The must-have items for each kitchen will vary based on the cooking you do.
Someone who bakes will need a few different items from someone who does preserving.
There are a few items that are likely to help everyone save money in the kitchen.
Here are our top picks.
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1. Blender
A Nutribullet can be a great way to make smoothies, nut butters, crush ice and more. Some are small enough to travel with.
Alternatively, a larger blender and food processor because if you make everything from scratch will help a lot.
Thermocookers such as Thermomix combine this and other appliances in one so while they are expensive, it can be worth it for some.
There are cheaper versions that work just as well.
2. High Quality Knives
Chopping with cheap or blunt knives is both dangerous and slow.
Good quality kitchen knives, when taken care of, are worth it.
Slicing, chopping, dicing, all of it is easier, quicker and safer with good knives.
Learn how to sharpen your knives to help them last longer and work more effectively.
3. Chopping Boards
Two chopping boards at least, one for meat and one for fruits and vegetables.
Preferably 4, so you can have one for fish and another for bread too.
Clean them thoroughly after use and take care of them so they last.
Slabs of granite or other stone work well and are easy to clean over. Glass is popular and wood is fantastic if you take care of it properly.
Plastic needs to be avoided since every time you use it, you get microscopic plastic in whatever you are preparing.
4. Cookware and Bakeware
A skillet or frying pan, small pot and large pot are 3 essentials for cookware.
Mixing bowls, a brownie or slice pan, a cookie sheet, a muffin pan and a cake tin are necessary for baking.
Use cake tins and brownie pans for pies, quiches, crumble, anything instead of having a different pan for each dish.
5. Utensils
Spatulas, one for mixing, one for flipping. Measuring cups, measuring spoons, whisk, tongs, colander, grater, rolling pin, pot holders, tea towels, peelers, garlic crusher, can opener, mortar and pestle etc.
All these items add up but they are essential.
In my experience, some can be bought cheap and they don’t matter.
However, a garlic crusher and can opener need a little more spent on them to ensure they are quality and do what they are supposed to do.
Use wooden or metal utensils to avoid unnecessary plastic in your food.
6. Containers
Storing items in containers in the pantry prevents all sorts of bugs and keeps it more organised.
The same for storing leftovers in the fridge or items in the freezer.
Glass is preferred because of the BPA and other issues with plastic.
Alternatively, many people use plastic takeaway containers or plastic Ziploc bags to store food in the freezer.
7. Extras
When it comes to cooking, there are so many things which can help.
A good mixer, loaf pan, pie pans and air fryer are popular with many.
Preserving food needs a dehydrator, canning equipment and bottles.
A chest freezer can save thousands over the life of it by being able to buy in bulk, buy items that are discounted and freeze anything.
Work out what you want to do in your kitchen and plan your frugal essentials around that.
Which Items Are Essential in Your Kitchen?
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