| When you live with roommates, its easy to mix-and-match essential kitchen items by relying on who brings what. Its not until you move out on your own that you realize you may have a kickin' toaster oven, but you don't have any silverware. Here's a list of those all important kitchen needs for the bachelorette on a budget, but who also believes in spending money where money should be spent. Things you can scrimp on Now that you're on your own, its important to know when to budget your money. Bills like rent, energy, telephone, internet, and Halfvalue can really add up, so put your money to use wisely. The 'Anchor Hocking Starfire Clear 16-Piece Glassware Set' is an inexpensive but well-constructed drinking glass, attractively designed and cheap enough that you won't feel guilty when you inevitably break one. The set comes with 16 glasses in total, too, so there are plenty to go around when you have friends over for a housewarming. Likewise, a good sturdy set of 'Fiestaware White 466 10-1/2-Inch Dinner Plates, Set of 4' is an inexpensive but charming way to serve dinner. Fiestaware covers all colors of the rainbow, which makes it fun and easy to coordinate with the rest of your kitchen. A set of 'Oneida Satin Sand Dune 20-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set, Service for 4' is classy and surprisingly thrify, compared to a lot of similar styles and brands. Oneida is a trustworthy silverware brand, and this smooth set is also completely dishwasher safe (if you're lucky enough to have one.) A morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea is quickly made with a 'Farberware Classic 1-1/2 Quart Sausalito Stainless Steel Teakettle'. Don't spend a lot of money on a teakettle; you're just going to boil water in it, and then it just sits there for the rest of the day. Other good buys include 'Pedrini Black & Satin 6-Piece Nylon Utensil Set' (a terrific deal), the 'Bodum Brazil Unbreakable 8-Cup Coffee Press, Black' (forget expensive machines with plugs and too many parts - this simple device makes the best coffee, and looks really cool), and 'Farberware 3-Piece Wood Cutting Board Set' (three boards, five bucks. Nuff said.) Get yourself some cheap hand-towels, pot-holders, and trivets from the discount store, and you're set. Things you should guiltlessly spend on Every kitchen has a few things that do require a initial investment. The payoff is years of quality use, often spanning the lifetime of your own cooking abilities. The following products I bought for myself, or I scrimped on and then wished I hadn't. First, get yourself some good quality pots and pans; I recommend Calphalon and All-Clad brand. The 'Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid' is essential, as is the 'Calphalon Commercial Nonstick 10-Inch International Griddle/Crepe Pan', the 'Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 2-1/2-Quart Shallow Saucepan with Lid', the 'Calphalon Metal-Handled 8-qt. Multi-Pot', and the 'Calphalon Professional Hard Anodized 14-Inch Small Commercial Roaster'. With proper care, you'll enjoy these items for a very, very long time. A good chef becomes a great chef with a great set of knives, and I learned the hard way not to be cheap with them. Spend the money and get a professional-grade set, if you want to truly enjoy cooking. My personal favorite is Henckels brand; try the 'Henckels Pro S 9-Piece High Carbon Stainless-Steel Knife Set with Block', but knives are a very personal decision for a chef. Its worth it to find the ones that feel and work the best for you. When it comes to appliances, a few things are OK to save on. Blenders, mini food processors, and quesadilla makers all can be found for good quality at lower prices. Some appliances, however, are better enjoyed having spent a little dough. My all-time favorite purchase has to be my 'KitchenAid K45SS Classic 250-Watt 4-1/2-Quart Stand Mixer, White'. I got the classic white, but they do come in neat retro colors as well as stainless steel. Depending on the size of your bowl, the price may be higher or lower, but spend it. You will never regret that purchase. My mother bought one when she was a bachelorette a long time ago, and nearly 40 years later she still uses that thing. Do get a good toaster oven; a spacious but space-saving model that has lots of functions will save you time and money on energy bills. Try the 'Cuisinart TOB-165 Convection Toaster Oven/Broiler, White' - its fancy, its practical, and it remembers how brown you like your toast. Your first-time kitchen is a very personal project. You'll always remember the things you used inyour bachelorette kitchen, so buy them with pleasure and use them with joy. Good luck cooking! |
