The Best Kitchen Items for Young Adults

As a young adult, you quickly learn that the kitchen can be your best friend—or your worst enemy. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone who has mastered the art of microwaving frozen pizza, having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference. Here’s a rundown of the kitchen items I swear by, and a few that I wish I’d known about sooner. Trust me, these items will elevate your cooking game (or at least help you not burn your dinner).

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🍲 Instant Pot: The Kitchen Miracle Worker

Let’s be honest, we’ve all had a few nights where we’ve felt like we’d starve before spending more than 10 minutes in the kitchen. Enter the Instant Pot—the pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and yogurt maker all rolled into one magical device.

• Price: Around $80–$150 depending on the model.
• Features: 7-in-1 functionality, customizable settings, and a sleek design that doesn’t scream “I’m a cooking disaster.”
• What I Think: It’s a lifesaver. Whether you’re throwing together a quick stew or cooking rice, this bad boy gets it done in a fraction of the time. I use it at least three times a week, especially on busy days when I don’t have the energy to cook a full meal.

✅ Likes:

• Fast Cooking: A dinner that takes 30 minutes is a dream come true when you have a million other things on your to-do list.
• Easy Cleanup: The pot is easy to clean and the lid locks to prevent spills.
• Meal Prep Friendly: It’s great for batch cooking. You can make a huge pot of chili or stew and have leftovers for days.

❌ Dislikes:

• Bulky: It takes up a lot of counter space, so if you have a small kitchen, prepare to shuffle some things around.
• Learning Curve: It takes some trial and error to figure out all the different settings, but once you do, it’s smooth sailing.
• Pressure Build-Up: The first few times I used it, I was terrified of the pressure release valve. But once I got used to it, I realized it’s not as scary as it seems.

Check it out here on Amazon.

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🔪 Good Knife Set: Because Your Dull Knife is the Real Villain

Nothing feels more like an adult than owning a set of sharp knives. Seriously, I never knew how much of a game-changer a good knife could be until I got my hands on a solid set. I used to struggle through chopping veggies with a dull knife, only to find myself frustrated and, more often than not, missing a fingertip.

• Price: Typically $50–$200, depending on the brand.
• Features: A variety of knives to handle different tasks, ergonomic handles, and stainless steel blades.
• What I Think: A sharp knife isn’t just safer (yes, I’ve had my fair share of “oops” moments), it makes everything easier. Chopping veggies, slicing bread—it’s all a breeze with the right tool. I can’t imagine going back to a dull, random knife collection anymore.

✅ Likes:

• Sharper = Safer: A sharp knife is far less likely to slip and cause an injury, unlike its dull counterpart.
• Precision: It makes chopping ingredients so much quicker, and I can actually control how I slice things.
• Durability: A good quality knife can last you for years if you treat it right.

❌ Dislikes:

• Price: Good knives aren’t cheap, but they’re worth the investment.
• Maintenance: You need to sharpen them periodically, and if you don’t, they’ll lose their edge quickly.
• Storage: I have to be careful not to misplace them in a drawer, which can dull the blade. A proper knife block is a must.

Find it here on Amazon.

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🍳 Non-Stick Frying Pan: Your Relationship Saver

I once tried making scrambled eggs in a regular pan. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. A good non-stick frying pan is a game-changer, especially when you’re not an expert in the kitchen. I once found myself scraping charred eggs off my pan for an hour, only to realize that I didn’t even enjoy eating them.

• Price: About $30–$100 depending on the brand.
• Features: Non-stick coating, even heat distribution, and an ergonomic handle for easy flipping.
• What I Think: I no longer have to scrape food off my pan like I’m excavating an ancient ruin. It’s perfect for everything from eggs to pancakes, and it makes me feel like I actually know what I’m doing.

✅ Likes:

• Minimal Oil: You don’t need to use a ton of butter or oil, which makes it a healthier cooking option.
• Even Cooking: Food cooks more evenly, so no more burnt spots.
• Easy Cleanup: Just wipe it down with a paper towel, and you’re done.

❌ Dislikes:

• Durability: Non-stick pans can lose their coating over time, especially if you use the wrong utensils (I’m looking at you, metal spatula).
• Weight: Some models are a bit heavier than I’d like, making flipping pancakes a mini workout.
• Heat Sensitivity: Non-stick pans don’t hold up well to high heat, so you need to be careful.

Grab yours here on Amazon.

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🍓 Blender: Smoothie Time, All the Time

Okay, so I’m not a “green smoothie every morning” kind of person, but a blender is essential for making everything from smoothies to soups. Trust me, your mornings will thank you. The first time I used a blender to make a smoothie, I felt like I was living in 2030, with futuristic technology at my fingertips.

• Price: Around $40–$300.
• Features: Multiple speed settings, crushes ice like a pro, and can even make nut butter (seriously).
• What I Think: I use this thing every day. Whether I’m making a smoothie or blending soup, it’s a quick and easy way to get my ingredients mixed. Plus, I’m pretty sure it’s the key to being a morning person—at least I convince myself that it is.

✅ Likes:

• Quick Smoothies: Throw your ingredients in, press a button, and boom—smoothie in 30 seconds.
• Versatility: It’s great for all kinds of recipes, from purees to soups.
• Consistency: Everything blends to a smooth, creamy texture (even frozen fruit).

❌ Dislikes:

• Storage: It’s another bulky appliance that needs a place to live in your kitchen.
• Noise: Some models sound like they’re about to take off into space.
• Price: High-end blenders can get pretty expensive, but the cheaper ones might not blend as efficiently.

Check it out here on Amazon.

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🍖 Cast Iron Skillet: For the Perfect Sear

There’s something about a cast iron skillet that just makes cooking feel a little more… badass. It’s heavy, it gets super hot, and it can go from stovetop to oven. What’s not to love? My cast iron skillet has become my go-to for steaks, stir-fries, and even cornbread.

• Price: Around $20–$50.
• Features: Even heat distribution, oven-safe, and a naturally non-stick surface once seasoned.
• What I Think: Once I figured out how to season it properly (yes, I watched a 20-minute YouTube video), it became one of my favorite kitchen items. Perfect for searing steak or baking cornbread. It makes me feel like I’ve truly “arrived” as a home cook.

✅ Likes:

• Longevity: These things last forever if you take care of them.
• Versatility: I can go from stovetop to oven to table, all with the same skillet.
• Even Heat: It’s perfect for cooking food evenly without hot spots.

❌ Dislikes:

• Heavy: It’s not lightweight, so be prepared to get some bicep workouts while you cook.
• Maintenance: You need to season it regularly and clean it properly.
• Price: You can get one for cheap, but the quality versions can be a little pricey.

Find yours here on Amazon.

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🍕 Microwave: A Millennial’s Best Friend

Alright, I’ll admit it—sometimes I don’t feel like cooking. That’s where my trusty microwave steps in. It’s not the most glamorous kitchen appliance, but it gets the job done. If it weren’t for my microwave, I’d probably starve on the days I’m too lazy to cook.

• Price: Around $50–$150.
• Features: Multiple settings, defrost function, and quick heating.
• What I Think: It’s not just for reheating leftovers (although that’s its true calling), you can cook full meals if you know what you’re doing. I use it way more than I should. Maybe I’m a little too reliant on it, but it’s hard not to be.

✅ Likes:

• Convenient: It’s so easy to throw something in and hit the start button.
• Fast: Instant gratification—dinner in minutes.
• Great for Leftovers: I have a lot of leftover takeout that tastes just as good the second time around (or even better).

❌ Dislikes:

• Texture Issues: Sometimes food comes out a little soggy or chewy.
• Limited Cooking Options: You can’t do everything in a microwave, let’s be real.
• Size: If you have a small kitchen, finding space for a microwave can be a challenge.

Get one here on Amazon.

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☕ Coffee Maker: Start Your Day Like a Boss

Last but certainly not least, my coffee maker is a must-have. If you’re not caffeinated by the time you start your day, are you even really alive? Whether you’re a Keurig fan or an espresso enthusiast, a coffee maker is essential for keeping your mornings on track.

• Price: Around $30–$100.
• Features: Brewing options for all coffee types, auto-start, and programmable settings.
• What I Think: It’s my morning ritual. A good cup of coffee sets the tone for my entire day, and having a reliable coffee maker is non-negotiable. Without it, I’m not sure I’d make it through the workday.

✅ Likes:

• Cost-Effective: Makes coffee cheaper than going to a coffee shop every day.
• Customizable Brew: Adjust the strength to suit your mood.
• Convenient: You can set it the night before for a fresh cup first thing in the morning.

❌ Dislikes:

• Cleaning: Coffee machines need regular cleaning or they’ll start making gross coffee.
• Slow Brewing: Some models can take a while to brew your coffee, which is a problem when you’re running late.
• Cost: Higher-end models are more expensive, but worth it if you’re a serious coffee drinker.

Get your own here on Amazon.

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Conclusion: Let’s Cook (or Not)

At the end of the day, cooking as a young adult doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. With the right tools, it can actually be fun—or at least a lot less painful. Whether you’re a microwave master or a future Iron Chef, these items will help you conquer the kitchen like a pro. So, go ahead—get yourself these gadgets, and who knows? Maybe one day you’ll even cook something that doesn’t come in a box.