8 Things Not to Buy This Spring, and 8 to Buy Instead

The Amazon spring sale is filled with thousands of kitchen deals from shopper-loved brands. The only problem? With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to determine which items are worth the spend. That’s where we shopping experts come in. Based on our own rigorous gear tests and customer reviews, we’ve decided that certain trendy kitchen products aren’t worthy of a place in your collection, whether due to bulkiness or a lack of versatility.

These are the eight products to avoid when shopping this year’s Amazon spring sale, and eight editor-loved alternatives to buy instead. Prices start at just $8.

Don’t Buy: Vegetable Chopper

Buy Instead: Sharp Chef’s Knife

Henckels 8-Inch Slicing Knife

Vegetable choppers offer a way to prepare food faster, but they take up a lot of precious cabinet space for a specialty gadget and can be hard to clean between uses. Instead, stick to a sharp chef’s knife to slice and dice produce of all shapes and sizes. This 8-inch chef’s knife from Henckels is razor-sharp, with a durable blade capable of slicing through your toughest ingredients. Save 44% when you shop today. 

Don’t Buy: Teflon Cookware

Buy Instead: Ceramic Cookware

Carote 11-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set

Many nonstick cookware options use PTFAS, which can cause Teflon flu, so we suggest a ceramic cookware set instead. This 11-piece set comes with two frying pans, a saucepan, and a sauté pan with two detachable handles, two storage lids, and two glass lids. Right now, the whole set is 62% off.

Don’t Buy: Air Fryer

Buy Instead: Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Ninja Flip Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Air fryers had their moment in the spotlight, but more recently, a new, even more versatile appliance category has emerged: the air fryer toaster oven. Combining the power of two of your countertop’s bulkiest yet most useful appliances, this air fryer toaster oven can make almost anything. Best of all, it can flip up and away to save room.

Don’t Buy: Plug-in Hand Mixer

Buy Instead: Cordless Hand Mixer

KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Mixer

Stop straining your muscles while baking and grab a hand mixer instead. While most hand mixers require a nearby outlet, this matte black KitchenAid Go mixer is cordless, powered instead by a rechargeable battery. You’ll appreciate that the battery pack is removable and compatible with the entire KitchenAid Go system, which includes a hand vacuum, food processor, and coffee grinder.

Don’t Buy: Drip Coffee Maker

Buy Instead: One-Touch Espresso Machine

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine

The Nespresso Vertuo is a fan-favorite espresso machine, with nearly 10,000 perfect ratings at Amazon. Unlike a drip coffee machine, this appliance uses coffee and espresso pods to add ease to your morning routing. Get yours for 41% off today.

Don’t Buy: Plastic Spatula

Buy Instead: Wooden Spatula

Ayiaren Teakwood Spatula

Wooden utensils are a good non-toxic alternative to black plastic options, and if you’re looking for a spatula that can do it all, snag this teakwood one while it’s 20% off. The 12-inch wooden piece is clever in its simplicity. With its flat, dual-edged surface, the versatile spatula can turn, flip, stir, scrape, and more.

Don’t Buy: Cloth Dish Drying Mat

Buy Instead: Diatomaceous Earth Dish Pad

Dorai Home Diatomaceous Earth Dish Pad

Most microfiber dish drying mats remain in a constant state of dampness. To avoid the inevitable musty smell and buildup of bacteria, opt for this Dorai dish pad instead. The mat is made from diatomaceous earth, a material that wicks water away in seconds. It’s covered in silicone netting, so it won’t slide around on your countertop. Plus, those with limited storage space will appreciate the fact that it folds up to fit in most drawers.

Don’t Buy: Countertop Blender

Buy Instead: Immersion Blender

KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Blender

If you don’t think you have enough space for a blender, think again. While countertop blenders can be bulky, an immersion blender can accomplish almost all of the same tasks while taking up a fraction of the space. This cordless one from KitchenAid is a great pick for kitchens with limited outlets, so you can move around your kitchen without being limited by wires.

For more Amazon Big Spring Sale deals our editors approve of, check out our coverage of the best grill, knife, and patio furniture discounts. To score even more savings on kitchen products, tech gear, apparel, and more, head to the Amazon spring deals hub for thousands of can’t-miss savings.