Building a Budget-Friendly Home Cook’s Kitchen: A Step-by-Step Guide

Culinary aficionados understand that having high-quality kitchen tools is essential for successful cooking. Fortunately, these tools and appliances don’t have to break the bank. While premium retailers may charge a fortune, we’ve discovered how to assemble a chef-worthy kitchen without overspending, sourcing from places like Amazon, Walmart, and more. Check out our top picks below.

Store Brand Appliances Are Sufficient

Aside from major appliances such as refrigerators, most kitchen gadgets are quite comparable, irrespective of brand. For instance, a KitchenAid mixer performs essentially the same tasks as a more affordable store brand version. Similarly, a toaster will do a great job of toasting bread, whether you choose Smeg or Walmart’s Mainstays brand. Therefore, be discerning when selecting your small appliances: conduct your research and, depending on the type, consider opting for the store-brand alternative.

Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale, Amazon, $12
Even if you’re not tracking macros for dieting, owning a kitchen scale is essential for following recipes that specify metric measurements. It aids in accurate ingredient portions and simplifies cleanup. All scales essentially yield the same outcomes, so consider going for the more affordable Amazon Basics version, priced under $20, rather than a pricier brand.

Pioneer Woman Standing Mixer, Walmart, $129
KitchenAid stand mixers are charming, but they can be priced as high as $500. Instead, choose the Pioneer Woman’s Standing Mixer, which offers 600 watts of mixing power at a significantly lower price. It maintains a pleasant appearance without costing a fortune, and unless you’re planning to launch a home bakery, the brand likely won’t affect performance or longevity.

Mainstays 6-Quart Slow Cooker, Walmart, $20
Key attributes to look for in a slow cooker include easy cleaning, multiple cooking settings, and good reviews — Mainstay’s 6-Quart Slow Cooker from Walmart checks all these boxes with a 4.7-star rating! Compared to a high-end version from Williams-Sonoma that may cost hundreds, this $20 option is a fantastic alternative.

Mainstays Four Slice Toaster Oven, Walmart, $20
Although Smeg toasters are quite popular, Mainstays’ $20 toaster from Walmart will perform just as well. While it may lack the vintage style, it features three settings and can toast four pieces of bread at once — delivering the same quality toast, making it simply toast.

Mainstays High Speed Corded Hand Mixer, Walmart, $13
Hand mixers are vital for anyone baking bread, cookies, or perfectly fluffy scrambled eggs. However, you don’t need to splurge on a fancy option. We assure you that Walmart’s house brand will suffice, priced at only $13.

Invest in Quality Pots and Pans That Will Last

As an avid home cook, you likely use your pots and pans on a daily basis. Investing in kitchen knives and cookware is worthwhile, as it’s crucial to have a reliable set that endures numerous washes without corroding or rusting. Below, we’ve highlighted several options that might seem like a big investment initially but will ultimately save you money in the long run.

HexClad Nonstick Frying Pan, Amazon, $179
Though this pan may appear to carry a hefty price tag, HexClad’s frying pan is non-stick, which means as long as you treat it with care, it will remain that way for many years. It’s dishwasher-safe and oven-safe, able to withstand various conditions. Plus, it’s scratch-resistant, meaning if your partner grabs the wrong spatula, it won’t be the end of the world, as it comes with a lifetime warranty, to boot.

Cuisinart eight-inch Stainless Steel Pan, Amazon, $15
If you prefer to avoid nonstick surfaces and are comfortable using olive oil or butter for cooking, you don’t have to spend a fortune on quality pots and pans. Cuisinart’s eight-inch stainless steel pan from Amazon is currently 25% off, reducing the price to just $15. Its aluminum base ensures quick and even heating, eliminating hot spots. The stainless steel finish is sleek and does not change color depending on what you cook — which is great!

KitchenAid 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set, Amazon, $170
Enhance your breakfast preparation with KitchenAid’s 10-piece stainless steel cookware set. Every piece is robust with a stainless aluminum sandwich base, offers quick and even heating, and is compatible with all stovetops, including induction. Additionally, they are dishwasher-safe, alleviating concerns about accidental damage, and KitchenAid provides a limited lifetime warranty.

Best Choice Products 7.5 QT Cast Iron Dutch Oven Amazon, $70
Whether you’re preparing bread or a hearty soup, Best Choice Product’s $70 Dutch Oven will be incredibly useful. Crafted from thick cast iron, it’s highly durable, while the enamel interior simplifies maintenance. It’s versatile enough for the grill, oven, or stovetop — and it’s made to last. A little insider info: you can spend more on fancy cast iron, but they all perform similarly.

Select Wood Cutting Boards Over Plastic for Longevity

While plastic cutting boards may seem indestructible, they can degrade over time due to knife abrasions. This can introduce microplastics into your food, necessitating replacements. On the other hand, wood cutting boards are durable and naturally antimicrobial. If you’re seeking a safe and quality kitchen solution, you can definitely find wood cutting boards that are budget-friendly.

Hiware Bamboo Cutting Board Three-Piece Set, Amazon, $16
Hiware’s cutting boards are made from 100% organic bamboo. Bamboo is remarkably hard yet friendly to knives and is hand-crafted with a “juice groove” to prevent spills when slicing juicy tomatoes or steaks. We appreciate the durability of bamboo cutting boards, but keep in mind not to soak them in water, as they are made from multiple laminated strips.

BoosBlock Reversible Cutting Board, Wayfair, $95
For a thicker, butcher-block style option, consider a maple cutting board, which provides a stable, lifetime workspace. It’s sturdy and guaranteed to last for years. Available in various sizes, it features a hand grip for easier lifting (especially useful when carrying a load of chopped vegetables!).

Mainstays Bamboo Cutting Board, Walmart, $11
Thanks to Walmart’s Mainstays brand! Mainstays’ bamboo cutting board is highly durable, ensuring a smooth cutting experience — it’s also easy to clean and has antibacterial properties. With a juice groove to keep your counter tidy, its relatively large size provides ample space for all your food prep needs.

Freshware Bamboo Cutting Boards, Amazon, $12 for a set of three
This three-for-$12 cutting board deal is hard to beat. Each board features a handle for convenience, is knife-friendly, and comes in different sizes. They’re available at a discounted price from $20 for a limited time, making it a perfect opportunity to grab yours. Various sizes are offered, including a giant 24-inch board (ideal for bread-making) for under $40.

Get Knives and Other Prep Tools on Sale

Like pots and pans, high-quality knives and kitchen tools are crucial for a well-functioning kitchen. You can often find them on sale, too. Below, we’ve curated a list of some discounted items to elevate your food prepping.

Caphalon Premier 15-Piece Knife Set, Wayfair, $200 (down from $240)
Given Caphalon’s quality, this 17% discount is noteworthy. Each set includes a full-tang, high-carbon stainless steel chef knife, shears, Santoku knife, eight steak knives, two utility knives, and a paring knife. The block also features built-in “SharpIN” sharpeners that sharpen every time you use them, ensuring your knives perform optimally.

KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears, Amazon, $9 (down from $12)
If you don’t require a full knife set but could benefit from a pair of kitchen scissors, you know KitchenAid’s kitchen shears are reliable — and they’re currently at 25% off. The shears come with a sheath, are available in multiple colors, and are dishwasher-safe, promising longevity.

KitchenAid Can and Bottle Opener, Amazon, $12 (down from $15)
There’s nothing more frustrating than a malfunctioning can opener when you need it — but KitchenAid’s Can and Bottle Opener features a sturdy cutting wheel that cuts smoothly and effortlessly. The knob is easy to turn, and the soft handles provide added comfort. Available in 14 color options, it’s currently on sale for $12 and up, depending on the selected color.

Zwilling Razor-Sharp Knife Sharpener, Wayfair, $35
Maintain your knives in top shape with this German-engineered pull-through knife sharpener. Sharp knives are essential not only for ease of use but also for safety. Zwilling’s Razor-Sharp Knife Sharpener has slots for Japanese and Western knives, as well as an additional slot for scissors. It’s currently 20% off, so grab one while you can.

Choose Non-Plastic, Dishwasher-Safe Food Storage Solutions

Opting for dishwasher-safe food storage options can extend their lifespan, and glass containers can literally last thousands of years. That’s why we’ve highlighted multiple containers for both ingredients and leftovers that can endure the dishwasher heat without breaking down or contaminating your food with microplastics.

Pyrex Food Storage Containers, Amazon, $38 for a set of nine
Preserve your leftovers fresh without the microplastics using Pyrex’s glass food storage containers. Each set features nine containers in various sizes with BPA-free plastic lids. They are both dishwasher- and microwave-safe, promising longevity. Pyrex also offers different sets in beautiful colors to cater to your storage and aesthetic needs.

Libbey Stackable Glass Jars, Wayfair, $35 for a set of four
Effective pantry management is vital for maintaining freshness and keeping pests at bay. Libbey’s stackable jars from Wayfair come in a pack of four, suitable for the freezer and oven. Made from glass, they are free of BPAs and won’t impose pesky microplastics on your food.

Mainstays 32-ounce Glass Jars, Walmart, $9 for a set of four
Glass jars are an essential item in any kitchen, whether for canning homemade jam or creating an airtight storage solution for brown sugar. Mainstays’ 32-ounce glass jars are dishwasher-safe and a safer alternative to plastic. Available in a set of four, they offer great value.

Stasher Silicone Reusable Bags, Amazon, $42 for four
The zero-waste community has long favored Stasher bags, which are rapidly gaining popularity in kitchens across the country. Much like Ziploc bags, they are made of silicone, resealable, and safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and oven. Walmart is currently selling them at 2 for $20, so seize the moment to purchase yours!

Eliminate Single-Use Cleaning Products

Paper towels are a thing of the past. Instead, consider investing in a compact, efficient dishwasher, durable dish wands, and quality sponges that won’t wear out after just a few uses.

Honeywell 18-Inch Dishwasher, Amazon, $400
Although a dishwasher may seem like a significant investment, it saves water, time, and energy. Honeywell’s 18-inch dishwasher is currently offered at an 11% discount on Amazon, making it the perfect time for an upgrade, especially if you reside in a compact space like an apartment.

Scrub Mommy Dual-Sided Cleaning Sponge, Amazon, $14 for three
A sponge may seem trivial, but opting for a reliable brand will save you money in the long run. There’s a reason Scrub Daddy has garnered a fanbase, and Scrub Mommy delivers just as much value — we guarantee it.

Lola Soap Dispensing Wand with Reusable Sponge Head, Amazon, $10
Even though the sponge heads are interchangeable, Lola’s sponge wand is likely to have a long lifespan. It features a soap dispenser that allows for simultaneous washing while cleaning, plus it provides gentle-yet-effective scrubbing for both non-stick and non-scratch cookware.

Mainstays Reusable Kitchen Dish Cloth Towels, Walmart, $5 for three
Transitioning away from disposable items can be difficult, but it will ultimately save you money over time. Products like Mainstays’ reusable dish cloths serve as excellent replacements. They are made from sustainable materials and absorb similarly to regular paper towels. Priced at $5 for a pack of three, it’s a much better deal compared to paper towels.