Whether you’ve just moved into your first apartment, or you’re simply an inexperienced home chef, buying the proper tools for the kitchen may seem pretty overwhelming. Before you head out to the kitchen supply store, read up on this list of essential items that every kitchen should have — and avoid purchasing items that you’ll likely never use.

1. A chef’s knife. While it’s okay to purchase inexpensive, mid-level knives for spreading and slicing soft foods, every kitchen should have at least one high-quality chef’s knife. Splurge on this multi-purpose knife to avoid a potential injury when cutting something tough, such as meat or crunchy vegetables.
2. A cutting board. Instead of chopping veggies and herbs right on the kitchen counter, use a large wooden cutting board to make the job safer and more sanitary.
3. Kitchen shears. Cut fat from meat, stems from herbs, and slits in bread dough with handy kitchen shears.
4. A cast iron skillet. Because you can use it on the stovetop and in the oven, a cast iron skillet is versatile and useful.
5. Measuring cups and spoons. Instead of eyeballing amounts of ingredients, get more out of your recipes by carefully measuring each item. Invest in high-quality cups and smaller spoons that encompass the most common measurements.

Essential Kitchen Tools [Cooking Light]
The Kitchn's Guide to Essential Prep Tools & Utensils [The Kitchn]
My Essential Kitchen Tools [Ruhlman]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Didriks