These discount retailers stock plenty of bargains, but not all of the merchandise is worth the buck, especially since Dollar Tree’s price increase.
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A dollar is a dollar – until it’s $1.25. Dollar Tree’s recent price increase – most items formerly $1 are now $1.25 – means it’s time to take a look at the value you’re getting at dollar stores. If you find yourself filling your basket with dollar-store buys that you never use because the quality is poor or the brand is unfamiliar, then you’re simply wasting money. We recently revisited Dollar Tree stores, where everything sells for around $1.25 or less. We wanted another look at what was on the shelves. We were careful to compare the prices and packaging of those items with prices and packaging at other retailers, a key step to successful dollar-store shopping. We also talked to shopping experts for their guidance.
One tip right off the bat: Pay attention to sizes and quantities. Manufacturers will often offer special versions of their products as they work to make a profit at the dollar stores’ fixed price point. For the consumer, this isn’t necessarily a show-stopper, but it does make comparisons to offerings at other retailers difficult. You need to keep a close eye on unit cost and even what those units are — items? Ounces? Pounds?
Take a look at 17 of the worst things to buy at dollar stores, either because the price is high or the quality is low — or, in some cases, both.
Dollar store experts and deals sites have long been warning shoppers about buying batteries at dollar stores, especially carbon-zinc batteries. Carbon-zinc batteries don’t last as long as alkaline batteries, and they can damage devices if they leak. The $1.25 packets of “heavy duty” batteries I found at Dollar Tree came under the e-Circuit and Panasonic brands and both were stamped with a warning: “Use for low-drain devices,” such as remotes and clock radios.
“While the prices are enticing, they just dont last and end up costing you more money than buying Duracell, Energizer, or even the Kirkland brand at Costco,” said Kyle James, founder of Rather-Be-Shopping.
Finding good prices on beauty products is almost always a challenge. However, don’t try any shortcuts at dollar stores.
“If something is not a name brand, skip it, especially with skin care products, and especially those with SPF, which tends to degrade over time,” says smart shopping expert Trae Bodge of TrueTrae. “It’s hard to tell how long these products have been sitting on the shelves, and it’s not worth the risk.”
There are exceptions. “Some name-brand beauty products are available at the dollar store, so if you spot a favorite brand and the product looks fresh, I’d say go for it,” says Bodge. A Blistex or Vaseline lip balm stick is good value at $1.25.
Wellness products and vitamins can be expensive, but the solution to savings isn’t at the dollar store.
“Anything for internal use, like vitamins, should be skipped,” says Bodge. “Don’t take any chances — just shop at the pharmacy, a big box store or a wholesale warehouse for those.” Non-ingestible wellness products are just fine to buy at dollar stores. “Name-brand cotton balls/swabs are good to get at the dollar store, but I would avoid generics,” says Bodge.
When restocking kiddos during the course of the school year, the $1.25-or-less lure is tempting when stocking up on school supplies, but quality appeared low on some of the products I saw and handled at Dollar Tree. Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews, agrees.
“Considering that quality is usually pretty bad, you could find yourself with mechanical pencils that have cheap lead which breaks often, pens that stop writing even though they should have plenty of ink, or even regular pencils that even when sharpened dont write so well,” says Ramhold.
For your school supplies, “youre better off buying a bulk pack at a warehouse store, as these will often be name-brand instruments in larger packages,” she says. “I can personally confirm that a box of Ticonderoga pencils from a warehouse store got me through at least three years of college without having to buy more.”
A turkey baster is one of those simple kitchen tools that can make a big difference when preparing a holiday meal This handy little tool allows you to easily baste your turkey as it roasts, helping to keep the meat deliciously moist and adding flavor While you can find turkey basters at most stores, Dollar General offers an excellent selection of quality basters at budget-friendly prices.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about purchasing and using a turkey baster from Dollar General. You’ll learn about the different types of basters available get tips on choosing the best one for your needs, and discover how to use a baster properly for basting success. We’ll also highlight some of the top-rated baster options at Dollar General to consider.
So let’s get started and learn how this simple tool can help take your holiday turkey to the next level!
A turkey baster is a kitchen tool used to baste liquids over meat as it cooks, most commonly when roasting a turkey. It consists of a squeezable bulb on one end and a thin tube on the other.
To use a turkey baster, you simply:
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Fill the bulb with pan juices, butter, broth or other liquid.
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Squeeze the bulb to suck up the liquid.
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Insert the tip of the tube into the turkey cavity.
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Gently release the bulb to drizzle the liquid over the turkey.
Basting helps keep the turkey moist and adds extra flavor. The key is to baste frequently, every 30 minutes or so.
Turkey basters come in a few styles:
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Basic plastic bulb basters – These standard basters have a plastic body and bulb. They are inexpensive but can crack over time.
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Silicone basters – The bulb is made of flexible, heat-resistant silicone. These are durable and easy to squeeze.
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Pump basters – Instead of squeezing a bulb, you pump a handle to suck up and release liquid. These can be easier to control.
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Metal basters – Made of stainless steel, these are very durable but pricier. The metal helps evenly distribute heat.
Why Buy a Turkey Baster at Dollar General?
Dollar General is a great place to purchase a turkey baster for several key reasons:
Affordable pricing – Basters at Dollar General typically range from $1 to $4, significantly cheaper than other retail stores.
Convenient locations – With over 17,000 locations across the U.S., you’re bound to find a Dollar General store near you.
Reliable quality – Dollar General turkey basters deliver reliable quality and performance for basic basting needs.
Variety of options – Choose from standard plastic bulb, silicone, and pump basters to suit your preferences.
Frequent sales/deals – Dollar General often runs promotions offering even lower prices on select kitchen tools.
For an essential, yet inexpensive, turkey basting tool, Dollar General is a smart choice. You can get a perfectly functional baster without breaking the bank.
What to Look for When Buying a Turkey Baster
Keep these tips in mind when selecting a turkey baster at Dollar General:
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Size – Look for a baster around 12 inches long to easily reach into the turkey cavity. Opt for a bulb capacity around 2-3 oz.
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Material – Silicone or plastic are affordable options. Silicone is more durable over time.
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Control – If opting for a squeeze bulb, make sure it feels easy to compress. A pump handle offers greater control.
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Comfort – Choose a baster with an ergonomic grip and smooth release so it’s comfortable to operate.
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Price – Expect to pay $3-$4 for a decent baster at Dollar General, while basic styles can be as low as $1.
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Ease of cleaning – Basters with fewer ridges and crevices are simpler to hand wash.
By keeping these criteria in mind, you can select the best turkey baster for your needs and budget.
How to Use a Turkey Baster for Delicious Results
Using a turkey baster properly is the key to moist, flavorful turkey. Follow these tips:
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Preheat baster – Before first use, fill bulb with hot water to preheat. Release water before basting.
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Use flavorful liquids – Opt for broth, pan drippings, butter or oil over plain water for better flavor.
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Fill bulb carefully – Squeeze gently. Overfilling can cause leaks or make release difficult.
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Insert tip carefully – Gently insert tip into turkey cavity about 1-2 inches. Avoid puncturing skin.
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Release liquid slowly – Gently squeeze bulb to create a steady dribble over turkey. Avoid squirting.
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Baste thoroughly – Squirt liquid over thighs, breasts, wings and legs for even coverage.
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Baste frequently – Baste every 30 minutes to keep turkey completely moist.
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Discard after use – Don’t reuse; residue can breed bacteria. Discard and use new baster each time.
With the right technique, your turkey baster will help infuse your holiday bird with delicious flavor and moisture.
Handy Turkey Baster Tips and Tricks
Take your basting skills up a notch with these useful tips:
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Add herbs, garlic or citrus to the basting liquid for extra flavor.
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Tilt turkey periodically so different areas are closest to the juices for self-basting.
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If smoker roasting, baste with broth versus oil-based liquids to avoid flare ups.
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Use a turkey baster to add melted butter under the turkey skin before roasting.
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An oven-safe baster lets you baste right in the hot oven.
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Beyond birds, baste pork roasts, baked potatoes or veggies.
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Clean your baster with a bottle brush and dish soap after each use.
With the right techniques, this simple tool can work wonders!
Top Turkey Basters at Dollar General
Dollar General offers a wide selection of turkey basters sure to meet any budget or needs. Here are some of the top-rated options:
Dollar General Plastic Turkey Baster
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Price: $1
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Details: Standard plastic baster with squeeze bulb
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Rating: 4.1 stars, over 300 reviews
This basic baster gets the job done for only a buck. The narrow tip lets you easily insert it into the turkey. It’s lightweight and easy to squeeze. For basic basting, it’s hard to beat the value.
Dollar General Silicone Turkey Baster
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Price: $3
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Details: 12-inch silicone bulb baster
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Rating: 4.6 stars, 130+ reviews
An affordable silicone upgrade, this baster provides more durability and easier squeezing. The angled tip offers great maneuverability. Customers love the soft squeeze bulb and comfortable grip.
Dollar General Pump Turkey Baster
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Price: $4
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Details: Ergonomic pump baster with stainless steel tip
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Rating: 4.4 stars, 90+ reviews
With a stainless steel tip and pump handle, this offers enhanced control and heat resistance. The handle provides a steady basting motion. Users rave about the quality and performance.
Goodcook Classic Turkey Baster
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Price: $4
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Details: Professional grade, commercial kitchen quality
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Rating: 4.6 stars, 70+ reviews
This pro-style baster features thick, heat-resistant nylon construction. The commercial quality makes it extra durable. Customers say it works flawlessly even after years of use.
Get the Most Out of Your Turkey Baster
To recap, here are some key tips to choose and use a turkey baster successfully:
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Opt for a 12-inch baster with a 2-3 oz bulb capacity
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Look for durable silicone or easy-to-squeeze plastic
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Expect to pay $1-$4 at Dollar General
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Preheat before first use and fill bulb carefully
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Baste every 30 minutes with flavorful liquids
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Thoroughly coat all turkey areas, inside and out
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Avoid reusing; discard after each use
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Add flavorings, tilt turkey, or baste other foods
With the right baster from Dollar General and proper technique, you can ensure a perfectly juicy and delicious holiday turkey! This simple, affordable tool is a must for any Thanksgiving chef.
Windshield washer fluid
A gallon of Driver’s Choice windshield washer fluid at Dollar Tree is $1.25. A gallon of V.I.P Super Tech windshield washer fluid at Walmart supermarket was more than twice as much at $3.27. One colored liquid is as good as the next, right?
Not really, and here’s the rub: The jug at Dollar Tree says it isn’t effective in the winter when people living in colder climates need it most! (Not to mention that letting a windshield washer system freeze up could be costly.) The Walmart windshield washer fluid promises it’s good in sub-zero temperatures.
1 Plastic food storage
Waste not, want not starts with storing leftovers. But don’t go with plastic food containers from the dollar store, Bodge warns. “Whether we are cooking with these containers or using them in the microwave or dishwasher, applying heat can release toxins in certain plastics,” says Bodge. “Because you’d be unlikely to find BPA-free or other ‘safe’ plastics at the dollar store, I would avoid this category unless you plan to use them for storing non-food items.”
Hey, we all gotta go. Toilet paper is a product not to scrimp on, and you probably won’t enjoy your constitutional with TP from the dollar store.
“There are two scenarios to buying toilet paper at a dollar store, and neither are preferable,” says Ramhold. “For one, you could find yourself buying off-brand toilet paper that has fewer fibers, or is 1-ply, or both. Its not a good combo, and you could find yourself having to use more toilet paper on your bathroom breaks. The second is that you might be able to buy name-brand, good-quality TP, but the price wont be worth it. Price per unit is bound to be higher than if you shopped elsewhere, so even if youre getting good quality, your wallet is still losing.”
And think of your guests, too. You don’t want to be that guy with the sandpaper.
Oh, yes, of course. Same as it is with TP, you’re just not going to get quality paper towels at a good price at the dollar store.
Says Ramhold, “If youre buying paper towels at dollar stores, youre probably overpaying. And if youre not overpaying, you might be getting cheaper quality. That might seem like a good idea when figuring out your grocery budget, but if youre having to use more paper towels to clean up messes, youre not saving yourself any money — or time.”
DOLLAR GENERAL PENNY SHOPPING & POPSHELF AWESOME CLEARANCE!
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What is the best turkey baster?
Another high-quality option is the Norpro, a stainless steel turkey baster with a powerful suction, which comes with its own cleaning brush. This one is also heat-safe and well designed to hold hot liquid, and many say that it is one of the best turkey basters. First, squeeze the bulb of the turkey baster before putting it into the liquid.
How do I choose a turkey baster?
While some people choose to use a barbecue basting brush instead, nothing is as quick and easy as a turkey baster. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your turkey baster this Thanksgiving. Some basters have a rubber bulb, while others are designed with a silicone bulb or made with latex.
How durable is a turkey baster?
The materials that your turkey baster is made of will have a direct impact on its durability. Stainless steel is the most durable option as it can withstand extremely high temperatures, and is a great choice for many kitchen items from Turkey Basters to the best stainless steel cookware sets.
How does a turkey baster work?
Turkey basters have a bulb connected to a flavor injector, the perfect design to squeeze up a large amount of liquid and then release it back onto the turkey. Basting a turkey is the most efficient way to keep it moist as it cooks. While some people choose to use a barbecue basting brush instead, nothing is as quick and easy as a turkey baster.