Kitchen checklist for a new home: what to buy
The kitchen needs 33 items; 16 are essentials. The essentials cost $284 to $899; everything, $2,294 to $5,782. Based on a couple starting from scratch. Prices are 2026 estimates, from budget to mid-range.
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Price per unit: 2026 range, from budget to mid-range. “First night” is what you’ll use on day one.
Kitchen
33 items; 16 essentials. Essentials: $284–899.
| Item | Qty. | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| Essential · 16 | ||
| Microwave | 1 | $60–200 |
| Saucepan with lidFirst night | 2 | $15–45 |
| Nonstick skilletFirst night | 1 | $15–45 |
| Chef knife | 2 | $10–40 |
| Cutting board | 1 | $8–25 |
| Spatula and wooden spoon | 1 | $6–20 |
| Can and bottle opener | 1 | $5–15 |
| Silverware (fork, knife, spoon)First night | 8 | $3–8 |
| Dinner platesFirst night | 8 | $3–10 |
| GlassesFirst night | 8 | $2–6 |
| Mugs | 4 | $3–10 |
| Dish rack | 1 | $12–35 |
| Kitchen trash canFirst night | 1 | $20–60 |
| Dish towels | 5 | $3–10 |
| Dish soap and spongesFirst night | 1 | $5–12 |
| Food storage containers | 1 | $12–35 |
| Can wait · 17 | ||
| Refrigerator (most rentals already have one) | 1 | $400–700 |
| Electric range (most rentals already have one) | 1 | $400–800 |
| Cooktop | 1 | $250–700 |
| Wall oven | 1 | $700–1,800 |
| Water filter pitcherFirst night | 1 | $20–45 |
| Soup bowls | 4 | $3–10 |
| Mixing bowls | 4 | $10–30 |
| Ladle, slotted spoon and tongs | 1 | $8–25 |
| Baking sheet | 2 | $8–25 |
| Oven mitts and trivet | 1 | $8–20 |
| Coffee maker | 1 | $15–80 |
| Blender | 1 | $25–80 |
| Insulated bottle or thermos | 1 | $15–40 |
| Grater | 1 | $6–18 |
| Strainer | 1 | $5–15 |
| Kitchen cart or pantry cabinet | 1 | $60–250 |
| Dinnerware set (16 pieces) | 1 | $30–100 |
Questions
16 of the 33 items are essentials. For the first night: saucepan with lid, nonstick skillet, silverware, dinner plates, glasses, kitchen trash can, dish soap and sponges, and water filter pitcher.
For a couple starting from scratch, the essentials for the kitchen cost $284 to $899, and everything, $2,294 to $5,782. Prices are 2026 estimates, from budget to mid-range.
Usually not. Most rentals come with both, so they are listed as “can wait”: a refrigerator runs $400 to $700 and an electric range $400 to $800. In the app, whatever you already own comes off the list.
No. Built-ins like cooktop and wall oven are listed as “can wait”, never as essentials. Renters take them off the list.
Yes. In the app, you share one link and each person claims the gift they’ll give; first to claim it gets it, so nobody doubles up. Family doesn’t need to download anything: the link opens in the browser.
Build the list for your place.
Answer questions for 3 minutes and the app lays out what’s missing, room by room and with prices.
Build my list on iPhoneFree to build the list · then a 3-day free trial to use it