As I was cooking the other night, I started realizing that there are certain things in my kitchen that I couldn’t live without. You know those times when you realize that a certain purchase was a good decision (rather than all those items you regret buying – that’s another story). So, I thought I’d share my favorite items with you and tell you how them save me money.
- Black & Decker 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steamer Basket
– I just recently purchased this because I want to make more brown rice, but I am always struggling with getting the right amount of water, cooking it for the right amount of time and heating up our home. Not only does it cook up my rice quickly (I swear it takes less time than the stove top) but I can also steam veggies or fish in the top basket. The other night I made salmon and rice in like 25 minutes. I save money because I can cook rice more often and a quick meal keeps us from eating out.
- Presto Electric Griddle
-I’ve always had trouble with making pancakes too. Pan is too hot, pan isn’t hot enough, pancake is burning, etc. Hubby bought this for me a couple of years ago and I LOVE it! I use it for perfect pancakes on the weekends and can use it during the week for grilled cheese sandwiches and quesadillas. Again, it keeps us from eating out because I can quickly cook up a variety of foods.
- George Foreman Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine
– I’ve had this thing forever it feels like and it’s gotten a LOT of use. Just the other night I was feeling too tired to cook and was about ready to send hubby out for fast food. I looked in the fridge and saw some chicken breasts – so I got out my grill and the chicken breast cooked up in about 10 minutes. What’s especially nice too is that you can do other things while it’s cooking. So, I set my rice cooker and my grill and put my feet up while they cooked dinner for me.
- Cuisinart Duet Blender/Food Processor
– I believe I got this as a birthday present 2 years ago and it has been so wonderful. I had a very cheap blender and a very cheap food processor that were more trouble than they were worth. I love having both appliances in one and it’s a good quality brand. I can save money with this by making more foods from scratch, especially baby food and smoothies.
- Bissell Flip-Ease All-In-One Vacuum and Mop
– Ok, so this doesn’t save me money, but good Lord I love this thing! I got it while I was pregnant so I wouldn’t have to get down on my hands and knees to mop, but truly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything now. I run the vacuum over the kitchen floor every day and spot mop as needed. Now I only have to do a major mopping every month or two. I guess I can say that it saves me money because when my kitchen is clean, I am more likely to cook at home 
And there you have it. I would love to hear some other kitchen favorites – then I can put them on my birthday wish list for this year!
i love my dutch oven. i can make soup and mike uses it for pot roast and short ribs. today it’s going to be used to brine a chicken, which will then be roasted by mike.
the food processor is for me very useful. we normally use this for the catering business
A waste container on casters is good to have when you’re a mobile chef and going from cutting board to kitchen range to sink basin.
Does a fresh herb rack count as a kitchen tool. Nothing like having access to fresh basil, rosemary, parsley, and others.
Thanks for the information. I will look forward to have Presto Electric Griddle
I definitely dig this blog and how you cover every little detail or area in life that can lead to saving money. Thanks for sharing these tips for making the kitchen more cost effective.
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Huge fan of the George Foreman grill. Don’t know much about the others, but appreciate the list so I can check them out.
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A pizza pie cutter. Best tool for the most common food item in a communal dorm kitchen.
The rice steamer and Foreman grill both save me a lot too. They allow me to make nice meals that are easy to clean up later. If I am not using one of these the crock pot is in action.
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I have recently pulled out some of my older small appliances and started cooking a lot more at home (vs. going out to grab soemthing to eat). I figure I am saving close to $100 each week by eating in. Who knew ???
this is wonderful on saving money.Thanks for sharing these tips for making the kitchen more cost effective.very well written
Shame on me I don’t even have 1 of them at home. From the feedbacks that Im getting, I probably finally get all these (one by one).
I also have a “mutu and ciri”!
“mutu and ciri”is a traditional cooking utensil from Indonesia
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I think my wok is my must have implement. I use it for everything from stir fry, to curry to chilli-con-carne.
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I used to have many, many kitchen tools and appliances, but recently scaled back a bit. Well…a lot. My main tool is my cast iron skillet.