Cooking Equipment on a Budget

Like more expensive brands, Chicago Cutlery's Insignia2 knives have high-carbon stainless steel blades, a full tang (meaning the metal of the knife blade extends into the handle for better durability and balance), and a well-honed blade that retains its sharpness. Don't waste money on the whole set; all you really need is a chef's or santoku knife and a paring knife; you can get a set of both (shown) for under $30.

This cookware is made of 18/10 stainless steel and has an encapsulated aluminum base to facilitate quick and steady heating. Handles are riveted, just like pricier brands, and will remain cool to the touch during stovetop cooking.

As with cutlery, the cookware sets might seem like a great deal, but instead buy only the pieces you'll need, as opposed to spending money needlessly on a set that might include pieces that you'll never use. For instance, the few pieces you'll need the most might include a saucepan, a skillet and a stock pot or Dutch oven. The 2-quart Windsor pan, shown, is a versatile saucepan and can be found for under $40.

Don't spend a lot of money on nonstick cookware; the nonstick coating is likely scratch sooner than you'd think, at which time you should throw it away. Instead, try to find a pan that's heavy for its size, and has a sturdy riveted handle. This Farberware pan fits the bill, and the company claims its Teflon coating is safe to use with (non-sharp) metal utensils, although I'd recommend sticking to plastic or silicone-coated tools just to be safe. It has sloped sides and, as an added bonus, it can go into the oven (up to 400˚F). At $25, you won't feel bad about retiring it if that nonstick coating does get scratched.

For around $25, you can't beat this oval-shaped slow cooker, which has all the basics you need: a removable stoneware crock, and high, low and "keep warm" settings. It serves 4 to 5 people and has enough room to accommodate a whole 4-pound roast. Using a slow cooker has an added economic benefit in that it can be used to cook inexpensive cuts of meat that require long, moist cooking methods to become tender.

You can bake, broil and toast in this compact toaster oven, which is actually roomy enough to cook a 12-inch frozen pizza (the ultimate in budget-priced cuisine!). A nonstick interior makes it easy to keep clean. It comes with a baking sheet and is less than $50.

The no-frills design isn't going to wow anyone, but the 450-watt motor is strong enough to crush ice (there's even an "ice crush" button) and do most other basic blending tasks. A 6 cup (48 ounces) glass blending jar is big enough for most 4-serving recipes, too. The blender comes in white and black and is only around $25.