31 Easy-To-Use Kitchen Products
A versatile veggie chopper that'll help you prep (and clean up!) with speed that feels downright magical. The interchangeable blades just pop out, then throw them right into the dishwasher.
A modern knife block you can get in a breezy coastal green and treat your countertops to a surprisingly practical centerpiece. The five stainless steel knives are nestled in an ash wood block, helping them stay sharp and easily accessible. Whether you're looking for your first set of knives or are a cooking pro in need of an upgrade, these can make all the difference in your kitchen.
A splurge-worthy 12-piece Caraway cookware set — nonstick cookware with minimalist silhouettes sure to complement any kitchen. These work with induction, gas, and electric stove tops, they're all oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, are made with a nontoxic coating, and feature nonstick ceramic with an aluminum core and stainless-steel handles. Whew! Sorry for all that; I really got Caraway'd away!
An inconspicuous jar opener, because you're not gonna let arthritis or poor upper body strength get in the way of your pasta puttanesca night.
A stuffed waffle maker — this applause-worthy appliance is designed with a deep, bowl-like griddle that allows you to cook the batter with fillings (we're talking chocolate, fruit, cheese, meat... the works). Upgrade your morning routine from frozen waffles to a homemade meal that'll look straight off a "best of" brunch menu.
A silicone bread maker, an inexpensive option that'll help you ~rise~ to the occasion whenever you want to bake a perfect loaf of bread. The partially closed design allows steam to circulate to keep your bread from drying out, while the openings on the side help heat disperse evenly, creating a golden crust.
A Kochblume spill stopper to keep meals from boiling over onto the stove by trapping excess foam and liquid. No more tossing a wooden spoon over your pasta, hoping it keeps the bubbles at bay!
An air fryer (from the makers of the Instant Pot) so you can avoid cooking with hot oil and still make all your favorite fried foods. This even has a rotisserie feature so you can cook an ENTIRE chicken in one go!
Or a counter space-friendly toaster oven/air fryer combo for folks who would gladly give up their fast food habit as long as they can still get their fry fix at home. This includes a fry basket, oven rack, and baking pan. Reviewers have made pizza, bread, cinnamon rolls, meatloaf, an entire chicken... the delicious list goes on.
A pair of herb scissors sure to ~cut~ your prep time in half when chopping things like cilantro, parsley, and dill.
A pastry tool you can use to divide dough, sure, but this is no one-use gadget. It's also designed with herb-stripping holes on top. And as an added bonus — there's a handy conversion chart right on the side!
A retro stand mixer from Dash (that proudly boasts over 13,000 5-star reviews) — this six-speed mixer comes with a 3-quart bowl that's ready to take on all the cookie dough your heart desires.
A mini food processor so you can make sauces, dips, butters, and more from scratch. Don't feel like hand-chopping herbs? This thing can do that for ya, no problem!
A highly-rated blender with an 1800W motor that gives reviewers a little start when they realize just how powerful it is. Reviewers also say it's comparable to $400+ Vitamix options. So feel free to go wild with those organic kale bunches at the farmers market next week — you earned that smoothie money!
An Instant Pot — a modern classic that can replace half your appliances and make full meals in minutes, saving you kitchen space *and* saving you money.
Or an Our Place Dream Cooker that's not just a pretty face. This *treasure* can slow cook, sear, saute, and pressure cook. Having one multi-use appliance can help keep your kitchen from feeling cluttered, encouraging you to cook more often because it's actually a NICE place to be. Dream Cooker? You're dreamy.
A digital food thermometer — it's gonna take the (terrifying) guess work out of preparing meat. It's always nice to know you won't be giving your guests salmonella when having a dinner party.
A partyclette for nights when you wanna take your tastebuds on vacation with a hearty, warm meal inside your apartment. Remind me, who is the ~cheesiest~ chef in your home? That's right, YOU are!
A genius tofu press that'll efficiently drain tofu to get the perfect texture and taste, mess not included.
A Thaw Claw to safely defrost food in far less time — for when you don't remember to thaw your chicken until after your stomach starts rumbling. It suction cups to the bottom of your sink, so just stick it on, fill the sink up, and place your frozen meat underneath the claw — it'll keep everything submerged evenly underwater and thaw that piece of meat faster than you can say, "get in my belly."
An electric peeler, because the phrase "easy as pie" is a flat-out lie. Fortunately, using an electric peeler will make the prep work seriously simple.
A taiyaki pan for folks who would travel the globe just to eat this lovely treat. Thanks to this pan, you can have this impressive treat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner... and should!
A Bluetooth Anova sous vide that'll basically be the ~sous~ chef you didn't know that you needed. Attach this to any pot, put the food in, and then it'll cook it to perfection using the built-in controls in the app. The future is now.
A Dash rapid egg cooker sure to guarantee you never have to ~scramble~ to find a good Sunday brunch spot ever again — your kitchen table is gonna be the best spot in town.
A rice cooker to take the guesswork out of making the perfect bowl of rice. It's time to finally make the crispy rice sushi bites TikTok keeps talking about!
A silicone clip-on strainer that's dishwasher safe, attaches to any size pot or pan, and is designed to save a bunch of space in your kitchen cupboards.
An immersion blender, because cold soup season is almost here and I plan on eating gazpacho... daily. What do I not plan on doing? Cleaning a blender daily. Grab this and you too can have delicious soup without the extra dishes!
A sushi-making kit that'll keep you on a roll as you continue growing your cooking skills (without an oven... it's way too hot for that right now).
A pretzel-making kit with bakers of all ages in mind (the illustrations are technically for kids, but we visual learners know they're just as useful for adults). The kit includes color-coded ingredients and step-by-step instructions so your stomach doesn't turn into nervous knots when you bake this impressive side dish for your friends.
An eight-pack of fancy kabob skewers designed with a flat blade (so your food doesn't spin when you're turning it while cooking) and a push bar so you can remove the cooked food with ease!
A soup dumpling kit that'll make your foodie friends ~bao~ down to you the next time you have them over for dinner.
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Buzz Feed
13 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
31 Easy-To-Use Kitchen Products
A versatile veggie chopper that'll help you prep (and clean up!) with speed that feels downright magical. The interchangeable blades just pop out, then throw them right into the dishwasher. A modern knife block you can get in a breezy coastal green and treat your countertops to a surprisingly practical centerpiece. The five stainless steel knives are nestled in an ash wood block, helping them stay sharp and easily accessible. Whether you're looking for your first set of knives or are a cooking pro in need of an upgrade, these can make all the difference in your kitchen. A splurge-worthy 12-piece Caraway cookware set — nonstick cookware with minimalist silhouettes sure to complement any kitchen. These work with induction, gas, and electric stove tops, they're all oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, are made with a nontoxic coating, and feature nonstick ceramic with an aluminum core and stainless-steel handles. Whew! Sorry for all that; I really got Caraway'd away! An inconspicuous jar opener, because you're not gonna let arthritis or poor upper body strength get in the way of your pasta puttanesca night. A stuffed waffle maker — this applause-worthy appliance is designed with a deep, bowl-like griddle that allows you to cook the batter with fillings (we're talking chocolate, fruit, cheese, meat... the works). Upgrade your morning routine from frozen waffles to a homemade meal that'll look straight off a "best of" brunch menu. A silicone bread maker, an inexpensive option that'll help you ~rise~ to the occasion whenever you want to bake a perfect loaf of bread. The partially closed design allows steam to circulate to keep your bread from drying out, while the openings on the side help heat disperse evenly, creating a golden crust. A Kochblume spill stopper to keep meals from boiling over onto the stove by trapping excess foam and liquid. No more tossing a wooden spoon over your pasta, hoping it keeps the bubbles at bay! An air fryer (from the makers of the Instant Pot) so you can avoid cooking with hot oil and still make all your favorite fried foods. This even has a rotisserie feature so you can cook an ENTIRE chicken in one go! Or a counter space-friendly toaster oven/air fryer combo for folks who would gladly give up their fast food habit as long as they can still get their fry fix at home. This includes a fry basket, oven rack, and baking pan. Reviewers have made pizza, bread, cinnamon rolls, meatloaf, an entire chicken... the delicious list goes on. A pair of herb scissors sure to ~cut~ your prep time in half when chopping things like cilantro, parsley, and dill. A pastry tool you can use to divide dough, sure, but this is no one-use gadget. It's also designed with herb-stripping holes on top. And as an added bonus — there's a handy conversion chart right on the side! A retro stand mixer from Dash (that proudly boasts over 13,000 5-star reviews) — this six-speed mixer comes with a 3-quart bowl that's ready to take on all the cookie dough your heart desires. A mini food processor so you can make sauces, dips, butters, and more from scratch. Don't feel like hand-chopping herbs? This thing can do that for ya, no problem! A highly-rated blender with an 1800W motor that gives reviewers a little start when they realize just how powerful it is. Reviewers also say it's comparable to $400+ Vitamix options. So feel free to go wild with those organic kale bunches at the farmers market next week — you earned that smoothie money! An Instant Pot — a modern classic that can replace half your appliances and make full meals in minutes, saving you kitchen space *and* saving you money. Or an Our Place Dream Cooker that's not just a pretty face. This *treasure* can slow cook, sear, saute, and pressure cook. Having one multi-use appliance can help keep your kitchen from feeling cluttered, encouraging you to cook more often because it's actually a NICE place to be. Dream Cooker? You're dreamy. A digital food thermometer — it's gonna take the (terrifying) guess work out of preparing meat. It's always nice to know you won't be giving your guests salmonella when having a dinner party. A partyclette for nights when you wanna take your tastebuds on vacation with a hearty, warm meal inside your apartment. Remind me, who is the ~cheesiest~ chef in your home? That's right, YOU are! A genius tofu press that'll efficiently drain tofu to get the perfect texture and taste, mess not included. A Thaw Claw to safely defrost food in far less time — for when you don't remember to thaw your chicken until after your stomach starts rumbling. It suction cups to the bottom of your sink, so just stick it on, fill the sink up, and place your frozen meat underneath the claw — it'll keep everything submerged evenly underwater and thaw that piece of meat faster than you can say, "get in my belly." An electric peeler, because the phrase "easy as pie" is a flat-out lie. Fortunately, using an electric peeler will make the prep work seriously simple. A taiyaki pan for folks who would travel the globe just to eat this lovely treat. Thanks to this pan, you can have this impressive treat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner... and should! A Bluetooth Anova sous vide that'll basically be the ~sous~ chef you didn't know that you needed. Attach this to any pot, put the food in, and then it'll cook it to perfection using the built-in controls in the app. The future is now. A Dash rapid egg cooker sure to guarantee you never have to ~scramble~ to find a good Sunday brunch spot ever again — your kitchen table is gonna be the best spot in town. A rice cooker to take the guesswork out of making the perfect bowl of rice. It's time to finally make the crispy rice sushi bites TikTok keeps talking about! A silicone clip-on strainer that's dishwasher safe, attaches to any size pot or pan, and is designed to save a bunch of space in your kitchen cupboards. An immersion blender, because cold soup season is almost here and I plan on eating gazpacho... daily. What do I not plan on doing? Cleaning a blender daily. Grab this and you too can have delicious soup without the extra dishes! A sushi-making kit that'll keep you on a roll as you continue growing your cooking skills (without an oven... it's way too hot for that right now). A pretzel-making kit with bakers of all ages in mind (the illustrations are technically for kids, but we visual learners know they're just as useful for adults). The kit includes color-coded ingredients and step-by-step instructions so your stomach doesn't turn into nervous knots when you bake this impressive side dish for your friends. An eight-pack of fancy kabob skewers designed with a flat blade (so your food doesn't spin when you're turning it while cooking) and a push bar so you can remove the cooked food with ease! A soup dumpling kit that'll make your foodie friends ~bao~ down to you the next time you have them over for dinner.
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
29 Kitchen Products So Good, Reviewers Say They Bought Them For Friends And Family
A snap-on pasta strainer that saves you from that awkward, dangerous game of balancing a hot pot over the sink, trying not to spill boiling water everywhere. It can handle temps up to 400 degrees F and fits most pots and pans. And the best part? No more leaving a big colander sitting in your sink for days just because you wanted some Kraft mac 'n' cheese. A set of fun, colorful vinyl coasters so your morning cup of joe doesn't leave a ring on your beautiful wood dining table. A Loch Ness Monster–shaped ladle with little feet that keep it upright, which not only makes it look like Nessie's bobbing around in your soup but also prevents your spoon from slipping into the pot, getting stew all over the handle. Plus, this mini monster is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup! A 12-piece Caraway cookware set so you'll have what you need to make all those saved recipes from your late-night scrolling. This set has a nontoxic coating and is oven safe — which makes cooking infinitely easier. And the fact that these last so fricking long (years and years!) makes them well worth the investment. A veggie chopper for keeping your counter tidy while speeding up your prep time. If you love to cook but hate chopping (who doesn't, right?) this thing is a lifesaver. It chops just about everything — onions, peppers, zucchinis, potatoes, you name it! Plus, it comes with different blades for slicing, dicing, and even spiraling your favorite veggies. A vampire garlic crusher (aka "Count Gracula") that makes mincing garlic much easier and more entertaining. It's the perfect silly yet functional gadget for any garlic fanatics. A rectangular lazy Susan to save all that food from disappearing into the back of your fridge like it's the Bermuda Triangle. Now you might actually have a chance at finishing that container of Greek yogurt instead of finding it months later, covered in mold. Plus, its shape maximizes your fridge space way better than the traditional round ones! An electric potato peeler that Dennis from It's Always Sunny would've loved for his apples. It's a hands-free operation, so you can prep other ingredients while this takes care of the potatoes, and the nonslip grip keeps it from tipping over, even when it's really working. Plus, it has two spare blades conveniently stored in the base, making sure you're always ready for your next round of peeling. A heavy-duty ice cream scoop strong enough to go up against the rock-solid tub of "The Tonight Dough" that's been chillin' (pun intended) in your freezer for two months. Reviewers rave about its durability, amazing handle, and how effortlessly it scoops, forming a flawless sphere every time. A two-pack of Dan-O's seasoning that went viral on TikTok for being so delicious without any added preservatives, MSG, or excess sodium. People use it to season a wide variety of dishes, including meats, vegetables, seafood, and even popcorn. A mini waffle maker loved for its sleek design, super fast heat-up time, and nonstick surface that makes waffle-making (and cleanup) a breeze. It's super versatile; you can use it for other recipes like hashbrowns, brownie bites, or even egg dishes. Plus, it takes up very little space and comes in a variety of fun colors to fit your kitchen style! A 14-ounce portable personal blender you can drink straight out of to avoid creating yet another dish to wash. You'll be able to make your morning smoothie while half asleep — just throw in the ingredients, press the button, and you're good to go! A rapid egg cooker so you don't have to compromise between eating a decent breakfast or doing your hair. It cooks up to six eggs at a time in any style you like, be it soft-, medium-, or hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or even as omelets! A stainless-steel pepper and jalapeño corer so those seeds don't take up residency in between your teeth (and, in the case of jalapeños, burn off your taste buds). This one is designed with a ribbed, scoop-like head that grips and removes the seeds with very little effort on your part. A set of Bottle Bright tablets to turn cleaning your water bottle from one of the most laborious chores to the least. Just drop in a tablet, add warm water, let it soak while the tablet fizzes up, then rinse. Voilà — your bottle is sparkling clean without any scrubbing! A set of "wine wands" if you love wine, but can't seem to enjoy it without your head pounding in the morning. This clever little device comes with filters that help remove histamines and sulfites — common culprits behind headaches and hangovers. It's super portable, so you'll be good to go for any spur-of-the-moment drinks! A microwave pasta maker that lets you cook pasta quickly and easily without the need for a stove, or a pot, or a pasta ladle, or a colander. I never realized how many things are needed to make a simple spaghetti dinner. A marble board wire cheese cutter for effortlessly slicing through cheese with precision — and when you're not using it, it'll just sit pretty on your counter, adding a touch of style to your kitchen. A silicone baking mat so you don't have to break your arm scrubbing off the residue after your single-pan meal. These can handle temps up to 480 degrees F and can be used over and over (and over), saving you from spending on rolls of parchment paper. And just FYI, these go on TOP of your metal sheet pans. A Mason jar-esque cold brew coffee maker because let's face it — this economy can't support daily iced coffee runs anymore. It's got a leak-proof lid that's easy to pour from and a mesh filter that keeps you from chewing your coffee. Just a heads up: Don't add boiling water! A set of magnetic fridge spice organizers if you're in desperate need of more cabinet space or keep forgetting what spices you have because they're always getting lost in the back of the cupboard. No need to worry about them falling off — they're designed with heavy-duty magnets, and reviewers attest to how securely they stay in place! A magnetic air fryer cheat sheet because it's all too easy to go on your phone to look up the cook time for chicken nuggets, only to end up scrolling through TikTok and completely forgetting what you were doing in the first place. A set of reusable Gripstic bag sealers so your precious "Everything But the Bagel" chips from Trader Joe's don't go stale after a week. They slide across the entire top of the bag, ensuring an airtight seal, and will fit in even the most cluttered of drawers (unlike bulky chip clips). A silicone muffin mold to replace your old rusting one that takes way too much effort to remove cupcakes from. In fact, reviewers say their muffins basically fall right out of this and that it's super easy to clean. A bamboo beginner's sushi-making kit that's perfect for a fun date night, hanging with friends, or even just enjoying on your own. Reviewers say it's sturdy and has held up well over time, so you'll be able to make your own California rolls for years to come! A nonstick stuffed patty mold so you can have cheese on top of *and* inside your burger. But you can let your creativity run wild and fill it with anything you want, like mushrooms, onions, peppers — anything your heart desires. A terra-cotta garlic roaster that'll turn your garlic into a spreadable delight. It evenly distributes heat, softening the garlic and bringing out its rich, aromatic flavor. Just pop in the cloves, drizzle with a little olive oil, and roast away. A ring can opener for anyone who's ever struggled to get that tab to lift. It's compact, easy to use, and gives you a smooth, safe way to open cans without making a mess or hurting your fingers. A magnetic microwave cover that conveniently attaches to the microwave ceiling, ensuring it's always ready when you need it. Now when you reheat your lasagna leftovers, it won't look like an actual crime scene.
Scientific American
3 days ago
- Scientific American
Could Iran Have Been Close to Making a Nuclear Weapon? Uranium Enrichment Explained
In the predawn darkness on Friday local time, Israeli military aircraft struck one of Iran's uranium-enrichment complexes near the city of Natanz. The warheads aimed to do more than shatter concrete; they were meant to buy time, according to news reports. For months, Iran had seemed to be edging ever closer to 'breakout,' the point at which its growing stockpile of partially enriched uranium could be converted into fuel for a nuclear bomb. (Iran has denied that it has been pursuing nuclear weapons development.) But why did the strike occur now? One consideration could involve the way enrichment complexes work. Natural uranium is composed almost entirely of uranium 238, or U-238, an isotope that is relatively 'heavy' (meaning it has more neutrons in its nucleus). Only about 0.7 percent is uranium 235 (U-235), a lighter isotope that is capable of sustaining a nuclear chain reaction. That means that in natural uranium, only seven atoms in 1,000 are the lighter, fission-ready U-235; 'enrichment' simply means raising the percentage of U-235. U-235 can be used in warheads because its nucleus can easily be split. The International Atomic Energy Agency uses 25 kilograms of contained U-235 as the benchmark amount deemed sufficient for a first-generation implosion bomb. In such a weapon, the U-235 is surrounded by conventional explosives that, when detonated, compress the isotope. A separate device releases a neutron stream. (Neutrons are the neutral subatomic particle in an atom's nucleus that adds to their mass.) Each time a neutron strikes a U-235 atom, the atom fissions; it divides and spits out, on average, two or three fresh neutrons—plus a burst of energy in the form of heat and gamma radiation. And the emitted neutrons in turn strike other U-235 nuclei, creating a self-sustaining chain reaction among the U-235 atoms that have been packed together into a critical mass. The result is a nuclear explosion. By contrast, the more common isotope, U-238, usually absorbs slow neutrons without splitting and cannot drive such a devastating chain reaction. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. To enrich uranium so that it contains enough U-235, the 'yellowcake' uranium powder that comes out of a mine must go through a lengthy process of conversions to transform it from a solid into the gas uranium hexafluoride. First, a series of chemical processes refine the uranium and then, at high temperatures, each uranium atom is bound to six fluorine atoms. The result, uranium hexafluoride, is unusual: below 56 degrees Celsius (132.8 degrees Fahrenheit) it is a white, waxy solid, but just above that temperature, it sublimates into a dense, invisible gas. During enrichment, this uranium hexafluoride is loaded into a centrifuge: a metal cylinder that spins at tens of thousands of revolutions per minute—faster than the blades of a jet engine. As the heavier U-238 molecules drift toward the cylinder wall, the lighter U-235 molecules remain closer to the center and are siphoned off. This new, slightly U-235-richer gas is then put into the next centrifuge. The process is repeated 10 to 20 times as ever more enriched gas is sent through a series of centrifuges. Enrichment is a slow process, but the Iranian government has been working on this for years and already holds roughly 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent U-235. This falls short of the 90 percent required for nuclear weapons. But whereas Iran's first-generation IR-1 centrifuges whirl at about 63,000 revolutions per minute and do relatively modest work, its newer IR-6 models, built from high-strength carbon fiber, spin faster and produce enriched uranium far more quickly. Iran has been installing thousands of these units, especially at Fordow, an underground enrichment facility built beneath 80 to 90 meters of rock. According to a report released on Monday by the Institute for Science and International Security, the new centrifuges could produce enough 90 percent U-235 uranium for a warhead 'in as little as two to three days' and enough for nine nuclear weapons in three weeks—or 19 by the end of the third month.
