Latest news with #Oxo
CNN
2 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- Health
- Buzz Feed
26 TikTok Products So Good It Should Be Illegal
A neck-and-shoulder relaxer that may look a at first glance, but it's here to help soothe neck stiffness and shoulder tension in as little as 10 minutes. If you find yourself hunched over your laptop and your neck and shoulders are practically screaming for relief, this was made for you. A retractable remote control tether, or in other words, a gift sent from the bed rotting heavens. You'll never have to tear apart the couch cushions or yell at your roommate again because the remote will always be right there where it belongs. This little wonder attaches to any flat surface with its trusty adhesive pad and stretches up to seven and a half glorious feet. A genius cup catcher that hooks right onto high chairs, car seats, or strollers, because I've never met a toddler who doesn't throw things (and if there is one out there, let's trade). You can finally retire from your part-time job of picking up cups off the nasty restaurant floor or every five steps in the grocery store. A "Birria Bomb" because as someone who cooks birria tacos at least once a week, it's truly a labor of love, and these are about to make meal prep so much easier. These babies are packed with all the chiles, herbs, and spices, so all you need to do is mix one of these bombs with water and your fave meat, toss everything into your pressure cooker, slow cooker, or on the stovetop, and boom — Taco Tuesday is served! Dr. Melaxin "Peel Shot," a K-beauty staple ready to buff away dead skin and send blackheads and excess sebum packing. This exfoliating ampoule (basically a super concentrated serum) contains black rice extract, which promotes gentle peeling to help clear pores and refine your texture without irritation (sensitive skin folks, rejoice). On top of that, your skin is nourished with niacinamide so you're left with a glowy and perfectly smooth complexion — and the *perfect* canvas for makeup if you choose to wear it. A mind-blowing 2-in-1 knife and cutting board for when you need to slice up some toppings for your salad, but you're too lazy to pull out a cutting board (or it's already in the dishwasher). This scissor-like contraption allows you to slice up your veggies right against its flat surface, so your toppings can slide directly into a bowl or onto your plate in one step. A jar of all-in-one decor paint to bring your HGTV vision to life in under an hour. There's no prep needed — it's already formulated with a primer and dries in just 30 minutes to a chalky matte finish, making it the ultimate time-saver for both indoor and outdoor projects. You can revamp anything from tired wooden chairs to drab metal planters, and even give that old upholstered chair a new lease on life. Oxo's compact Rapid Brewer if you're always on the go and know it's not going to be a good day until that caffeine is in your system. This whips up delicious cold brew in just five short minutes, and some reviewers even consider it a step above their old, trusty Aeropress — bonus points for the fact that it's entirely portable and doesn't need to be charged or plugged in! A cruelty-free Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener making waves for its ability to hide and brighten dark circles. Your old concealers might start to feel a bit jealous of this one's color-adapting formula, lightweight feel, and seamless blending. A sandwich cutter, aka your new hack for whipping up school lunches *fast* and saving some coins while you're at it. This allows you to make homemade versions of those beloved (but pricey) Uncrustables, and since you can customize the fillings, the possibilities are truly limitless (imagine lil' ham and cheese sandwiches or mini fruit pies!). A holy grail 5-in-1 Edgelift Curl Brush made for all curl types, from soft waves to tight coils, featuring a unique side edge design that enhances curl definition with every stroke. With a combination of boar and regular bristles, it helps detangle while taming frizz, minimizing breakage, and adding shine to your luscious locks. And! If you're a parent, you'll love how it effortlessly untangles your little one's hair without the drama. Lumify eye drops that can help reduce redness and make a visible difference within a *minute* of use. Reviewers are basically writing love letters about how these drops have transformed their eyes from red and tired to bright and clear in no time. Imagine waking up after pulling an all-nighter and looking like you got a full eight hours of beauty sleep! A handy dandy dual-sided deshedding brush I promise you'll want in your grooming arsenal whether you're the proud owner of a super fluffy fur baby or a sleek, short-haired companion. This painless brush is capable of thinning out excess fur while also detangling and getting rid of any mats. A bottle of Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater spray that can save your clothing from the inevitable little (and sometimes not so little) stains caused by food spills, muddy paw prints from your furry friend, or, you know, those monthly Mother Nature accidents — this spray tackles it all without the nasties like chlorine or sulfates. A moisturizing hair serum ready to give your locks the intense hydration and nourishment they've probably been craving. This dreamy concoction is derived from seven incredible oils: argan, olive, coconut, apricot, marula, jojoba, and camellia. Reviewers say it's perfect for dealing with dryness or brittleness, and they absolutely love the scent! A Bissell multipurpose portable cleaner because this little wizard is capable of handling all the messes life throws at you, from the spilled coffee stain on your car seat to the mark your potty-training pup left on your new rug. It's portable and has a large tank, which = more cleans in between refills. It's like watching a spell unfold, turning that mess into a memory. A nifty gadget called the Bug Bite Thing, a suction tool designed to extract the insect saliva or venom that is left behind under the skin when you're bitten or stung and provide relief from itching. A convenient, no-scrub Wet & Forget cleaner you only have to use ONCE a week to maintain a squeaky clean shower. This bleach-free cleaner removes soap scum, mildew, and hard water deposits from glass or tile surfaces without any overpowering odors. Just spray it on, walk away, and rinse it off the next day — easy peasy. An undetectable mouse jiggler that'll keep your online status active in Slack or Teams without giving away that you've stepped away for a "extended" bathroom break after that questionable breakfast burrito. A bagless, touchless stationary vacuum so you can say goodbye to struggling with a dustpan that NEVER seems to get those last few lingering pieces of debris on the floor. A subtle and easy-to-install carpet scratch stopper that's like a frustrating slip 'n' slide for the cats who love to claw your carpets. This genius mat slides right under your door and forces your cat to lose interest in scratching because their paws simply slide against the plastic, protecting your floors *and* peace of mind. A rechargeable heated ice cream scoop if you've ever found yourself struggling to dig into a freshly opened tub of Ben & Jerry's. This curved tool heats up to glide smoothly through even the toughest of ice cream so you can enjoy your favorite frozen treat without breaking a sweat. The Pink Stuff's new "Sqeezy" set taking their legendary cleaning paste to new heights with the help of a versatile cleaning sponge. The stubborn layer of grease on your pans from last night's dinner — gone! The mildew on your shower walls that's been mocking your scrubbing efforts for weeks — history! The Pink Stuff is so good at its job, reviewers have called it everything from "a miracle" to "witchcraft." A RobeCurls heatless hair curler capable of creating dreamy curls while you catch some Z's. Imagine going to bed with your hair wrapped up in a super soft rod, only to wake up with curls that are nothing short of fabulous. And here's the kicker: It's all done without an ounce of heat. Levi's Cinch Baggy Jeans to solve the age-old problem with denim shopping: that ANNOYING waist gap. These have a built-in cinch band, letting you bring in the waist for a customized fit that feels tailored just for you. And they offer just the right amount of stretch, moving with you so you can enjoy both style and comfort without feeling restricted. A set of bedsheet fasteners if it feels like fixing your shifting sheets every hour has become a part of your nightly routine. These'll keep them locked neatly in place, giving you the peaceful and uninterrupted sleep you deserve.
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
35 Genius Products Designed To Get Things Done Faster For The Chronically Impatient
Oxo's compact Cold Brew Rapid Brewer to make cold brew in FIVE MINUTES (!!) instead of overnight, like competing pitchers. 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. A silicone baking mat for your sheet pan, so on days when you've run out of time to do anything orderly for dinner you can just slap a bunch of veggies and frozen goods down, drizzle them in olive oil, and shove them in the oven. Bonus: these are super easy to clean, so you won't have to deal with a mess! A quick-drying top nail coat, because sometimes you just have to get the show on the road, nail polish situation be damned — this helps dry your wet nails within two minutes so you can get back to business (read: sticking your hand in a chip bag without fear). A no-scrub weekly shower cleaner you can quite literally "set and forget" to maintain its cleanliness over time — once you apply it after a shower, you just have to wait eight to 12 hours and it'll quietly tackle the soap scum, grime, oils, mold, and mildew stains without any elbow grease from you. An easy-to-hold detangling brush from TikTok-beloved brand Kitsch — this elevated version is suitable for all hair types to quickly and oh-so-gently detangle hair and prevent breakage, whether you're brushing wet or dry. A set of fast-acting Keurig cleaner pods you can simply put through a cycle on the machine to get rid of all the crusted-on grinds and residue that are *definitely* affecting the taste of your coffee, even if you haven't noticed over time. A reviewer-beloved veggie chopper that'll get you uniform, oh-so-satisfyingly cut veggies — this gadget juliennes, chops, spiralizes, and slices vegetables in an instant and has a built-in storage container to hold the chopped veggies so you can pour them into a pan or dish without any mess. And a genius 2-in-1 knife and cutting board perfect for all your quick chopping needs that don't require a whole production of cutting boards. This scissor-like contraption lets you slice against a flat surface for easier use, then slide your veggies into a bowl or on top of a dish in a flash. A deep exfoliating shower back scrubber so soothing and effective that it won't be long before all your friends are like, "Wow, remember when they talked about something other than how squeaky clean their back feels?" A lot of reviewers with dry skin and keratosis pilaris swear by this for relief! A snap-on pasta strainer to free your pasta from its hot juices straight from the pot and spare you storage space to boot. (Is it just me, or are colanders always in the business of being exactly in the way of whatever it is you need?) Psst — these are also a game changer for washing your fruit! Ninja's new *portable* Crispi Air Fryer system, perfect for people with high foodie standards and a chaotic schedule. This "all-in-one system" cooks your food in the same container you eat from, so you can pop your meal into the air fryer, cook it, and either pack it for later or eat it right out of the container. And a magnetic air fryer cheat sheet to help minimize effort and maximize deliciousness so you can get dinner on the table as fast as possible. Plus a set of disposable air fryer liners if your thoughts on cleaning the air fryer can be summed up in two words: "No thanks!!" With these handy liners you can heat up your greasiest leftovers, cook your messiest meat and veggie dishes, and get absolutely lawless with TikTok dessert recipes with *zero* scrubbing and cleanup at the end. A foaming garbage disposal cleaner you can plop into your sink, run a little water on, and let its blue magic fizz its way up to the top while clearing out all the gunk from your culinary adventures in one go. A facial hair trimmer for anyone whose thoughts on razors, waxing, or tweezers are simply, "Thank you, next!" This pain-free, ridiculously fast solution has over 99,000 5-star reviews singing its praises. A set of Bottle Bright tablets so you can tackle all the sludge caked on your automatic kettle, coffee maker, or favorite ceramic mugs instead of replacing them for a pretty penny. iRobot's Roomba Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo that will make anyone with hardwood floors want to SING from relief. This adorable gizmo maps your floors and uses sensors to vacuum carpets and hardwood, plus mop hard surfaces in clean, neat lines without running into any obstacles. Then it goes back to its little charging dock home so it can juice back up and do the whole thing all over again. A "Magic Tap" automatic drink dispenser as the ultimate parent hack — this battery-operated, spillproof system easily slides into jugs of water, milk, and juice in your fridge to make it easy for kids to serve themselves. Essentially it means a whole lot more independence for the kiddos, and a WHOLE lot more convenience for you. A microwave pasta maker so you can enjoy the glory of your favorite carbohydrate by literally just pressing a button on the microwave and walking away, so you don't have to hover over a boiling pot listening to a podcast just to get your noodles on. A microwave cooling caddy that doesn't get hot so you can pop your grub out of the microwave without waiting for it to cool down or grabbing oven mitts. Especially important when several humans need the microwave and you can't be lingering there waiting for your soup bowl to be grab-able. A self-cleaning electric toilet brush to go full YEE! HAWWWW! on the grime in your toilet bowl. If you're dealing with hard water stains, this is an excellent way to get the toilet bowl sparkling again without having to scrub hard. When you put it away, the base will light up blue to let you know it's sanitizing the brush! A jar of all-in-one decor paint, a chalk-style paint with a built-in primer designed to easily glide on furniture, upholstery, and any wood, metal, and glass surfaces. It's eco-friendly and dries with a chalky matte finish within 30 minutes of application, making it a boon for parents doing DIY projects. Reviewers use it on everything from old couches to front doors to dressers to fences. A power scrubber brush you can attach to a DRILL (!!) that basically does all of the hard grime busting for you, so you don't have to have sore arms for a week just because you dared to wipe down the shower. A purse organizer insert for anyone who is committed to the ~tote bag~ lifestyle, but doesn't love digging through them like a feral raccoon. Another perk? If you're switching out your purse, all you have to do is slide the organizer out and pop it in with all your stuff raring to go. A drain snake you can funnel into your shower or sink drain that honestly works a little *too* well at unclogging hair in older sinks and bath tubs, pulling it up in one (semi-horrifying) go before you have to resort to potentially pipe-damaging traditional drain cleaners. A set of Wad-Free pads to ensure that your sheets stay separate from each other in the dryer and come out fresh, dry, and unwrinkled instead of looking like they got into a wet cotton brawl. A magnetic necklace detangling clasp so you can layer your favorite pieces over an outfit the exact way you want them without having to pull them apart like bickering siblings at the end of each day. A set of glass meal prep containers that are safe in the oven and the microwave, meaning you can cook, reheat, and eat out of 'em at the office instead of having an existential crisis about where you're going to eat during the lunch rush. Plus, these lids are tighter than the Pentagon. A delightfully efficient wooden bread bow knife to get you easy, perfectly sliced cuts of thick breads like sourdough loaves and baguettes every time. Your fancy sandwich game is about to get out of control. An under-cabinet lid opener for anyone who doesn't feel like playing another rousing game of "knock on the neighbor's door to see if someone can open this damn Nutella jar" (don't look at me!!). This is also an excellent space saver compared to other manual lid openers, and causes way less wrist strain! An "Angry Mama" microwave cleaner that uses vinegar and water to blow hot steam into your microwave oven and loosen up all the old food and stains in a mere seven minutes (approximately two Lizzo songs, if anyone's keeping track). A set of Stretchlace shoelaces, aka the Elastigirl of shoelaces — these might look like ordinary kicks, but they're made of stretchy elastic that lets you pull your shoes on and off without retying them, easy as pie. A deeply innovative "Laundry Turtle" to make pulling things out of the dryer a breeze. Simply put it on top of your clothes, turn the dryer barrel, and use the flexible "turtle" to scoop everything up. Reviewers love the ease of this versus a laundry basket, especially since it's collapsible and *much* easier to store. A wireless remote control outlet plug with a small remote that lets you turn devices on and off from across the room, whether it's a light fixture, a fan, a garbage disposal, or any other household electronic you don't feel like getting up or crouching down to turn on and off. You can even install the remote on the wall for easy access! A set of nonstick, reusable toaster oven bags to let you make grilled cheese, paninis, and toasted sammies right in the toaster.
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
Sarah Butler: These one-dish wonders are perfect for summer evening madness
Between summer camp runs, late meetings, and endless household tasks, feeding a family can feel like a daily obstacle course. That's why having a few reliable, one-dish wonders in your recipe arsenal can make all the difference. Both the Classic Family Spaghetti Bolognese and the Honey and Mustard One-Pan Rice are designed with busy families in mind — they're hearty, fuss-free, and flexible enough to fit your schedule. The bolognese is a rich, veggie-packed staple that sneaks in goodness while pleasing even picky eaters. You can prepare it quickly, let it slow-cook while you get on with your day, and freeze any extras for a future meal. It's perfect over pasta, jacket potatoes, or even in lasagne — one pot, multiple uses. Meanwhile, the Honey and Mustard One-Pan Rice delivers big flavour with minimal clean-up. It's a complete meal in one dish: protein, carbs, and veggies all baked together, ready to serve. Best of all, it reheats beautifully for lunchboxes or leftover dinners. These are the kinds of recipes that work hard for you—nourishing, adaptable, and built to save time while keeping mealtimes enjoyable. Whether you batch cook on the weekend or throw them together on a hectic evening, they offer the comforting ease every family cook deserves. Classic Family Spaghetti Bolognese recipe by:Sarah Butler With just 15 minutes of prep, you can either pop it in the oven on low or let your slow cooker do all the hard work while you tackle the day. The flavours deepen beautifully over time, resulting in a rich, savoury sauce everyone will love. Servings 6 Preparation Time 20 mins Cooking Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins Course Main Ingredients 1.5 lb minced meat 1 beef Oxo cube 2 carrots, diced 1 onion, diced 3 cloves garlic minced 1 celery stick, diced 4–5 cherry tomatoes, halved 1 carrot grated 1 small red pepper, diced 1 tbsp dried oregano 4 tbsp tomato purée 1 tin chopped tomatoes 500ml water Handful of fresh basil, roughly chopped Salt and pepper, to taste Olive oil and butter, for cooking 1 clove garlic, minced Method Heat a little olive oil in a large pan. Brown the minced meat. Once browned, stir in the crushed Oxo cube, 3 tablespoons of tomato purée, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside. In the same pan, melt a little butter. Add the onion, garlic, celery, cherry tomatoes, carrots and red pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Return the mince to the pan. Add the chopped tomatoes, remaining tomato purée, and water. Stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer. Then either serve immediately or: Transfer to a preheated oven (140°C, non-fan) covered, for 4 hours, or Use a slow cooker on low for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, stir in the fresh basil. Adjust seasoning if needed. Sarah's secret Perfect poured over pasta, spooned over potatoes or even tucked into lasagne, this sauce freezes beautifully. Very freezer-friendly—make a double batch and save half for another busy night. Honey & Mustard One-Pan Rice recipe by:Sarah Butler Busy weeknights call for recipes that are simple, satisfying, and require minimal cleanup—this Honey & Mustard One-Pan Rice is exactly that. Servings 6 Preparation Time 20 mins Cooking Time 55 mins Total Time 1 hours 15 mins Course Main Ingredients 50g butter 1 large onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, diced 3 chicken breasts, halved 1 tbsp plain flour 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp dried oregano 2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil 2 bay leaves 2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 200g rice, rinsed 100ml white wine (optional) 600ml chicken stock 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp honey 3 lemon slices Juice of ½ lemon Handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method Preheat the oven to 180°C / 160°C fan / Gas 6. In a large ovenproof casserole dish, layer the diced onion and garlic. Top with half the butter and bake for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, toss the halved chicken breasts in a bowl with flour, garlic powder, oregano, and a little salt and pepper to coat. Melt the remaining butter in a frying pan. Sear the chicken on both sides for a few minutes until golden. Add the seared chicken to the casserole dish with the cooked onions and garlic. Layer the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary on top of the chicken. Scatter the rinsed rice evenly over the dish. In a jug, mix the wine (if using), stock, Dijon mustard, and honey. Pour this mixture over the chicken and rice. Season with salt and pepper. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, add lemon slices (and a few cubes of butter for extra richness, if desired), and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. Squeeze over the lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Sarah's secrets Cook once, eat twice. This dish keeps well—store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's also incredibly versatile—you can double the batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day, saving even more time. Read More Ireland's best food trucks and street food stalls to try this summer
Buzz Feed
18-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
27 Home Items Amazon Customers Are Loving July 2025
Amazon has a list of products called "Movers and Shakers," which is pretty much just fancy talk for things that are currently ~trending,~ Here are some of the most useful and loved home products on the list this week: A handheld cooling mist fan so you can spritz-spritz that heat to the curb, like it deserves! Because YOU deserve to be calm, COOL, and totally refreshed, no matter what Mr. Sun is up to. Promising review: "This battery-powered handheld spray bottle fan has been an absolute game changer for hot days! I bought it for an outdoor summer event, but now I keep it with me anytime I'm outside for extended periods—especially with a toddler in tow. The fan is surprisingly powerful for its size, and the misting function adds a refreshing burst of coolness that really helps beat the heat. Just fill it with water, press the button, and enjoy the breeze and mist combo. It's especially great for theme parks, beach days, outdoor workouts, or waiting in long lines. The design is lightweight and easy to hold, and the battery life lasts way longer than I expected. Plus, it's sturdy enough to survive being tossed in a bag or dropped a couple of times." —Balanced Behavior MamaPrice: $13.99+ (available in six colors and a 2-pack) A BIG bag of wild bird food so you can fully embrace your birding era and convince more feathered friends that *your* bird feeder is where it's at. Promising review: "The bag is smaller than I thought but weight is weight! My birds LOVE it! I have the Birdfy feeder and get to see them in life action eating the food. I have about 20 birds frequenting my feeder every day. I will be buying again (just know the birds eat the sunflower seeds first)." —Christina CruzPrice: $12.48 A cool-mist humidifier you and your houseplant babies will love because it helps keep everyone happy and hydrated. (Your succulent called: They approve this purchase.) Promising review: "This humidifier is great! We bought 2 of these this past winter when our winter colds and early spring allergies were at their worst. They each work well in the bedroom and in our kitchen and living room. Even helped our dog who had a very dry nose and was really sneezy to feel better quickly. I bought them to replace other brand cool mist humidifiers that didn't last more than a year or 2 and were so difficult to keep clean. The design is such that you can easily clean and dry them in between uses. It's nice that this model is "smart" and we can make adjustments from the app but that was not the reason for purchase. We wanted easy to clean and the ability to easily change out the filter. Happy so far. We have not yet tried using any essential oil in ours but will try that soon." —Amy TPrice: $29.99+ (available in five styles and three colors) An Oxo salad spinner — listen, life is too short to *not* give your veggies and fruits a good wash followed by a mini roller coaster ride. Lots of reviewers came to *this* one after their original spinners broke, and they aren't ever going back! Promising review: "I had a salad spinner that was another brand that just did not hold up. We ordered the Oxo brand because of the reviews and it has been great. Easy to use and spins out the lettuce great. You can also wash fruit and spin it to make them last longer. Overall this is the best salad spinner for the money!" —Bryan L. CappsPrice: $24.99+ (available in four styles) A Zevo flying insect trap because you know what can make your kitchen feel brand new overnight? NO MORE ANNOYING BUGS. I've had one of these in my kitchen for years because — as you can see — fruit flies are the bane of my existence. Super non-gross to change out the sticky pad, and the little buggers are drawn in by the light rather than me having to worry about spraying pesticide in the same place where I make my food. Promising review: " was skeptical, but the Zevo plug-in bug trap completely won me over. We had a sudden wave of fruit flies in the kitchen (classic summer problem), and within 24 hours of plugging this in, we noticed a major difference. After a few days—basically zero bugs. It's totally silent, there's no smell, and it's way more discreet than a fly strip or zapper. The light is soft and not obnoxious, and I love that it catches bugs on a hidden sticky pad facing the wall—no gross visuals. Plus, it feels safer than sprays around pets or food." —Piper $19.97 A mulberry silk pillowcase which can help keep your hair from tangling overnight and that many reviewers swear keeps them much cooler than their nonsilk cases. Promising review: "Rich colors and well-made with excellent invisible zipper. They're cooler than standard pillowcases, and they reduce the amount of tangles caused as you sleep. They wash very well, too!" —AnnieBPrice: $8.86+ (available in four sizes, 24 colors, and packs of two) A Gorilla Grip shower/bathtub mat if you're tired of *not* feeling like you're stepping into a spa experience when it's time to rinse off the day. Promising review: "This is the best bath mat that I've ever had. It has quick and excellent grip, excellent quality material. I love the look and the color. I'm so glad that I purchased this one." —Amazon CustomerPrice: $24.99+ (available in 20 colors and in packs of two) An oscillating floor fan because when the summer heat gets too intense, every bit of breeze helps. Promising review: "Love this fan because of the simplicity and classic rotating design. When I initially turned it on, I was worried it was too loud, but I have since grown really attached to the sound. It provides a white noise background so that there isn't just piercing silence, especially useful for falling asleep. It blows a lot of air as well, enough for even a living room, although I use it in my office and bedroom. I pretty much keep this thing on all hours of the day since I bought it." —EYEBYEPrice: $44.99 A Jackery Explorer portable power station strong enough to power several appliances, including AC units and fridges. Whether you're camping, glamping, or just trying to make it through the next random power outage (🙋🏻♀️), this lil' tough guy has got your back! Promising review: "I have several Jackery products, and this one is my newest. I had a chance to use it camping, where it powered my portable fridge and diesel heater, and it worked really well. I recently used it during a random power outage to keep my home fridge running for four hours (when the power came back on). After nearly four hours, the unit still had 80% power remaining. It should be noted that Jackery changed the charging port design slightly from the last generation of solar generators, and my older solar saga 100-watt panels would not pair with the unit to charge it. Really happy with the newer tech in the unit and its functionality. For its capabilities, it's not too heavy and packs easily into my vehicle without taking up needed space. Will be purchasing more Jackery equipment in the future." —Jeff $799+ (available in two sizes) And a portable neck fan for those many, many outdoor adventures you'll have this summer, where a floor fan can't lend you a hand. (Er, neck?) Promising reviews: "This neck fan is amazing! It's so light you won't even know you are wearing it. It comes with chargers, and a charge will last all day! It has the speeds, and the air is ice cold, which is amazing and relieves the heat! The price of this fan is better than most! The air circulates down your neck, making it a comfortable breeze." —ShannanPrice: $26.99+ (available in eight colors) A set of slim velvet hangers to help free up some room in overcrowded closets if you're currently using those thick wooden or plastic hangers. Bonus: These also prevent clothes from slipping off onto the floor! Promising review: "These hangers have a thin design, meaning you can fit more clothing into your closet. They are nonslip. They are sturdy but lightweight, enough not to weigh down your closet rod. I bought them for all the closets in my home. I suggest you buy at least two sets." —CottageDesignsByErinPrice: $15.29+ (available in nine colors and three pack sizes) A two-pack of collapsible waterproof laundry baskets reviewers love for their sturdiness and the durable handles that make "oops, I forgot to do laundry for a week or two" a more manageable task. Promising review: "I replaced my kids' laundry baskets with these. They are one of my new favorite purchases! They are so sturdy and stay upright. I will often have wet towels or clothes on the top of them to dry before placing them in and it stays upright under their weight. They are large and can fit at least two loads in them. I love the look of them and they are a nice thick quality which I wasn't expecting. The best part is when I'm lugging them down two flights of stairs to the basement I can loop my arm thru the handle and carry them on my shoulders. I highly recommend them and can't tell you the number of times I have thought about how much I love them." —MariePrice: $14.99+ for two (available in four sizes and four colors) A waterproof mattress protector no one thinks they need until they do. Fun summer drink season is upon us, and while I fully support sipping your ice-cold beverage cuddled up in bed, you and your mattress will be grateful for a super-easy cleanup in the unfortunate event that you spill a drop or a hundred. Promising review: "This is a great product! The material is soft and comfortable, which I really appreciate, especially for something that's also fully waterproof. It doesn't feel stiff or crinkly like some other covers can. The mattress cover offers full protection—it completely encases the mattress and zips all the way around. The zipper is sturdy and smooth, making it easy to put on and take off without hassle. It fits well and stays in place without bunching up." —Amazon CustomerPrice: $18.99+ (available in sizes twin–California king, including options for RV king, short queen, super queen, and sleeper sofa queen, and multipacks) A two-pack of telescopic fly swatters if you're tired of the really smart bugs sitting *just* out of reach of your plain ol' one-size fly swatters. THEY CAN'T HIDE FROM THESE: They expand up to 25 inches! Promising review: "Best in the game. I've had these for 1 year+ and I was moved to come back and leave a good review. The quality makes a difference. I've bought cheaper ones before and they are no good." —Priscilla UPrice: $6.59 for two Some reusable rug grippers because slip and slides are for outdoor heat waves in the grass, not in your house when you're on the way to grab a midnight snack. Promising review: "Got this to keep our new Turkish rug in place. My rug is close to 4 x 6 and I trimmed the gripper just a wee bit so it would fit without showing. My floors are luxury vinyl planks and this gripper holds it in place! I have two 30 lb dogs that run around and play on it and it still won't budge. The rug company tried to sell me something similar for literally 10x the price. So glad I got this instead!" —Amy $6.99+ (available in tons of sizes and shapes) A cervical memory foam neck pillow that's gone viral on TikTok for a reason: Reviewers SWEAR BY IT. What better way to get your bed in tip-top summer napping shape than by optimizing your pillow game? Promising review: "The pillow is firm yet so soft. It has adjustable heights on either side of the pillow so it makes it ideal for different sleepers. The memory foam is a dream to sleep on. l placed a silk pillowcase on mine and it makes it that much more comfortable." —jack spielman Price: $33.99+ (available in five sizes and 12 colors) A tube of cockroach gel bait to finally kiss that annoying cockroach problem, sayonara FOR GOOD. No odor, no annoying stains, just pure roach-killin' powers you'll be so glad you threw in your cart. Promising review: "I don't ever write reviews but if there are people out there who are battling cockroaches you NEED THIS! I have had my house sprayed several times, it hasn't I decided to try this product out and it's worked better then the 300 bucks I spent on someone to come out and 'take care of the problem'. I would buy this product over and over again, as it really is that good!! I applied the bait to many areas in my house last night and the results showing already are incredible! Not even 24 hours later!!" —MWPrice: $26.93 for a pack of four tubes A Bissell multipurpose carpet and upholstery cleaner reviewers swear by for carpets, car seats and car seats (iykyk), rugs, and anything else upholstered that has been through any rough summertime oopsies and spills. A pair of Fiskars pruning shears if you've been putting off some lawn work because your old tools are "shearly" too dull to go up against your bushes. (But rest assured, these beauties aren't! They have over 5,000 5-star reviews!) Promising review: "These garden shears to be high-quality tools that work well, particularly for pruning roses, with blades that stay sharp even after repeated use and cut through branches easily. They are easy to use, especially with one hand, and offer good value for money. Very happy with this purchase. I bought two pair!" —AJ NashPrice: $13.56 A pack of matching frames your soon-to-be gallery wall will thank you for putting in the cart. Promising review: "I used these to frame some of my children's artwork they did at school to have above my TV in the living room. I am so happy! The little hanging things work amazing! It was easy to put the art in the frames, and the back holds the frames very securely. And I love that the front is plastic instead of glass so I don't have to worry about anything shattering." —Sarah McLeroy Price: $18.99+ (available in 19 sizes and seven colors) Some comfy, breathable sheets to make sleeping in the too-hot summer months more bearable. Promising review: "I recently purchased the queen size four-piece sheet set and have been extremely pleased with my purchase. The sheets are incredibly soft and comfortable, making for a luxurious night's sleep. The fitted sheet has deep pockets, ensuring a secure fit on my mattress without slipping off. Additionally, the sheets wash well and maintain their softness after several washes. The four-piece set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, providing great value for the price. Overall, I highly recommend the queen size four-piece sheet set for anyone looking for high-quality, comfortable sheets at an affordable price." —Permelia ThomasPrice: $24.99+ (available in sizes twin–California king, including split king sizes, and 45 colors) A set of four hotel-quality towels that'll take self-care past the "next level" and straight to the penthouse of at-home luxury. If you're like me and say, "These are fine" about something you use every single day... this is your sign to join me in ordering some new towels. Because we deserve it. Promising review: "Soft and absorbent, not too thick for easy drying. Look beautiful on the towel bar, but get the job done. Dimensions are generous. I'm very pleased!" —YellowroseoftexasPrice: $36.99+ for a set of four towels (available in 15 colors and various other sets) Some double-hook shower curtain rings so you can hang your shower curtain and liner ~separately~ which makes it so much easier to keep everything neat and tidy. (Especially helpful if you're about to go on a pre-vacay top-to-bottom house-cleaning spree.) Promising review: "I absolutely love these shower hooks!! I bought them approximately 6 months ago and they remain in great condition, even in a humid bathroom with little ventilation. They are sturdy and easy to use, as well as aesthetically pleasing! Highly recommend and worth the price! Having hoods for both the inner and outer curtain make such a big difference when cleaning or showering." —Gaby BurgosPrice: $5.30+ for a pack of 12 (available in 11 colors) A set of two down-alternative pillows to replace your flat-as-a-pancake situations and give you the OPTIMAL sleep you deserve! Also, peak guests-coming-to-stay season is upon us, so check on your guest pillow stash, too. Promising review: "Typically I end up buying pillows in the clearance bin at HomeGoods or buy a multipack at Sam's Club, but I figured I'm getting too old not to have good pillows. I saw these had amazing reviews so I decided to give them a try. I am not disappointed at all! They are soft enough to be really comfortable, but firm enough that they don't end up flat or your head doesn't get swallowed up by them. They turned out to be exactly what I had hoped for with regard to comfort and quality. I'm glad I spent the money to buy these." —RUINER41Price: $49.99+ (available in three sizes) An oscillating Dreo tower fan with four speeds if you're tired of the stagnant air getting you down and need a little easy ~breezy~ quick fix. Promising review: "This fan is fantastic. I can't believe I waited so long to put a fan in my office. My office has been way too hot all week and was way too hot when I plugged it in earlier today, and now it feels cool. It didn't change the temperature one single degree but I feel cool now. It's a huge fan and it came in a huge box. It took maybe three minutes to put the stand on it and get it started. Remote control worked perfectly wit the first use. I have it oscillating, set to level 2, and every time it hits me, it feels icy cold. Wildly effective. Level 2 is very quiet. On level 4, it's a pretty loud droning noise, but it also is moving a huge amount of air, so I understand. I would recommend this to anyone." —Regular DudePrice: $79.99+ (available in four colors) A folding nonslip step stool for those of us who are ~vertically challenged~ and want to have access to more than just the bottom 5 feet of our living spaces. Promising review: "Great little step stool. Works great for me and my kiddo. Helps her reach the sink and me to reach the higher cabinets. I love how it folds up and stashes away in a corner until needed so it's not in the way." —VictoriaPrice: $8.99+ (available in six sizes and 19 colors) And finally, a 100% pure memory foam travel pillow to optimize your relaxation time while you're on long plane, car, or train rides. Summer travel season means more traffic and longer commutes, so might as well be comfy! Promising review: "No complaints. Fits well and super soft. Used on an 9hr flight over seas. Worth the money, product is sturdy enough to keep your neck happy and pain free. Washed it in the washer when I returned and did great." —LilliePrice: $15.86+ (available in 15 colors)
