We all want to be Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray or our form of The Iron Chef, but when it comes to equipment, we have to keep things at a budget. We can’t afford the industrial grade ovens, 15-piece pot and pan set as well as the 8 piece German engineering knife set. Normal people, like ourselves, have to keep things at a budget. The following are essential or starter items that you must have to survive in the kitchen.

The must-haves:

Chef’s Knife - Make sure to have an 8-inch knife that is nicely sharpened. You use it for its versatility. Cutting meat, bread (if you don’t have a breadknife) and veggies.

Cast iron skillet - 12-14 inch skillet will work for the biggest and smallest of meals. Use it for your daily scrambled eggs, for frying chicken and even shrimp scampi. Pay attention to the depth of skillet too.

Big stock pot - A total necessity, especially if you cook a lot of soups, stews and pastas. The big stock pot is another kitchen essential known for its versatility.

The good-haves:

Stainless steel mixing bowl - Make sure it’s big. By name its use is for mixing. But for more importantly marinating meats and holding batter for that meat. Fried chicken or chicken fried steak anyone?

Paring knife - This should be up at the must-haves but the three up there are the most important. The paring knife can be used for the biggest and of course, the smallest of cutting. a 3 to 4 inch knife will do. It is the perfect tool if you use a lot of garlic.

Wooden spoon - Or something like that. I have a tool that is part spoon and part scraper that I use for separating ground beef and for scrambling eggs. Another very versatile tool that despite being wood, it’s still durable.

Small food processor - This is a time-saving tool in case you don’t feel like chopping and mixing. They come in a variety in sizes but the smaller ones tend to be easier to clean.

Two spatulas - One metal and one plastic or silicone. Make sure the plastic one is slotted. Both of these items are great for flipping and turning over meats.

The list provided are just the essentials for starter cooks or those who want to learn the skill of cooking without the hassle. If you have the means and funds to get an All-Clad pan set or the KitchenAid mixer of your dreams, by all means, go get it. But for the most of us, for our simple recipes and daily meals, this will be all we need.

Image credit: Carissa Rogers on Flickr