Latest news with #Cuisinart


WIRED
4 days ago
- General
- WIRED
Behold, a Four-Burner Grill That's Also a Griddle and a Pretty Good Pizza Oven
I'm at the pizza oven. I'm at the burger grill. I'm at the combination pizza oven and burger grill. Oh, and did I mention I'm also at the griddle? And at the, uh, gas burner? The new, hulking Cuisinart Propel+ 3-in-1 on my back patio is one of those unholy Franken-cookers that always seem like wonderful and terrible ideas at the same time. They fill you with both envy and suspicion. The Propel+ is on the one hand a honking big but basically standard four-burner grill with two side tables. But flip up the lid on one of those side tables and you'll find a fifth burner beneath a cast-iron griddle big enough for a sextet of burgers or pancakes. Beneath the griddle, the gas burner is also set up so it could heat a pot of sauce if you need it. But the coup de grâce, and the bête noire—and probably some Italian words, too—is the pizza oven. Instead of the usual grill-top, the lid on this four-burner grill is instead shaped into the somewhat squat segmental arch of a stainless steel pizza oven, complete with a smoked-glass oven door. Also included is a 15-inch cordierite pizza stone, complete with a wrought-iron mounting bracket that'll affix it to the top of the grill. Damn, that's a good idea—one that seems like it should already exist. But very few comparable devices do. Cue covetousness, and suspicion. An Argument for Grill Pizza I'll get the suspense out of the way. You absolutely can make a pizza you'll be proud of with this Cuisinart Propel+. It took a few failed attempts, however, in part because I was lured away by false temptation. This Cuisinart is a monster: a 44,000 BTU grill that can heat to 600 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes with the lid down, and crest 700 in 10 or 15 more. With everything on high, this thing draws enough juice to drain a 20-pound propane tank in less than 10 hours. The side griddle adds 11,000 more BTUs. With burners at max, you can also heat up the cordierite pizza stone north of 800 degrees. At that point, we're near Neapolitan pizza territory. Or so I hoped. But alas, it was not to be. The middle burners under the pizza stone will indeed superheat the stone. But ambient oven temp won't get quite high enough, topping out below 750 degrees. Unless you turn the middle burners down to medium, you'll scorch the pizza's bottom before cooking the top.


Buzz Feed
27-05-2025
- Business
- Buzz Feed
Reviewers Love This Air Fryer — And It's Under $100
I love kitchen gadgets as much as the next person, but my tiny home makes it impossible to stock up on all the latest tools. So when an item comes along that's versatile, multifunctional, and can cook a lot of food — I can't help but be intrigued. Throw a sale price, and I'm sold. Case in point: this versatile Cuisinart air fryer and toaster oven that's designed with a ton of extras and a surprisingly large capacity. With one machine, you can air fry, bake, broil, warm, and toast up to a 12-inch pizza or 4-pound chicken. Right now, you can snag the CTOA-122 model from Target for under $100. Or, you can opt for the similar TOA-70, which offers a grilling function, for up to 27% off at Walmart and you've been looking to simplify your nightly cooking or hate using the oven in the warmer months, this one's for a 'workhorse' and 'the best air fryer out there,' with this machine, you practically don't need anything else. Making it ideal for small kitchens and you're cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this multifaceted machine does it all, without adding more heat to your home, like a traditional oven. Users that love it has old-school dial knobs, instead of fussing with a digital screen and note that the exterior doesn't get too hot as it reviewers marvel at its speed, calling it 'useful' and 'extremely fast' at preparing their favorite foods. (Possibly too fast, as we noticed a few reviewers had experiences with burnt food, so be sure to read the instructions carefully before you start cooking.)Overall, the appliance has earned thousands of 5-star reviews from users, most of whom are pleased with the appliance's performance — particularly those who have tried other has an adjustable temperature dial, a toast shade selector and timer, a 60-minute timer, and an automatic shutoff to keep you safe. Best of all, the interior has an easy-to-clean nonstick surface so you don't have to spend hours cleaning it out. The air fryer includes an oven rack, baking pan, and drip tray as well as a traditional air fryer a unique appliance that allows you to get food on the table without exerting too much energy or using every pot and pan in your out more promising reviews of the Cuisinart air fryer and toaster oven. It's got you covered for everything from snacks to dinner for the whole family. Promising reviews: '...This item is used every day in our home, and it performs extremely well. We warm our food, bake cakes, prepare french fries, egg rolls, make toast, and it will do so much more. The stainless steel design is very attractive, and the unit is not too large. The exterior of the oven does not get too hot.' —Mary55'I had a dedicated air fryer that I kept in the pantry. We hardly used it because of the trouble getting it out. This combo unit stays in a nook on the counter, and I think we have used it daily. Now we have a visual of our food as it cooks. I find myself using this unit instead of my large oven. Love it!' —Ken42'Great all-around multifunctional air fryer! All the settings function as they should, and it doesn't take up much counter space. This was another purchase for a second home; you really can't go wrong with this unit. Love that I can save time and energy on heating up our oven!' —Anonymous'How does this oven cook so quickly? This is my 3rd toaster oven in a row, and my favorite! 1) it has actual knobs to turn, not digital confusion 2) It cooks fast! Like 2/3 of the time it would have taken in my other ovens.' —MsTexas'This is the best air fryer out there. We have tried so many, and this is hands down the best one. No need to preheat it and it does multiple functions just by turning the knob. It even fits an entire frozen pizza to cook. You will not be disappointed.' —M'This is a really useful appliance to have. Bacon done in 10 minutes, instead of 30 in the oven. The toaster works great. Haven't tried baking anything yet, but I expect that it'll be as simple as the other options.' —Michael'Absolutely love this workhorse! It makes light of those items I usually bake in the oven. It is extremely fast and saves me a lot of time. My suggestion is to take some time to learn how much time you need to cook your favorites. It is worth your time to save time. And make healthier foods in this too.' —jana4 Get it from Target for $99.99 (originally $133.99).


Buzz Feed
24-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
29 Practical Things To Buy For Your Yard
An inflatable projector screen so you can host the most epic outdoor movie nights your cul-de-sac has ever seen! No more projecting movies onto the side of your house and wondering if you're looking at an important detail of the movie or just an impurity on your wall. A side table with a little secret…it's also a cooler! Get one for your next BBQ and watch all your guests' eyes grow wider when they finally figure out where you're hiding all the cold drinks! A canopy to protect your backyard oasis from the sun's rays that are sometimes just a bit too much… but not enough that you want to actually go inside. You can purchase the hardware set to attach this canopy to your home for $16.99. Promising reviews: "Perfect cover for our BBQ grill patio area." —Gma"Have had it up for over a month and it is holding up very well to sun, wind, rain, and storms. I take it down when I get enough forewarning of strong storms, but sometimes we've been out of town and it has held up quite well. We roll it up and to the side using the installation kit anchors when we get warning for strong winds. But, like I've said, we've come home after storms to small branches down in the yard, but the sail was good. It does a great job of blocking the sun and cools the house and patio quite nicely from the summer sun." —Ms. ShannonGet it from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in a variety of sizes and 14 colors). Some waterproof and shatterproof solar-powered outdoor string lights that'll create the perfect, twinkly ambiance to keep your summer parties going long after the sun has set. A scent-free mosquito repellent to help keep those ~bug~gers away without adding any smells or sounds to your relaxing vibes. Sometimes, you just wanna eat your freshly grilled burgers without worrying about getting eaten alive or having your whole meal flavored with citronella. A portable Cuisinart vertical smoker that'll slow cook brisket, turkey, chicken, or whatever else your heart desires. This is going to revolutionize your backyard BBQs. Be warned, none of your neighbors will ever want to host again once they know what you're cookin' in your yard. Promising review: "So far I've smoked a pork tenderloin, chickens, Cornish game hens, a prime rib, and an 18-pound turkey. I couldn't be happier with the way everything has turned out. This product is incredibly easy to use: you just set the temperature, put the meat inside the smoker, and walk away. It doesn't use an open flame so it's great for apartment balconies where you might not be allowed to grill. Cooking and cleaning are both easy, and I'd recommend this product for beginners and experts alike." —William it from Amazon for $299.99. A four-piece furniture set to furnish your outdoor space just as well as your indoor living room. I mean come on, grab yourself a refreshing beverage, kick your feet up, and you'll never wanna go inside again. The set comes with two single chairs, a double chair, and a coffee table, and the cushions are included!Promising review: "Wow! Such a great set! It comes in a surprisingly small box — these people must be great at Tetris! It was easy to put together and they even made all the screws the same size! Super comfy and looks great on my new deck!" —Jennifer CupkeyGet it from Amazon for $144.99+ (available in three cushion colors). A set of four motion sensor lights so you don't have to worry about tripping over a branch (or yourself…😅) when you walk inside after a long day in the yard. Promising review: "These lights are great!! No lag time when you walk out! As soon as I open the storm door, they turn on quicker than when flies hits the poo!! The eight LED lights are way bright enough, too!! I am ordering more for the back porch and for the garage!!" —KevinssGet a set of four from Amazon for $36.99. A cedar oil insect killer that is pet- *and* kid-safe so you can feel good about killing those fleas, mosquitoes, beetles, and gnats without harming any of your loved ones in the process. This is free of pesticides, fragrances, and artificial colors. It's safe to use on lawns, gardens, patios, vegetables, flowers, dog kennels, and grass. It's also safe to use on areas where your pets or kids play. The spray treats and prevents infestations from ants, ticks, chiggers, crickets, Japanese beetles, and roaches. Just FYI, some reviewers note that because of the added cedar oil the product may attract carpenter bees if you already have a few flying around. Read more about the safety of cedar oil as a bug repellent at the EPA and review: "Wow! Well worth the money! Two months ago, we purchased 70 acres in Virginia and decided to start a hobby ranch. Because we are on well water, I was looking for a safe alternative to normal pesticides — that's when I learned about cedar oil. Due to the mild winter, the ticks are extremely bad this year. I purchased this and I was pleasantly surprised. I first used it on our inside dogs and sprayed it directly on some visibly alive ticks. When they say it kills them immediately, they mean it. Later that afternoon, I found one latched on to me so I sprayed directly on it and again dead within seconds. The best part is that it doesn't leave an oily residue and smells great. I will be buying in bulk from here on out." —Timothy J SullivanGet it from Amazon for $37.99. An expandable garden hose, which extends up to three times its normal length to quench the thirst of every last inch of your yard. Promising review: "I have three of these. The lightweight is important to me. I loop these over the hose bib when finished using them. No need to bring the hose inside." —TinkerbellGet it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in five lengths). A raised garden kit easier to put together than most other above-ground gardens — no screws, tools, or pounding into the ground required! The hardest part about it will be deciding what you want to plant. A set of color-changing inflatable pool lights that are solar powered so you don't have to put in any effort to reap the benefits of these vibey lights. Your pool parties are about to get ~lit.~ A hanging hammock chair so comfy you may find yourself taking more than a couple afternoon naps outside. Go ahead and just get one for each member of your family cause you aren't going to want to share. Promising review: "The hammock chair is really comfortable. The quality seems good and it came with everything you need for installation. They provided the mounting bracket, chain, and all hardware needed. I would recommend this chair." —Chris it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in three colors). A garden dump cart that'll help you easily move around whatever cumbersome item you have taking up space in your backyard at the moment — dirt, rocks, gourds, you name it, this thing has got you covered up to 600 pounds. Promising review: "It's full of gourds from the garden this very minute. It was great pulling it around and navigating the vines. I need better skills backing it up, though. It was full to the top with gourds, then I added water with the garden hose to the top and it was still easy to maneuver. Great product, which I actually bought for the cabin, to haul luggage and firewood up a steep narrow trail, I might have to get another as I don't want to part with it around the house." –Beth it from Amazon for $129.99+ (available in two colors and four sizes). A reliable Weber charcoal grill to cook up a ton of food without taking up a ton of space, so even those of us with small backyards can still enjoy that freshly grilled goodness. Reviewers love this grill and say it maintains its temperature, has a large cooking area, cooks food evenly, and is easy to review: "I love this grill! I'd been wanting to buy it for almost a year and am so excited to finally have it. I had my first barbecue outside and the Webber was fantastic. I was able to fit burgers, hot dogs, potatoes, and pineapple on the surface at the same time. There's lots of space to cook various foods at once. I love the easy ash cleanup thanks to the bottom bucket. This product is very sturdy and stable, and I put it together in 10 minutes." —Dani it from Amazon for $219+ (available in three colors). A rechargeable, waterproof cooler light so you don't crack open a can of Coke only to take a huge sip and realize it's actually Dr. Pepper 🤢. One charge is good for 60 hours of white review: "Such a neat item! I purchased this for my husband's hunting trip and he's truly enjoyed the handiness of the light. He said it provided extra light in the dark wilderness. The light is compact, and easy to charge. It lasted multiple days from one charge. Also, the different light modes are fun and one can even have a party with the blinking effect!" —ElenaGet it from Amazon for $19.99. A handy, dandy turf spreader to help you evenly and efficiently spread things like grass seed and fertilizer. Move over Jim, there's a new best kept lawn in town. Promising review: "What I like most about this spreader is that it is small and light. Other spreaders, when they hit a depression in the lawn stop, can deposit too much fertilizer. This unit just skips over the dents and holes in my lawn, making for a quicker and more thorough job. Sometimes less heavy-duty is good." —BillGet it from Amazon for $22.97+ (available in four sizes). An aesthetically pleasing firewood rack so you can stop avoiding your firepit because you don't want to walk all the way to the back of your yard to grab some wood. Now you can store it front and center and have it be a lovely focal point piece. Promising review: "I picked up two of these as Christmas gifts. They are easy to assemble and look beautiful with wood stacked in them. They look very elegant in one setting and pair well with the rustic setting of the other recipient's home. I'm very pleased with my purchase. I sell firewood commercially and have purchased many racks over the years. This is my new favorite small rack!" —Kimberly Joseph Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in three styles). A bee-proof and drip-free hummingbird feeder that'll encourage all your fast-winged buddies to hang out with you every afternoon. An outdoor heater to provide a little extra heat on those chilly nights, and to make sure your backyard oasis doesn't have an expiration date and instead can be enjoyed all year long. Or a hanging outdoor heater you can mount to your wall or ceiling if you don't want to take up any floor space. Your neighbors might not even know you have them and think you're a little weird for sitting outside in 50 degrees, but you'll actually be super toasty and comfortable. A pooper scooper so you aren't walking around like you're dodging stinky mines in your own yard. And with this you don't have to touch any steamy 💩. A crack weeder tool designed to get the whole root of the weed so you don't spend all your time trying to rip 'em out by hand just to break it off and make getting the entire thing nearly impossible. Say gooooodbye to those pesky plants growing up between the cracks in your concrete. A magnetic screen door so your pets and kiddos can come and go as they please without you having to get up every five minutes when they change their minds…again. This is also a great way to get a nice cool breeze inside without having to swat away a million mosquitoes. A multisurface, bleach-free Wet & Forget outdoor cleaner that'll help clear up moss, mold, mildew, or algae without anyyyy scrubbing required. Just spray it on and watch as the gross green stains get lifted away. Easy-to-install interlocking Teak tiles to instantly elevate your space into something worthy of being at a fancy resort. A stainless-steel firepit that'll have a little extra heat radiating while you grill your marshmallows over the open flames. A Sun Joe pressure washer for any of your more stubborn cleaning tasks that are gonna take some extra oomph to get rid of. You'll be so satisfied watching your wood panels return to their normal color, you'll wanna walk around your whole yard to find more things to use it on. A battery-operated patio umbrella light with three brightness modes so you can add some much-needed light, allowing you to stay outside chatting with friends or playing cards even when the sun goes down.

Business Insider
22-05-2025
- General
- Business Insider
The best waffle makers in 2025
Golden brown crust, airy texture, and pools of maple syrup — the perfect waffle is a work of breakfast art. With one of the best waffle makers at home, you can experience that crispy, fluffy, and nostalgic delight any time you want. After consulting with the pros and cooking more than 60 waffles on ten waffle makers, we chose the Cuisinart Classic Round Waffle Maker as the best waffle maker on the market. It isn't too pricy, is easy to store, and makes consistently crisp and airy waffles. If you're a Belgian waffle loyalist, check out the Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker which fully rotates while cooking to make the fluffiest waffles possible. Our top picks for waffle makers Best overall: Cuisinart Classic Round Waffle Maker - See at Wayfair Best overall Cuisinart Classic Round Waffle Maker Making crisp and airy waffles has never been simpler than with the compact and easy-to-use Cuisinart Classic Round Waffle Maker. The Cuisinart Classic Round Waffle Maker is the best waffle maker if you want to make evenly baked American-style waffles every time. During my tests, each heat setting produced a fully cooked waffle, and higher heat resulted in darker and crispier exteriors. The crust was the key factor between this machine and the Breville Classic. All waffles soften the longer they're off the iron, but the Breville did not crisp the outside of the waffles as well as the Cuisinart. The waffles from the Cuisinart maker stayed crisper longer than those from other waffle makers. It was easy to remove the waffles without them breaking into sections, and each batch only needed one coat of vegetable oil to stay nonstick. I should mention that the green "ready" light is not a reliable indicator of doneness. It turns on two to three minutes after you put in the batter, which I did not find long enough to make the crispier waffles I was aiming for on the higher heat settings. However, the indicator light never turns on before the waffle is fully shaped, so you don't have to worry about tearing it when you open the lid to check the color. Best Belgian The waffles from the Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker were the thickest and the most aerated ones I made. And that's pretty impressive when you consider that I cooked three types of waffles in every Belgian waffle maker I tested: American, Americanized-Belgian, and traditional Belgian. While the other Belgian makers failed to produce American-style waffles on the lowest heat setting, the ones I made in the Hamilton Beach came out fully cooked and light brown. This maker was also the only one that flipped 180 degrees. "Waffle makers flip to more evenly spread the batter," said Fisback. Traditional Belgian waffles are somewhere in between a dough and batter consistency. The Belgian waffles made in Hamilton Beach seemed to benefit from the flipping: they never stuck, browned evenly, and rose equally across the sections. The indicator lights are not intuitive. Because the maker flips, you have lights on the top and bottom, but I didn't find either to accurately signal when the waffles were browned. This was a common problem among the best waffle makers, likely because doneness is a matter of preference and quantity of batter. Best small Overall, I was impressed with the American-style Dash Mini Waffle Maker. It doesn't have any heat settings, but after testing, the temperature seems in line with medium heat on other makers. Because the waffles are small, there is simply less surface area for the heat to reach. Every waffle I made in the Dash Maker came out thoroughly cooked and golden brown. The 4-inch waffle is about the size of one section of a full-size waffle. It is slightly smaller than commercial frozen waffles, however, so keep that in mind if you're using them as a DIY alternative. As with most waffles, the Dash waffles freeze well and are just as delicious reheated in a toaster. This is perfect for a college dorm or first apartment, or for anyone who prefers small portions. You do have to be careful when putting batter on the plates, though; start with small scoops to gauge how much fits on the 4-inch surface. Best double The All-Clad 4-Slice Waffle Maker has one of the largest surface areas of any of the best waffle makers we tested, making the evenness of its cook all the more impressive. A green light turns on and a beep sounds when the maker is done preheating. It also beeps when the waffle is done cooking. Belgian waffle makers have larger and deeper squares than American-style makers, but there can be variation within that. The All-Clad had thin ridges between the squares, which led to crispier waffles. Even with that, the All-Clad maker did not sacrifice the signature depth of a Belgian waffle — these were among the tallest Belgian waffles we made during testing. The removable plates are easy to install and take out. Being able to fully submerge the plates or just put them in the dishwasher makes cleaning a lot easier. Because of the locking lid, you can easily store it horizontally or vertically, but it is a bulky and heavy appliance. What else we tested Breville No-Mess Classic Round Waffle Maker: This maker was the runner-up for best overall. It produced fluffy and evenly cooked waffles that were deeper than those made by other American-style makers. The Breville is that it has a drip tray surrounding the waffle plates, so any overflowing batter is caught before it hits your counter. There is definitely less mess, but the structure makes it much harder to remove the waffles. Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker: The waffles from this maker were not very thick for Belgian waffles. Additionally, the lowest heat setting did not fully cook the American-style waffles. Holstein Housewares Mini Waffle Maker: This mini maker performed almost identically to the Dash, but it's slightly more expensive. Hamilton Beach 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker: Surprisingly, this waffle maker did not have heat settings. The pre-set heat did cook all three types of waffles to a golden brown. The grid has thicker ridges between the waffle squares, which do not stay as crisp while cooling or re-toasting. Oster Belgian Waffle Maker: This Belgian waffle maker produced waffles that are more comparable to American-style ones in thickness. The browning was also uneven. All-Clad Classic Round Waffle Maker: The lightest heat setting produced waffles that were far too pale, only just cooked. Ultimately, it's too bulky and expensive to recommend for a standard waffle maker when there are others that do a better job for less. What to look for Style: Before shopping for the best waffle maker, decide if you prefer Belgian or American-style waffles. One of the main differences between American and Belgian waffles is the size and depth of the waffle grid. Belgian waffles have deeper pockets than thinner American waffles. This is reflected in the waffle makers themselves, as Belgian waffle makers have larger and deeper grids. Size and storage: Consider how often you make waffles and how much counter space or storage you have. An easy rule of thumb is that the more often you use a small appliance, the more counter or storage space it deserves Settings: Most waffle makers have a range of heat settings, which allows you to choose your preferred level of crisp. Smaller machines, and often lower-budget options, have no settings or less accurate ones. If you won't eat a paler waffle or can't stand a crispy breakfast, choose a machine with heat settings. How we test waffle makers Before writing this guide, I spoke to two waffle experts: Shumski, David Solomon, founder of Mountain Waffle Co., and Max Fisback, owner of The Waffle Window in Portland, Oregon. We used three recipes in our testing for the best waffle makers: King Arthur Baking Company's Classic Buttermilk Waffles for American waffles, Melissa Clark's NYT Cooking Waffle recipe with stiff egg whites for Americanized-Belgian, and King Arthur Baking Company's Yeasted Waffles for traditional Belgian waffles. In the Belgian waffle makers, we made all three waffle types: American, Americanized-Belgian, and traditional Belgian. In the American waffle makers, we made Americanized-Belgian and American-style waffles. Additionally, we made waffles on the lowest, middle, and high settings on the makers that had adjustable temperatures. Belgian-style waffles: Traditional Belgian waffles are made with a yeast-risen dough left to rest overnight, while the shortcut method (also known as Americanized-Belgian) uses baking powder and whipped egg whites to provide the rise. With both recipes, we looked for the waffle makers to produce evenly browned waffles that were cooked all the way through, but maintained a light and fluffy texture. American-style waffles: American waffles are thinner and crispier than Belgian ones. The recipes for American-style and shortcut Belgian (or Americanized-Belgian) waffles are almost identical, except that true American-style waffle recipes don't have whipped egg whites and only use chemical-raising agents. Ease of use: Depending on the cook, waffle makers can be once-a-month or everyday appliances. We considered how easy it was to store the waffle makers, if there was a convenient way to wrap their cords, and if other dishes like cake pans could balance on top of them. We noted how quickly the plates heated and when the waffle makers indicated they were ready to use. We also noted how quickly the irons cooled down after being turned off because you should never store a waffle maker until it is completely cool and clean. Waffle maker FAQs Can you put pancake batter in a waffle maker? Yes, but your waffle will likely be less crispy and thinner than if you used waffle batter. Waffle mixtures have more sugar and fat than pancake batter — this helps brown and caramelize the exterior while maintaining a fluffy inside. When should I replace my waffle maker? Treat your waffle maker like other small appliances — replace it if the wires start to fray or if it starts smoking even after you clean it thoroughly. Some waffle maker plates have nonstick coatings, which can wear down over time. If you notice any flaking coming off the plates, it may be time for a new waffle maker. Can you make American-style waffles in a Belgian waffle maker? It is a rectangle-square situation: it will not work well to make Belgian waffles in an American-style maker, but you could make American waffles in a Belgian maker. In our testing, we tried making American waffles in all of our Belgian makers and we tested Belgian waffles in our top American-style maker. On the lowest heat setting, the Belgian waffle makers did not cook the American waffles. The waffles cooked on higher heat settings and were thicker than those made on American makers because of the difference in grid size. The American makers essentially flattened the Belgian waffles into American ones. Can I use a waffle maker to make pizzelles? You can waffle a wide variety of doughs and even meats, but you can't make a traditional pizzelle. These thin and airy cookies are made on pizzelle presses with the shallow pizzelle pattern. Even if you don't care about the traditional pattern, a waffle grid is too deep to get the thin pizzelle texture. How are Liege waffles different from Belgian waffles? Liege and Belgian waffles are both from Belgium and are recognizably waffles, but their textures are different. Liege waffles are made from a dough that creates a sturdier, thicker waffle; even traditional, yeast-raised Belgian waffles are made from a liquid batter. According to Solomon, this also makes Liege waffles better at supporting toppings without getting soggy. The Belgian Pearl Sugar is key to the Liege waffle experience. Solomon said, "The pearls then burst and caramelize when the dough hits the waffle iron, spreading a sugary crunch throughout the waffle."


Buzz Feed
14-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
25 Useful Target Father's Day Gifts
A stainless-steel interior Cuisinart clean burn firepit with a low-smoke design and easy-to-clean tray, so when your dad starts wiping their eyes as you two hang out by the fire, it'll be because they're overwhelmed by their love for because a bunch of smoke got in their eyeballs. Promising review: "Great. It is easy to start a fire, burns hot, and is mostly smokeless. Ash has a separate tray, which makes it super easy to clean. Buy!" —CoolMomPrice: $199.99 (originally $227.99) A rechargeable Theragun Relief messager that comes with three attachments that work on all sorts of aches and pains — so no matter if your dad strained their hammy training for the half-marathon, or strained their shoulders playing Call of Duty for three hours straight, this will get them feeling better. Promising review: "I bought this item for my spouse for Valentine's Day. He often complains that his back aches and has been able to use it independently, but he will also use my shoulders. It's a win-win! I would recommend this product." —C. Rain Price: $129 (originally $149.99, available in two colors) An Our Place ceramic nonstick Always pan for the dad who loves to cook but is seriously looking to lose the clutter and make their life more minimalist. This pan bakes, broils, fries, steams, braises, sears, and so much more — it can substitute for half a dozen kitchen items. The set includes an Always Pan 2.0 in original nonstick, a modular steam-release lid, a nesting beechwood spatula, and a steamer basket and review: "I love the quality of the pan and lid. The nonstick ceramic surface works beautifully. The pan heats evenly, and food cooks efficiently." —ChristinaPrice: $100 (originally $125; available in five colors) A cotton hammock with a portable steel stand, a carrying case, and a 450 lb capacity, so Dad can set up and start relaxing literally anywhere their heart desires — the backyard, the beach, a camping trip, a screening of The Minecraft Movie... Promising review: "Very easy to assemble. Super comfortable and durable. Kids love it! I like that I can take it with us to the beach or grandparents' house!" —EPrice: $84.99 (originally $199.99; available in six colors) A Google Nest smart thermostat for the dad who is always fiddling with the temperature because the heat isn't free, kids. A Nest will allow them even greater climate control, since they can adjust the temperature remotely from their phone, or via voice control — they can just say "Hey Google, turn up the AC" (unfortunately, it won't respond if he says "Hey Google, have you seen what they're charging for A/C these days? Highway robbery!") Promising reviews: "Purchased as a Christmas gift for my in-laws, whose eyesight and mobility are fading. They love just 'telling the house' what temperature to be." —Kim"Easy installation and use. Just what I needed, easy to navigate and not confusing." —Bhz1017Price: $129.99 A wine-purifying tool to remove sulfites (aka the stuff that causes wine headaches) and wow your oenophile dad. Show them that you're now old enough to know about the finer things in life, like not waking up regretting that you drank all that wine. Promising review: "I've owned this purifier for three years. It's awesome. Used to always get headaches from sulfites in red wine, but this took care of that. It doesn't change the taste of the wine, either. It's a little pricey, and you have to buy filters, but if you get bad headaches and love wine, it will be worth it. Their customer service is also top-notch. We accidentally threw away a small part of the device, contacted the company, and they shipped us a replacement part for free. Five stars all around! Cheers!" —Cat MilgarPrice: $79.99 A Wi-Fi-enabled digital photo frame, so you can instantly share photos without any cords or memory cards — ideal if your dad texts you every day demanding new pics of you and the grandkids/granddogs/grandcats/grandlizards. Promising reviews: "This frame is just the right size to display all of my pictures. It was very easy to set up as well!" —Jackie"Got this for my grandma for Christmas, and it was the perfect gift. Easy to set up and use, and fun for the whole family!" —ashuuulieeePrice: $149.99 A Ninja Creami ice cream maker, because you KNOW your dad has been waiting to turn their kitchen into an experimental ice cream science lab. Truffle ice cream? Graham-cracker-and-marshmallow ice cream? Cheeto ice cream? If they can dream can eat it (and hopefully invite you over to try some). Promising review: "It's easy to make delicious treats!" —DebbieDPrice: $299.99 A Nintendo Switch Lite that's perfect both for dads who want to dip a toe into gaming, and dads who are already seasoned riders of the Rainbow Road. Small and light, it's the perfect way for your pop to unwind in bed or kill some time on public transit. Promising review: "Got this system for my boyfriend for his birthday. He was skeptical at first about the smaller size after trying my normal switch, but he actually likes the smaller one now, even though the screen is smaller. Perfect for trips or just sitting on the couch while watching TV. I do recommend getting some sort of case with a grip to make it easier to hold for larger hands." —HelloHaileyPrice: $199.99 (available in two colors) A weighted knit blanket for any dad who could use some R & R, like, yesterday. This beauty (which is knit from weighted tubes, rather than filled with glass beads) looks chic on the living room couch and weighs a hefty 12 pounds, which will help your dad relax more than they have probably since they became a dad. Read more about how to choose a weight, what these blankets help with, and how from the Cleveland review: "I purchased this blanket on a whim, and it is wonderful. I am sleeping so much better. It is exactly 12 pounds, and I find the knit material to provide some breathability while being sturdy but soft. I traded my bead-filled weighted blanket for this and feel it is worth the price. It looks like a regular throw blanket, and I purchased the beautiful blush color, making it visually appealing. I recommend!" —FLPrice: $105 (originally $140; available in two colors) A breakfast sandwich maker, so you can wow your papa with the wonders of modern culinary technology. Back in their day, you had to put on pants if you wanted to eat a piping-hot bacon, egg and that's one problem we've solved. Promising review: "Bought this so my husband has another breakfast option when he wakes at 4:30 a.m. He likes how easy and fast it is, and the sandwich comes out perfectly. As others have mentioned, we haven't experienced problems with the egg seeping out yet. I'd buy it again." —RuherePrice: $19.99 A vegan tattoo brightening balm stick for the dad who loves their ink. Help them give their favorite tats a little TLC with this shea-and-cocoa-butter moisturizer, which reviewers say can make even older tattoos look fresh! Might an "I <3 my extremely thoughtful child" piece be in their future? Promising reviews: "I love the Mad Rabbit Balm Stick! I use it on all my tattoos to make them look dark and fresh. The stick makes it so easy to apply, too! As a tattoo artist, I always recommend Mad Rabbit products to all my clients!!" —Taylor"This product is so great for tattoos. I've been using it for a year, and it keeps my tattoos looking fresh, bold, and bright. It's even brought fresh life to older tattoos. It is not greasy like other balms, and this stick is so convenient to throw in your bag and have with you at all times." —tjposantiPrice: $14.69 A white-noise machine, because I can just hear you saying, "Hmm, maybe that's TOO practical a gift." 1. no such thing, and 2. if your dad is a light sleeper, I guarantee that they will love this, with its adjustable volume setting and over 200 5-star reviews, over any slippers or aftershave you could possibly buy them. Promising review: "We can't live without this! As a family of four, each bedroom has one. We pack them when we travel, and it's usually first on my packing list. During the summer, we sleep with windows open, so it helps block out the sounds of crickets. Definitely needed if you sleep with a companion (human or dog!) who is a loud breather. I've had mine for at least two years and it's still going strong." —Mom411Price: $49.99 An iced coffee maker for the dad who would always moan, "I wish the coffee would make itself" throughout your entire childhood. Well, finally, it can and they'll have a cold cup whenever they want! Now, if only they made a machine with little legs to bring it to them in bed... Promising review: "I absolutely love this machine. It's easy and affordable, and you can make it exactly how you like. Everyone needs one of these if you love a nice iced coffee without even having to leave your home." —BeMarie4Price: $39.99 A 6-inch Kindle to vastly improve the life of the dad who is simply d-r-o-w-n-i-n-g under their TBR pile. Now, instead of teetering stacks around the house that are ready to crumble at any second, they can store the dozens of titles that have caught their eye on this pocket-sized e-reader. Plus, it's so compact, it can go anywhere with them, so they'll probably end up reading even more (a feat previously thought to be impossible)! Promising review: "I love physical books, but as a working mom of four (one being a baby), I wanted something I could throw into my bag and go. That was compact and charged well. I absolutely love my new Kindle. I'm on my fifth book this week!!!" —MamaoffourPrice: $109.99 (available in two colors) An Instax Mini Bundle so your dad who had a camcorder glued to their face throughout your childhood can find a new-yet-retro way to document the moment (though let's be real, they're still going to take about 45 photos every day with their iPad). Bundle includes INSTAX MINI 40 Instant Camera and INSTAX MINI Instant Film review: "I absolutely love the color of the camera, it is so vibrant! Basic bundle but a good deal over all. I like the feel of the Mini 40. I also have the Mini 11 so this is a nice upgrade. Small and fits in my purse. Everyone has been in awe when I show them and of course they love the prints I take." —DelpyPrice: $109.99 A Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game for the dad who loves family game night — they'll probably want to play it repeatedly when you're over for dinner. Promising review: "This game is an instant favorite in our house. The kids were giggling just reading the name. So easy to learn and fun for the whole family! Parents and kids (9yo and 6yo) were all laughing and having a blast — just watch out for the hard slappers. 😂" —Target ReviewerPrice: $9.99 A 5-quart Ninja air fryer that air fries, bakes, and crisps, for the dad who's obsessed with takeout — this is almost just as easy as putting in a DoorDash order (and will last them waaaaay longer than if you just bought them a gift certificate to a restaurant they like). Promising review: "It has a great basket to fit in quite a bit, but it's not overly huge on the counter. It is a bit loud, but it cooks so well! We are really enjoying it so far. Looking forward to using it even more!" —MrMikeGPrice: $99.99 (originally $119.99) A robot mop and vacuum because your pa works hard enough — they shouldn't have to mop, sweep, and dust the floors, too. Let this little robotic friend handle that instead — it works on carpets and hardwood floors, picks up pet hair, and when it's done, it empties itself out. Plus, they can schedule cleanings on the app. It's like they always taught you: work smarter, not harder. Promising review: "Currently obsessed with this thing. Love it so much. Such an improvement over the last robot vacuum/mop we bought and returned a couple of years ago. So far, I feel it is totally worth the extra money over the other brands. I have especially been surprised at the customization to cleaning different areas, from suction power to the rise of carpets and grain direction for wood floors! Also been surprised at it not getting stuck anywhere yet. It can go under and over better than my old robot did. Also, it is much quieter than I expected. I will probably start running the mop at night. The only con is my toddler is afraid of it, lol." —ElleBPrice: $599.99 (originally $999.99) An Oura Ring 4 to help your dad track their sleep, make sure they get in their steps, detect when they're getting stressed, and chart dozens of other biometrics. Whether they're an athlete looking to perfect their performance, or just trying to stay on top of their health, this gift will do a lot more for them that the beard trimmer you usually buy (this is not a knock against beard trimmers). Promising review: "I'm new to Oura ring. I always assumed I wouldn't see any value in wearing one as an Apple Watch user. While some metrics are still calibrating, I'm impressed by the depth of the insights and recommendations compared to my Watch. I'm also pleased with the battery life." —Jacob MPrice: $399 ( available in ring sizes 4–15 and six finishes) A Google 4K TV streamer with voice search, because not to generalize, but your dad is going to think that this is basically magic when they want to watch their fave shows and movies (and they're going to brag to all of their friends about the amazing hi-tech gift you gave them). Promising review: "Just what I needed! It looks modern and stylish. Perfect size, great features, and quality. Buying a second one." —MePrice: $99.99 A Bananagrams word game to please the dad who's always thrilled when you send them the link to a new crossword app. Bananagrams is like a more fast-paced, freeform, and travel-friendly version of Scrabble — the perfect thing to engage both your competitive streaks, but in a fun way (unlike the time when both your competitive streaks acted up while you were playing Ultimate Promising review: "My husband and I have had so much fun with this!! We play when the baby is napping. Such a fun game and I'm so glad I listened to reviews!" —Disturbia0509Price: $15.99 A set of Lyocell cool sheets, because your dad is famous in your family for sleeping very hot. This moisture-wicking and cooling fabric will help them wake up feeling fresh as a not looking like a damp daisy. Promising review: "I love these sheets. They're so soft, smooth, and keep me cool throughout the night." —Cxs004Price: $70+ (available in five sizes and eight colors) A smart mug to keep dad's coffee at the exact temperature they prefer for up to 80 minutes (and even longer if they use the charging coaster). For anyone out there whose dad spends approximately 10 hours drinking their coffee every day, and pops it back into the microwave several times — I think they're ready for an upgrade. Promising review: "You NEED this. Coffee drinkers will enjoy it, too, but while room-temperature coffee is tolerable, room-temperature tea is NOT. With this, your drink will never go cold — you get to set your perfect temperature, and it even tells you when it's ready. The holidays are coming — this is what you should ask for!" —WarriorPrincessPrice: $149.99 A root beer home brewing kit, for the dad who loves kitchen experiments almost as much as they love a cold, refreshing glass of RB. The kit brews two gallons of carbonated root beer — you already know if your dad is someone who would be thrilled to serve glasses of this at a BBQ, while loudly proclaiming, "I made it myself." And if they are that type of probably wanna grab this. The kit includes one bottle of root-beer extract, two packets of flavor crystals, one packet of root-beer yeast, one packet of no-rinse cleanser, four one-liter bottles with caps and labels, and one review: "Quick and easy way to make your own root beer. When I was a kid, the one thing that sometimes prevented making root beer was the need to wash all those bottles. The cleaning solution in this kit makes it so easy!" —TamaraThrPrice: $24.99