As a food editor, I'm often asked what I recommend giving 20-somethings who are just beginning to kit out their kitchen. Essentials that aren't outrageously expensive but that are well-made, are highly functional, and will last them for years to come. These 30 items are exactly that, ranging from stocking stuffers to higher-end investment pieces, like a solid chefs knife, an ingeniously designed hand mixer, and an amazingly well-priced enameled dutch oven, all of which are under $100.
Related: 12 Big-Ticket Kitchen Items That Are Actually Worth the Expense [1]
Under $25: Kuhn Rikon Y-Peeler
Kuhn Rikon peeler [2] ($4)
Under $25: Baggu Reusable Shopping Bag
Baggu reusable shopping bag [3] ($9)
Under $25: Nordic Ware Half Sheet Pan
Nordic Ware half sheet pan [4] ($15)
Under $25: Microplane Grater
Microplane grater [5] ($15)
Under $25: Kuhn Rikon Sheathed Paring Knife
Kuhn Rikon sheathed paring knife [6] ($10)
Under $25: OXO Large Flexible Spatula
OXO large flexible spatula [7] ($11)
Under $25: Magnetic Nesting Measuring Spoons
Magnetic nesting measuring spoons [8] ($10, originally $20)
Under $25: Set of Pretty Dishtowels
Set of pretty dishtowels [9] ($24)
Under $25: OXO 11-Inch Whisk
OXO 11-inch whisk [10] ($10)
Under $25: Magnetic Stainless Steel Dry Measuring Cup Set
Magnetic stainless steel dry measuring cup set [11] ($20)
Under $25: Purple Ball Mason Jars
Purple Ball mason jars [12] ($12 for six)
Under $25: OXO 12-Inch Locking Tongs
OXO 12-inch locking tongs [13] ($13)
Under $25: OXO Set of Nesting Liquid Measuring Cups
OXO set of nesting liquid measuring cups [14] ($20)
Under $25: Cuisinart Oven Mitts
Cuisinart oven mitts [15] ($20)
Under $25: Silicone Spatula Set
Silicone spatula set [16] ($13, originally $32)
Under $25: OXO Bread Knife
OXO bread knife [17] ($20)
Under $50: Waiter's Key Corkscrew
Waiter's key corkscrew [18] ($35)
Under $50: Martha Stewart Living's One Pot Cookbook
One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot, and More [19] ($26) by the editors of Martha Stewart Living
Under $50: Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Lodge 12-inch cast iron skillet [20] ($35, originally $50)
Under $50: How to Cook Everything
How to Cook Everything [21] ($35) by Mark Bittman
Under $50: Cuisinart Over-the-Sink Colander
Cuisinart over-the-sink colander [22] ($25, originally $45)
Under $50: Food52 Genius Recipes: 100 Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook
Food52 Genius Recipes: 100 Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook [23] ($35) by Kristin Miglore
Under $100: Lodge Enameled Dutch Oven
Lodge enameled dutch oven [24] ($60, originally $118)
Under $100: Set of OXO Nesting Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
Set of OXO nesting stainless steel mixing bowls [25] ($60)
Under $100: Epicurean Dishwasher-Safe Wood-Grain Cutting Board
Epicurean dishwasher-safe wood-grain cutting board [26] ($56-$64, originally $70-$80)
Under $100: Global 8-Inch Chefs Knife
Global 8-inch chefs knife [27] ($94, originally $149)
Under $100: Scanpan 8-Inch Nonstick Skillet
Scanpan 8-inch nonstick skillet [28] ($90)
Under $100: KitchenAid Immersion Blender
KitchenAid immersion blender [29] ($60)
Under $100: KitchenAid Six-Quart Slow Cooker
KitchenAid six-quart slow-cooker [30] ($90)
Under $100: OXO On Hand Mixer
OXO on hand mixer [31] ($80)
