6 Small Appliances That Aren’t Worth the Money (And What To Use Instead)

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Browse the aisles of Walmart or Target, and you’ll find a wide array of small appliances promising to chop, steam and boil with ease. While modern conveniences make these gadgets tempting, buying them on a whim is often a waste of money.

Before you spend money on another gadget, it’s worth knowing which small appliances aren’t worth the cost and what you should use instead. 

Stand Mixer

Mixing everything by hand is an ambitious task, and sometimes, it’s not even feasible. Although you can make quick work of mixing by purchasing a stand mixer, the expense and amount of kitchen real estate it will take up probably aren’t worth it. Instead, invest in a much more compact electric hand mixer, which you can buy for as little as $13.

Pizza Oven

The idea of making homemade pizzas in your very own pizza oven might be enticing, but you’ll not only shell out close to $200 or more for a gas-powered model, but you’ll also need somewhere to store it. Plus, how much will you actually use the pizza oven?

A much cheaper alternative that won’t take up near the storage space is a pizza stone, which you can purchase for as little as $12 to $14. Pizza stones are a terrific tool for baking homemade pizzas and are designed to fit in standard ovens. 

Popcorn Maker

Some people aren’t into making microwave popcorn, but that doesn’t mean you need to hand over at least $20 for a popcorn maker that takes up space in your kitchen. You may already have what you need to make popcorn on your stovetop. The Pioneer Woman recommends adding popcorn kernels and oil to a deep stainless steel pot with a lid.

Electric Kettle

Sure, an electric kettle is a cheap and handy way to quickly boil water, but do you really need another corded appliance cluttering your kitchen? Even though you can pick up one of these appliances for as little as $15, you can save money (and space) by boiling water on the stovetop or heating it in the microwave.

Rice Cooker

Although you can pick up a rice cooker for less than $20, it’s just another small appliance that’s not worth the money. Take the time to perfect cooking rice on the stovetop, and you’ll have no need for a rice cooker. Hint: It’s important to rinse the excess starch from the rice grains before cooking. 

Food Processor

You might think you need a food processor to chop up fruits and veggies or grind nuts, but why spend $30 to $60 for an appliance you don’t need? Instead, use a knife for chopping and a mortar and pestle for grinding — problem solved. 

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