5 kitchen basics for everyday cooking

A kitchen doesn't need every gadget. It needs a few pieces you reach for most days: a good pan, a way to prep vegetables, somewhere to put leftovers, and a board to chop on. These five basics are well-reviewed on Amazon, and each one earns its spot in the cabinet.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The product links on this page are affiliate links, so Home Everyday Goods may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.

The five picks

Stovetop · everyday pan

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (10.25 in)

A classic cast iron pan for eggs, cornbread, seared vegetables, and weeknight dinners. It comes pre-seasoned, and with a little care, cast iron is the kind of pan people keep for years. It's also a popular gift for someone setting up a first kitchen.

Check price on Amazon

Prep · fresh greens

OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner (6.22 qt)

For anyone who eats a lot of salad or herbs and is tired of soggy leaves. You rinse the greens, spin them dry, and they're ready to use or store. It's a well-designed everyday tool with a very large number of Amazon reviews.

Check price on Amazon

Leftovers · meal prep

Pyrex Simply Store Glass Food Storage Set (12-pack)

Glass containers for leftovers, packed lunches, and weekly meal prep, so you can use fewer plastic tubs. Glass makes it easy to see what's in the fridge. Check the listing for lid materials and what's safe in the oven, microwave, and dishwasher.

Check price on Amazon

Oven · roasting & baking

Nordic Ware Half Sheet with Oven-Safe Nonstick Grid (2-pc)

A sheet pan with a rack that sits inside it, for roasting vegetables, baking, or cooling cookies. The rack lifts food off the pan, which helps with things you want crisp. It's very highly rated on Amazon. Check the listing for size and care instructions.

Check price on Amazon

Prep · chopping

Royal Craft Wood Bamboo Cutting Board Set (3-pc)

Three bamboo boards, so you can keep one for bread or fruit and another for vegetables and use the smallest for quick jobs. It looks nice on the counter and is a giftable set with lots of Amazon reviews. Check the listing for sizes and how to care for them.

Check price on Amazon

Where to start

If you only get one thing, make it the cast iron skillet. It covers a lot of everyday cooking.
If you eat a lot of vegetables, the salad spinner and the sheet pan with its rack make prep and roasting easier.
If leftovers keep going to waste, start with the glass storage set so you can see what's in the fridge.
If you want a housewarming gift, the cutting board set or the skillet are easy picks.

We picked these for what they're designed to do and for their long track record of Amazon reviews. We haven't tested them ourselves. Sizes, included pieces, and prices change, so check the current listing before you order.