Amazon Basics products that are even better than those pricey brand-name favorites

Yahoo Life is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. While this content is written independently by our editors, we may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page or other compensation. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

We’ve all turned to generic products to get a good deal, but the quality? Meh, it can be hit or miss. Bet you didn’t know Amazon-branded products are highly rated and can save you a bundle! Here are our picks for Amazon Basics products that are even better than those pricey brand-name favorites.

Amazon Basics Cast Iron Dutch Oven

The best, smartest way to go Dutch. (Photo: Amazon)
The best, smartest way to go Dutch. (Photo: Amazon)

Even if you’re an amateur in the kitchen you’ve probably coveted the $300 Le Creuset Dutch Oven — it’s one of the most recognizable kitchen pots around. If you didn’t get it as a gift for your wedding, you probably thought you were out of luck for the rest of your life – until now! Amazon Basics has an incredible dupe for just $46 that's gotten almost 20,000 positive reviews. It’s a classic you can use daily, thanks to all those trendy one-pot recipes blowing up on social media. Available in red, white, green and blue.

Shop it: Amazon Basics Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $46, amazon.com

Amazon Basics 8-Sheet, Cross-Cut Paper Shredder

Who wants to deal with the clutter — and potential danger — of a paper trail? Get shredding! (Photo: Amazon)
Who wants to deal with the clutter — and potential danger — of a paper trail? Get shredding! (Photo: Amazon)

It's not too late to tackle your spring cleaning. Me, I'm getting on it, and since I’ve been the victim of several credit card hacks, I've learned that it’s critical to confetti my paperwork, which this Amazon Basics shredder does effortlessly. No one has time to feed individual papers through, so I love that it can chop up to eight sheets at a time. Oh, and speaking of credit cards, this machine chews them up as well. It'll also make short work of staples and small paper clips. This is one of Amazon’s highest-ranking Basics products – and a comparable confetti-cut shredder will run you about $90, but this one is a steal at $36 — just ask its 24,000 positive reviewers.

Shop it: Amazon Basics 8-Sheet, Cross-Cut Paper Shredder, $36, amazon.com

Amazon Basics 48-Pack AA Alkaline Batteries

You've heard of a gaggle of geese and a murder of crows...how about a battery of batteries? (Photo: Amazon)
You've heard of a gaggle of geese and a murder of crows...how about a battery of batteries? (Photo: Amazon)

Every time I’ve been duped into buying crummy generic batteries I’ve lived to regret it. Their life drained quickly, making it an expensive, annoying and short-lived exercise. Now with twins and a bevy of bubble makers and other light-up distractions, I've learned that too many batteries are never enough, so I’m loving that Amazon Basics sells a 48-pack for just $14.99 — that’s just $.31 a battery! As a comparison, batteries are usually nearly a $1 a pop. Over 300,000 happy customers are enjoying extended time with video game play, outdoor lights, toys, remote controls and so much more. Why don't you join them?

Shop it: Amazon Basics 48-Pack AA Alkaline Batteries, $15, amazon.com

Amazon Basics Collapsible Storage Cubes

You don't have to be an art aficionado to appreciate this form of Cube-ism. (Photo: Amazon)
You don't have to be an art aficionado to appreciate this form of Cube-ism. (Photo: Amazon)

The only way I keep my domestic sanity is by not allowing our apartment to get super messy in the first place. It’s not easy, but creating homes for shoes, toys, blankets and books really helps cut down the clutter and keep things organized. I’ve always loved collapsible fabric bins that you can pop open when needed and stow away neatly, and this Basics set is beloved by over 50,000 folks who also love that it fits any décor and keeps you from tripping over Legos. I even keep one in my car to restore some sort of sanity there, too. They are super durable and just $3 each — a similar set at a big box store runs triple the price, so this is an absolute no-brainer.

Shop it: Amazon Basics Collapsible Storage Cubes, $20, amazon.com

Amazon Basics Espresso Machine and Milk Frother

Just 62 bucks for a multitalented coffee machine, in this age of chi-chi cafes? You're making money! (Photo: Amazon)
Just 62 bucks for a multitalented coffee machine, in this age of chi-chi cafes? You're making money! (Photo: Amazon)

I don’t mess around when it comes to coffee, and I was about to disregard this pick outright until I poured through the reviews; baristas from coffeehouses across the country are loving this 2-in-1 Basics espresso machine and milk frother. You can make espresso, cappuccinos and lattes, and the built-in frother with adjustable knob creates a fresh, foamy topping. It even includes a ceramic espresso cup to transport you to your favorite European cafe. The best part? This machine has better ratings than some of its $1,000 rivals.

Shop it: Amazon Basics Espresso Machine and Milk Frother, $62 (was $66), amazon.com

Amazon Basics Patio String Light

This photo gives us an idea: You ought to snap up a set of Basics Patio Lights! (Photo: Amazon)
This photo gives us an idea: You ought to snap up a set of Basics Patio Lights! (Photo: Amazon)

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been crushing on my neighbor’s gorgeous Edison globe lights that warm up, and class up, their porch to a magazine-layout-worthy levels. But, I thought, they looks super pricey. Little did I know their luxe lighting could be had for just $15 bucks! These Basics lights have over 30,000 positive reviews and one reviewer said he chiseled them out of an ice bucket after mistakenly leaving them out – and they still work! How's that for durable? Enjoy their warm, cozy glow on balconies, gardens, tents, city roofs, and at weddings, parties, you name it.

Shop it: Amazon Basics Patio String Light, $23, amazon.com

Video produced by Kat Vasquez

Read More from Yahoo Life:

This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission.