Two weeks ago, I introduced the crockpot and upright freezer, two of my favorite budget-friendly kitchen tools. We all know that making food at home is healthier and cheaper. With the right kitchen gadgets, cooking at home can be easier and quicker. Today, I want to share three more cost-efficient kitchen appliances that everyone should consider using.
1. Countertop Conventional Oven: Cooking in the summer can be a hassle due to the heat, and I’ve found that the Breville Compact Smart Oven is a fantastic alternative to a large oven. It heats up quickly and can handle a lot of food without taking up too much space. While you might still need a regular oven for large-scale cooking, this small oven is perfect for pizzas, pies, and chicken on most occasions.
Saving money on groceries: Smart ovens heat up very fast, reaching 400 degrees in less than five minutes, and because they are smaller, they cook faster. This helps reduce long-term energy costs. Its fast heat-up time allows me to make quick meals like a chicken and cheese sandwich melt in just minutes, cutting down on the need for takeout.
How to find a discounted Countertop Conventional Oven: Look for deals during Black Friday or browse Craigslist. These ovens can replace both your toaster and microwave, making them a smart investment.
2. Bread Machine: About 15 years ago, bread machines were very popular. Opinions on them are divided, but I use mine to handle the tough parts of bread-making without actually baking the bread. While I don’t like the hole that baking in the machine leaves, I let it do the mixing, kneading, and rising. Then I shape and bake the dough into loaves or rolls.
Saving money on groceries: Making your own bread and other baked items can save you a lot, especially if you have a large family. With the right recipes, you can bake your own bagels, bread, pizza dough, and rolls. Buying flour and yeast in bulk and freezing extra baked goods can help save both time and money.
How to get a cheap Bread Machine: Many people have unused bread machines. Check yard sales or ask friends if they have one they’re not using. You might find one for under $20.
3. Multi-Use Rice Maker: My recent purchase of the Aroma 3 Quart Rice Cooker and Food Steamer showed me that rice makers can do more than just cook rice. With its various heating options, I can cook rice, steam vegetables, and even slow-cook meals like soups and meat. Its “slow cook” setting can cook raw beans in under three hours, making it faster than a traditional slow cooker.
Saving money on groceries: This compact gadget heats up quickly and uses less energy, making it a money saver. Adding brown rice to your meals often is healthier and cheaper per pound than pasta.
How to find an affordable Rice Maker: Depending on where you live, you can find affordable rice makers online or in stores. If you already have a rice cooker with multiple functions like slow cooking and steaming, make sure to use all of its features.
4. Ice Maker: Interestingly, a typical ice maker uses 12%-20% more energy when it’s running. The extra power goes to the motor that dumps the ice cubes into the tray. While ice makers aren’t very energy-efficient, it’s important to note that they can use more power to prevent internal freezing.
Remember, these gadgets won’t save you money on groceries unless you use them regularly! Cook meals from scratch with these tools instead of relying on processed or canned foods. What are your favorite budget-friendly kitchen appliances?