Having a well-equipped kitchen is like having a trusty sidekick during the holiday season (or anytime, really). And guess what? You can whip up a functional kitchen on any budget! Here at Owenhouse Ace, we’ve got your back. We tapped our team with culinary expertise to get some options for folks looking to build the perfect kitchen for any budget. We have everything from the most affordable and practical pans to the boujee bakeware. Plus, this list might just give you some holiday shopping inspiration for the foodies in your life.
Read on to discover kitchen essentials that won’t break the bank but will surely level up your cooking game.
If you’re watching your pennies, fear not! We’ve got some budget-friendly kitchen essentials that will make your wallet and your taste buds happy:
Cute Kitchen Gear: We carry some local handmade kitchen products we think are the cutest. Montana Love kitchen towels make great gifts and are perfect (affordable!) additions to your Montana kitchen.
Utensils: Basic kitchen utensils, like spatulas and ladles, won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Look for sturdy options that can handle your kitchen adventures. We also love a good Pastry Blender. ‘Tis the season for pies, and this baby comes in handy when making crusts and even scones!! My Favorite Handy Peeler is an absolute must (unless you like to torture yourself by peeling every fruit and veggie by hand). It’s small, cute, and an absolute breeze to use.
Basic Appliances: Stick to the essentials like a reliable blender or toaster. They might not come with bells and whistles, but they’ll get the job done without maxing out your credit card.
Honorable Mention: Pyrex pie pans, Norpro Nesting mixing bowls with measuring cup sets, and Norpro measuring cup set (liquid & dry set).
Stainless Steel Wire Pastry Blender
Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly kitchen appliances:
Cookie Sheet
Remember, being budget-friendly doesn’t mean skimping on quality. You can find these essentials and more at Owenhouse Ace!
Mid-Range Must-Haves
Cast Iron Skillet: Listen. If you’re not already in love with your very own cast iron pan, you need to change it! It’s so versatile: you can use it in the kitchen, at your campsite, in the oven, or on your grill. Plus, it gets ripping hot, is exceptionally durable, and everyone will be super impressed if you can cook them a meal on one. We carry Lodge pans, and they make our list because a great Lodge Cast Iron Skillet starts at just about $20!
Immersion blender: The immersion blender is a kitchen wizard’s secret wand! This versatile kitchen gadget is a true multitasker, ready to blend, puree, and emulsify your way to culinary perfection. You can effortlessly transform soups, sauces, and smoothies into velvety delights. Whether you’re whipping up a creamy soup or crafting a velvety-smooth sauce, this compact powerhouse is your kitchen sidekick, delivering precision and convenience in every blend. It clocks in at around $50, so it makes our mid-range list. Worth every penny!
Instant Pot: An Instant Pot is a worthwhile midrange kitchen appliance. It offers versatility and convenience in the kitchen. It combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more, saving both time and space. With its user-friendly design, you can effortlessly prepare a wide variety of dishes, making it a valuable addition to your culinary arsenal!
Cuisinart Smart Stick White Plastic Hand Blender
The best mid-range budget kitchen products at Owenhouse:
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Cuisinart Smart Stick White Plastic Hand Blender
- Proctor Silex Plastic Black 4 slot Toaster
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Cuisinart Egg Cooker: If it only cooks one thing, is it even worth adding to your kitchen? Probably not. But the secret to this egg cooker is that you can actually use it for a BUNCH of meals! You can steam fish, steam your veggies, and even cook dumplings. Of course, we also love that it can easily cook eggs without you fussing over water temp or timing. Poach eggs, hard-boil eggs, soft-boil eggs, and even make an omelet. Set it and forget it, and use the time to do other things in the kitchen.
Proctor Silex Toaster: Do you love toast but don’t love spending a crazy amount of money? Then this is the perfect affordable toaster for you. Honestly, we don’t need to say much about it because the function is in the title. What more could you ask for?
Our team is all about helping you find that sweet spot where quality and affordability meet. Your kitchen will thank you!
High-End Splurges
High-quality Chef’s Knife: If you haven’t experienced the true *chef’s kiss* magic of a top-of-the-line chef’s knife, you haven’t really lived. Crafted with precision and finesse, this culinary masterpiece is the trusted companion of every passionate home chef and professional alike. Its razor-sharp edge effortlessly glides through ingredients, allowing you to chop, slice, and dice with grace and precision. When we asked local chefs about their favorite knives, they gave great tips on choosing the best knife for your needs. Some standouts are Wusthoff’s and Messermeister’s knives. We carry Wusthof knives at Owenhouse!
Smithey 11″ Deep Skillet with Lid: Designed for daily use, this versatile deep skillet with glass lid is an excellent investment for your kitchen. The pre-seasoned, smooth cast iron is made to be used for every meal. It’s sleek and sturdy!
Breville Bambino: If you love espresso and want to up your coffee game, you need a Breville Bambino! It’ll transform your morning cuppa joe into a barista-level experience. It’s on the pricier side, but you can make the math workout! If latte’s are ringing up at around $5, and the Breville Bambino is $300, you’ve paid it off after two months of lattes at home! Right?
From the team: “I want this because I want to stay home and make fancy drinks instead of going somewhere and spending a bajillion dollars.”
Le Creuset or Staub 5.5 qt Dutch oven: A Dutch oven is a versatile and essential addition to your kitchen. Its thick walls ensure even heating and excellent heat retention, making it perfect for slow cooking, braising, baking, frying, and more. From soups and stews to roasts and artisan bread, a Dutch oven can handle various cooking tasks, making it an invaluable tool for amateur and professional chefs. Its durability and timeless design also make it a long-lasting investment.
WÜSTHOF Chef Knife
High-end kitchen appliances worth the investment:
- Breville Bambino®
- Le Creuset Dutch oven
- Messermeister Chef Knife
Want to know what knives local Bozeman Chefs are using? Read our blog!
Kitchen Essentials Can Take Time
Creating a well-equipped kitchen is achievable on any budget. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly basics, mid-range must-haves, or high-end splurges, the Owenhouse team has you covered. Remember, building the perfect kitchen may take some time, but it’s worth the investment in your culinary journey. And don’t forget, you can always ask for your favorite high-end kitchen items as holiday gifts! You can give a friendly wink and a nudge and send your best gift-givers to Owenhosue Ace.
So what are you waiting for? Come to Owenhouse and ask our team about our favorite kitchen products, or give us a call to see if we have what you’re looking for.
Give us a ring: 406-587-5401
