12 Best Kmart Kitchen Finds Under $20 for Easy Cooking

The test for any kitchen purchase isn't whether it's cheap — it's whether it earns its drawer space. A $3 gadget you never use is worse value than a $15 tool you reach for Home Finds Worth Your Money">Finds Worth Buying Every Single Week">every single day. These 12 Kmart kitchen finds pass that test. All are under $20, all are available in Australian Kmart stores right now, and all will genuinely make cooking faster, easier or more enjoyable.

1. Digital Kitchen Scale — $12–$15

The single most useful kitchen tool for improving your cooking. Weighing ingredients instead of measuring by volume is faster, more accurate, and means less washing up. Particularly transformative for baking — bread, cakes and biscuits are dramatically more consistent when you weigh flour instead of spooning it into a cup. Kmart's digital scale has a tare function, reads in grams and ounces, and has a flat surface that wipes clean in seconds.

Who needs it: Anyone who bakes, anyone who wants to follow international recipes, anyone who wants to portion food accurately.

2. Silicone Spatula Set — $10–$14

A good silicone spatula does three jobs: scrapes bowls completely clean (no more wasted batter), folds ingredients gently without deflating them, and handles high heat without melting. Kmart sells sets of two or three in different sizes. The small one is for jars and tight corners; the large one is for mixing bowls and frying pans. These are used in almost every cook and last for years.

3. Clip-Top Glass Jars — $2–$4 each

The best pantry upgrade available. Decant pasta, rice, oats, lentils, flour and sugar into matching clip-top jars and your pantry immediately looks organised, makes it easy to see what you have, and keeps ingredients fresh longer. At $2–$4 each, buying six to eight jars costs $12–$25 and transforms the entire pantry.

4. Microplane Grater — $14–$18

A fine microplane grater turns hard parmesan into a snow of cheese that melts immediately, zests citrus in seconds, and grates ginger and garlic so fine it disappears into whatever you're cooking. The flat box grater that came with your kitchen set does none of these things well. A microplane is one of those tools that once you own it, you use it constantly.

5. Oil Spray Bottle — $6–$10

Refillable with your own olive oil or neutral oil, an oil spray bottle gives you an even, controlled mist of oil over pans, baking trays and air fryer baskets. It uses significantly less oil than pouring, coats surfaces more evenly, and means you're not buying aerosol cooking sprays with propellant and additives. One of those small purchases that pays for itself within weeks.

6. Silicone Baking Mat — $10–$15

Replaces baking paper permanently. Nothing sticks, it cleans with a quick wipe, and it lasts for years. For anyone who bakes biscuits, roasts vegetables, or makes pastry regularly, a silicone mat saves money on baking paper and produces better results — more even browning, no sticking. Make sure it fits your oven tray before buying.

7. Bamboo Cutting Board — $12–$18

Bamboo is harder than plastic (better for knives), more hygienic than wood (less porous), and looks significantly more attractive than the thin plastic boards that come with most kitchen starter sets. Kmart's bamboo boards are well-sized and well-priced. Buy two — one for meat, one for vegetables and bread.

8. Mandoline Slicer — $18–$20

Uniform thin slices of potato, cucumber, zucchini and beetroot in a fraction of the time it takes with a knife. For potato gratins, cucumber salads, stir-fries and anything where even slicing matters, a mandoline is transformative. Kmart's mandoline at around $18–$20 is genuinely capable for home cooking. Use the hand guard every single time.

9. Stoneware Mug Set — $15–$20 for 4

Kmart's stoneware mug sets in earthy tones are consistently good — substantial feel, dishwasher safe, and genuinely attractive on a bench. At $15–$20 for a set of four they cost less than two mugs from a homeware boutique and look just as good. This is the coffee ritual upgrade that costs almost nothing.

10. Salad Spinner — $15–$18

Wet lettuce makes sad salad. A salad spinner dries leaves in seconds and — the underrated bonus — stores them in the fridge in the same bowl, keeping them crisp for days. This is one of those purchases that makes you wonder why you waited so long to buy it. Kmart's version is compact, functional and genuinely good.

11. Pouring Jug Set — $8–$12

A set of two or three clear measuring jugs in different sizes is one of the most useful kitchen basics. Liquid measurements, mixing sauces and dressings, pouring batter into pans — a good jug earns constant use. Kmart's clear plastic or glass jugs are microwave-safe, easy to read, and stack neatly.

12. Kitchen Scissors — $8–$15

Not craft scissors. Proper kitchen scissors with a strong blade and comfortable grip. They cut pizza faster than a wheel, snip herbs directly into a dish, cut spring onions and chives without a board, and break down chicken far more easily than a knife. Look for ones that come apart at the hinge for washing — this matters more than you'd think.

The $100 Kmart Kitchen Upgrade Kit

If you bought all 12 items at mid-range prices:

• Digital scale: $14
• Silicone spatula set: $12
• Clip-top jars x6: $18
• Microplane: $16
• Oil spray: $8
• Silicone mat: $12
• Bamboo boards x2: $28
• Mandoline: $19

Total: $127. A completely upgraded kitchen that cooks better, looks better and works harder. Buy the five most relevant to you first — scale, spatulas, microplane, oil spray and silicone mat cover most cooking situations.

Making the Most of Your Kmart Kitchen Investment

Before diving into more fantastic finds, it's worth noting that Kmart's kitchen range changes seasonally. If you spot something you love, grab it — these items often sell out quickly and may not return for months. I've learned this the hard way after missing out on their brilliant $8 mandoline slicer last year!

Storage Solutions That Actually Work

Glass Food Storage Set — $12

Kmart's borosilicate glass containers with bamboo lids are a game-changer for meal prep. Unlike plastic containers that stain and warp, these glass beauties go from fridge to microwave to dishwasher without missing a beat. The set includes three sizes, perfect for storing leftovers or prepping ingredients. At $12, they're significantly cheaper than similar sets at Woolworths ($25) or Big W ($18).

Spice Jar Set — $8

Those tiny spice sachets from Coles add up fast — sometimes costing $3-4 each. Kmart's 12-piece glass spice jar set lets you buy spices in bulk from places like ALDI or ethnic grocers for a fraction of the cost. The jars have both shaker and pour openings, and the labels are actually removable (unlike some sets that leave sticky residue everywhere).

Prep Tools That Save Time and Money

Vegetable Chopper — $15

This isn't just another gadget that clutters your drawers. Kmart's manual vegetable chopper genuinely speeds up meal prep, particularly for stir-fries, salads, and soups. It dices onions without tears, creates uniform vegetable pieces for even cooking, and saves your knives from dulling on hard vegetables. The container base catches everything, reducing mess significantly.

Silicone Baking Mats — $6 (pack of 2)

Stop buying baking paper every few weeks. These reusable silicone mats pay for themselves within months and work brilliantly for everything from cookies to roasted vegetables. They're naturally non-stick, distribute heat evenly, and go straight in the dishwasher. I've had mine for two years and they still look brand new.

Small Appliances with Big Impact

Milk Frother — $8

Skip the $5-7 daily coffee shop visits. Kmart's handheld milk frother creates café-quality foam in seconds, turning your home coffee into something special. It works with any type of milk — dairy, oat, almond, or soy. The battery lasts months, and it's so compact it barely takes up any drawer space.

Egg Cooker — $18

Perfect eggs every single time, from soft-boiled to hard-boiled. This electric egg cooker prevents the guesswork and eliminates overcooked, rubbery eggs. It automatically shuts off when done and includes a piercing tool to prevent cracking. Particularly brilliant for meal prep — cook a week's worth of eggs in one go.

How These Compare to Department Store Alternatives

I've tested similar products from other retailers, and honestly, Kmart holds its own remarkably well. Their digital scales are just as accurate as the $45 version from David Jones. The silicone baking mats perform identically to the premium brands at Williams Sonoma that cost three times as much.

The main difference is usually aesthetic — department store versions might have sleeker designs or premium materials like stainless steel instead of plastic. But for functionality? Kmart delivers exceptional value.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Product Life

To get the most from these budget finds, proper care is essential. Hand-wash items with electronic components, even if they claim to be dishwasher-safe. Store silicone products away from sharp objects to prevent nicks. For the spice jars, wash thoroughly before first use and ensure they're completely dry before adding spices to prevent clumping.

Most importantly, register products where possible. Kmart offers surprisingly good warranty coverage, and I've successfully returned faulty items months after purchase with just my receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kmart kitchen products safe to use?

Yes, all Kmart kitchen products sold in Australia must meet strict safety standards. Their food-contact items are BPA-free and undergo rigorous testing. I've used dozens of their products over the years without any safety concerns.

How long do these products typically last?

With normal use, expect 2-3 years from most items. Electronic products like scales and egg cookers might last longer with careful handling. The silicone and glass products are particularly durable — some of mine are approaching five years and still going strong.

Can I return items if they don't work out?

Kmart offers a generous return policy. Items can be returned within 28 days with receipt for a full refund, or exchanged within 12 months if faulty. Keep your receipts — I photograph mine with my phone immediately after purchase.

When's the best time to shop for kitchen items at Kmart?

New stock typically arrives Thursday mornings, so shop early in the week for the best selection. End-of-season clearances (March and September) offer fantastic deals, but popular items sell quickly.

Building Your Budget Kitchen Arsenal

Start with the essentials — scales, basic storage, and one good prep tool. Add items gradually as you identify specific needs in your cooking routine. There's no point buying everything at once if half the items will sit unused.

Consider your cooking style too. If you bake regularly, prioritise the silicone mats and measuring tools. Love fresh coffee? The milk frother is transformative. Cook lots of Asian cuisine? The vegetable chopper will become your best friend.