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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  • (100)

    Kitchen Essential...First purchase!

    sizes, easy to clean, color

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  • (64)

    The grease bleeds red for the first 3 or 4 uses, despite being washed every time afterwards in the dishwasher. ...Perfect for their first apartment...Bought this for my son for his first apartment. He is just having to cook for himself.

    easy to clean, works well, ease of use

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  • (100)

    I bought them for my daughter when she graduated college for her first apartment. They are good quality and it's a good number of pans to start with. ...This is nice, but lighter weight than typical Cuisinart. It will do in my apartment. I prefer the...

    easy to clean, lightweight, non-stick

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  • (50)

    She is a college student in her first apartment....This was my first cast iron cookware set and I love it. Very well made and looks great.

    color, quality, easy to clean

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  • Quickly clean small and large areas with this compact vacuum from Miele. The bagless design makes it easy to clean while the lightweight, compact size is perfect for apartment living. The universal floorhead can be used on multiple kinds of flooring—including...

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  • (100)

    These just arrived and have been used for the first time. They're gorgeous and I'm very pleased with the purchase....I love the silverware set, it's perfect for my new apartment!

    weight, quality, design

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  • (43)

    It is compact and cute and perfect for a college apartment. The downsides are the thin plastic that attaches the water tank to the coffee maker--seems less sturdy than the Pixie's tank and might break easily. ...Perfect for a college apartment!

    small size, compact, simplicity

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  • (100)

    My first purchase of all clad cookware. It's a good quality product, I enjoy cooking on them.

    non-stick, quality, nice pans

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  • (100)

    First time using stainless steel & these are great...This is a great stainless steel cookware set. It has all the essentials you need. Handles dissipate the heat well and won't burn you.

    versatility, easy to clean, appearance

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  • (100)

    Essential Kitchen Appliance...Replacement of nine-year-old one! Excellent essential part of my kitchen. Was lost without it during the gap of replacing. ...Bought identical one after using the first one several times a week for more than 8 years!

    versatility, easy to clean, easy cleanup

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  • (100)

    I must say the pots seem very sturdy and well made but after the first use, they already are turning blueish color. ...This is a replacement set. We loved the first set so much we wouldn't think of replacing it with anything else.

    quality, durability, versatility

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  • (79)

    Life changing. First set of GREAT, QUALITY cookware and I am NEVER going back. ...bought my first full set about 7 years ago, wanted extra pans. the new pans are a slightly different shape and don't seem to be as heavy duty as original.

    easy to clean, durability, quality

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  • (71)

    This set has all the essentials for a starter that loves quality products when cooking. ...This knife set is a kitchen classic. It has all of the essential knives needed for everyday cooking. They are surprisingly lightweight yet cut with precision.

    sharpness, quality, durability

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  • (60)

    I love them so much!!
    First time I gotten a matching set, I love this so much for being so simple but quite elegant. ...The Cups are perfect and for the first time ever, I want to use them versus the crazy one offs you always get.

    beautiful, sturdiness, price

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  • (49)

    Essential tool in the Arsenal. Nonstick for omelets and poached eggs....Essentials Nonstick Cookware Set

    easy to clean, cooking performance, durability

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  • (21)

    Essential pan, even heat distribution and easy cleanup!

    easy to clean, versatility, easy cleanup

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  • (14)

    ONLY AT SLT Five-ply stainless steel heats up quickly and efficiently for beautifully cooked food, whether you’re pan-frying a juicy steak, adding al dente noodles to a homemade sauce or simmering fresh stock. Packed with features at an affordable...

    even cooking, easy to clean, works

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  • (14)

    I sent a message with a picture to customer service and have not heard anything further since the first response.
    That said, I am careful with the latches.

    no leaks, stackable, measurement markers

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  • (13)

    This is my second set after years of enjoying my first set.

    durable, non-stick, easy to clean

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  • (10)

    Allclad Essentials nonstick cookware

    durability, quality, beauty

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  • (9)

    Perfect as a housewarming gift or as a gift to yourself, this 10-piece cookware set includes everything you need to fry eggs, sauté meats, steam veggies and more. Each piece boasts three layers of durable, scratch-resistant nonstick and riveted handles—making...

    variety of sizes, non-stick, easy to clean

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  • (9)

    This eight-piece set of assorted storage containers is perfect for keeping meals and snacks fresh. The lids tightly lock thanks to the snap closures, and the silicone gaskets ensure worry- and leak-free storage. Each piece in this set is dry-erase marker...

    airtight, no leaks, stackable

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  • (9)

    The perfect housewarming gift or way to grow your own bakeware collection, this set of Cuisinart® Chef's Classic™ Bakeware includes everything you need to create delicious cookies, cakes and more. It includes three cake pans, a loaf pan, a muffin pan...

    sturdy, durability, non-stick

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  • (6)

    Perfect as a housewarming gift or as a gift to yourself, this 10-piece cookware set includes everything you need to fry eggs, sauté meats, steam veggies and more. Each piece in this set is made from durable stainless steel, which offers excellent heat...

    quality, feels heftier, functional

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First Apartment Essentials

Embarking on the journey of setting up a first apartment can be as thrilling as it is daunting. The transition to a new living space often marks a significant milestone, be it for a young adult moving out for the first time, a couple venturing into cohabitation, or even individuals relocating for career advancements. Each scenario shares a common thread—the need to create a functional, welcoming home from the ground up. For many, this process starts in the heart of the home: the kitchen. Essential kitchen tools and gadgets form the backbone of daily living, turning a mere space into a place where memories are cooked up and savored. As the colder months approach, the kitchen's role evolves from a site of mere meal preparation to a warm refuge where hearty soups and holiday meals come to life. In this context, selecting the right items for a kitchen becomes more than a practical endeavor; it's about crafting a nurturing environment where one can unwind and entertain.

The first apartment starter kit should include a variety of versatile, durable kitchen essentials that can handle everything from morning coffee rituals to intimate dinner parties and festive holiday gatherings. When choosing items, consider pieces that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, ensuring they contribute to the overall ambiance of the apartment. Opt for cookware that can go from stove to table, cutlery that lasts, and bakeware that withstands countless batches of cookies and casseroles. These are the tools that will help build a new tradition, support a healthy lifestyle, and make a house feel like a home. For those who find the array of options overwhelming, it’s often helpful to consult a curated list of products tailored to first-time apartment dwellers. Such guidance ensures that all the bases are covered—from preparing a quick breakfast to hosting a splendid holiday feast—without cluttering the space with unnecessary items.

For anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons or needing a more comprehensive guide as they set up their first residential kitchen, visiting our First Home Kitchen Essentials page can provide deeper insights and broader product selections tailored to larger spaces or more advanced cooking needs. This resource is invaluable for those who have started to feel comfortable in their first apartment and are ready to refine their cooking skills or host more elaborate gatherings. The transition from a first apartment to a full-fledged home kitchen can be seamless with the right tools and a touch of culinary curiosity. As each season unfolds, the kitchen remains a place of growth, warmth, and creativity, making it essential to equip it with care and consideration.