Saving Money in the Kitchen: 6 Ideas You Haven't Considered

Everyone needs to watch their money, and it’s easy to waste a lot of money in the kitchen. Consider these six simple tips for saving money in the kitchen, and watch how much money you can save.

1. Avoid Using the Oven During Hot Summer Days

Kitchen appliances use a lot of energy. Cut your energy bill by being smart about the way you use your kitchen appliances. On hot summer days, avoid using your oven. Instead, prepare food using the microwave, toaster oven or crock pot.

2. Fix the Stove Top Yourself

Some appliances can be easily repaired at home without the help of a professional. Electric stove burners that aren’t working often have damaged sockets which are particularly easy to replace. Simply remove the burner from the stove top, unscrew the damaged socket and screw an new socket in place. Then replace the burner.

3. Shop Smart Locally

When it comes to reducing the cost of your food bill, consider shopping for items that are in season locally. Farmers’ markets are great places to get nutritious, locally grown produce at affordable prices. Foods that haven’t traveled great distances tend to retain more vital nutrients also, which will help your family get the nutrition they need and feel full more quickly.

4. Be Careful at Big Box Stores

Price clubs can help you save money on food, but they can also become a drain on your food budget. If you are a member of such a club, be careful not to buy things you don’t need or won’t use up before it goes bad. Often you may find you don’t need to buy things new, and can find alternative deals online. For instance, you could find parts for KitchenAids cheap and repair them yourself. Think outside the box sometimes.

5. Vacuum Seal Food Without a Vacuum Sealing Machine

Your food will stay fresh longer if you seal it properly. Instead of investing in an expensive vacuum sealer, you can use a zip-top bag and a plastic straw. Put food in the bag, and zip it nearly closed. Leave a small opening in which to insert the straw. Then suck out the remaining air, pull out the straw, and quickly zip the bag closed.

6. Regrow Celery

Don’t throw out the base of your celery. Instead, cut it away from the celery hearts and use it to grow more celery. Simply set the base in a shallow bowl of water until new leaves grow in the center. Once they turn green, you can plant the base in soil.
Saving money in the kitchen doesn’t begin and end with a trip to the grocery store. Use these tips to keep your kitchen and your wallet in the green.