As a college student, it can be difficult to want to spend the money on certain kitchen items or items that you think you may never need. When I was first a college student, I really believed that I could live off of instant noodles and noodles n cheese for 4 years. To crush my dreams though (because I really love ramen and mac n cheese), I realized probably in my second year that that was not really a life I wanted to live. I have slowly built up my collection of essentials to cook with and what I use most often. I have invested in these tools because my plan is not buy these tools again for a very long time. So here is my list of kitchen essentials that you might need to buy to have a successful time in your kitchen.
1. Measuring Utensils
It is important to have measuring cups and spoons. Many recipes call for exact amounts, and if there is anything you should know about me, is that I love exact amounts. It is also helpful when you need a cup and a half of water to cook rice or you happen to need a ½ cup for some obscure reason. They are extremely useful in many regards.
2. Spatula
If there is one thing you get, it should be a spatula. They are versatile for cooking a variety of foods and stirring them up. If there is one utensil that you need compared with a spoon or scraping spatula, then just a regular old spatula is essential for your kitchen.
3. A Set of Knives
Knives are amazing, especially if you can spend a little extra money to get some good ones. Over time, you will need a knife sharpener (which I just bought myself) but a set of knives will make your life easier. Obviously you can cut vegetables and meet with them, which is made easier with knives, but what if you need to cut the top off of something? Or need a sharp object in general? Life is just simpler with a set of knives.
4. Can Opener
I cannot believe how many times I have needed a can opener. Even if I was living off noodles n cheese, I would probably still be living off canned food too. I have used my can opener more times that I would have ever thought during my college career.
5. Strainer
A strainer is also important, again even if you are just eating noodles n cheese. You need it when you cook pasta or need to wash your rice. Again, I use my strainer a surprising amount and it is definitely one of the oldest tools I have had in my kitchen.
Of course there are many other tools that would be useful in your kitchen and essential, these are just the ones I thought I could live without but really could not.