Kitchen Equipment For the New Cook

So, you're off to college. You've got your laundy bag, your new sheets, your textbooks...and you're going to want some stuff to cook with, too. Here's what we recommend:

-1 stock pot (4-5 quarts) -- you'll use this to make soup or (if you're up to it!) popcorn for the masses.

- 1 sauce pan (1-2 quarts) -- useful for steaming veggies or heating sauce. If you're up to it, this can be of the fait-tout, or 'do everything' variety. (The sides slope so you can saute in it as well)

-1 frying pan -- it doesn't have to be huge and it doesn't have to be cast iron. Useful for stir frys, pancakes, eggs, and french toast.

-ceramic bowls – heating in plastic is inefficient and bad for you.

-tupperware -- lots of it, and in different sizes. My tupperware also doubles as mixing bowls on occasion.

-large mixing bowl

-knives – one or two paring, one serated

-can opener

-spatula

-dry measuring cups and spoons

- wet measuring cup – These two things measure differently and should not be used interchangeably. If you’re measuring oil, the wet works. For flour and sugar, use the other set.

--cutting board

-- cookie sheet – because who doesn’t like cookies?

-- loaf pan or 9x9 cake pan -- becuase you need something to make that boxed cake mix in

- microwave – You can do a lot more in a microwave than heat up HotPockets. NOTE: Some universities (like ours) don't allow microwaves, toasters, or anything that might be a fire hazard in their dorms. Check with your Residential Life people to see what's allowed and what's not. If you live somewhere where devices like this are not allowed, find a common area where you could potentially cook or get to know someone in an apartment.

- toaster oven – great for making toast or the occasional hot sandwich, and doubly great for substituting for an oven in a pinch.

-an apron

-Dish towels

- a Crockpot – Yeah, bet you didn’t think you’d see THIS on this list. But seriously, a crockpot is wonderful for the time strapped college student. I got one for Christmas and I can't use it enough. And chances are your mother already makes a lot of things in it you like.

-- actual tableware. This includes plates, bowls, cups and silverware. I have a collection  for four people, which is generally enough. If you’re expecting more, tell everyone to bring their own forks.

Do you need to unload a ton of money on this stuff? Absolutely not. We here at College Students Cook have sourced our kitchen supplies from garage sales, secondhand stores, and our parent’s kitchens. Oh, and some freebies at cooking demos.  Free food, free advice and free stuff? We are totally there.