My list of tried-and-true kitchen basics

Mostly made in America and budget-friendly, always timeless in appeal and durability.

I have recently challenged myself to outfit a kitchen with timeless and durable wares that are (mostly!) Made in America and budget-friendly. Does it seem like a tall order? It was easier to accomplish than you may think!

To avoid getting overwhelmed by today’s overabundance of choice, I looked back to unfussy favorites. Whether you are starting from scratch or replacing existing wares, below are items to consider adding to a kitchen that is as beautiful as it is functional (we won’t mention frugal!).

Flatware

Liberty Flatware is the only flatware manufacturer left in America. I enjoy the Econo Line for everyday use and the Old Harbor 3-piece hostess set to add a little texture and whimsy. A special shout out to the Liberty line, which stole my heart though I had to stop it from stealing my wallet.

Cutlery

Japanese knifes are renowned for their excellence. Shun knives are regarded as a chef’s standard. Shun is made by KAI, which is also known for setting the standard in tailoring scissors. If you want performance that resembles Shun’s without the price tag, check out Kai Housewares’ Luna - I got the basic 3-knife set - or their Pro series.

Dinnerware

Mikasa used to make a product called Ultima+. It was described as a super strong fine china that is freezer-to-oven and microwave safe as well as dishwasher proof and chip resistant. In almost 12 years, despite mostly living in houses with tiled kitchens and adding three children to the mix, we only lost one plate and chipped two! That is a very impressive track record for everyday china. Since these dishes have been discontinued and were probably at a price point higher than I would consider for the project at hand, I turned my attention to another indestructible favorite: Corelle’s Winter Frost White series.

I have firsthand experience with this set and wholeheartedly recommend it, especially as an alternative to plastic sets for children. Corelle dishes are (made in America) from recycled glass, so they are lightweight but extremely durable. This set is so smart it even comes with container lids that fit the bowls so your leftovers can go from table to fridge. As a bonus, the manufacturer’s website often offers coupons that beat big box retailers’ prices.

Drinkware

Simple always does it. Whether you choose timeless Anchor Hocking’s Heavy Base drinkware (made in USA), Duralex’s Picardie series (made in France) or Bormioli Rocco’s Romantic line (made in Italy), these hardworking glasses will take you from water to wine with ease. As a bonus, you can also get water jugs that double as decanters. Another inexpensive and great option are Fortessa Orbetto glasses (another timeless line is the Debutante, though they are made in China). You can get them at Costco for less than Pottery Barn and definitely for less than they are sold at Fortessa.com.

Bakeware

A sister brand of Corelle (and the Instant Pot!) is Pyrex. You knew I was going there! Pyrex is low maintenance and ever versatile. It goes from oven to table and then to the fridge. You can extend the set with lidded containers (Costco always has the best deal on these) - which now even come with wood and all-glass lids - as well as ramekins, measuring cups, and mixing bowls. What a win: a more streamlined look for less!

Cookware

I must admit that I am choosy about my pots and pans. The best quality-for-the-price set I have come across is Quince’s 5-ply stainless steel 10-piece cookware set. It is made in Italy and a treat to look at! Their specifications easily match All-Clad’s but at half the cost! No kitchen would be complete without a Dutch oven, which can also easily double as a crusty bread pot, and a proper nonstick frying pan, though. For both applications, I recommend cast iron. It is the original high-temperature and safe nonstick hero. I like this well-priced 5-piece set by Lodge, which is made in Tennessee and has everything you need to get cooking.

Utensils

I do enjoy OXO products, though they are mostly made in China. I want to give a shout out to Epicurean, which is also made in America, in Wisconsin, and works wonders. I have both their utensils and cutting boards. They’re a decade old and still going strong.

Pantry

This list is not exhaustive, but it would be sorely incomplete without a nod to Anchor Hocking and its excellent, timeless, and well-priced dry food storage options, all made in America. My favorites are Heritage Hill (for displaying) and Cracker Jars (for the pantry, especially baking supplies).

For the guest under the kitchen table… My parting endorsement is for Basis Pet, which makes stainless steel food and water bowls for our best furry friends (as well as mixing bowls for the kitchen).

I hope these tips set you off to a good start in outfitting or retooling your kitchen. As Mr. Warren Buffett, one of the most wildly successful investors of our time, said: “price is what you pay; value is what you get.” Shop wisely and bon appétit!

PS - Let me know your have favorite Made in USA products in the comments.