Life

The 41 Everyday Products On Amazon That Will Put Your Current Versions To Shame

If someone told you there was a better version of a product you're using, you'd be curious, right? In this case, hundreds and thousands of reviewers are raving about these everyday products on Amazon that will put your current versions to shame — so why not make the switch?

For example: There is no reason you should own a bottle opener that only works 40 percent of the time. Nor is there an excuse for spending money on a bath mat that smells like mildew 30 minutes after you take a shower. It's natural to get used to certain products and even remain loyal to them, despite the fact that they aren't the highest quality or the most expensive version on the market. But you should never have to settle for something that isn't as effective as it could be — and you needn't break the bank to own a product that goes above and beyond the call of duty.

These gadgets and tools that you use every day are among the absolute best products on Amazon, with so many great reviews that it's impossible not to want to own them right this minute. They include some of the best kitchen gadgets you've never heard of, like a genius brownie pan that leaves you solely with crispy corners, and they share a lot in common with products you already own or need — only these are much, much better.

by Lisa Fogarty

1. The Most Absorbent Bath Mat Ever That Repels Bacteria, Mildew, And Mold

IEOKE Bath Shower Mat, $30, Amazon

There's nothing better than a bath mat that doesn't keep your wet footprint embedded in it for hours after your shower. This highly absorbent shower mat is made from natural diatomaceous earth and contains zero chemical colorants. By absorbing water quickly and efficiently, this 27 by 15-inch mat repels bacterial and mold, and it won't start to stink the way some others do.

Amazon

2. A 12-Piece Knife Set That Sharpens Itself

Sabatier Self-Sharpening Edgekeeper Knife Block Set, $61, Amazon

No matter how many times you use these quality stainless steel knives, they retain their sharpness — thanks to self-sharpening slots designated for each knife in this 12-piece block set. It comes with a chef knife, chef knife with kullens, slicer, fine-edge utility, paring knife, and six steak knives. Simply return them to a slot in the block, and they'll automatically be re-sharpened.

Amazon

3. A Pre-Seasoned, Cast Iron Dutch Oven And Skillet Set For Easy, Healthy Cooking

Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, $22, Amazon

There are several advantages to cooking with a pre-seasoned cast iron skillet. For starters, it's already been treated with soy-based oil, so the pan is less sticky and requires less (or no) oil to sautée food. It'll also last longer, and the skillet will work its best right away — no need to use it a few times before it becomes sufficiently seasoned. This set includes both a 3.2-quart Dutch oven and a 10.25-inch shallow skillet (which doubles as a top), and a quick clean with a dish brush and hot water is sufficient and won't remove the oil.

Amazon

4. A Heated Brush That Dries Hair And Gives Roots Major Volume

Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer, $60, Amazon

Most brushes do a fine job at detangling your hair and adding volume at the roots, and most hair dryers fulfill their purpose. But this one-step hair dryer and volumizer brush combines both functions — it has three heat settings and, unlike some other heated brushes, is safe to use closer to the scalp. Ionic technology banishes static and frizz while the oval brush, which has nylon pins and tufted bristles, gets tangles out, makes your hair smooth and shiny, and gives you major volume at the roots.

Amazon

5. A Collapsible Laundry Basket That Doesn't Take Up A Ton Of Space

Vremi Collapsible Plastic Laundry Basket, $27, Amazon

Everyone needs a place to store their dirty clothes, but most laundry baskets are cumbersome pieces that take up precious space. This collapsible plastic laundry basket is large, but collapses to a height of just 3 inches when not in use — so you can easily store it in a corner or under a bed. This basket comes in red, grey, or blue, and is perfect for clothing, as well as for storing toys and other knickknacks.

Amazon

6. A Bluetooth Shower Head That Doubles As A Speaker

Morpilot Shower Head, $30, Amazon

The only thing better than a warm shower to get you motivated in the morning is a warm shower under this rain shower head that plays music from a detachable speaker. It connects to your device from as far as 33 feet away and has a dual microphone for answering phone calls with enhanced noise reduction. And the shower head itself is no joke: It deliver three times more spray power than others while using 30 percent less water.

Amazon

7. These Velvet No-Slip Hangers That Make Clothes Look Their Best

Home-It Premium Velvet Hangers, $20 (50 Pack), Amazon

There's no point in hanging up your favorite clothes if you nearly always return to your closet to find them in a heap on your floor. These quality velvet hangers are like fabric magnets and feature an ergonomic design and a no-slip bar that can even keep silk blouses in place. Their 360-degree swivel heads make it easier to pick and choose your clothing in a snap, and each hanger can hold up to 10 pounds of weight.

Amazon

8. A Two-In-One Collapsible Popcorn Maker And Bowl

The Original Salbree Microwave Popcorn Maker, $16, Amazon

The ultimate gift for any snack lover, this silicone, BPA-free popcorn maker pops kernels for you right in the microwave (and you can choose whether you want to use oil or not). It then doubles as a serving bowl with easy-grab handles. And, finally, when you're finished enjoying your treat, the bowl collapses and can be stored anywhere. It comes in 15 fun colors and is dishwasher-safe.

Amazon

9. A Powerful Electric Toothbrush With A Two-Minute Smart Timer

Fairywill Electric Toothbrush, $23, Amazon

This electric toothbrush is one of the best you'll find: It features three program modes (super, normal, and massage), a built-in timer so you can be sure you're brushing your teeth long enough, and four hours of charging time is enough to power up this toothbrush for 30 days. It's also a very powerful gadget that delivers 35,000 micro-brushes per minute and can remove more plaque and bacteria than an ordinary toothbrush.

Amazon

10. An Alarm Clock That Mimics The Sunrise To Gradually Wake You Up

VegasDoggy Sunrise Alarm Clock, $30, Amazon

Mornings don't have to consist of an unpleasant wake-up call. Use this sunrise alarm clock to provide light 30 minutes before you wake up, and it will gradually increase the brightness in your room, stimulating your body to wake up naturally. It has 10 levels of brightness, seven color choices, and you can choose among six natural melodies as an alarm (birds singing or ocean waves, for instance) or FM radio.

Amazon

11. A Color-Changing Light Bulb You Can Control From Your Phone

Flux Bluetooth Smart Light Bulb, $34, Amazon

Control this smart light bulb from your device, where you can choose from a variety of colors to suit your mood — each one of which can be dimmed. You can schedule your light to turn on or off at a certain time and set up the sunrise feature to gradually get brighter in the morning when you're getting ready to wake up. You can even sync your music to your light.

Amazon

12. The Ultimate Pet Hair Remover For Carpets, Couches, And Beds

OXO Good Grips Pet Hair Remover, $35, Amazon

Stubborn pet hair is the most difficult debris to remove from carpets and corners, but this pet hair remover goes hard at fur, lifting it from rugs, carpets, and even pet beds. A double-sided brush pad is attached to a stainless steel pole that's long enough to reach under and behind furniture, and a push and pull motion grabs onto hair and keeps it locked in until you empty the base.

Amazon

13. A Best-Selling Hypoallergenic Bed Sheet Set With Almost 40,000 Rave Reviews

Mellani Bed Sheet Set, $25 (4 Piece), Amazon

This microfiber bed sheet set gets consistently high reviews on Amazon (more than 38,000, to be exact). With so many bed sheets to choose from, what is it that makes these a win? They're smooth, silky, hypoallergenic, resistant to wrinkles, and ideal for anyone who has allergies. They also come in more than 35 colors.

Amazon

14. An Oral Care Holder With UV Light That Naturally Disinfects Toothbrushes

Sarmocare Toothbrush Holder, $29, Amazon

Keep your toothbrush out of the way by mounting this unique holder on your wall. It can store up to five toothbrushes (and one tube of toothpaste) at once, and each time you place one back in after brushing, a UV light turns on to quickly dry it and prevent the spread of bacteria and germs. It's simple to install and comes with 3M double tape.

Amazon

15. A Trash Can With A Motion Sensor So You Rarely Have To Touch It

Ninestars Motion Sensor Trash Can, $50, Amazon

Considering how many germs it harbors, the less contact you have with your trash can, the better. This innovative version requires no touch to get it to work: Its water-resistant infrared motion sensor detects movement within inches, and its lid lifts up automatically so you can throw out your trash. The rectangular can is made from durable stainless steel, operates on batteries, and has a no-skid bottom.

Amazon

16. These Magnetic Key Holders That Attach To Your Wall Or Light Switches Without Drilling

Tescat Magnetic Key Holder, $10 (6 Pack), Amazon

You'll never have another late morning where you can't, for the life of you, remember what the heck you did with your car keys. This magnetic key holder sticks to your wall with 3M tape, so no drilling is necessary, and its powerful magnets hold keys and key chains (up to 3 pounds) in place.

Amazon

17. An Automatic Soap Dispenser That Lets You Control How Much Soap You Receive

Secura Touchless Soap Dispenser, $25, Amazon

This battery-operated automatic soap dispenser goes above and beyond the call of duty by allowing you to control and adjust the amount of soap you receive via a volume control switch. Its infrared sensor can detect motion as far as 2.75 inches away — which is great, because the fewer hands touching it, the less likely you'll spread germs. You can also mount it on your wall or store it on your bathroom countertop.

Amazon

18. A Set Of Nine Colorful Nesting Bowls For Every Cooking And Baking Need

Joseph Joseph Nesting Bowls Set, $36 (Set of 9), Amazon

Every bowl you can ever imagine needing for cooking or baking is represented in this colorful nesting bowl set. It comes with a mixing bowl, colander, strainer, measuring cups, and more, and is made from BPA-free polypropylene plastic. Every piece except for the steel sieve is dishwasher-safe, and one reviewer who especially loves the non-skid bottoms writes, "One of the many features that I particularly like is the way the measuring cups are designed. By filling the various cups to the edge of the indentations, you can move the cup without spillage."

Amazon

19. A Chopping Board With A Built-In Strainer That Fits Over Your Sink For Less Mess

Dexas Over The Sink Strainer Board, $20, Amazon

Whether you're washing salad or draining a can of black beans, this over the sink strainer board makes messy food prep a thing of the past. It fits right over your sink and features space for chopping veggies and fruit, and the built-in strainer is perfect for rinsing them off. Its non-slip rubber edges keep it from sliding, it's safe to clean in the dishwasher, and the board even collapses for easier storage.

Amazon

20. These Heat-Resistant Oven Gloves That Are Flexible And Can Be Used While Cooking

Homwe Silicone Oven Mitts, $13, Amazon

Even amateur cooks and bakers need a decent pair of heat-resistant oven mitts to keep your hands and arms protected from burns. So why not get the best pair possible — one made from BPA-free silicone that can withstand up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and has a non-skid textured palm and quilted cotton lining. They're flexible enough to wear while prepping food and come in two sizes — standard and longer — to protect more (or less) of your arms.

Amazon

21. A Water Bottle With A Fruit Infuser That Tells You When (And How Much) To Drink

Bevgo Infuser Water Bottle, $18, Amazon

Making sure you drink enough water each day is a lot easier when you enjoy the flavor. If plain water isn't cutting it for you, add fruits and vegetables to this bottle's infuser to give it a delicious boost. Attach the ice attachment to your cup's basket to keep your drink cold, and keep track of your water consumption via the timeline tracker on the bottle. This BPA-free 32-ounce bottle also has a carrying handle and comes with an insulation sleeve.

Amazon

22. These Automatic Salt And Pepper Grinders That Let You Control The Level Of Coarseness

Kato Electric Salt and Pepper Grinders Set, $21 (2 Pack), Amazon

These high-tech electric salt and pepper grinders can be operated with one hand — simply touch a button at the top and they grind and release the perfect amount and coarseness of salt or pepper each time. An adjustable mechanism allows you to choose the level of coarseness you need for a recipe or meal, and it even features an LED light, too.

Amazon

23. An Alcohol-Free Cherry Blossom-Flavored Mouth Wash

Propolinse Mouth Wash Sakura, $23, Amazon

Most mouthwashes taste like, well, harsh, minty mouthwash — a fact most of us just accept. But this Japanese mouthwash has what is known as the sakura flavor — a tart-sweet, cherry blossom taste that's formulated without alcohol. Reviewers say it's magic on bad breath and gentle on sensitive teeth, too.

Amazon

24. A Genius Colander That Snaps Right Onto Your Pot

Kitchen Gizmo Snap 'N Strain Strainer, $14, Amazon

No need to pull out a separate colander — this snap-on strainer fits all pots and bowls, is made from durable, heat-resistant, BPA-free silicone, and is much easier to store than traditional colanders. It comes in three colors and features sturdy clips on each side to keep it in place.

Amazon

25. This Handy Sink Caddy To Keep Soap, Brushes, And Sponges Dry And Organized

Eunion Sink Caddy Sponge Holder, $9, Amazon

Store sponges, brushes, and soap in this sink caddy, which combines two roomy pockets in one holder — and fits over sinks or attaches to your faucet without suction or stickers. They feature a number of holes to air out sponges and dish cloths which prevents them from getting moldy and smelly, too.

Amazon

26. These Gel Pillows That Support Your Head And Neck No Matter How You Sleep

Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow, $34 (2 Pack), Amazon

It's not easy to find a pillow you love, but more than 4,000 reviewers agree that these are something special. No matter where you place your head, they won't shift — they're perfectly supportive regardless of your sleeping position. These hypoallergenic pillows are free of allergens and chemicals and are resistant to mold and mildew. They come in four sizes: Euro, queen, king, and standard.

Amazon

27. A Two-In-One Steam Iron That Can Be Used To Straighten Or Curl Hair

Spaire Steam Hair Straightener, $34, Amazon

Fill this steam hair straightener with water and it releases a gentle mist that protects strands from heat damage. The flat iron heats up in just 60 seconds, and can be used both for straightening and curling (just wrap a section of your hair around the barrel and twist). An auto shut-off goes into effect after one hour if you aren't using the iron, so you never have to worry about whether you left it on.

Amazon

28. These Foldable Cutting Boards For Less Mess And Easier Storage

Joseph Joseph Foldable Plastic Cutting Board, $13, Amazon

Chop meat and veggies on this strong plastic cutting board and then simply fold it up and store it anywhere — thanks to its design, it won't take up half of your drawer or cupboard. The board comes in different sizes and colors, is dishwasher-safe, and boasts another great feature: Squeeze its handle and the sides fold up to create a chute that makes it easier (and less messy) to add chopped ingredients to pots, pans, and bowls.

Amazon

29. A Quiet Water Dental Flosser That Removes More Food And Bacteria Than Traditional Floss

H2o Floss Water Dental Flosser, $30, Amazon

Give your teeth and gums a thorough cleaning and remove more plaque and bacteria with this water dental flosser, which is equipped with 12 multifunctional tips that include jet, orthodontic, and periodontal functions. Its pulse water frequency is 1,200 times per minute, which is both powerful and comfortable. Reviewers say this water dental flosser is ideal for anyone who has sensitive gums that get easily irritated by traditional floss, and that its quiet design and pressure adjustments make it stand out from other models.

Amazon

30. A Longer Lasting, Mold-Resistant Silicone Sponge That Smells Like Peach

Peachy Clean Silicone Scrubber, $10 (3 Pack), Amazon

Move beyond everyday sponges, which accumulate bacteria, mold, and odors fast — this silicone scrubber sponge is almost 100 percent resistant to mold and mildew and lasts for three months. The sponge is gentle, won't scratch up pots and pans, and it smells like peach — and will continue to smell that way until you're ready to replace it.

Amazon

31. A Friction-Free Microfiber Towel For Curly Hair

Devacurl Microfiber Towel, $14, Amazon

Curly hair upkeep starts the second you step out of your shower. Wrap wet hair in this microfiber towel — designed specifically for curly textures — and the fabric will sop up excess water without creating static and frizz. Instead of rubbing your head with this towel, which creates unnecessary friction and can cause damage, squeeze small sections of your hair in the towel to release water.

Amazon

32. A Pocketed Shower Curtain That Doubles As A Storage Solution

Maytex Mesh Pockets PEVA Shower Organizer, $18, Amazon

Consider this the most functional PEVA shower curtain or liner around — not only does it keep water from getting on your bathroom floor, but it features nine mesh pockets where you can store items like soap, shampoo, washcloths, and body brushes. You can choose between clear and white, and it won't get moldy or acquire mildew over time.

Amazon

33. An Automatic Rotating Curling Iron That Makes It Easy To Create Beachy Waves

The Beachwaver Curling Iron, $129, Amazon

Even if your hair styling skills are subpar, you can get the beachy waves that dreams are made of with this rotating curling iron, which does the work for you in much less time. This ceramic 5.5-inch rod is small enough to create tighter curls (but you can space them out if you prefer larger waves), it heats up in just 30 seconds, and the temperature options range from 290 degrees to 410 degrees Fahrenheit, which suits all hair types. Created by celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa, this cult-favorite styling tool will revolutionize your hair game, for sure.

Amazon

34. A Soap-Dispensing Brush For Cleaning Pots And Dishes

OXO Good Grips Soap Dispensing Palm Brush, $6, Amazon

Wash pots, pans, dishes, and glasses using just one tool: this soap dispensing palm brush with removable, replaceable nylon bristles that are tough, but gentle, on cookware. Filling it with soap is simple — unscrew the top and use any dish soap you prefer. Its contoured shape makes it more comfortable to hold than other brushes and sponges, too.

Amazon

35. A Bowl That Ensures Your Cereal Never Gets Soggy

Just Solutions! Anti-Soggy Bowl, $9, Amazon

How great is it that you're living in a day and age where your cereal never, ever has to lose its crunch? This anti-soggy bowl provides two compartments — one for cereal (or French fries, cookies, or chips), and an adjacent section for milk, ketchup, or salsa. You then slide your cereal over to the milk as needed and it stays crispy forever. The BPA-free bowl is also safe in your microwave and dishwasher.

Amazon

36. A Set Of 22 Food Storage Containers Designed So That You'll Never Lose Their (One-Size) Lids

Rubbermaid Glass Food Storage Container Set, $45 (Set of 22), Amazon

There's a good chance you have a cabinet of Tupperware bottoms without lids (or vice versa). Put an end to that problem by investing in this 22-piece food storage container set, which features lids that adhere to the bottom of each container for safe-keeping, but also seal to the top with just one press. The BPA-free set comes with containers in various sizes (the tops, on the other hand, are all the same size) and all of the bases are safe to use in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher.

Amazon

37. A Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener With A Rechargeable Battery

Secura Stainless Steel Electric Wine Opener, $20, Amazon

This cordless electric wine opener pops corks in seconds with just the push of a button and is easier to use than most others. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that can open about 30 bottles before it requires a charge, and it never hurts to have a functional tool that's also a conversation piece: the charging base glows with a pretty blue LED light.

Amazon

38. A Fluoride-Free Charcoal Toothpaste For Whiter Teeth

Hello Oral Care Activated Charcoal Toothpaste, $7, Amazon

Whiten your teeth naturally — without fluoride, peroxide, dyes, or artificial sweeteners — with this activated charcoal toothpaste. It freshens breath with peppermint and coconut oil and removes toxins naturally from teeth, preventing cavities and plaque build up. Be prepared for a little mess, though — your teeth and sink will be black while you're brushing. But, it'll all be worth it when you check out your bright, healthy smile.

Amazon

39. A Better Non-Stick Brownie Pan That Gives You Crispy Edges All Over

Bakelicious Crispy Corner Brownie Pan, $23, Amazon

Make brownies even better by whipping up a batch comprising solely crispy corners (yum, the best). This non-stick brownie pan is designed so that each of the 12 brownies it bakes comes out of the oven with crispy edges. Once your goodies cool, flip over the baking pan, gently tap it to release the treats, and separate your brownies.

Amazon

40. These Elastic Shoelaces You Never Have To Tie

Xpand No Tie Shoelaces System, $10, Amazon

Tying your shoes a hundred times a day is a frustrating chore, especially when these no-tie elastic shoelaces exist to take away that headache. These 4-inch wide laces are flat and not round and are simple to install on all sneakers and lace-up shoes. Another bonus: The color selection is incredible because they come in more than 40 shades, including reflective and non-reflective options.

Amazon

41. A Shower Head With Five Spray Settings That Filters Out Bacteria And Chemicals

Culligan Wall-Mounted Filtered Shower Head, $30, Amazon

Cleaner skin and hair is just a filter away. Whether you have hard water or not, this wall-mounted filtered shower head limits the bacteria and chemicals (like sulfur and chlorine) that pass through your shower head and end up on your body. Five spray settings, easy installation that requires no tools, and a six month lifespan make this shower head a stellar choice.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.

Amazon
141