.png)
How to Score The Best Deals on Plant-Based Cooking Gadgets and Tools
- Kelsey Henry
- May 30, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 1
This post spills the beans on how to stock your kitchen with useful tools without breaking the bank. Sure, you can find anything and everything on Amazon, and sometimes they have the best bargains. But first, check out these surprising places to find deals on plant-based kitchen treasures.
Facebook Marketplace
You can find just about everything on Facebook Marketplace. My first purchase was an antique airplane bed set. You can find the coolest stuff!
People are constantly moving and cleaning out the kitchen, which means and endless supply of deals for you! Facebook is best for specific items. This makes it easier to search for exactly what you want.
For example, I really wanted an Almond Cow Milk Maker. These go for around $250. I kept an eye out on Facebook and bought a barely used one for $125. Score!
Tips:
Be safe when shopping on Facebook. Check the person's profile to make sure it is a real person. Bring someone with you.
Look through all the photos to check the item's condition and ask additional questions to the seller. If any parts are missing, see if they are necessary (an attachment you'll never use) or if you can order a replacement part.
Don't send sellers a really low offer. You can ask for a slightly lower price, but don't be insulting. I've had success with finding items at a price I'm willing to pay and then giving the seller asking price for the item. Sometimes, I'm the only person offering the asking price and that's how I get the item I want.
Thoroughly clean the item when you get it home and test it to make sure it works.
Items you can usually find on Facebook Marketplace:
Specific brands and models of kitchen appliances and tools, such as Kitchenaid mixers, nut milk makers, Ninji blenders, etc.
Housewares, decor, small gadgets, etc. Pretty much anything you can think of!
Thrift Shops
This is the ultimate treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find at the thrift shop. I’ve scored a $200 coffee maker for only $25! It was labeled as working but the “clean” light wouldn’t go off. After a quick google search, I learned how to “de-scale” a coffee maker. The light went off and it’s been making us coffee almost every day for 3 years!
From small gadgets to cookware to appliances, you can score awesome deals. If the store hasn’t already tested the item, see if you can plug it in before you buy it. If you don’t mind secondhand items and a small amount of cleaning, this is a fun way to stock your kitchen.
Similar places to score deals are garage sales and estate sales. At any of these places, look up the regular price of an item to make sure you are getting a deal. That glass bakeware at the thrift shop may look like a score, but it isn't a good deal if you can buy it for less at Walmart.
Items you can usually find at the thrift shop:
Bread makers, waffle makers, coffee makers and specialty small appliances
Casserole dishes, serving trays and glass containers.
Knives, cutlery, dishes, mugs, glasses, etc.
Decor and so much more!
eBay
Kitchen gadgets... on eBay? Don't knock it until you try it! This is a great place to find specific/niche items that you may not be able to get locally.
For Christmas, my Mom bought me the most beautiful holiday-themed ceramic plates that we found at a local antique mall. The set came with 8 plates and 4 cups/saucers. With a quick search on eBay, I tracked down another set of 4 cups and saucers. In just a few days, I had a whole set of 8!
Pro Tip: Sort your results by "Price + Shipping: Lowest First". Find several listings of an item you want that are within your price range. Add all of them to your watchlist. Check your messages over the next few days to see if any sellers sent you a special offer.
Items you can usually find on eBay:
Antiques and specialty items. Christmas plates from Dillard's 1993 collection? You got it!
Small appliances. I almost bought a milk maker from Ebay. Even with shipping costs, you can still find great deals.
Plant-based nutrition books and cookbooks! I usually pay $5 or less for used books. New or rare books will cost more.
Spare parts to repair items you already own.
HomeGoods
Oh, how I love this store! You never know what you’ll find each time you visit. The prices are usually the same as Amazon and, sometimes, even much less! My favorite items are glass food containers, small kitchen items, cute mugs and dishes.
Again, try to do a price check online if you can. This would mainly be for small appliances. Usually, prices at HomeGoods are pretty fantastic.
Be sure to check the end caps and clearance sections. I purchased some amazing reusable bags in the clearance section for about $4 for 10 bags. I loved them and wish I had bought more. When I looked up the brand later, this same set sold for $12+!
Pro Tip: When you find an item you like, see if there are multiples of that same item. Then, check all of the price tags. You might stumble upon a hidden clearance price.
Items you can usually find at HomeGoods:
Kitchen towels, napkins, rugs, decor, etc
Small appliances like food processors, mini blenders and food choppers
Individual pans, pots, and bakeware
Glass containers, food storage bags and plastic containers, dishes and kitchen decor
Small kitchen gadgets like potato mashers, strainers, and food cutters
Bonus: Yummy vegan snacks, spices and ingredients
Amazon
Finally, Amazon, the online marketplace with all the products you could ever want! Their prices are usually quite competitive, so you can always skip straight to this option to save time.
Tips for shopping on Amazon:
Prime members often get extra discounts.
Compare similar items and look for extra discounts such as coupons, which are listed as a checkbox under the product price.
Save items to your wishlist and watch the prices for price drops and discounts.
As with any online website, always read the reviews!
The above image shows two ways to look for extra discounts on Amazon. The product on the left is offering a huge 40% off discount with a coupon. The product on the right offers a discount for Prime members. Look for these types of discounts when browsing on Amazon.
Items to buy on Amazon:
New appliances such as blenders, food processors, food dehydrators, etc
Bulk plastic food containers for freezing meals
Cookware and bakeware sets
Reusable food storage bag sets
Hard to find recipe ingredients
Anything you could possibly want for the kitchen
Scoring epic bargains on plant-based cooking gadgets and tools is all about being an informed and strategic shopper. By researching your options, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and being patient, you can build a well-equipped kitchen without breaking the bank. With a dash of patience, you'll whip up a kitchen fit for a veggie masterchef without emptying your wallet.
Comments