7 Kitchen Tools That You Can Totally Cheap Out On — And Our Suggestions for What to Buy

You get what you pay for. Too many times, that old adage rings true. But not always. While there are a few things you should definitely pay up for (see: 9 Kitchen Tools You Should Never Cheap Out On), there are also plenty of times that you can totally go the cheaper route. In fact, there are at least seven kitchen tools that should always be bought on the cheap. You could easily spend more — but why?

There are a few reasons why you should never waste your money on an expensive paring knife. For starters, they’re really small and even professional chefs (like Alex Guarnaschelli!) admit to accidentally throwing them out from time to time. It’s also silly to get them re-sharpened, so you’re better off just using one until it gets dull and then buying a new one. We love this one from Sabatier (coincidentally, so does Alex!), which comes with a sheath that has a built-in sharpener, so it’ll stay sharp longer than most. It’s also lightweight, easy to manage, and just $10.

We mostly recommend wooden cutting boards, but (BUT!) those flexible plastic ones are great when you’re chopping produce into lots of little pieces. Why? You can bend them up and funnel the pieces directly into your bowl or pot. No mess! Get whatever’s cheapest and use it until the grooves from your knife get so deep, they’re not really clean-able. This set from Dexas will last longer than most other options and each mat still only costs $5.

Why spend $17 on a single peeler when you can get this set, which is part of the required kit at many culinary schools, for just $8? They’re super simple, yet somehow get the job done.

A wooden spoon is a wooden spoon is a wooden spoon. And, chances are, you’re going to have a bunch of them (it’s a good idea to have a few in a crock right next to your stove), so stock up on some that won’t break the bank. These are from a top name brand (read: are sure to last!) and still only cost $4 each.

Sure, you can pick out the cutest little tea towel on Etsy — and drop $20 in the process. You can also just get a basic kitchen towel that puts function first. As long as a towel is absorbent and lint-free, that’s all you need. A favorite among Kitchn editors, these get the job done and add a nice pop of color, too.

Put down the expensive measuring spoons that look like flowers or bees or whatever. Not only are those needlessly costly, but they also aren’t always 100 percent accurate. This set IS accurate, a top choice on Amazon, and each spoon is designed to fit into your spice jars. At this price, you can get a few so that you don’t have to stop and wash the spoons mid-baking session.

You can get a Lodge cast iron skillet (the best brand in town, if you ask us) for just $15 on Amazon. Or better yet, keep your eyes peeled at garage sales this summer. We’re betting you’ll be able to find one for a few bucks!

Got anything else to add to this list? Leave your ideas in the comments below!