The Best Budget Kitchen Gear, According to Serious Eats Staffers

Over the years, we’ve learned that the best kitchen equipment isn’t always the most expensive. While we’re the first to say an heirloom piece of cookware like a Le Creuset Dutch oven is well worth the investment, we’d also choose a less expensive (but just as great) stainless steel saucepan over All-Clad—unless there’s a sale, of course. 

After years of testing, we’ve accumulated a roster of affordable alternatives to top brands that we trust in our own homes. We surveyed the team and got very opinionated recommendations on the best kitchen gear you don’t have to spend a lot on, but will last you a long time.  Top picks include the Lodge Dutch oven, Owala insulated tumbler, Mercer chef’s knife, and more.

Editor-Recommended Budget Picks, at a Glance:

Owala 40-Ounce Insulated Tumbler

I know Stanley tumblers are all the rage, but the Owala is honestly just as good for a lower price—and it’s really comfortable to hold. My boyfriend’s mother bought them for her grandkids after reading our review and they all love the fun colorways. By the way: The Stanley leaked a bit in our tests, but the Owala didn’t spill a drop. — Rochelle Bilow, commerce editor

BeeGreen Reusable Grocery Bags

I used to go to the grocery store, get to checkout, and realize I’d left my reusable bags at home. I’d end up shoving everything into feeble paper bags, which often sagged concerningly as I dashed from my car to my house. But no more: This set of 10 reusable bags is only $18, and since they’re collapsible, I keep a few in my car at all times. While they’re cheaper than some other well-known reusable bag brands (add “gu” to the end of “bag” and you’ll know which one I’m referencing…to be fair, those are also great!), they’re still incredibly durable and have served me well. — Grace Kelly, commerce editor

Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

When I graduated from college, my in-laws gifted me this Lodge enameled cast iron Dutch oven. Little did I know, I would go on to bake hundreds of loaves of bread and host Thanksgiving dinners with the help of this humble-but-mighty workhorse. As one of our budget Dutch oven picks, it’s a great alternative for anyone who wants a Dutch oven but can’t afford a Le Creuset quite yet. I’m still saving up for my own Le Creuset one day, but for now, this Lodge Dutch oven is my partner in sourdough. It’s even on sale right now for only $80. — An Uong, commerce writer

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug

I can’t lie—I own a number of pricey travel mugs. However, the very best one is under $30 and comes from Zojirushi. It keeps beverages hot for a ridiculously long time—over 14 hours to be exact—and has a locking lid. When I used to commute every day to work, I had many a bag (and day) ruined by a leaky coffee mug. Not with the Zojirushi! — Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm, associate editorial director

Wacaco Exagram Pro Coffee Scale

When I decided to get serious about making espresso at home, I knew I had to get an accurate coffee scale. I didn’t want to spend hundreds on the best one on the market, so I had to look into comparable alternatives. I’ve been using the Wacaco Exagram for months now and am happy to report that it’s super precise, down to a tenth of a gram. It also has a built-in timer to measure brewing times and even my ex-barista partner has given it his seal of approval. — An

Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle

You know what I really don’t love? A water bottle that doesn’t fit inside a car’s cup holder. Not only does this Owala easily fit into car cup holders, it also keeps drinks icy cold. Arguably, its best feature is its dual lid that includes a straw portion for smooth sipping! It’s pretty cheap, too, at just $28. — Riddley 

Mercer Genesis Chef’s Knife

I have cooked with and tested scores of knives in my career, some costing several hundred dollars apiece. Mercer is one of the best brands I’ve encountered that delivers true quality at an affordable price. This chef’s knife is actually the one I use most at home. I use it for everything without having to worry about what happens to it, but it’s such a well-made chef’s knife that I also truly enjoy using it. At $39, that’s hard to beat. — Daniel Gritzer, editorial director

FAQs

What other budget kitchen equipment should I explore?

We’ve put together roundups on affordable coffee gear, cookware, and nonstick skillets.

When should I invest in expensive kitchen equipment?

Good question! We’ve explored a few of these ponderings ourselves when it comes to nonstick skillets, wooden cutting boards, Dutch ovens, roasting pans, and more.   

Why We’re the Experts

• An Uong is a commerce writer with Serious Eats and Food & Wine.
• She’s developed recipes for Bon Appetit, Taste Magazine, and other food publications.
• Altogether, we bring decades of experience in restaurant kitchens and equipment labs to our product recommendations.