We pride ourselves on finding the best deals and discounts on kitchen products throughout the year, so it can be pretty tempting to take advantage of them when they come up. Still, just because something is on sale doesn’t always mean you need it. We also spend a lot of time researching and testing the best kitchen tools, gadgets, cookware, and more to discover which ones are worth the hype.
We’ve rounded up 10 kitchen products to buy if you want to keep from overspending this year. These have been tested and approved to work just as well as pricier options, so you can save money and storage space where it counts.
Best Kitchen Products to Buy in 2026
GreenPan Lima 8-Inch Ceramic Frying Pan
Amazon
Ceramic cookware is all the rage right now, but coughing up hundreds of dollars to replace your nonstick cookware isn’t always accessible. We’ve tested the GreenPan brand against much pricer options and are consistently impressed by the performance. The 8-inch skillet is perfect for frying eggs, whipping up sauces, or reheating leftovers, and is also available in 10-inch and 12-inch sizes.
KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer
Amazon
KitchenAid stand mixers are excellent tools, but these bulky appliances aren’t worth the splurge or the storage space unless you use them regularly. Opt for a compact hand mixer instead, which works just as well for small mixing and blending tasks. If you have your heart set on KitchenAid, the brand offers this 5-speed hand mixer for $60.
Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Amazon
We’re constantly singing the praises of Lodge cast iron for its high-quality performance and budget-conscious prices, making it the perfect dupe for the Le Creuset Dutch oven that’s on every home cook’s wishlist. This 6-quart Lodge Dutch oven has an enameled surface that’s easy to clean and a durable construction, even when compared to much more expensive cookware.
Utopia Cotton Dish Towels, 12-Pack
Amazon
Let’s face it, those expensive Williams Sonoma kitchen towels are going to get stained. We suggest saving your money by keeping a smaller stash of “good” dish towels for company or parties, and using a less expensive set for daily use. These Utopia towels are highly absorbent and come in a pack of 12 for just $19 (that’s less than $2 apiece).
Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale
Amazon
A fancy kitchen scale with a built-in phone charger sounds like a luxury, but most of us aren’t going to keep it out on the counter often enough for these extra features to come in handy. Unless you’re a regular baker or meal prepper, an under-$20 scale will do the trick. This model comes chef-recommended and features a sleek design with simple, single-touch controls.
Cuisinart 3.5-Inch Paring Knife
Amazon
A lot of the tasks meant for single-use kitchen gadgets (think avocado slicers, strawberry hullers, and cherry pitters) can be accomplished with a simple paring knife. You can splurge on a pricey brand, or grab this knife from Cuisinart with triple rivets, a full-tang stainless steel blade, and matching sheath for just $9.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 4
Amazon
Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking you need a flashy, expensive set of food containers to motivate you into meal prepping this year. Rubbermaid Brilliance makes some of our favorite glass food storage containers. They include airtight lids that are completely see-through (you’ll always know exactly what’s inside), making them perfect as both meal prep containers and leftover containers. You can mix and match to get exactly what you need, since these are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and collections.
OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Digital Instant Read Thermometer
Amazon
After testing a range of meat thermometers priced from $10 to $350, we found that a low to mid-range model is enough for most households. Plus, once you add one of these kitchen tools to your arsenal, you won’t know how you lived without it before. This OXO Good Grips thermometer has a straightforward design with an easy-to-read display and a pivoting head for added convenience. It’s also extremely lightweight and easy to store, thanks to the slim profile and included storage case.
Bestinnkits Mug Warmer
Amazon
A coffee mug warmer is an indulgence during the cold winter months, but some of the pricier ones have a big flaw: they don’t allow you to use your own mug. Besides being a lot cheaper than other popular brands, this mug warmer is easy to use with a simple plug-in and gravity induction operation. It takes up just over 5 x 5 inches of space, perfect for a work desk or side table.
Bodum 34-Ounce Pour Over Coffee Maker
Amazon
We’ve tested plenty of splurge-worthy espresso machines and coffee makers, but if you want to downsize (and arguably get a better cup of joe in the process), consider buying a pour-over coffee maker instead. They take up far less storage space and cost hundreds of dollars less than the appliances.
