20 Kitchen Investments That Actually Save You Money
Uncover 20 of the most practical kitchen tools and appliances that enhance your cooking experience and save you money in the long run.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
A well-equipped kitchen may substantially lower household costs by reducing food waste, lowering energy use, and increasing ingredient efficiency. This article examines 20 smart kitchen products and tools that pay for themselves over time, ranging from multipurpose cookware to energy-efficient appliances and reusable storage containers. These purchases can help you save money on groceries, power bills, and other expenses, whether you’re a serious home cook or simply want to simplify your meal preparation.
1. Energy-Efficient Refrigerator
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As its name suggests, an energy-efficient refrigerator uses less electricity, reducing your bills and stress. Plus, newer models can store food longer, lessening the cost of your next grocery run.
2. Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
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Because of their size and capacity, slow cookers or instant pots are fantastic multipurpose appliances. With these appliances, you can cook in bulk quickly, making meal prep a cinch. This saves you money and time. Plus, you can also use them to store leftovers.
3. Reusable Storage Bags
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Start using reusable storage bags. They’re durable and reduce the waste of single-use plastic, saving you money over time. Plus, reusable bags are better for the environment.
4. Pressure Cooker
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With pressure cookers, you can lower your electric bill and cooking time, hitting two birds with one stone. This is because these appliances cook food faster while using less energy.
5. Water Filter Pitcher
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Having a water filter pitcher will save you a ton of money. It also reduces the amount of plastic waste since you no longer need to buy bottled water, so it’s great for the environment, too.
6. High-Quality Chef’s Knife
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Splurging on a chef’s knife is worth it. They’re highly durable and sharp, and they can last a long time with proper maintenance.
7. Compost Bin
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We often throw away our food scraps. With a compost bin, you can turn your waste into nutrient-rich soil perfect for gardening. Plus, you get to add another hobby.
8. Reusable Produce Bags
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These bags are your best friend when you do your groceries. They reduce the need for plastic alternatives, and produce bags are also washable, lightweight, and durable.
9. Blender or Food Processor
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Store-bought soups, sauces, and smoothies can be expensive. However, if you have a blender or food processor at home, you can easily make all that.
10. Programmable Coffee Maker
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Brewing your cup of joe at home costs significantly less than going to a cafe. Plus, if you have a programmable coffee maker, you can be a barista and make high-quality coffee in your kitchen.
11. Vacuum Sealer
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A vacuum sealer allows you to preserve food longer, reducing spoilage and waste. This also means fewer trips to the supermarket, expect a lot of savings with this one.
12. Cast Iron Skillet
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Cast iron skillets are highly versatile, enabling you to cook high-quality dishes. They’re also quite durable, which means they’ll last a long time.
13. High-Efficiency Dishwasher
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Newer dishwasher models use less water and energy, reducing your water bill. They can also save you the trouble of handwashing your dishes, saving you time.
14. Reusable Paper Towels or Cloths
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Make the switch from disposable paper towels to reusable ones. Reusable ones are long-term investments, as they’re machine-washable. You can also opt to use cloths. Ultimately, you’re reducing waste in the process.
15. Smart Oven or Toaster Oven
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Compared to traditional ovens, these appliances heat up faster and use less energy, making them the better option to purchase.
16. Meal Prep Containers
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Meal prepping is one of the best ways to save time spent cooking. Meal prep containers allow you to store your meals and leftovers, which encourages eating at home rather than at a restaurant.
17. Digital Food Thermometer
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When cooking or baking, you need a thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. While these might seem like a small investment, they can help you create restaurant-quality meals and pastries in the long run.
18. Herb Garden Kit
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You can purchase fresh herbs at your supermarket, but growing them home is even better. Plus, they’re a cost-effective way to season your dishes yearly.
19. Air Fryer
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Air fryers promote a healthier lifestyle by reducing the amount of oil you need to use. On top of that, they can cook food in record time.
20. Stainless Steel or Glass Containers
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Stainless steel or glass containers are worth the investment. They can be used for serving or storing, and they’re long-lasting, cutting down on plastic waste.