:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sea-editor-loved-dupes-tout-e7e71800942647ae82f991baff5ce235.jpg "We Asked Serious Eats Staffers What Affordable Alternatives They Use at Home — Here Are Their Picks")
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Cookware, knives, and coffee gear from our homes to yours.
Serious Eats / Tyler Roeland
‘ title=”Editor Loved Dupes”>
Serious Eats / Tyler Roeland
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:
- A Truly Leakproof Tumbler: Owala 40-oz Insulated Tumbler
- The Best Reusable Collapsible Grocery Bags: BeeGreen Reusable Grocery Bags
- A Beautiful Dutch Oven: Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- The Best Travel Mug: Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug
- A Super Accurate Coffee Scale: Wacaco Exagram Pro Coffee Scale
- An Affordable Insulated Water Bottle: Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- The Best Budget Chef’s Knife: Mercer Genesis Chef's Knife
Owala 40-Ounce Insulated Tumbler
Amazon
‘ title=”Amazon Owala Stainless Steel Triple Layer Insulated Travel Tumbler”>
Amazon
$38
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
Amazon
‘ title=”BeeGreen Reusable-Grocery-Bags-Foldable-Machine-Washable-Reusable-Shopping-Bags-Bulk Colorful 10 Pack 50LBS Extra Large Folding Reusable Bags Totes w Zipper Storage Pouch Lightweight Polyester Fabric”>
Amazon
$32
$18
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
Amazon
‘ title=”Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid – Dual Handles – Oven Safe up to 500° F or on Stovetop – Use to Marinate, Cook, Bake, Refrigerate and Serve – Desert Sage”>
Amazon
$133
$80
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
Amazon
‘ title=”Zojirushi SM-SA48-BA Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug, 1 Count (Pack of 1), Black”>
Amazon
$29
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
Amazon
‘ title=”WACACO Exagram Pro Coffee Scale with Timer, Smart Espresso Scale with Carrying Box, Automatic Timing Rechargeable Mini Digital Coffee Weight Scales Gram&Ounce&Milliliter, Food Kitchen Scale, Black”>
Amazon
$50
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
Amazon
‘ title=”Amazon Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw “>
Amazon
$28
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
Amazon
‘ title=”Mercer Culinary M20608 Genesis 8-Inch Chef”s Knife,Black’>
Amazon
$44
$39
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.
Read the original article on Serious Eats.
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
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