These 7 Amazon Kitchen Essentials Make Cooking for One Much Easier

While digging into a grain bowl — the same one I had recreated on more occasions than I could count that month alone, I realized I had fallen deep into a cooking-for-one routine.

As much as I adore cooking and baking (hey, I must love it if I’ve written about it professionally for more than 15 years!), I admit that I occasionally find both activities less-than-inspiring to do when I’m setting the table for one. This presents quite a challenge because I live alone and need to feed myself at least three meals and several snacks per day. 

I thought back to what perked up other activities I struggled to find joy in, say, going back to school, exercising, or sticking to a journaling habit. What was the key to making all of the above something I look forward to? Great gear.

Just like a fresh set of notebooks and a new pair of shoes can make it feel fun to walk into the classroom on the first day back from summer break, these affordable tools helped me reignite my spark for cooking creatively again, even for one.

Best Cooking for One Tools

Nordic Ware Naturals Aluminum NonStick Baker’s Quarter Sheet Small

Instead of fussing with, storing, and cleaning a full sheet pan, I now rely on this eye-catching aluminum quarter sheet. The 12.25-inch-by-8.75-inch tray is ideal for baking just a few of my mom’s signature snickerdoodle cookies or whipping up one of my new favorite solo dinner discoveries designed to serve one. The pan is high-quality nonstick, and fans who have used it even longer than I have confirmed that it can take the heat without warping.

Amazon Basics 14-Piece Glass Food Storage Containers with Locking Lids

I keep that quarter sheet pan handy so I can meal prep lunches, which I store in these dishwasher-safe airtight glass storage containers with leakproof lids. What sold me on this set was the BPA-free, food-safe materials, the mix of sizes and shapes, and the fact that the bowls are safe to use in the freezer, microwave, oven, and dishwasher. In addition to holding leftovers and make-ahead lunches, these are handy for taking treats for picnics and potlucks with friends and family.

Mora 9-Inch Ceramic Fluted Pie Pan

At potlucks, I’m known among my circle for always bringing two things: a salad and dessert. It’s all about that balance! I’m sweet on sharing my best bakes in this timeless and chic fluted pie pan. It’s constructed with Paladin clay, which the company promises is 20% stronger than other ceramic bakeware. The 9-inch pan can handle oven temps up to 500°F and is glazed to reduce the risk of scratches. Plus, once the final slice is polished off, I can pop it into the dishwasher.

Vacu Vin Wine Saver Pump Black with Vacuum Wine Stopper

Earlier this year, sommeliers reminded me that properly stored open wine lasts for 3 to 7 days, allowing me to enjoy a glass with my meal each night for a restaurant-like experience. Thanks to the sturdy, airtight wine stoppers and the vacuum pump that helps suck out excess air, this budget-friendly Vacu Vin system keeps wine fresher than a traditional wine stopper, according to wine shop owners. Coincidentally, this one was selected as the best wine stopper this summer.

Joseph Joseph Handi-Zest Multi-Function Zester

Another restaurant-style touch I’ve been delighted to add to my routine is finishing a dish with some freshly grated cheese or a flourish of citrus zest. Pro chefs, including Bobby Flay, swear by their microplanes, and it used to be my go-to brand as well. But I made the switch and donated my old zester in favor of one, thanks to Joseph’s ergonomic handle, the clever cleaning blade that sweeps off any stuck-on shreds, and the storage sheath that slides on and off easily.

KongNai 4-Piece Kitchen Funnel Set

Maximizing storage space is always a winning strategy, regardless of your household size. To do just that while still having the equipment I need to swiftly and smoothly consolidate spices, condiments, and dressings, I’m a new fan of these collapsible funnels. The four-pack comes with two large and two small funnels, which fit nicely into the tops of compact jars and bottles. Once squished down, all four dishwasher-safe pieces take up less room than one standard funnel. The funnels tuck away seamlessly in my utensil drawer when I’m not using them.

OXO Good Grips Everyday Glass Food Scale

Whether I’m baking cookies and pies or keeping up with my sourdough starter — or at least pretending like I am — a food scale has been another brilliant addition to my cooking tool arsenal. This glass-topped model is precise as it measures ounces, grams, pounds, or kilograms and has large numbers that are a cinch to read. To minimize clean-up, I add each ingredient to the bowl and use the “tare” function to weigh each separately without dirtying several measuring cups and spoons.