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CNN
29-07-2025
- General
- CNN
These Oxo products are the unsung heroes of our editors' kitchens
CNN Underscored Oxo favorites For slicing veggies: Oxo Handheld Mandoline Slicer For homemade dressing: Oxo Little Salad Dressing Shaker For liquid measuring: Oxo Good Grips Angled Measuring Cups, Set of 3 For food storage: Oxo Good Grips 5-Piece Pop Container Set For our morning cup of Joe: Oxo Rapid Brewer Whether you're fully immersed in the world of product testing or not, Oxo can feel sort of inescapable. The brand is seemingly everywhere. Next time you need a tool in the kitchen or a storage solution, Oxo will almost certainly have an option worth buying. And it'll only take a few clicks on Amazon or a short drive to the nearest Target to add it to your cart. If (and when) you do choose to buy it, it's a reasonable bet that Oxo's product won't let you down. I've probably owned about a dozen Oxo products over the years, and reliable, accessible and affordable are repeatedly appropriate descriptors. If that feels like an ambitious blanket statement, I have the data to back it up. Banter around the CNN Underscored office led my colleagues and me to realize that we all had a favorite item made by Oxo. The variety, though, was so intriguing that I decided to poll the group. Participants could name up to five of their favorite Oxo products, then I tallied the votes. The following five champs — cookware stars that streamline kitchen prep and form the foundation of our morning coffee rituals — had the most support. Oxo Good Grips Handheld Mandoline Slicer This mandoline can thinly slice any veggie you throw its way for a surprisingly low price point. Its design features a comfortable, secure grip and nonslip feet, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidentally cutting our review Oxo Good Grips Little Salad Dressing Shaker Everything you need to make, shake and serve salad dressings at home is in this little bottle. We love that it has measurement markings so you don't have to use a separate cup to be precise. Oxo Good Grips Angled Measuring Cups, Set of 3 This trio of measuring cups is the upgrade you didn't know you needed until you have it. The angled markings inside mean you don't have to crouch or bend to see just how far you've filled them up. Oxo Good Grips 5-Piece Pop Container Set Chip clips are shaking, knowing how much better these food storage containers are at maintaining an air-tight seal. Oxo Rapid Brewer Hot or iced coffee concentrate doesn't have to take hours to brew. This device — which requires no more than five minutes to do its job — is portable, repeatable and the most affordable way to make a dang good Americano. It's fair that many restaurants and chefs name-drop the Benriner Super Slicer as their go-to mandoline slicer. After all, it offers the almost industrial-grade build quality necessary for restaurant-level demands alongside its very sharp Japanese blade. The thing is, I still don't see it as a necessary tool for every household, especially not at that price point — and I say this as someone who meal preps three different dishes every week. The main reason I feel this way, however, is because of Oxo's sub-$20 option that has proven itself capable of tackling my home-cooking demands just as well as the Benriner slicer. Its stainless steel blade, while not Japanese-made, cuts and slices through potatoes, onions, cabbages, carrots and other veggies effortlessly, making those usually tedious thin-slicing jobs faster, easier and, surprisingly, really fun and a little addictive. I rely on it for many of my meal prep needs. When I'm making my favorite potato gratin recipe, it's the first thing I pull out. If a recipe calls for caramelized onions, I whip it out. Whenever I want coins of zucchini to barbecue, it's there. I love its angled rubber-covered handle as well. It offers a good, secure grip and allows me to position the mandoline in different ways, depending on what plate or bowl is most accessible to me in the moment. Plus, its included food holder can effectively cling to the last thinnest slice of the veggie to ensure that you're not making finger julienne. The Oxo Good Grips mandoline slicer is versatile as well, allowing you to easily adjust the thickness of your slices with settings for 1 millimeter, 2.5 millimeters or 4 millimeters. You can also lock the blade away so you don't accidentally cut yourself when you're rummaging around in your kitchen tool drawer. I've only had mine for a few months — right around the time the cucumber salad recipe started trending on TikTok — but it hasn't failed me yet. Nor has it shown any signs of wear or breakage. That's saying something considering I am not precious about how I clean or store it. I just wash it with my regular dish soap, leave it on my dish rack to dry and toss it in my drawer for storage. So, why buy a $50 mandoline when you can get this one for more than half the price? — Michelle Rae Uy, testing writer As a frequent at-home salad chef, I've come to realize over the years that no bottled dressing can truly compare to the homemade stuff. This shaker is my all-in-one go-to for whipping up a bespoke dressing. It has measurements listed right on the side of the container, so you can put away those measuring cups and spoons. And once your ingredients have been added, you can simply push the lever backwards to create a seal and shake up your creation. Then, it's ready to pour via the handy spout, and the whole shaker can be stashed in the fridge to dress future salads to come. When it's time to clean up, unscrew the top and toss both pieces into the dishwasher. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director I never really thought much about the measuring cups in my kitchen. I just figured they were all kind of the same (that is to say, not great). Then I tried these Oxo measuring cups. They have an angled design and inner measurement markings, which make it easy to see exactly how much is in there from above — no bending down required. They're made of Tritan Renew (aka recycled plastic), which makes them super lightweight too. But my favorite part is that they make pouring liquids mess-free. I use the 2-cup option most often, whether I'm mixing up eggs, liquid egg whites and cottage cheese for a high-protein breakfast or making brown sugar cinnamon coffee syrup in the microwave. The biggest one (4 cups) is perfect for refilling my cat's water fountain and meal prepping for the week. The set also comes with a 1-cup option, but I reach for that one the least often. One slightly frustrating thing is that it can be hard to use a mini whisk to mix things in the cups. There's an indentation where the measurements are listed on the inside, and it often gets in the way. There's a downside to them being so lightweight too. I've once or twice accidentally knocked over a cup full of pasta water that I couldn't get back. Cleanup is super easy because they're top-rack dishwasher-safe. I throw mine in the dishwasher after every single use, and they're still looking brand-new. And when not in use, all three measuring cups stack well to take up less storage space. — Amina Lake Patel, home and gifts editor I've had my Oxo Pop containers for over six years now, and I still love them just as much as I did when I first got them. The BPA-free plastic is decently thick and durable, and as long as a toddler doesn't repeatedly throw the same container against the floor 20 times, you should get just as many years of use — or more — out of them. (We recently had one succumb to such a fate.) The plastic also doesn't seem to retain odors after washing, which is an issue I've noticed with other plastic food storage. The lids make a nice airtight seal with just the press of a button, not only keeping food fresher longer but keeping critters and crawlies out. They are far easier to open and close than Mason jars (and not as breakable), and they can even be used one-handed. Though we've highlighted the five-piece set above, there are a variety of dimensions and shapes available, making them a convenient way to store many different items in many different-sized spaces. Whether it's a small container of trail mix to keep in your desk drawer, a tall container to hold angel hair pasta or a big round container to store bulk rolled oats, there's a size for nearly every need. They also stack so neatly with their modular design, so you can really maximize the space in your pantry. There are a couple of downsides to these containers, but the pros far outweigh the cons. Mainly, while they are dishwasher-safe (top rack only), the two-piece lids can be a hassle to dry. One of the pieces can easily be towel-dried if your dishwasher doesn't do a good enough job, but the other has several small nooks and crevices that are difficult to get to, and water is likely to accumulate, so air-drying is the way to go. Just know that washing the lids properly (which I don't always do, let's be honest) doesn't allow for immediate use post-wash, even in the dishwasher. My only other gripe is that if the lid isn't on completely straight, it won't seal properly when you pop the lid. It will still let you do it, though, so you might not realize until it just plain falls off when you go to pick it up by the top (I may have done this a few times). It's an easy problem to address, though: Just pay attention and don't rush around like a madperson the way I do. — Danielle Poiesz, copy editor I'm no coffee snob, but I can't survive without a daily cold brew. To tighten my budget and reduce plastic waste, I've started making coffee at home, and I can't rave enough about the Oxo Rapid Brewer. I'm fortunate to test some of the newest and shiniest coffee appliances on the market thanks to my job, but I always come back to my trusty Oxo Rapid Brewer. I love that I can make Starbucks-level coffee concentrate in just minutes, without any charging, plugs or disposable filters. It's extremely intuitive too. Simply fill the container with coffee grounds, tamp it, pour in water (hot or cold) and wait for the magic to brew. It's that easy and costs just $40 at that. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer While the products covered in depth above got the most love in our staff-wide survey, several others received first-place votes and play a major role in our editors' kitchens. Oxo Good Grips Etched Zester It doesn't matter whether you need to grate Grana Padano, lemon or garlic with this zester. It'll transform them all into fine shavings for your next pasta al limone — and quickly. The best part is you can throw it in the dishwasher when you're finished. — Maxwell Shukuya, associate writer Oxo Outdoor Kitchen 3-in-1 Squeegee and Scraper I've had this simple scraper for probably five years and use it all the time. It has three different materials for various cleaning applications, including a soft silicone side to wipe down counters, a harder plastic side to scrape stubborn or burned-on messes and a stainless steel side to clean grills or cast-iron pans. It's a small but mighty kitchen cleaning tool that I find myself reaching for over and over. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder No appliance gets more use in my kitchen than this coffee grinder, which has been going strong for about seven years. With 15 grind settings from fine for espresso and coarse for French press, it rivals other burr grinders that are far pricier. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writerRead our review Oxo Good Grips Squeeze and Pour Silicone Measuring Cups, Set of 3 I'm a big fan of the Food Network, and I noticed a lot of pros using these silicone measuring cups. I figured they must be onto something, so I swapped out my old plastic ones and haven't looked back. I love that they work for both hot and cold ingredients (think melted chocolate or butter) and can go straight into the microwave or dishwasher without a problem. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editorRead our review Oxo Good Grips Grilling Tongs and Turner Set This dishwasher-safe set of grilling tools does all the work on my grill and handles the heat. It's a steal for its price considering both the tongs — which received multiple votes in my poll of our editors — and the spatula are nearly the same price on their own. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer Where can I buy Oxo products? Where can I buy Oxo products? Oxo products are sold just about anywhere you'd expect to find kitchen tools — in-store or online at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Macy's and The Container Store, among others — as well as on the brand's own website. Is Oxo an acronym for a longer name? Is Oxo an acronym for a longer name? No. The name, pronounced 'ox-oh,' is an ambigram and a palindrome, meaning it can be read in any direction. Is there a difference between Oxo and Oxo Good Grips? Is there a difference between Oxo and Oxo Good Grips? Not really. Anything under the 'Good Grips' umbrella is simply a matter of branding. The line is designed to promote a comfortable, secure hold, otherwise known as a good grip. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors with many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, these are not just products the team has tested, but they're mainstays in their lives. Associate testing writer Joe Bloss assembled this guide with submissions from several other CNN Underscored writers and editors who swear by these Oxo products. Bloss has penned numerous kitchen guides, including the best toasters and the best coffee makers.
Buzz Feed
10-07-2025
- Business
- Buzz Feed
6 Best Oxo Prime Day Deals
Amazon Prime Day is here! There are more deals than you could ever begin to look through on your that's where we come in. 43% off a 12" nonstick frying pan (the first time it's been under $50 since *2023*...and it's actually under $40 now) that America's Test Kitchen rated the best nonstick frypan for a reason. Reviewers love that this one is *actually* nonstick and super easy to clean. Plus, it's oven safe up to 430 degrees, so why not make your own pan lasagna like one reviewer did? You know you want to. It's dishwasher safe but reviewers mention it's also easy to hand clean, which may help it last longer!Promising review: "I was looking for a larger fry pan that is nonstick for everyday use, and I found it in this Oxo Good Grips 12" skillet. The handle is easy to grasp and stays cool during cooking. The surface of the pan has worked well, and the sides allow for food to stay in when cooking, while sliding out with ease when needing to remove it. Handwashing the pan is a breeze. I may replace my smaller pans with this brand. Will buy again." —L. GallagherPrice: $39.99 (typically $69.99) 29% off their Cold Brew Rapid Brewer to make cheap, delicious cold brew in FIVE MINUTES (!!). The results are so quick and delicious, reviewers say they love it more than their beloved Aeropresses (and even call it "Aeropress 2.0"). Not only is it faster than comparable models, but it's cheaper, entirely portable, and doesn't need to be charged or plugged in. 🤯 You're going to be swimming in a RIVER of delicious, affordable cold brew with this gizmo. You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water. Check out a TikTok of the Oxo Rapid Brewer in action. Promising review: "I'm in love with various forms of coffee preparation and I've tried all forms of equipment to make them at home. If asked what I prefer for a quick cappuccino, that's easy. This Oxo Rapid Brewer. I've played with my Aeropress for over two decades, including all the necessary add-ons and doo-dads to get close to what this machine does on the first attempt. Get comfortable with a bag of fresh beans, a quality burr grinder, and friends. Do rounds of blind taste tests. I think you'll agree." —Cynthia Price: $28.49 (originally $39.99) Or 29% off a sleek 8-cup coffee maker *with* single-serve capabilities so you can make as much (or as little) as you please! The double-wall vacuum-insulated thermal carafe locks in heat and flavor for hours making it easy to come back for a third cup. The built-in cleaning system helps prevent mineral buildup, which makes maintenance easier. It's also compact enough to sit under the cabinets and will look absolutely stunning on your counter! It comes with the coffee maker, stainless steel thermal carafe, large brew basket, single-serve accessory, coffee scoop, drip tray, and 10 paper review: "It makes the coffee very hot, makes it fast, is attractive, and easy to clean. I truly look forward to using it in the morning! It is actually quite pretty to watch it brew, like a little bubbly fountain, which adds to the whole coffee experience. I prefer brewed coffee to K-cups and am happy to do a little extra maintenance on the coffee maker to get a nice hot brewed cup! And I like being able to control how strong the coffee is (or isn't). Also love the choice of setting for either a cup or two, or a whole pot. My only tips are that I do leave the lid to the water reservoir open for a bit so it dries out, or I dry it out with a paper towel, and so far that keeps it nice and clean. I also clean the parts each time with a little dish soap and water. Small maintenance for big taste! Can't say enough good things!" —Reviewer234Price: $142.49 (typically $199.95) 39% off an OXO Tot space-saving drying rack that holds all of your clean bottles, bottle parts, breast pump parts, and pacifiers without taking up valuable space in your kitchen. It comes with prongs to stack baby bottles and accessories vertically. The clever vertical design lessens its footprint and gives your essentials more room and less time needed to air dry! Promising review: "I love this thing and so does my husband. He was super thrilled about it. I never bought a bottle drying rack before so this is the first one I've ever owned. I have eight kids so that says a lot, lol probably because I just didn't like the way the others looked. Most are ridiculous and cheap looking. Not this one though. Bottles dry fast, it's lightweight, and definitely saves you space next to the kitchen sink so you can leave it out. Came mostly assembled just one part to snap in after, did the drain tray and it's ready to go." —Kayla AdamsPrice: $15.93 (originally $25.99) 25% off a conical burr coffee bean grinder with a one-touch start to help you get *the* most perfect version of your morning cuppa. Customizing your coffee experience is easy with 15 different grind settings to choose from. The UV-blocking tint shields your beloved beans from the sun so they stay fresh longer. Bonus: It's compact so it won't occupy a ton of kitchen counter space! Promising review: "Lots of additional features on this grinder for the increase in price. Most important is that it grinds the coffee very consistently. The conical burr grinder is easy to access. The hopper is easy to remove without spilling the beans in the hopper. Quieter than the Cuisinart. I tried the Cuisinart $50 grinder first but returned it due to the poor and inconsistent grind quality. I think it was defective. The grinds on the right are the OXO and on the left are the Cuisinart using the same beans and the med grind setting on both units." —Ai not AiPrice: $74.99 (originally $99.99, sometimes $79.39 on Amazon) 20% off a set of airtight food storage containers if you're determined to get your pantry more organized *and* to ensure your opened food doesn't go stale in a matter of days. All you gotta do is push the button to engage the airtight seal, which doubles as a convenient handle for grabbing the container. They're dishwasher safe (top rack) too! It includes a 2.1-quart container, 1.5-quart container, two 0.9-quart containers, and a 0.3-quart review: "If you have leftover food or a box ripped, these food storage containers are great. The locking lid is an airtight seal so it won't dry food out. You can stack these in a pantry or in cabinets and they don't take up a lot of space. Easy to clean the bottom of them but the lids can be a little tricky to clean. Make sure the lid is fully dry before putting food in them and storing them." —ShannonPrice: $43.96 for a set of five (originally $54.95) — the massive 20-piece set is also 20% off, down to $183.69!
CNN
08-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
21 products our editors use on repeat to save them money in the long run
When our editors aren't busy testing products or drafting articles, they're just like everyone else; they have homes to clean, grocery trips to make and errands to run. This also means they know just how quickly all those daily expenses can add up (and eat away at your bank account). Luckily, because we're in the business of testing products, we know exactly what helps us save many a dollar over time. While some of our recommendations might initially strike you with sticker shock, think of them as worthwhile investments that — if you're willing to change a few pesky spending habits — have the potential to save you money in the long run. From a great espresso machine that can eliminate your daily coffee shop run to an at-home hair coloring kit to a simple produce-saving device, these are the money-saving products Underscored editors can't live without. Oxo Rapid Brewer With the price of coffee skyrocketing, I've been trying to make more coffee at home. I've raved about Oxo's Rapid Brewer and I'll continue to do so because it's just that good. It's small but efficient and, more importantly, gets the job done in a matter of minutes. This appliance has saved me from splurging on overpriced cold brews. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer Setex Gecko Grip Nose Pads This is such a random little product that I'm so glad I found. As a glasses wearer with a low nose bridge, it's difficult for me to find frames that don't constantly slip down my nose. These little adhesive pads help solve that problem. They stick to your glasses on one side and then the other side has tons of tiny little fibers that are supposed to mimic the way geckos' feet can grip any surface. In this case, they help the glasses stay on, even with makeup, sweat or oil on your skin. At $12 for five pairs (one pair will last me three to four months), they're a cheap solution that saves me from spending hundreds on new frames. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker I'll admit it: I have a sparkling water addiction. I sometimes drink two to three cans a day when I'm in the office. But when I'm home, I make my afternoon beverage with my SodaStream. A can of bubbly easily costs $3 to $5 at the store, so because I invested in a SodaStream long ago, I've been saving money in the long run. I've owned mine for at least five years and the exact model I have isn't available anymore, but it still works great. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Who Gives A Crap Dream Cloths, 3-Pack I buy and use paper towels a lot less after stocking up on various cellulose cloths. I really like the options from Who Gives A Crap, because I love the brand's mission and the cloths themselves have some really cute designs. I use them for wiping counters and cleaning up messes every day, and then throw them in the laundry after a few uses to keep them fresh. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Lettuce Grow Farmstand Nook I can't think of a time when I didn't waste leftover store-bought herbs and leafy greens. While I prep meals every Sunday, I don't cook the same things every week, so some of the herbs and veggies I bought for one meal are forgotten, leaving them to rot in my fridge. That's why this hydroponic indoor garden changed my life. It minimizes my food waste by keeping things fresh, and because it lets me grow my produce from seeds, it's cheaper in the long run. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates Read our review MicroStitch The Original Tagging Gun Kit I bought this tagging gun last summer, and it's already saved me from spending hundreds of dollars on alterations. I've used it to fix too-high slits on dresses, tighten the waistband on silk pants and close up the arm holes on shirts that showed my bra. It comes with a ton of tiny plastic fasteners (in both black and white) that are virtually invisible on most clothes. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor L'Oreal Colorsonic Hair Coloring Device This device has saved me hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars at the hair salon. Ever since I turned 40, my grays are coming through thick and fast, and I went from needing a root touchup once every three months to once a month. Even if you've never been to a hair salon, I'm sure you can imagine how costly that is, especially since I live in NYC, where waking up seems to cost $50. I have had too many box dye disasters over the years so I swore off doing my hair at home — that is until L'Oreal released its Colorsonic device. This makes touching up your roots at home idiot-proof. Just insert the color cartridge, press the button to release the dye and comb through your hair; the bristles at the end of the device disperse the dye evenly through your roots. I was able to cover my grays in about 20 minutes with very minimal mess. This is not a replacement for going to the salon, but it means I can extend my visits a little and save money in the long run. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor Thuma Classic Bed and Pillowboard I've sung Thuma's praises before, and I'll sing them again. This ingenious bed requires zero tools to assemble, which comes in handy during moves. My previous bed was super cheap and (barely) got through at least four moves — two of them across the country. I had to get rid of it because the movers lost a bunch of screws during my multiple moves, and it was so squeaky I couldn't sleep. Because of Thuma's brilliant puzzle-like design that doesn't have small parts that'll get lost, it's way easier to move and I know will last me years to come. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Tushy Cloud After testing bidets for nearly four years, I'm still not convinced normal bidets can help you save on toilet paper. However, if you get one with a dryer, your toilet paper usage will actually go down drastically. That's why I love the new Tushy Cloud bidet. It's comfortable and has some of the best tech on the market, including an effective dryer. With this bidet, I only use a little bit of toilet paper to dry some dampness after the dryer does the bulk of the work. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Read our review AllSaints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket Two years ago during Black Friday, I finally invested in my first real leather jacket, and I'm never going faux again. While my previous Topshop faux-leather jacket lasted for about five years, it started peeling everywhere and was unwearable. Even though this jacket was still pricey on sale, I know it'll last a lifetime with proper care and it was worth the splurge. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Ninja Creami Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker Before I got my Ninja Creami, I was spending way too much of my weekly grocery budget on Halo Top ice cream. But now that I have this countertop ice cream maker, I can make even healthier, higher-protein ice cream right at home while spending so much less on the ingredients. I've been eating ice cream from my Ninja Creami almost every day for months, so this appliance is definitely saving me money in the long run. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor Read our review Caraway Glass Food Storage Set This splurge-worthy storage set from Caraway helps me avoid wasting food because I can easily store, see and eat leftovers throughout the week. It doesn't hurt that they're aesthetically pleasing and plastic-free too. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Bluapple Produce Saver, 2-Pack I was so skeptical about these produce savers, but they really do help my produce last longer. I keep one in the crisper drawer of my refrigerator and one in my countertop fruit basket, and I've definitely noticed a difference in how long my produce lasts. No more moldy blueberries or bananas that spoil almost instantly! Inside the small blue apples are little packets that absorb the ethylene gas in the air (they last about three months). In fact, writing this reminded me that my packets are due for a replacement! — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine Girl, make your espresso drinks at home! While I still go to cafes, it's now for socializing instead of out of necessity, which saves me a lot of money. Think about it: A small Americano is almost $5 while a specialized latte might cost you $7, depending on the coffee shop. That's $50 to $70 every two weeks (or up to $840 in six months) that you're spending per person, and that's only if you have one cup a day for five days. Invest in a great espresso machine like this one from De'Longhi instead, and you can enjoy great coffee drinks from home and save money in the long run. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates Read our review Nuuly Subscription During months when I have a ton of events to attend, I always end up spending way too much money on outfits I'll only wear once. So, I finally caved on a Nuuly subscription, and the selection of clothing is both cute and cost-efficient. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Read our review Owala FreeSip Water Bottle I haven't bought a plastic water bottle in years, all thanks to the reusable ones I've tested for our guide to the best water bottles. My current favorite is the Owala FreeSip, since it has an ingenious lid that lets you sip or chug. Not to mention it's incredibly cute too. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Read our review Amazon Kindle I love books — both to read and to decorate with — but like everything else, buying the newest literary drops has become increasingly expensive, and sometimes I don't want to root around for hours in a used bookstore hoping I'll stumble on something good. While it's more of an investment up front, my Kindle and a few local library cards have saved me hundreds on physical books. It's a tool every reader should have in their kit, plus it's space-saving, great for travel and lightweight. I'll still treat myself to two or three physical books a year, but my bank account and my reading goals have seen great improvements since I got my Kindle. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor Instant Pot Milk Frother I used to hit up Dunkin' three to four times a week for my coffee fix — mostly because I love the cold foam — but it gets expensive and melts before I can even savor all of it. Once I got this 4-in-1 frother, I've cut my trips down to maybe once a month. It makes the perfect hot and cold foam with just the push of a button. My hack: Instead of using plain milk or cream in the frother, use your favorite flavored creamer. — Lindsey Smith, newsletters editor Therabody Theragun Relief As much as I'd love to get a professional massage multiple times a month to relieve me of my migraines, it's just not realistic, and not to mention, it would cost me a fortune. This easy-to-use Theragun — though an investment initially — always does the trick and saves me a ton of money while I'm at it. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Read our review Yeti Rambler 34-Ounce French Press I very rarely buy coffee at a store because with Yeti's ultra-durable French press, I can make delicious coffee at home. I like how easy French presses are to use and the fact they can make multiple cups at once, all with no single-use paper filters that you have to constantly buy. I'm especially fond of Yeti's unit, because I've broken countless glass coffee makers over the years and can't be trusted with anything delicate. Not only is the Yeti French press durable, but it's also insulated so your coffee stays piping hot as it brews. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor LDMA Herritage Hoodie I've been looking for a high-quality hoodie for a while, and this one is worth the investment. It has a stylish, oversized fit without being too baggy, and the soft, durable material means it'll last longer than cheaper options. In the end, it's a money-saver because I won't need to replace it anytime soon. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate editor Jillian Tracy curated our editors' favorite money-saving products that they use every day.
CNN
04-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
21 products our editors use on repeat to save them money in the long run
When our editors aren't busy testing products or drafting articles, they're just like everyone else; they have homes to clean, grocery trips to make and errands to run. This also means they know just how quickly all those daily expenses can add up (and eat away at your bank account). Luckily, because we're in the business of testing products, we know exactly what helps us save many a dollar over time. While some of our recommendations might initially strike you with sticker shock, think of them as worthwhile investments that — if you're willing to change a few pesky spending habits — have the potential to save you money in the long run. From a great espresso machine that can eliminate your daily coffee shop run to an at-home hair coloring kit to a simple produce-saving device, these are the money-saving products Underscored editors can't live without. Oxo Rapid Brewer With the price of coffee skyrocketing, I've been trying to make more coffee at home. I've raved about Oxo's Rapid Brewer and I'll continue to do so because it's just that good. It's small but efficient and, more importantly, gets the job done in a matter of minutes. This appliance has saved me from splurging on overpriced cold brews. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer Setex Gecko Grip Nose Pads This is such a random little product that I'm so glad I found. As a glasses wearer with a low nose bridge, it's difficult for me to find frames that don't constantly slip down my nose. These little adhesive pads help solve that problem. They stick to your glasses on one side and then the other side has tons of tiny little fibers that are supposed to mimic the way geckos' feet can grip any surface. In this case, they help the glasses stay on, even with makeup, sweat or oil on your skin. At $12 for five pairs (one pair will last me three to four months), they're a cheap solution that saves me from spending hundreds on new frames. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker I'll admit it: I have a sparkling water addiction. I sometimes drink two to three cans a day when I'm in the office. But when I'm home, I make my afternoon beverage with my SodaStream. A can of bubbly easily costs $3 to $5 at the store, so because I invested in a SodaStream long ago, I've been saving money in the long run. I've owned mine for at least five years and the exact model I have isn't available anymore, but it still works great. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Who Gives A Crap Dream Cloths, 3-Pack I buy and use paper towels a lot less after stocking up on various cellulose cloths. I really like the options from Who Gives A Crap, because I love the brand's mission and the cloths themselves have some really cute designs. I use them for wiping counters and cleaning up messes every day, and then throw them in the laundry after a few uses to keep them fresh. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Lettuce Grow Farmstand Nook I can't think of a time when I didn't waste leftover store-bought herbs and leafy greens. While I prep meals every Sunday, I don't cook the same things every week, so some of the herbs and veggies I bought for one meal are forgotten, leaving them to rot in my fridge. That's why this hydroponic indoor garden changed my life. It minimizes my food waste by keeping things fresh, and because it lets me grow my produce from seeds, it's cheaper in the long run. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates Read our review MicroStitch The Original Tagging Gun Kit I bought this tagging gun last summer, and it's already saved me from spending hundreds of dollars on alterations. I've used it to fix too-high slits on dresses, tighten the waistband on silk pants and close up the arm holes on shirts that showed my bra. It comes with a ton of tiny plastic fasteners (in both black and white) that are virtually invisible on most clothes. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor L'Oreal Colorsonic Hair Coloring Device This device has saved me hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars at the hair salon. Ever since I turned 40, my grays are coming through thick and fast, and I went from needing a root touchup once every three months to once a month. Even if you've never been to a hair salon, I'm sure you can imagine how costly that is, especially since I live in NYC, where waking up seems to cost $50. I have had too many box dye disasters over the years so I swore off doing my hair at home — that is until L'Oreal released its Colorsonic device. This makes touching up your roots at home idiot-proof. Just insert the color cartridge, press the button to release the dye and comb through your hair; the bristles at the end of the device disperse the dye evenly through your roots. I was able to cover my grays in about 20 minutes with very minimal mess. This is not a replacement for going to the salon, but it means I can extend my visits a little and save money in the long run. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor Thuma Classic Bed and Pillowboard I've sung Thuma's praises before, and I'll sing them again. This ingenious bed requires zero tools to assemble, which comes in handy during moves. My previous bed was super cheap and (barely) got through at least four moves — two of them across the country. I had to get rid of it because the movers lost a bunch of screws during my multiple moves, and it was so squeaky I couldn't sleep. Because of Thuma's brilliant puzzle-like design that doesn't have small parts that'll get lost, it's way easier to move and I know will last me years to come. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Tushy Cloud After testing bidets for nearly four years, I'm still not convinced normal bidets can help you save on toilet paper. However, if you get one with a dryer, your toilet paper usage will actually go down drastically. That's why I love the new Tushy Cloud bidet. It's comfortable and has some of the best tech on the market, including an effective dryer. With this bidet, I only use a little bit of toilet paper to dry some dampness after the dryer does the bulk of the work. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Read our review AllSaints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket Two years ago during Black Friday, I finally invested in my first real leather jacket, and I'm never going faux again. While my previous Topshop faux-leather jacket lasted for about five years, it started peeling everywhere and was unwearable. Even though this jacket was still pricey on sale, I know it'll last a lifetime with proper care and it was worth the splurge. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Ninja Creami Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker Before I got my Ninja Creami, I was spending way too much of my weekly grocery budget on Halo Top ice cream. But now that I have this countertop ice cream maker, I can make even healthier, higher-protein ice cream right at home while spending so much less on the ingredients. I've been eating ice cream from my Ninja Creami almost every day for months, so this appliance is definitely saving me money in the long run. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor Read our review Caraway Glass Food Storage Set This splurge-worthy storage set from Caraway helps me avoid wasting food because I can easily store, see and eat leftovers throughout the week. It doesn't hurt that they're aesthetically pleasing and plastic-free too. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Bluapple Produce Saver, 2-Pack I was so skeptical about these produce savers, but they really do help my produce last longer. I keep one in the crisper drawer of my refrigerator and one in my countertop fruit basket, and I've definitely noticed a difference in how long my produce lasts. No more moldy blueberries or bananas that spoil almost instantly! Inside the small blue apples are little packets that absorb the ethylene gas in the air (they last about three months). In fact, writing this reminded me that my packets are due for a replacement! — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine Girl, make your espresso drinks at home! While I still go to cafes, it's now for socializing instead of out of necessity, which saves me a lot of money. Think about it: A small Americano is almost $5 while a specialized latte might cost you $7, depending on the coffee shop. That's $50 to $70 every two weeks (or up to $840 in six months) that you're spending per person, and that's only if you have one cup a day for five days. Invest in a great espresso machine like this one from De'Longhi instead, and you can enjoy great coffee drinks from home and save money in the long run. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates Read our review Nuuly Subscription During months when I have a ton of events to attend, I always end up spending way too much money on outfits I'll only wear once. So, I finally caved on a Nuuly subscription, and the selection of clothing is both cute and cost-efficient. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Read our review Owala FreeSip Water Bottle I haven't bought a plastic water bottle in years, all thanks to the reusable ones I've tested for our guide to the best water bottles. My current favorite is the Owala FreeSip, since it has an ingenious lid that lets you sip or chug. Not to mention it's incredibly cute too. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Read our review Amazon Kindle I love books — both to read and to decorate with — but like everything else, buying the newest literary drops has become increasingly expensive, and sometimes I don't want to root around for hours in a used bookstore hoping I'll stumble on something good. While it's more of an investment up front, my Kindle and a few local library cards have saved me hundreds on physical books. It's a tool every reader should have in their kit, plus it's space-saving, great for travel and lightweight. I'll still treat myself to two or three physical books a year, but my bank account and my reading goals have seen great improvements since I got my Kindle. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor Instant Pot Milk Frother I used to hit up Dunkin' three to four times a week for my coffee fix — mostly because I love the cold foam — but it gets expensive and melts before I can even savor all of it. Once I got this 4-in-1 frother, I've cut my trips down to maybe once a month. It makes the perfect hot and cold foam with just the push of a button. My hack: Instead of using plain milk or cream in the frother, use your favorite flavored creamer. — Lindsey Smith, newsletters editor Therabody Theragun Relief As much as I'd love to get a professional massage multiple times a month to relieve me of my migraines, it's just not realistic, and not to mention, it would cost me a fortune. This easy-to-use Theragun — though an investment initially — always does the trick and saves me a ton of money while I'm at it. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Read our review Yeti Rambler 34-Ounce French Press I very rarely buy coffee at a store because with Yeti's ultra-durable French press, I can make delicious coffee at home. I like how easy French presses are to use and the fact they can make multiple cups at once, all with no single-use paper filters that you have to constantly buy. I'm especially fond of Yeti's unit, because I've broken countless glass coffee makers over the years and can't be trusted with anything delicate. Not only is the Yeti French press durable, but it's also insulated so your coffee stays piping hot as it brews. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor LDMA Herritage Hoodie I've been looking for a high-quality hoodie for a while, and this one is worth the investment. It has a stylish, oversized fit without being too baggy, and the soft, durable material means it'll last longer than cheaper options. In the end, it's a money-saver because I won't need to replace it anytime soon. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate editor Jillian Tracy curated our editors' favorite money-saving products that they use every day.
