The cost of furnishing a kitchen can get expensive quickly, but many kitchen items are perfectly safe to buy used. Here is a list of kitchen items that you should buy secondhand.
Is the cost of kitchen supplies getting you down? Filling your kitchen cabinets with the necessary supplies can be a daunting and expensive task. Instead of going broke in the process, take a peek at this list of 10 kitchen items that you should buy second hand. When you give this list your consideration, you will find that you can, in fact, save on kitchen supplies when you opt for secondhand instead of new! Here is how you can get started!
10 Kitchen Items That You Should Buy Secondhand
1. Mixing bowls.
You will find that mixing bowls are extremely durable, easy to clean, and typically oven and dishwasher safe. Instead of spending big bucks on an assortment of mixing bowls, scope out yard sales and thrift stores. Look for glass bowls, various in size, and check the bottom to see if they are dishwasher and oven safe. Skip any bowls that are chipped or cracked as they can harbor bacteria.
2. Cast iron pots and pans.
Look for durable cast iron pots and pans to use for your sauteing and stovetop cooking. If you find a cast iron pot or pan, just clean and season it, and it will be as good as new! Gather a variety of sizes so you have them for all of your cooking needs.
3. Measuring cups.
Collect an assortment of measuring cups in various sizes so you always have them on hand. Grab multiples of sizes if you can snag them for cheap, so if one breaks or gets lost you have a backup. Thrift stores tend to sell these cups for around a quarter, so you can create a whole set for cheap!
4. Timers.
Kitchen timers can come in hand for all sorts of kitchen tasks. Buying one new will cost you $5-$10, so instead keep your eyes peeled for a secondhand timer. Even if you already have one, grab one for back up if the price is right.
5. Tablecloths.
It is fun to dress up a table with a seasonal tablecloth. It can make guests feel special and really light up the room. New tablecloths cost $10-$30 at most retail stores, so instead, find these fun linens second hand. You can clean any stains with a little lemon juice and Oxyclean, making them look like new.
6. Aprons.
Aprons get dirty quick, and buying one new can cost you $15-$25! Instead, protect your clothing with a thrift or antique store apron. You can find one for as little as $1-$3, which is much gentler on your budget. At this price, you can buy one for each member of your family.
7. Drink pitchers.
Drink pitchers are perfect for having on hand to make drink mixes or fruit infused water. Don’t spend $15 and up for a new pitcher, instead, buy a quality glass one at your local thrift store. Give it a good cleaning and you are ready to whip up a batch of punch, lemonade, or whatever you please. Or, fill it with flowers when not in use.
8. Mini grills.
Thrift stores and garage sales seem to always have mini grills, such as a George Foreman grill, sitting around. Check out your local thrift spots for these grills before buying new. Chances are you can snag one for a few bucks saving you some serious cash. Or, simply ask friends and family if they have one they no longer use. For awhile these were the rage, and now fewer people use them. Your chance of snagging one for cheap is a good one.
9. Serving pieces.
If you love to entertain, check out local thrift spots for serving pieces. You can find trays, baskets, tiered plates, cake plates, and more for less. These items cost $10 and up new, but thrift stores and garage sales will have them for as little as $1.
10. Canisters.
Store your coffee, tea, sugar, and more with various canisters. You can mix a set from your local thrift store, or if you are really lucky to find a matching set. New these would cost you at least $20 a set but used you can find them for as little as $1 each.
While there are plenty of kitchen items that are best to buy new, these 10 kitchen items are perfect to buy second hand! Keep these items in mind when shopping thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets and stock your kitchen for less.
Nancy says
I love to shop at Goodwill and other thrift stores for oven cookware and pie plates in a great variety of sizes. I have some really beautiful pieces that I surely would never have spent the money on at the “new” price. I also save alot on lovely vases and glassware at those thrift stores. My favorite places to shop for kitchen practical and pretty items.
Amanda says
I really enjoyed this post and I will add that some of the vintage tools are in better. They last longer than the newer walmart tools and sometimes cost less.