These Kitchen Tools Are Our Favorite Investments of 2024 So Far

Whether you’re budgeting, trying to eat healthier, or just want to be more self-sufficient, cooking more at home can help your wallet and your waste line. While cooking at home and eating out less is doable, it makes it easier to stick to your goal when you have the right appliances and tools in your kitchen. The Cast Iron Cookware Set from Our Place, which features sturdy, easy-to-clean pieces like the Always Pan, Perfect Pot, Grill Pan, and Grill Press, is everything you need to streamline cooking at home. Not only is the versatile set going to be the only tools you’ll need to sear, steam, braise, fry, grill, saute, bake, and much more, it’ll last you years to come. Not only can the well-reviewed cookware endure temps up to 500°F, but it’s also backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Sure, it’s more convenient to pop into your local coffee shop or drive through to get your java fix, but this daily “treat” can become a huge expense. If you’re a daily coffee drinker, investing in a high-quality espresso or coffee machine will help save you money in the long run. If you’re hoping to start with a more budget-friendly option, you can always go with the tried-and-true Nespresso, but if you want the expensive coffee-shop experience and taste replicated at home, you’ll want to go with the professional-level Breville Barista Touch.The sleek, beginner-friendly piece features an easy-to-use touch screen that grinds and brews your favorite beverages—eight options total. You can easily adjust the machine to personalize the strength, milk texture, and temperature of each cup. You’ll be an at-home pro barista—latte art and all—in no time.

While you may not end up competing on The Great British Bake Off in this lifetime, who says it’s too late to turn into a savvy baker from the comfort of home? Mastering the delicious art of cookies, cakes, breads, and other doughy treats takes patience and practice, as well as the right tools to bring your carby creations to life.While bakeware is certainly not hard to come by, you can’t go wrong with the Caraway Bakeware Set. The colorful, ceramic-coated five-piece set features two baking sheets, a muffin pan, a rectangular pan, and a bonus organization bin—everything you need to start your baking journey from scratch. Here’s to a fragrant bounty of sourdoughs and pastries to come!

A dull knife slows down the job. You’ll find yourself slicing the same produce and provisions again and again to get the job done. That’s why it’s key to have the right pieces to start with to make sure every step of prep is never wasted on poor-performing tools.Sure, you could sharpen that decades-old knife you’ve been holding on to since your college days, or you could purchase a few knives that’ll save you major time along the way. These super-affordable, artisan knives from Made In are forged in France and are so efficient, well-performing, and sharp that we recommend you keep a stash of Band-Aids on hand in the kitchen. You could dip your toe in the water to start with a single 8-inch Chef Knife, or you could save yourself some major time and go ahead and buy the whole set like a pro chef.

Ordering takeout or delivery for lunch is an easy habit to fall into, but it’s not always the best choice if you’re looking to be healthier or save money. Packing a lunch will save you money and help you avoid not-so-nutritious meals, even if you only dedicate a few days a week to bringing your own homemade fare. Not only does Yeti offer a packable lunch box you’ll be eager to carry into the office, but it’ll keep your cuisine cool for hours.