Back to School: Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets for New Grads (or your first apartment)

My friend Anna, occasional cycling buddy and neighbor around the corner, is off to grad school this fall and her first apartment by herself. An apartment by herself. Can you even imagine?

On our ride last week, we talked about moving into the apartment and how she was going to be getting hand-me-downs from her brother to stock her new kitchen. That led me to think about what I consider essential kitchen tools for the college student, graduate student, or basically anyone moving into their first apartment.

A great cookbook can go a long way – I would recommend any of the Mark Bittman “How to Cook Everything” series, especially How to Cook Everything: The Basics. And here is my list of 10 must-have kitchen tools for the newly graduated/first-time apartment dweller:

#1. Pressure Cooker

I am sure you saw this coming, I talk about the joys of pressure cookers all. the. time. Seriously though, for a busy grad student, or young career person, a pressure cooker is a huge time saver. For the apartment, I would suggest a fairly straight forward model, such as the Fagor Splendid 6-Quart Pressure Cooker. Not only can you whip up a butternut squash risotto in no time flat, the pressure cooker can also be used to make fluffy rice. Be sure to include Lorna Sass’s Pressure Perfect cookbook, a great introduction and reference book for cooking under pressure.

#2. Tiffin Lunch Box

Anna says she will be taking her lunch to the lab most days, and while she has a nifty lunch bag from her Aunt, not all are as lucky. The tiffin is great – you can put your leftovers from dinner in, or create a new lunch. It is economical and stylish! Don’t forget to pack a reusable utensil kit, like this Bamboo Utensil set from To-Go Wear. I have my eye on the To-Go Ware Two Tier Stainless Tiffin, under $20!

#3. Pots and Pans

A Tiffin Lunch Box does you no good if you cannot cook anything! A good set of pots and pans are an investment (no, not that kind of investment) and spending a little coin on a good set it definitely worth it. Stick with a pan that is durable and functional from stove top to oven, like good-old cast iron. Or, for a complete set, look to anodized-aluminum, such as the Anolon Advanced Hard-Anodized Alumninum 8-piece set. I particularly like this set because of the clear glass lids, which allow you to watch your simmering food.

#4. Wooden spoons

These come in a zillion sizes and shapes, and are not that expensive. Go wild, get a couple for your new grad and send him off in style. Most sets run $10-20, and come with several different size spoons and turners. This six-piece set has all those elements, and includes my favorite flat edge turner.

#5. Ice Cream Scoop

Apparently, ice cream is very popular with your average college student! I love the Wilton ice cream scoop, it can get even the hardest ice cream out the container (Ben and Jerry’s Heath Bar Crunch, I am talking to you!)

#6. Reusable Shopping Bags

As long as you are going to send your favorite student off with a kitchen full of supplies, you might as well make sure they are being green when they shop. BlueAvocado has a great shopping bag system, including the BlueAvocado Starter Kit with a carry all bag, a stuff n’ go bag and a veggie bag, all for $29.99. Until August 15th, use the code goodkarma40 for 40% your purchase.

#7. Oxo Tongs

These are the best – from flipping chicken on the grill to fishing sauerkraut out of the jar to adding ice cubes at the Tiki Bar, Oxo tongs are something that every home cook needs. I have a couple sizes in my kitchen, but for the best all-around model, I would chose the Oxo 9″ tongs with nylon heads.

#8. Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker

I am sure some of you will argue that this is not a necessary piece of equipment, but my Dad would probably disagree. He eats ice cream most every night, and if he knew how easy it is to make your own ice cream, he would probably buy an ice cream maker for his very own. Not only will you save money (it is cheaper to make your own) you can also avoid all those nasty additives. And can you imagine how cool you will look when you show up to your first dinner party with homemade ice cream! Throw in the Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream and Dessert Book for a complete gift.

#9. Brew and Go

For quickly heating up water for tea, coffee or Ramen noodles, look no further than the Black and Decker Brew ‘n Go personal coffee maker. This makes a great gift for the dorm-bound student as well. Save money by making your own coffee or tea every morning, plus this appliance can be used to heat water for oatmeal or soup.

#10. Great knives

Not only will great knives last a long time, they are also safer and better for you in the long run. You want to chose a a set that is comfortable for your recipient, easy to hold with handles that are not too big nor too small. Spring for an 8-piece set with a butcher block, or buy separately (start with an 8″ Chef, 3″ parer, and a serrated knife). I bought Henckels 4 Star, piece by piece, when I moved into my first apartment, and they are still going strong. Throw in a Chef’s Choice Manual Sharpener, or a steel, to make sure your new grad keeps her knives sharp!

As I made this list, I realized there is no way I can include all the things a new apartment dweller needs for the first time, there is just too much to list. Hitting garage sales, asking relatives who are down-sizing, and taking hand-me-downs are a great way to build up your kitchen. Plus, you get to test drive the tools before you make your own serious investment.

Are you sending your child off to their own apartment this year? What kitchen tools and gadgets do you recommend for the first apartment?