Whether you just moved into your first apartment, new home, or you want to keep things simple, here are the top five kitchen tools to have in your arsenal:

A good knife: You don't need 24 different Henckels knives, If you do, awesome, but having a good, sharp knife will make cooking and cutting easier and safer. Make sure your knife is sharp. A blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one because there is a greater chance it can slip and cut you. I own a 5" Santoku knife that you can find here on Amazon for $13.

Large/deep frying pan: A regular frying pan is good, but if you have a large frying pan, you can do everything a regular frying pan can do and more. Large frying pans can be better for searing, cooking with oil, making stews, and making larger portions for your friends or family. Try something like this if you're looking for a cheap all-in-one frying pan.

Rice Cooker: Rice cookers make cooking rice easy, and for those without a burner or stove top, it is a great option for making hot meals. Beyond rice, they are also useful for cooking meals, like soups, chili, and jambalaya. Steaming vegetables is easier than ever and most rice cookers can keep your food warm. I own an Aroma rice cooker and I get perfect rice every time. They come in different sizes and with different options for your needs. A cup of rice per person goes a long way.

Cutting board: Cutting boards provide a perfect surface to cut meats, vegetables, and fruits. It's easier to organize with a cutting board and provides a safer surface to cut on than a plate. If you don't have one, you may quickly notice that you need one. There are so many types of boards to choose from (wood, bamboo, glass, Epicurean, polysafe, et cetera), but if you have to choose just one, I would go with the Joseph Joseph Slice&Sharpen. For $13, you get a durable board that's dishwasher safe with a ceramic sharpener. I found mine at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Medium sized pot: Whether you need to boil a cup of water or make pasta for the family, a medium sized pot will do the job. You can make sauces, heat pre-made sauces, boil eggs, prepare quinoa...or anything that requires bringing water to a boil. Get the right pot, and you can bake with it in the oven. There are so many uses for it, and you only need to buy one! If you already have this in your arsenal, you're ahead of the curve.

I hope you found this article helpful. These items can help make your cooking safer and more effective. Of course, there are plenty of other kitchen tools that are beneficial, but for those of you starting a new home, kitchen, or you just need the bare minimum, these are a good starting point. Thanks for reading!

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