If there’s one thing grandmas know better than anyone, it’s how to cook great food on a budget. Before TikTok-viral and single-use gadgets, our grandparents relied on durable, affordable essentials that worked day after day—and often lasted decades. Whether they’ve been passed down for generations or rediscovered by modern shoppers, each pick on this list has one thing in common: it’s been tested and loved by grandmas for years. Shop a Cuisinart stockpot, Pyrex baking dishes, and more thrifty ways to cook in bulk, extend the life of produce, and serve large crowds without spending big.
Best Grandma-Approved Kitchen Tools at Amazon
Debbie Meyer GreenBags, 20-Pack
Amazon
My grandma has used Debbie Meyer GreenBags for over a decade, and after trying them out for myself, I can attest that they really do keep fruits and vegetables from spoiling. She claims they double, if not triple, the life of her berries and broccoli. This 20-pack comes with eight medium, eight large, and four extra-large bags for less than $1 each.
Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Amazon
If you feel like grandma’s cookies never quite taste the same when you make them at home, snag this budget-friendly, old-fashioned hand mixer. You’ve probably seen this 6-speed model from Hamilton Beach in your grandma’s drawers, and according to thousands of shoppers, it still holds up today. “Grandma likes this hand blender; it’s not heavy and easy for her to use,” wrote one happy shopper.
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 8-Quart Stockpot
Amazon
“I grew up with six siblings, so every time we made the 4-hour drive to see my grandmother, she’d have something affordable and easy to cook in large batches—like neck bone soup or chili—ready for us in a large stockpot,” said Writer Dillon Evans. “She’d never buy anything too expensive, so I think this Cuisinart 8-quart pot would be right up her alley — and it always leaves enough room for leftovers.”
Pyrex Simply Store Large Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 5
Amazon
This Pyrex set is a vintage classic — you may even have one that’s been passed down through generations. “My grandma used them, my mother did, and my kids definitely will,” noted one reviewer. These glass pans are also editor-approved, thanks to their ability to withstand high temperatures (up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit) and dishwasher-safe capabilities. The pack includes five rectangular food storage containers in 3-, 6-, and 11-cup sizes.
Presto Stainless Steel 12-Cup Electric Coffee Percolator
Amazon
Newer doesn’t always mean better, which is why many shoppers are going back to the basics for their morning brew. If our grandparents taught us anything, it’s that you don’t need to spend hundreds on a fancy coffee maker to achieve delicious results. “If you’re a fan of hot, smooth coffee like you used to get in diners or grandma’s kitchen, buy this percolator,” one customer recommended. It makes up to 12 cups at a time, making it ideal for serving a crowd.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet Pan, 2-Pack
Amazon
“I recently replaced our baking sheets that were handed down from 100-year-old grandma,” noted one Amazon shopper: “If she used Nordic Ware, we use Nordic Ware.” These sheet pans are warp-resistant and promise to last a lifetime or more, according to our tests. It’s no wonder that over 9,000 shoppers purchased a set in the past month.
Eonjoe 8-Ounce Food Jars, 6-Pack
Amazon
“My Nana taught me much of what I know about food, and everything I know about being thrifty,” said Senior Editor Phoebe Sklansky. “She always unloads berries from the plastic clamshell into a reusable, airtight glass container like one of these. She is big on making the most of your produce!”
