We Tested Hundreds of Kitchen Products to Find the Ones Worth Buying This Holiday Season
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If you heard the conversations that take place in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances Lab on a daily basis, you'd wonder, "Why are these people so excited about a new water bottle or [insert random kitchen product here]? Then, you'd look around and it would all make sense:
Our team of trained cooks, recipe developers and product analysts spends each day rigorously testing kitchen gear — from knives and cookware to air fryers and outdoor grills. We stay on top of trends by connecting with brands and attending multiple trade shows a year. In our Lab, we dive deep into each product, examining its construction, performance and overall value to determine if it’s actually worth recommending to our readers. When our annual Kitchen, Coffee & Tea Awards approach, we get excited to test all the new submissions, ready for the hard work ahead.
For this year's awards, the pros in our Kitchen Appliances Lab teamed up with the experts from our Test Kitchen, Nutrition Lab and Cleaning Lab to review nearly 300 products. Using standardized methods, we tested each product’s performance (or taste where applicable), ease of use and innovation in the Lab. We also sent hundreds of samples to our consumer testers for at-home evaluation and compared our findings to feedback from almost 1,000 consumer surveys.
Here are the top kitchen, coffee and tea products to shop now.
Meet the GH Experts
Nicole Papantoniou | Kitchen Appliances Lab Director
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has been overseeing testing since 2019. A seasoned product tester and recipe creator, she's a trained chef and has worked in test kitchens for major brands and national magazines like Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal. She launched the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Gear Awards in 2021.
Eva Bleyer | Kitchen Appliances Product Analyst
Eva Bleyer is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager.
She led the testing for a number of categories for this year's awards, including juicers, blenders, coffee and creamers.
Sarah Gregory | Deputy Editor, Editorial Operations & Special Projects
Sarah Gregory is a deputy editor for the Good Housekeeping Institute, testing products and covering top picks in kitchen, tech, health and food. Cooking professionally since 2017, she has tested kitchen appliances for Family Circle and developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a professional culinary arts certificate from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).
For this year's awards, she tested a variety of products, including cookware, knife sharpeners, thermometers, waffle makers and slow cookers; she also led our tea taste tests.
Jamie Ueda | Contributing Senior Analyst
Jamie Ueda is a seasoned consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience. Specializing in coffee products, she has tested and written extensively on coffee makers, espresso machines, grinders and more. Passionate about coffee, she has completed advanced courses with the Specialty Coffee Association in brewing, barista skills and sensory tasting.
For this year's awards, she tested coffee makers, espresso makers and water filters and participated in our coffee and tea taste tests.
Raena Loper | Contributing Writer and Analyst
Raena Loper is a product analyst who has worked with the Kitchen Appliances Lab for several years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes and O, The Oprah Magazine. A Montclair State University graduate, Raena enjoys cooking BBQ and spending time with family.
She tested ranges, cookware and several outdoor products for this year's awards.
Kate Merker | Chief Food Director
Kate Merker is the Chief Food Director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group, overseeing the team that produces culinary content for several Hearst titles, including Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Prevention, Woman’s Day and Country Living. She has clocked nearly 20 years of experience in food media and before that, worked at some of New York City’s finest restaurants.
She tested several products for this year's awards, and offered her expertise in the process of selecting our winners.
Susan Choung | Recipe Editor
Susan Choung is a recipe editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she produces food content. A Brown University graduate and cookbook collaborator, she has previously worked at Food & Wine, Food Network, a Brooklyn wine shop and Berkeley’s iconic restaurant, Chez Panisse. She was our lead tea taste tester for this year's awards.
Samantha MacAvoy | Assistant Editor
Samantha MacAvoy is an assistant editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she writes about delicious recipes, must-try food products and top-tested tips for home cooking success. Since joining GH in 2020, she has taste-tested hundreds of products and recipes (tough job!). A Fordham University graduate, she considers the kitchen her happiest place.
For this year's awards, she tested single-serve coffee makers and was our lead coffee taste tester.
Stefani Sassos | Nutrition Lab Director
Stefani Sassos is a registered dietitian, NASM-certified personal trainer and director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab. She holds a bachelor’s in nutritional sciences from Penn State and a master’s in clinical nutrition from NYU.
She evaluated the nutritional facts for all of the coffee and tea products in this year's awards.
Carolyn Forté | Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director
Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab, has over 40 years of experience in consumer products. In addition to providing cleaning and home care advice for GH, she has authored numerous books and bookazines, and co-produces the Discover Cleaning Summits with the American Cleaning Institute. She holds a bachelor’s in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, CUNY.
She tested all of the cleaning products for this year's awards.
How We Tested
The submission process
Earlier this year, we invited brands to submit their newest, best-selling and top-performing kitchen, coffee and tea products for our awards — and they did not disappoint. We received hundreds of innovative entries across categories. Brands sent one of each product to the GH Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab and provided up to nine additional samples for our consumer testers across the country to try at home.
Expert evaluation
The Kitchen Appliances Lab comprises trained cooks, recipe developers, product experts and mechanical engineers with decades of experience testing cooking, dining, beverage and food storage gear. Our team meticulously analyzed each product entry, collaborating with our in-house registered dietitian, who reviews consumable submissions for nutritional value, and our Test Kitchen pros, who test products in real recipe development scenarios.
Judging performance and ease of use
In the Lab, we rigorously test products to mirror real-life home use while controlling every variable to ensure comparable results. We assess a wide range of data points and compare them with prior testing notes to evaluate how each product measures up. We also gather and incorporate feedback from home testers, awarding bonus points for standout innovation.
Rating taste and nutrition
When tasting coffee and tea products, we brew each one according to the manufacturer's instructions, utilizing the trained palates of our Lab analysts and Test Kitchen team. We then evaluate flavor using professional coffee- and tea-tasting methods. GH staff members also participate in a blind tasting, filling out a survey with their feedback. Our registered dietitian verifies that the ingredients and claims meet our strict standards.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
KITCHEN GEAR AWARDS:
Reliable Prep Tools | Cutting-Edge Essentials | Next Wave Kitchen Innovations | Entertaining Stars | Master Cleaners
COFFEE AND TEA AWARDS:
Coffee and Espresso Makers | Coffee and Tea Accessories | Coffee | Tea | Creamers
4-Inch Swiss Classic Paring Knife
Victorinox described this knife as “unassuming” and a “true kitchen workhorse.” We agree! It is lightweight and has a long, comfortable handle; sharp teeth; and a pointed tip.
LAB RESULTS: Testers used the knife to cut soft fruit, hard vegetables, crusty bread, flaky pastries and even chicken and were pleased with its sharpness. One told us, “I liked everything about it.”
Good Grips 2-Cup Angled Measuring Cup
The popular angled measuring cup from Oxo got an upgrade this spring. The plastic is now clearer and made of 50% certified recycled content, and the handle is a little wider with a more rectangular shape that’s more comfortable to hold.
LAB RESULTS: In our tests, the markings on the cup were accurate, and our analyst noted that the cup had a great pour. Home users liked the easy-to-read measurements and how lightweight it was.
Smooth Edge Cordless Can Opener
Some things just make your life a little simpler, and one is this rechargeable hands-free can opener from Proctor Silex. It is easy to use, produces a smooth cut and has a lid lifter.
LAB RESULTS: One tester called it “much better than a hand-crank can opener,” and another said it was “more convenient.” It was more foolproof than others.
Dual-Platform Digital Kitchen and Food Scale
Most scales have one platform that allows you to weigh ingredients, but this one from KitchenAid has an additional small platform so you can more accurately weigh small amounts (up to one pound to the thousandth of an ounce and hundredth of a gram).
LAB RESULTS: When we tested three different scales with three different weights, both platforms proved accurate with less than a 1% margin of error.
Helena Series 5.5-Inch Prep Utility Knife
This beautiful and extremely sharp knife from Cangshan has a five-and-a-half-inch blade, offers a good value, and it comes with a sheath so you could take it to a picnic or cookout if you wanted to.
LAB RESULTS: We were impressed with how comfortable this knife was to hold. Testers liked that it was lightweight, durable and easy to clean. One said, "It felt effortless to slice through even the most tedious ingredients."
BBQ Board
Uniquely, Epicurean’s cutting board is made from a paper composite, giving it a distinctive look and feel. Thin yet sturdy and durable, it will hold up through years of use and dishwashing cycles. This new model has a deep groove for juices.
LAB RESULTS: All testers liked that it could accommodate large ingredients but wasn’t oversize or bulky.
8-Inch Rosewood Chef's Knife
This second-time Kitchen Gear Award winner from Victorinox continues to impress. It’s sharp, surprisingly lightweight, comfortable to hold and quite affordable compared with others on the market.
LAB RESULTS: Consumers used it on all sorts of ingredients, from herbs to large roasts, and commented on its sharpness. One tester said, "It gave me great joy to use an elegant-looking knife, and it glided through everything so easily!"
ComplEat Cutting Board Set
The Gerber ComplEat Cutting Board Set makes cooking on the go easier. It includes two knives, a bamboo cutting board, a plastic cutting board and a holder for the knives and additional tools. Use it for camping or even in your backyard for a BBQ.
LAB RESULTS: These knives easily cut through a wide variety of ingredients in our tests. Our chief food director liked the combination of knife sizes and noted, “The chef's knife wasn’t huge, which is nice when cooking outside.”
Goldie
Sourdough starters are notoriously finicky and require a lot of care and attention. The Goldie by Sourhouse can help maintain yours more easily by letting you know if your starter is at the right temperature. The glass cover can accommodate a variety of containers from pint-size to quart-size.
LAB RESULTS: Testers appreciated how easy the Goldie was to use and how the indicator lights informed them if their starter was too warm or too cold. One said, “The included puck made it easy to cool the starter down.”
Ultra
Nutribullet is almost synonymous with “personal blender,” and its latest packs more power than previous models, with a sleeker design. It comes with three blending cups and two to-go lids.
LAB RESULTS: Our analyst and five consumer testers all raved about this blender. It aced Lab tests, leaving behind no flecks of kale in smoothie tests and no ice chunks in frozen-margarita tests.
Rolling Knife Sharpener
Sharpening a knife can feel intimidating, even if you’re a pro. Tumbler breaks it down by providing a magnetic holder that securely attaches to your knife while it’s on its heel so you can roll the sharpener alongside the knife to sharpen it and then flip it to hone.
LAB RESULTS: When testing this knife sharpener, our analyst saw results in about 10 passes and said it was “pretty foolproof.” Consumer testers also said it was easy to use.
Pepper Cannon
This repeat winner from Männkitchen can grind peppercorns to create a variety of textures, from powder to coarsely cracked grounds. The top pops off for easy filling, and the cap doubles as a base and grind collector.
LAB RESULTS: Out of 15 we tested overall, this grinder worked fastest. Plus, it still looks and performs like new after more than a year of use.
H320 Slow Juicer
Hurom makes a wide variety of juicers. This one stands out for being self-feeding and powerful with a sleek design.
LAB RESULTS: We’ve tested more than 50 juicers over the years, and this one impressed our analyst by making smooth and sweet juice. Our tester commented on how dry the pulp was and said the juicer “really got every ounce of liquid out!"
TM6
Thermomix continues to lead the cooking food processor category after having been in business for more than 50 years. It chops and kneads dough like your traditional food processor as well as weighs ingredients, heats at specific temperatures between 100ºF and 320ºF and stirs. The brand recently added a potato peeler attachment and a thermometer to its suite of accessories.
LAB RESULTS: The large colored control panel makes it easy to operate, and you can connect to the Cookidoo app to follow recipes step by step.
2-Slice Slim Toaster
This toaster in Bella’s new slim line of appliances takes the word “slim’ to another level. It’s 3 1/2 inches wide and still fits two standard pieces of toast or two bagel halves at once.
LAB RESULTS: Our analyst reported that this toaster toasted bread evenly and consistently, and two at-home testers said the same thing in their surveys. One replaced their existing toaster with this one.
Easy Solutions 2-Piece Bake Set
Farberware’s 2-Piece Bake Set isn’t just a nonstick baking pan and cupcake tin: It also has markings on the pan to help you portion and space cookies as well as on the rim so you can evenly cut brownies or quiche. The cupcake tin has fill lines.
LAB RESULTS: Cookies released from this sheet pan easily in our tests. Both our analyst and consumer testers found the markings helpful. Many commented on the pretty color, the quality of the nonstick surface and how easy they were to clean.
Plus 30-Cup Water Filter Dispenser
Pur’s 30-Cup Water Filter Dispenser stands out for its large capacity and slim design. It is easy to use and can be washed in the dishwasher (many water filter pitchers aren’t dishwasher-safe). It reduces lead, microplastics and more in water.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said they liked the easy-to-dispense spout and that they didn’t have to lift a heavy pitcher. Another said, “It was quick and easy to use, and the water was tasteless and pure.”
Under-Sink Water Filter Replacement
Making your life easier is a theme among this year’s award winners. This water filter from Aquasana is a second-time winner. It connects underneath your sink to deliver filtered water whenever the cold water is turned on. It reduces 78 contaminants in water, including chlorine, lead and microplastics.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said, “It’s great not to have to think about filtering water.”
1826 Collection 2 Qt. Stainless Steel Saucepan
This saucepan from French cookware manufacturer Cristel is made from high-quality stainless steel, offers impressive heft and sits sturdily on various cooktops. The flared walls allow it to stack with other saucepans in the collection.
LAB RESULTS: All testers liked the design of this pan and commented on its quality. They said food browned well and nothing stuck to it, which we can confirm. They (and we!) also loved that it was dishwasher-safe. One tester called it “a forever pot.”
Bake Set
Bakeware doesn’t have to be heavy to be effective. This lightweight enamelware set from Falcon Enamelware is oven-safe up to 530ºF and dishwasher-safe too. Plus, the five pieces nest.
LAB RESULTS: Every consumer tester commented on how much they liked the weight of these pans. Several users, including our chief food director, noted how evenly they baked and how well they cleaned up.
Cookware Set
Stainless steel cookware is often expensive. This 7-piece set from Goldilocks comes at an affordable price point and will last a long time. The pots and pans are sturdy, with wide, flat bottoms that suit many different stovetops.
LAB RESULTS: Testers liked how durable this cookware was. One tester who was used to using nonstick said she was able to get the hang of using this after just a few tries.
Sublime Braiser, 4-Qt.
Emile Henry’s beautiful ceramic braiser weighs half what most comparable Dutch ovens do. Its large surface area can fit six big chicken thighs, and it is oven- and broiler-safe up to 930ºF.
LAB RESULTS: Our in-Lab tester said this braiser made “fantastic, tender meat” that was evenly cooked with flavorful broth; the inside, as well as the splatter lid, was easy to clean.
NS Pro Nonstick 3-Piece Fry Pan Set
This set of three nonstick pans from All-Clad will get you through every kind of meal, from breakfast for one to dinner for a family, with confidence. They have wide surface areas and steeply flared edges, and they’re oven-safe up to 500ºF.
LAB RESULTS: In our tests, eggs were easy to flip, steak browned deeply and evenly and the pans cleaned up well and A home tester liked how the pans held up to repeated use.
Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill
Cuisinart was one of the first brands to come out with a toaster oven that could also air-fry. This model is super powerful and easy to use and has a few air-frying recipes right on its door.
LAB RESULTS: This air fryer toaster oven has been our top-tested pick for many years. Home testers used it t0 make a wide variety of foods, from crispy tofu to banana bread and plain toast. They liked its size and how quickly it cooked.
2-Slice Slim Toaster
This toaster in Bella’s new slim line of appliances takes the word “slim’ to another level. It’s 3 1/2 inches wide and still fits two standard pieces of toast or two bagel halves at once.
LAB RESULTS: Our analyst reported that this toaster toasted bread evenly and consistently, and two at-home testers said the same thing in their surveys. One replaced their existing toaster with this one.
Easy Solutions 2-Piece Bake Set
Farberware’s 2-Piece Bake Set isn’t just a nonstick baking pan and cupcake tin: It also has markings on the pan to help you portion and space cookies as well as on the rim so you can evenly cut brownies or quiche. The cupcake tin has fill lines.
LAB RESULTS: Cookies released from this sheet pan easily in our tests. Both our analyst and consumer testers found the markings helpful. Many commented on the pretty color, the quality of the nonstick surface and how easy they were to clean.
Plus 30-Cup Water Filter Dispenser
Pur’s 30-Cup Water Filter Dispenser stands out for its large capacity and slim design. It is easy to use and can be washed in the dishwasher (many water filter pitchers aren’t dishwasher-safe). It reduces lead, microplastics and more in water.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said they liked the easy-to-dispense spout and that they didn’t have to lift a heavy pitcher. Another said, “It was quick and easy to use, and the water was tasteless and pure.”
Under-Sink Water Filter Replacement
Making your life easier is a theme among this year’s award winners. This water filter from Aquasana is a second-time winner. It connects underneath your sink to deliver filtered water whenever the cold water is turned on. It reduces 78 contaminants in water, including chlorine, lead and microplastics.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said, “It’s great not to have to think about filtering water.”
1826 Collection 2 Qt. Stainless Steel Saucepan
This saucepan from French cookware manufacturer Cristel is made from high-quality stainless steel, offers impressive heft and sits sturdily on various cooktops. The flared walls allow it to stack with other saucepans in the collection.
LAB RESULTS: All testers liked the design of this pan and commented on its quality. They said food browned well and nothing stuck to it, which we can confirm. They (and we!) also loved that it was dishwasher-safe. One tester called it “a forever pot.”
Bake Set
Bakeware doesn’t have to be heavy to be effective. This lightweight enamelware set from Falcon Enamelware is oven-safe up to 530ºF and dishwasher-safe too. Plus, the five pieces nest.
LAB RESULTS: Every consumer tester commented on how much they liked the weight of these pans. Several users, including our chief food director, noted how evenly they baked and how well they cleaned up.
Cookware Set
Stainless steel cookware is often expensive. This 7-piece set from Goldilocks comes at an affordable price point and will last a long time. The pots and pans are sturdy, with wide, flat bottoms that suit many different stovetops.
LAB RESULTS: Testers liked how durable this cookware was. One tester who was used to using nonstick said she was able to get the hang of using this after just a few tries.
Sublime Braiser, 4-Qt.
Emile Henry’s beautiful ceramic braiser weighs half what most comparable Dutch ovens do. Its large surface area can fit six big chicken thighs, and it is oven- and broiler-safe up to 930ºF.
LAB RESULTS: Our in-Lab tester said this braiser made “fantastic, tender meat” that was evenly cooked with flavorful broth; the inside, as well as the splatter lid, was easy to clean.
NS Pro Nonstick 3-Piece Fry Pan Set
This set of three nonstick pans from All-Clad will get you through every kind of meal, from breakfast for one to dinner for a family, with confidence. They have wide surface areas and steeply flared edges, and they’re oven-safe up to 500ºF.
LAB RESULTS: In our tests, eggs were easy to flip, steak browned deeply and evenly and the pans cleaned up well and A home tester liked how the pans held up to repeated use.
Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill
Cuisinart was one of the first brands to come out with a toaster oven that could also air-fry. This model is super powerful and easy to use and has a few air-frying recipes right on its door.
LAB RESULTS: This air fryer toaster oven has been our top-tested pick for many years. Home testers used it t0 make a wide variety of foods, from crispy tofu to banana bread and plain toast. They liked its size and how quickly it cooked.
Grain and Rice Cooker With Integrated Scale
You’ll want to enjoy rice and other grains more often once you own this helpful appliance from KitchenAid — it senses the weight of the food when it’s poured into the ceramic pot and dispenses the perfect amount of water for cooking. You won’t have to do much but fluff the grains at the end. And it comes with a steamer basket.
LAB RESULTS: All our testers were impressed with how little effort it took to cook notoriously fussy rice and other grains perfectly.
Nova Ceramic Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set
This trendy 10-piece set from GreenPan is the definition of high quality at a competitive price. Offering good heft and a high-performing ceramic nonstick surface, it comes with two sturdy silicone cooking tools.
LAB RESULTS: The pots and pans heated evenly in our Lab tests, and eggs slid right out of the frying pan.
30-Inch Electric Range With Steam Clean
This electric range from Whirlpool incorporates many high-end features into an affordable option. One feature that stands out: The two front burners can accommodate small or large cookware with the use of the brand’s “dual radiant elements.”
LAB RESULTS: In our Lab tests, cookies and cake baked evenly and turned out golden, and steak broiled nicely.
Food Recycler
About the size of a garbage can, the Mill Food Recycler dehydrates and grinds food scraps into feed for chickens or gardens.
LAB RESULTS: After more than six months in our Lab, we have yet to notice off-putting smells.
KM7745FL (36-Inch Induction Cooktop)
Miele’s induction cooktops have a sleek, high-end design. This 36-inch one from its KM7000 line is frameless.
LAB RESULTS: Unlike most electric range tops, almost all of this cooktop is usable cooking space.
30-Inch Freestanding Induction Range
Even those new to induction will find this LG range easy to use — hello, familiar knobs!
LAB RESULTS: This range boiled water quickly in our tests, and the oven browned food evenly and well.
30-Inch Double Wall Oven, Transitional Series
This SKS double oven is one you dream of. It is sleek and boasts top tech and innovation, such as the ability to take a time-lapse video of your food so you can show off on social media if you wanted to.
LAB RESULTS: Our analyst said both ovens were incredibly even when heat distribution, broiling and cake baking were tested.
Grape Cabernet/Merlot/Cocktail
Riedel makes glasses in a large variety of shapes best suited for different wine varietals. Its latest Grape line simplifies things with just three glasses, including this versatile one for cabernet, merlot and cocktails.
LAB RESULTS: The wide bowl, short stem and big base make each of these glasses comfortable to hold and handle. One tester described them as durable and another as elegant. “They completely elevate the drinking experience,” she said.
Hot Pot Set
This Fly by Jing Hot Pot Set allows you to reimagine a night out. It includes a heating pot with adjustable temperatures (so you can bring the liquid to a boil and then lower it to a simmer) as well as serving spoons, chopsticks and a soup base to get you started.
LAB RESULTS: Our analysts had great fun testing this product. They used the products that came with the set and served a crowd, and along with testers, they particularly liked the included utensils that rest on the side of the pot.
The Table Knives
These Material knives are thin and dainty with incredibly sharp non-serrated blades. They come in pretty matte colors, tucked into a holder.
LAB RESULTS: These cut steak and chops smoothly in our tests. One tester said they were “perfect for most meals,” and another said, “I’d be proud to show them off at a dinner party.”
All Day Julienne Mini Soft Cooler Bag and Lunch Box
Move over, tumblers: This year Stanley launched soft, stylish coolers. This one is lightweight, opens wide, fits 10 cans and comes with a long adjustable carrying strap.
LAB RESULTS: All testers said this cooler kept their food and drinks cold for hours (with the use of ice packs), even at the beach. It makes an excellent lunch box that can accommodate storage containers and has a pocket for utensils.
Premium Home Oven Baking Stone
Baking stones allow you to transform your oven into a pizza oven of sorts where you can cook pizzas and different types of bread right on the hot surface. This one from Fibrament is large at 20 inches wide and 15 inches deep and manageable to work with.
LAB RESULTS: This baking stone is rated our “Best Overall Pizza Stone” after we tested 13 different ones. It made one of the most evenly cooked pizzas and retained heat well.
Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Most ice cream makers with compressors are wide and bulky; smaller traditional ones require you to freeze the bowl beforehand. This one from Whynter offers the best of both worlds: It has a smaller footprint, and no pre-freezing is needed.
LAB RESULTS: Testers liked the straightforward control panel. In our tests, this quickly made thick, creamy and smooth ice cream and sorbet.
Alpine Outdoor Collection Enameled Cast Iron Pizza Pan, 15"
Le Creuset, the beloved Dutch oven brand, officially made its way outdoors with the launch of its Alpine Outdoor Collection, which can be used over fires as hot as 842ºF. The wide surface area of this pizza pan makes it great for more than just pizza.
LAB RESULTS: Our testers liked the handles, which made it easy to maneuver. One liked being able to use it on her stovetop and then in her oven. Another used it like a griddle for steak, and yet another for a fish bake.
FrostVault 50qt Hard Cooler with Dry Zone
Ninja joined the cooler category this year with the FrostVault, which has a drawer on the bottom to keep dry goods cool (most coolers have a dry bin inside).
LAB RESULTS: Testers liked the dry drawer “that really stayed dry!” as one said. Another tester said it kept drinks colder than their fridge did.
Professional Cocktail Machine
Bartesian makes it possible to create a variety of cocktails at home without having to have extra ingredients on hand. Load the machine with four of your favorite liquors, then buy the corresponding pods to make single servings.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said the drinks were “spot-on,” and another said, “The low-cal mixers were very tasty.” Testers also liked that they could adjust the strength of the drinks.
Slushi
Ninja continues to innovate with products we didn’t know we needed. The Slushi can churn out frosé, frozen margaritas and soda slushies at home — without added ice.
LAB RESULTS: Testers used it to make an array of drinks, from coffee frappés to alcoholic beverages. One said, “The texture and consistency were exactly as described on the box.”
Roadie 32
Yeti’s Roadie coolers have won a Kitchen Gear Award in the past. This new size fits in the back seat of most cars, making it especially portable.
LAB RESULTS: This cooler has excellent temperature retention, a strong handle and durable wheels that can handle many types of terrain. All five home testers thought it should win an award.
AutoIgnite 545
Masterbuilt makes it easy for anyone to grill with charcoal with its AutoIgnite 545. It has a hopper that fits up to 5 pounds of charcoal, turns on with the touch of a button and allows you to set a specific temp as you would in your oven.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said it was “easier to use and clean than most charcoal grills” and that “even simple burgers were enhanced by the charcoal flavor.’
Digital Series II SmartTemp Griddle
Most outdoor griddles operate with low, medium and high temperature settings, but Loco Cookers offers you more control by allowing you to pick specific temperatures in increments of 25º.
LAB RESULTS: The high level of temperature customization, combined with the folding side tables and under-grill storage, makes this griddle one of the easier ones on the market to use.
Live-Fire Pizza Oven
This pizza oven attaches to the top of Breeo’s fire pits. It’s made of heavy-duty materials that allow it to handle and maintain high temps so you can cook quickly and efficiently.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said she was able to get the hang of making pizza after just one try. She also liked that she could use the fire pit (sold separately) outside of mealtimes.
Smart Indoor Smoker
Outdoor smokers can be large and clunky, but this electric one from GE Profile is kitchen-friendly. It uses wood pellets, comes with a temperature probe and connects to an app.
LAB RESULTS: The tender, juicy and flavorful ribs and chicken we made were comparable to meats we’ve smoked on the best outdoor pellet grills.
Rust-Resistant Griddle
Using an outdoor griddle continues to be one of our favorite ways to cook outside. Weber’s latest comes with a preseasoned cooking surface.
LAB RESULTS: Our Test Kitchen pro loved that it was ready to cook on as soon as it heated up and praised the huge cooking area — she was able to cook an appetizer, a main dish and a side all at once.
Premium Home Oven Baking Stone
Baking stones allow you to transform your oven into a pizza oven of sorts where you can cook pizzas and different types of bread right on the hot surface. This one from Fibrament is large at 20 inches wide and 15 inches deep and manageable to work with.
LAB RESULTS: After testing 13 different options, we rated this our “Best Overall Pizza Stone.” It made one of the most evenly cooked pizzas in our tests, and retained heat well.
Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Most ice cream makers with compressors are wide and bulky; smaller traditional ones require you to freeze the bowl beforehand. This one from Whynter offers the best of both worlds: It has a smaller footprint, and no pre-freezing is needed.
LAB RESULTS: Testers liked the straightforward control panel. In our tests, this quickly made thick, creamy and smooth ice cream and sorbet.
Alpine Outdoor Collection Enameled Cast Iron Pizza Pan, 15"
Le Creuset, the beloved Dutch oven brand, officially made its way outdoors with the launch of its Alpine Outdoor Collection, which can be used over fires as hot as 842ºF. The wide surface area of this pizza pan makes it great for more than just pizza.
LAB RESULTS: Our testers liked the handles, which made it easy to maneuver. One liked being able to use it on her stovetop and then in her oven. Another used it like a griddle for steak, and yet another for a fish bake.
FrostVault 50qt Hard Cooler with Dry Zone
Ninja joined the cooler category this year with the FrostVault, which has a drawer on the bottom to keep dry goods cool (most coolers have a dry bin inside).
LAB RESULTS: Testers liked the dry drawer “that really stayed dry!” as one said. Another tester said it kept drinks colder than their fridge did.
Premium Home Oven Baking Stone
Baking stones allow you to transform your oven into a pizza oven of sorts where you can cook pizzas and different types of bread right on the hot surface. This one from Fibrament is large at 20 inches wide and 15 inches deep and manageable to work with.
LAB RESULTS: This baking stone is rated our “Best Overall Pizza Stone” after we tested 13 different ones. It made one of the most evenly cooked pizzas and retained heat well.
Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Most ice cream makers with compressors are wide and bulky; smaller traditional ones require you to freeze the bowl beforehand. This one from Whynter offers the best of both worlds: It has a smaller footprint, and no pre-freezing is needed.
LAB RESULTS: Testers liked the straightforward control panel. In our tests, this quickly made thick, creamy and smooth ice cream and sorbet.
Alpine Outdoor Collection Enameled Cast Iron Pizza Pan, 15"
Le Creuset, the beloved Dutch oven brand, officially made its way outdoors with the launch of its Alpine Outdoor Collection, which can be used over fires as hot as 842ºF. The wide surface area of this pizza pan makes it great for more than just pizza.
LAB RESULTS: Our testers liked the handles, which made it easy to maneuver. One liked being able to use it on her stovetop and then in her oven. Another used it like a griddle for steak, and yet another for a fish bake.
FrostVault 50qt Hard Cooler with Dry Zone
Ninja joined the cooler category this year with the FrostVault, which has a drawer on the bottom to keep dry goods cool (most coolers have a dry bin inside).
LAB RESULTS: Testers liked the dry drawer “that really stayed dry!” as one said. Another tester said it kept drinks colder than their fridge did.
Professional Cocktail Machine
Bartesian makes it possible to create a variety of cocktails at home without having to have extra ingredients on hand. Load the machine with four of your favorite liquors, then buy the corresponding pods to make single servings.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said the drinks were “spot-on,” and another said, “The low-cal mixers were very tasty.” Testers also liked that they could adjust the strength of the drinks.
Slushi
Ninja continues to innovate with products we didn’t know we needed. The Slushi can churn out frosé, frozen margaritas and soda slushies at home — without added ice.
LAB RESULTS: Testers used it to make an array of drinks, from coffee frappés to alcoholic beverages. One said, “The texture and consistency were exactly as described on the box.”
Roadie 32
Yeti’s Roadie coolers have won a Kitchen Gear Award in the past. This new size fits in the back seat of most cars, making it especially portable.
LAB RESULTS: This cooler has excellent temperature retention, a strong handle and durable wheels that can handle many types of terrain. All five home testers thought it should win an award.
AutoIgnite 545
Masterbuilt makes it easy for anyone to grill with charcoal with its AutoIgnite 545. It has a hopper that fits up to 5 pounds of charcoal, turns on with the touch of a button and allows you to set a specific temp as you would in your oven.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said it was “easier to use and clean than most charcoal grills” and that “even simple burgers were enhanced by the charcoal flavor.’
Professional Cocktail Machine
Bartesian makes it possible to create a variety of cocktails at home without having to have extra ingredients on hand. Load the machine with four of your favorite liquors, then buy the corresponding pods to make single servings.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said the drinks were “spot-on,” and another said, “The low-cal mixers were very tasty.” Testers also liked that they could adjust the strength of the drinks.
Slushi
Ninja continues to innovate with products we didn’t know we needed. The Slushi can churn out frosé, frozen margaritas and soda slushies at home — without added ice.
LAB RESULTS: Testers used it to make an array of drinks, from coffee frappés to alcoholic beverages. One said, “The texture and consistency were exactly as described on the box.”
Roadie 32
Yeti’s Roadie coolers have won a Kitchen Gear Award in the past. This new size fits in the back seat of most cars, making it especially portable.
LAB RESULTS: This cooler has excellent temperature retention, a strong handle and durable wheels that can handle many types of terrain. All five home testers thought it should win an award.
AutoIgnite 545
Masterbuilt makes it easy for anyone to grill with charcoal with its AutoIgnite 545. It has a hopper that fits up to 5 pounds of charcoal, turns on with the touch of a button and allows you to set a specific temp as you would in your oven.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said it was “easier to use and clean than most charcoal grills” and that “even simple burgers were enhanced by the charcoal flavor.’
Digital Series II SmartTemp Griddle
Most outdoor griddles operate with low, medium and high temperature settings, but Loco Cookers offers you more control by allowing you to pick specific temperatures in increments of 25º.
LAB RESULTS: The high level of temperature customization, combined with the folding side tables and under-grill storage, makes this griddle one of the easier ones on the market to use.
Live-Fire Pizza Oven
This pizza oven attaches to the top of Breeo’s fire pits. It’s made of heavy-duty materials that allow it to handle and maintain high temps so you can cook quickly and efficiently.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said she was able to get the hang of making pizza after just one try. She also liked that she could use the fire pit (sold separately) outside of mealtimes.
Smart Indoor Smoker
Outdoor smokers can be large and clunky, but this electric one from GE Profile is kitchen-friendly. It uses wood pellets, comes with a temperature probe and connects to an app.
LAB RESULTS: The tender, juicy and flavorful ribs and chicken we made were comparable to meats we’ve smoked on the best outdoor pellet grills.
Rust-Resistant Griddle
Using an outdoor griddle continues to be one of our favorite ways to cook outside. Weber’s latest comes with a preseasoned cooking surface.
LAB RESULTS: Our Test Kitchen pro loved that it was ready to cook on as soon as it heated up and praised the huge cooking area — she was able to cook an appetizer, a main dish and a side all at once.
Ultimate Dishwasher Detergent
Finish’s newest dish detergent tabs release the right enzyme at the right time in the cleaning cycle.
LAB RESULTS: Our at-home and in-Lab tests confirmed that these tabs tackled burned and dried-on messes with ease, even after 24 hours.
Go Cordless Kitchen Vacuum
This KitchenAid vacuum can be used to clean up crumbs on your stove, counter or floor. It comes with two extra attachments.
LAB RESULTS: Afterward, every tester said they now kept this vacuum handy at all times.
24" Front Control Dishwasher with SenseClean
A great dishwasher can cost more than $1,000, but this one from LG with a stainless look front is under $500!
LAB RESULTS: It got a near-perfect score in our tough dishwashing tests and dried very well too.
New Standard Carafe
Simple and sleek go a long way with this pour-over coffee maker from Miir. The double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel carafe is designed to keep coffee hot.
LAB RESULTS: Our Lab analyst noted that this coffee maker was easy to use. All our consumer testers appreciated the strong, full-bodied cups of coffee it brewed. One especially liked that she could take it on a trip without worrying about the possibility of its breaking.
MultiServe Plus Drip Coffee Maker
This drip coffee maker from Braun offers a lot versatility. It boasts seven different brewing sizes and five styles of brew, such as over ice, cold brew and bold.
LAB RESULTS: This coffee machine scored high in our sensory analysis test, in which we brew a full pot of coffee according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then taste it. One said it had “a smooth finish and no burned taste.” It also makes a great, full-bodied single-serve cup.
Coffee Center Barista Bar
You can whip up all your favorite coffee shop drinks — from a large carafe of coffee to a specialty latte — with this 4-in-1 coffee maker from Cuisinart.
LAB RESULTS: This second-time Coffee and Tea Award winner was praised by at-home testers for how easy it was to use and for the variety of coffee drinks that could be made with it. One said, “I love that it offers a place for coffee pods, espresso pods and drip coffee. The frother is the icing on the cake!”
Single-Serve Coffee System
A new single-serve pod system has entered the chat — Bruvi can brew coffee, espresso and tea with high-quality ingredients sourced from specialty coffee and tea companies. Its touchscreen interface offers customization of the brew‘s temperature, strength, amount and more.
LAB RESULTS: Bruvi’s app was intriguing to testers. “The app gives me details about each cup of coffee made so I can decide which settings I like best,” said one tester.
Aiden Precision Coffee Maker
Design-forward brand Fellow has just released its first automatic coffee maker. It’s a drip machine that can also make a single cup and offers highly customizable features, including automating the brew method based on the roast you input.
LAB RESULTS: This coffee maker made an impressively good (and hot) pot of coffee and had easy-to-use controls.
Magnifica Start Espresso & Coffee Machine
This automatic espresso and coffee maker from De’Longhi has a built-in coffee grinder and an automatic milk frothing jug. It can make latte macchiatos, cappuccinos, espresso and coffee as well as dispense hot water with the touch of a button.
LAB RESULTS: Our lead espresso machine tester loved the thick froth this machine made for cappuccinos. One tester said, “Never having used an espresso machine prior to this, I feel super comfortable using this one because it’s so easy to use and to clean.”
KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
This new, fully automatic espresso machine from KitchenAid allows you to pick from 12 espresso recipes and adjust them based on your desired temperature, body (light, medium or dark), order of coffee or milk, type of milk, coffee volume and milk volume. It can dispense frothed milk, warm milk and hot water as well.
LAB RESULTS: In our tests, the color touchscreen was highly intuitive and responsive, and espresso shots were well balanced. The frother was easy to use and made good foam.
800 Series VeroCafe Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Automatic espresso makers that grind beans and brew a number of different drinks seem to be the hottest thing on the market. This smart premium version from Bosch offers more than 35 options from all over the world.
LAB RESULTS: Our coffee and espresso maker pro was impressed with the large color screen, the milk frother and the flavor of the drinks it made.
Deluxe Milk Frother & Whisk
A milk frother is handy for frothing up milk for coffee shop–style drinks. This one from Ozeri comes with two frothing wands, an egg beater and a cocktail mixer, which increases its versatility.
LAB RESULTS: Our analyst found that this powerful frother produced impressive volume and stability when frothing warm cow’s milk, perfect for cappuccinos.
Rambler 8-oz Stackable Cup
It’s hard not to fall for Yeti’s stackable 8-oz cups, which fit under most espresso machines. Each keeps drinks hot or cold while the outside stays at room temperature.
LAB RESULTS: These cups are favorites in our Lab. One consumer tester took hers to a coffee shop and the barista called it “the cutest cup anyone ever brought in.”