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  • I Never Thought I Needed a Grill Pan, But the OXO “Great” Grill Pan Completely Changed My Mind

    I Never Thought I Needed a Grill Pan, But the OXO “Great” Grill Pan Completely Changed My Mind

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    I usually try to skip trendy kitchen gadgets in favor of quality, time-tested cookware that can serve multiple purposes — both because I live in a small apartment and because I subscribe to the if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it life motto.

    Avocado slicer? Don’t need it — I already have a paring knife. Air fryer? All my editors have one, but personally I’d rather not forgo the counter space. Vegetable chopper? I actually enjoy the meditative task of chopping, thank you very much. 

    And because I live in a city apartment, I don’t have access to a grill. Shocker, right? But given the season (hello, summer!), plus the fact that some foods are just better with a deep, flavorful char, I gave the OXO Good Grips Nonstick 11” Square Grill Pan a chance in my quest for some proper grill marks.

    What’s Great About OXO’s Grill Pan? 

    OXO touts the “three-layer, German-engineered nonstick coating” as one of the pan’s main attributes, and I can’t disagree. It’s made with a particularly hardy nonstick coating (which is also hard to come by in the age of ceramic nonstick pans), which I anticipate will hold up to years of use. Because of its hard anodized body, the pan has a nice heft (but it’s not very heavy) and heats pretty rapidly (even on my cursed electric-coil stovetop) while distributing heat throughout, so even vegetables relegated to the corners of the pan can still pick up a nice sear. 

    Just like with my regular cast iron or stainless steel skillet, I got a lovely sear on meats, vegetables, bread, and more, but unlike a regular skillet, the heat is concentrated on what’s in contact with the raised ridges — imparting those characteristic little grill lines. 

    I was able to get quick color and flavor on asparagus (one of my favorite vegetables to cook on a traditional grill) without losing the snappy texture, and I successfully pressed a grilled cheese into a pseudo-panini by applying pressure while crisping.

    It’s also fabulous for meal-prepping pounded-thin chicken breasts, as they won’t curl up and lose all their juices (or, worse, remain white and colorless) when flash-grilled in the pan. Other things I’m looking forward to cooking in the OXO pan: a thick tuna steak that would be incomplete without grill marks, farmers market zucchini, delicate cod or flounder for grilled fish tacos, charred corn on the cob, and caprese sandwiches.

    I don’t often cook red meat at home, but when I do, it’s likely a filet mignon and I’m inclined to butter baste it, which can be difficult to do in a grill pan given the shape. But since red meat is a rarity for me, this isn’t a big issue.

    How Do You Maintain the OXO Grill Pan?

    Keep in mind that because this pan has a nonstick coating, the heat shouldn’t be cranked up past medium. You’ll also want to avoid using metal utensils with it, and it’ll need hand-washing in order to maintain the coating. These are all things I do anyway with my usual cookware.

    Would I Recommend OXO’s Grill Pan?

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    Caroline Mullen

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  • The “Cozy” Fire Pit You’ll Want to Use Every Night This Summer (It’s on Sale for the Lowest Price Ever!)

    The “Cozy” Fire Pit You’ll Want to Use Every Night This Summer (It’s on Sale for the Lowest Price Ever!)

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Now through May 27, Solo Stove’s Memorial Day sale features discounts up to 30% off sitewide. The one fire pit we’ve got our eyes on is the best-selling Bonfire 2.0, down to just $229.99 from the original $299.99 price tag.  

    The smokeless fire pit is safe for decks, patios, driveways, and even the beach, although you should always take necessary safety precautions and never leave it unattended. The Bonfire comes with a removable base plate and ash pan for convenience and easy cleanup, as well as a carrying case for portability. The fire pit comes in a stainless steel version, which is also the least expensive, as well as a handful of saturated colors, all of which are currently discounted. 

    While the Bonfire is still an investment on sale, it’s been a worthwhile one for a few editors here at The Kitchn. Former Deputy Editor Kelly Dawson has the Bonfire 2.0 and loves how it amps up the coziness factor in her outdoor space. Contributor Stephanie Ganz has an earlier edition of the Bonfire (aptly called the 1.0) and has been using it for about four years now. She writes that the fire pit has changed how she uses her backyard, especially during spring and summer when she and her family are eating and hanging outside often. Homemade pizza, s’mores — you name it, she’s made it over her Bonfire. 

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    Jada Wong

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  • The 6 Best Organizers for All Your Cookware Lids, According to the Pros

    The 6 Best Organizers for All Your Cookware Lids, According to the Pros

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Digging through a pile of pots and pans and their lids in search of a matching set can be a frustrating (and noisy!) endeavor. Luckily, there are lots of handy storage tools available for organizing your cookware lids. From products such as dedicated lid hangers to chic racks that keep everything upright and easy to grab, you no longer need to suffer through the chaos of an unorganized cabinet the next time you get ready to make a home-cooked meal.

    But, with so many options out there, which ones are the very best? To get a handle on the most practical and useful choices, we turned to the experts: professional organizers. We asked the pros to share their favorite organizers for cookware lids, as well as any bonus tips they might have. (Spoiler: Filing lids vertically is a wildly popular method!) Here are the six lid organizers that made the top of their lists.

    Which organizational tool do you use to wrangle your cookware lids? Tell us in the comments below.

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    Michelle Lau

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  • The Meal Kit Service That Officially Got Me Out of My Cooking Rut

    The Meal Kit Service That Officially Got Me Out of My Cooking Rut

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    It’s the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?”
    READ MORE…

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    Kurt Suchman

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  • This “Impressive” Cookware Brand Is Having a Huge End-of-Year Sale and We're Buying One of Everything

    This “Impressive” Cookware Brand Is Having a Huge End-of-Year Sale and We're Buying One of Everything

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    There’s no sticker shock here.
    READ MORE…

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    Alicia Betz

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  • Home Chef’s Meal Kits Are My Go-To Dinner for Nights When I Just Can't

    Home Chef’s Meal Kits Are My Go-To Dinner for Nights When I Just Can't

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    Lizzy Briskin

    Lizzy is a trained chef, food writer, and recipe developer for print and digital outlets including Insider, Real Simple, and the Chicago Tribune. She has a culinary degree from Cambridge School of Culinary Arts and a BA from Amherst College. She lives in New York City, where she runs, eats, and explores as much as possible.

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    Lizzy Briskin

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  • My Favorite Baking Sheet Is So Good, I’ve Used It for 3 Years

    My Favorite Baking Sheet Is So Good, I’ve Used It for 3 Years

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    When you live in a small apartment but you love to cook, you have to be cutthroat about the cookware and appliances that deserve to take up precious storage space. An air fryer, for example, is out of the cards for me, because my limited counter space is dedicated to the more frequently-used Vitamix, toaster, and espresso machine. Plus, any gadget or cookware whose functionality is nearly the same as something else (ahem, the oven works just fine, Mr. Air Fryer) has no place in my kitchen. There are some items, though, that I could never bear to part with. Namely, my fish spatula, Made In stainless steel skillet, and beloved Nordic Ware half sheet pans. 

    What is a Half Sheet Pan? 

    A half sheet pan is exactly what it sounds like: a sheet pan approximately half the size of a standard one (so, about the size of a sheet of copy paper at 17.88 x 12.88 x 1.06 inches). Nordic Ware — an American company founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota — has been manufacturing some of the most popular kitchenware since their inception in 1942 and can be credited with the creation of the Bundt pan and microwave turntable. The family-owned company still manufactures a majority of their consumer and commercial products in Minnesota, including an array of aluminum bakeware, sturdy cookware, and microwave accessories. 

    What’s so great about the Nordic Ware Baker’s Half Sheet Pan?

    I have two baker’s half sheets (part of the Nordic Ware Naturals line), and I rely on them for a multitude of kitchen tasks, from prepping to baking and roasting. On weeknights, I’m likely roasting a batch of vegetables, breading chicken cutlets in an assembly line, or finishing cheesy pasta under the broiler — all of which are perfect tasks for the half sheet. I’ve had plenty of lower quality sheet pans warp under a mere 350 degrees, but with the Nordic Ware half sheets, I’ve never even heard a telltale pop inside the oven or lost even one Brussels sprout to an ill-timed warp. They also fit neatly into my oven drawer, where they live alongside my cast iron and stainless steel skillets. 

    When I’m feeling ambitious, I use these half sheets to bake chocolate chip cookies or seasonal galettes, maybe even to crisp a baked mac and cheese. Since the pans are made entirely from aluminum, they’re particularly great at conducting heat evenly, so no batches of cookies come out with uneven browning, and the oversized edge ensures no rogue noodles spill over and makes them adept at serving for crowds as well. I’ve even roasted a whole chicken on these half sheets in lieu of a proper roasting pan, because again, why have multiple pieces of cookware if one can do the trick? 

    While Nordic Ware does not recommend putting these pans in the dishwasher, I’ll admit that that’s where they get washed in our house about 95% of the time, and I’ve not seen any adverse effects. These pans also acquire a patina over time, so don’t expect them to look exactly as they did when they arrived at your doorstep. I like the look of a patinated piece of cookware, though, as it reminds me of how many meals these pans have sailed through with ease. 

    Buy: Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet, 2-Pack, $21.99 (normally $25.30)

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    Caroline Mullen

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  • Anyday’s Microwave Glass Cookware Will Save You So Much Time

    Anyday’s Microwave Glass Cookware Will Save You So Much Time

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    I am always looking for ways to make meal prep easier, whether it’s bookmarking quick and simple recipes, or using versatile cookware and gear that can make prepping and cooking go by faster. Unfortunately I also have a small kitchen, so as much as I love having the newest kitchen appliance, I’m not going all in unless I’m sure I have the space — sorry to all the air fryers I’ve loved, but didn’t have room for.

    Somehow, Anyday’s cookware accomplishes all of those things that I’m looking for with its line of microwave cookware, which explains why I have several sets. It goes beyond being just microwave-safe — this is cookware that you can use to cook full meals (yes, full meals!) in the microwave, instead of on the stove or in the oven. The goal is to free you up to do other things by streamlining how you cook your food, providing tons of versatility and keeping your counters free of uni-tasking appliances. While the cookware might not truly eliminate the need for your Dutch oven or slow cooker (nothing really will!), they do serve multiple functions, making things much simpler and more efficient. 

    Anyday makes microwave cookware that you use to actually cook in the microwave, so you’re able to get more use out of the appliance. The cookware looks like dishes and bowls, and includes lids with valves. The lids and body of the dishes are made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass, and the lids also include a silicone seal and microwave-safe stainless steel.  

    Is Anyday cookware microwave-safe?

    Yes, Anyday cookware is designed specifically for the microwave so pieces are microwave-safe. That being said, the brand definitely recommends following the “Getting Started” directions to make sure you set your microwave at the optimal power level and learn the ins and outs of the cookware before attempting an entree in the microwave.

    How do I use Anyday cookware in the microwave? 

    Anyday has lots of instructions on how to use their cookware, and one that you definitely shouldn’t overlook is the steam valve on the lids. There is a valve on the top of the lids which needs to be lifted up in the released position to allow steam to exit the container as food cooks in the microwave. As another layer of safety, make sure to keep the lid an inch or more away from the wall of the microwave to prevent sparking. 

    When you’re storing food in the cookware, that same valve needs to be pushed down to keep everything fresh and, well, contained. 

    Can Anyday cookware really go in the oven? 

    Yes, the glass dishes can go into an oven up to 500°F and the lid is fine up to 400°F. Because the dishes are glass, they should not go on the stovetop or on a grill. However, they can go into the fridge, freezer, and dishwasher. I honestly wouldn’t think these products were worth it if they couldn’t go in the dishwasher, even if they were the greatest cookware I ever owned, so that’s a relief. 

    What can you cook in Anyday cookware?

    You can cook many different things in the Anyday cookware. The website gives lots of tips and tricks for simple one-ingredient recipes like vegetables and rice as well as more complex dishes with meat, eggs, and other ingredients that you don’t typically associate as microwave-cooked. 

    Does Anyday have Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales?

    Yes, Anyday is currently running a Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale with 20% off everything across the site, and 30% off orders $200+. It’s the brand’s biggest sale of the year, so it’s worth stocking up if you’ve been eyeing the cookware.

    Is Anyday cookware worth it?

    If you’re a heavy microwave user or just want to start using your microwave more often, Anyday cookware would be a good fit for your lifestyle. The glass construction is comparable to other high-quality glass containers, but the difference with Anyday is that the lids can also go in the microwave and even the oven; even though you can’t use them at the same high temps as you would a regular roasting or baking tray, this still gives you much more versatility than other cookware. Anyday’s pieces are also quite attractive compared to other containers, and the borosilicate glass is durable and can last years. 

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    Laura Wheatman Hill

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  • Drew Barrymore’s “Hero” Pan Made Me Believe in Nonstick Cookware Again

    Drew Barrymore’s “Hero” Pan Made Me Believe in Nonstick Cookware Again

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    I gave up nonstick pans 15 years ago without losing sleep over it. I love my cast iron pans, and when I read about the dangers of nonstick cookware — dubious or not — it felt like a no-brainer to get rid of it. It’s akin to my friend who hates the taste of red meat, so she just gave it up without a second thought.

    But when asked if I wanted to try Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful All-in-One 4-Quart Hero Pan, I was curious about what I’ve been missing all these years. The brand claims that the ceramic nonstick coating on the pan is free of the alphabet soup we’ve been hearing about for years (PTFE, PFOA, and PFOS), and because safety was the (ostensible) reason I gave up nonstick all those years ago, I decided it was time to give it another chance.

    Looking for more great deals? Check out our complete Black Friday sale coverage, and be sure to sign up for our Cook/Shop newsletter for the latest sales and must-have kitchen finds.

    What’s So Great About Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful All-in-One 4-Quart Hero Pan?

    I started with pancakes and I was shocked by how little butter I needed to cook them properly. I moved on to diner-style home fries, assuming they wouldn’t get the crispy edges I love, but the Hero Pan’s cast aluminum construction blew me away with the evenness of the browning. I even crowded the pan! 

    Less skeptical at this point, I seared chicken breasts, steamed salmon and vegetables, cooked scallops, and made the prettiest omelet of my life. While boiling water for pasta on a Saturday to take advantage of the pan’s pour spout, I realized I had used the Hero Pan exclusively for a whole week after I first started using it, and it wasn’t even on purpose. Now, more than two months later, I still love it as my go-to. I continue to use it consistently — I just wash it and put it right back on the stovetop, because true to its name, it’s beautiful enough to leave out and because I know I’ll use it again in the next 24 hours, if not sooner.

    The “10 cooking functions” claim felt a little hyperbolic at first to me. Can’t most good pans do at least eight, if not all 10 functions — boil, sauté, simmer, pan-fry, sear, braise, stir-fry, strain, steam, and serve? But now I’m essentially confirming it because it’s the easiest pan to grab and works for literally everything I’ve made. I discovered that I could get by with only one pan — this one.  

    The Hero Pan is dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing is recommended. You won’t mind, though, because absolutely nothing sticks to it — no scraping required. I only use silicone tools and I’m careful not to scratch the interior of the pan, but if it ever needs to be replaced, a new one usually costs a mere $69 — pretty impressive for all-purpose cookware that works even better than my (much more expensive) stainless steel version. Even more impressive is that the Beautiful All-in-One 4-Quart Hero Pan is currently on sale for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so it’s down to just $59 now through November 27.  

    The only pertinent negative is that the handle is prone to staining. When I splashed curry on the stay-cool handle, it left a series of yellow dots that required something more intense than soap and water to remove. The stains are subtle, though, and I’m not bothered. I have the White Icing colorway, so if you’re worried about stains, you’ve got options with the Black Sesame, Cornflower Blue, and Sage Green shades.

    The Hero Pan is even induction compatible, which means that someday when I finally spend the money to convert from gas to induction, my trusty Hero Pan can stick around. I love the pan so much that I’m planning to buy it as a holiday gift for at least one relative — good thing it’s on sale!

    Buy: Beautiful All-in-One 4 QT Hero Pan, $59 (normally $69)

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    Meg Asby

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  • Caraway’s New Stainless Steel Collection Looks Absolutely Stunning In My Kitchen — And It’s Up to 20% Off for Black Friday

    Caraway’s New Stainless Steel Collection Looks Absolutely Stunning In My Kitchen — And It’s Up to 20% Off for Black Friday

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    The Kitchn team members are no strangers to Caraway’s cookware and bakeware. The candy-colored nonstick pots and pans are favorites around here. And while everyone has their tried-and-true favorite pieces of cookware, I generally prefer the longevity and durability of stainless steel cookware over the usual nonstick stuff. 

    Despite their frequent appearances in my social media feeds, I was never swayed to purchase because of my own lifestyle and personal preferences. But when I heard that Caraway launched stainless steel cookware, I was immediately in. 

    Looking for more great deals? Check out our complete Black Friday sale coverage, and be sure to sign up for our Cook/Shop newsletter for the latest sales and must-have kitchen finds.

    What Is the Caraway Stainless Steel Collection?

    Caraway’s nontoxic ceramic nonstick cookware and bakeware has earned plenty of fans. Their Stainless Steel cookware collection is the latest addition to their family of products. Each piece is made up of five layers of metal — two outer layers of stainless steel encase three layers of conductive aluminum. These layers ensure quick and even heating, helping to avoid hot spots and burned food. Stainless steel is also a nontoxic cooking material, which aligns with the company’s established values.

    What’s Included in the Caraway Stainless Steel Collection?

    Caraway’s stainless steel collection includes four main pieces of cookware, which you can buy a la carte or in various set sizes. To get the full experience, I tested the 4-piece Cookware Set which includes a 10.5-inch fry pan, a 3-quart saucepan, a 4.5-quart sauté pan, and a 6.5-quart Dutch oven. It also includes three lids, one of them working for both the Dutch oven as well as the skillet.

    In addition to the cookware, the set also includes a couple of bonus organizational pieces — a hanging organizer for the lids, and a set of modular, magnetic organizers to keep the pots and pans neatly within reach.

    The use and care booklet included in the set covers a lot of good information. The main points were to limit the stovetop to medium heat, skip metal utensils, and opt to hand-wash for the best longevity of the cookware.  

    I did a little dance when I saw the big Caraway box get dropped on my doorstep. I immediately hauled it in and opened it up to find luxe-looking silver packaging. Opening the box revealed a lovely set of pots and pans all thoughtfully packaged. (And no plastic!)

    An Honest Review of the Caraway Stainless Steel Collection

    Overall, I really liked Caraway’s stainless steel pots and pans. I used this set exclusively over a long weekend, cooking for my family of four, plus a dinner party with a few more guests. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were really only a couple of instances where I couldn’t opt for one of these four pieces. It was a bit of a Goldilocks situation — nothing was too big or too small, but just right for the task at hand. 

    The biggest appeal was their size and capacity because each piece was sort of an in-between size from what you typically would find in a standard set of pots and pans. I also really like the ratio of the depth to height. There was enough open space to feel like you could move around and get into the pot without them being really wide and tricky to store because of their footprint. And if you needed to maneuver the pots around the burners, the lightweight construction wouldn’t give you an arm workout.

    I was surprised to see that Caraway doesn’t recommend the use of metal utensils with these pots and pans. I like stainless steel cookware specifically because I lean so heavily on metal whisks and fish spatulas in my everyday cooking. I still used my metal utensils, but was a bit more gentle when cooking with the Caraway set, and things seemed fine. I also like that you’re able to throw stainless steel cookware in the dishwasher, so that I have the option not to hand-wash. Caraway doesn’t recommend this, though, to protect the cookware’s longevity, but I tossed mine in the dishwasher several times to test, and there were no immediate effects that I noticed.

    Review of the Caraway Stainless Steel 10.5-Inch Fry Pan

    This size of a pan isn’t uncommon, but is definitely a middle-of-the-road size when it comes to skillets. It’s a good addition to most kitchens. I used it to brown butter, sauté shrimp, make a grilled cheese, and fry eggs. Everything worked wonderfully. The eggs especially were a pleasant surprise. They released from the pan without too much manual coaxing.

    Review of the Caraway Stainless Steel 3-Quart Saucepan

    I have a 2-quart saucepan, and I have a 4-quart saucepan. This 3-quart option truly is a great in-between size that’s perfect for sautéing ingredients before a quick simmer like a small batch of soup or a quick pot of rice. The rounded corners also made it easy when stirring and sautéing — so much easier to maneuver a spoon in there from edge to edge. If you’re making rice, a quick heads-up that the steam vent will gunk up, so shift the lid around to let out the steam every now and then.

    Review of the Caraway Stainless Steel 6.5-Quart Dutch Oven

    I’ve known that my kitchen setup could use a stainless pot this size for a while now. I also tend to operate in a “make it work” mindset, working with what I’ve got instead. That said, I would have greatly benefitted from adding this to my collection ages ago. While it would have been an extra expense for sure, it’s also made just four days of cooking noticeably more convenient. That sort of exchange is worth the cost in some situations.

    Review of the Caraway Stainless Steel 4.5-Quart Sauté Pan

    I have a 3.5-quart straight-sided skillet that I rarely use. It’s rarely the right size and shape for anything I’m cooking. A regular sauté pan or a deeper Dutch oven tend to be the better options. But this 4.5-quart stainless sauté pan is such a great size and shape. (It reminds me a bit of my beloved 5-quart enameled cast iron braiser.) Notably, it fits an entire pound of pasta. The very first dish I made after receiving this set was caramelized tomato paste pasta. I boiled the pasta in the Dutch oven while building the sauce in this sauté pan. I was able to easily combine the pasta and sauce without losing any pieces overboard. I also made a batch of chicken kare raisu. The wide cooking surface meant I didn’t have to brown the chicken in batches. But I was still able to fit the entire batch of meat, vegetables, and sauce in a single sauté pan. I know this pan is going to get serious use.

    Review of the Caraway Stainless Steel Lids 

    The lids create a tight seal, but the large handle is top heavy and a little awkward to handle. The heavy metal design of the handles also means they get quite hot, so have your hot pads ready.

    The underside of the lid is also completely flat. Every other lid I own has either a bit of a dome, or a couple of rivets from the handle. These help the moisture drip back down into the pot. If you have the lid on the pot for any length of time, be sure to pick it up at an angle to allow the condensed moisture to release back into the dish. The steam vent got pretty gunked up specifically when I was making rice.

    Review of the Caraway Stainless Steel Pan & Lid Storage

    This set comes with a “docking station” of sorts for the pots and pans for Instagram-worthy countertop storage. Personally, I try to keep my countertops as clean as possible, but it’s still helpful beyond aesthetics — it’s easier to grab a singular piece without having to unstack a bunch of things. 

    Depending on how you store your cookware as well as your kitchen layout, the concept of the hanging holder may or may not work. I appreciate having all the lids in one spot as opposed to storing them in another cabinet, and my mid-century kitchen cabinet doors aren’t the best candidates to hang heavy lids with fairly permanent hanging hardware. This didn’t personally work for me, but I appreciate that storage was factored into this set — especially if you like to display your cookware. 

    Is Caraway’s Stainless Steel Cookware Worth It?

    I think the size and flexibility of these pots and pans are great if you regularly cook for about four people. As a set, this collection feels very well-rounded so this is a really great starter set for someone who might be stocking their kitchen from scratch, but it’s also great for well-stocked kitchens. Even in my own well-stocked kitchen, only the 10.5-inch sauté pan resembled anything I already owned.

    Buy: 4-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set, $556 (normally $845)

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    Meleyna Nomura

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  • I Love My Vitamix So Much, I Use It Every Single Day — And It’s $200 Off Through Cyber Monday

    I Love My Vitamix So Much, I Use It Every Single Day — And It’s $200 Off Through Cyber Monday

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    I held out on the Vitamix blender for a long time. I just wasn’t a Performance Blender Person. KitchenAid mixer, yes. Great food processor, yes. But the blender spot in my kitchen was taken by an old wheat-colored Osterizer handed down by my grandmother, and I just didn’t believe I needed a Very Serious Blender. Because the Vitamix has this reputation of a Very Serious Blender, does it not? It’s the best blender for serious cooks, and it does serious things, with serious power. 

    Well, for various reasons I have finally acquired a Vitamix, and while yes, it’s a Very Serious Piece of Kitchen Equipment that Does Very Powerful Things, why did no one tell me how fun it is? 

    Here’s my hands-on review of the blender all of our editors love, and that I, as a late adopter, have finally fallen in deep, swoony love with. If you are a serious cook, you too should consider one — but more importantly, if you’re a cook who likes to have fun, you deserve one. And if you’re someone who also loves a good deal, well, you’re in luck because Vitamix is having a huge Black Friday sale now through November 27 with deals up to 40% off.

    Looking for more great deals? Check out our complete Black Friday sale coverage, and be sure to sign up for our Cook/Shop newsletter for the latest sales and must-have kitchen finds. 

    Why I Wanted a Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender 

    Why did I finally say yes to the Vitamix? Simple: My old blender was finally wearing out. It wouldn’t stay on at full power, and this coincided with a personal life moment of transitioning into drinking smoothies for breakfast. (This was another “OK, FINE” moment for me, as I always swore by eating vs. sipping my breakfast, but the realities of perimenopause have arrived and with them the realization that I am a better, happier human being if I consume 50 grams of protein in one slurp before school drop-off.)  

    Why the Vitamix Is Indeed the Best Blender for Serious Cooks 

    When I unboxed this blender and tried it out for the first time, it had Serious written all over it. It’s a heavy, sober piece of equipment, with a blocky pitcher and a lid that snaps on tightly. The motor purrs like a very fast car and the whole assembly barely vibrates even at the highest of speeds. 

    I immediately tried out the same spinach pasta sauce that didn’t quite live up to its potential. This is a beautifully easy Smitten Kitchen recipe that whizzes roasted garlic and butter together with a whole bag of spinach to make a creamy green sauce. 

    I made two batches side by side — one in my old blender, and one in my new Vitamix. I blended them for the same amount of time, but the differences were shocking. You can see in the photo below how the Vitamix version (on the left) looks like a silky and smooth sauce. The one on the right is closer to a pesto, with a lot of texture and not fully emulsified. The Vitamix was the winner, hands-down. 

    Since then I’ve tried grinding frozen fruit into smoothies and making frozen drinks. They all have emerged light, whipped, and practically fluffy with nary a speck of ice to be found. In fact, there’s a dedicated smoothie function that whips a smoothie to creamy perfection in a matter of seconds. 

    The Vitamix practically yawns at this basic task; it’s Very Powerful and it knows that. 

    Why the Vitamix 750 Is Also Very Fun 

    However, the thing I didn’t quite grasp in people’s love of their Vitamixes is just how fun it is to have all this raw, unadulterated power at your fingertips. I love how the blender doesn’t shake or vibrate, and how I’m not worried in the least about the lid blowing off (although past blender trauma still compels me to hold it on with one hand; I’m just too scarred by ceiling splatters to let that go! I’ll get there!).  

    But here’s where we get to the really fun bit: self-cleaning. I sent my husband a text one morning scream-typing, DID YOU KNOW THE VITAMIX CAN SELF-CLEAN?! “Lol” he typed. Then “wait really?” Oh yes, I said. It can clean its powerful little self. 

    This self-clean function is astonishing to Gen-X me, who still remembers tape decks in cars and isn’t used to all this modern ingenuity. Here’s how the Vitamix cleans itself: You put some hot water in a crusty blender, add a drop of dish soap, then turn on the blender to the “self-clean” function — one of five distinct program buttons on this model. The blender whirs, then whirs faster, and then suddenly your blender is filled with hot and finely foaming suds all the way to the top. It stops automatically after one full minute and voila! Your blender just needs a quick rinse to be perfectly clean. It even cleans the lid! 

    I was riveted by how well it works, and really taken by the idea that I don’t need to wash my blender anymore. (What can I say? I have two children under 8, and small mercies like this go really far for me.) 

    Another thing I love is the ability to heat soups directly in the blender. This heating functionality is a famous feature of the blender, and it works purely through friction; there’s no actual heating element. To take my daughter’s beloved Campbell’s tomato soup and heat it up directly in the blender, then to self-clean this self-same blender, all before she finishes her grilled cheese? It makes me giggle. Is it Serious Cooking? Absolutely not, but it is essential and practical cooking that makes me grin and that, my friends, is what our gadgets should facilitate.

    Last but not least, the Vitamix tidies up my own mistakes. Once, I made an ice cream base and cooked it too hurriedly, curdling the eggs. (Next time I’ll just do it straight in the blender itself; did you know that you can make custard in it directly? Delightful!) I put that slightly gritty ice cream base in the blender and whizzed it into silky perfection. Once again, a Serious Cook wouldn’t have messed it up in the first place, but thank you to my Serious Blender for saving my bacon. 

    The Vitamix 750 Professional Blender Is Also on Sale, as of This Writing 

    So friends, if your blender doesn’t make you grin ear to ear, why not upgrade? Don’t let my mistake be yours; the Vitamix is Very Serious, yes, but it’s also a freaking blast. And it’s $200 off today during Vitamix’s Black Friday sale where you can also see deals up to 40% off through November 27, so you might want to add it to cart ASAP.

    Buy: Professional Series 750, $429.95 (normally $629.95)

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    Faith Durand

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  • I Tried The Cheesecake Factory’s Brand-New Holiday Cheesecake, and It’s Definitely Worth the Hype

    I Tried The Cheesecake Factory’s Brand-New Holiday Cheesecake, and It’s Definitely Worth the Hype

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    When I was growing up, a mall was not a mall to me if there wasn’t a Cheesecake Factory. I don’t make the rules. I would always ask my parents if we could go for dinner when I was a kid, but rarely did I succeed. When I got my driver’s license, I would try to sneak in an occasional trip here or there whenever I found myself in the area. 

    So, when I was offered the opportunity to try their new holiday flavor before it debuts on November 24, the answer was immediately “yes!” The flavor was a mystery until the box arrived, so I was waiting in suspense, but my guess was pretty close. Meet the new Peppermint Stick Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake! 

    The new flavor really goes all out for the holidays because it has peppermint swirled into white and dark chocolate cheesecake, all on top of a mint chocolate brownie. It’s aggressively festive, and I respect it. 

    Let’s get into this lovely cheesecake’s layers of goodness: First is the mint brownie layer that is, most importantly, not rock-hard, which can happen with non-graham cracker crusts, in my experience. Next is the dark and white chocolate cheesecake layer that’s studded with peppermint swirl. On top of that cheesecake layer is whipped cream and then chocolate ganache. Last but definitely not least, the top is decorated with chocolate curls! 

    Now I love my Starbucks’ peppermint mocha and I also am devoted to cheesecake, so this was a combo I was excited to try! Sometimes peppermint-flavored foods can be overpowering, but that was not the case in this instance. The sharp peppermint swirl and mint brownie are balanced out by the delicious double-cheesecake layers. Like most cheesecake, it’s pretty rich so I didn’t finish the whole slice (reader, it was also 10 a.m.), but that just means more dessert for a longer time! 

    My friend who doesn’t even like cheesecake but loves peppermint said that this cake was changing her mind. While I am loyal to my favorite Cheesecake Factory flavors (tiramisu and red velvet), I would definitely order this for a fun, festive holiday treat!

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    Andrea Kaufman

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  • I Tested a Dozen Carbon Steel Skillets — This Is the Absolute Best One You Can Buy Right Now

    I Tested a Dozen Carbon Steel Skillets — This Is the Absolute Best One You Can Buy Right Now

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    Plus a budget-friendly option that’s less than $50!
    READ MORE…

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    Katie Leaird

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  • The Best Baking Sheets You Can Buy Right Now

    The Best Baking Sheets You Can Buy Right Now

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    Including a gorgeous nonstick option and one that’s under $15.
    READ MORE…

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    Katie Leaird

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  • The Best Cast Iron Skillets You Can Buy Right Now

    The Best Cast Iron Skillets You Can Buy Right Now

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    Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm

    Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm was the Tools Editor at The Kitchn. A professional kitchen equipment tester, she’s worked for America’s Test Kitchen, EatingWell, and Food52. Her goal: to find the best gear for your kitchen so you don’t waste time or money on anything else. She lives in Boston, MA with her two dogs.

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    Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm

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  • Here’s What Our Editors Are Buying From Le Creuset

    Here’s What Our Editors Are Buying From Le Creuset

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Le Creuset is a household name in the cookware space. Even if you aren’t a cookware collector, we bet you’ve heard of the brand and can recognize pieces even before seeing the logo.

    In 1925, the French-Belgian cookware manufacturer introduced enameled cast iron cookware in their signature Flame color, and since then, they’ve been making high-quality, colorful cookware for professional chefs and home cooks alike.

    In addition to looking beautiful, their cookware is durable and chip-resistant. Le Creuset pieces are backed by a lifetime warranty, and are often handed down to family members as heirloom cookware. Le Creuset’s enduring popularity, even at its relatively high price point, shows that it’s more than just a pretty pot.

    Whether you’re investing in a piece of Le Creuset cookware for the first time or looking to add to your existing collection, you’ll want to start with these iconic best-selling pieces.

    The Best Things to Buy At Le Creuset

    What’s your favorite piece of Le Creuset cookware? Tell us in the comments below!

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    Abigail Abesamis Demarest

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  • What’s the Difference Between All of the All-Clad Lines?

    What’s the Difference Between All of the All-Clad Lines?

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Back in 1971, All-Clad was the first cookware manufacturer to use bonded metal, offering the heat conduction of aluminum with the durability and easy-care convenience of stainless steel. It was a game-changer and, 50 years later, the Pennsylvania-based manufacturer is still making the gold standard in high-quality cookware. 

    So, in an effort to help you pick the line that’s right for you, we took a deep dive into all of the most popular options. Don’t go shopping until you read this.

    d3 Stainless Steel Cookware 

    This newer line is an upgrade to the beloved d3 Stainless Steel line; it includes the same classic features (three-ply construction, of course) along with highly-requested features like contoured handles, drop-free pouring rims and flared sides, and a flat base with over 30% more skillet surface area.

    Who it’s for: Serious home cooks, especially people who do high-heat frying.

    d5 Stainless Steel Cookware 

    For a few dollars more you get two more layers. This time you get two aluminum layers with a layer of stainless steel sandwiched between. What do these extra layers do? All-Clad says the extra stainless steel can help eliminate hot spots and distribute heat more slowly and evenly (although some reviewers are skeptical about it). Choose between a 10 or 12-inch pan.

    Who it’s for: Home cooks who want upgraded cookware.

    Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

    All-Clad’s take on cast iron emphasizes ease of use. Yes, the cookware heats evenly and retains that heat. But the enamel exterior means you won’t have to season (and re-season) your pans, and makes it easier to clean. The oven-ready stainless steel lids are a bonus. But the matte black finish and wooden trivets elevate this line to table-worthy.

    Who it’s for: All-Clad stans looking for high-performance, low-maintenance cast iron cookware.

    The Cadillac of the brand, this line is pricey for sure. But that copper core surrounded by aluminum is a double-whammy because both metals excel at conducting heat. That means the pans are very responsive to temperature changes and heat evenly, all with the durable and maintenance-free stainless-steel exterior. All-Clad says the pans are maximized for induction burners and designed for recipes that “require precision.”

    Who it’s for: Serious home cooks who are all about precision.

    This option sports a layer of graphite in the center instead of stainless steel or copper. Graphite is more heat-conductive than copper and conducts heat faster laterally, which means the entire surface of the pan heats up lightning-fast. It’s also 80 percent lighter than copper, so these pans are super lightweight — perfect for those who can’t wrangle heavy pots and pans. 

    Who it’s for: Anyone who wants high-performing cookware that’s also lightweight and easy to maneuver.

    HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick

    Aluminum is cheap, lightweight, and conducts heat supremely well. Unfortunately, it’s also prone to scratching and can react with acidic foods. But when it’s given the hard-anodizing treatment (a dip in a chemical bath with an electrical current running through it), the surface becomes a lot more durable and it won’t react with acidic ingredients. This type of metal forms the base of All-Clad’s relatively affordable nonstick cookware sets, and this HA1 line adds a stainless-steel bottom so the pans are warp-resistant and can be used on induction burners too. Choose the set in 8 and 10 inches or 10 and 12 inches.

    Who it’s for: Anyone who wants nonstick cookware that will last longer than just a few months. Also, anyone who has an induction stove at home.

    Simply put: This line is just like the HA1 line but without the stainless-steel base (which makes it a bit cheaper). 

    Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to save money on a nonstick line and doesn’t have an induction cooktop.

    Let’s say you want the pretty pops of color and oven-to-table flair that enameled cast iron cookware provides, but don’t want to carry heavy pots and pans around the kitchen. And you want nonstick? You can have it all, thanks to All-Clad’s colorful FUSIONTEC line. The steel core might not be as heat-responsive as copper or aluminum, but it heats up steadily and evenly and is far lighter than cast iron (there’s a reason chefs love carbon steel pans). The ceramic coating inside and out is not just pretty, but also easy to clean. Check out our full review of All-Clad’s FUSIONTEC here.

    Who it’s for: Anyone who likes nonstick, but prefers the gorgeous look of ceramic.

    Which one of these lines sounds the best for you and your style of cooking?

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    Danielle Centoni

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