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Everything I would buy for my first kitchen if I only had $350 to spend

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Where to splurge, where to save, which brands are worth it, and where to get the restaurant industry secret steals
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amazon.com
Zwilling 9-Inch Chef’s Knife $79

A basic 8-inch chef’s knife will do pretty much anything and everything. Unless you’re fileting fish or breaking down whole cuts of meat there’s not much else you need in your first kitchen IMO. In terms of quality to price Zwilling is pretty top of the line, Mercer is a bit cheaper and also good. Keeping it sharp is going to be your best friend so a good whetstone is also great.

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saksfifthavenue.com
4qt Staub Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven $14

This is going to be your best friend for all of your soups, stews, and braises. It even works to make pasta and reheat things. Staub is just as quality as Le Cruset and much cheaper. I would say Lodge is the lowest-priced brand you could get without really compromising quality. Definitely hunt for sales for these, too! TJMAXX always has great stuff.

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ikea.com
Ikea Butcher Block $21 | Cutting Boards

You should only need two cutting boards: one plastic and one wooden. Ikea makes surprisingly quality wood cutting boards, and any plastic Amazon one works. I like the OXO brand.

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amazon.com
OXO Platic Cutting Board Set $23 | Cutting Boards

You should only need two cutting boards: one plastic and one wooden. Ikea makes surprisingly quality wood cutting boards, and any plastic Amazon one works. I like the OXO brand.

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webstaurantstore.com
One set of mixed mixing bowls $16

This is where I’m about to put you guys on. I hesitate to even publicly post this because it's so affordable and quality. I don’t want them to raise their prices, but this is legitimately what every restaurant uses for most of their stuff. Say it with me, Websturaunt Supply CO!

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webstaurantstore.com
Aluminum Sheet Pans with cooling racks $11

This is where I’m about to put you guys on. I hesitate to even publicly post this because it's so affordable and quality. I don’t want them to raise their prices, but this is legitimately what every restaurant uses for most of their stuff. Say it with me, Websturaunt Supply CO!

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webstaurantstore.com
Lodge Cast Iron 12in Skillet $24

A good cast iron pan is a jack of all trades. You can use this for steaks, pasta, eggs, pretty much anything! Lodge is great quality and a great price. For a first kitchen I would either do a cast iron or stainless steel, most of the time they’re interchangeable so I don’t feel like both are always necessary.

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webstaurantstore.com
Whisk $2.59

For utensils, Websturant is super cheap for great quality, but if you want to save time, they have basic packs on Amazon that just pick everything you need for you.

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webstaurantstore.com
Rubber Spatulas $1.69

For utensils, Websturant is super cheap for great quality, but if you want to save time, they have basic packs on Amazon that just pick everything you need for you.

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webstaurantstore.com
Metal Spatulas $3.49

For utensils, Websturant is super cheap for great quality, but if you want to save time, they have basic packs on Amazon that just pick everything you need for you.

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webstaurantstore.com
Measuring Cups $3.89

For utensils, Websturant is super cheap for great quality, but if you want to save time, they have basic packs on Amazon that just pick everything you need for you.

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webstaurantstore.com
Strainer $12

For utensils, Websturant is super cheap for great quality, but if you want to save time, they have basic packs on Amazon that just pick everything you need for you.