10 Lower Budget Everyday Kitchen Workhorses at Farmhouse 181

Starting your kitchen from scratch or replacing items that didn’t last? Let this list of everyday kitchen workhorses help build your basics!

Ya’ll, my kitchen is pretty basic…like my recipes and my life! When I am cooking in the kitchen, I do love having things that are pretty, but functionality still wins out for everyday use items. I also have a weak right wrist…no clue, it’ just there. So, I when I think functional, light weight is also a must! Cast iron really being my only exception!

These everyday kitchen workhorses are used day in and day out in the Farmhouse 181 kitchen. Some I have had for almost 15 years and some are upgrades from other sub-par items that just didn’t do all that I wanted. If you have hit the point in life like I have where you have a favorite stove burner or a new vacuum or small kitchen appliance is the perfect Christmas or birthday gift, check out this list below. They really are my favorites. And if you have been using the same grime covered oven mitts since your college days or glass, heavy mixing bowls, consider an upgrade and treat yourself, inexpensively!

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1. Sheet Pans

These Nordic Ware sheet pans are my favorite! They have about a 1-inch rim around the edges, perfect for roasting sheet pan chicken and vegetables without any juices spilling over! You can also obviously use them for your cookies as well, freezing or chilling batched cooked items prior to wrapping, and cooking a better than fast food meal of frozen chicken strips and waffle fries! No matter your level of cooking skills, these can be everyday kitchen workhorses in your home!

I have 3 sizes, 2 of each, and use them all of the time. They are made from aluminum and in the USA. Due to the encapsulated reinforced steel rim, they don’t easily warp and if you line them with some aluminum foil, you have a super quick clean up! Get two to try, then you will probably want to get every size. Just warning you! I’d go with the half sheet size to begin with!

2. Electric Hand Mixer

Hamilton Beach 6 Speed Hand Mixer

I have mentioned my hand mixer in several posts. Even if you want a nicer mixer than what I have, get one. You will use it over and over and over again. I have had the same hand mixer since I moved into my college apartment 15 years ago now. Dang…time flies! It is the basic Hamilton Beach model from Walmart. I’ve used it hundreds of times and it is still going strong. It comes with the regular beater attachments as well as a whisk attachment. It can whip potatoes, creams, or just a box cake mix if that’s your thing! If you have the budget, I would be confident in upgrading to a kitchen aid hand mixer, but this everyday kitchen workhorse is still going strong. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it…right?!

3. Corelle Dishes

These dishes sets can be a little pricier than most of the other items on this post. But I still wanted to include them because I love them so much. And I found my set of gold/yellow butterfly printed ones at an auction for $18! You can find these at resale shops on the cheap if that’s your thing. You don’t have to buy a full set to try them out. I would start with the dinner plates if you’re unsure about them, then go from there.

I love these dishes so much that it’s ridiculous. Not only do they qualify as everyday kitchen workhorses at Farmhouse 181, but if I had a favorite home item list in general, they would make the top ten on that list also. They are light weight, so easy to clean by handwashing or in the dishwasher, and they literally last for generations. We have had one bowl break over the last 10 years. They are used daily, for the kids also, and ran through the dishwasher. If you are short on space, they also stack very, very compactly!

I would choose the classic white frost color since it is neutral. You will be able to mix and match these with whatever serving ware you have for years to come. They do offer other lightly patterned colors and designs that are nice as well. The gold butterfly is discontinued, but you can find it used. My great grandma had the golden butterfly printed dishes in her kitchen when I was a kid. When I ran across the same set at an auction for super cheap, I couldn’t resist buying them!

4. Victorinox Knives

Alright y’all…don’t buy all of these knives at one time. They will be expensive that way. But if you buy one to try, then just buy as you need, you won’t break the bank in any way! I have 5 of these knives that I bought individually then a set of 6 steak knives. I sprung for a Rosewood set of steak knives that looks like they have since been discontinued. No worries though, I would have recommended the black handled set to you anyways. The rose wood steak knives are very pretty, but they did smell strongly like well…rosewood I guess for the first year or more of having them.

Back to the rest of the knives. I linked the 8 inch chefs knife and a 6 inch chefs knife. I use these and the steak knives the most. We also have a 4 inch chef styled knife, a very long serrated bread knife, and 4 inch boning knife. Honestly, I don’t really need anything else. The knives I have linked and recommend are not forged knives. They do make some that look really nice, but the ones I like are the stamped blade ones with a “fibrox” (plastic) non-slip handle. I really do prefer them. They are light weight and truly a lot less slippery when dealing with a raw chicken situation. I had a nice set of JA Henckels knives prior to these, but would choose the Victorinox everyday kitchen workhorses again and again. Get a cheap handled knife sharpener and call it good!

If you don’t want to spend $20-$40 on a single knife, trust me, I understand. Go get a couple of ceramic knives. They are super light-weight, sharp, and I still preferred these for every-day dinner prep over my JA Henckels block set. I don’t know if I would break down a chicken with one of them, but for any other normal chopping they are a win.

5. Stainless mixing bowls

I have the same stainless steel mixing bowls that I got in college then added an extra-large sized one in my wedding registry. They actually might have been my roommates left behinds…not sure, but thanks Bre! In summary, I have had them forever and they last forever. No microwaving, but I am fine with that. I can just use a Corelle bowl for that. I love them because they last with no special upkeep, and they are functional and light weight.

You can get a set from anywhere, but the ones I have I think were from Walmart. It is actually 2 sets of 2 bowls. So, I have 5 total with two of the 2 medium to large sizes, then I have a single extra large one. I am not finding these at Walmart to link, but there are 5 million options of stainless-steel bowls now. My recommendation is to opt for a deeper version if I was looking. I have not tried the ones linked, but it is what I would buy if I needed to replace these everyday kitchen workhorses for any reason. The first link is the most similar to the mixing bowls I have. There is also an option for this version but with lids! Score!

6. Cast Iron Skillet

multiple Lodge cast irons on outdoor grill filled with different foods

Just get one…probably the ultimate everyday kitchen workhorses at Farmhouse 181. I use my cast irons all of the time. Maybe I’m crazy, but I swear you could make 2 of the exact same recipes the exact same way, side by side, and the cast iron prepared food would still taste better. I don’t know…maybe it’s all in my head, or maybe I should test that…hmmm. One 10-12 inch Lodge or any other brand will go a long way!

I have an old number 8, 10 5/8 in cast iron, possibly Wagner brand. I am not actually sure. It was my grandmas that she got rid of when she moved out of her old house. This cast iron has the drilled/smooth bottom that is hard to get in a new cast iron without donating a kidney. It was covered in burnt on grease, but we put it in our fire pit a few times then seasoned it. Good as new!

I also have another number 9 Erie cast iron that his slightly higher sides and a smooth bottom as well. I LOVE it. It’s even a little bit lighter weight than my number 8. My uncle found this one at a flea market and gave it to me. I had a Lodge 12 inch until my number 9 replaced it. The only new cast iron that I have is a small 8 inch Lodge. If they are properly seasoned, and taken care of, the new ones will work just as hard for you as the old ones!

A note on that…some people can really overcomplicate things. Half of the big no-no’s of cast iron, aren’t really that big of a deal. Please don’t let someone who is a perfectionist over a darn pan scare you out of trying them! Just keep using them, cook with grease and you will become a cast iron fanatic like myself in no time!

7. Stainless Steel Sauté Pan with Lid

I am not even sharing a brand or pan here, but a stainless steel sauté pan and lid set are everyday kitchen workhorses at Farmhouse 181 all the same. The ones that I have are all ridiculously priced on Amazon. We have a nice Viking pan with lid, probably a 12 inch size that I got recently to replace my Teflon coated non-stick sauté pan and lid. We have an All-Clad fry pan, but I wanted something with the higher sides. I already knew I would use it all the time since it was replacing something. There are similar Viking and All-Clad pans with lids anywhere from $120 to $250 on Amazon! But if you know me, you know that I did not spend that much, especially within the last year! I found what I was looking for at a Home Goods store for $40 and name brand.

Hunting the kitchen section of Home Goods, Marshalls, TJ Max, or similar store is what I would recommend doing if you are wanting to stay within a smaller budget and are trying to cut out the chemicals. I also recommend this for your spoons, spatulas, other utensils, and Dutch ovens (keep reading!). By just looking in these types of stores when I am there, I found the stainless sauté pan that is now irreplicable in my kitchen as well as a pair of stainless kitchen tongs that I cannot live without and several other everyday kitchen workhorses.

8. Spatulas

If I got rid of all of my spatulas and just had these two types, my kitchen would function just fine. OXO brand everything typically does not disappoint. It is usually super functional in a style that will blend with any kitchen decor or style. The spatula I have is actually a wooden handled version that I cannot seem to find to purchase new anymore. But no worries, this would be my next choice and due to the simplistic design of a fish turner spatula, I expect it would work pretty much the same way.

It’s called a fish turner…sounds kind of gross…but I rarely cook fish and use it for everything you’d use a regular spatula for. Just don’t use it on anything non-stick if you want it to last! I also have this style of spatula with a silicone end that I found at a Ross, Marshalls, or Home Goods. It can be used on non-stick and is another favorite of mine.

You can use these simple silicone spatulas from Di Oro on your non-stick and for anything else really. They look like every other silicone spatula you have ever bought…I know. I saw them recommended one day by America’s Test Kitchen and decided to try. I am glad that I did. They function just like any other silicone spatula, but just better. The material used to construct them is just stronger. It is flexible how you need it, but not floppy or weak, no bending or bowing. They have a one-piece construction without any crevices that collect gunk. These perfectly qualify as everyday kitchen workhorses that will last for years.

9. Dutch Oven

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron Round Covered Casserole (Mint Green, 7- Quart)

If I had to choose one pot or pan to live out the rest of my days with on a deserted island or through the apocalypse, I would choose a large Dutch oven. Enamel coating makes cleaning super easy. It’s covered cast iron…it’s going to last forever. I have the one that is linked above and do really love it. It has some chips from my stone sink and washing. I just oil and season the spots every so often along with the rim of the lid and pot.

You really can cook anything in this and its pretty much the definition for everyday kitchen workhorses. Soups, pastas, pot roasts meal, whole chicken or pieces, baked bread, the list is really endless. Can go from the hot stove burner straight into the oven. I also love to deep fry in these. Tall sides mean less splattering and you can also keep your oil in your Dutch oven on the stove top covered until next your next fry and it’s at least pretty! It’s truly the workhorse of workhorses. I had a 5 quart one also, but rarely used it and decided to get rid of it. I vote go bigger if you are debating the size you need!

If you don’t want to spend $100 on a Dutch oven, no judgement from me! When I worked my day job, I was able to spend a lot more on things that I wanted. Now that I am a full time stay at home mom and beginning blogger, my dollars need to stretch a lot further. Here is where Home Goods, Marshalls, or similar stores come in for the win again! I have a second Dutch oven that is also 7 quart. I use it for frying and keeping the frying oil on my stove top.

When you are shopping, pay attention to the bottom of the Dutch oven. It’s not really a huge deal, but I prefer my Cuisinart Dutch oven more because it has a very flat bottom with more flat surface area for cooking on the stovetop or searing. My off brand from Home Goods has more of a rounded bottom and why I usually just use it for frying. It is just fine, for everyday use, but in having two different ones, of course I have a preference or favorite.

10. Silicone Oven Mits

Gorilla grips mint colored silicone oven mitts

Gorilla Grip BPA-Free Soft Silicone Oven Mitts, Heat and Slip Resistant Thick Cotton Lined Cooking Mitt Set, Long Flexible Potholders Protect Hands, Kitchen Essential Waterproof Gloves, 12.5″ Mint

Just get them! No nasty oven mitts with black thumbs or burn marks on them from 15 years ago need to be in your kitchen, friend. Let me be your voice of reason here. They are not very expensive and can literally be washed right off under the sink faucet. To wash them, I put them on my hands, pump soap and just wash my hands, but with the mitts on. If you want fun holiday or themed mitts, you do your thing. But I would save my money and buy other decor that is way cuter than a pair of oven mitts. Other decor also has a chance of lasting longer without food stains. Just my two cents.

Bonus Item(s): Mason Jars & Lids

We use mason jars for just about everything. I can some of our own food, so I always have a lot of them in our rotation. Little by little we have also decanted a lot of our pantry items into different sized mason jars according to our needs. Decanting your pantry items is a lot of work. I used to think it was just pretty, but it also does serve a function. Packaging takes up so much space in your pantry and you don’t even realize it. I also buy a lot more in bulk now than I used to, which means, those sunflower seeds and rolled oats need a home!

The first link above are not actual canning mason jars, but they are gallon size jars that I love to use for storage in my pantry. I also love using the half gallon jars and quart jars with the plastic lids I linked above. Take a look at them and then look at others similar. You can get black, white, and rainbow color sets.

The last link is wooden jar tops. I don’t use these for food items but purchased a set for my laundry powders that I store on a shelf in my laundry room. They were not really necessary, and the plastic would have worked just fine, but they were pretty and I really how they ended up looking on my laundry cabinet shelf!

For the mason jars themselves I would recommend just buying them at your local Walmart. They are less expensive that way, can be picked up in a normal grocery pickup, and can usually be found pretty easy. You also don’t run the risk of a jar breaking during shipment to your home. Another little bit of my two cents, but I have finally learned I just don’t like regular mouth jars for much of anything. I have them, but I don’t plan to buy any more. Wide mouth is just my go-to!

Everyday Kitchen Workhorses Conclusion

There you have it! A short list of essentials that keep the Farmhouse 181 kitchen running smoothly. They aren’t fancy, but I would replace every single one of them the minute they bit the dust or disappeared! If you are just starting to cook more from home and feel like you don’t have the essentials, this list is a really good place to start. These items are used day in and day out to make the recipes that are featured on the Farmhouse 181 blog.

If you want to read a little more about my philosophies on how we try to run Farmhouse 181, read more here! And if you want to know more on how I take recommending products seriously, check out my Favorites menu category page. We take our time and money seriously around Farmhouse 181 and want you to do the same so we can all be better spouses, parents, and stewards of what God has blessed us with!