How I Equipped My Kitchen for Under $500 Through 24 years of marriage, 23 years of parenthood and four children, I've spent a lot of time in the kitchen. The wedding shower gifts have long since been used up and replaced. I've experimented with all kinds of equipment, utensils and gadgets and developed a list of must-haves. Here's how I equipped my kitchen with those essentials for less than $500. My secrets are to watch sales, use coupons, comparison shop and never sacrifice quality for low price. Read on for penny pinching tips...