Ina Garten knows you don't have to spend a fortune to have a well-stocked kitchen. (Getty)(Getty)
If there's one person out there who knows a thing or two about making magic in the kitchen, it's Ina Garten. Over the past two decades, the Barefoot Contessa has owned a specialty foods shop, hosted countless cooking television shows and written 13 cookbooks. And she's been delighting fans with tasty recipes, inspiring ideas and practical tips along the way.
Given that her home base is in the Hamptons and she often hosts fancy, famous friends, it'd be easy to assume Garten is totally out of touch. But that's not the case at all. Sure, she recommends splurging on the "good olive oil," but not everything in her kitchen costs a fortune. In fact, many of her everyday staples — the products she actually uses — are surprisingly wallet-friendly. There's the $17 Lodge cast iron skillet she raves about, and let's not forget about her go-to OXO salad spinner.
Want to add more Garten-approved essentials to your kitchen without sending your bank account into the red? Keep scrolling to shop the affordable cookware, kitchen tools and pantry essentials she loves.
Just like kitchen timers, Ina has a ton of oven thermometers. "No matter what it says on the dial, the oven itself can be totally different," she shared with NYT Cooking. Amazon shoppers love this under-$10 thermometer for how user-friendly it is.
A good cast iron skillet is key in the kitchen, and this one from Lodge has Ina's heart. It comes pre-seasoned so you can get right to the good part (which is obviously frying).
“I can’t think of anything that’s not great paired with All-Clad. It’s just great equipment,” Garten shared with Williams Sonoma Taste. She loves this cookware set because it's easy to clean, cooks evenly and retains heat beautifully.
Garten often raves about the stainless steel skillets, but don't overlook the brand's nonstick designs. This versatile pan has earned 4.5 stars overall from Amazon shoppers. "Easy to use, easy to clean, cooks beautifully," wrote a five-star fan. "Truly nonstick."
Related: The best nonstick pans of 2025, tested and reviewed
"I use it all the time," Garten raved about this slim, easy-to-store kitchen scale. When precise measurements are important, you'll be glad you have this tool in your arsenal. People who've purchased this item on Amazon say it's accurate and reliable.
"I bought this as a gift for my sister," one customer commented. "She loves that she can put her own bowls on here, zero out the weight and then add items to weigh as she goes. Also, that the display can be pulled out a bit and allow for larger vessels on the scale makes a huge difference."
Garten doesn't have just one of these "long ring" timers in her kitchen, she has two! "These are really important," Garten explained, in a video for NYT Cooking. "I don't want to put something in the oven and forget about it."
If you're forgetful as well, then snag this inexpensive essential while it's just $10 at Amazon. Though Garten is a fan of this particular brand, customers give it mixed reviews. Many appreciate that the alarm lasts long enough for them to hear, while others say the noise just isn't loud enough for their liking.
We've all been there, wrestling with plastic wrap to cover a plate or bowl only to have it fold in on itself and become completely unusable. Ugh! Luckily, Garten has the perfect fix — this handy dispenser which she said, "I use it all the time."
Others who own it sing its praises as well. "Anyone who has ever struggled with a box of plastic wrap should get this. Works perfectly and saves a lot of money over time, not having to purchase plastic wrap as often. The first roll lasted me 8 months," one shopper explained.
Another added, "So convenient! Just pull out the desired length, push down and tada! No wrestling around trying to yank the Saran Wrap anymore! I have purchased four more to gift to friends and family."
While the rest of us are snacking on regular ol' raisins, Garten stocks her pantry with these Zante currants. The vegan, gluten-free treats are great on their own, but can also be used in homemade granola, baked goods or to top a salad.
"Great in oatmeal cookies instead of raisins," wrote one Amazon reviewer. Another added: "These are fresh and taste amazing. I love to bake with them."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
