5 Kitchen Appliances That Can Save You Big Money

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When focusing on building and maintaining a budget, there is money to be saved everywhere you look — including the kitchen. That’s right, there are hundreds of dollars that are potentially sitting in the most popular part of your house or apartment, in the form of saved money on electricity, the ability to reduce your food budget, or even just in terms of making your meals or snacks in a more efficient manner.

Seriously, the next time you walk into the kitchen, just take a look around. How many of those appliances do you actually use? And what adjustments can be made to save you some serious time and money? Odds are, there are plenty of chances to be had — you just need to know what you like, what you want, and how you want to streamline your kitchen experience.

While there are dozens and dozens of kitchen gadgets and appliances out there, being peddled by charlatans on late-night infomercials (“set it and forget it!”), the overwhelming majority of them don’t offer much tactical advantage. That is, you may use it once or twice, but not often enough to justify the cost, and maybe not even the counter space.

As for appliances and gadgets that do earn their respective spots in their kitchen, there are a few, or maybe just some old ones that could use a replacement. We’ve compiled a short list for your reference that could save you a lot of money, or even just a lot of time in meal preparation.

Read on to check out five of the most cost-effective kitchen appliances and gadgets you can buy.

1. Single-Cup Coffee Maker

Sergi Alexander/Getty Images For SOBEWFF

Coffee makers are pretty ubiquitous in American kitchens, but in order to curb spending on our favorite hot beverage, and only make enough one person needs, a single-cup coffee maker is a must-have for any bachelor pad. Of course, Keurig has become the default brand for many people, and with good reason — there are tons of different beverages you can make, and the gadget itself is very simple to use.

The problem is, the cups that Keurig machines use (K-cups) can be awfully expensive, and can’t be recycled. One solution is to buy a multi-use K-cup, which can be filled with your favorite ground coffee. This can bring your coffee budget down significantly, as you’re not making an entire pot’s worth of coffee, and you’re not spending a ton of money on K-cups. Just keep buying Folgers at Costco.

There are a ton of coffee makers out there, so be sure to see what fits your budget. There’s a bit of up-front investment, but over the long term, you should come out ahead.

2. Soda Makers

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for SodaStream/Skinnygirl

You’ve heard of the SodaStream by now — the in-home appliance that carbonates water, allowing you to make soda in your own kitchen. The obvious hook with this machine is that it allows you save money by not buying brand-name soft drinks, like Coca-Cola or Pepsi. The thing is, a SodaStream or similar machine absolutely can save you money; it just depends on how many soft drinks you consume.

For those who routinely budget 12-packs of soda into their food budget, a SodaStream may be a good choice. But there is an investment up front for the machine, bottles, carbonators, and drink mixes. It may also be a good buy for those of you that drink sparkling water — think Perrier or San Pellegrino. So crunch the numbers, and see if a SodaStream would save you some cash. Digital Trends found you’d have to drink a lot of soft drinks to make it worth it, so it’ll vary from household to household.

3. Blender

Source: iStock

A bachelor’s kitchen isn’t complete without a blender. The trick is finding one that not only gets the job done, but lasts longer than a few months. For that, you’re going to need to spend a little bit of money — probably more than you’re comfortable with. But if smoothies and protein shakes are a staple of your diet, it’ll be well worth it.

Some of the more popular models out there are the Vitamix, Magic Bullet, and KitchenAid models, and some of them can cost well over $500. You can get a solid model for a few hundred bucks, though. Where you’ll come out ahead in buying one of these blenders is, again, if smoothies and shakes are a big part of your diet. Some smoothie shops often charge between $5 and $7 for a single smoothie, making the high up-front cost of some of these blenders a little less painful. Like a soda maker, figuring out whether this is an economic purchase will depend on your individual diet and budget.

4. Energy-Efficient Refrigerator

Source: iStock

By far, the biggest energy-suck in your kitchen, and possibly your entire residence, is your refrigerator. If you’re still using an old model, or maybe there’s an older fridge in your apartment, it can really be hitting your power bill. In fact, you may not even realize it, but you could be spending hundreds of dollars a year due to appliances that aren’t energy efficient, and your refrigerator is probably culprit number one.

“An estimated 170 million refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers are currently in use in the United States,” says the government’s EnergyStar website. More than 60 million refrigerators are over 10 years old, costing consumers $4.7 billion a year in energy costs.” There are some cases where the additional cost of buying a new fridge may not save you money, depending on local energy rates. So look at what you’re paying, and see what kind of refrigerator you currently use. It could be a big opportunity for serious savings.

5. Food Dehydrator

Source: iStock

A food dehydrator, though not typically a staple in many kitchens, could save you a lot of money in food costs. You can dry meats and produce, allowing for longer storage that doesn’t require refrigeration. Many can be had for less than $100 too, making the initial investment a lot more manageable than some of the other appliances on our list.

If you’re someone looking to preserve a lot of food and free up some space in your freezer or refrigerator, a dehydrator may be the perfect addition to your kitchen. Dried fruits and jerkys can be great addition to a balanced diet too, and bringing a small bag of homemade beef jerky to work as a snack sure beats a bag of Doritos, or something else from the vending machine.

See what a dehydrator can do for your budget and for your diet, as it may be a great appliance to add to your culinary arsenal.

Top 5 Things to Consider when Shopping for Kitchen Appliances

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Shopping for kitchen appliances can be a bit overwhelming at times. What brand? What style? How much should I spend? We’ve created a “Top 5” list of appliance shopping tips that we hope will save you some time, unnecessary frustration, and maybe even a little money.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Measure, measure, measure

One of the most common mistakes people make when buying new kitchen appliances  is forgetting to measure the space where the appliance will live. It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics and neglect to focus on the simple fact that not every microwave, no matter how beautiful, will work with the layout of your kitchen. Take the time to properly measure the height, length and width of your space. Write down each number on a sheet of paper and take it with you for reference when you’re shopping for your new appliances. 

2. Shop in-store, not online

Sure online shopping for new kitchen appliances is convenient and a great way to price check, but it’s not always the best route to the perfect purchase. Often buying appliances directly from an appliance or outlet store can save you money and time. For example, when buying from a store, you save money on freight and also lessen the risk that your new refrigerator will be damaged during shipping. It’s also a great way to get expert advice on which product would be best for your space. In addition, many times your new appliance comes with free, expert installation when purchased at a store, which ensures correct installation the first time.

3. Energy efficiency is key

Everyone talks about energy-efficient appliances these days. But do they really save you money in the long run? In short, they sure do. But you may have to spend a little more up front today to see those savings tomorrow. Your in-store appliance expert will be able to recommend the best energy efficient brand based on your needs and your budget. 

4. Have a vision

Whether you’re completely remodeling your kitchen or simply updating a few appliances, having a vision of what you like is crucial to creating a look you’ll love for years to come. Get inspiration from online sites like HGTV.com and Pinterest.com. Print photos and take them with you to reference while shopping. Be sure to maintain consistency with your chosen style. If you want stainless steel, be sure that all appliances in your kitchen are stainless steel to maintain a cohesive, finished look. Finally, get an expert on board. Sharing your ideas with an in-store appliance expert can save you time and money. He or she can recommend products that will work with your vision and within your budget.

5. Timing is everything

Knowing when to shop for kitchen appliances can save you money. Most manufacturers unveil their new appliance models in the fall,  so shopping for last year’s model at this time is often a good way to save big.  Shopping in-store can be a great way to control the sale. This gives you the chance to discuss with an expert your vision and your budget. You’ll get more personal attention and may even be able to negotiate some great savings. Major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving are excellent times to save on major kitchen appliances. As with all deals, it’s important to shop smartly. If a deal is too good to believe, it’s probably not a good deal after all.

5 Ways Wearables Are Improving the Way We Shop

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If you think we don't have room for another connected device in our pockets or purses, you might be right.

Placing one on our wrist is another story.

Need proof? Last year, 39.5 million Americans over 18 years old used wearable devices, an increase of 57.7 percent over 2014, according to eMarketer. This rise is estimated to continue, with 81.7 million adults expected to be using wearables by 2018.1

The reasons for wearables’ growing popularity vary, including giving consumers the ability to better monitor their health and fitness and keeping them organized when on the go. Wearable devices, such as with Apple Watch and others, are also improving the way we shop by receiving communication and alerts and making payments hands-free. On the retailer side, wearables allow brands to send targeted messaging to customers in-store and offer discounts to improve conversion.

“Tech-savvy retailers willing to invest in marketing through wearable technology can place themselves a step ahead of competitors as these devices grow in popularity,” said Soumya Chakrabarty, Director of Research & Development at Discover. “For example, brands can push out notifications that send shoppers personalized offerings, increasing conversion and driving interest and loyalty.”

Streamlining Product Search by Pairing Smartwatches with Beacons

One way to engage with wearables in stores is by coupling them with strategically placed beacons. In this scenario, a customer heads to his or her local retailer, and is seeking help from a sales associate to help with a question or locate a product. If this retailer is leveraging beacons placed throughout the store, shoppers armed with wearables don’t have to worry about finding staff, since they can use their device both to navigate a store’s aisles and access valuable information. A quick scan of an item followed by a few taps of their watch, and they can retrieve such information as sizing, materials or location.

Streamlining Payments

With the advent of Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay, mobile payments are gaining popularity among consumers and the technology to accept these forms of payment are becoming available at major chains and smaller retailers alike. Wearables could change the game by making these transactions even easier, favoring a flip of the wrist over pulling out a phone.

According to an eMarketer study, 48 percent of consumers said they would use a wearable device if it could make an in-store payment, and 67 percent said they would prefer to use a wearable device over a smartphone to make an in-store payment.2

Better Dissemination of Discounts

Thanks to post-purchase opt-ins, the average shopper now receives regular emails about online and in-store deals and sales. But for those steering their shopping cart to the cash register, pulling out their smartphone to scan through hundreds of emails to find an offer can be difficult, if they remember to search for these mobile coupons at all. Wearables could fix that by allowing consumers to take advantage of discounts by swiping their wrist over a scanner at the time of purchase, applying the coupons to their bill during checkout.

Targeted Messaging

While push notifications and beacon-enabled messaging aren’t new, the growing success of reaching shoppers via these technologies is partially thanks to wearables. That’s because they don’t require shoppers to pull out their phones to get these messages. What’s more, these technologies allow a retailer to access shoppers across channels, lessening cart abandonment. A retailer can alert a customer to items left in their cart as they pass the physical store. This retailer can also send a customer a message letting them know that an item they were browsing online is in stock at the store nearby.

Better Overall Customer Experience

In its 2014 study, The Wearable Future, PWC found that 72 percent of consumers said it was very important for wearable technology to improve customer service. The most vocal group was busy parents – 76 percent of whom said they wanted wearable tech to make shopping a more pleasant, efficient experience.3

Smart retailers targeting these shoppers may turn to wearables to tackle customer service gaps and increase the efficiency of their workforces. By arming sales associates with devices that can check inventory, pull up product specifications and even take payments, retailers can get rid of the need to go to the back of the store or visit a separate computer terminal to perform these tasks, creating a more seamless retail experience.

“As brands are considering their end-to-end customer journey, they should think about how to integrate these devices into their overall marketing strategy,” added Chakrabarty. “Wearables offer merchants a fast and simple way of interacting with customers on-the-go and can push out relevant, personalized messaging in order to enhance customer loyalty.”

6 tips for frugal grocery shopping

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Frugal gurus employ many techniques to save a buck or two while grocery shopping. Some buy seasonal produce, such as mangoes in the spring and pumpkins in the fall, to keep costs low.

Others purchase store brands of their favorite items whenever possible, or scour their newspapers and the Internet for money-saving coupons.

You, too, can cut the cost of grocery shopping with a few painless changes. Here are six tips for staying within a tight grocery budget.

1. Stock up on seasonal produce.

Buy when things are in season, and cheaper, and stock up for the coming season.

For example, next fall, stock up on produce that is in season at that time. Root vegetables like potatoes, yams, carrots and sweet potatoes are harvested in autumn and can be used for everything from side dishes to main courses throughout the winter.

Apples also can be purchased in bulk. Wrap them in newsprint and store them in an uncovered cardboard box in a cool, dark place like a basement, or turn them into foods like applesauce that can be eaten later.

Plenty of varieties of produce can be frozen or canned for consumption later. Simply do an online search to find storage instructions for each specific type of produce.

Turn produce into big-batch recipes you can store and eat at a later date, such as soups or stews.

2. Cut back on meat.

Meat is one of the most expensive grocery items, so you can save money by using meat substitutes for some meals.

Alternate protein sources such as tofu, beans, legumes and eggs tend to cost less than meat, poultry and fish. They also are quite healthful.

3. Buy generic.

Save money by opting for store-brand items whenever possible. In most instances, the generic version of a name-brand item tastes just as good.

The main reason name-brand items cost more is because you are paying for the company's advertising costs.

4. Make use of coupons and discounts.

Keep an eye on your favorite store's circular to see which items are on sale this week. Combine those sales with coupons to maximize your savings.

Just make sure the math adds up. In some cases, it still is cheaper to buy the store-brand item than it is to buy the name-brand item on sale.

5. Take advantage of holiday sales.

Around the holidays, stores run a lot of sales on traditional holiday meal staples. Items such as turkey, ham and roast beef are on promotion, as are the ingredients for popular side dishes and desserts.

Stock up now while they are cheap. That way, you can continue eating cranberry sauce well into February.

6. Make the most of each meal.

Make the most of leftovers from any meal you make. Eat them for lunch or dinner the next day, or freeze them for later.

You already have paid for the ingredients, so make sure you are getting your money's worth.

Read more: http://www.bankrate.com/financing/saving-money/6-tips-for-frugal-grocery-shopping/#ixzz4FlFEF3iG
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4 Tips for Buying Kitchen Furniture

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Have you been thinking of designing a new kitchen, or remodeling a current one? If yes, then you will have to get kitchen furniture for it. There are many different colors, sizes, and shapes, to select. Buying ought to be an enjoyable experience. But, when you are shopping for kitchen furniture, things may get real complicated. With things such as measurements, color schemes, size other considerations to consider , choosing the best small kitchen tables, replacement kitchen door along with kitchen items gets extremely hard . To make your furniture shopping experience worth it, adopt these easy tips:

1. Budget for kitchen furniture

Before you decide to even visit the stores, you first must think of the amount of money you are willing to commit to this project. Regardless of how simple or great your ideas for kitchen design are, you should set a budget for this task to figure out your limitation, and make the most of your purchasing money in selecting the kitchen furniture and design pieces which you require.

2. Plan your space

When you are planning on remodeling your kitchen, you must be aware of the floor space which you are working on. If you are to purchase pieces of kitchen furniture, you must be aware of how much space is allocated to the placement of such kitchen appliances and other items.

3. Shop shop shop!

Regardless of how all those displays confuse you, you should look at the kitchen displays and exhibits found in your area. This will give you ideas or pointers on what design to integrate into your kitchen remodeling project. Additionally, searching around for furniture pieces lets you compare designs and also cost. With online shopping, searching for the best furniture deal which fits the size of your pocket is easy.

4. Design and look

This is a very important aspect to consider when remodeling or designing your kitchen. When considering ideas for kitchen, ensure you figure out the general feel and look you wish to make. Do you want to make a modern or conventional look? Is there a certain color scheme or theme which you want to create? Which kind of texture will be ideal for the tables, cabinets, or other, furniture? These are vital things you should think about before selecting individual furniture pieces. Buying kitchen furniture is usually a challenging task. But, following these simple tips can make it more enjoyable, worthwhile and engaging.