
33 Kitchen Items Reviewers Confirm Are Worth The Money
Promising review: "I LOVE these pots and pans. My boyfriend tells me that I have too many, but I will literally wash one of these and reuse it before I use one of my other ones. I've had these for about 3-4 weeks now, and I haven't used another pot or pan since! They are my favorite and definitely worth the money. They are truly nonstick. Love how easily they stack together since you can take the handles off. I would say the only downfall is the silicone lids. They are nice, but I made chili in the bigger pot one night and the sauce kind of stained the lid, but after a couple of washes it eventually came off!" —SaraGet it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in nine sets and in seven colors).
An electric can opener that'll hold the can for you and with one smooth touch, open that can up so that you can enjoy your can of Campbell's with zero frustration. Mmmm mmm good. 😋
Promising review: "This was so easy to use that I actually didn't even realize it was working. I thought it wasn't working because it just went in a circle so fast with no effort. It took me a few minutes to realize it had already opened the can. It did it so smoothly I hadn't even noticed the can open. Life changer!!!!!!!! And no rough edge. No danger!! Sooo worth it!!! So easy to use. The only regret I have is not purchasing this sooner!!!!!!!!!!!!! Every household needs this." —Nicole32Get it from Amazon for $35.28.
A butter-storing mushroom — with a bit of cold water and a pinch of salt in the base, you can have fresh and soft butter whenever you need it *without* refrigeration. This cute toadstool can sit right on the counter for ready-to-spread butter for up to a month.
A George Foreman grill — a blast from the past that's still remarkably practical and explains why our parents all had one in the '90s. This grill has a drip catcher that holds all the grease that drains from your burgers and other foods while cooking, to leave you with even less of a mess!
Promising review: "So they say four burgers, however, I like bigger burgers, so only two will fit. This is okay because it is an easy size to store. Best of all are the removable plates that can go in the dishwasher. We have a large Foreman grill, and it is sized for up to 6 burgers. It works well; however, cleanup is a pain. In the end, I like this newer unit for cooking just a few burgers or hot dogs, and cleanup is so much easier. CAUTION: When you remove the cooking plates, the heating elements are exposed! Make sure the unit is cooled down before removing the plates. It gets used very often and works as I had hoped. Definitely worth the price." —Fix-it-JimGet it from Amazon for $41.99.
A Nespresso Pop that's a single-serve coffee machine reviewers say will be the device to have you nip your coffee run habit right in the bud. And the coffee capsules are recyclable, too!
Promising review: "This is so good and so worth it. I bought it on sale, but it was still relatively expensive. However, it is definitely worth it; the taste is amazing, the design makes it very easy and functional, it is durable, and finally, it does not leak. I still have not downloaded the app, so I am unable to control the coffee template, but for my iced espresso, it is perfect!" —Wesley DanielGet it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in five colors) or Nespresso for $129.99 (available in 12 colors).
A double breakfast-sandwich maker, because yes, one would probably take up less space, but you know you're gonna want another, so let's not pretend. Or, you can make two because you know your partner is going to see how good yours looks, and instead of sharing, you can hand them their own.
Promising reviews: "I bought this a few months ago, and it's worth every penny. I use this several times a week. It's quick, convenient, and easy to clean. You can come up with all kinds of different toppings and cheeses that you can't get at the drive-thru places, and it doesn't take up too much counter space. You won't be disappointed." —Jennifer"My husband loves a great breakfast sandwich. This was fun, and quick, and gave us lots of yummy ideas. The quality was actually amazing and really elevated breakfast and lunch. High performance at a super cheap price, well worth it, and will be buying more for gifts. It's quick to clean and stores easily away. The plates are of great quality, and they're super stable. My kids love it for a quick meal on the run." —Michelle JurichGet it from Amazon for $54.45.
A set of food huggers for preserving your favorite fruits and veggies and looking super cute while doing it. You can also use the cuffs on top of jars, too. Anything that helps you get the most out of your buck deserves a coveted spot amongst your things.
Promising reviews: "These are so sleek, so cool, and so worth the money. Avid at-home bartender host and constantly cutting fruits and veggies — these are perfect for protecting and maintaining open fruits in the fridge! Will be buying sets for the whole family during the holidays!" —Jim"I really liked these colorful, different-sized covers for lids, veggies, and fruits.They don't take up much room, which is important to me, and are worth purchasing for endless uses. Throw them in the dishwasher; they can withstand rough handling and teens. Highly rate these handy kitchen helpers!" —Polly SimmonsGet it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in five color sets).
A Yonanas fruit soft-serve maker ideal for vegans (and really anyone!) who want to make a cool and sweet treat as things heat up outside. This gadget will turn your frozen fruit into a delicious soft serve.
Promising review: "I bought this as a gift for my mom and ended up buying one for myself! I love this! It's so easy to make frozen desserts. I like to add Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and granola to my frozen banana and blueberry dessert to make it fiber and protein-packed. It's like an acai bowl. So easy to make, and the consistency makes it taste like frozen yogurt. My mom and I both like the mangonada Mexican frozen desserts, so I bought her frozen mango, Tajin, and chamoy sauce, and she makes her own now! I bought myself the teal and the coral for my mom. For only $40-$50, it was definitely worth the price. If you like frozen desserts but don't want all the added sugar of ice cream, this is so worth it!" —KhGet it from Amazon for $39.98+ (available in four colors).
A rotating 2-in-1 colander and washing basket for one of those ~why didn't I think of this sooner~ buys. It has a handle and simply rotates to drain the water while holding your food in place. No more having to enact this Barnum and Bailey balancing act to ensure your pasta doesn't go down the drain with the water.
A vintage-looking double toaster with extra-large slots, a self-centering function, and a crumb tray to ensure that toasting your favorite bagels, toast, and Eggo waffles is an easy and aesthetically pleasing experience.
Promising review: "Wow, do I love this toaster! I didn't think I would love a toaster so much! It really is worth every penny! I haven't had any problems with it. It perfectly toasts bread and bagels!" —ChristopherGet it from Amazon for $89.95+ (available in three sizes and seven colors).
An Instant Pot that will do just about anything you want it to. It's a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and food warmer all rolled into one nifty appliance.
Read our Instant Pot review for more deets!Promising reviews: "This thing is great! I bought it to cook dried beans fast, and it does. A process that required eight hours of soaking and two hours of boiling now takes half an hour. The unit is also easy to clean. Plus, it has a whole bunch of cooking modes in addition to pressure cooking. The sauté feature makes it easy to sauté the food in the same pot that you pressure cook in, so it reduces the number of pots and pans you need to cook your meal." —S. Coffrey"Totally worth it! I use my Instant Pot each and every day. Once you learn the instructions, just brief lessons, on YouTube, it is my main cooking appliance." —CMedleyGet it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in three sizes).
A Ninja 2-in-1 toaster flip that's pretty much the perfect kitchen essential because it can not only toast your bagels and pop tarts, but you can flip it down and it's an oven capable of baking, broiling, or reheating your favorite snacks. Might I suggest some chicken nuggies?
Promising reviews: "We bought this to make more space on our counter. We still wanted the option to use a toaster oven for certain things, and this toaster does not disappoint! Sleek and functional and space-saving, and easy to clean! Worth the $$$!" —Mnisha"I had my eye on this for a while, but thought the price was a bit steep. When my toaster broke, I decided to purchase it. So far, I'm very happy! The toaster makes evenly toasted bread and bagels. I love that I have the option to use the toaster oven, and it is also multifunctional. I made s'mores and used the broil feature, and I think they came out perfectly!" —Michelle GramsGet it from Amazon for $119.99.
A steel wok made from blue carbon steel that retains heat, seasoning, and has the slick properties of a cast-iron skillet. It's perfect for creating delicious stir-fry and deep-fried veggies.
A nonslip, clear cutting board that'll meld with your aesthetic so well you might forget where you placed it. It functions the same as a traditional cutting board while being oh-so-pretty.
A sponge holder designed *specifically* to hold your most treasured possession — the Scrub Daddy. It suctions to the side of your sink, and your smiley sponge slips right on it. It helps your Scrub Daddy air out and dry faster, which also helps it to stay cleaner longer. Look at it smiling at you.
A garbage disposal cleaner, because that mysterious odor in your kitchen is probably coming from the drain. If you're a fan of horror films, you probably have no interest in reaching your hand into the beyond in order to scrub it. This cleaning packet will do ALL the work for you. Just sit back and marvel.
Promising review: "Holy cow, I didn't realize how easy and quick it was to clean a garbage disposal until I bought this product! Typically, in my naïve thinking, I'd just use vinegar and baking soda down the drain and call it good. Little did I know that there was an actual cleaning product available until I stumbled across it through a BuzzFeed article. So of course, I had to try it. Very simple instructions: it literally takes five minutes and some hot water, and VOILÀ! You have a clean, no-longer-stinky garbage disposal. Let me say that anytime I got a whiff of an odor, all I did was drop one of those packs in the disposal, and the smell was GONE! Plus, the blue foam bubbling through the sink was amusing to watch ;-). Worth every penny!" —VadersGirlGet four from Amazon for $3.78+ (available in four pack sizes).
A rapid egg cooker so you can boil, poach, scramble, or even make an omelet super quick. Now, you can finally fit breakfast into your morning routine. Picture-perfect eggs every time, just look at the pictures below. 👇🏽
Promising reviews: "This little device speeds up cooking of soft, medium, and hard-boiled eggs by at least 10 minutes because I don't have to wait for water to boil in a pot first. Water starts steaming very quickly. The alarm isn't super loud either. Put the eggs in an ice bath afterwards, and they peel easily. Comes with a measuring cup that also has a pin on the bottom to puncture the eggs before cooking. Excellent instructions, too. It also makes poached and small omelets too." —D.G."This is the best kitchen appliance I have bought in a long time! Super easy and quick to use. I have a busy schedule, and I make egg salad a LOT to take with me...this saves me SO much time and effort. Set it and forget it, but the super loud continuous buzzer/alarm will NOT let you forget it, which is a nice safety design. Takes exactly 16 minutes to boil eggs, and they are perfect. They're also REALLY easy to peel! I've never peeled eggs so easily before. Huge plus that I hadn't even considered. This little contraption is also pretty small and stores easily. Even if you only boil eggs once in a while, it's worth it!" —Jaime BGet it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in nine colors).Check out our Dash rapid egg cooker review for more deets!
A crepe maker in case you've constantly tried to make those buttery, thin, flaky sheets of utter goodness only to be left with a burnt paper-like bready structure. It stops today!
Promising reviews: "This thing is great. You can cook a pile of crepes in half the time it takes using a large pan or griddle, and it's way easier. They're perfectly sized and shaped, too." —MixedProducts"My kids love crepes, and I debated a lot if this would be worth it or not — 100% worth it! Makes crepe-making so easy! I taught my kids, so now they can make their own. So happy I took a chance on it and got it!" —JenGet it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in seven colors).
A 4-in-1 chopper, spiralizer, dicer and slicer ideal for meal prepping. You can chop onions and nuts, mince herbs, or spiralize zucchini. And it's compact, which makes it a great addition to kitchens with little to no counter space.
Promising review: "What a time saver. I made pico de gallo in a couple of minutes. As for the cilantro, I placed 1/2 a jalapeno on the blades, then cilantro. Chopped beautifully. Works very well, well worth the $$." —Yvette GarzaGet it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four colors).
A set of collapsible silicone microwave to-go containers, thin enough so you can keep one in your everyday bag and be ready to take home leftovers when your boss buys lunch for the entire office and there's still a lot of food left at the end of the day.
A trio pan that'll let you try out three different lasagna recipes at one time. This is an excellent find for people who like to meal prep for the week.
Promising reviews: "I love the ability to make three different types of lasagnas since I have three picky eaters. I have also used this to make three different types of cakes as well. It is so worth the money if you plan on making different dishes or just have a family of picky eaters." —Mmperry"There's nothing but good coming from this pan! Yummy crunchy edges on every piece! I made three different kinds of lasagna in this pan, and all I can say is that there were already plans for the next batch before this one was gone! This pan is heavy-duty, has an awesome nonstick coating, and will definitely stand up to much use. The recipe called for spraying the pan with nonstick spray, but it was completely unnecessary. I've already suggested this pan to others." —sreneeGet it from Amazon for $19.49.
A ~Guac-Lock~ container that squeezes ALL the air out of your dip to keep it tasty and fresh (and green instead of brown) even longer.
Promising reviews: "The Guac-Lock is absolutely amazing. It does everything it claims. I've had guacamole unopened for four days in it, and when I opened it up, it looked as fresh as the day I had made it and, more importantly, tasted just as fresh. This product may be a bit on the pricy side, but if you are a guacamole connoisseur and make it on a regular basis and don't like wasting it, this is a no-brainer. It will save every savory, delectable bite for consumption. I couldn't recommend this product more." —Aaron Clark"It works! Keeps your guac fresh for days. Worth the money." —MeGet it from Amazon for $24.95.
A mini ice sphere maker you might have peeped on your TikTok timeline because they're super cool and look amazing. Fill, freeze, twist, and voilà! You've got the cutest ice spheres. It even comes with a storage container so you can make a bunch of batches to always have spherical ice at the ready.
A pre-seasoned Lodge cast-iron skillet, a must-have kitchen staple that'll pretty much make everything you cook taste better.
Promising review: "I used this straight out of the box to cook two pieces of chicken breast. I used olive oil and butter to prevent any sticking and to further season the skillet. I did not notice any sticking to the skillet. After I seared both sides of the chicken, I then let it finish in the oven at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. All I can say is wow! I love this skillet already, and this is my first time using it! I'd never used anything comparable to a cast-iron skillet. Never again am I going back to frying chicken, or any meat for that matter, in a regular pan. This was well worth the investment. If you're looking at this, just buy it." —EricGet it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in nine sizes).
A useful and chic 17-piece knife set encased in an acrylic block that'll make you look like one of the cooking elite. Cooking is much easier with knives that cut to the chase, and this set will not disappoint. You can cut 'til your heart's content with no excess left on the blade, thanks to their nonstick coating.
A Ninja Crispi, my personal kitchen helper that's helped me cook at home more and more. How can you not cook at home when this nifty and compact device makes it so easy? It has four settings that allow you to make small or family-sized meals. It comes with a handy booklet with recipes and guides on settings for your favorite meals (it even has one for frozen hashbrowns, my personal fave). And when you're done cooking, the glass cooking dish is also your Tupperware *with* lid. It got 5 stars from me and them. ⬇️
Promising reviews: "It was time to replace my old, tired air fryer. I love several other Ninja kitchen appliances, so Ninja was the first company I looked at. That's where I found the Ninja Crispi. I was intrigued by the glass cooking compartment and its unique design. It air fries my frozen fries and tater tots evenly. I also air-fried three boneless pork chops for 15 minutes, which were so juicy and perfectly cooked! The glass cooking compartment is a breeze to clean, too. I could not be more pleased with this air fryer!" —Babs"Absolutely love this machine!! Easy to use, versatile, and easy to clean. Worth every penny." —AvonnaGet it from Amazon for $159.99 (available in six colors).
A pair of herb scissors that'll make Taco Tuesday prep even easier with its five blades ready to chop up extra cilantro and scallions.
Promising reviews: "I've recently tried growing some herbs on my patio and have loved using herbs in cooking. These make life so much easier. After I clean my herbs, these scissors make it easy to quickly cut them into small pieces. The design is brilliant. The plastic cover helps get herb pieces off the scissors, so there's no waste. It's easy to wash, too." —Lori"Wow, you will not regret this purchase. It's one of those you don't think you need, but YOU REALLY DO NEED IT. Just like those slap choppers, if it saves that much time, it's worth the investment." —KristinH515Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
A cleverly designed 3-in-1 gap cleaning brush perfect for deep cleaning items that have very tiny nooks and crannies that you can't get to with a regular sponge or dish rag. For example, that tumbler that you take with you everywhere you go — there may be some nasties that you can finally clean out, thanks to this brush.
A rectangular lazy Susan, a simple contraption so convenient and practical you'll wonder why you didn't buy it sooner. Easily access to your daily go-tos without having to move the ketchup and creamer out of the way several times a day. Instead, just spin it.
A mason jar cold brew maker here to have your *cold* cup of Joe ready when you wake up in the morning. Not a coffee person? Have no fear, reviewers also love to use this mason jar to brew their favorite iced teas or infused waters.
A Dracula (aka "Gracula") garlic mincer, an unserious yet super helpful kitchen gadget that'll give you another reason to smile while making garlic bread. It's a little ironic, too. A vampire that minces garlic — get it? 😂
A KitchenAid stand mixer because....well, duh. If you've ever tried to bake, mix, cook, etc., without one of these babies, you know the struggle. This makes the whole putting-all-the-ingredients-together process so much easier and faster.
Promising reviews: "This mixer is not only a game changer in the kitchen, but the color is absolutely stunning. Depending on the lighting, it can give a warm blush tone, and at other times, it gives off a pastel pink. Functional and beautiful, I'm in love! It's worth it." —Amaya"I love that this mixer is so heavy-duty. My kids and I like to bake a lot. The way the paddle blade whips up a bar cookie dough is super fast. I like that I can lock the stainless steel bowl down and control the speed of the mixing process. I've yet to have a tough cookie after switching from my hand mixer to the stand mixer. The wire whisk blade also creates the most fluffy meringue, so light and airy. Once again, being able to control the speed of the whisking action has been key in this process. I also love, love, love the dough hook. I have a sourdough bread recipe that calls for a total of 6 cups of flour. Mixing it with my hand mixer was impossible, and stirring by hand was exhausting. However, this mixer's dough blade attachment did the work in hardly any time at all. I was able to put all the ingredients together and get on with the good part of baking bread much faster, and having that wonderful aroma permeate my house." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $449.95 (available in 22 colors).
A condiment fork for the pickle and olive lovers so they can indulge in their favorite snack without reaching their fingers deep into the tiny jar. And it even attaches to the jar for added convenience.
Everytime you use your herb scissors:
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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12 hours ago
- Business Insider
The best BBQ smokers
If you're looking for maximum barbecue flavor, the best smokers are the answer. Smoking is a great way to preserve food and impart a deep, fire-roasted taste. While you can smoke on any grill (read our guide to the best grills for all our favorites), a dedicated smoker is shaped to accommodate larger cuts of meat and impart the ultimate flavor. We've tested dozens of models to find the best BBQ smoker. Our top pick is the Traeger Woodridge Pro, a pellet grill that offers hands-off grilling and smoking without sacrificing flavor. For a more traditional charcoal flavor, the Weber Original Kettle can be used as a smoker and grill, is budget-friendly, and doesn't take up too much space. Top picks for the best smokers Best pellet: Traeger Woodridge Pro - See at Amazon Best pellet Whether you're looking to upgrade an old, well-used smoker grill or are new to the space, the Traeger Woodridge Pro is a great choice for most people. Its heat retention is excellent, and it has advanced wireless connectivity, both of which mean less hands-on cooking is needed. Plus, it has a hearty 970 square inches of cooking real estate, a size that I've personally verified is enough for five full racks of ribs with room to spare. It's versatile as both a smoker and a grill. As is common in the smoker space, the Woodridge Pro can reach 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but it also has a super smoke mode that can be used when grilling under 200 degrees for even more intense smoky flavor. This is a true treat when paired with the right meats. The 24-pound pellet hopper pretty much ensures you'll never run out of fuel during a long cook, but a sensor inside the hopper can relay a notification to the app when it's time to add more — just in case. You can customize the grill. A few years ago, Traeger got serious about updating its line of grilling accessories with the P.A.L. Pop And Lock system. Now, nearly all of its current grills can use the same shelves, hooks, paper towel holder, and hanging storage. Your investment now won't be wasted in the future. Traeger makes three different Woodridge grills, but the Pro is best for most. While there are plenty of other fine smokers out there, the new line of Woodridge smokers offers a range of features to satisfy all, at a price that's easy to stomach. The entry-level model is a good choice for infrequent chefs, and the Elite model is a complete outdoor kitchen, but the Pro model is well-rounded and suitable for most people. If you're curious about other models, you can check out our guide to the best Traeger grills and best pellet grills Best for beginners We find that Weber's Smokey Mountain series' 18-inch smoker offers the most for the casual at-home smoker. It has a relatively small footprint of about 20 inches, is made with the same solid steel and porcelain enamel as the brand's Original Kettle grills, and it will outlast most charcoal smokers on the market for the same price. Depending on the amount of cooking surface area you require, you can size up to 22 inches (726 square inches) or down to 14 inches (286 square inches), but we think the 481 square inches offered by the 18-inch model (between two vertically integrated grates) is plenty for most. Setting this grill up is easy and straightforward, and once assembled, a pile of charcoal, some wood-smoking chips, and a basin (included) filled with water are all you need. You'll have to keep on top of the fire and airflow throughout to find the perfect balance — and make no mistake, that is an art unto itself, but also part of the fun. I've spent the better part of a decade tinkering with and smoking all sorts of things with this very grill. My most monumental successes in smoking have occurred on this very smoker, but so too have my greatest failures. If these prospects don't appeal to you, save yourself the anguish and consider a pellet, propane, or electric smoker instead. Best charcoal To do barbecue right, you'll want the best offset smoker that can handle burning wood without rotting out. Steven Raichlen, creator of Barbecue University, Project Smoke, and countless grilling cookbooks, says, "When it comes to flavor, there's no substitute for charcoal and wood." Professional-level smokers can run well into the four-figure range, but Char-Griller's Grand Champ XD is remarkably heavy-duty with 12-gauge (tenth-inch thick) steel, expanded metal grates, and oversized legs and wheels made for off-patio trudging at half the price of the competition. It took me a little under two hours to build this 250-pound grill; instructions were clear and all the holes lined up effortlessly. It's remarkably heat-stable. When we cooked pork shoulder, the grill maintained a near-constant 225 degrees Fahrenheit over eight hours with two charcoal chimney starters ' worth of coals and five small logs. Despite less-than-ideal gaskets (we think this grill deserves some thicker felt like these LavaLock seals), we haven't experienced any seepage after three long burns. Like with many offset smokers, there's a learning curve. Offset smokers tend to cook unevenly because heat comes from the fire at one end and works its way to the other. Our tests for heat distribution, performed using zucchini strips, proved this, but the transition was gradual. This is a good thing; it can help you dial your grill for low-and-slow cooking versus higher-heat grilling, though it involves some trial and error. Best electric Electric smokers are among the easiest to operate. They're insulated, maintain almost perfect temperature control, and can cook for hours upon hours without much attention (save for adding wood chips). Masterbuilt's 30" Electric Smoker comes practically preassembled (attach the legs, the digital monitor, a latch, and it's ready) and will be up and running with the press of a few buttons. There's no fussy fuel to deal with, and all you have to do is remember to deposit a handful of either dry or pre-soaked wood chips, which you'll want to replenish about every hour or so, depending on the temperature you set. We smoked fish, meat, and a pile of vegetables in it and everything came out perfectly, evenly browned and cooked through. This is as fail-safe and effortless as smoking gets. Vertical electric smokers are the same shape, size, and every bit as straightforward as propane smokers, but without the hassle of dealing with propane (namely, running out of it). The size lets you cook just about everything you would on a midsize barrel grill or smoker, and a glass window in the door is a nice touch that allows you to keep an eye on things without having to open it up and lose heat. You can only use it outdoors, and I wish this grill had handles because I've had to move it quite a bit, and there's no great place to get a grip on it. Plan to keep this grill more or less where you park it, and know that you'll need a solid electrical source. Best budget Good news: you can smoke just fine on a standard charcoal grill. There's a sizeable series of YouTube wormholes to help you navigate your way through converting Weber's Kettle grill into one of the best smokers. If you want to keep things compact and simple but also afford yourself a little versatility with a charcoal grill, the good old-fashioned Weber Kettle allows for just enough ingenuity that it passes for a smoker when called upon. Thanks to the depth and shape of the kettle, you can build a small charcoal bed on one side and set the grate on the other. This is most easily done with Weber's Char-Basket charcoal holders and a bit of aluminum foil as a heat deflector. Despite having thinner steel than most barbecue smokers, the Weber Kettle is a master at heat retention. With the lid on properly, you'll have no trouble maintaining heat. We also enjoy that you still have space to cook over direct heat while smoking, so it's easy to char some vegetables or cook some hot dogs while you're smoking. You're not going to turn any heads pulling out a Weber Kettle grill at a barbecue in the way you will with a furnace-sized offset barrel smoker, but you'll get the job done for a small party, and you're going to save a lot of money and space in doing so. If you want even more versatility, the KettleBasic Pizza Oven Kit turns your charcoal grill into one of the best pizza ovens. Best indoor An indoor electric smoker shouldn't be your first choice when picking a grill to infuse meat with rich, smoky flavor. But if you're limited in space or by other circumstances, the GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker is a terrific option to keep you cooking and the meals flowing. It features a small wood pellet hopper to create the internal smoke, but its active filtration system keeps your house from being flooded with a haze. The countertop-size unit has 293 square inches of cooking space, which isn't enormous, but should be plenty of room to make dinner for the family. I'm constantly impressed by how many wings or the cut of ribs that I can fit onto the three grates. Even if that internal space isn't a limiting factor, you should be aware that the GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker has a heating range of 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 300. It's perfect for the low-and-slow cooking method, but it won't be able to sear or really serve as a general-purpose countertop oven for other kinds of food. I've found myself using the indoor smoker the most during the winter when it wasn't convenient to cook outside. Making it even more user-friendly, I'm a fan of the built-in WiFi that pairs with the GE SmartHQ mobile app to let you monitor its timer, check the internal probe temperature, and adjust the timer all remotely. If you really want to get fancy, you can connect it with Alexa or Google Home to use certain voice commands. For its $699 retail price, you can get a good outdoor smoker, but if you don't have the outside space for a traditional smoker, then this one does a great job preparing juicy, flavorful cuts of meat. Then again, even if you already have a regular smoker you like, this one is always an option for a secondary one when it's too cold to be outside. —Tyler Hayes, contributor What kind of smoker is best? Smokers are generally classified by the type of fuel used. A charcoal or wood-burning grill will give you the most smoke flavor, but you'll have to be more mindful about refilling throughout the BBQ process. Here's a breakdown of the different smoker types: What to look for in a BBQ smoker Smoker heat source: While smoking over hardwood is probably the most fun experience, not everyone wants to spend the better part of a day hunched over a fire. If you're a smoke enthusiast, opt for an offset or charcoal-powered smoker but be prepared for a learning curve. Otherwise, a pellet grill will get you good flavor (albeit not quite as smoky) and is almost entirely hands-off. Material quality: Most grills have to live outside, and while a cover is a worthy investment, even the best smokers are still going to have to withstand the elements. Flimsier metals and cheap wheels were immediately disqualified. Thicker steel and industrial-grade casters were positive points, especially for competitively priced smokers. Warranty: Look for a warranty of at least two years, but be prepared to make some concessions. In the end, a grill is only as good as the quality of the materials and build. It's hard to call in a warranty on something like a grill or smoker because "normal wear and tear" involves starting fires, spilling grease, and exposure to the elements. We find that investing in a grill that's built to last is ultimately the better consideration, even if it means forgoing a longer warranty. How we test the best smokers After assembling the best smokers, analyzing the design and structure, and preseasoning them, we run several cooking tests: Pork shoulder: For 5- to 7-pound shoulders, we targeted 225 degrees Fahrenheit at a rate of about one hour per pound, checking for a good smoke ring and even heat on both sides of the shoulder. Chicken drumsticks: We evenly spaced drumsticks across each grill to test for the level of smokiness and doneness. (On smaller grills, we used as few as six drumsticks, while larger models saw 12-18.) We targeted 250 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour-and-a-half cook time. We also tossed in the occasional full bird for about two-and-a-half hours on larger grills. Zucchini strips: At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, we spread strips of zucchini across each grill to look for char marks to make sure grills were cooking evenly. We also consulted several experts, including chef Shola Olunloyo of Studio Kitchen and veteran author and Barbecue University TV host Steven Raichlen, to find out what makes a good smoker. Barbecue smoker FAQs Can you smoke on a gas grill? Yes and no. You can impart some smoky flavor by placing a foil packet of soaked wood chips on the burner of your gas grill. However, Steven Raichlen told us that because gas grills aren't sealed well enough, you shouldn't expect BBQ-quality smoke from a gas grill. If you're looking for a traditional grill, check out our guide to the best gas grills. Can you use wood on a charcoal smoker? Yes, you can add wood chips to any charcoal grill. However, higher-quality charcoal smokers, often offset barrel models called stick-burners, are your best option for wood fires because they are built to withstand direct heat. The Char-Griller Grand Champ XD, which we recommend above, is a great entry-level option that can withstand burning wood. How does smoking work? BBQ smokers work by using indirect heat to cook and/or cure food with smoke, and there are a number of ways to smoke food. At their most basic, smokers are simply a well-sealed vessel in which to contain heat and smoke to cure food to your desired level of flavor. More complicated smoker setups have additional features like offset smoke boxes or electronic controls to better regulate the level of heat and smoke.


New York Post
16 hours ago
- New York Post
This under-$50 heirloom-quality Dutch oven is proof we (maybe) don't need trust funds
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. There's something sacred about the weight of a Dutch oven. It feels ancestral, like it belongs in the hearth of a stone cottage with a soup that's been simmering for three generations. And for less than $50? The Overmont 5.5QT Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is giving 'heirloom energy' without the heirloom price tag. For a legitimate enameled cast iron pot that can roast, bake, braise, and moonlight as a cauldron for whatever the concoction, it's a criminal-level steal. This is the kind of cookware that transforms you from 'occasional pasta person' to 'accidental weekend chef.' You might even start a garden. Advertisement No, it doesn't come complete with a fancy brand name. But here's the plot twist: unless you're conducting a side-by-side in a Michelin test kitchen, your pot roast doesn't care. Reviews of the Overmont Dutch oven claim that it retains heat beautifully, has that silky smooth enamel interior, and comes in at a fraction of the price of its fancy cousins. It's heavy enough to feel quality but not so heavy you'll need a spotter to move it from stove to oven. And the 5.5-quart size is that just-right middle ground — generous, but not gargantuan. Amazon The Overmont 5.5QT Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a high-performance kitchen staple with a heavy-duty cast iron core and glossy enamel coating, designed to go from stovetop to oven with ease. It features dual handles for safe lifting, a snug-fitting lid to lock in moisture and flavor, and an interior that's non-stick-adjacent without the weird coatings. Whether you're braising short ribs, baking sourdough, or making a mountain of mac and cheese, this versatile pot is up for the challenge—and the clean-up is surprisingly painless. This article was written by Kendall Cornish, New York Post Commerce Editor & Reporter. Kendall, who moonlights as a private chef in the Hamptons for New York elites, lends her expertise to testing and recommending cooking products – for beginners and aspiring sous chefs alike. Simmering and seasoning her way through both jobs, Kendall dishes on everything from the best cookware for your kitchen to cooking classes that will level-up your skills to new dinnerware to upgrade your holiday hosting. Prior to joining the Post's shopping team in 2023, Kendall previously held positions at Apartment Therapy and at Dotdash Meredith's Travel + Leisure and Departures magazines.


Buzz Feed
17 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
This TikTok Cleaning Device Is A Must For Cat Owners
Even the most ardent cat people will agree that cleaning the litter box isn't cute. It's messy, smelly and demands complete wrist control or else you'll end up with a breadcrumb trail of litter from the box to the trash can. Until now. One reviewer said using an integrated scoop was easier and quicker than other devices she had tried, and lighter to hold. To help you step up your litter box game, here is an all-in-one scooper you'll use every day. Neater Pet's Neater scooper with a separate bag pack With over 6,000 positive reviews, this scooper from Neater Pets is a fan favorite. It comes with a separate waste bag holder than you can attach to your litter box or to the scoop itself, and comes apart for easy cleaning. Reviews say this works better if you have a larger litter box and/or a litter box that allowed for you to easily reach into it to scoop. Promising reviews: "I would recommend this to anyone who has the fun job of cleaning a cats "sand box" as I call it. It makes it SOO easy to sift through and so simple. When scooping, I have found using the scoop to get as much of the litter you can sifted and then turn the scoop upright and the poop goes into the bagged end. There is a flap that keeps the poop inside while you continue to sift. You can turn it upside down to scoop more and it doesn't come out as long as the flap closes. The scoop snaps off, you take the pooped filled bag out, tie it up and discard. Works perfectly. With this, it doesn't make a mess and you don't rarely don't have to change the entire litter in the box. I give this an A+." —Pamela Wessinger"I like the fact that I can use this to scoop and bag at the same time. The trap door does work and keeps it from falling back out. I don't have to hold the bag and worry about litter poop and urine getting on my fingers." —knuckleup10Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in three sizes and five colors).