I know you’re on a budget. Trust me; I’ve been there (and really, I’m still there!). At the end of the day, though, having some help in the kitchen is well worth the price. Actually, with these five items, you’ll save money in the end, since you’ll cook more at home than eat out. On top of that, it is healthier too! Even if you’re not a wiz in the kitchen, consider purchasing these five gadgets to make your life easier:

Gadget #1: The Magic Bullet Blender

If you don’t have one of these, you don’t know what your missing. Seriously - you life is not complete. The magic bullet makes smoothies, dips, and even batters for baked goods. Like mixed drinks? This gadget is PERFECT. Instead of making a huge blender messy, you just fill an individual cup, give it a swirl, and pop on a ring to drink it out of that very container. Fewer dishes? Yes, please. If you’ve seen this item on an infomercial, I’m telling you right now that it works just like that - it isn’t a piece of junk. You’ll use it every week, maybe every day. Read more or buy for the best price here.

Gadget #2: A Panini Press

It doesn’t matter what brand you buy - most panini presses work well. I like the one above, but again - you can choose any panini press and probably be happy. Why am I recommending this gadget? Well, if you’re like me, you enjoy a nice sandwich. While you can certainly purchase lunchmeat and cheese from your local deli or grocery store, it somehow isn’t the same as getting your lunch at Quizno’s or some other sub shop. The secret is heat, pressure, and great ingredients. With a panini press, you get two out of three - the rest is up to you. Read more or buy for the best price here.

Gadget #3: Homemade Soda Maker

Against, you don’t have to go with the Mr. Rootbeer kit shown above - there are tons of homemade soda makers out there. They can be a little pricey at first (though Mr. Rootbeer is quite affordable), but over time, if you use this gadget, you’ll save tons of money on soft drinks. It really isn’t hard, and if you drink a lot of soda, this is a must-have. Bonus point: making your own soda is healthier. Read more or buy for the best price here.

Gadget #4: A Slow Cooker

If you don’t have a slow cooker yet, what are you waiting for? They’re super affordable (for example, the one pictured above is just $30 new, and you can find discount prices as well), and will save you hours of work in the kitchen. Basically, you just throw everything into a pot, turn on the heat, and come back 4-8 hours later to a delicious meal. Even someone who can’t make toast can make meals in a slow cooker. Read more of buy for the best price here.

Gadget #5: The Toaster Oven

Most people think it is strange to learn that I don’t own a toaster, nor do I ever intend to own one. I love toast, but instead of purchasing a toaster, I got a toaster oven after I graduated. It does the same job, but the bread lies flat, so you can also use it to melt cheese over the bread, bake things (saving electricity since you don’t have to turn on the oven, and reheat meals (trust me, it tastes better than doing it in a microwave). Toaster ovens are nothing new, and chances are that your parents have one or two in the attic you can have. Really, though, to me, a home without a toaster oven is not a home. Read more or buy for the best price here.