There are a handful of kitchen essentials that every home cook needs — knives, pots and pans are just a few necessities. But high-end appliances and tools can be wildly expensive. That’s why we’ve gone through Amazon, Walmart, and more to find chef-approved budget kitchen items that even Tom Colicchio would approve.
Consider Store-Brand Appliances Over Brand Names
While purchasing major appliances like refrigerators require quite a bit of research, small home appliances are a bit different, in our opinion. For the most part, the brand ultimately doesn’t matter that much — a regular blender will make a smoothie just as good as a $400 Vitamix.
Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale, Amazon
Kitchen scales are essential for both baking and portion control if you’re on a diet. But unless you’re doing molecular gastronomy, an Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale will do everything you need.
Pioneer Woman Standing Mixer, Walmart
Although brands like KitchenAid and Cuisinart make signature standing mixers, they can cost upwards of $300. The Pioneer Woman Standing Mixer from Walmart does the job with 600 watts of mixing power for less than $200.
Mainstays 6-Quart Slow Cooker, Walmart
Slow cookers are great for making chili, stews and savory pies. Walmart’s home brand version, Mainstays Six-Quart Slow Cooker, is really all you need — it’s easy to clean, has a 4.7-star rating, and only costs $20. Sold.
Mainstays Four Slice Toaster Oven, Walmart
Though retro toasters and air fryers are all the rage, you don’t need more than Walmart’s Mainstays Four Slice Toaster Oven to make toast. It features three settings and has enough room to fit four slices of bread.
Mainstays High Speed Corded Hand Mixer, Walmart
Hand mixers are a kitchen necessity for baking cookies, making whipped cream and even scrambled eggs. Mainstays High Speed Corded Hand Mixer from Walmart’s beloved house brand will absolutely get the job done for well under $20.
High Quality Pots and Pans Are Worth Paying a Little More For
Pots and pans are the most used tools in a home chef’s kitchen. You’ll want something that won’t rust or lose its coating after several washes. We’ve selected a few options that are bigger upfront investments, but you’ll end up saving money long term.
HexClad Nonstick Frying Pan, Amazon
HexClad is a high-end brand and once you start using the HexClad Nonstick Frying Pan, you’ll know why. As long as you treat it right, it will remain nonstick for years to come. It can go in both the dishwasher and the oven, it’s scratch resistant, and it has a lifetime warranty, too.
Cuisinart Eight-Inch Stainless Steel Pan, Amazon
Not all high-end pans are expensive. The $20 Cuisinart Eight-Inch Stainless Steel Pan is made from aluminum and stainless steel, which which allows it to heat up evenly and quickly while resisting rust.
KitchenAid 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set, Amazon
KitchenAid’s 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set is made of durable and stainless aluminum. Each piece heats quickly and evenly, is dishwasher-safe, and compatible with all stovetops. KitchenAid also offers a limited lifetime warranty on the set.
Best Choice Products 7.5 QT Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Amazon
Use Best Choice Products’ 7.5 QT Cast Iron Dutch Oven for breads, stews and more. Like famed Le Crueset, it’s lined with easy-to-clean enamel and with care can be used on both stovetops and in the oven for a lifetime.
Ditch Plastic Cutting Boards For Wood
Plastic lasts for a long time in our oceans and in our bodies, and plastic cutting boards create microplastics every time you use them. Wood cutting boards are safer and naturally antibiotic, and you don’t have to splurge on hardwood — bamboo lasts a long time and doesn’t cost very much.
Hiware Bamboo Cutting Board Three-Piece Set, Amazon
The Hiware Bamboo Cutting Board Three-Piece Set is knife-friendly and made to last. Just don’t soak any bamboo board in water, because they’re made of laminated (glued) strips that can fall apart.
BoosBlock Reversible Cutting Board, Wayfair
For something more closely resembling a butcher block, Wayfair’s solid North American maple BoosBlock Reversible Cutting Board is long-lasting. Not only can you choose between multiple sizes, but it also comes with a hand grip that makes it it a little easier to lift, so you’re less likely to make a mess in the kitchen.
Mainstays Bamboo Cutting Board, Walmart
Mainstays’ Bamboo Cutting Board is smooth, easy to clean, and comes with antibacterial properties — what more could we want? It also features a juice groove to keep your prep space clean, and its large size makes enough space for a lot of ingredients.
Freshware Bamboo Cutting Boards, Amazon
The Freshware Bamboo Cutting Board comes in three different sizes. Each is equipped with a helpful handle and they’re super knife-friendly. And if you want a different arrangement of sizes, you can easily do so — the 24-inch one (great for baking bread or carving) is less than $40.
Shop For Knives and Prep Tools On Sale
Knives and other prep tools should be good quality, since you’ll be using them quite a bit to slice, dice, chop and maybe even julienne.
Everything in this section was on sale when we published and tends to be on sale regularly, so if it’s increased, check back in a week or so.
Caphalon Knife 15-Piece Set with Self-Sharpening Block, Amazon
Caphalon makes high quality knives, so 10% off a Caphalon Knife 15-Piece Set with a Self-Sharpening Block is a major win. Each set comes with a full-tang, high-carbon stainless steel chef knife, shears, Santoku knife, eight steak knives, two kitchen utility knives, and a pairing knife. The block also features a built-in sharpener to keep your tools in tip top shape.
KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears, Amazon
No knife set is complete without kitchen scissors. And while KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears are high quality, they’re also 25% off. Each pair comes with a sheath, in a variety of colors. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe… phew.
The Original Gorilla Grip Manual Can Opener, Amazon,
There’s nothing worse than a can opener dying when you need to open something— but The Original Gorilla Grip Manual Can Opener features a strong cutting wheel that can get through just about anything. The knob is soft and easy to turn. And thanks to a major Amazon sale it’s 50% off.
Zwilling Razor-Sharp Knife Sharpener, Wayfair
No dull knives here! Zwilling Razor-Sharp Knife Sharpener has two slots for Japanese knives, two for Western knives, and a fifth that can sharpen scissors, just by pilling them through. Take advantage of this 20% off sale while you can.
Dishwasher- and Body-Safe Food Storage Solutions Last Longer
If you’re actually cooking on the regular, you’ll need food storage solutions for both leftovers and pantry ingredients. But again, plastics usually aren’t the answer. Glass lasts forever, doesn’t stain or smell, and can go in the dishwasher an infinite number of times — ideal for you and the environment.
Pyrex Food Storage Containers, Amazon
Say goodbye to microplastics with Pyrex Food Storage Containers. You get nine glass containers with BPA-free lids in various sizes. They’re dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and they come in a variety of colors, to match your kitchen aesthetic.
Libbey Stackable Glass Jars, Wayfair
We love glass jars for storage, both because you can see what’s inside, and because they’ll never stain or smell. Libbey Stackable Glass Jars are both freezer- and oven-safe, and they come in a pack of four.
Mainstays 32-Ounce Glass Jars, Walmart
Even if you aren’t canning homemade jelly, jars are an airtight storage solution for any kitchen. Mainstays’ 32-ounce glass jars can go in the refrigerator dishwasher and they’re made from glass, so their impact on you and the planet is lesser. They come in a pack of four, but you’ll likely want to buy more.
Stasher Silicone Reusable Bags, Amazon
Stasher Silicone Reusable Bags have been a staple in the environmental community for years now, but they’ve finally made it to kitchens worldwide. Unlike Ziploc bags, they’re reusable, thanks to the silicone material. They’re dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe.
Explore Reusable Cleanup Solutions Rather Than Single-Use
Single-use cleaning solutions are a distant memory in modern-day, efficient home kitchens. Dishwashers, dish wands with durable handles, and quality sponges take trash out of the landfill and save money long-term.
Honeywell 18-Inch Dishwasher, Amazon
Dishwashers may be large investments up-front, but they save water, time, and energy. Honeywell’s 18-inch dishwasher can fit into almost any kitchen, including tight apartments.
Scrub Mommy Dual-Sided Cleaning Sponge, Amazon
You’ll save money by choosing a scrubber that’s more durable, even if it does cost a dollar or two extra. Scrub Daddy has a cult following, so it comes as no surprise the Scrub Mommy Dual-Sided Cleaning Sponge is equally amazing.
Lola Soap Dispensing Wand with Reusable Sponge Head, Amazon
The Lola Soap Dispensing Wand with Reusable Sponge Head wand will last forever. It features a soap dispenser to help wash as you clean. Meanwhile, the sponges — though they are dispensable — are both gentle and strong, working on even the finest of cookware.
Mainstays Reusable Kitchen Dish Cloth Towels, Walmart
Saying goodbye to paper towels is hard, but we promise, it’s doable. Mainstays Reusable Kitchen Dish Cloth Towels work better than paper, cost less than $2 each, and are made from low-impact materials.
