We've learned from testing hundreds of kitchen tools and appliances that sometimes there's no way around it—the best kitchen appliances are the more expensive kitchen appliances. In some cases, as with the KitchenAid stand mixer and All-Clad pans, the top-of-the-line option can't be beat in terms of quality or performance.
BUT—and this is a big, fat but—that isn't always the case. For most top-dollar tools out there, we have also found a trove of excellent, affordable kitchen tools that we use over and over. The Presto Flipside waffle maker has quite a few features that win over its fancy All-Clad competitor. And we could talk your ear off about the virtues of the economical OXO balloon whisk.
To save you the work of combing through our lengthy compendium of product tests, we compiled a list of our favorite affordable kitchen tools; each of these was tested by our editors, and could easily hold a candle to any more expensive competitors.
Appliances
Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker
Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker
Crock Pot Cook & Carry Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Cook & Carry Slow Cooker
The best slow cooker overall, the Crock Pot is straightforward, free of unnecessary bulk, and is lighter than its pricier competitors.
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
If you're short on space or money or just don't have that many mouths to feed, consider a mini food processor like this one, which can dice your onions and rice small amounts of cauliflower just as well as its larger counterparts.
GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart 7-in-1 Programmable Air Fryer
GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart 7-in-1 Programmable Air Fryer
This inexpensive air fryer was a top performer in our product test. Its small size makes it perfect for making a batch of fish fingers for one.
Hamilton Beach Glass Electric Kettle
Hamilton Beach Glass Electric Kettle
Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale
Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale
This bargain-priced kitchen scale is a staple in our test kitchen. The small profile makes it easy to stash when not in use.
Cuckoo Rice Cooker
The Cuckoo produces rice that's close in quality to that of premium Zojirushi machines, and does it up to 15 minutes faster.
Krups Hand Mixer
Bella Professional Series 2-Slice Stainless Steel Wide Slot Toaster
Professional Series 2-Slice Stainless Steel Wide Slot Toaster
Pans and Bakeware
Victoria 12-Inch Cast-Iron Skillet
Victoria 12-Inch Cast-Iron Skillet
Fat Daddio's Round Cake Pan
Fat Daddio's Round Cake Pan
Fat Daddio's pan releases cakes easily, turning out golden-brown, perfectly-even, and straight-sided cakes. Plus, it is extremely easy to wash.
Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Half Sheet, set of 2
Nordic Ware Aluminum Half Sheet, Set of 2
When it comes to quality and price, Nordic Ware sheet pans can’t be beat.
Pyrex 9-inch Pie Dish, Pack of 2
Pyrex 9-inch Pie Dish, Pack of 2
Knives and Cutlery
OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen & Herbs Scissors
Oxo Good Grips Multipurpose Kitchen & Herbs Scissors
Inexpensive but always effective, these kitchen shears from Oxo distinguished themselves with their simple dependability and user-friendly design. The generously proportioned handles were comfortable to hold, the shears were lightweight but balanced, and the materials felt high-quality.
Kuhn Rikon 4-Inch Nonstick Colori Paring Knife
Kuhn Rikon 4-Inch Colori Paring Knife
Checkered Chef Rocker Blade Pizza Cutter
Checkered Chef Rocker Blade Pizza Cutter
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Santoku Knife
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Santoku Knife
This is our budget pick for the best santoku knife. It's easy to sharpen and doesn't require the delicate care of other knives. Go ahead, put it in the dishwasher!
Small Tools and Kitchen Accessories
Winco 4-Piece Deluxe Measuring Spoon Set
Winco 4-Piece Measuring Spoon Set
This streamlined, easy-to-hold set was especially comfortable to use while all of the spoons were attached to the ring.
The Best Whisk: OXO Better Balloon Whisk
OXO Good Grips Small Citrus Juicer with Built-In Measuring Cup and Strainer
Oxo Good Grips Small Citrus Juicer with Built-In Measuring Cup and Strainer
OXO Good Grips Can Opener
OXO Good Grips Can Opener
JK Adams French Tapered Rolling Pin
J.K. Adams French Tapered Rolling Pin, 1 ¾ inch
OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner
OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner
Plenty of competitors have tried to unseat OXO's salad spinner, but throughout our tests, the Good Grips still proved to be the simplest, the most pleasant to use, and the most effective at the job.
