4 Things Not to Buy on October Amazon Prime Day

As a food editor, I’ve been looking forward to October’s Amazon Prime Day all year. Prime Big Deal Days 2025 begins tomorrow, and the event offers the perfect opportunity to grab the kitchen items on my fall wish list. The major sales event has no shortage of deals on kitchen essentials like cookware and food storage containers. The only problem? In a sea of options, it can be easy to choose trendy items that won’t stand the test of time. 

It’s my job to test kitchen gear, so I can say with confidence that not every gadget is worth the spend. I rounded up the four kitchen products I’d avoid this Prime Day, plus 20 alternatives to snag instead.

Best Things to Buy on October Amazon Prime Day, According to a Food Editor

• Ninja Flip Air Fryer Toaster Oven, $150, originally $220
• Henckels Razor-Sharp Compact Chef’s Knife, $57 with coupon, originally $84
• OXO Good Grips 8-Cup Airtight Glass Container, $16, originally $20
• Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, 5.5-Quart, $321 originally $435
• All-Clad D5 5-Ply Stainless Steel Saucepan, 3-Quart, $150, originally $220

Don’t Buy: A Bulky Air Fryer

Buy Instead: An Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Remember when air fryers were all the rage? While I love their ability to crisp up food fast and efficiently, they tend to be cumbersome. Step into the future of weeknight cooking with an air fryer toaster oven. These multicookers combine two essential kitchen appliances into one, freeing up counter space for other items. Ninja even makes a model that flips up and away for storage, giving you even more space for prep. Plus, save on one of our tested favorites from Breville.

• Ninja Flip Air Fryer Toaster Oven, $150, originally $220
• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Convection Oven, $350, originally $400
• Cosori Smart 12-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven, $140, originally $160
• Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Toaster Oven, $230, originally $330
• Bella Air Fryer Toaster Oven, $100, originally $130

Don’t Buy: A Huge Knife Set

Buy Instead: Individual Knives and Small Sets

I understand the impulse to buy a large set of knives — especially when they come neatly packed in a pretty storage block. However, unless you’re a professional chef, you probably don’t need a dozen blades in your collection. That’s especially true if you, like me, are working in a small kitchen. My advice? Invest in a high-quality chef’s knife, bread knife, paring knife, and nakiri knife (if you work with a lot of vegetables). These knives are versatile enough to cover nearly all of your prep needs. Store them on a magnetic knife holder to keep your blades sharp and organized. Below are some of my favorites, starting at just $15.

• Henckels Razor-Sharp Compact Chef’s Knife, $57 with coupon, originally $84
• Imarku Bread Knife, 10-Inch, $32 with coupon, originally $52
• ​​Kyocera Revolution 2-Piece Ceramic Knife Set, $71, originally $85
• Zwilling Gourmet 6.5-Inch Nakiri Knife, $60, originally $119
• Henckels Paring Knife, $15, originally $17

Don’t Buy: Plastic Food Storage Containers

Buy Instead: Glass Food Storage Containers

I tend to cook more than I can eat, so saving and snacking on leftovers is an integral part of my routine. This Prime Day, while some of my favorite brands are on sale, I’m replacing many of my worn-out plastic food storage containers with glass ones. I rounded up the best deals on sets and singles in all sizes to tackle all of my storage needs. Save on Rubbermaid, OXO, Pyrex, and more before discounts end. 

• Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 9, $60, originally $80
• OXO Good Grips 8-Cup Airtight Glass Container, $16, originally $20
• Pyrex Freshlock Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 5, $38
• Vtopmart Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 8, $27, originally $33
• JoyJolt Borosilicate Glass Storage Containers, Set of 24, $34, originally $43

Don’t Buy: Teflon Cookware

Buy Instead: Non-Toxic Cookware

Another non-toxic swap I’m making is with my cookware. While traditional nonstick pans come in handy when I’m making scrambled eggs or sticky sauces, pans containing PFOAs, Teflon, and other forever chemicals can also leach toxins into my food. Not exactly an appetizing thought. I’ve been on a journey to replace those pots and pans with stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, and cast iron alternatives.  Ditch your peeling pans for this non-toxic cookware from Le Creuset, All-Clad, Lodge, and Our Place.

• Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, 5.5-Quart, $321 originally $435
• All-Clad D5 5-Ply Stainless Steel Saucepan, 3-Quart, $150, originally $220
• Our Place 13-Piece Cookware Set, $282, originally $360
• Lodge 3.6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Oval Casserole, $70, originally $100
• Our Place Titanium Mini Perfect Pot Pro, 2.75-Quart, $135, originally $169

Don’t waste your money at Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2025. Skip the overhyped gadgets, oversized appliances, and toxic cookware, and grab these editor-approved picks before discounts disappear.