Dollar Tree Kitchen Items So Affordable, You Won't Believe The Savings
Perhaps you've just moved into a new home and need to stock up on kitchen items, or you've decluttered and now need a refresh. Whatever the case may be, it's understandable if you want to find a good deal on household supplies. Because many things for the home cost less at your local Dollar Tree than at other stores, it's often the place that shoppers in search of a bargain go to find what they need while sparing their wallets. Even after Dollar Tree decided to end its famous gimmick and include a range of items for more than $1, you can still find plenty of products priced for around that much, including a variety of affordably-priced kitchen items.
Beyond the bargain, some may wonder if it's a good idea to buy kitchen items from Dollar Tree. After all, there are some things that you might feel are worth spending a little more on, especially if you are concerned about longevity over pricing. We examined some of the most common and practical kitchen items available at your local Dollar Tree, along with the pros and cons of purchasing them there versus other retailers.
Kitchen knives
Dollar Tree offers a wide range of kitchen knives, including paring, steak, and Chef's knives. Prices start as low as $1.25 per knife; there are also some sets of knives that go for this low. In theory, you may be able to buy several types of knives without spending more than $10.
Although these knives are less expensive, not everyone was satisfied with their purchase. One customer, named Sheinney, left a one-star review for a set of steak knives she purchased, stating that they weren't as good as the previous set she had bought from Dollar Tree. Not everyone is dissatisfied with their knives. A different reviewer left a five-star review, saying that they were "the sharpest steak knives [she has] ever bought." Interestingly, a common complaint about Dollar Tree kitchen knives is that they're often out of stock, which may speak to their popularity among shoppers.
As well-liked as these kitchen knives may be for short-term use, some items are worth paying more for because you want to be able to use them for a very long time. In an article for Bon Appétit, Jesse Raub noted that the cost of certain knives is determined by the type of steel used, specifically, high-carbon stainless steel. Such knives maintain their hardness while being resistant to corrosion, helping them last much longer. If this matters to you, consider skipping Dollar Tree and investing in higher-end kitchen knives instead. If this isn't a worry, then you'll find some great deals in store.
Glass jars
If you're someone who keeps your pantry stocked with glass jars filled with flour, cereal, or tomato sauce, you understand that purchasing these products can get expensive very quickly. Glass jars at Dollar Tree start for as low as $1.50. These include jars with simple stainless steel lids, lids that screw on, or glass jars with clasp lids. Some jars include measurement scales that indicate exactly how much they can hold. Round or square, you will likely find very cheap jars here.
Glass jar sets may cost between $10 and $15, depending on the size, shape, and number of jars included. While you can, in theory, save more at Dollar Tree, you might have a hard time if you prefer to buy in bulk and need to fill your cart with individual jars. Still, aside from this inconvenience, Dollar Tree offers a quick and easy way to stock up on visually appealing glass containers.
Measuring cups and spoons
While some cooks have mastered the art of eyeballing ingredients, many of us would prefer to get the required amounts correct rather than risk ruining a recipe. If you need measuring cups or spoons but don't want to spend too much, you can find all of these products at Dollar Tree. As with many Dollar Tree products, your experiences will vary. In reviewing a large four-cup plastic measuring cup, customer Greg B. was pleased, stating that the cups were "microwaveable, stackable, and pour well." Meanwhile, a second person, Jamma, gave the product a one-star review, noting that the measuring cup markings eventually fade, despite taking the trouble to clean the cups by hand rather than using a dishwasher.
Measuring spoons and cups are similarly priced, which might be confusing for those used to pricing based on size and quantity. However, if you're more concerned with the ease in which you can add these items to your kitchen, Dollar Tree pricing will make this relatively simple.
Cheese graters
Cheese graters are available at Dollar Tree for as low as $1.25. Still, as with other items, you'll need to check your local store to determine availability. Some cheese graters are also sold on the official website, although they may occasionally run out of stock. One reviewer gave the product a perfect five-star review, stating they were happy to use the item to zest oranges and lemons. If you are using the grater for a small block of soft cheese or need the zest of a couple of citrus fruits, it's definitely a bargain item. The issue could arise when you need a grater to handle a larger block of cheese, or multiple types of cheese or fruit at once. Likewise, the grater only cuts in one particular way, compared to higher-quality options that let you choose between finely shredded or larger grated chunks. Not to mention this item, being so cheap, might not last as long as a higher-end equivalent. Still, if you are seeking a bargain and an easy-to-use cheese grater, this product is worth your consideration.
Cutting boards
Cutting boards are easy to take for granted, but when it comes to chopping meat, fruit, or vegetables, the type of board will either make the experience so much easier, or cause issues you hadn't previously considered. The good news is that if you want to buy this kitchen item from Dollar Tree, they offer it in bamboo, glass or plastic, and there are also more simplistic "chopping mats" available for sale.
While all of these items are similarly priced, starting at just over a dollar, results may vary depending on personal preference and the type of cutting board you choose. One person was happy to use the item as a cheese platter for guests, while others opted for it as a decoration. As for practical use, the chopping mats had the highest overall review score, averaging over four stars. Reviewers were generally happy with the value for money, even if the quality wasn't perfect. One Texas customer was happy with their flexibility, stating the chopping mats were "easy to clean and versatile." Another noted that the quality of the chopping mats was not as good as in the past. Whether you opt for a cutting mat or board, you will be getting a product that's very affordably priced. But if you require something that's better made, you may have to look elsewhere.
Flatware (spoons, forks, and butter knives)
Assembling flatware can sometimes be the bane of existence for anyone who has just moved or finds they need much more of it than they have on hand due to entertaining extra guests. For that reason, getting a bundle of forks, spoons, and butter knives from the local Dollar Tree is often seen as an easy and budget-friendly solution. You can typically buy these items in sets of three, priced as low as $1.25. Some utensils, however, are advertised as beginning at $2. Most Dollar Tree flatware has good reviews, though a few received average feedback at best.
An important thing to note about Dollar Tree flatware is that you should always check whether it is appliance-safe. While it's expected that these items should not be used in a microwave, the specifications list also indicates that flatware is not dishwasher safe. Although there may not be immediate issues, repeatedly placing your Dollar Tree flatware in the dishwasher could lead to the product bending and warping over time. If you aren't interested in cleaning your flatware by hand, you might need to pay more for utensils that are appliance-safe.
Plastic dishware
Dollar Tree is a great place to find affordably-priced plastic bowls and plates. Some locations offer plastic dishware with fun designs and colors, while others offer simple colors and shapes if that's your preference. You'll likely be able to find plastic bowls or plates priced individually for around $1. Likewise, sets are also available at a low price. You will need to check if your bowls, plates, and cups are safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher.
Trusting that the material will be okay is not an option when it comes to Dollar Tree dishware. Some items are clearly marked as safe, while others contain warnings stating that they should not be used in these appliances. If you're unsure, err on the side of caution and keep them out of these appliances, as you may find yourself having to make another trip to your local Dollar Tree to replace destroyed bowls and plates. If you'd rather skip the uncertainty altogether, you may have to pay a little more for your plastic dishware at a rival retailer.
Dish drying racks
These convenient racks are great for leaving your dishes to dry naturally and neatly. They're also ideal if you prefer not to waste electricity by relying on a dishwasher's quick-dry feature to handle this for you. For $1.25, you can choose a modestly-sized plastic dish drying rack in black or white, which customers have collectively been impressed with, as it holds a perfect five-star rating.
One caveat when buying online is that you must purchase them in bulk. If you prefer to buy just one, please note that the item may not be in stock in-store. Dollar Tree also sells a wire dish drying rack for around the same price. While purchasers were overall happy with these items, one did have some concerns related to customer service. That aside, the one thing most customers seemed to agree on was that the quality of these drying racks was consistently good for the price.
Glass and ceramic dishware
If you're looking for clear glass bowls or seasonal ceramic mugs, Dollar Tree has these items for sale, beginning at $1.50 each. It's possible to spend on different types of glass or ceramic plates, bowls, and mugs without exceeding $25. By comparison, you may find yourself paying $25 to $60 on a 12- or 24-piece set of dishware at a rival retailer. If your goal is to save on dishware, Dollar Tree will meet your needs.
Quality could be a concern, as some items may not be microwave- or dishwasher-safe. As some reviewers have pointed out, it's not always clear whether this is the case through labels or embossing on the dishware. It may be necessary to do research beforehand by checking the specifications on the Dollar Tree website. If no answer is available, you may have to contact customer support. In any case, many have felt that, for the price, it was worth building a glass dishware or ceramic mug collection through Dollar Tree, letting them avoid overspending on these kitchen items.
Charger plates
If you find yourself hosting a special event such as a wedding or anniversary party, there's a chance that you'll want to include charger plates as part of your dinnerware. The cost of charger plates varies depending on the material, with plastic plates typically being the most budget-friendly option. You can order your plates in bulk through the Dollar Tree website. Plates are priced as low as $1.50 each, and for a 24-plate bulk order, the total cost would be at least $36, excluding taxes. According to CV Linens, some charger plates can cost more than $10 each. For a large gathering, you could end up spending hundreds on these pieces of dinnerware alone.
While you can save quite a bit by purchasing charger plates from Dollar Tree instead of another retailer, it's also worth noting that renting these items is an option. If you don't plan on hosting future events or rarely do so, you could rent plastic plates at prices similar to what you would spend on buying them. That said, if you do host seasonal events, you could save well over the long term through this type of purchase.
Wine and champagne glasses
You can save a lot of money by getting your champagne or wine glasses at a local Dollar Tree. You can also purchase a case of 12 glasses online for around $36, which is likely to be a more affordable option than retailers charging as much as $36 for a single wine glass. Whether you choose to buy these items individually or in bulk is up to you; either way, you will likely find it a cost-friendly shopping decision compared to other outlets.
Ratings for these items tended to range from low to mediocre, with a common complaint being that items ordered online arrived broken or didn't arrive when expected. If shipping issues are a concern, you may be better off getting your glassware in-store. Please note that, because these items are priced so affordably, the types of wine and champagne glasses you prefer may not be available for purchase.
Cooking utensils
When preparing meals, you will need a range of cooking utensils, including whisks, spoons, spatulas, etc. Although you may be able to find such items in sets at places like Walmart or Target, the savings at Dollar Tree may make it worthwhile, especially if you don't mind collecting them individually.
Each piece may cost as little as $1.25 before taxes. Some customers left positive reviews for Dollar Tree kitchen utensils. For example, some left positive feedback on whisks, as they found the quality to be good for the price. However, Dollar Tree tongs consistently receive mediocre to poor reviews, with one customer complaining that they "bent and broke when picking up one piece of chicken." More worrying, this same person said that they suffered a physical injury that resulted in stitches. Some items are too cheaply made to be worth it, while others could be worth the money spent. It may be a good idea to do some comparison shopping and consistently check customer reviews and ratings when deciding which Dollar Tree deals are worth it.
Sink strainers
Sink strainers are practically a necessity in most kitchens, whether you're hand-washing dishes in the sink or preparing food items and wish to avoid the awkwardness of things escaping down the drain. The good news is that they are relatively inexpensive to purchase, especially if you buy these items at a Dollar Tree store. You can choose a metal, mesh, or plastic strainer, each priced at $1.25 before taxes.
Customers consistently rate Dollar Tree's sink strainers highly, praising their quality and value for money. That said, your satisfaction may depend on the material you choose. For instance, a reviewer named Guamgirl21 shared she prefers Dollar Tree's plastic strainers because "they are easier to clean" than the metal ones and last a long time. If you are concerned about long-term use and wear and tear, it may be worth investing in a strainer that costs a little more, especially if you prefer metal. However, if you're looking for something simple and affordable, these Dollar Tree strainers are a sensible investment.
Paper towel holders
When it's time to clean up kitchen messes, you want to be able to quickly reach for paper towels. If you want something simple to use that can be kept on a countertop or tabletop, Dollar Tree offers one priced at $1.25. The only real downside to searching for a paper towel holder at this store is that you won't find much variety. It appears that the wire towel holder is the only type available either in-store or online. That wasn't a deterrent for many customers, some of whom ordered the kitchen item for various uses and projects, but were ultimately satisfied with the money spent. Purchasing this paper towel holder will likely come down to whether you need a straightforward product for less and aren't concerned about aesthetics.