12 Affordable Kitchen Items Smart Homeowners Should Stock Up On Before Winter Hits

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The cold, icy grip of winter will soon be here, and while you might dream of cozy days curled by the fire, the reality could be much more stark if the power goes out. It pays to prepare your home for winter storm power outages and while you're at it, you should stock up on affordable kitchen items to help you in the event of an outage. Common items, such as paper towels and dish soap, might not cross your mind for winter prep, but you'll thank yourself if you're left in the dark after a blizzard or Nor'easter. With some careful thought and preemptive buys, you can eat, clean, and insulate your house safely with these affordable everyday essentials.

Winter storms don't bring as many power outages as other extreme weather events such as hurricanes, but they can still take their toll. According to data gotten from Climate Central, of all the extreme weather-related outages from 2000 to 2023, 23% of the power outages listed resulted from winter storms. These may be the result of heavy winds knocking out the power lines, transformer malfunctions, or just increased demand for electricity during freezing temperatures. An average outage might last a few hours, while others could last a few days. If an outage occurs, you can make sure you're prepared with these must-haves before winter hits. Once you've bought them, keep them in an area where they're easily accessible for quick retrieval.

Whether used for cleaning up spills or as a temporary paper plate, paper towels are good to stock up on before winter's arrival. A multi-pack like the Sparkle Pick-a-Size Paper Towels lets you choose between a full sheet or a half sheet, so you don't waste any paper. There are also simple paper towel hacks to try around the home, such as using them in place of a Swiffer mop pad or freezing a few sheets into a DIY ice pack, both of which will come in handy during a power outage.

Not just for birthday parties or picnics, a box of disposable utensils can be a good item to stock up in your kitchen. You appreciate them if you haven't had time to wash your dishes or if you're without hot water for a while. Plastic knives, spoons, and forks all have their uses, so consider buying an assorted set, rather than purchasing just a box of only spoons or just forks. Consider Amazon Basics 192 Count Cutlery Set or if you want an eco-friendly option, the Ibambo 100%% Bamboo Utensils Set, which is compostable.

In addition to disposable utensils, a package of paper plates and bowls is a smart choice for your cart before winter hits. They make meals a little easier, especially if you eat canned goods, and simplify your cleanup. If you don't end up using all of them after winter's over, you can find a variety of unexpected ways to use paper plates around your home, including making one into a makeshift dustpan.

Dish soap is a must-have for cleaning your dishes, pots, and pans, even if you regularly use dishwasher tablets in your house. If you can't run your dishwasher, you'll have to wash everything by hand, but having dish soap can also help with other messes, such as cleaning kitchen cabinets or unclogging a drain blocked by food and grease. With a small bottle available for less than $1.50, it's a versatile essential you should add to your kitchen just in case.

Vinegar is another versatile cleaning tool that's good to have on hand before winter. It works as an easy disinfectant and is shelf-stable as well as food-safe, all without the need for electricity. You can mix it with water easily for a quick, effective cleaner and since it has multiple uses around the house while also being safe to use around pets, you won't regret stocking up on a bottle. Distilled white vinegar is available at any grocery store for less than $5, so throw some in your cart.

If your power outage lasts well into the night, you likely want some candles nearby to help you navigate the kitchen for simple tasks such as making a sandwich. In addition to stocking up on emergency candles, make sure you have a box of matches or better yet, a versatile option like the BIC Multi-Purpose Lighters, to illuminate your space. Just practice safe handling, keeping them away from children, and ensure never to fall asleep with candles burning.

Canned food is a lifesaver when you have a power outage, but don't neglect having a manual can opener in your cabinet if you don't have one already. Electric can openers are great but only until you run out of batteries or in the case of corded models, your power goes out. If you have trouble with dexterity or worry about cutting yourself, look for one with a smooth edge. The OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener is a good choice although it's pricier than normal openers.

Homes with pets or children might be wary of using candles, or need a way to light a space up quickly, such as in the middle of the night. A good lantern or flashlight provides safe, hands-free light in a pinch. There are a range of options available, from USB rechargeable to battery-operated. You could opt for the ENERGIZER WeatheReady LED Camping Lantern PRO-360, which runs on batteries while also charging your phone via USB. Whatever you buy, double-check to see if it's charged or stocked with fresh batteries.

Can you really have enough batteries? Not really. And if you have items that use them, such as lanterns, flash lights, portable reading lamps, or can openers, you'll want a fresh supply if needed. Ensure you have both AAA and AA, plus any D-cell batteries you may need, opting for a multi-pack like Amazon Basics 24 Count AA & AAA Alkaline Batteries. Store them safely away from moisture and at room temperature. Avoid keeping batteries stored together in a plastic bag as this may cause them to short-circuit after coming into contact with each other.

If you don't have a supply already, a box of affordable, all-natural baking soda can be essential for cleaning in the kitchen as well as helping curb stinky fridge smells when the power goes out. Mixed with a little water, it can be a perfect paste to scrub tough stains or buildup in pots if the dishwasher isn't available. You can also use it help neutralize built-up odors in your trash in case there's some time between pickup.

The accumulation of trash in your home doesn't stop during a power outage, and having a good supply of garbage bags is always a good idea. You can use them to toss out spoiled food or clean up after eating. You can even cut them up and cover your window with them to stay warm or ball them up together to block drafts under your door. Always keep plastic garbage bags away from any sources of heat, however, as they're flammable.

While not meant solely for the kitchen, window insulation material is another must for stocking up before a winter storm. Your kitchen may have a large window or patio door that will leak heat once the power is out, so you can fix any gaps with a window insulation kit. Doing so will help keep your kitchen warmer during the outage. A roll of ECOHomes Window Weather Sealing Tape or similar products can make a big difference with the winter chill.