
Whether you're setting up your first kitchen away from home, treating yourself to a gadget you’ve always wanted (but know won't get frequent use, like an immersion blender), or replacing outdated or broken cookware, dishes, and small appliances, Amazon Basics offers a wide range of must-haves that will make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable without breaking the bank.
Here are 16 of the highest-rated and best-selling Amazon Basics kitchen essentials—all priced under $50.
1. Cast Iron Dutch Oven; Starting at $37
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven | Available on AmazonWhether you're still perfecting your pandemic sourdough bread or planning to dive into a winter of comforting soups, these affordable alternatives to Le Creuset come in vibrant shades like spicy red, teal reminiscent of the Caribbean, and classic white—at a fraction of the cost. Available in 4.3-, 6-, and 7-quart sizes, these pots feature a durable, nonstick enamel coating and a cast iron base that ensures even heat distribution. They're oven-safe up to 400°F and stovetop-ready, though hand washing is required.
2. Silicone Baking Mats, Set of 2; Starting at $14
Amazon Basics Silicone Baking Mats, Set of 2 | Available on AmazonWith nearly 100,000 positive reviews, it's hard to argue with this two-pack of Silpat alternatives. These top-rated Amazon Basics mats are perfect for transforming any half-sheet pan into a nonstick surface for baking or roasting, and they’re much easier to clean than pans with stuck-on food. Plus, you’ll feel good about reducing waste, as these reusable mats replace single-use foil or parchment paper, and they don’t require greasing. Oven-safe up to 480°F.
3. Two-Slice Extra-Wide Toaster; Priced at $29
Amazon Basics 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster | Available on AmazonFor the ultimate avocado toast, start with crispy, hot bread. This two-slice toaster, featuring six shade settings, helps you create the perfect foundation for your brunch. Its extra-wide slots are ideal if you're more into bagel sandwiches. The bagel setting crisps only the cut side, while the frozen button helps defrost your bread. Available in four colors, with brushed silver being the priciest, this toaster also has a removable crumb tray and an extra-lift lever to make clean-up a breeze.
4. 18-Piece Knife Block Set; Priced at $48
Amazon Basics 18-Piece Premium Kitchen Knife Block Set | Available on AmazonThis 18-piece set includes seven essential kitchen knives, eight steak knives, a pair of kitchen scissors, and a knife sharpener. Made with high-carbon stainless steel blades, these knives are housed in a stylish pine wood storage block with sleek black triple-rivet handles. You’ll have no trouble leaving them out on display, even if Chris Evans stops by.
5. Kitchen Dish Towels, Set of 4; Priced at $11
Amazon Basics Cotton Kitchen Dish Towels, Set of 4 | Available on AmazonThese ultra-absorbent cotton dish towels make drying your dishes a breeze. Available in either ringspun or popcorn textures, the set includes four machine-washable towels made in an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 factory, ensuring that they’re free of chemicals and safe for the environment. With 13 color options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your kitchen.
6. Stainless Steel Tea Kettle; Priced at $23
Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Tea Kettle | Available on AmazonIf your current kettle is showing signs of wear and tear, it might be time to consider a replacement. This sleek stainless steel kettle from Amazon Basics is both stylish and affordable, available in bold colors like teal, red, and chrome silver. Rated 4.4 stars, it comes in three sizes (up to 2.5 quarts) and emits a loud whistle to alert you when your water is ready. Plus, it features a drip-free spout to minimize spills.
7. Electric Can Opener; Starting at $20
Amazon Basics Electric Can Opener | Available on AmazonTired of the hassle of manually opening cans? Make life easier with this user-friendly electric can opener from Amazon Basics. Over 21,000 customers have rated it 4.2 stars, praising its sleek design and simplicity. The non-slip base and magnetic lid holder ensure everything stays steady while in use. Compatible with all standard-sized cans, once you try it, you’ll likely never return to a manual can opener again.
8. Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat; Starting at $24
Amazon Basics Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat | Available on AmazonPro tip: Don’t cook another meal until you’ve got one of these mats between you and the hard kitchen floor. This cushy foam mat, available in brown and black and measuring 36-by-20-by-0.6 inches, eases the pressure on your feet, knees, legs, and back when standing for long periods, such as during your next Blue Apron prep session. It’s not just for the kitchen—take it with you to use while working at your standing desk, painting, exercising, playing your Oculus Quest 2, tinkering in the garage, or doing your makeup in front of the mirror.
9. Digital Kitchen Scale; Priced at $12
Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display | Available on AmazonNeed precise measurements for your recipe? This BPA-free, stainless steel digital scale gives you exact readings with its easy-to-read LCD display. Whether it’s 10 grams of butter, 15 ounces of strawberries, or five pounds of flour, this scale ensures accuracy. Plus, the first two AAA batteries are included, so you can start using it right away.
10. Nonstick Frying Pans, Set of 3; $34
Amazon Basics 3-Piece Non-Stick Frying Pan Set | Amazon Basics/AmazonSearching for a reliable cookware set? This Amazon Basics collection includes three aluminum frying pans (8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch) with heat-resistant handles, BPA-free nonstick surfaces, and spiral bottoms for even cooking. They’re suitable for use on gas, electric, and glass stovetops.
11. Nonstick Bakeware, Set of 6; $29
Amazon Basics 6-Piece Bakeware Set | AmazonThis nonstick carbon steel bakeware set provides everything home bakers need to make muffins, cookies, breads, cakes, or pies. The set includes a loaf pan, a 12-cup muffin tin, two 9-inch round pans, a 13-inch sheet pan, and a deep roasting pan, which is also perfect for the TikTok feta pasta recipe! All items are oven-safe up to 428°F.
12. Dinnerware, Set of 18; From $44
Amazon Basics 18-Piece Kitchen Dinnerware Set | AmazonOnce you've used the items above to prepare a stunning meal, you'll need something to serve it on. This 18-piece porcelain dinnerware set has earned rave reviews from over 20,000 customers, with many awarding it five stars. Designed for six people, it’s lightweight but durable, and includes six 10.5-inch dinner plates, 7.5-inch salad or dessert plates, and 5.5-inch bowls. Safe for the dishwasher, freezer, and microwave, the set is available in 12 patterns, ranging from classic restaurant white to floral cottagecore, red poppy, and colorful rainbow polka dots. The plates can withstand hot temperatures up to 572°F.
13. 10-Cup Water Pitcher With Water Filter; $27
Amazon Basics 10-Cup Water Pitcher with Water Filter | AmazonIf you’re in the market for a new water pitcher, consider this 10-cup model from Amazon Basics. It includes a water filter, and you can use Amazon's own replacement filters (a three-pack is around $14), or even use Brita filters if you're in a pinch. Each filter lasts for up to 40 gallons, which could last you about two months with regular use. With over 16,000 Amazon shoppers giving it a solid 4.6-star rating, it’s definitely worth checking out.
14. Rainbow Knives, Set of 12; $17
Amazon Basics 12-Piece Color-Coded Kitchen Knife Set | AmazonAdd a pop of color to your kitchen with this highly rated set of vibrant knives, which includes six with stainless steel blades and ergonomic ceramic handles. The set also comes with six blade guards to ensure safety. The rainbow-colored knives are designed to help reduce the risk of cross-contamination. The set includes one of each: paring, utility, Santoku, carving, chef, and bread knife.
15. Immersion Hand Blender; $27
Amazon Basics 500-Watt Multi-Speed Immersion Hand Blender | AmazonWhip up soups, sauces, smoothies, and shakes in no time with this 500-watt, multi-speed immersion blender. With a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, this ergonomically crafted blender is compact, quiet during operation, and long enough to blend beverages in deep pitchers with ease. Over 7,000 reviewers appreciate its performance, and the blending wand is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
16. K-Cup Coffee Pod Storage Drawer; $15
Amazon Basics Coffee Pod Storage Drawer for K-Cup Pods | Amazon Basics/AmazonKeurig single-serve coffee makers are perfect for hectic mornings or for those trying to moderate their caffeine intake. But organizing and storing all those pods can be tricky, not to mention remembering when it's time to reorder. Thankfully, Amazon Basics has you covered with its sleek black three-drawer storage unit that conveniently slides under your machine and can hold up to 36 K-Cups.
A version of this article was originally published in 2022 and has been updated for 2023.
