8 Editor-Favorite Small Kitchen Brands You Never Knew Were on Amazon
Here at Kitchn, we love scoping out new small kitchen brands and testing products from some of our tried-and-true favorites. However, we know that sometimes it’s easiest to turn to Amazon for your shopping, especially if you’re trying to keep to a budget or want fast shipping. With Prime Day recently over, we realized just how many of our favorite small food and cookware brands are also available at the mega-retailer. Of course, you’ll find top brands like Le Creuset, Staub, and KitchenAid on Amazon, but we’re here to talk about our favorite direct-to-consumer brands — thinkMisen, Yamazaki, and Caraway — that you can find, too.
Ahead, we’ve selected several brands with editor-approved items all available on Amazon. Whether you’re looking to finally treat yourself to the always-popular Made In frying pan or you need to stock up on our favorite silicone spatula from GIR, you’ll find just about everything you need for your kitchen from these small brands right on Amazon!
1. Misen
New York City-based cookware brand Misen has been on our radar for over two years now thanks to their fan-favorite cookware and knives. Our editors use several of Misen’s items in their own kitchens, including the highly-rated Chef’s Knife that I use almost every day (we’ve ranked it as one of the best chef’s knives), the Roasting Pan that doubles as a heavy-duty baking sheet, and the Nonstick Frying Pan you’ll use for just about everything. However, one Misen item that really stands out is the Saucier, with sloped sides that prevent food from burning in the corners and a wide mouth for easy stirring.
2. Made In
Austin, Texas-based brand Made In focuses on providing superior culinary tools that are manufactured in the U.S. and Western Europe and used across the world in Michelin-star restaurants, top-rated hotels, and your very own kitchen. They’re known for their high-performing pieces, especially their stainless clad cookware, nonstick pots and pans, and made-in-England dinnerware. Possibly their most sought-after product, however, is their Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan, which we’ve written about at length over the years. Blue carbon steel is a material often used by professional chefs because it performs like a total dream, holds up to extreme heat (we’re talking temps up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit!), and can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill. Basically, say hello to your new do-it-all pan!
If you’re looking for cookware and tabletop items that are thoughtfully designed and built to last, look no further than Material. The brand is responsible for several Kitchn staff and reader-favorite items, like their gorgeous cutting boards made entirely from recycled items and a trio of knives that is both impressive and aesthetically pleasing. What’s more, Material regularly donates a portion of its proceeds to organizations like Heart of Dinner and Drive Change that help fight food insecurity among underserved populations across the United States.
4. Yamazaki
While quality cookware is one of the most obvious investments you can make in your kitchen, we’d argue that smart organization is a close second. That’s where Yamazaki, one of our favorite brands for ingenious space-saving storage, comes into play. We’ve raved about so many finds from this Japanese houseware company, like the stackable countertop shelf perfect for organizing clutter, the $25 lid stand ideal for keeping your kitchen tidy while you cook, and the magnetic shelf I use to corral coffee, oils, and condiments without taking up extra space. Oh, and let’s not forget about the sleek dish drying rack that instantly became a favorite!
5. Caraway
Caraway, the internet-popular brand behind the elegant bakeware that’s constantly selling out, is also known for its mineral-based ceramic coating. Their lightweight aluminum cookware is PTFE- and PFOA-free as a result, making it a great non-toxic option. And, unlike many nonstick pots and pans, you can use their cookware in the oven, too, up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. While you can splurge on their full cookware set that comes in a range of stunning colors, there are two items we especially love. The Sauce Pan shocked us with how well it lived up to the hype when we tested it, while the Dutch Oven instantly earned a spot on our list of the best Dutch ovens.
6. GIR
Are your cooking utensils in need of a serious upgrade? Look no further than GIR, a brand that delivers several editor-approved tools with smart designs and affordable prices. Two GIR items, in particular, are repeat winners on our annual Kitchen Essentials: Tools Edition list. The first is the $13 Premium Silicone Ladle, which I can personally confirm is of amazing quality. I was shocked when I first used it and was able to get every last bit of soup without needing to tilt the pot since the silicone can bend to form a flat edge for optimal scooping. Then there’s the Silicone Spatula, which is massively popular among Kitchn staffers for just about any stirring or mixing you need to do. You can also check out the Spoonula and Quad Chopper for even more versatile GIR tools we love!
7. Fly By Jing
Fly By Jing is consistently a favorite among Kitchn editors thanks to their delicious Asian pantry staples, particularly their frozen dumplings and range of flavor-packed sauces. While you can’t shop their entire selection on Amazon, you can stock your shelves with their essential sauces as well as the Hot Pot Base that we just happen to love, too. The Sichuan Chili Crisp has all the spicy, crispy, and numbing sensations to add a zing to veggies, noodles, and more, while the Zhong Sauce is a special sweet and savory topping for dumplings, eggs, meats, and just about anything you can think of. Finally, the Mala Spice Mix is a blend of 11 herbs and spices that you can use in fried chicken, on top of popcorn, or as a salted margarita rim. You won’t have another boring dinner with these essentials on hand.
8. W&P
Finally, we have W&P, which is a go-to for us if we’re looking for smart, stylish freezer trays and food storage solutions. They make gorgeous insulated water bottles to eliminate the need for single-use plastic ones, while their silicone storage bags are a favorite for being easy to wash and relatively affordable. We especially love the Stand Up Bag which can hold up to 50 ounces of fruit, leftovers, or even liquid (I use it for making cold brew). And if you thought that an ice cube tray could never be pretty, their Peak trays will make you think again. Tidy up your fridge and freezer has never been easier.