Cooking your own food is a great way to eat healthier and save money—but it can be very overwhelming to get started without the right tools. Here are a few basic utensils and tools that you’ll need before you start.

Knives. A good set of knives is an essential part of the chef’s arsenal, but with so many different kinds, it can be overwhelming and expensive. Here’s a tip—stick with three types: a good-sized chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated utility knife.

A good-sized frying pan. If you’re only buying one don’t go for nonstick, as the coating will eventually wear off and make the pan useless. Get a decent sized pan that can be used for everything from omelets to stir fries, and keep it oiled and clean—it will last forever.

Plastic spatulas and stirrers. Get one wide one for flipping things like pancakes and burgers, and a narrow one for mixing stir-frys and the like.

Of course, there are so many tools you can buy to furnish your kitchen, but start with these three and you’ll be cooking in no time.