Searching for the best reusable k-cup or a carbon steel wok to aid your cooking? Can’t find the right pots for your kitchen? You might spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, for a good set of cookware.
But why spend that much money when there are ways to save? They are on sale all year long, so long as you know when to look, you’ll get what you desire!
The Best Time To Buy
If you’re looking to buy new cooking appliances, you would be wise to wait until May or November to do it.
Cookware is frequently discounted at retail locations before the holidays. Retailers do include it in Black Friday sales. This is a great time to pick up a gift for a friend or a real bargain for yourself.
But that’s not all! The deals don’t stop with the holidays only. Couples frequently choose June to celebrate weddings. That’s why sales continue through May, as they anticipate the big day. The sales are available to everyone, including you!
Tips To Buy
Don’t easily replace cookware in your kitchen. Instead, give some of your existing pots and pans a second chance to show what they can do. If you’re completely burned out on them, research what kind of replacement would be good for you and your needs.
Don’t let the retailers talk you into a needless investment. Sometimes what we see on TV can be misleading. The utensils endorsed by your favorite cooking show may not be the best option for you.
Before grabbing that best carbon steel woks or that cookie dough scoop, consider what you will use it for, whether or not you’re paying too much for it.
Buy the right one, and you’ll never have to replace it again. Here’s how to determine if you should replace your cookware:
- Check the brand. Does a celebrity chef endorse it?
- What is the material that it is made from? Is it coated or uncoated?
- What type of cooking do you do? Do you use mostly stovetop or mostly oven?
Remember: getting a whole new set may create storage and organization issues! Consider getting a single item to replace something in need of repair instead (like a new frying pan), so you avoid clutter.
Turning those single-use pans into multi-taskers can save money and eliminate cupboard clutter by making the most of your storage space. One great way to do this is: Find uses for those pots and pans.
If you are going to get new cookware, you’ll need to consider these things:
- Are you planning on using your frying pans in the oven sometimes? If so, something like a cast iron or stainless steel skillet will do best in the oven.
- Now, if it’s cooking on a glass stovetop that you’re worried about regarding scratches, then maybe cast iron isn’t right for you.
- Avoid Teflon-coated appliances at all costs, too – these kinds give off poisonous fumes when they heat up that can be harmful in lower doses to your pets.
Examine it thoroughly before you buy. A pot or pan needs to be light enough for comfort, not too heavy for you to lift, but still strong enough so that it doesn’t break.
Make sure you can feel confident handling the handle at all times during the cooking process. If handles are poorly manufactured, they may snap off, causing hot food and grease to spill on you or your floor!
Types To Choose From
- Non-Stick: Nonstick pans are sometimes called easy-release because food won’t get stuck to the surface. However, this coating can be damaged if subjected to metal utensils.
- Uncoated: These pans are best for those who have to brown or braise to tenderize their food. However, this type of saucepans may prove difficult when it comes time to clean them up!
- Cast Iron: While it may require an upfront investment to buy a set of cast iron, it can be a smart move in the long run. Cast iron Dutch ovens are versatile and can help you whip up delicious meals easily.
Whether you go for enameled pieces or ones that are still in the raw state, you’ll find plenty of uses for them in your kitchen!
- Stainless Steel: Predictable and consistent, stainless steel is the go-to for many chefs. Classic, uncoated steel cookware is ideal for preparing slow-cooked meals and sides such as stews and braises. They are often sold in sets that provide more versatility.
- Enameled Cast Iron: These pieces are ideal for searing, sautéing, browning and frying. They’re useful on the stovetop or in the oven. You can also use covered pieces for making stews, soups, and other types of slow-cooked meals.
- Uncoated Cast Iron: Uncoated cast iron is a durable and naturally non-stick material that you can use to replace other types of surfaces.
Lodge’s cast-iron skillet is an “old-school” favorite that can preheat to higher temperatures and withstand oven temperatures.
- Carbon Steel & Blue Steel: These pieces are efficient and durable workhorses designed to endure high-performance cooking in the kitchen over time.
Where To Buy
You can purchase cookware in many places. If you’re strapped for cash and don’t mind looking outside the box, why not consider buying high-quality cookware from reputable second-hand sources like yard sales and thrift shops?
Be sure to inspect it before buying to make sure that it’s scratch-free (for non-stick pans). For a rusty cast-iron pot or pan, it’s not a big issue if you research how to care for it!
Conclusion
The best time to buy cookware is November and May.
It would help if you bought new pieces on purpose, don’t let any retailer talk you into overpaying. There are many types for you to choose from, with various prices.
You can purchase them from supermarkets for a completely new set or consider getting them from thrift shops. But make sure to check carefully before bringing them home.
Thank you for joining us in this article, and we hope you get the best equipment for your kitchen at a cheap price!