Frugal Households Know These 11 Appliances Are Worth the Investment
Sometimes you have to spend a little to save a lot — that goes for both money and its more valuable counterpart, time.
There are several household appliances that, despite the potential hefty price, are great investments — especially if they're something you'll use frequently. Financially savvy shoppers have several appliances they recommend purchasing if you're looking to save money.
Here are 11 appliances that budget-conscious shoppers consider worth investing in to save in the long run.
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1. Rice Cooker
A rice cooker is a much-needed appliance, especially for frugal chefs who enjoy cheap, easy meals. A rice cooker frees you from keeping your eye on the stove and allows you to keep leftovers, thus saving you money on future meals or additional groceries. According to HuffPost, rice cookers can also be used for cooking porridge, noodles, curry and even cake. This Aroma Housewares rice cooker is $52.00 on Amazon.
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2. Slow Cooker
Slow cookers offer great convenience in that you can cook a meal for a long period of time. They are a great frugal investment because they save money on both energy and grocery costs. Slow cookers are low-wattage, so cooking a meal over eight hours will require less energy than using an oven. Also, using a slow cooker allows you to cook larger quantities of food that can be used for leftovers or repurposed for multiple meals. You can find a decent-sized Crock-Pot slow cooker at Walmart for $50.
3. Air Fryer
Like a slow cooker, an air fryer can save you money on energy costs, as it uses less power than cooking with an oven. Additionally, air fryers include multiple other benefits. Air fryers offer healthier eating since they use little-to-no oil and cook food using hot air. They are also easy to clean and provide quicker heating and cooking time than an oven. Get your hands on a Ninja air fryer starting at $90 on Amazon.
4. Breadmaker
While a breadmaker might seem like more of a splurge than a frugal investment, buying one can result in great savings. According to Medium, baking two loaves of bread a week in a breadmaker could save you $250 to $500 a year. For a family of four that eats homemade bread every day, annual savings could be well over $500. Beyond the financial benefits, purchasing a breadmaker allows you to avoid harmful ingredients and additives, enjoy fresher bread, and reduce plastic waste from bagged store-bought bread. Invest in a Cuisinart breadmaker from Williams Sonoma for $170.
5. Sewing Machine
While owning a sewing machine allows you to create your clothes, blankets or other household necessities, you don't need to be a seasoned sewer to benefit from owning one. If you have a garment in decent condition that has a hole in it, a sewing machine can save you from having to throw it away and ensure your money spent on clothes isn't wasted. You will also save money from not needing to buy replacement clothing. Find a beginner's Brother sewing machine at Walmart for $95.
6. Multifunctional Pressure Cookers
An Instant Pot is another energy-efficient household appliance, which can function as both a pressure cooker or slow cooker (and in some models, an air fryer as well for further savings in money and counter space). Furthermore, the Instant Pot (and its imitators) can be used as a rice cooker, yogurt maker and warming pot, to name a few. By investing in an instant pot, one could potentially save money by buying one instant pot instead of multiple appliances. Buy a versatile Instant Pot from for $140 at Target.
7. Coffee Pot or Espresso Machine
For coffee lovers, buying a coffee pot or an espresso machine can save you from daily purchases at your coffee shop while also making your morning commute shorter. According to Homes and Gardens, purchasing high-quality coffee beans and an expensive espresso machine is still cheaper and will save more money than buying a small latte every day. This beloved Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio coffeemaker is just $110 at Best Buy and lets you brew single-serving, thermos, or bulk carafes of coffee as needed.
8. Stand Mixer
Stand mixers may be costly, but trusty brands are guaranteed to last many years, making them a worthwhile investment. Stand mixers are versatile appliances that can be used for kneading bread dough, baking and ice cream making. Due to their efficiency and various uses, stand mixers save time and money for users. We found a Hamilton Beach stand mixer at Target for just $63.
9. Food Vacuum Sealer
By vacuum sealing perishable items like meat and fruit, you can extend their shelf life nearly five times longer according to FoodSaver. Not only will you reduce food waste, you'll save gas and depreciation on fewer trips to the grocery store. While you can find cheaper models, the reliability makes the Foodsaver V4400's $197 price tag at Amazon worth the extra investment to not have to replace the unit anytime soon.
10. Filtered Water Pitcher
Filtered water pitchers are an essential item for those who live frugally. Instead of frequently buying bottled water, you can refill a filtered pitcher from your kitchen sink. This is especially useful for those who can't use tap water as-is or run it through a built-in filter on the refrigerator. Get a Brita water pitcher for $26 on Amazon.
11. Clothes Steamer
A steamer for your clothes can serve many financial benefits, such as reduced laundry expenses, reduced dry cleaning costs and an extended lifespan for your clothes. According to Medium, clothes steamers are quicker to use than an iron and can be used for multiple kinds of fabrics, thus saving you electricity. Find a Conair handheld steamer at Kohl's for $60.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary. Prices are accurate as of April 8, 2026, and are subject to change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.
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