To say we like to cook dinner and are obsessive about kitchen merchandise within the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Home equipment and Applied sciences Lab is an understatement. Fortunate for us, hundreds of pitches stuffed with new cooking-related merchandise and improvements, from knives to air fryers, cross our desks every year.
Whereas we sometimes get to check most of those, it is arduous to get our fingers on all of them – and that is why we launched our first annual Kitchen Gear Awards: To seek out and take a look at probably the most progressive and best-performing merchandise throughout kitchen equipment and cooking device classes.
Meet the Judges
How We Examined
To decide on these 51 winners, we evaluated greater than 150 merchandise with our Lab execs and 660 client testers who put much more objects by means of their paces in real-life settings. To seek out this 12 months’s winners, our GH specialists rigorously assessed entries for:
- Innovation: How progressive is the product? How completely different is it from others prefer it available on the market?
- Efficiency: How effectively does the product work? How does it work in comparison with rivals?
- Ease of Use: How straightforward is the product to make use of? Is it value effort?
- Timelessness: Is that this an merchandise somebody can — and, most significantly, would wish to — use for a very long time?
The next winners are tried and examined to make it a bit of simpler to cook dinner, slice, sear, smoke, retailer and extra:
Trusty Instruments
straightforward basting
Good Cook dinner Fast Roaster Pan
This 17- by 12-inch roasting pan with detachable rack is light-weight however can maintain a turkey as much as 25 kilos. It is designed with a bulge within the heart, which helps transfer juices to the outskirts of the pan so you possibly can simply baste your roasts. Its edges are outsized so you possibly can seize it simply.
LAB RESULTS: Testers used the pan to cook dinner chickens and turkeys. One tester mentioned: “The hump backside is fairly genius. I am at all times tilting my roasting pan to get the juices gathered for basting.”
one-and-done salad device
This device from OXO has spun its method to the highest of our best-tested checklist for years. The one-handed pump design was impressed by a toy over 20 years in the past, and it retains getting higher, with options like a storage lock and a patented brake that helps fling water out of your greens.
LAB RESULTS: Testers appreciated how they may wash, serve and retailer salad in a single bowl.
kitchen workhorse
The Misen Chef’s Knife delivers one of the best of each Western- and Japanese-style knives: Its metal has a excessive carbon content material for Western-style sturdiness, and the blade has a 15° angle (in contrast with 25° for many Western knives) for Japanese-style precision. Plus, it comes at a aggressive value.
LAB RESULTS: Our judges liked how these knives match of their fingers and will lower each arduous and mushy objects.
reduced-weight forged iron
Lodge Blacklock Solid Iron Griddle
Forged iron is heavy, however Lodge has decreased the heft of its tried-and-true cookware with the Blacklock line, together with this lightened-up griddle. It has raised handles that make it straightforward to maneuver, and it’s triple-seasoned, so it’s able to go on day one.
LAB RESULTS: Testers appreciated the scale —“lots huge for a household of 4,” mentioned one — and that meals didn’t stick. heavy-duty cookware that lasts a lifetime.
instant-read thermometer
Thermoworks Thermapen ONE
The Thermapen One activates straight away while you pull it open. It simply pierces all varieties of meals and offers leads to one second. The massive physique, which is available in a number of colours, presents a cushty grip and has sufficient size to guard your fingers from the warmth.
LAB RESULTS: “I really feel like I gained an excellent prize,” mentioned one tester.
a lighter carry
All Clad G5 Graphite Core Bonded Cookware
All-Clad is understood for heavy-duty cookware that lasts a lifetime. Now the corporate has launched a graphite-core model that’s 80% lighter than copper but nonetheless delivers top-quality outcomes.
LAB RESULTS: One former line cook dinner exclaimed that she wished she’d had this skillet in her restaurant days, when she consistently dealt with heavy pans.
house saver
Tramontina Nesting 11-Piece Aluminum Non Stick Cookware Set
This set nests inside one another for compact storage. Every bit is gentle however sturdy and oven-safe as much as 350ºF.
LAB RESULTS: Testers liked how straightforward the pans have been to wash up and retailer.
an skilled go-to
This Hestan pan, fabricated from stainless-steel fused with resilient titanium, is sturdy however not heavy and is oven- and broiler-safe as much as 1,050°F. It has an aluminum core for fast heating and a protracted ergonomic deal with for management.
LAB RESULTS: That is the pan our Kitchen Home equipment Lab’s deputy director reaches for nearly each time she cooks as a result of it heats evenly, handles excessive temps and is simple to wash.
design-forward chopping
This eight-inch Chef’s knife from Hast is light-weight however sturdy with an ergonomic deal with that rests comfortably within the palm of your hand. It is additional sharp and designed to remain that manner. It is available in black and gold as effectively.
LAB RESULTS: All 5 testers rated this knife a 5 out 5 – one of many solely objects to earn an ideal rating!
all of the knives you want
Ninja Foodi NeverDull 14-Piece Knife Block Set
This 14-piece knife set with built-in knife sharpener from Ninja stands out for being tremendous sharp. The knives have heft to them however really feel balanced within the hand; plus, it consists of comfy sizes for everybody, together with an eight-inch Chef’s knife and a five-inch Santoku knife. The knife block has suction cups on the underside to maintain it from shifting round.
LAB RESULTS: Testers raved that these have been the sharpest knives they ever used; plus, they stayed sharp.
Candy Indulgences
shake up breakfast
This squeezable batter mixer with a BlenderBall wire whisk makes it quick and easy to combine and dispense pancake batter with out dirtying a measuring cup, bowl, whisk and ladle.
LAB RESULTS: One tester gushed that she now makes use of this each time she makes pancakes
stuffed-waffle maker
Energy XL Stuffed Wafflizer
The considered crammed waffles makes our mouths water, however huge, fluffy ones which might be cooked by means of and barely crisp on the surface — like those made on this five- or seven-inch PowerXL Stuffed Wafflizer — make us even happier.
LAB RESULTS: “I didn’t even know I appreciated waffles till this sensible piece of equipment,” mentioned one very blissful decide.
compact espresso
Minimalists and occasional followers admire that the Aeropress, when nested, is concerning the measurement of a mug. It makes fullbodied espresso for espressostyle drinks and iced espresso in about one minute with the usage of scorching water.
LAB RESULTS: Testers referred to as it “extremely straightforward to make use of,” and one mentioned it made “higher espresso than anything in my home.”
an upgraded style
Riedel Excessive Rose Wine Glass, Set of two
Now 29% Off
The wine glasses within the Riedel Excessive Assortment are designed to the aroma and taste profile of the precise varietal. The form of those assist direct wine to the tip of your tongue the place you possibly can style extra of the fruitiness and fewer of the acidity.
LAB RESULTS: Testers commented on how light-weight the glasses felt and the way comfy they have been to carry. One tester mentioned the lengthy stem made it really feel elegant.
sustainable sips
Sodastream is our go-to for glowing water — making our personal saves hundreds of bottles and cans. This mannequin doesn’t should be plugged in and has a big button you should utilize to regulate the carbonation relying on how lengthy you maintain it down.
LAB RESULTS: The dishwasher-safe bottle makes cleansing even simpler than earlier than.
basic espresso
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
This modern and compact Breville espresso machine comes with all the tools it is advisable to make an espresso or espresso-style drink, together with portafilters for single and double espressos, a tamp, built-in steam wand and stainless-steel frothing cup.
LAB RESULTS: This espresso machine is a favourite in our Take a look at Kitchen. It takes barely any effort to make , scorching espresso and the milk frother is simple to make use of and clear.
customized ice cream
Ninja’s Creami comes with pint containers you prep and freeze in a single day and might then flip into ice cream, gelato, milkshakes and extra in lower than 5 minutes. It’s extra compact than most ice cream makers.
LAB RESULTS: Our judges have been impressed that the ice cream and gelato settings yielded completely different textures, even with the identical recipe.
multifunction blender
Vitamix is understood for high-powered blenders, and its Ascent sequence is top-of-the-line. It may be used with an assortment of equipment (offered individually) like a smoothie cup and a meals processor; the motor pace adjusts accordingly.
LAB RESULTS: “I feel it’s an ideal funding in the event you’re somebody who makes smoothies on daily basis,” mentioned one tester.
hands-free juicing
Hurom H200 Simple Clear Gradual Juicer
Hurom makes it less complicated to juice with a big self-feeding hopper. No extra standing by, inserting every ingredient piece by piece.
LAB RESULTS: “It dealt with giant items of apple and carrot with ease,” mentioned one tester.
straightforward customizable cappuccinos and lattes
Philips Espresso 3200 Sequence with LatteGo
Now 20% Off
This espresso maker from Philips permits you to simply make an espresso, cappuccino, latte or Americano espresso simply the way in which you prefer it – you possibly can alter the power of the espresso, the quantity of the espresso and the quantity of milk with simply the contact of some buttons.
LAB RESULTS: The milk frother is certainly one of our favourite options – in contrast to most milk frother attachments on this class, it does not have a straw, which might be arduous to wash. The container additionally attaches and detaches very simply, might be saved within the fridge and might be put within the dishwasher.
Applause-Worthy Home equipment
stay-hot mug
Ember Temperature Management Good Mug 2
Ember does not simply hold your espresso heat; it permits you to set your most popular consuming temperature between 120ºF and 145ºF so you possibly can get pleasure from it precisely the way in which you prefer it for as much as one and a half hours. The holder doubles as the right coaster for individuals who wish to hold issues tidy.
LAB RESULTS: One among our testers loved it a lot that she desires to purchase one other to maintain one at dwelling and one within the workplace.
double-basket air fryer
Ninja Foodi 2-Basket Air Fryer
This versatile air fryer has two baskets so you possibly can cook dinner for a crowd, make completely different dishes on the identical time or use only one facet for small parts.
LAB RESULTS: We take a look at numerous air fryers, and the Ninja stands out for its ease of use and highly effective efficiency.
plant-based milk your manner
Almond Cow The Plant Primarily based Milk Maker
Almond milk lovers, together with all different plant-based milk lovers, will love this gadget that blends elements like nuts, oats and coconut, to make dairy-free milks with none preservatives.
LAB RESULTS: In our checks, it look lower than a minute to make most milks and we liked that we may management the feel by following the suitable directions. Almond milk tasted recent and the creamy recipe offered us.
sensible sidekick
Utilizing a multicooker might be intimidating, however the ChefIQ Good Cooker simplifies the method by providing a built-in calculator that can assist you select cooking instances in addition to a linked app loaded with video recipes.
LAB RESULTS: “I assumed it was enjoyable to make use of,” mentioned one tester, “and since my husband cannot cook dinner, he actually appreciated the tutorials.”
smarter heating
Whirlpool 1.9 cu. ft. Good Over-the-Vary Microwave
Good know-how is making its manner into microwaves – this Whirlpool mannequin connects to an app and permits you to scan the barcode on frozen meals after which ship the custom-made cooking directions straight to the microwave in the event you select. The app additionally permits you to keep watch over the cooking progress out of your telephone or pill, and the microwave is appropriate with Google Assistant and Alexa.
LAB RESULTS: Whether or not linked to the app or not, this microwave heats meals shortly and is simple to program with a clean touchscreen that cleans proper up. It’s loaded with useful presets like, Potato (“Love that function,” mentioned one tester) and Accupop that can assist you get one of the best outcomes by simply urgent a button.
steamy know-how
FOTILE ChefCubii Combi-Oven
The Fotile Chef Cubii Combi-Oven stands out for its modern look and talent to steam-bake, which makes use of steam and convection bake to cook dinner meals shortly whereas preserving it moist on the within and crispy on the surface.
LAB RESULTS: One tester was amazed with what number of cooking features and preset cooking modes (printed proper on the within of the door) this toaster oven had, from steaming to air frying, dehydrating and extra. “I’ve by no means seen something prefer it,” he mentioned. “Every part comes out scrumptious!”
sous vide-like outcomes
Anova, recognized for his or her sous vide cookers, created a countertop combi oven that permits you to bake such as you would in an everyday toaster oven or oven, or use steam or the sous vide mode to make meals juicy and tender with the power to crisp it up after. It comes with a built-in thermometer and connects to an app.
LAB RESULTS: “I couldn’t consider how juicy the hen breasts turned out,” mentioned one tester, “and so they have been cooked completely.” One other tester appreciated the steam possibility for greens.
genius oven
June Good Countertop Convection Oven
This countertop oven’s smarts are next-level. As quickly as you place the meals inside, it recognizs that, presents applications for cooking and allows you to monitor the progress by way of an app. The touchscreen management panel resembles a smartphone, and the unit will get smarter with software program updates.
LAB RESULTS: Along with a clean consumer expertise, this unit aced our lab checks.
a brand new method to cook dinner
Brava makes use of gentle versus conventional heating parts to cook dinner meals. However, extra impressively, it is outfitted with cooking applications and recipes that information you thru your entire cooking course of from what pan to make use of, the place to put the meals on the pan, what rack stage to make use of and extra.
LAB RESULTS: The smarts on this oven make it potential for anybody to prove scrumptious meals from frozen pizza to extra sophisticated dishes. The built-in digicam helps you monitor your meals with out opening the door.
a number of home equipment in a single
The Thermomix has been doing all of it since 1971: It weighs elements, chops, blends, whisks, cooks, steams and extra. The massive display and management knob on the TM6 make it straightforward to seek out and comply with step-by-step recipes from its built-in Cookidoo app in addition to order groceries.
LAB RESULTS: “Having meals and elements laid out for me like that was a life-changing expertise,” mentioned one tester.
Superior Storage
tremendous saver
Stasher continues to innovate with the introduction of this quart-size food-grade silicone bag that opens vast on the corners so you possibly can fill it with cumbersome objects like thick sandwiches. It’s microwave-, dishwasher-, sous vide- and freezer-safe.
LAB RESULTS: One tester mentioned certainly one of her favourite makes use of was for storing frozen bananas—genius!
collapsible lunch mate
Manufactured from food-grade silicone, this 36-oz measurement collapsible bowl is sturdy within the open place and might deal with scorching meals (it’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe).
LAB RESULTS: “You don’t understand how helpful this merchandise is till you strive it,” mentioned one decide. “It’s excellent for lunch, and I can toss it in my backpack once I’m executed.”
muddle cutter
The Twine Wrapper 2 Pack – Black Twine Wrappers
Now 11% Off
The Twine Wrapper is an easy device that proves helpful across the kitchen. It sticks to an equipment so you possibly can neatly wrap the twine round it and hold your counters tidy.
LAB RESULTS: After testing, certainly one of our judges went out to purchase a number of to make use of together with her personal stand mixer, blender, sluggish cooker and extra.
all-purpose containers
Rubbermaid Rubbermaid Glass Storage
These stackable, leak-proof storage containers are made with glass that’s oven-safe as much as 450°F. Every might be microwaved with the lid on — unlatch to vent.
LAB RESULTS: “The standard of the glass [and plastic version that was also tested] was superior, and the tight-fitting seals are higher than something I’ve ever used earlier than,” mentioned one tester.
modular packing
Klean Kanteen Stainless Metal Meals Field
These stainless-steel containers are light-weight and excellent for packing up snacks and on-the-go meals. They stack neatly and are straightforward to clean by hand or within the dishwasher when executed.
LAB RESULTS: Testers appreciated how they’re plastic-free and straightforward to move; they’re nice for dry items.
true to its identify
Messermeister Subsequent Stage Magnetic Knife Block
Knife blocks are notoriously arduous to wash however this one from Messermeister makes it straightforward to wipe down the slats. Plus, it is outfitted with LED lights that you just can activate to be sure you’re getting each final bit.
LAB RESULTS: This knife blocks stands out for its slim design, stable construct and straightforward of storing knives with out worrying about damaging the tip by making an attempt to suit it into a skinny slit. Preserving it clear and dust-free is straightforward, too.
freshness preserver
FoodSaver Multi-Use Meals Preservation System with Constructed-In Handheld Sealer
Vacuum sealers are a not so hidden secret for individuals who like to purchase in bulk. This one permits you to customise the size of your bag or use pre-cut ones. It additionally comes with a handheld sealer that can be utilized with FoodSaver’s reusable zip-top luggage and different equipment like he model’s storage containers or bottle sealers.
LAB RESULTS: The flexibility of this vacuum sealer is essential. In lots of lab checks, it sealed proteins so effectively that they held up within the freezer for months with none signal of freezer burn.
Out of doors Upgrades
cooking very quickly
Viking Blue Carbon Metal 10 Inch Fry Pan
Seasoning carbon metal requires some elbow grease, however one of the best half about this one from Viking is that it comes pre-seasoned.
LAB RESULTS: This pan has a sturdy deal with and feels balanced and comfy within the hand. Out of the handful that we examined, it was the one one which got here pre-seasoned. One tester mentioned that nothing caught to it and so they cooked eggs over straightforward, omelettes, burgers and veggies.
high quality carbon metal
Sardel Carbon Metal Skillet
Carbon metal isn’t new, however the chef-approved materials is making its manner into dwelling kitchens. It combines the heating capabilities of forged iron with the lighter weight of stainless-steel cookware; plus, it heats sooner and is secure to 500°F, which makes it nice for out of doors cooking.
LAB RESULTS: We like how gentle and sturdy this pan is. Additionally, the deal with is vast sufficient to know comfortablyEnameled forged iron heats evenly and retains warmth effectively, which makes it appropriate for stovetop, oven and out of doors use (as much as 500°F).
dutch oven and grill pan in a single
Enameled forged iron heats evenly and retains warmth effectively, which makes it appropriate for stovetop, oven and out of doors use (as much as 500°F). This Misen Dutch Oven comes with a grill pan that serves as a lid and prices a fraction of the value of rivals.
LAB RESULTS: Our beef stew got here out tender and flavorful, whereas our steak obtained good grill marks with the pan.
two-in-one
SoloStove Ranger Solid Iron Grill Cooking Bundle
Now 41% Off
SoloStove presents a singular out of doors hearth expertise with their cooking bundle. The fireplace pit features by itself as a wood-burning hearth pit or as a grill with the included accent. It is designed to be transportable with an included carrying case.
LAB RESULTS: One tester who by no means began a fireplace earlier than was in a position to take action simply. It got here in useful for out of doors entertaining and cooking.
sensible yard pizza
Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Gas Pizza Oven
This pizza oven can be utilized with wooden or charcoal, and a fuel burner might be purchased individually ($100). It may well warmth as much as 950°F, incorporates a 15-mm pizza stone floor, matches a 16-inch pie and can be utilized to cook dinner different meals.
LAB RESULTS: The massive opening on the again permits you to refill wooden and coal simply.
highly effective pellet grill
It may be arduous to get an actual sear with pellet grills, that are greatest recognized for smoking, however the Weber SmokeFire makes this potential: It cooks over direct warmth, reaching as much as 600°F.
LAB RESULTS: With the Weber Join sensible know-how, cooking steak to the right doneness (with char marks!) is foolproof.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Home equipment & Innovation Lab the place she oversees the content material and testing associated to kitchen and cooking home equipment, instruments and equipment; she’s an skilled product tester and developer, in addition to recipe creator, skilled in basic culinary arts and culinary vitamin. She has labored in take a look at kitchens for small kitchen equipment manufacturers and nationwide magazines, together with Household Circle and Women’ Dwelling Journal. She enjoys spinning, yoga and mendacity on the seashore — with an insulated tumbler of wine in hand.