6 Kitchen Products to Ditch, and 6 to Buy for a New Kitchen

I’m in the middle of organizing my new apartment in Manhattan, and as a food editor, that includes a whole lot of kitchen gear. While some are tried and true pieces I’ll have forever, like my Le Creuset Dutch oven and Our Place multicooker, others have seen better days and need to be replaced. My new kitchen needs upgraded appliances, tools, and organizers to match, so I’m snagging a mini vacuum cleaner, sponges, and coffee maker I’ve recently been eyeing. 

Ready to give your kitchen the refresh it deserves? Read on to shop the best picks from my Amazon wishlist, starting at just $12. 

Best Editor-Loved Amazon Kitchen Products

KitchenAid Go Cordless Kitchen Vacuum

I’m always spilling things on my countertop and floor, so I’m upgrading my handheld vacuum. This teeny KitchenAid Go vacuum has made a huge difference in my kitchen — I’ve used it almost every single day since I bought it. The cordless dustbuster has a removable battery that can run for up to 20 minutes on a single charge. It also comes with two convenient attachments for reaching into corners and crevices. 

OXO Good Grips Silicone Sink Strainer

Unfortunately, my new apartment doesn’t have a garbage disposal, so I’m constantly emptying out my sink stopper. Cleaning the strainer has always been my least favorite kitchen task, so I’m swapping my metal strainer for this silicone option. It’s flexible enough to invert, so I wouldn’t have to deal with food getting stuck. Best of all, it’s dishwasher-safe, so it’s easy to keep things sanitary.

Ninja DualBrew Pro Coffee System

I’ll admit it: I almost never use my current coffee machine. I prefer specialty drinks to classic drip coffee, but in an effort to spend less at the cafe, I’m swapping out my classic machine for this do-it-all Ninja coffee maker. The smart device can brew four different styles: classic, rich, over-ice, or specialty coffee. Best of all, it’s compatible with both regular coffee grounds and coffee pods.

Silpat Nonstick Baking Mat

I love making easy sheet pan meals, so I go through a lot of parchment paper. For a more budget- and environmentally-friendly alternative, I’m grabbing this silicone baking mat. The half-sheet size is perfect for my small oven, and according to shoppers, it provides a reliable nonstick surface that goes unmatched by competitors.  

Skura Style Smart Sponges, 4-Pack

I used to dislike washing dishes, but Skura Style sponges have made the job so much less painful. The sponges are more absorbent than any others I’ve tried, and I love that they have odor-resistant technology to keep my kitchen smelling fresh. They’re double-sided, with soft foam on one side and a scouring pad on the other. Plus, the pattern fades over time, so I always know when the sponges need to be replaced.

Brita Refillable Filter Starter Kit

I use my Brita water pitcher every day, and I’m looking forward to trading in my old filter for this more eco-friendly one. According to the brand, they help reduce the taste of chlorine and other contaminants just as well as single-use Brita filters but produce up to 80% less plastic waste. This starter kit comes with a refillable shell and three carbon filters that last for about two months each.