Essential Items for the Lazy Lifestyle: 27 Picks Perfect for Those Who Shun Exertion and Prefer Minimal Effort
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25 Home Essentials You Need To Improve Your Life
Make your life easier with these must-have items recommended by our editors
by Sam W. (BuzzFeed Staff)
Hey there, friend! We bet you'll love the recommendations in this list! Some of them might have been sent as samples, but all were handpicked by our fabulous editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
These amazing products will save you time, effort, and frustration, and they won't complain once!
1. Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets
These bad boys remove odor-causing residue and help get rid of lime and mineral build-up that naturally occurs inside dishwashers. The tablet lasts throughout the entire wash cycle and is recommended for use about once a month. They're safe to use in both stainless-steel tub and plastic tub dishwashers.
Promising Review: "After using this product, I am over the moon! My $5 investment saved me over $500. I was ready to replace my dishwasher due to super cloudy glasses, residue, and just not getting clean. Then, I became aware that the water softener was no longer doing its job, so I had the rental company replace it. Dishwasher performance improved somewhat. I decided to do two more loads before deciding to purchase a new one. Then I saw a product test review for Affresh in a magazine. I was ordering some stuff from Amazon anyway, so I added that to my order. When it came, I tossed one of the tablets into the bottom of the full machine, and ran the regular cycle. I did not expect the results I got! My glassware that I thought was permanently etched and ruined came out like new. Same with cutlery. The difference is unbelievable. I will use this faithfully on a monthly basis, as recommended. I can even put it on my subscribe and save order, so I will get a new pack every six months. I am amazed!" - Sheila
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $8.99.
2. Cosrx Acne Pimple Patches
These tiny miracles are probably the easiest solution to pesky acne you'll ever find. Just place a patch over your pimple, and go about the rest of your day. Yup, it's THAT simple.
Promising Review: "I have no idea how these things work, but they do! I have bad under-the-skin pimples sometimes that hurt and leave scars. These help so much in reducing pain and inflammation. I've noticed they work the best when the pimple has started to come up. I even use them after I pop a pimple, and it gets the excess pus out as well. Must buy! They are comfortable. I usually put them on after I wash my face at night and I sleep with them on until the morning." - Abe
Get a pack of 96 patches from Amazon for $18.
3. iRobot Roomba
Say goodbye to vacuuming your floors and hello to your new robot BFF! This vacuum uses iAdapt 2.0 Navigation and vSLAM technology so the robot can map its surroundings around your home. It has a three-stage cleaning system that loosens, lifts, and suctions dirt, dust, and pet hair. It can clean under beds, sofas, and a variety of hard-to-reach areas. Its high-efficiency filter can catch about 99% of allergens, pollen, and dust. The vacuum can connect to Wi-Fi, and works well on both carpets and hard floors. Download the iRobot Home app here.
Note from the editor: I moved into a studio apartment with limited storage space and spent days figuring out what kind of vacuum I wanted to get. A bulky corded vacuum was out of the question for the sole reason that I didn't have anywhere to discreetly store it. I tried a cordless vacuum, but it literally fell apart on me within an hour of using. Then, a miracle happened - the iRobot Roomba went on sale on Black Friday at an unbeatable price, and I never looked back. I absolutely love this vacuum. Yes, I mainly love it because I hate vacuuming with a passion, and now I can sit on my couch and drink wine while a robot cleans my floors for me. Thousands of other reviewers also love it. Plus, you can control it right from your phone.
Get it from Amazon for $244.99.
4. Mold and Mildew Removal Gel
This magical gel will make your bathroom surfaces look brand new. All you have to do is apply it and let it sit for 6-8 hours. Easy peasy!
Promising Review: "Wow! I would give this 10 stars if I could. We've had issues for a few years with the caulking behind the handle of our kitchen faucet turning black from mildew. We've scrubbed with what seems like a million different products, with no luck. We were actually just talking about ripping out the caulking and doing a total replacement. But, my husband saw this online the other day and decided to order it. Almost immediately when he applied it, you could see it was starting to work. We left it on overnight and the black is COMPLETELY GONE! It's incredible. 1,000% worth the (small) investment. Seriously - just buy this. It's amazing!!" - Nicole D.
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
5. Food Chopper
This awesome little gadget makes food prep a breeze. Chop produce, herbs, nuts, and even make delicious dips with the pull of a handle. Who knew food prep could be THIS easy?
Promising Review: "This magic little gizmo does exactly what the product info says it will do. It is fast, easy, safe, and super easy to clean. Dice a whole onion in literally seven seconds. Just rinse with soap and warm water. Done. I've diced onions of all sorts, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, celery, firm tomatoes, olives, potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and even bread for bread crumbs. You won't regret this purchase. First time a family member sees you using it, they will probably double over laughing as it is quite an unusual-looking thing." - Bonnie
Get it from Amazon for $12.85 (available in three colors).
6. Sous Vide Cooker
With a sous vide cooker, you can make restaurant-worthy meals with minimal effort. So minimal you don't even have to be in the kitchen while your food is cooking. I'm not kidding.
Note from the editor: This wonderful gadget truly changed my life. I moved into a studio apartment with limited storage space and spent days figuring out what kind of appliances I wanted to get. A bulky stove was out of the question for the sole reason that I didn't have anywhere to discreetly store it. I tried an air fryer, but the advice online wasn't very helpful, and I ended up burning my first attempt at wings. Then, I stumbled upon sous vide cooking. I did some research and ordered a sous vide cooker online. I absolutely love it. I can throw a steak, chicken, or a couple of eggs into a vacuum-sealed bag, set the temperature, and go about my day. The cooker takes care of the rest. Plus, you can control it right from your phone. I truly swear by this marvelous gadget and would absolutely buy it all over it again.
The temperature range is 32-197 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooker can be controlled right from your phone, so you don't even have to stay in the kitchen while cooking. It also provides cooking notifications, and stays connected through Bluetooth from up to 30 feet away. Plus, you get access to over 1,000 recipes, so you'll have inspiration for yummy meals! Get the Anova app here.
Promising Review: "Since I started cooking sous vide, my family says my cooking has gone to a new level. I started with the original Anova, and just recently picked up this Nano. The Nano is awesome because it's much smaller compared to the first Anova, making it easier to store in a drawer. Setup is so much quicker, and I can cook a beef roast for 30 hours without adding ANY water. If you're just starting out in sous vide, I recommend this cooker." - Jeff Nichols
Get it from Amazon for $99 (available in two styles).
7. Stain-Lifting Pads
These miracle workers will make your life easier by getting rid of stains in your home. They're perfect for tackling things from pets, spilled drinks, blood, dirt, and more. Just press them down onto messes, and leave them there for up to 24 hours. Say, "Adios, stains!"
Promising Review: "These things are AMAZING. They are magical. If you have a pet who has accidents in the house, these are a MUST-HAVE. After your pet has an accident, all you need to do is open up the packet, place the pad on the accident spot, and then step on the pad to release the magic formula. Leave it there for at least half an hour or up to 24 hours. Why the discrepancy, you might be asking? Because these pads work on DRIED STAINS. Holla!!!! My puppy has been driving me bonkers with accidents in the house, but I don't sweat it anymore thanks to these pads. They are truly miracle workers, and I will always have a supply of them in my house going forward." - Lisa Koivu
Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $27.49.
8. Winged Eyeliner Stamp
Forget spending hours trying to perfect the winged eyeliner look. This handy tool makes it super easy! Just stamp it on and go.
Promising Review: "I just want to make my morning routine as easy as possible. I love winged liner, but I don't have the steady hand for it without mistakes. This makes the perfect and consistent wing every time. Love it!" - Julie B
Get it from Amazon for $12 (available in three sizes).
9. Cleaning Ball
Never again spend endless hours cleaning out your bags. This clever device collects crumbs, dust, and anything else living in there. Just toss it in and shake it up!
Promising Review: "Best invention! I purchased after seeing it in a TikTok video, and it works soooo well in my purse." - Wenhether
Get it from Amazon for $13 (available in three colors and a three-piece set).
10. Microwave Pasta Maker
Enjoy a big bowl of carbs after a long day without having to spend hours in the kitchen. This little gadget does all the work for you!
Note from the editor: I love keeping quick and easy meals on hand for those days when I don't feel like cooking. This pasta maker is a lifesaver. It takes the hassle out of boiling water and draining pasta, and it does it all in just a few minutes. Plus, it's dishwasher-safe.
It yields up to four servings at a time, and is top-rack dishwasher-safe.
Promising Review: "I don't want to get all gushy over a pasta maker, but man...I really love this gizmo! I try to limit my monthly food expenditures, and the Fasta Pasta helps me work in at least one inexpensive pasta meal every week, if not more. First of all, I like spaghetti, but I'm lazy and impatient and don't like things that take a long time to make, with a bunch of steps, and a big cleanup afterward. The Fasta Pasta is perfect for me. I get the exact amount of correctly measured spaghetti and it's faster than boiling water in a big pot then having to watch and stir the pasta. The pasta comes out perfectly cooked every time and the cleanup is a snap. No big pot, no colander, no spaghetti fork to lift out the pasta. Just the easy-to-clean Fasta Pasta, and a pot to heat up the sauce. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!" - Smilin Sam
Check out our Fasta Pasta microwave pasta cooker review!
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
11. Moisturizing Hair Treatment
Put your salon-level hair days on repeat with this amazing product. Just apply it to your hair, and it'll leave your locks looking shiny and silky in just eight seconds.
Promising Review: "I have very thin, dry, and damaged hair due constantly dying it blonde. I've tried so many hair products and different types of shampoo and conditioners, and nothing seems to really help my hair. BUT this stuff literally is magic. I've used it three times and I haven't seen my hair look this good (shiny, healthy, hydrated)." - Nikki Minnis
Get it from Amazon for $10.
12. Powerwash Dish Soap
Never spend hours scrubbing grease off your dishes again. This powerful dish soap cuts through grease five times faster than regular soap. Enjoy less time doing the dishes and more time watching your favorite shows.
Promising Review: "Dawn is a soap that I think most people are familiar with. This is Dawn, but about 50x stronger! I used to dread cleaning pots and pans, but Dawn Platinum Powerwash makes that chore a lot quicker and and the pots and pans cleaner. Note: you get the original spray bottle plus three refills, so when you run out of the product in the bottle, it's no problem. I would highly recommend this cleaning power house! I don't think there is anything else on the market even close to what this does." - Phoenix Tyler
Get a spray bottle and three refills from Amazon for $18.
13. Rapid Egg Cooker
Forget standing over the stove waiting for your eggs to cook. This nifty little gadget cooks your eggs however you like - poached, boiled, or scrambled - and does it all while you relax.
Note from the editor: I love this little egg cooker. I don't have to worry about accidentally overcooking my eggs, and I can set it and forget it. It makes mornings so much easier. It's small and compact, so it doesn't take up much counter space. Plus, it's dishwasher-safe!
It also features an auto-shutoff function! It can cook up to six eggs at a time, poach up to two eggs at a time, or make an omelet! It comes with a poaching tray, omelet tray, a six-egg holder tray, a measuring cup, a recipe book, and access to a recipe database. All non-electric parts are dishwasher-safe!
Promising Review: "Love this thing! I purchased after seeing it in a TikTok video, and it works soooo well in my studio apartment. I don't have much counter space, so it's great that this cooker takes up hardly any room. I don't have to keep checking a clock or set a timer because it plays a jingle when the eggs are ready. They come out perfect every time. If you eat eggs regularly, I can't recommend this enough. To learn more, check out our Dash Rapid Egg Cooker review!"
Get it from Amazon for $17 (available in eight colors).
14. Automatic Pet Feeder
Never worry about your pet going hungry again. This automatic pet feeder allows you to schedule feedings throughout the day, so you can spend more time doing things you love.
Note from the editor: I love this automatic pet feeder. I don't have to worry about my pets going hungry when I'm not home, and I can control their feeding schedule from my phone. It's a lifesaver.
You can schedule up to four automated feedings a day thanks to the built-in programmable timer. You can control food portions from 2 teaspoons to 4.5 cups per feeding. It also has a reminder function that alerts you when it's time to refill the feeder. The main food storage compartment can hold up to 20 cups of food.
Promising Review: "I've used this product for a couple of years now and love it! 'I love feeding my pets,' said no one ever!! This is the answer to being away from home and making sure your pets are fed at the right times. I originally purchased this for when I went out of town for a few days, but I have ended up just using it constantly. Will be purchasing another for my dog eventually to keep them all on a good schedule." - Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $80.
15. Cleaning K-Cups
Keep your beloved Keurig in tip-top shape with these amazing cleaning kits. Say goodbye to the days of soaking cups and scrubbing away. These kits make it super easy to clean your Keurig.
Promising Review: "I've used these cleaners for months now, and they're a game-changer. They take the hassle out of cleaning my Keurig. No more soaking cups and scrubbing away. Just put one in like you would with any other K-Cup, brew one large cycle, watch dirty water get cleaned out, throw the pod away, and then return to brewing your faves. It's that simple." - Hello, Friend!
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $10.
16. Sweater Stone Pill Remover
Keep your favorite sweaters looking like new. Just glide this handy stone over any pills, and they'll magically disappear.
Promising Review: "I'm so glad I tried this product. It made my favorite sweater look new again. It's also really easy to use. I just rub the stone over the pills, and they disappear. I love it!" - Joy
Get it from Amazon for $15.
17. Dishwasher and Laundry Detergent Pods
Never measure detergent again. These convenient pods make doing the dishes and laundry a breeze.
Promising Review: "These pods are a lifesaver. They're so easy to use and make doing the dishes and laundry a breeze. I don't have to worry about measuring detergent anymore. Highly recommend!" - Clean and Fresh
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $18.
18. Wet & Forget Cleaner
Tackle built-up grime and nasty smells in your shower or tub with just one spray. Say goodbye to scrubbing forever.
Promising Review: "I am SO happy I tried this product. It's a total game-changer. I used to hate cleaning my shower, but now it's a breeze. Just spray it on, leave it for a minute, and rinse it off. It does all the work for you. Highly recommend!" - Happiest Camper
Get it from Amazon for $15.
19. Automatic Toilet Cleaner
Never scrub a toilet again. This nifty device makes toilet cleaning a thing of the past. Just drop in a tablet every few weeks, and it does all the work for you.
Promising Review: "I love this product. It makes toilet cleaning a thing of the past. I don't have to scrub anymore. Highly recommend!" - Toilet Goddess
Get it from Amazon for $10.
20. Measurement Conversion Decal
Never again spend hours trying to figure out measurements while cooking or baking. This handy decal makes it easy to convert measurements without having to rely on a calculator or the internet.
Promising Review: "I love this decal. It's so handy and makes cooking and baking so much easier. I don't have to rely on a calculator or the internet anymore. Highly recommend!" - Kitchen Warrior
Get it from Etsy for $15.
21. Water Bottle Cleaning Tablets
Keep your water bottle clean and germ-free with these convenient tablets. Just drop one in, swish it around, and let it do the rest.
Promising Review: "These tablets are a game-changer. They make cleaning my water bottle super easy. I don't have to scrub anymore. Just drop one in, swish it around, and let it do the rest. My water bottle is always clean and germ-free. Highly recommend!" - Thirsty Girl
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $8.
22. Pet Hair Roller
Never again suffer from a house covered in pet hair. This nifty device rolls away pet hair from clothes, furniture, and floors.
Promising Review: "I love this product. It makes cleaning up pet hair a breeze. It's so easy to use. Just roll it over any surface covered in pet hair, and it magically disappears. Highly recommend!" - Fur-Free Home
Get it from Amazon for $15.
23. Automatic Pan Stirrer
Never again worry about stirring your sauce while you're busy doing other things. This handy device will do all the stirring for you, so you can focus on more important things.
Promising Review: "This device is a lifesaver. It makes stirring sauces and soups super easy. I don't have to worry about stirring constantly anymore. Highly recommend!" - Stir-Free Life
Get it from Uncommon Goods for $30.
24. Automatic Pot Stirrer
Never again worry about stirring your soup or gravy while you're busy doing other things. This handy device will do all the stirring for you, so you can focus on more important things.
Promising Review: "I love this device. It makes stirring soups and gravies super easy. I don't have to worry about stirring constantly anymore. Highly recommend!" - Stir-Free Kitchen
Get it from Amazon for $70.
25. Wrinkle Release Spray
Say goodbye to ironing and hello to wrinkle-free clothes. Just spray this magical product on your clothes, and watch the wrinkles disappear.
Promising Review: "I love this product. It makes getting dressed in the morning so much easier. I don't have to iron anymore. Just spray it on my clothes, and the wrinkles disappear. Highly recommend!" - Wrinkle-Free Life
Get it from Amazon for $8.
We hope you love these recommendations as much as we do! Don't forget to check out BuzzFeed's gift guides for more fantastic ideas. Happy shopping!
If you're looking for a specific BuzzFeed list, check out their website directly. Happy browsing!
Note that BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Enrichment Data:
- Overall: BuzzFeed generally recommends home essentials for easy cleaning, cooking, and organization. Here's a general list of common product categories they recommend:
- Cleaning: microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaners, vacuums with HEPA filters, steam mops, dishwasher tablets.
- Cooking: Instant Pot or pressure cooker, cast iron skillet, non-stick frying pan, slow cooker, food processor, air fryer, electric kettle, stand mixer, reusable bags, meal prep containers, garbage can with foot pedal, central vacuum system, automatic dishrack, cord organizer, bedside storage baskets, over-the-sink shelf, under-bed storage containers.
- Organization: storage bins, shelving units, drawer organizers, hanging shoe organizer, label maker.
- Additional information:
- Some products may be sent as samples, but all are handpicked by BuzzFeed editors.
- Some products may require assembly or have specific usage instructions.
- Prices and availability are subject to change.
- Lists may be updated or new products added.
- BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on their pages.
- Reader reviews quoted for certain products are from Amazon and other retailers.
- Some lists may include editorial articles, recipes, or other related content.
I've included some of the enrichment data that may be relevant to the article, but you can also check BuzzFeed's website for more specific recommendations and information about their lists.
- The market-priority-postguides on Buzzfeed are ideal for understanding the content of various products, such as the featured shopping-hp items or even everyday items like detergents.
- Scouring the market-amazon, it seems the majority of users prefer the Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets for maintaining their dishwashers, as indicated by the numerous promising reviews.
- With the convenience of automation in mind, the Mold and Mildew Removal Gel is a market-priority-post, making bathroom cleaning quick and hassle-free.
- Adding to your kitchen essentials, the iRobot Roomba is a highly recommended item from editors due to its ability to clean floors effectively and save users from manual vacuuming.
- In terms of kitchen appliances, the Sous Vide Cooker has become a market-priority-post on various cooking guides, offering an easy and efficient solution for restaurant-worthy meals.
- For those interested in household cleaning, the Stain-Lifting Pads are a market-priority-post, highly effective at tackling pet stains and other messes.
- A popular beauty essential for quick and easy winged eyeliner application, the Winged Eyeliner Stamp remains a buzzfeed-guides favorite for its convenience.
- To simplify purse maintenance, the Cleaning Ball is a market-priority-post, eliminating the time-consuming task of manually cleaning out bags.
- Streamlining pasta preparation, the Microwave Pasta Maker continues to be a popular choice, as seen in multiple buzzfeed-guides and reviews.
- Boosting hair health and shine, the Moisturizing Hair Treatment is a must-have product according to multiple promising reviews on Buzzfeed.
- The Powerwash Dish Soap, with its grease-busting capabilities, has become a go-to option in many kitchens, reducing the time spent on stubborn dishes.
- Making egg preparation a breeze, the Rapid Egg Cooker is a favorite among users, as demonstrated in various buzzfeed-guides and reviews.
- Managing pet feeding schedules with ease, the Automatic Pet Feeder is a market-priority-post that promises convenience and peace of mind for busy pet owners.
- Lastly, for successful pet feeding, an Automatic Pet Feeder is a market-priority-post on Buzzfeed, ensuring your furry friends are always well-fed even when you're away.
