Maple Butcher Block via Occa Home / Kuhn Rikon Knives via Kohl’s / Wood-Handled Kitchen Cleaver via Amazon
Skip the large 12-piece knife blocks that hog the counter, opting instead for a few carefully-selected items. A kitchen cleaver is a budget-friendly kitchen essential for an aspiring chef. Even a $15 model has the heft to chop even the hardest butternut squash, but it is also a whiz at slicing and dicing small fruits and veggies.
A few small paring knives complement the heft of the cleaver. Great for detailed cuts, they can also be used as cheese knives when entertaining. Choose knives with plastic covers that protect the blades — and your fingers — when they’re not in use. Even better? The blade covers make these knives safe to pack for picnics.
Avoid knife accidents by slicing and dicing on a solid wood cutting board that doesn’t slip and slide on the counter. When it’s time to party, the cutting board makes an attractive serving platter for cheeses and appetizers.
Pinch & Pour Measuring Cup via JC Penney / Ninja Master Prep via Amazon / 4-Piece Nesting Mixing Bowls via Bed Bath & Beyond
When drawer space is limited, a set of collapsible measuring cups saves space. It doesn’t hurt to choose a colorful set that will look cheerful if hung on a wall rack instead. Similarly, look for collapsible measuring spoons as well.
When it’s time to mix things up, appliances are one of the biggest space hogs in any renter’s kitchen. Keep things simple — skip the elaborate stand mixers and bulky food processors, opting instead for an all-in-one blender and processor combo.
As for hand mixing, a set of ceramic mixing bowls have the weight needed for stability while also doubling as serving bowls for parties. Find a colorful set that you’d be happy to take from prep counter to dinner table. Make sure the bowls nest in one another when not in use.
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Cookware via Belk / Kuhn Rikon Collapsible Colander via Amazon / Bambu Cooking Tools via Connox
Every cook needs a colander, but traditional metal ones take up a lot of space! Fortunately, there are a multitude of collapsible versions now. Choose one with holes in the sides as well as the base for the best performance. If it’s pretty, it can double as a fruit bowl!
You can’t cook without pans, so a simple, no-fuss set of stainless steel pots and pans is a kitchen must-have. By skipping the fancy nonstick coatings, you know your pots and pans will withstand years of use, especially if you save up for a quality set that conducts heat evenly.
Skip the plastic spoons and spatulas, which can easily melt against a hot pan. Instead, an inexpensive set of bamboo or wooden spoons and spatulas can also double as serving spoons when you’re entertaining.
Fiesta Dish Drying Mat via Kohl’s / Ove Glove via Walmart
Cleanup is a cinch when you skip the bulky dish drying rack in favor of a microfiber, padded dish drying mat. Its cushioned surface protects the most fragile dishes, and the microfiber construction means it’s lint-free and quick to dry. Best of all, the mat can be rolled up small and stored when not in use, freeing up much-needed counter space.
Finally, choose an insulated oven mitt with individual fingers and a non-skid grip. Not only will it give you much more dexterity when handling hot dishes, it can also be used for other tasks, such as grilling, dealing with hot firewood, and changing hot light bulbs. Best of all, it is steam- and water-resistant and won’t lose its shape in the wash.
Finally, don’t forget that if your kitchen isn’t organized, it’s hard to work in it — no matter how great your tools are! Check out these kitchen organizing ideas for inspiration.
When it comes to choosing tools for your rental apartment’s kitchen, look for ones that are space-saving and/or multipurpose. Then you can still cook like a top chef no matter how small your kitchen is.
What are your top tools for the kitchen?
