21 Kitchen Essentials for Newlyweds

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This post is all about kitchen essentials for newlyweds.

Here is a thoughtfully compiled selection of essential kitchen items that every newlywed couple needs! With wedding planning in full swing over at P.L.L. (and writing as someone who happens to be a bit of a perfectionist), all the hard work and research has been done for you. Whether you’re in the process of putting together your bridal or wedding registry or settling into newlywed life, this checklist has got you covered!If you’re a regular reader of P.L.L., you’ll notice our preference for quality over quantity. Gone are the days of requesting entire sets of cookware from a single brand – think functionality and purpose-driven purchases!

21 Best Kitchen Essentials For Newlyweds

1. Stainless Steel Pan

A high quality stainless steel pan or two, in a large and medium size should be at the top of your list. We know, stainless steel plans can be intimidating but once you learn how to use them (it’s super easy, promise! Google Mercury ball test), you’ll never look back. Plus, at P.L.L., we love non toxic cookware! The one linked below is from the Demeyere Industry 5 line, arguably the best in terms of quality and durability, making it an heirloom piece worth passing down. As an alternative, consider All-Clad, which also offers exceptional quality.

2. Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven is a total must have when it comes to cookware, whether you’re making an easy one-pot weeknight meal just for yourself and your husband (to be) or hosting a dinner. Investing in a high-quality Dutch oven for this new chapter in your lives is well worth it, and this Le Creuset Dutch Oven is a tried-and-true crowd favorite for good reason.

3. Tea Pot

Whether you take your tea in the morning or in the evening, a nice tea kettle is a wonderful kitchen item to have. They also add something special to your kitchen and look beautiful resting on your stove top. Our pick is this copper one by Simplex Buckingham.

4. Salt & Pepper Mills

Eventually, there comes a time when upgrading your salt and pepper shakers feels necessary, and investing in a salt and pepper mill can add a touch of everyday luxury. With a plethora of options available, ranging from twist tops to electric variants, we are particularly drawn to the elegance of a handheld grinding mechanism. These stunning tried and true copper salt & pepper mills have been in the market since 1977. Handcrafted in Greece with the highest standards of high quality and functionality.

5. Tablecloth

Outdoor dining with a beautiful botanical tablecloth would be our personal pick! But depending on where you live, that may not be as practical. A simple neutral linen material is a versatile staple to kickstart your collection of tablecloths. Whether it’s for holidays, dinner parties, or intimate celebrations, holidays and anniversaries, a tablecloth will add that extra special touch to complement your meal.

6. Napkins Set

Naturally, to complete the look, matching linen napkins are a must-have alongside your linen tablecloth.

7. Wooden Bowl

A good wooden bowl is a versatile kitchen item, perfect for mixing, serving salads, and much more.

8. Mise En Place

“Designed to simplify and streamline prep, the Mise En Place Set is the time-saving kitchen assistant you never knew you needed.” This is the actual description of the Mise En Place set from Made In, and we couldn’t have said it any better ourselves!

9. Blender

Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing smoothie, creamy soup, velvety puree, or indulging in a milkshake, a blender is an obvious kitchen appliance. However, not all blenders are created equal. With a range of versatile options tailored to meet your needs and renowned for their exceptional durability, investing in a Vitamix is a choice you’re unlikely to regret.

10. Coffee Maker

At P.L.L., our standards for coffee are high, and we absolutely love the Moccamaster by Technivorm. It has proven itself to be remarkably reliable, and makes delicious coffee! We can confidently say that if you’re in search of an exceptional coffee maker, you needn’t search any further.

11. Espresso Machine

It’s the small joys in life, such as being able to whip up a latte, cappuccino, or espresso whenever you crave a little pick-me-up, that can truly enhance your day. Consider adding an espresso maker to your list of kitchen essentials, particularly at this point in your life. Plus, how nice is it, to be able to serve finely crafted beverages to guests when they come to visit.

12. Knives

In your kitchen, cluttering your counter with a massive block of knives isn’t necessary. What you truly need are high-quality essentials: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a bread knife. Adding a set of steak knives to your collection wouldn’t hurt either. Victorinox is a reputable brand for kitchen knives that’s definitely worth exploring.

13. Casserole Dish

Perfect for any occasion throughout the year, but particularly essential during the winter months when you’re craving a comforting Sunday lasagna, whipping up a mac and cheese for a holiday gathering, perfect for making chicken enchiladas, or even desserts like homemade cinnamon rolls and of course so many other simple weeknight casseroles. The Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Rectangular Covered Casserole dish is an absolute winner and we love that it has a lid!

14. Wine Decanter

A wine decanter serves as an elegant and practical glass vessel designed to aerate wine, enhancing its flavor profile and aromas. Beyond its functional benefits, these decanters add a touch of sophistication to your table setting, sure to impress your guests during any entertaining occasion.

15. Stand Mixer

Whether you’re blending, kneading, or whisking, a stand mixer proves invaluable, tackling everything from airy cakes and bread dough to creamy mashed potatoes and whipped cream. Consider the stand mixer your ultimate companion for a wide range of cooking and baking endeavors.

16. Meat Thermometer

The last thing you want after investing so much time and effort into cooking and setting the table is to end up with undercooked or overcooked meat! That’s where a reliable meat thermometer becomes essential. We highly recommend having two types on hand: an instant-read thermometer for quick checks for cooking things such as chicken breast or salmon and another like the Yummly® Smart Meat Thermometer with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity for more precise monitoring, especially ideal for thicker cuts of meat such as roasts, thicker cut steaks, pork loin, and prime rib! With this smart thermometer, simply insert it into the meat, select your desired level of doneness using the mobile app, and it will notify you when the meat is ready to rest, how long to let it rest, and when it’s perfect for cutting and serving. It’s incredibly convenient and ensures perfectly cooked meat every time!

17. Serving Platters

A must have for anyone hosting gatherings, serving platters offer incredible versatility, serving a multitude of purposes. From showcasing main dishes to presenting appetizers (perfect for Super Bowl Sunday), displaying side dishes, highlighting desserts, and enhancing holiday meals, their utility knows no bounds.

18. Serving Bowls

Serving bowls complement serving platters, offering their own unique versatility. Serving bowls are ideal for serving side dishes like mashed potatoes, presenting soups and stews, displaying snacks such as chips or popcorn, showcasing fruits, serving pasta or noodles, presenting salads, displaying bread or rolls, and can even double as a mixing bowl, among other functions.

19. Salt Well

Maldon’s Flaky Sea Salt is truly transformative—it elevates every meal as the perfect finishing touch. We prefer to keep ours in a Salt Well, alternatively called a Salt Cellar, essentially serving as a salt container. Conveniently stationed near the stove, it’s also a delightful addition to the table, allowing guests to garnish their dishes with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to their liking.

20. Water Jug

Having a water jug in the kitchen is really handy when you’re entertaining or if you’ve got a big family. It means you can serve drinks without having to keep filling up small glasses all the time. No more running back and forth to the tap to refill glasses—this makes it all that much easier!

21. Candelabra

A candelabra, especially a matching set, elevates the elegance and ambiance of any occasion or space. It’s a must-have because of its versatility, seamlessly blending with any decor style, and its practicality in providing functional lighting. Whether as a centerpiece or accent, it brings sophistication and enhances the atmosphere for intimate dinners, gatherings, or quiet nights at home. With various styles available, we particularly adore classic brass or sterling silver options, and suggest exploring vintage pieces.