The 6 best kitchen deals on Amazon right now

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I began my new year like most, making a list of resolutions. But this year (unlike many of the past) I am actually sticking to my goals, mainly because I focused on resolutions that would be fun, like learning how to cook, and preparing more meals for myself.

It is an utter miracle that I've actually cooked for myself each weekday (weekends are for sushi). I've been able to achieve this seemingly impossible feat because I've started using tools in the kitchen that make cooking much easier. Whereas I used to slave over pots and pans on my tiny stove, dreading the inevitable clean up (sans dishwasher) and failing to cook meats and veggies properly, I have finally joined the rest of society in utilizing my slow cooker (game.changer). I know, most people have been using them forever, but better late than never.

If you are looking to prepare more delicious (or healthy!) meals and treats for yourself in 2018, then this list of kitchen deals on Amazon is for you. There's something for every type of kitchen need on this list. Happy shopping, cooking, and eating!

1. The best budget slow cooker

When winter hits, all I crave are hearty soups from my crockpot. Having a good slow cooker in your kitchen is a must, especially if you are lazy like myself, and dread cooking after coming home from work. This Hamilton Beach slow cooker even makes slow cooking even easier with its included thermometer to ensure your food is never overcooked, which is why it our favorite affordable model of all the different options we’ve tested. It even has the ability to automatically switch from cooking to warm mode—in case you get stuck at the office or in traffic coming home.

Get the Hamilton Beach Set n’ Forget Slow Cooker for $38 and save $12

2. A NutriBullet set for smoothies and protein shakes

Whether you’re looking to lose weight or gain muscle (or both!), protein shakes can help you get there. My fit friends tell me that the Nutribullet is one of their favorites, especially with the lid attachment, so they can take their fresh smoothies to go. This set comes with 2 large cups so you can make pre- and post-workout shakes or make breakfast smoothies for you and your significant other. Plus, the NutriBullet can come in handy for other kitchen tasks like making nut butter. Until now, we’ve only seen this set for this price on Black Friday.

Get the NutriBullet Pro 13-Piece Set for $79.99 and save $20

3. The best single-serve espresso maker

Alright, so this may not help you with cooking, but have you ever been to a cafè Italy? Treat yourself to the next best thing, which would be the Nespresso Citiz espresso maker by DeLonghi. For those who love the taste of a strong espresso in the morning, like myself, the Nespresso Citiz will perfectly feed your Italian-esque habits. It won our Editors’ Choice Award for the best single-serve espresso maker this year for its consistent quality, speed (an espresso in 25 seconds? Dangerous!) and wide variety of flavor capsules. Typically, the Nespresso Citiz will set you back a steep $250, but right now it is on sale for $174. Bottoms up!

Get the Nespresso Citiz for $174 and save $76

4. The best chef’s knife under $50

I use my chef’s knife every single day to cook—and that is why I don’t mind investing in a good blade. I’m no professional (obviously), but when I have to chop onions, I want to slice them as quickly as possible before my eyeballs leak into my ingredients. After testing 15 different chef’s knives, we found this affordable chef’s knife could keep up with higher-end models that typically run anywhere from $80 to well over $100. The Victorinox, however, typically costs under $50, and right now is only $32. Our kitchen expert found the knife felt a little on the cheap at first, but once she used it her worries were erased. It was not only sharp enough to tackle nearly every test, but it was balanced and comfortable.

Get the Victorinox 8-inch Chef’s Knife for $31.89 and save $13

5. A motion sensor soap dispenser

If you tend to cook poultry as often as I do, then you are familiar with the struggle of spreading unwanted germs around the kitchen. A motion sensor soap dispenser is a great way to combat the kitchen (and bathroom!) nasties from wreaking havoc in your home, and according to one of our writers, owning one has “changed his life.” This affordable touchless dispenser is waterproof, long-lasting, and is top-rated on Amazon with over 700 reviews. Although this item is typically affordable, there is a 5% coupon applicable to checkout, meaning you can score this kitchen game-changer for almost $20. Slimy chicken hands—be gone!

Get the Glamfields soap dispenser (stainless steel finish) for $23 and save 5% with a coupon

6. The best sous vide circulator

If one of your 2018 resolutions is to cook more and cut back on takeout, sous vide will be your best friend, especially with the best circulator we’ve ever tested on sale for $101, down a third from the usual $150. The Anova does the best job of keeping the temperature precisely where you want it for perfectly cooked food every time. It also uses Bluetooth to connect with your phone, so you can keep an eye on your food without hovering over the stove. The WiFi version, usually $200, is on sale as well for $144.

Our deals expert, a self proclaimed novice in the kitchen, was skeptical about sous vide at first, but bought one on the promise of perfectly cooked meats with every use. She reports that upon her first meal using the Anova, she was “flabbergasted.” All one has to do is put a steak in a plastic bag with some oils and herbs, drop it into the water, use an app to set the temperature and time, and wait. Even for those who aren’t the best with cooking, sous vide circulators will make you feel like a 5-star chef.

Get the Anova Sous Vide Bluetooth Circulator for $101 and save $48

Prices are accurate at the time of publication, but may change over time.