With the end of summer drawing close, this Labor Day weekend sparks a notable event for shopping enthusiasts, specifically for kitchen items. As the season of barbecues and beachfront picnics winds down, the early Labor Day sales at Target are here to cushion the blow.

Going through the extensive inventory, I handpicked a range of must-have appliances and cookware items. Brands that stood out include Ninja, Cuisinart, Nespresso, and more, all starting from an affordable $9.

A highlight is the popular Ninja blender, now reduced by 27%. With a robust 1400-watt motor at its heart, this workhorse is perfect for crushing ice as well as frozen fruits. It also comes packing three blending cups ranging from 18 to 72 ounces.

Next, for those who enjoy a cup of coffee while working remotely, the single-serve Keurig machine stands out. It brews one cup at a time within minutes, fits in small kitchens, and is currently discounted by $30.

A royal blue microwave popcorn popper is just what you need for recreating that cinema popcorn taste at home. This silicone bowl, which can make 15 cups of popcorn, is now down by a staggering 52%.

Espresso lovers can try their hand at homebrewing with an easy-to-use espresso pot. Brewing up to three servings at once, this pot extracts robustly flavored espresso and comes with a 60% price cut.

Healthy breakfast enthusiasts might be enticed by an egg bite maker, which prepares customizable breakfasts in five minutes flat. Besides its simple design and nonstick feature, it can cook four egg bites at once.

Caffeine aficionados will appreciate the Nespresso machine, which is a favorite amongst my friends and family. This versatile machine, which makes hot and iced coffee and froths milk, is now going for a discount of 25%.

For a comprehensive cooking solution, consider the Swiss Army knife of appliances: an air fryer, steamer, slow cooker, and much more. This all-in-one device even has rice, pasta, searing, and sautéing settings.

If your cookware collection needs an upgrade, the 11-piece set from Cuisinart is now 40% off. The set includes everything from skillets to a steamer insert, and they're all dishwasher-safe.

Finally, it's time to retire your smartphone as a kitchen timer. The ThermoPro kitchen timer, a more convenient, hands-free solution, can now be yours for 25% off.

Dull knives are not just frustrating; they're a safety hazard. Upgrading to a reliable knife block set from Zwilling could be a wise investment. The set is currently offering a massive saving of $539.

Last but not least, elevate your baking game with Staub's high-quality, visually appealing bakeware. This four-piece set, which is currently 52% off at Target, is both microwave and dishwasher safe.