
33 Products To Help You Discover Your Inner Home Chef
I can hear Ina Garten's approval from here.
1. An Emeril Lagasse dual zone air fryer over combo with precise temperature control for both sides so you can cook two very different items at once (and in two different ways). It has the capability to air fry, bake, cook pizza, reheat, dehydrate, roast, broil, grill, toast, keep items warm, slow cook, and can be used as a rotisserie. Bam! Emeril is still killin' it!
Promising review:"What a great product! We love the duality of this oven. We can toast on one side while baking on the other. Simple to use, no fan or door issues that others reported. It was delivered about a month ago, and since then, we have used it several times a day, every day. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS!!" — B Fox
Get it from Amazon for $329.99.
2. Or a Ninja Crispi Air Fryer system that'll have you feeling like you've just become an American Ninja Kitchen Warrior. Throw your go-to lazy day meal of nuggets and fries into the glass container, attach it to the air fryer, then enjoy the fruits of your labor straight out of the same container.
Amazon, www.instagram.com
Check out a TikTok of the Ninja Crispi Air Fryer System in action.
Each air fryer comes with the "PowerPod," two containers (a 4-quart and a 6-quart), and lids. The PowerPod has auto-shutoff and four modes: Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, and Recrisp. The "feet" are heat-safe, so you can prop it on any surface, no problem.
Promising review: "I got my Ninja Crisper today and reheated some stuffed bread with feta cheese and spinach, and it did a wonderful job. I t was like it just came out of the oven the first time. Nice and crispy outside, but the inside heated just right. I love that the bottom glass can be covered with the lid it comes with. They come with a metal plate you can put in the glass bottom part, and it actually fits into the lid, so it doesn't get lost. The glass makes a difference in the taste, too. It is a great product and well worth it." — Jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $179.99+ (available in three colors).
3. A grape, strawberry, and tomato cutter will help you slice 'em up so gorgeously that a charcuterie board will hate to see you coming! Reviewers have also noted using the tool to cut meats and bagels evenly (which is no easy feat!).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Rapid Slicer is a small business!
Promising reviews:" My husband and I use this almost every day. We love cherry tomatoes and green olives in our salad. Using the rapid slicer cut our slicing time down to about one minute! Love this product!" — Scout
Get it from Amazon for $15.95.
4. An oil mister that'll help you perfectly cover your ingredients without getting your hands covered in grease so you can promptly get back to aimlessly scrolling your phone while your veggies cook.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "What a nice set for spraying oil and vinegar. I love that the containers are glass and very durable. The set comes with two little funnels for filling the bottles and a brush for cleaning the bottles. The bottles are not too big, so they don't take up too much room on my counter. The set is so nice that I might get another set for a second type of oil and soy sauce." — LB
Get a set of two from Amazon for $13.99.
5. A clip-on strainer for any pasta fiends tired of trying to locate their colander in the back of their kitchen cabinet while their rapidly boiling water threatens to overflow — al dente noodles are at risk here, people!!!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It also works great for draining excess oil out of deeper pans!
Promising review: "I have a lot of kitchen gadgets, but this one gets used virtually every day. The rest come out once a season. This is great and saves space in kitchen storage, you won't need a big colander anymore." — Pen Name
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six colors).
6. A Yonanas fruit soft-serve maker to help you satiate your cravings for a sweet treat while *also* giving you an extra way to use up all the fruit you bought before it goes bad. This fantastic gadget transforms ingredients into a frosty, ice cream–like dessert without as much dairy.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I absolutely love this little machine! I use it every day! It is not like a blender… The fruit comes out just like soft serve ice cream! It is incredible! Someone complained about that it is hard to clean..this is so easy to clean. Anyone on Weight Watchers...this is like eating free ice cream! " — L. Whitted
Get it from Amazon for $35.97+ (available in five colors).
7. A veggie chopper because none of us have time to cry at the club anymore — and by "club" I mean your kitchen and by "us" I mean myself (I'm reserving for my annual viewing of Titanic). Anyways, this baby will dice up anything you throw in it at record speed. Chop, chop!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Fullstar is a small business established in 2017 that specializes in kitchen gadgets.
Check out a TikTok of the veggie chopper in action.
Promising review:"Makes life so much easier. I can't imagine chopping onions or bell peppers by hand anymore, and it does so much more. We used to have a Prepworks chopper which was a similar idea, but you had to press so hard to chop, and it broke after not too long. This one requires very little effort to cut through the food and it has a generous container." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $29.97 (available in four colors).
8. Extra long oven mitts so if you're far too focused on whether your cookies are browning enough on the bottom to realize if your bare arms are about to touch the oven rack you won't *actually* be at risk of being burnt.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I absolutely love these oven mitts! It's one of those kitchen items that are a MUST, but always put off purchasing. I had criteria for what I wanted in mitts and found them. The mitts do everything they say they do and that's keeping my hands and arms safe. I highly recommend them." — Amazon Customer
"Great purchase. I use these every day. Had them for a while now and they hold up beautifully." — Badgerman
Get them from Amazon for $16.99 (available in six colors).
9. A stuffed waffle maker you can count on to make all of your brunch dreams come true — fill 'em with cream cheese, strawberries, chicken, or anything else your heart desires!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Oh my goodness. This was way better than expected. Definitely only need one waffle per person, they are huge. T hey are beyond delicious and the stuffing options are endless. It does take about seven minutes to make one waffle but totally worth it. Comes out perfect every single time. No issues at all. Buy it now!" — armywife
Get it from Amazon for $49.99.
10. Avocado Huggers that'll help you extend the life of that beautiful fruit you were weary about slicing in half because you KNEW you didn't need the entire thing for your recipe — this lil' tool will help keep that unused piece raring to go for tomorrow's breakfast.
Food Huggers is a small business! The set comes with a large and a small size of Avocado Huggers.
Promising reviews:" My niece gave me this set for Christmas last year, and I use it almost every day. It really minimizes the browning of leftover avocado. You can put it in the dishwasher, but I usually hand wash so it's ready the next time I need it." — EJ
Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.99.
11. A KitchenAid stand mixer with a reputation that precedes it — and for good reason! It is the appliance of ALL appliances! In addition to helping you expand your baking/cooking repertoire, it will also become the centerpiece of your kitchen. No pressure when choosing a color. 😉
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: " I have used this almost every day since it got here. I am disabled and this has made baking a joy. I highly suggest it for those who might not bake as much because of physical limitations. I wouldn't be able to handle stirring, and I've never been able to make something like meringue. I can now! I did it the first day. Definitely the best investment in my kitchen." — KJ
Get it from Amazon for $449+ (available in 23 colors).
12. A cutting board and strainer combo, your mom will "ooh" and "ahh" over when you excitedly show it to her over Facetime while *also* asking her, "Do you think this chicken is cooked?"
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising reviews:"I love this product! I use it every day to slice or cut vegetables or fruit and then rinse them in the colander. Versatile and fits over my sink perfectly." — Jeff Wedgwood
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two colors).
13. A handheld garlic press that'll have you rockin' and rollin' your way to the perfectly crushed or minced ingredient your *almost* flawless sauce is missing.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I just love this item. I use it just about every day when we have something that needs fresh garlic in it." — Ann E. Linvill
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two sizes).
14. Cut-resistant gloves for anyone who has already had the somewhat horrifying experience of slicing one of their digits. Sorry, Chef, but no one wants blood in their meatballs. Safety first!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
You can even pop these in the washing machine for a thorough cleaning.
Promising reviews:"I got really tired of coming away with sliced fingers after manually grating cheese or potatoes. Measuring the glove size as instructed was easy, and the fit was perfect (small). I have used these gloves every day since I received them. I was going to try a mandolin, but that was more troublesome than it was worth. Just slip on the glove, and you are safe!" — S Martin
Get them from Amazon for $13.49 (available in sizes S—XL).
15. And an affordable and excellent chef's knife you can use to beautifully cut up ingredients in a way even Gordon Ramsay would applaud. (And we *know* how much he loves to aggressively shout criticisms!)
Mercer Culinary is a small business!
Promising reviews:"Aside from a Victorinox paring knife and a filet knife, this is the ONLY knife I own. I've used it just about every day for the last two months, and only now does it seem to be losing its edge. Since I primarily cook from scratch, I've put it through quite a bit! It's survived pounds upon pounds of potatoes, onions, garlic, a few acorn squash, and carving a whole chicken. I'd say it's a sound investment for the price." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $18.22+ (available in several sizes/types).
16. A hand-powered chopper that'll have you slicing and dicing in literally seconds. If you can pull the cord on a Woody doll (you know, like from Toy Story) then, congratulations, you can chop an onion!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
See it in action on TikTok.
Promising reviews:"Simple to use. I have used this every day for the past 10 days since receiving it. I have made salsa over and over again, and it takes me only three minutes to make. I have made hummus two times as well, and it was phenomenal." — Jill Clement
Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in three colors).
17. A set of gravity-activated grinders to make you feel like you've just landed inside an episode of Futurama whenever you use 'em. No twisting or turning is needed — these automatically release freshly ground salt or pepper whenever you tip it over.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Watch this TikToker use these automatic grinders while cooking!
Promising reviews:"These are really beautiful and add the exact touch of copper I was looking for in my space. When used, the end lights up blue, which is very cool and gives them a modern feel. They feel heavy and solid, including the clear receptacle that holds the salt/pepper." — Pink Dragon
"Pretty and so practical I love it and use it every day." — Cary Thorne
Get the set of two from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three colors as well as a single grinder).
18. A rapid egg cooker with the ability to make hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, scrambled eggs, and omelets — which is about two more kinds than I know how to make on my own. Shh, don't tell anyone I'm about to rely on this gadget to make it seem like I know how to cook. With over 102,000 5-star reviews, you certainly can't go wrong.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"We bought this in 2020. Used it almost every day without any issues, and finally, after three years, it's time to replace it. Such an amazing product to last so long." — Shal
Check out our deep dive into the Dash Rapid Egg Cooker here.
Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in two sizes and 10 colors).
19. Plus a Crack'em egg cracker and spoon rest to ensure your scrambled delights will be shell-free every single time — and how cool will you look cracking eggs open singlehandedly???
Amazon
Crack'em is a veteran-owned small business established in 2013 that specializes in family-friendly kitchen accessories.
Check out a TikTok of the egg cracker in action.
Promising reviews:"I love the quality of this product and use it every day. Haven't had to fish out errant eggshells and like the clean straight break in shell; very easy to use." — Sue P.
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in nine colors).
20. A"Gracula" garlic crusher that'll make you want to say "bleh, bleh, bleh" a la Hotel Transylvania whenever you use it — just don't let the Count hear you! With a few twists you can use it to mince garlic, ginger, nuts, chilis, and herbs.
Promising review: "My entire family is IN LOVE with this little guy. He's cute as a button and put garlic on almost everything (even in some of our drinks) so we use him every day. I used to hate cleaning out our old garlic crusher, it was dishwasher safe, but bits got stuck in the edges and holes. This one doesn't hoard the garlic, does a great job of making it just as small, and is easier to wash than a cup!" — Bob & Wife
Get it from Amazon for $17.95.
21. Trader Joe's Everything But The Bagel Seasoning to upgrade basically everything you eat — from avocado toast, eggs, and bagels to chicken, fish, and veggies, there isn't much this seasoning won't improve. Do you need a handkerchief? Because it looks like you're already drooling over the mere thought of adding this to your dinner tonight.
Samantha Wieder / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com
My colleague swears by this simple mixture of sea salt, onion, and garlic. Check out her Everything But The Bagel Seasoning review for more deets.
Promising review:"This stuff is delicious. Every day I find a new application for it. I have used on everything from pizza to pasta to burgers to steads seafood and even popcorn." — Timothy M.
Get it from Amazon for $6.87.
22. And/or a bottle of truffle seasoning that'll ensure you never have to live another day without access to life-changing homemade truffle fries. It's what you DESERVE, my beautiful bougie friend.
My colleague Emma Lord (pictured above) is ready to divulge why this stuff is so great:
"Okay, I bought this on a whim because there's a sushi place down the street from me that makes truffle avocado sushi rolls and I was like, I need these in my life, but I also need money to live. I decided to DIY it with a regular $4 avocado roll and this seasoning and the umami bliss of it all basically exploded my brain. Since then I've tried it on eggs, on burritos, on potatoes, on chocolate mug cakes, pretty much every sweet and savory thing I can think of. The best part is you really get an excellent bang for your buck — it's so flavorful that I've been using this for months now and have barely made a dent in the container!"
Promising review:"Where has this black truffle seasoning been all my life? OMG I am putting this on everything every single day. It's really that good and I put it on eggs and potatoes and even on my turkey and avocado sandwich. I need to order more." — LMK
Get it from Amazon for $13.87.
23. Plus an Oxo Good Grips veggie brush to ensure your potatoes get a proper scrub down before you turn them into the delicious aforementioned truffle fries.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I use this every day. Works great on all veggies — potatoes and carrots from the garden, celery, apples, mushrooms, etc. I wish I had ordered one years ago!" — Katherine Croft
Get it from Amazon for $7.95.
24. A meat thermometer so you'll never have to guess your grilling skills — cook with the confidence of someone who just crushed an important exam or beat their personal Peloton record.
www.amazon.com
Alpha Grillers is a family-owned small business in Nevada that sells BBQ and grilling tools.
Promising review: "I really like this unit. It turns on when you unfold it and turns off after a time or when you fold it back up. It reads super fast and, so far, seems to be right on the money for accuracy. I use it almost every day, and the length makes it easy to check your turkey or roast. It is quick to change from F to C. Just push a button, and you will be ready to go. It also has the safe range of temps for the different types of meat on the handle so you have a quick reference in hand." — K Hamby
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
25. KitchenAid shears with over 69,000 5-star reviews to convince you to stop using your regular ol' crafting scissors when you're cooking. 😅 Use these to beautifully cut quesadillas or pizza into slices (a must-have for parents!) or to finally chop some herbs.
Promising reviews:"These scissors do it all! From cutting poultry to removing gristle from the bottom of a tri-tip roast, and any number of other kitchen items. I'm left-handed, and the grip is comfortable. They're very easy to clean, and the plastic sheath that comes with them is a plus, preventing me from gouging myself when looking for other items in the 'sharp object' drawer. I'm thinking about getting a second pair. I highly recommend these kitchen shears!" — Suzy-Q666
"Finally! Excellent quality kitchen shears that cut easily through chicken, salmon steaks and meat. Easy clean on the top shelf of the dishwasher. I use these every day! No rust, no dulling of scissors edge." — Tiffany A. Ballinger
Get it from Amazon for $9.89+ (available in six colors).
26. Plus, some herb scissors so you can chop basil, chives, and parsley as fast as if you were gunning for inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records as "World's Fastest Herb Cutter."
Promising review: "These are sharp and work well. I like how it cuts three pieces at a time so you can cut your herbs faster. I actually got them because we use a lot of green onion and these work well to cut that. They are easy to clean, too. They are lightweight and sturdy." — Nederland*brasil
Get it from Amazon for $7.03.
27. And! A set of salad scissors that'll help you whip up a fancy salad in no time at all and without the hefty price tag that, sadly, comes with ordering a lovely chopped salad.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the salad scissors in action.
Promising review: "Love these! I hate big leafy salads so I bought these and they're perfect for chopping greens into bites. I also use them to quickly chop cherry tomatoes, onions, and other veggies. VERY nice quality." — asoon
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
28. A meat shredder with suction cups to ensure it stays put on your counter while you twist away and prep the most delicious homemade pulled pork sammies on this side of the Mississippi 😉.
www.amazon.com
RedRoko is a small business.
Promising review: "After watching a video on this it seemed I had to buy one and try it. This makes life so much easier. No cutting board, no knife. Can make chicken salad professional style in shreds now. It does an excellent job staying suctioned to the countertop while you swirl the top to get perfect even shreds from your chicken." — Katie
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
29. A colander spoon to let you scoop food straight out of the pot and onto your plate — may you NEVER break another ravioli in a colander again!
www.amazon.com
It's made from toughened nylon and is suitable for use on non-stick cookware. It's resistant to temps of up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, and it's dishwasher-safe!
Promising review:"I've owned this for just over a month, and I don't know how I lived without it! From spooning potatoes into boiling water without a mess to draining a full can of beans and far, far beyond, this scoop is a must-have in the kitchen. I find myself reaching for it every day. It has easily replaced the other spoons/scoops that I would usually use. You cannot go wrong with this purchase!" — Jill Clement
Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in three colors).
30. A rotating whisk blender you'll praise your new I-cook-all-the-time self for buying — it can blend, froth, whisk, beat, and stir, all without taking up much storage space in your kitchen. Are you someone who casually whips up a salad dressing all on your own? You just might be now, thanks to this tool.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the whisk in action.
Promising review:"This is one of the coolest gizmos I've purchased! And it works like a charm, especially for scrambled eggs. I've always struggled with getting the egg white and yolk blended well together. This tool does the trick. I found it most effective with liquids. Any kind of sauce or salad dressing can be well blended with this tool too." — Austin
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
31. A meat tenderizer that'll transform your cheap cut of steak from drab to fab — it'll take you no time at all to use this tool and make your meat that much more delectable.
Jaccard is a small business!
Promising review:"This thing really works great. Takes only seconds to tenderize any kind of meat. I've used on pork, beef, and chicken and the results are these meats cook and taste so much better after being tenderized with this. Many people ask about dishwasher-safe. I have used it for a while and always put it in the dishwasher and it's fine. It's plastic and stainless-steel so I don't think the dishwasher can hurt it." — 5280
Get it from Amazon for $29.97+ (available in two styles and four colors).
32. A Gozney pizza oven the entire family can enjoy — from rolling out the dough and adding toppings to watching it cook over the flame, this is one activity you'll actually have a good time doing together (probably a better idea than game night for your very competitive fam).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Once you get used to how it cooks, you can have a pizza party whenever you want! My first three pizzas were a little well done, but once I got used to the way the oven cooks, I make perfect pizzas, Strombolis, and calzones. I use the gas option for fuel and with a regular 4-gallon propane tank I have cooked 20 pizzas. My oven takes about 20–25 minutes to get to full temp. (about 800–900 degrees) Although Gozney does not require any cleaning, I take a small vacuum and just vacuum it out after it cool down. if any pizza gets on the stone a light wire brushing and your all set. I love this appliance. No more store-bought pizza for me ever again. Gozney makes a great product!" — Retep
Get it from Amazon for $499.99 (available in three colors).
33. And a stainless-steel pizza cutter rocker you can use to channel your inner-Carmy (from The Bear) while you effortlessly slice up the pie you just made for your squad.
Amazon
Promising review:"I really like this pizza cutter. I used to have a stainless steel wheel blade that had a plastic holder/handle, this is 100% better. Washes easily and I don't foresee having to replace it for many many years. Plus it cuts pizza far better than a wheel." — Lorrie M.
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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9 hours ago
- Newsweek
Amazon Recall Update: Fatal Warning Issued Nationwide
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Buzz Feed
21 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
27 Amazon Furniture Items That Have Great Reviews
A five-tier open storage shoe rack to stop everyone from falling over the rogue shoes in the entryway. It's super narrow so it's great for tiny apartments and isn't a boring eyesore like other basic shoe racks. It can hold around 16 pairs of most size shoes (it can hold slightly fewer shoes if they are larger sizes).Promising review: "Great product! I am impressed with the quality of the whole package. Design, sturdiness, ease of assembly, good instructions included." —Amazon CustomerPrice: $39.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors; also available in a 4-tier version) A wicker papasan swivel chair made for curling up in. It looks like the perfect reading chair to me, but I also wouldn't blame you if you took a nap in it. Promising review: "Absolutely love this chair! The cushion is very comfortable- great for sinking in to read, watch TV, play on the Wii, or even nap if you are shorter like me. My nieces and nephew climbed all over it and it didn't break, very sturdy. It even spins completely, which was a happy surprise. Worth the money!" —Karen Price: $153.70+ (available in 15 colors) Or an outdoor hanging chaise lounge complete with an umbrella to keep you shaded. This chair + you + your "to be read" pile = a match made in heaven. Promising review: "I love this chair. The navy blue matched our other patio furniture and looked awesome. I love that it swings. So relaxing. I find myself reading outside much more often. Also, reached out to customer service regarding a question, and they responded very quickly. I would definitely recommend this chair!" —aubreyPrice: $197.19+ (available in 15 colors) Speaking of TBR piles, a five-tier bookshelf because, if you're anything like me, your collection is simply totally out of control and you need somewhere to organize your 435 unread books. Promising review: "I was looking around for a bookshelf for my under-the-stairs reading nook, and I came across this one. It was so easy to assemble; it took no time at all. I love the look of it, and it's very sturdy to hold all my books and decorations." —TiaPrice: $158.99+ (available in four colors) A wood-topped kitchen cart for those who are desperately craving some more counter space. Plus, you can wheel it wherever you need it to be! Promising review: "This kitchen cart is exactly what I was looking for — good storage and added workspace while still looking nice and easily tucking out of the way. It has clean, classic lines, sturdy construction, and serious versatility. I feel it's a real steal for the price, and I know I'll get a lot of use out of it. Overall, it's a great piece for a great price. I'm a happy customer!" — Price: $267.99+ (available in four colors) An electric, adjustable-height standing desk because if you're still working from home (read: your bed) it's about time you get an actual desk. Plus, you can place a walking pad underneath this game-changing desk, meaning you can get your steps in while sending your emails. Promising review: "It is sturdy which is exactly what I had been looking for, when erasing something it won't move at all. All the parts were included, and it fits just right in my room. The color is amazing and it is long enough to have my computer, an ipad and some papers. Extremely comfortable and it took about 2 hours to build but directions were clear so it was not too hard." —SolPrice: $94.99+ (available in six sizes and seven colors) A dining room buffet cupboard with two cabinets and room for nine wine bottles. It's so stylish and versatile that you can use it to store your tableware or as a bar cart. Promising review: "Very sturdy. Great quality. It looks great in my dining room, which we recently remodeled. Compared to others, this is exceptionally priced." —Amazon Customer Price: $139.99 (available in two colors) A vintage-inspired rattan sideboard for, let's face it, hiding away all of the things that don't really have a designated home. Reviewers say it's comparable to a more expensive designer piece, and it'll look so cute in any space. Promising review: "This piece was a beautiful addition to my small apartment. I am using it as a microwave stand, and a liquor cabinet below. I put it together by myself in less than two hours. It's modern and feels sturdy. Highly recommend!" —Lindsay AmosPrice: $159.99 (also available in the sizes/configurations) A stunning makeup vanity set complete with a lightbulb mirror because your life's a movie and you're the main character. There's plenty of storage space, and it even comes with a cushioned stool. Promising review: "I absolutely love this vanity! I have a bad back and this table is perfect to keep my back from hurting while standing to do my hair and makeup. Although I didn't place the lights in the exact place per instructions. It does provide ample light. I would definitely recommend this vanity to anyone." —P. KnightPrice: $79.99 (available in four colors) A wall-mounted medicine cabinet for storing all your bits and bobs. No more balancing your skincare and toothpaste on the edge of that already-cluttered (or nonexistent) bathroom counter. Promising review: "Absolutely love this cabinet; I assembled this on my own (50-year-old mom, aka Nanna). It was very easy; it only took me a couple of hours. It has a whole lot more storage than I had anticipated, very pleased!!!!! If you're trying to decide, trust me, you need to choose this one, you won't be sorry!!" —Karen KeithPrice: $66.99+ (available in eight colors and packs of two) A dining table, chairs, and bench set so you can gather 'round for an intimate dinner party, even in the smallest of spaces. To truly help you save room, the bench comes with shelf space on the bottom. Double-duty furniture at its finest! Promising review: "Don't let the shipping charges change your mind! Even with the cost of shipping, this is the perfect table setup, especially for an apartment or a studio! It's wonderfully made. The assembly is even easy for me! It's sturdy, and it looks great! It tucks away up against a wall nicely to allow for more space, then is easily pulled out when you need it for guests, dining, or work area! Literally, everybody who has walked into my apartment (even the apartment manager!) has exclaimed how much they love this table! Look no further, you've found what you have been searching for!" —Cindy GarrettPrice: $109.99+ (available in three finishes) A sectional sofa for all of your lounging needs. You can move the seats around every which way you like, and some of the seats even lift up to reveal some sneaky storage space. Promising review: "Absolutely loving this couch! It was easy to assemble and convenient to put into place. We've got three small dogs, and it's holding up amazingly well with them playing on it. The texture of the fabric doesn't show any dog nail marks, and it's been a breeze to wipe up. It did take a short while to break the cushions in for comfort because it's pretty stiff foam, but it's now super comfortable and I expect it to last us for years and years. I purchased the extended warranty and love the fact that if I have any issues with it, it's covered, and we can replace individual pieces if needed. The storage in each piece is what I've been searching for for years now!" —SusanPrice: $1,044.99+ (available in five sizes/syles and four colors) A live-edge wooden bench to give your space a nature-chic vibe in the most versatile way. Sit on it, store things on it, rest your feet on it — you can even use it as a coffee table, entryway seat, or at the foot of your bed. The best part? A lil' wear and tear will make it look *even* better. Promising review: "This table is heavy, strong, and easy to put together. It's not wimpy; it's solid. The legs are a strong metal made to support the weight of the wood. The wood is beautifully finished, smooth, and I love the live-edge look. It looks awesome on our patio. I'm very pleased with this purchase. Great value for the dollar!" —Carol $129.99+ (available in three sizes) A four-piece patio set because 'tis the season for backyard BBQs and garden get-togethers. There are two sofas, a storage box, and coffee tables that can also act as a stool, so you have basically everything you need to host your guests this summer. Promising review: "So thrilled with this furniture; clear assembly instructions and size is perfect for under a 10x10 gazebo! I did not expect the oh so comfy pillows!! Pleasant surprise. Also, this came with a cover so do not purchase one! Still don't know about durability but this is a perfect set for our needs. The box for cushions is very roomy and has a liner to keep them clean and dry. Highly recommend." —Amazon CustomerPrice: $379 (available in two colors) A round two-tier coffee table to give your living space some ~curve~ appeal. You can choose from four different finishes, so it can seamlessly blend in with your existing decor. Promising review: "Just what I was looking for. It warms a vacant spot, and my stacked coffee table books look awesome. I'm very happy with the purchase. Sturdy, yet lightweight, makes the table a great value 😊." —Julie A. CharettePrice: $159.99 (available in four colors) A floor lamp that'll help brighten things up without having to switch on the main light. It's dimmable and fully adjustable so you can choose the intensity based on your ~aesthetic.~ Promising review: "I've had this lamp for a little over a month now, and I was honestly surprised how great it is! It was super simple to put together, and the base is heavy enough so my cats never knock it over. I like the dimmable knob feature, which is easily accessible and so much classier than the lamps with a chain or a button. It really makes my apartment feel like home! 10 out of 10." —Andrea CareyPrice: $36.99+ (available in 14 colors) A classic console table for giving guests a stylish welcome in your entryway. It'll look its best when displayed with plant friends, candles, family photos, and all those coffee table books that you've no intention of ever reading. Promising review: "I am so pleased with this table. It is better than I expected. I bought the yellow table and it is as described: bright yellow and very sturdy. It was easy for my husband to put together. I would highly recommend." —GailPrice: $58.28+ (available in 16 colors) An industrial-style ladder shelf that'll store all of your favorite knick-knacks. It has a 4.7-star rating for its design and durability, so if you've been contemplating some new shelving, this is your sign to hit the purchase button. Promising review: "Metal is heavy duty. Cool industrial black. The shelves are super nice and don't scuff or dent easily! Fairly easy to put together! Super sturdy! Gives the perfect look I was going for! Don't hesitate to purchase; the quality is great!! I would rebuy in a heartbeat! I'm so glad I did!" —Just a PersonPrice: $109.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors) A faux leather futon sofa to bring in all of the luxury and glamor of a *real* leather couch without the price tag. It comes in loads of different colors and the ridged detailing gives it a little somethin' extra. Promising review: "It's not too hard for me, and not too soft for me. Li like that I can lower one arm rest to lay on it comfortably but also keep them off for just sitting. The size is great for my small space and the faux leather has a nice feel. My cats love sleeping on it too." —Daniel SederquistPrice: $170.99+ (available in seven colors) A rolling vintage-style bar cart because who says happy hour can only take place at a restaurant? It has mirrored shelves and storage space for bottles and glasses. Get ready to make summer Fridays even more exciting! Promising review: "Lovely gold color with mirrored shelves top and bottom. Plenty of storage to add all the essentials. Great product for the price!" —ChristylinPrice: $64.58+ (available in two sizes and three colors) A set of accent chairs to add some bold, shimmery color to your bedroom, dining space, or home office — basically, anywhere that you want to have a fancy chair. With plush velvet fabric and gold detailing, they look *so* much more expensive than they actually are. Promising review: "These chairs really add to the look of my dining area and match my navy cabinetry and other accents. The velvet is so soft — not all fake crunchy-feeling like some can be! Textures can bother me, but I love the feel of these. While cushioned, the chair is fairly firm and a bit narrow. An above-average-sized person might find these a bit snug. The gold tone is obviously a little fake, with a yellow-y look to it, but it's so low it blends fine with other shades of gold that I have in the room. Well packaged, easy to assemble, and great value!" —SatchesonPrice: $118.66+ (available in five colors) A china hutch that may actually have more storage than you have things. It's an incredibly versatile piece that reviewers use for tableware, mail, glasses, bottles, toys, wine, and more. Promising review: "The picture doesn't do the hutch justice. It's a beautiful piece of furniture. It's very sturdy. It's also got a lot of storage, which I was happy about. The labeling of pieces was easy to follow, and everything aligned correctly." —LegendPrice: $287.89+ (available in five colors) A velvet ottoman for sitting, storing, and everything in between. The plush fabric gives it a luxurious finish and reviewers say that it's extremely sturdy. Promising review: "I didn't quite know what to expect when I ordered this, you never know what you're going to get sometimes. When I open this I was amazed. The quality is awesome, the velvet is so soft. It's a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be which is exciting. It's actually comfortable to sit on. It's nice and sturdy as well. All around 100% love!" —Meg RaleyPrice: $35.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors) A television stand because it's *so* much more than just a resting place for your TV. There's a bunch of storage space inside and out, and it's easy on the eyes, too. Promising review: "I love my TV stand. It took me and a very helpful toddler about an hour and 30 minutes to assemble; I think it would be better with the help of another adult because if one piece breaks, the whole stand will be ruined. It's very sturdy and adds so much elegance to my living room. I love it!!!" —Noemi GarciaPrice: $140.99+ (available in four colors) A simple yet stylish side table to amp up your space in an instant. Reviewers say that it's really easy to assemble and feels pretty sturdy for displaying books, plants, and more. Promising review: "Nice little table that was extremely easy to put together and looks nice. It's a great height for right beside a couch or chair for decor or to put a mug on. It doesn't wobble and feels pretty sturdy. I would definitely recommend this product if you're looking for a simple side table!" —Emily JohnsonPrice: $36.99+ (available in nine colors and in sets of two) A set of dresser drawers since this is the year you stop throwing all of your clean laundry on top of THE chair. These ones are — spoiler alert — made from fabric and are extremely lightweight, but you can't tell me that they don't look just as good as wooden drawers. Promising review: "I've been looking for a dresser or storage unit for some time. I ordered this one not expecting much but I was pleasantly surprised by how much it can hold. If you're looking for storage that's not bulky but can hold a lot, this is it!" —Lynette WorthyPrice: $47.50+ (available in 18 colors) An upholstered platform bed frame aka the foundation of a great night's sleep. The tufted detailing on the headboard makes it look so chic and, according to the over 38,500 5-star reviews, it's very, very well made. Is it bedtime yet? Promising review: "Purchased this to replace my Ikea bed frame. The quality is good and does not make any noise, which is the reason I got rid of the Ikea frame. Assembly was super easy. My nephew and I tackled it in 30 mins. Bed now feels more comfortable and looks great." —Armando CastellanosPrice: $129.99+ (available in sizes twin–king and six colors)


CNET
a day ago
- CNET
This Portable Induction Cooktop Is the Hero That Got Me Through a Kitchen Remodel
Weeks before we started our kitchen remodel, we asked for advice from friends and neighbors about how they survived the experience. But nothing truly prepares you for the daily inconvenience of not having a fully functioning kitchen. While my kids would've voted to eat at a local taqueria whenever possible, I was determined to continue cooking at home -- and make better than passable meals everyone would eat. After a failed attempt at using a microwave (I don't want to talk about it), I bought a Duxtop portable induction cooktop burner, put it on the workbench in the garage and made every meal on it through the rest of the remodel. The Duxtop portable cooktop typically goes for $139, but right now you can get it for about $10 off at Amazon. How does an induction cooktop burner work? I didn't really understand till I got one, but an induction cooktop generates heat by creating a magnetic field that flows into a metal pan. Not all metal pans will work -- my aluminum pans remained as cold as my disconnected gas range. Instead, you need a pan or pot made of a magnetic metal like cast iron or stainless steel. I have several enameled cast iron pots that worked great, and I bought a Tramontina stainless steel 10-inch pan for frying. I started simply, making pasta, using sauce out of a jar, but by the end of the remodel, I was making Baja fish tacos from scratch and homemade Bolognese sauce. And I was surprised how much I loved cooking on it. My family started avoiding me while I was in the garage cooking because I'd boast about how amazing induction was. "Look!" I'd tell them. "The cooktop stays cool!" Or, "Check this out! When I take the pot off the cooktop, it pauses heating!" During a kitchen-warming party we threw for our neighbors after our new kitchen was finished, I learned our friend across the street had the same love for her induction cooktop. We huddled like allies, devoted to this magnetic object. Now that the kitchen is done, I'm thinking of ways I can keep using the cooktop. Maybe, when I'm cooking a big meal and need an extra burner, I can set it up on the counter. Maybe I can use it outdoors during a cookout. Or maybe I can give it to one of my kids as they set up their own home. I actually love it so much, when it comes time to swap out our gas range, I'm going to get an induction cooktop. For more recommendations about kitchen staples we've personally tested and loved, read about our favorite cookware sets and our favorite chef's knife.