These are the kitchen items you won’t realize you need — until you need it. Target is great for your first kitchen because a lot of their products combine quality with affordability. Use this tried and true list to find Target kitchen finds that you need right now.
This post is about essential Target kitchen items you need for your first apartment or dorm kitchen.
When I was moving into my first apartment, I was scrambling to buy everything I needed. I got the microwave, oven mitts, glasses, flatware, etc. I thought I got everything I needed until I found myself scrambling to get a paper towel to rest my whisk on when I was mixing a sauce. Until I realized I needed a serving dish for my macaroni and cheese.
Looking for Basic Kitchen Essentials? Find the complete list HERE: The Ultimate Kitchen Essentials Checklist
Collapsible Dish Rack White- Room Essentials
Collapsible dish racks are an absolute MUST if you have limited counter space. I got two of these in case I need to dry a lot of dishes at once. The dish rack collapses and is easy to stow away on top of the refrigerator, in a cabinet, or even in a pantry closet. Because who likes looking at a dish rack on the counter? Not you!
Dish racks that collapse can be flimsy, but this one is amazing because it pops open and doesn’t loose its snap very easily. It also comes with its own drain pan so it won’t leave a mess on your counter. Trust me on this one– you’ll want this in your kitchen.
Farmhouse Living Buffalo Check Comfort Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat
Let me tell you something about these — THEY ARE AN ABSOLUTE LIFESAVER IN THE KITCHEN. I have two of these comfort kitchen mats (one by the sink and one by the stove) and it’s made such a difference on how I feel when I’m cooking or washing dishes. I feel like I am able to stand for so much longer than I used to before I had these.
These neutral comfort kitchen mats will compliment any kitchen. If you have a particular aesthetic you’re into decor wise, Target has lots of options. Comfort kitchen mats will help you feel less fatigued if you’re always standing in the kitchen.
You can opt for as many or as few as you would like– whatever suits your needs.
Acacia Spoon Rest – Hearth and Hand with Magnolia
Anyone who knows me knows by now that I LIVE for Joanna Gaines’s Target line. My whole apartments is filled with practically everything from the Magnolia section of target (I wish I was exaggerating). This spoon rest is made from wood, so it’s going to be durable and last for a long time.
I can’t tell you enough how much a spoon rest will come in handy. No more scrambling for paper towels when you need to rest your utensils on the counter. I love my spoon rest and I know you will thank me later.
Want to know what to avoid buying when apartment shopping? CLICK HERE to find out!
Ceramic Coated Aluminum Dutch Oven 5qt – Made By Design
If you’re a beginner in the kitchen and don’t have a dutch oven, do yourself a favor and get one. I bought this one because I didn’t want to make the investment in an expensive dutch oven right away. This one is super affordable. The Rachel Ray dutch oven goes on sale every now and then at Target, so if you can’t get this one, get the Rachel Ray one on sale.
Ever since I got my dutch oven, I haven’t shut up about how much I love having it. Dutch ovens are fantastic to cooking anything with confidence — from large cuts of meat, soups, pasta — you can do so much with it.
Seriously though, if you’re a beginner in the kitchen and you want to make your life easier, get a dutch oven. If you can afford it, a cast iron one would be ideal. If you’re more budget conscious, this one will be a great fit for you.
2pc Stoneware Floral Bakeware Set – Threshold
If you’re a beginner at hosting dinner parties or just want pretty baking dishes, I would highly recommend this set to you. They double and baking and serving dishes, so I can pop it right out of the oven and serve to friends and family. These dishes are beautiful in person and will impress your guests. And an added bonus: These dishes come in a 2 piece set!
Coupe Cereal Bowl 27oz White – Project 62
These bowls are an essential Target kitchen find for everyday use. I was shocked when I went to Target and saw how affordable they are! These bowls take the cake for style and functionality and will compliment any dining set. I got the white ones so they match all of the other dining ware in my collection. They are durable and a certainly a staple for new renters. If you’re looking for something easy to clean, and something that has a solid design and quality, along with value for your money, these bowls are perfect for you!
Ceramic Coated Aluminum Skillet – Made By Design
The dutch oven will probably be my favorite on this list (and it will be yours too when you get one). I loved it so much that I bought a skillet from the same collection! The skillet is a powerhouse in the kitchen. I expect myself to be less excited every time I make eggs and they slide out of the skillet, but I am just as delighted using it for the 139th time as I was the first time I used it.
Seriously, the non-stick in this skillet is AMAZING! It is a breeze to clean as well. Eventually I want all of the pots and pans in this collection — They’re THAT GOOD.