The only tools you really need
Cooking for one doesn't require a fully stocked kitchen. Here's our curated list of essential tools that make solo cooking efficient, enjoyable, and waste-free.
Perfect for single-serving eggs, omelets, sautés, and quick stir-fries. The 8-inch size is ideal for one portion without excess surface area.
Why it matters: Right-sized cookware cooks food evenly and prevents spreading ingredients too thin.
Essential for making single servings of pasta, rice, soups, and sauces. A 1.5-quart saucepan is the sweet spot for solo cooking.
Why it matters: Smaller pots heat faster and use less energy. No more boiling gallons of water for one cup of pasta.
For slightly larger portions, stews, curries, and batch cooking. The lid helps retain moisture and speeds up cooking.
Why it matters: Versatile enough for most solo cooking needs without being oversized.
Your workhorse knife for chopping, slicing, and dicing. A 6-8 inch blade is easier to control for small quantities.
Invest in quality: A good knife makes cooking safer and more enjoyable. Keep it sharp!
Perfect for peeling, trimming, and detail work. Essential for preparing single vegetables or fruits.
A compact cutting board (10x14 inches) is easier to store and perfect for small quantities.
Pro tip: Have two - one for produce, one for proteins.
Precision matters when cooking small portions. Invest in a set of measuring cups (¼ to 1 cup) and spoons.
Why it matters: Single-serving recipes require accurate measurements for best results.
Essential for prep, mixing, and storing. Get a set of small bowls (1, 2, and 3 cup sizes).
Glass or BPA-free plastic containers in 1-2 cup sizes. Perfect for storing leftover ingredients or meal prep.
Pro tip: Square containers save more fridge space than round ones.
Reduce waste with reusable silicone bags and beeswax wraps. Great for storing partial ingredients.
Game-changer for precise portions and recipe scaling. Measure ingredients by weight for consistent results.
Fresh lemon or lime juice elevates any dish. A simple handheld juicer is all you need.
Saves time and cleanup when cooking for one. No need to mince garlic manually.
Essential for prepping vegetables efficiently. Y-shaped peelers are easiest to use.
When cooking for one, you can skip:
Start Small: Begin with the absolute essentials (pan, pot, knife, cutting board). Add tools as you need them.
Quality Over Quantity: Better to have a few high-quality items than a drawer full of cheap tools.
Check Second-Hand: Thrift stores often have excellent cookware and tools at fraction of retail price.
Look for Sets: Sometimes buying a small set is more economical than individual pieces.
Don't let limited kitchen space or equipment hold you back. Some of our best recipes use just a single pan and a knife. It's not about having everything - it's about using what you have effectively!