When it comes to decking out your kitchen, it can be hard to know what tools you need and what you can do without. Choosing the right kitchen tools can also be tough if you’re on a tight budget. Maybe you’ve just moved into your first home or relocated for work and you don’t want to overspend.
Don’t worry – you don’t need one of everything! In fact, picking the right kitchen tools really comes down to how you plan to use your kitchen. Follow our tips and tricks on how to kit out your kitchen in a way that benefits you and that doesn’t break the bank!
1. Make a Budget
The first thing you should do when you’re on a budget is to make a budget. You’ll want to set aside some money for basics, plus any extras you want to spend on larger purchases. Depending on where you live, you might want to snoop around some local stores to check out prices or look at a priced kitchen tools list online.
2. Identity Your Essential Kitchen Tools
The next thing you should do is identify which basic kitchen tools are essential for you to have and which can be purchased at a later time. Think specifically about your lifestyle and the way you cook and eat when doing this. Here’s a list of a few items we consider essential that may be a good guide for you. (Some of these may seem obvious but, if you’re going to live on your own for the first time, they may not occur to you)
- Cutlery
- Plates
- Cutting board
- Chopping Knife
- Saucepan
- Kettle
3. Invest in Kitchen Sets
When it comes to buying kitchen tools and equipment on a budget, buying kitchen sets – as opposed to individual items – could save you money. For example, rather than buying individual pieces of cutlery, you’ll probably find it cheaper to buy sets that contain several pieces of the same type. This may mean that you need to compromise slightly on style but try to gauge this based on what is most important to you.
Do you care about having really nice cutlery or plate sets? Or would you rather save money on cutlery and buy a more expensive, higher quality kitchen knife? Again, choosing your kitchen tools sets should fit in with your needs and lifestyle. If you like to entertain, it may be worth spending a little more on glassware or matching crockery. If you’re a passionate home cook, a pasta maker or a set of good pans might be a better place for you to invest your money.
4. Think About How You Cook
Are you a pizza person? A pasta person? A pot roast person? The answer to all these questions should tell you something about which kitchen tools you should buy for your home. Think about the functionality of the products you invest in.
If pasta is one of your favorite, go-to meals, then a strainer or a pair of tongs are must-have kitchen tools for you. Likewise, if you live for frozen pizza, you should definitely buy a good pizza cutter. Don’t scrimp on the things you know you will get plenty of use out of.
5. Go Cheap on Certain Things
While there are some things you definitely shouldn’t cut corners on, with others, you should feel free to go cheap. If you can get a super cheap deal on plastic mixing bowls, rather than buying expensive metal ones, go for it. Again, tailor this around your needs.
If you only bake once in a blue moon, there’s no point in buying expensive kitchen scales. If you spot a bargain, don’t be afraid to go for it. You can always swap things out at a later date.
6. Buy to Last
The best kitchen tools you can buy are the ones that will compliment your other kitchen purchases, both from a style and from a usage perspective. When you’re hunting for kitchen tools, you should always make sure that you’re buying with longevity in mind, especially with pricier items. There’s no point buying expensive pans and then scratching them by using metal spoons.
Make sure that you understand the maintenance of certain products when you buy them too. For example, don’t buy a juicer and then forget to clean the filter. Always read the instructions on any kitchen tools you buy to get the best use out of them.
Conclusion
Whatever your needs when it comes to kitchen tools, remember that planning is key. In fact, with careful planning, you can get everything on a budget. Just remember to think about what you will realistically use and leave anything you don’t need for another time.
What essential tools do you have in your kitchen? What’s the kitchen item that you couldn’t live without? Know any handy cooking tips or hacks? Let us know in the comments!
