Cupboard bare? Five great deals on kitchen tools.

During your holiday entertaining, you may have found your kitchen wanting. Fix that with these great deals on appliances, cutlery, and more. 

You may have noticed from your holiday entertaining that no matter where you want your guests to congregate, they always wind up in the kitchen. And it's that kind of attention that requires a well-stocked cupboard. Today's kitchen deals are varied and include nearly everything but the kitchen sink!

1. Philippe Richard 21-Piece Knife Set
    Store: JCPenney
    Price: $30 with free in-store pickup
    Lowest By: $18

   Is It Worth It?: Here's a knife set to get you ready for any culinary situation you can slice or dice your way into. Available in Blkcat, this knife block includes six steak knives, kitchen shears, scissors, and more. It also comes with half a dozen kitchen implements with rounded handles for easy grating and mincing. Philippe Richard is exclusively available through JC Penney, so you won't find this item elsewhere. And if that doesn't make the cut, what does?

2. Williams-Sonoma Holiday Sale

    Discount: Up to 90%
    Shipping: $5.50 s&h or free on orders over $49 via coupon code "SHIP4FREE"

   Is It Worth It?: This sale from Williams-Sonoma features more than three dozen items ranging in price from $1.99 to $149.99. A best bet is the Williams-Sonoma Hot Chocolate Gift Set (pictured) for $39.99, which is well below the retail price of $99.95. It includes a Froth & Pour Hot Chocolate Pot, which features an internal whisk that whips your concoction into a rich delicacy. The set also comes with hot chocolate mix, hand-made vanilla marshmallows, and a hand towel.

3. Home Depot Small Appliances Sale

    Discount: 15% off via coupon code "SAVE15"
    Shipping: Free shipping
    Expires: January 23

   Is It Worth It?: Are you ready to check out one of the best percent-off discounts we've seen on small appliances at Home Depot in recent months? We thought so. But make sure you use that coupon code "SAVE15" to get 15% off select wares, like the Euro-Pro Ninja Master Prep Professional Blender for $50.95 after the coupon code (a low by $9). It features an interchangeable motor head with controlled pulsing and three different sized containers. It also comes with a booklet with 25 recipes.

4. DeLonghi EC5 Steam Espresso Maker
    Store: newegg
    Price: $29.99 via coupon code "EMCNJJJ32" with free shipping
    Lowest By: $9

   Is It Worth It?: Who can resist the joys of a sleek espresso machine? Tied with our mention from a week ago, this coffee maker features a drip tray, frother, 8.5-ounce heat-resistant glass carafe, and more. You can also make two espressos simultaneously with the convenient 2-cup adapter.

5. Nine Stars 13.2-Gallon Touchless Automatic Oval Trash Can with Stainless Top
    Store: Walmart
    Price: $39.97 with free in-store pickup
    Lowest By: $35

   Is It Worth It?: Tied with our mention from a week ago, this stainless steel trash can has a 13.2-gallon capacity and features a sensor that automatically opens the lid. It can be opened and closed a minimum of 10,000 times before needing battery replacement. (Note that Walmart's web site says to use D batteries, but the manufacturer specifies C batteries instead.)

Lou Carlozo is a contributor to dealnews.com, a website devoted to finding the best deals on consumer goods. The site pledges to list the best deal, whether or not it's from an advertiser, although it does work with advertisers to craft deals for readers. Our guest bloggers are not employed or directed by the Monitor and the views expressed are the bloggers' own, as is responsibility for the content of their blogs. To contact us about a blogger, click here. This feature first appeared in dealnews.com.