Whether you are in your first apartment or creating a kitchen fit for a master chef, there are some things that are absolute essentials when it comes to stocking a kitchen. This guide to “must have” kitchen items can help you navigate your way through the world of kitchen supplies and determine which gadgets you cannot do without.

A Chef’s Knife
Forget about the cheap 10 piece knife sets. The price tag makes these tempting, but they are junk, and there is no need for that many knives anyway.  If you are going to splurge on one thing for your kitchen, this is where to do it. Knives come in all shapes and sizes, so it is best to do some research but investing in at least one quality knife you will use often is a smart move. A Chef’s Knife, also known as a French knife, usually has about an 8 steel inch blade, although smaller versions are available. This general utility knife can be used for just about everything from chopping vegetables, to mincing herbs and cutting meat. Look for a knife with a sturdy handle and slightly curved blade that feels balanced in your hand and consider purchasing a sharpener to keep the blade from dulling.

Cutting Board
Having a large sturdy surface for cutting and chopping is crucial in a kitchen. There is no need to spend loads of money on anything super fancy. Cutting boards come in a variety a materials, the most common being plastic or wood. Plastic cutting boards are easily washed in the dishwasher and the non-porous surface prevents juice from vegetables or meat from seeping into or staining the board. Wood cutting boards however, are sturdier and will not dull sharp knives as quickly as plastic or glass. A large wood board when displayed on a counter top can also serve as a decorative item and add to the charm of your kitchen.

Large Skillet
This is the most important pan in your kitchen. Good for cooking just about everything, a nice skillet is worth saving up for. Choosing from the options available can be confusing. Stainless steel pans are durable and great for searing meat but not a great choice for eggs or other items that tend to stick to the bottom. Steel pans do not conduct heat evenly, so if you decide on this variety look for a large stainless steel pan with a heavy bottom coated with aluminum or copper for even heat conduction. Cast Iron pans are strong and economical but more difficult to care for. Non-stick pans are great for frying eggs and making pancakes, but Teflon and similar non-stick materials can pose a health risk if the chemical coating scratches or flakes off into food.

Good Corkscrew
If you have ever bought a nice bottle of wine and tried to open it, just to have the cork split then you will understand why this item is on the list. Solid screw types tend to split the cork leaving you to pick the remainder of the cork out of your wine glass. Save yourself the embarrassment of this happening at a nice dinner party and get a quality sturdy corkscrew. There is no need to spend big bucks on deluxe gadgets. The waiter’s key style corkscrew is a simple, inexpensive, no-frills corkscrew used by waiters in restaurants. The waiter’s key has a fold out blade to remove the foil from the top of the cork and a simple lever design that will get the job done.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil can be drizzled on salads, used to sauté vegetables, and for dipping bread. Extra-virgin olive oil, as opposed to other varieties is produced without any chemical treatment and is considered to have a superior taste. Keep a bottle on hand for a quick appetizer of bread dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar or drizzle some over some fresh tomatoes and basil. Apart from being delicious, extra-virgin olive oil has some great health benefits as well.  Extra-virgin olive oil has high levels of monounsaturated fat and antioxidants which help prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol and may help prevent colon and breast cancer.

What to Skip:
Save your money and skip on any goofy cooking contraptions.  There are kitchen gadgets for just about everything, most of which are absolutely unnecessary. They are often more trouble than they are worth and inevitably end up collecting dust on a shelf. Save the money and pass on the quesadilla maker, food scale, crème brulee torch or anything sold on late night infomercials. If you are equipped with the basic items listed above then you will be able to accomplish anything in the kitchen that you put your mind to.

*written by Alyssa Goldberg for the CRAVE company. Alyssa is a lover of all things to do with food and travel- check out her blog, WorldSavour by clicking here.