday cooking.

For more durability and better performance, consider investing in cast iron and stainless steel options. A cast iron skillet can go from stovetop to oven and retains heat beautifully, perfect for searing or baking. Meanwhile, stainless steel cookware is non-reactive, dishwasher-safe, and can last decades with proper care.

When buying cookware, remember this rule: quality over quantity. A single well-made pan will outperform a whole set of cheap ones. Look for thick bottoms that distribute heat evenly, sturdy handles, and lids that fit snugly. While quality cookware may cost more upfront, it can save you money (and frustration) in the long run.

Essential Utensils and Tools Every Kitchen Needs

You don’t need a drawer full of tools, but you do need the right ones. Start with the basics: spatulas, tongs, ladles, vegetable peelers, and a reliable can opener. Each plays a key role in different types of cooking. A good set of tongs, for example, can handle flipping, serving, and even stirring with ease.

Don’t forget essentials like kitchen shears, measuring cups and spoons, and a digital thermometer. These tools help ensure accuracy, especially when you're just learning. Afterall precision in cooking can be the difference between a dish that wows and one that flops.

For beginners, using high-quality tools can boost confidence and create smoother cooking experiences. Cheap or dull tools are frustrating and often lead to accidents or cooking mistakes. Investing in well-made items pays off every time you step into the kitchen.

Knives and Cutting Boards: The Foundation of Prep Work

If there's one tool every cook should splurge on, it's a good chef’s knife. Add to your collection a paring knife for smaller tasks and a serrated knife for slicing bread or tomatoes. These three knives cover nearly every kitchen need.

Proper knife maintenance is key: sharpen regularly and store safely, either in a block, magnetic strip, or blade guard. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one because it requires less force and is less likely to slip.

When it comes to cutting boards, go for durable and hygienic materials like wood or high-quality plastic. Wood boards have natural antibacterial properties, while plastic ones are easier to sanitize in the dishwasher. 

Pro tip: keep one board for veggies and another for raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.

Pantry Staples: What to Stock from Day One

A well-stocked pantry is a cook’s secret weapon. Start with versatile dry goods: rice, pasta, flour, sugar, and canned beans or tomatoes. These ingredients can form the base of hundreds of recipes.

Next, add essential oils and vinegars like olive oil, vegetable oil, balsamic, and apple cider vinegar. Stock up on basic condiments such as soy sauce, mustard, ketchup, and hot sauce—they’re flavor boosters in disguise.

If you're short on space, pantry organization is everything. Use clear containers, label everything, and group items by category (grains, canned goods, spices). A clean, organized pantry not only looks great but helps you cook more efficiently and avoid waste.

Spice It Up With Essential Seasonings

Spices are the heart of any flavorful meal. For everyday cooking, keep these top 10 must-have spices on hand: 

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Paprika

• Cumin

• Cinnamon

• Chili flakes

• Oregano

• Turmeric

These basics cover everything from savory dishes to baking.

Buying spices in refillable glass jars is not only eco-friendly, but also preserves the freshness and potency of your seasonings. Unlike plastic, glass doesn't leach chemicals and is more resistant to heat and light—key factors that can degrade spices quickly.

Their Countertop Rack is a minimalist's dream: a sleek, elegant spice rack that keeps your spices within reach without cluttering your space. Paired with their Refillable Spice Collection, Evermill combines style and sustainability, making it easy to cook with quality ingredients while maintaining a modern aesthetic.

Fun fact: Evermill works directly with small-batch spice growers and includes refill pouches that are compostable—a win for your cooking and for the planet.

Storage Solutions: Keep It Tidy and Functional

Keeping your kitchen organized makes it easier to cook—and even more enjoyable. Invest in food containers, mason jars, and labels to keep dry goods and leftovers neat and accessible. Stackable containers save space, and clear jars let you easily see what you have.

Don’t overlook refrigerator organization. Use bins for grouping like items (dairy, condiments, produce), and keep a lazy Susan for sauces or jams. A tidy fridge helps reduce food waste and makes meal prep faster.

Evermill's approach to design embraces minimalism without sacrificing function. Their countertop storage solutions elevate even small kitchens by keeping essentials stylishly displayed and easy to access. It’s proof that form and function can go hand in hand.

Bakeware and Oven Tools for Sweet and Savory Recipes

If you love to bake—or even if you're just dabbling—stock your kitchen with basic bakeware. Start with baking sheets, cooling racks, loaf pans, and muffin tins. These items support a range of recipes, from cookies and banana bread to savory quiches and roasted veggies.

Silicone baking mats are a beginner's best friend. They're reusable, easy to clean, and ensure nothing sticks to your pans. Pair them with quality oven mitts to protect your hands from heat.

Baking can be intimidating at first, but having the right tools makes it easier and more rewarding. Whether you're making cupcakes for a birthday or trying your hand at sourdough, these essentials set you up for sweet success.

Cleaning and Maintenance Must-Haves

A clean kitchen is a happy kitchen. Stock up on essentials like dish soap, sponges, bottle brushes, and a drying rack. Clean as you go to keep things manageable and to prevent a mountain of dishes from piling up.

Consider eco-friendly cleaning options, such as biodegradable sponges and refillable spray bottles. Not only are they better for the environment, but they also tend to be gentler on your skin and surfaces.

Lastly, care for your tools to extend their life. Hand-wash knives and wooden utensils, avoid using metal on nonstick pans, and keep your cutting boards sanitized. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your kitchen essentials in top shape.

Creating a Kitchen You Love: Style, Function, and Joy

At the end of the day, your kitchen should be a place that reflects your lifestyle, personality, and creativity. By thoughtfully investing in items that are both functional and beautiful, you transform your space from a place of necessity into a source of daily inspiration.

Evermill prove that you don’t have to compromise between style and purpose. Our curated spice systems and minimalist storage solutions are a perfect blend of utility and elegance, designed to make everyday cooking feel intentional and satisfying.

So whether you're a brand-new homeowner or a budding home chef, start with the essentials, add a touch of design flair, and enjoy the journey. Your future self—well-fed and stress-free—will thank you.