W hether you're a recent graduate moving into your own apartment or a newlywed settling into your first home, you will need the right equipment, a few basic techniques, and a handful of recipes to get through the first few months—or even years.

We have taken a long, hard look at our own kitchens and spent time walking the aisles of houseware stores to compile a list of all the essentials for prepping, cooking, and baking our favorite flavorful dishes. It's easy to fall prey to the allure of so many new products, but if there's one thing we know, it's that you don't need to break the bank to have quality, well-made products in the kitchen. We will explain what to look for in the various pieces as well as what you can expect to do with them. Our selections were chosen for design, value, and durability—if an item is intended to last "forever," we opted for quality over economy, but there were other areas in which we saved money. With time, as your experience and database of recipes grow, these products will help you to explore new cuisines and see you through many reunions, anniversaries, and other dinner parties.