Two weeks ago, I talked about the crockpot and upright freezer, two of my favorite budget-friendly kitchen gadgets. It’s well known that cooking at home is not only healthier but also easier on your wallet. The right kitchen tools can make home-cooked meals simpler and quicker. Here are three other cost-effective kitchen appliances that everyone should consider using.
1. Countertop Conventional Oven: Cooking in a big oven during the summer can be a hassle, but I’ve found a great alternative – the Breville Compact Smart Oven. It’s small, heats up quickly, and can handle a lot of food. While you might still need a regular oven for big batches, this smaller oven is perfect for things like pizzas, pies, and chicken.
Saving money on groceries: These smart ovens heat up to 400 degrees in less than five minutes and cook food faster because of their size, cutting down on energy costs over time. For instance, you can make a quick chicken and cheese sandwich melt in minutes, reducing the need for takeout.
Finding a deal on a Countertop Conventional Oven: Look for discounts during Black Friday or on sites like Craigslist. These ovens can replace your toaster and microwave, making them a smart buy.
2. Bread Machine: Bread machines were very popular about 15 years ago and they still have a following today. I use mine for the hard parts of making bread – mixing, kneading, and letting the dough rise – but I bake it myself. While bread machines can bake the bread too, I’m not a fan of the hole they leave, so I shape and bake the dough separately.
Saving money on groceries: Making your own bread and other baked goods can save a lot on groceries, especially for large families. With the right recipes, you can make bread, bagels, pizza dough, rolls, and more. Buying flour and yeast in bulk and freezing extra baked goods helps manage your costs.
Getting a Bread Machine on a budget: Many people have bread machines they’re not using. Check yard sales or ask friends and family; you might find one for under $20.
3. Multi-Use Rice Maker: I recently got an Aroma 3 Quart Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, and it’s shown me that rice makers can do much more than cook rice. It has multiple heating options that let me cook rice, steam veggies, and even slow cook meals like soups and meat. It can cook raw beans in under three hours on the “slow cook” setting, which is faster than a traditional slow cooker.
Saving money on groceries: This small appliance heats up quickly, using less energy. Including brown rice in your meals often is both healthier and cheaper per pound than pasta.
Finding an affordable Rice Maker: Check online or in stores for budget-friendly options. If your rice cooker has multiple features, make sure you use them to get the most out of your appliance.
4. Ice Maker: Surprisingly, ice makers can increase energy consumption by 12%-20%. This isn’t due to the cooling process but the motor that dumps the ice cubes into the tray. While some heating is necessary to keep the ice maker from freezing internally, they aren’t very energy-efficient.
Remember, these tools only save you money if you use them regularly! Prepare your meals from scratch with these gadgets instead of relying on processed foods. What budget-friendly kitchen appliances do you love using?