As the kitchen gadget world continues to come out with sleek, new, and exciting tools it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In reality, only a few essential items are needed to get started cooking and saving money at home.

A basic metal can itens para casa, a sharp knife for cutting vegetables and other hard foods, a small whisk for emulsifying oils and salad dressings, and a set of glass baking dishes are essential for beginners to start cooking. These items can be purchased cheaply at a discount store or IKEA and then upgraded later as you learn how to use the cookware and tools.

Another essential is a pair of sturdy kitchen towels for drying dishes, wiping up spills, and cleaning up the counter. Look for a towel that’s made from a fast-drying material such as microfiber and comes with an absorbent center to prevent moisture buildup.

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A good wooden cutting board is also inexpensive and looks great in the kitchen. Look for one that’s made of end-grain maple and is gentler on knife blades (such as this one from John Boos).

If you’re a sourdough baker, you’ll need a bread knife for slicing the crusty exterior. A serrated knife, like this large one from Zwilling, is also useful for softer food such as cakes and pastry’s. Lastly, a set of squeeze bottles are indispensable for storing oils and sauces, and for delivering just a few drops of oil to the bottom of a pan or into an individual cake. We love this high quality set from Tovolo.