How to Set Up a Kitchen for Less Money

​It's cheaper to eat at home than to eat out. But it may not feel that way if your kitchen lacks some basic tools. Don’t get overwhelmed! You really don’t need fancy equipment to make healthy meals. We’ll help you set up your cooking space so that you eat well and spend less. 

Where to Find Inexpensive Kitchen Tools

​Many basic kitchen tools can be purchased at a dollar store or at large discount stores. Oftentimes it is less expensive to buy things in a set. A cookware set that has pots, pans, and serving utensils is often cheaper than buying pieces separately. Yard sales and thrift stores also have very good quality kitchen products for less money. You don’t need to buy everything at once. It helps to set a budget for new kitchen tools or appliances, or to watch for sales.  

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Multipurpose Kitchen Items - Save Money & Time

Some household basics can have many uses, saving you money and space.

• Large Ovenproof/Microwavable Plate – even just a single plate can help you make a variety of meals from sandwiches to salads, pasta dishes, pita pizza, and more. 
• Coffee Mug – a mug can be used for eating whole grain cereal, or heating oatmeal, soup, or chili, or even making a single portion of a healthy dessert.
• Kitchen Shears/Scissors – kitchen scissors allow you to cut veggies, fruits, and even meats, all without needing a cutting board. Just be sure to always clean them thoroughly after using on raw meat.
• Hot Pot – a hot pot quickly cooks pasta, brown rice, soups, and steamed vegetables, and costs less than $10. 

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The Kitchen Basics

Following are some of the most common and useful tools for cooking, serving, and eating healthy meals at home. You don't need everything on these lists, and you don't need large quantities either. In fact, having fewer utensils and tableware actually means less to clean and less to store.
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Tableware for Serving Food

• Bowls
• Plates
• Utensils (Spoons, Forks, and Knives)
• Cups / Glasses
• Large Serving Spoon

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Cookware & Bakeware

• Medium/Large Skillet (and/or Large Glass Casserole Dish for Microwave)
• Medium/Large Pot
• Baking Sheet
• Baking Dish (9" x 13" is the most common size)
• Spatula
• Oven Mitt
• Food Thermometer

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Food Prep Tools

• Can Opener
• Cutting Knife
• Medium/Large Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cup(s)
• Measuring Spoons
• Cutting Board​
• Strainer/Collander
• Cheese/Vegetable Grater

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Food Storage Containers

• Glass Containers with Lids
• Storage Bags or Plastic Wrap
• Recycled Food Jars or Mason Jars​​

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Appliances

• Oven or Large Toaster Oven
• Microwave
• Electric Skillet (if you don’t have a stove burner)
• Hand Mixer
• Food Processor or Blender
• Crock Pot (optional, but a great time-saver)

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Keeping Your Kitchen Tools Organized

If you have limited storage space, or move a lot, you can put all your kitchen supplies in plastic storage bins. They help keep your tools clean when not in use. And, clear bins help you see where everything is. We have some in our tiny SNAP4CT kitchen that keep us organized.

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It can seem expensive to buy kitchen tools. However, it is worth the effort. The health benefits and cost savings of eating healthy meals at home really do add up $$$. Start with a few items and add as you go. Before you know it you'll be a kitchen pro. 

The following recipes need just one pot to make...

​Skillet Noodles and Beef
​ with Spinach

One Pot Mac & Cheese

One Pot Pasta with Veggies

And, here are recipes that only need one pan or dish...