Latest news with #LisaSchweitzer
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The best grills for 2025, according to grillmasters and editors
Warmer weather is finally upon us, which means it's officially backyard barbecue season. And what better way to celebrate than with a shiny new grill? If you're due for an upgrade, we've got you covered: We researched dozens of grills, interviewed barbecue chefs and surveyed our editors for the models they've relied on for years to find the best grills for 2025 — a mix of propane, electric, charcoal and you want to smoke a rack of ribs (we're lookin' at you, Traeger pellet grill) or simply cook up some burgers for dinner (the perfect propane grill makes it easy), you'll find the right setup on this list. We also included plenty of tips for finding the best grill for your space, plus a breakdown of the different fuel types if you're not sure where to start. Grillmaster status: unlocked! The best grills for 2025 Factors to consider when choosing a grill How we evaluated these grills More great grills to consider Grill FAQs Best grills specs comparison chart Meet the experts A quick note before you dive in: Different fuel types require different setups and yield different flavors, so we've included expert tips on choosing the right grill for your skill level, outdoor space and personal preferences at the end of this list. And while you're considering upgrading your deck or patio, can we interest you in a shiny new pizza oven or fire pit? Update, May 15, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for best grill remains unchanged, but we did add the Ninja FlexFlame as the best upgraded propane grill. It was tested by our resident kitchen and cooking writer, Lisa Schweitzer. (back to top) Dimensions: Larger grills tend to have larger surface areas and cooking capacities, ideal for bigger families and parties. Larger grills also tend to weigh more, making them less travel-friendly. When it comes to gas grills, having multiple burners can help with heat distribution. Additionally, wheeled grills offer more portability. Fuel type: If you're planning to use your grill for regular, weeknight cooking, Jonathan Fox of Atlanta's Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q advises going for a gas grill that connects to a propane tank and can be ready to go in five to 10 minutes. If you dream of a grill that doubles as a smoker, consider a pellet grill that runs on wood pellets — or try a ceramic grill (like a Kamado Joe). Just know that it'll take 45 minutes to an hour to heat up, says Fox, which might not be ideal when cooking up a weeknight dinner. Charcoal grills fall somewhere in the middle for heat-up time and add that classic char flavor to veggies and meats. Intended use: With so many options, you'll want to zero in on a grill that's practical for your space and cooking taste. "There are so many choices in grills today, it's easy to get drawn in by some fancy feature that you'll never need," says world barbecue champion Melissa Cookston, owner of Memphis BBQ Co. "Are you cooking mainly burgers, steaks and hot dogs, or do you want more versatility? Would you prefer gas or charcoal? Are you cooking just for the immediate family?" Experience: Before you go out and buy the most expensive grill in the hardware store, get real about your skillset in the kitchen, er, backyard. "Are you a novice, hold-your-own or the next great meat influencer? These are some great questions to ask," says Fox. Price: You don't have to break the bank to make a great meal on the grill. But price will likely be a major factor as you shop. With that in mind, Fox says a higher price tag isn't always better or necessary, but more expensive grills do tend to last longer. (back to top) We spent hours researching grills, scouring thousands of customer reviews for some of the hottest (read: high-powered and top-rated) grills on the market. We also consulted grillmasters for what to look for, depending on your space and experience, along with Yahoo staffers who test and write about cooking gear for a living to determine which models deserved a spot on our list. (back to top) Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill ($399): When it comes to a solid gas grill on a budget, Char-Broil's Performance Series 4-Burner is one to beat, with a 435-square-inch surface area — plus an additional 130 square inches of secondary cooking space — for serving up a sizable feast. It includes a five-year burner warranty. Blackstone Original 36-Inch Propane Gas Griddle With Cover ($397): If you're looking to invest in a flat-top grill, Blackstone's are some of the biggest in the game. This popular model offers a 756-square-inch grilling area, complete with two variable cooking zones, for whipping up breakfast, lunch and dinner with ease. Recteq Flagship 1100 Wood Pellet Grill ($1,300): Recteq's Flagship 1100 Wood Pellet Grill is another heavy-duty, stainless steel option with a hearty following, described by the brand and many of its enthusiasts as "the definition of gold standard in pellet grilling." It features a 1,100-square-inch grilling surface — the largest in this category — which can be used to bake, sear, smoke, grill and dehydrate. Did we mention it packs up to 700°F of heat? Weber Q1400 Electric Grill ($329): Weber's top-rated, portable electric grill is a great option for those looking for the ease of electricity in a compact, table-friendly frame. This grill has racked up over 1,000 five-star ratings from reviewers who've come to rely on it for its easy setup, quick and even heat distribution and sufficient grilling space (up to six burgers). Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates and a removable catch pan make it easy to clean. Weber Performer Premium Charcoal Grill with Stand ($649): Prepare up to 13 burgers at a time on this streamlined charcoal grill from Weber, then let the one-touch cleaning system handle all the dirty work. This grill functions similar to Weber's Original Kettle, but the cooking grate is hinged plus there's a built-in lid thermometer and a removable backlit LCD cook timer. Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill and Griddle ($76): Looking to plug in at a low price tag? Check out this versatile pick from Hamilton Beach, which goes on triple duty as a full grill, full griddle or grill-griddle hybrid in one. Just switch up the aluminum plates according to the menu and occasion. Last time we checked, more than 4,000 Amazon reviewers had given this gizmo a standing ovation. (back to top) Propane and charcoal differ primarily in their method of combustion. Propane provides consistent heat and is easy to ignite, whereas charcoal creates a smokier flavor and reaches higher cooking temperatures. Keep in mind that charcoal grills require much more prep and cleanup time. Pellet grills burn wood pellets (essentially pieces of compressed hardwood). Wood pellets are typically moved from a hopper to a fire pot via an auger where they're then ignited. Pellet grills are known for consistent heat and giving food a natural woodsmoke flavor. It all depends! Griddles and grills serve different purposes, so you'll want to figure out which types of foods you plan to cook primarily. Griddles are ideal for pancakes and eggs given their flat surface, while grills lend a smoky flavor — and those signature grill marks — that a griddle can't achieve. (back to top) Dimensions Fuel type Burners Wheels Weber Spirit II Liquid Propane Grill 48"D x 26"W x 57"H Propane gas 2 2 Traeger Grills Pro 780 Electric Wood Pellet Grill 27"D x 53"W x 49"H Wood pellets N/A 4 Char-Broil Patio Bistro Tru-Infrared Electric Grill 24.4"D x 25.2"W x 38.2"H Electric N/A 2 Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22.5"D x 22.5"W x 27"H Charcoal N/A 2 World barbecue champion Melissa Cookston, owner of Memphis BBQ Co. Jonathan Fox of Atlanta's Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q (back to top)
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Set it and forget it with the best slow cookers for 2025, tested and reviewed
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals . This classic slow cooker from Crock-Pot does exactly what it's supposed to do, plus it's portable! (Amazon) If the idea of dumping a few ingredients into a pot and sitting down hours later to a fully cooked, delicious meal sounds appealing (how could it not?!), keep reading. Years ago, I received a slow cooker as a gift, but despite attending culinary school, I never knew what to use it for. Eventually, I gave it away, but now that I'm a mom who regularly cooks for four or more — and values the set-it-and-forget-it functionality — I was intrigued to test the best slow cookers for 2025. There are so many recipes for slow cooker meals I've wanted to try, but couldn't ... until now. The quintessential slow cooker meal might very well be beef stew, so that's the dish I used to put the slow cookers through their paces. I discovered that there are nuances to slow cookers — many have stoneware inner pots (or crocks), some have nonstick-coated metal inner pots, some have brown/sauté settings so you can get a crust on proteins before setting them to braise, some come with steaming racks and some with temperature probes. And did you know that Crock-Pot is a brand name? Like Popsicle is to ice pop, Crock-Pot is to slow cooker. After browsing through dozens of slow cookers, I narrowed down the testing pool to eight popular picks, including, yes, some of the best Crock-Pots. I ruled out manual models in favor of user-friendly displays with programmable timers that allow for at least four to eight hours of slow cooking and automatically switch to a "warm" setting (at a food-safe temperature) once cooking is finished. I looked for even heating, ease of use, a variety of functions and value. My picks for the best slow cookers are real kitchen helpers that allow you to whip up a comforting meal, even if you have to leave for the office or take care of other tasks at home. Table of contents Best slow cookers of 2025 Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo Best slow cooker overall Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker Capacity: 6 quarts | Settings: Slow cook on high or low, keep warm | Weight: 11.9 lbs. | Dimensions: 17"D x 11.8"W x 9.8"H When you're called upon to bring a dish to family gatherings, the Crock-Pot Cook & Carry will be your go-to solution. A locking lid with a rubber gasket ensures that food and sauce stay inside and don't spill onto the backseat of your car. And it's easy to carry thanks to the generous handles. This stainless steel slow cooker from an iconic brand offers slow cooking at low and high temperatures for cook times up to 20 hours, plus a keep-warm setting that turns on automatically when a programmed cook time ends or can be used on its own. The stoneware crock is microwave-safe and oven-safe up to 400°F. I found the control panel easy to read and foolproof to navigate. Just choose high or low for the temperature and then use the up and down arrows to set the cooking time, which counts down on a digital display. I checked a batch of beef stew periodically and found the temperature was consistently at 194°F. When I returned to the stew after eight hours on low heat, it was rich and velvety. I can already tell that this is the kind of dependable appliance that will last for years. It may not have tons of bells and whistles, but that's its charm. You can set it and forget it and trust that it will do what it's supposed to. Maintenance is simple — wipe the outside clean with a damp cloth and wash the inner crock and lid by hand. It's the best Crock-Pot I've tested. Pros Easy to program Portable with locking lid Automatically switches to keep-warm setting when cooking time ends Generous handles Cons The outside of the cooker gets very hot $70 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $80 at Lowe's Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo Best upgraded slow cooker Cuisinart MSC-600 Cook Central 6-Quart Slow Cooker Capacity: 6 quarts | Settings: Slow cook, steam, brown/sauté, keep warm | Weight: 17.4 lbs. | Dimensions: 18"D x 11"W x 10.5"H This Cuisinart brings you all the bells and whistles: Want to steam fish or chicken and veggies? Like to brown and braise cuts of meat or chicken? This is the slow cooker for you. Though the large rectangular shape of this slow cooker eats up countertop real estate, it makes up for it with its quick-heating inner pot and excellent control panel with buttons for all of its functions. The backlit display shows the timer on one side and the temperature on the other. I loved that you could set the brown/sauté function to 400⁰F. This means you don't have to use a separate skillet on the stove to sear meats (which adds depth of flavor) before braising them for eight hours. The unit comes with a steamer insert that's perfect for delicate proteins and vegetables and doubles as a roasting rack for a whole chicken or roast. The inner crock is made from nonstick-coated aluminum. It washes clean easily with warm water and a soapy sponge, but you can also put it and the lid in the dishwasher. Pros Lots of functions Large control panel that's easy to use Time and temperature alerts Pot and lid are dishwasher-safe Cons Expensive Large footprint $134 at Wayfair Explore More Buying Options $134 at Amazon$160 at PERIGOLD Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo Best nontoxic slow cooker GreenPan Elite 8-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker Capacity: 6 quarts | Settings: slow cook on low and high, brown/sauté, steam, keep warm | Weight: 21 lbs. | Dimensions: 11.81"D x 22.13"W x 16.1"H When you want all the features and value nontoxic cookware and great design, the GreenPan Elite 8-in-1 Slow Cooker is the answer. This 6-quart model is so versatile! It offers eight functions: slow cook, sauté, steam, simmer/buffet, proof, bake, reheat, high temperature, low temperature and warm. The inner crock is made with a PFAS- and PFOA-free ceramic coating that's also certified by the NSF, meaning it meets strict standards for public health and safety. This high-end slow cooker shepherded a batch of beef stew from browning right in the pot at 400°F to braising on low for eight hours, resulting in tender meat and vegetables with a luxurious slurry. The LCD display was easy to read and made programming a cinch. The unit features a handy set of prongs in the back that allow you to rest the lid without taking up counter space. It also comes with a steamer insert, which, along with the pot and lid, is dishwasher-safe. Now on to its good looks. This sleek model comes in a variety of tasteful colors, including glossy white, navy, sage green and charcoal — you will surely find one that integrates into your kitchen decor. Just don't forget to consider the space it takes up on the counter or in a cabinet. Pros Lots of functions Excellent browning Generous handles Attractive enough to leave on the counter Cons Expensive Large footprint $200 at Wayfair Explore More Buying Options $200 at Amazon$252 at Macy's (back to top) Factors to consider when choosing a slow cooker My time spent testing slow cookers yielded these considerations to keep in mind when you're shopping. Features: I value the ability to brown/sear meats directly in the unit rather than using a pan on the stovetop and then adding the meat to the slow cooker. Some people like the option of steaming fish and veggies in their slow cooker. But if you tend to use recipes that don't benefit from these features, and all you want is a timer and either a low- or high-temperature setting, you'll have many options to choose from at various price points. Dimensions: Limited storage space means some models may not work for you. You should consider whether or not you'll use a slow cooker often enough to keep it on the countertop or store it in a cabinet — always check the height of the model before you commit. Capacity: If you cook large-batch soups and stews and whole roasts or chickens, a 6-quart model should satisfy most of your needs. If you cook for two to three people, you can get away with a 4-quart model. And if you want to keep lots of food warm for a tailgate or a family gathering, some 8-quart models work nicely. (back to top) I checked this stew periodically during the eight hours it cooked to ensure the food was in a safe temperature zone. (Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo) How we tested slow cookers After opening each package, I noted if there was any setup required and how easy these appliances were to program. I gave each inner crock and lid a quick wash with soap and water before cooking a classic beef stew in each one. To rank on our list, the gadgets had to excel in the following tests: Temperature test: A safe cooking temperature generally falls between 170°F and 280°F, according to the USDA, but in practice should hover somewhere below boiling, or 212°F, or you will overcook most proteins. Did the slow cooker meet these requirements? Sauté/brown test: Is there a sear/sauté function? If there is, does the pot get hot enough to properly brown meat? Stuck-on food test: After food cools, it can get pretty sticky and adhere to the inside of a pot. I waited for a while to wash the inner crocks to see how much work was involved in getting them clean. Each slow cooker has a slightly different control panel — and some were easier to navigate than others. (Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo) (back to top) Other slow cookers we tested Crock-Pot MultiMeal Programmable Slow Cooker ($210): I love this Crock-Pot's promise of being able to make two dishes at the same time, which might require different settings and cook times. However, this appliance does not offer a slow cook setting that goes for the traditional eight hours, only one that cooks for four hours, which was not long enough for the stew, nor for the convenience of letting a dish cook all day. Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Slow Cooker with Temperature Probe ($76): This and one other slow cooker from Hamilton Beach feature a temperature probe, which none of the other brands I tried have. At first, this seemed like a must for checking the cooking temperature, but you're better off buying an instant-read thermometer that you can use for many other cooking tasks. Outside of that added feature, this model has the popular high, low and keep-warm settings. Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Slow Cooker with Temperature Probe & Defrost ($77) Much like the model above, this Hamilton Beach slow cooker covers basic slow cooking tasks, has a temperature probe and can cook food from frozen, which is a feature none of the others have. If you know you'll forget to defrost the chicken breasts in the middle of a hectic week, this model might be the answer. I understand the appeal of dumping a bunch of ingredients into the pot in the morning, turning it on and coming home to a hot meal. (Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo) Instant Pot Superior Cooker 7.5 Quart Slow Cooker ($80): I had high hopes for this large-capacity slow cooker from the popular multicooker brand because it has a sear/sauté feature. The downfall here is the metal inner pot — it's too thin and doesn't get hot enough to sear meat properly. It almost feels flimsy. Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 4-Quart Slow Cooker ($35): This was the smallest slow cooker I tested, as the 6-quart version was unavailable. The most exciting feature on this appliance is the lid holder — it's removable, but I loved how I didn't have to clear space on the counter to set down the lid. Unfortunately, this unit cooked food at too high a temperature and therefore resulted in an overcooked, dry stew. There is also no clock to let you know how much time is left in your cooking cycle. (back to top) What is the difference between a crock pot and a slow cooker? Crock-Pot is a brand name many people use to refer to the generic term for a slow cooker. It's not unlike using the word Kleenex (also a brand name) when referring to facial tissues. (back to top) We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
One of the best chef's knives we tested is 35% off: 'A real workhorse'
Have you ever attempted to cut up a butternut squash with a dull knife? Let me tell you, it's not fun. As delicious as they are when cooked, those gourds can be tough to prep, especially if you're working with a less-than-stellar blade. And stubborn produce aside, having a good knife is important for any cook, since accidents are less likely to happen when you're using less force. With so many knives on the market, choosing one can be overwhelming, which is why Yahoo editor Lisa Schweitzer went in search of the best chef's knives. After testing a bunch, she awarded the Mercer Culinary Genesis 8-Inch Chef's Knife the title of "best budget chef's knife" — and budget is right. This top-rated tool is currently on sale for just $40 (down from $60) at Amazon. Better grab it while the slice is right! A decent knife can cost $100 or more (like this chef's knife, one of Lisa's other top picks), so the fact that this one clocks in at a mere $40 is pretty remarkable — even at full price, it would be a bargain! We've only seen it dip lower than its current price a handful of times over the past few years, so now would be a smart time to snag it. At Yahoo, we wouldn't task just anyone with determining the best chef's knives; we enlisted Lisa, a French Culinary Institute alum who knows a thing or two about kitchen equipment. "When I started culinary school, I was issued a curated set of knives and tools we would need to work with through our 600 hours of training in order to graduate," she says. "This Mercer Culinary chef's knife was the one we received that day and what we would use for 90% of our daily tasks. That should give you an idea of what this knife is capable of — and of its durability." She goes on to say, "The Genesis may not be a flashy knife, but it is a real workhorse in the kitchen. This Western-style knife is forged from a single piece of high-carbon German steel and features a handle made from Santoprene (a rubbery material) that ensures a firm grip even in damp hands." Nonslip handle = less risk of accidental nicks and cuts! As far as slicing and dicing is concerned, "It cuts through tomatoes and onions nicely but with some mild resistance on onions ... and butterflies chicken breasts smoothly," says Lisa. "The blade feels slightly chunkier than those of Japanese knives — whether you like this is all a matter of personal preference, much like the weight of a knife." (Psst: Her pick for "best chef's knife overall" is a lighter Japanese-style knife, though it's more expensive.) With over 1,300 five-star ratings, this knife's a hit no matter how you slice it. "We love to have a good 'go-to' knife in our kitchen," said this shopper. "As soon as we got this one, [we noticed] it was a little weightier and had a better grip than our other chef's knives. ... Quality steel and very good so far. ... We have already ditched our other knives because this one is so solid." "Bought it almost four years ago," wrote another. "I take good care of it, and it's still a beauty. The inscriptions are almost gone because of washing and wiping, but the steel and handle are in great condition. It's so comfortable to handle." Even the pros approve. "I've been a chef for seven years and been in the industry for about 18 years," shared one. "I know a good quality knife when I see one, and these are definitely it! I bought about 10 of these for our house knives at work and will continue to buy when needed. It's German steel, so they are super sharp, easy to sharpen and it will keep a very sharp edge without the need to sharpen it so often." "In my experience, the only weak point on these knives is to be expected because they are high-carbon steel," said a generally pleased buyer. "If you leave water or have water spots on them for a very long period ... they will rust." "My only complaint ... is that the rubbery handle is not particularly attractive and is a tad thick for my smallish hands," wrote a final fan. "Overall, nice fit and finish, though. Hardly anyone would be disappointed with this purchase." And these No. 1 bestsellers will keep your precious little fingies safe while you slice. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
