First Apartment Essentials

Setting up your first apartment is an exciting milestone, and having the right essentials in your kitchen can make all the difference. From cookware to cutlery, dinnerware to bakeware, Sur La Table has everything you need to create a functional and stylish kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, our selection of high-quality kitchen products will help you turn your new space into a culinary haven. With our wide range of options, you'll be able to find the perfect pieces to suit your style and budget. Get ready to elevate your cooking game and make your first apartment feel like home with our collection of must-have kitchen essentials.

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  • Staub Stoneware 2-Piece Rectangular Baker Set
    $59.96
    (506)

    Great product perfect starter baking set for my daughters college studio apartment....Kitchen Essential

    Pros: easy to clean, versatility, durable

  • Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set
    $149.95
    (268)

    First Cookware Set: Excellent!...This was a gift to my 20 year old son as he moved to his first apartment. He loves it and had started preparing his meals. ...Even though they are far less expensive than my older set, they work nicely on the glass top...

    Pros: non-stick, easy to clean, quality

  • Chilewich Skinny Stripe Shag Doormat, Birch
    $75
    (763)

    I have 4 Chilewich mats , a custom white and two big shag mats for my bathrooms and I live in an apartment !
    I love them all. Cannot beat the quality ....My first chilewich rugs, but certainly not my last.

    Pros: durable, easy to clean, color

  • Zwilling Clad CFX Ceramic Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set
    $499.95
    (323)

    I purchased this product as a beginner set in my new apartment, and the pans have been great. The pans look very stylish, and the nonstick makes cooking very easy....First day blown away...Blown away by the quality and how quickly they heat up. Cooked...

    Pros: durability, appearance, quality

  • Simplehuman Paper Towel Holder
    $40
    (156)

    I love SimpleHuman and have a variety of their products but this is the first paper towel holder I got from them. Well made, looks good, works great!

    Pros: durability, quality, functional

  • Sur La Table Enameled Cast Iron 5-Piece Set
    $529.95
    (75)

    She is a college student in her first apartment.

    Pros: even cooking, appearance, well made

  • Cuisinart Preferred Pan 4-Piece Set
    $89.95
    (66)

    This is my first experience with Cuisinart pans. I am amazed at how even the heating is in all the pans and if you follow directions - no burning, either!...Nonstick, glass lid and spatula are nice features; but the feet welded onto the steamer basket...

    Pros: versatility, easy to clean, non-stick

  • Fellow Electric Clyde Kettle
    $99.95
    (63)

    It is actually much larger than I expected and at first looked a little big on my counter but I've gotten used to it and quite like that it will hold enough water for the whole household in the mornings!...Clyde is the first electric kettle I have owned....

    Pros: large capacity, design, easy to use

  • Staub Round Dutch Oven, 4 qt.
    $369.95
    (1176)

    I am a first time owner and I Loved it! Grazie Mille??...Love mine so gave as a gift to new graduate starting first apartment and job.

    Pros: perfect size, quality, color

  • Simplehuman Step Can with Liner Pocket, 55 L
    $220
    (1005)

    Loved upon first sight...This is my replacement trash can. The first one lasted over 15 years. The mechanic on my first can broke.

    Pros: durability, customer service, size

  • Full Circle Home Be Good Dish Brush
    $7.95
    (765)

    Ive been through many brushes and the first time I used this one, I was like Im in love. ...I have bought this Brush for years ! Probably since it first came out and have never found one that can hold up to it's durability, strength, bristles, and lasting...

    Pros: effective cleaning, durable, sturdy

  • Simplehuman Slim Step Trash Can, 12 gal.
    $120
    (463)

    This is the second stainless step slim trash can that I have purchased. I bought the first one for my daughter because she had limited space in her small apartment kitchen. ...I just wish you guys had this trash can one size smaller. Not all homes or...

    Pros: durable, appearance, customer service

  • Cuisinart 3-Cup Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor
    $49.95
    (311)

    It is so cute! I have small apartment with an even smaller kitchen. I don't have space for all the big appliances that I'd love to have so this fits in just right. ...My first one wore out after about 25 years...My first one wore out after about 25 years....

    Pros: powerful, compact size, easy to clean

  • Sur La Table Silicone Ultimate Fork
    $22.86
    (302)

    My daughter used it while at my house and asked for one for her apartment....I loved the first one I bought so much that Ihave given six more to friends and I?

    Pros: versatility, usefulness, durable

  • Sur La Table Striped Kitchen Towels, Set of 3
    $22.95
    (238)

    The first towel with lemons and blossoms led to my purchase....Kitchen essential

    Pros: durable, absorbency, quality

  • Breville Handy Mix Scraper
    $129.95
    (173)

    First, thank you Sur la table for the great service. ...I love that it lights up the bowl, which I first thought that sounded ridiculous. Super easy to clean beaters as well.

    Pros: light, power, features

  • Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Signature 7-Piece Block Set
    $219.96
    (111)

    Perfect starter knife set for my new apartment. Will add more Twin knives as I need them.

    Pros: sharpness, quality, durability

  • Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch Kettle, 1 Liter
    $100
    (105)

    I chose this product for its streamlined design, for its warranty, for the powerful heating unit, its safety features, and its easy to grasp handle. First I ordered the 1.7 liter kettle, but found it was too heavy for me when filled with water. ...First...

    Pros: fast boiling, compact size, functional

  • Staub Essential French Oven, 3.75 qt.
    $359.95
    (102)

    First Staub oven...This Essential French oven is so beautiful looking, I don't want to cook anything in it I just want to have it on display!...Staub Essential Oven

    Pros: self-basting lid, versatility, conical bottom shape

  • Staub Round Dutch Oven, 2.75 qt.
    $289.95
    (84)

    Just got this for my new apartment! So excited to get things started and enjoy some good meals....First, the finish and color is stunning. Second, this is worth every cent.

    Pros: versatility, perfect size, compatible with all stovetops

  • Scanpan ES5 Skillet, 8"
    $84.95
    (78)

    This is my second Scanpan and I'm finding it even better than the first. The size lets me cook an entire breakfast all at once: this morning it was three eggs, 2 fried tomatoes, and 4 sausage patties; they all came out perfectly....Obvious first class...

    Pros: easy to clean, non-stick, durability

  • Zojirushi NL-BAC05 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer, 3 cup
    $180
    (75)

    It's compact and doesn't take up a lot of counter space. I live in an apartment so space utilization is a great priority. ...And it doesn't get very warm while it's working, so I've been able to plug it in all over the apartment. Can't wait to try steel-cut...

    Pros: easy to clean, ease of use, easy to use

  • Brabantia Fall Front Bread Box
    $89
    (72)

    Quality is A+. I've had my first one for over 20 years, and when we completed our new pantry, and I needed a second bread box, there was no question that I would get another Brabantia....first class product from ordering to receiving the item the service...

    Pros: large capacity, durability, capacity

  • Sur La Table Silicone Blender Spatula
    $22.86
    (66)

    Love the new addition to my many spatulas. New favorite and essential...Love love love it! At first I didn't think I would use it but now I want another one!

    Pros: effectiveness, effective scraping, versatility

First Apartment Essentials

Moving into a first apartment marks an exciting new chapter, whether you’re setting up your own space for the first time or helping a friend or family member take that step. Outfitting a new home often starts with the basics—bedding, a sofa, and a few pieces of furniture—but the heart of daily living is truly found in the kitchen. For many, this is the place where comfort, creativity, and connection come together, whether you’re making a quick breakfast before work or hosting friends for a cozy autumn dinner. Selecting the right apartment starter kit product info and reviews can help you choose essentials that fit both your style and your space, ensuring you have what you need without overwhelming your countertops or cabinets. As the crisp air of October settles in, there’s something especially inviting about a kitchen stocked with the right tools for simmering soups, baking treats, or simply enjoying a warm cup of tea. When space is at a premium, as it often is in apartments, every item should earn its place—think stackable cookware, nesting mixing bowls, and versatile utensils that can handle more than one task.

Choosing the best cookware for small apartments is all about balancing quality, durability, and space-saving design. For those just starting out, the best pots and pans set for first apartment living will include a few well-chosen pieces rather than an overwhelming array. A sturdy skillet, a medium saucepan, and a stockpot can cover most cooking needs, from frying eggs to simmering stews. Look for features like easy-to-clean finishes and comfortable handles, which make daily use a pleasure. The best cookware set for first apartment kitchens often comes with lids that fit multiple pans, saving both money and storage space. If you’re shopping for a housewarming or graduation gift, pots and pans for first apartment dwellers are always appreciated—these are the tools that turn an empty kitchen into a welcoming home. In the cooler months, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a homemade meal filling a new space, and having the right essentials on hand makes it easy to embrace the season’s flavors, whether you’re roasting vegetables or baking pumpkin bread.

Beyond cookware, first apartment essentials include dinnerware, flatware, and glassware that suit both everyday meals and special occasions. Durable plates, bowls, and mugs are practical for daily use, while a set of glasses and utensils ensures you’re ready for guests. Storage containers, measuring cups, and a reliable cutting board help keep your kitchen organized and functional. Don’t overlook small appliances that make life easier, such as a kettle for morning tea or a toaster for quick breakfasts. Cleaning supplies and basic hygiene items are key for keeping your new space comfortable and inviting. If you’re looking to build a comprehensive collection or need more ideas for outfitting your kitchen, explore our First Home Kitchen Essentials for more inspiration. Whether you’re settling in for the first time or helping someone else create a welcoming home, these thoughtfully selected essentials are the foundation for countless memorable meals and moments.

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