When people hear the name Essentials Clothing UK, they usually think of style—of our iconic Essentials Hoodies, soft yet structured Sweatshirts, ultra-comfortable Tracksuits, and sleek T-shirts. And they should! As the official UK store for Fear of God Essentials, we’ve built our brand around timeless, everyday wardrobe staples.

But let me tell you a secret: style isn’t just what you wear. It’s how you live.

And lately, I’ve been living a bit differently.
I’ve been learning how to cook.

Not “boil pasta and open a jar of sauce” cooking—but real, hands-on, from-scratch cooking. The kind of cooking that makes your house smell like home, where the food tastes better because you made it. And if you're like me, just starting out in the kitchen, you know how overwhelming it can feel.

So today, I want to shift the conversation from wardrobe to another type of essential: kitchen essentials for beginner cooks. Whether you're moving into your first apartment, trying to save money on takeout, or simply wanting to nourish yourself with food you love, this is for you.

Let’s break it down—just like we do with fashion—into the true essentials you need to feel confident in the kitchen.

Why Every Beginner Cook Needs the Right Tools

I’ll be honest: at first, I tried cooking with whatever was lying around. A dull knife. A tiny pan. A plastic spatula that melted if it got too close to the flame. The results? Inconsistent and frustrating. Just like trying to style a great outfit without quality basics.

And that’s when it hit me: the kitchen is no different from the closet.
You don’t need every gadget or appliance—just the right essentials.

With the proper foundation, your skills grow faster, your food turns out better, and cooking becomes less of a chore and more of a vibe.

Just like slipping on my favorite Essentials Tracksuit—once I found the right fit, everything else fell into place.

So, here it is: my personal list of kitchen essentials for beginner cooks, learned through trial, error, and a lot of burnt toast.

1. A Quality Chef’s Knife

Let’s start with the MVP. If you invest in one thing, make it this.

A good chef’s knife is like the Essentials Hoodie of the kitchen—versatile, dependable, and essential every day. You’ll use it for chopping vegetables, slicing meat, mincing herbs, and just about everything else.

🛠 What to Look For:

• 8-inch blade
  
  

• Stainless steel or high-carbon steel
  
  

• Comfortable handle grip
  
  

• Sharp (seriously, dull knives are dangerous)
  
  

I didn’t realize how much easier (and more fun) chopping could be until I upgraded. It’s like the difference between wearing a basic tee and slipping on an Essentials T-shirt—the same concept, wildly different experience.

2. Cutting Boards (Yes, Plural)

One for vegetables. One for meat. Trust me.

Wood or bamboo for fruits and veg. Plastic (preferably dishwasher-safe) for raw meat. Keeps things clean, safe, and organised. Bonus: they double as serving boards for cheese, snacks, and Instagram pics.

Clean, functional, and stylish—kitchen basics can be cool, too.

3. Non-Stick Skillet and Stainless-Steel Pan

I use my non-stick skillet for eggs, pancakes, and anything that’s a bit tricky. But when I want a good sear on chicken or steak, the stainless-steel pan comes out.

Both serve different roles, just like how I wear a Essentials tracksuit to chill and a clean Essentials Sweatshirt when I want to elevate my look.

🥘 Pro Tip: Avoid metal tools in your non-stick pan. Silicone or wood keeps it scratch-free.

4. Saucepan with Lid

Perfect for boiling pasta, cooking rice, heating sauces, or steaming veggies. I use mine almost daily.

One medium-sized pot can carry your entire week of meal prep if you plan ahead. I’ve made soups, curries, oats, and even hot chocolate in mine.

This is your kitchen’s version of layering. Throw anything in the pot, and it works—just like a neutral Essentials Hoodie layers with almost anything in your wardrobe.

5. Baking Sheet and Oven Tray

Even if you don’t bake, you need this.

Roast veggies, toast bread, bake frozen goods, or lay out meal-prep trays. It’s also great for one-pan dinners. I’ve learned that roasting is the lazy cook’s best friend. Pop it in, set a timer, and come back to magic.

🔥 My go-to? Sweet potato wedges, seasoned with olive oil and paprika. Simple. Comforting. Delicious.

6. Measuring Cups and Spoons

Eyeballing might work for a fashion look, but in cooking, it can be a gamble.

These tools help you stay consistent, especially when following beginner recipes. Whether it’s pancakes or pasta sauces, accuracy matters.

💡 Bonus: Get a digital kitchen scale. It seems extra—but it’s a game changer once you get into baking or meal tracking.

7. Mixing Bowls

You’ll use these for salads, marinades, pancake batter, and even popcorn movie nights.

Get a set of 3 (small, medium, large). Stainless steel or glass bowls are my personal favourites—they look good and last forever.

Just like how I own different styles of our Essentials Hoodies for different moods, a set of bowls lets you prep anything, anytime.

8. Utensils You’ll Actually Use

Skip the fancy gadgets. These are what I use nearly every day:

• Silicone spatula
  
  

• Wooden spoon
  
  

• Tongs
  
  

• Whisk
  
  

• Ladle
  
  

• Peeler
  
  

And yes, get a utensil jar or drawer organiser. It’s the kitchen equivalent of having your closet sorted—makes it easier to find what you need in a rush.

9. Storage Containers

Meal prep changed my life. Cooking once and eating 3–4 times? That’s efficiency.

Invest in BPA-free plastic or glass containers with tight lids. You’ll thank yourself when you’ve got pre-cooked rice, marinated tofu, or leftover curry ready to go.

It’s like having multiple Essentials T-shirts in your drawer—clean, ready, and low-effort.

10. Blender or Hand Mixer (Optional, But Amazing)

I didn’t start with this, but once I got one—it was over. Smoothies, creamy soups, sauces, pesto, whipped cream... it opens up a whole new world.

Not essential for day one, but definitely worth upgrading to when you're ready.

Beginner Pantry Must-Haves

Now that you’ve got the tools, don’t forget the ingredients. Here’s my short list of pantry essentials:

• Olive oil
  
  

• Salt and pepper
  
  

• Garlic (fresh and powder)
  
  

• Dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
  
  

• Rice or pasta
  
  

• Canned tomatoes
  
  

• Chickpeas or beans
  
  

• Soy sauce
  
  

• Hot sauce
  
  

• Oats
  
  

Having these on hand means I can whip something up even when the fridge is empty.

Cooking Is Confidence—Just Like Fashion

At Essentials Clothing UK, we talk a lot about confidence. Because when you wear something that fits well, feels right, and looks great—your whole mood changes.

The same happens in the kitchen.

Once I learned the basics and stocked up on the right essentials, cooking became empowering. I didn’t feel helpless anymore. I felt capable. Creative. Grounded.

Just like how throwing on my go-to Essentials Tracksuit sets the tone for a productive day, making my own breakfast or dinner now feels like a quiet, powerful act of self-respect.

And that’s what “essentials” are all about.

Final Thoughts – Essentials for Every Room in Your Life

Whether it’s your wardrobe or your kitchen, the right essentials help you live better.

At Essentials Clothing UK, we champion that mindset—from premium Essentials Hoodies that redefine streetwear to sweatshirts, T-shirts, and tracksuits designed for real life.

And as you explore your journey as a beginner cook, I hope this guide helps you feel confident, capable, and maybe even a little excited to cook your next meal.

Because trust me—the glow hits different when you’re well-fed, well-dressed, and surrounded by your essentials.

🛍️ Don’t forget to visit us at Essentials Clothing UK to shop up to 40% off on our latest collection.