Is the Echo Show better than a cheap tablet for recipes?

Usually, yes: an Echo Show is the better dedicated kitchen recipe helper if you want hands-free voice control, always-ready display, timers, and smart-speaker features. A cheap tablet is better if you want the widest recipe app/web access, easier browsing, and the ability to use it for non-kitchen tasks.

Typical pricing:

• Echo Show (new): about $60–$250 depending on size/model; smaller models are usually around $60–$100, mid-size around $100–$180, and larger premium models around $180–$250+.
• Cheap tablet (new): about $80–$180 for basic Android tablets or entry-level iPads on sale; refurbished can be lower, often $50–$130.

If your main use is “show me a recipe, read steps, set timers, play music” while cooking, the Echo Show is usually the better buy. If you often follow recipes from specific websites, PDFs, YouTube channels, meal-planning apps, or want a bigger portable screen, the cheap tablet is the better value.

Prices vary by sales and condition, so check sold/completed listings before buying.