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
    (564)

    These are great!...Staub is the best! Nothing sticks to these, and they are the perfect size for two people....We love them!...Great quality, if a bit small...Great quality. Beautiful color.

    Pros: durable, easy to clean, versatility

  • Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set
    $149.95
    (278)

    Simply love it...I love it, very light easy to clean not burning my hands, great grip ?. Simply the best...Best choice ever...I love, love these pans. So easy to use and clean. Highly recomended!

    Pros: non-stick, easy to clean, quality

  • Simplehuman Paper Towel Holder
    $40
    (170)

    I love it. It's not...I love it. It's not only beautiful it's the best invention ever!...Love it...This was a great purchase Love the sleek style & it looks great.

    Pros: durability, quality, functional

  • Simplehuman Step Can, 6 L
    $75
    (103)

    Best functional trash can!...Love it!...The best!...Love this little trash can so much that I just ordered another one!

    Pros: compact size, perfect size, stainless steel

  • Staub Round Dutch Oven, 4 qt.
    $149.96
    (1180)

    Love my Dutch oven...Love my new Staub Dutch oven , made the best beef strew for a cold day...Love all of my Staub products...Love my staubers! Don't forget the best thing I do with mine is bake bread.

    Pros: quality, color, durable

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

    Best brush, it holds up so well, scrubs great!...Great Tool for Washing Dishes!!!...THE BEST PRODUCT FOR SCRUBBING DISHES!!!

    Pros: effective cleaning, durable, sturdy

  • Staub Stoneware 3-Piece Rectangular Baker Set
    $99.96
    (684)

    Love the cherry red color! The nesting is great for saving space. Good variety of sizes....I love these casserole dishes. They cook evenly and are beautiful to boot....Great set of baking dishes...Best pans ever

    Pros: easy to clean, durable, easy cleanup

  • Zwilling J.A. Henckels Four Star Eco 7-Piece Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set
    $499.95
    (677)

    Best knives...These are the best knives I have owned. Love em....Great balance, holds edges very well, and the sharpening block is a plus....These knives have a great feel and they?re the best knives we?ve ever had.

    Pros: sharpness, quality, durable

  • Zwilling J.A. Henckels 14-Piece Gourmet Knife Block
    $349.96
    (617)

    Best money can buy...Love these.. have been wanting these since ADULTING....These knives are the best knives we have purchased....Looks great on our kitchen counter and the sharpest knives we have ever owned.

    Pros: sharpness, durability, variety of knives

  • Zwilling J.A. Henckels 10-Piece Gourmet Knife Block
    $299.95
    (358)

    The Zwilling Gourmet knife collection boasts lightweight blades that are precision-stamped from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel, allowing for maximum maneuverability. This 10-piece set includes the essential blades and tools for any kitchen...

    Pros: sharpness, durability, quality

  • Cuisinart 3-Cup Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor
    $49.95
    (309)

    The Best...One of the best items that you can have in your kitchen it's small. It's quick and easy to clean....Hands down best kitchen appliance I own! Love it!...This small but mighty processor is the best item I've bought in a long time....It's a great...

    Pros: powerful, compact size, easy to clean

  • Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Gourmet 18-Piece Knife Block Set
    $329.95
    (251)

    The Twin Gourmet Collection features legendary Zwilling J.A. Henckels performance at a fraction of the cost of other premium knives. This 18-piece set includes the essential blades and tools for any kitchen and comes with an attractive hardwood block...

    Pros: sharpness, quality, longevity

  • Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro
    $499.95
    (242)

    The Best...The best I have ever owned. I super love this oven. The "airplane " mode is awesome....The best oven...This is the best oven ever!!!...I also love the app to get recipes. You will never need another oven. I simply love my oven :)

    Pros: versatility, convenient, app with recipes

  • Wüsthof Classic Chef's Knife, 8"
    $170
    (234)

    Great Knife...Love this knife. Great even weight when using. Best nice I've ever bought....Best investment and pretty too...I love this knife. The best investment made. I wish I had tables full of veggies to cut.

    Pros: durable, quality, balance

  • Le Creuset Round Bistro Grill, 12.5"
    $144.96
    (210)

    This is my first cast iron grill pan, although I have five other pieces of Le Creuset, which I love....I think it works best with meat or vegetables that are dry. Anything saucy makes a mess....Fish, meat, vegetables and chicken all turn out great.......

    Pros: easy to clean, versatility, grill marks

  • Breville Handy Mix Scraper
    $159.95
    (176)

    Simply the best...Best hand mixer ever. The light is the best feature....Best thing about it - quiet while operating....Second best thing: speed range and selection are excellent....Third best thing: whips cream and egg whites in half the time of any...

    Pros: light, power, timer

  • Breville IQ Kettle
    $179.95
    (145)

    I love being able to select the water temperature that matches the best with each particular type of...Looks great! Love it!...Love it....This kettle is the best and I love ?? it !

    Pros: durable, temperature settings, convenient

  • Zwilling Pro 7-Piece Block Set with Bonus Sharpener
    $399.95
    (143)

    Best al around band for your buck!...Great set for the beginner and pro chef in your life....You will love these....I just purchased this set and it is the best set of knives I have ever used....They are balanced extremely precise and feel of great quality....

    Pros: sharpness, durability, quality

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

    Great set of knives...I love the set of knives. They last forever even if you wash them in the dishwasher....I've had my first set for over 13 years and they still works great....set because my daughter was recently diagnosed with celiac but I want to...

    Pros: sharpness, quality, durability

  • Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch Kettle, 1 Liter
    $79.96
    (105)

    Best electric kettle ever purchased...Love this electric kettle, high quality and beautiful design....Love it!...I love this kettle! The stainless steel is great instead of plastic.

    Pros: fast boiling, compact size, functional

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

    Great for induction stove top or oven for roasting. Love the quality, shapes and sizes....s a great size for a household of 2 or for a bread or a smaller meal....I love it

    Pros: versatility, perfect size, compatible with all stovetops

  • All-Clad Essentials Nonstick 2-Piece Skillet Set, 8.5" & 10.5"
    $79.95
    (79)

    These pans are great and match an All Clad set we already have!...Great price, arrived quickly and best pans ever!...Best Searing Skillets...Great skillets for cooking almost everything. Best for searing meats. They're also easy to clean.

    Pros: easy to clean, non-stick, nonstick

  • Demeyere Industry5 Stainless Steel Essential Pan, 3.5 Qt.
    $199.96
    (78)

    Best ever...Love it! So much I decided to buy the set....The best!...Used for mac and cheese and it was great....It is big but honestly I love it anyways.

    Pros: versatility, quality, heat retention

  • Scanpan ES5 Skillet
    $84.95
    (78)

    I love this pan! One of the best that I have ever used!!...Best pan I ever tried! Don’t look any further. This is it!...
    I absolutely love making scrambled eggs, chicken tenders, vegetables and much more.

    Pros: easy to clean, non-stick, durability

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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