The Absolute Best Kitchen Gear We Tested This Year

If you know us, you’ll know we can’t get enough of the chic kitchen products from Caraway. “The first time I took this sleek pan (which works on any kind of cooktop) for a test drive, I audibly gasped,” Managing Commerce Editor Tamara wrote in her review of the fry pan from the Caraway Cookware Set. “My crispy fried eggs slipped onto my plate so easily that I didn’t even need to wash the pan (but you probably still should).” This set also includes an equally impressive Dutch oven, saucepan, and sauté pan.

Nobody likes a dirty sink, which is why this Kohler Kitchen Sink Squeegee is such a game-changer. “I’ve had the squeegee for a few weeks now, and I can’t believe I’ve never tried something like this sooner,” contributor Ashley writes in her review. “While this product doesn’t prevent my shirt from getting soaked during this daily chore, it has made counter cleanup so much easier (and honestly, more fun).”

If you’re looking for a gadget that can help take some of the stress out of wintertime hosting, look no further than the MEATER Plus. I had the pleasure of testing this bad boy, and found that the case, the easy-to-use app, and the connectivity range of this wireless thermometer probe made achieving perfectly cooked roasts and ribs a snap.

Gross oven? No thanks. Unfortunately, the best way to clean your oven is to not let it get dirty in the first place. That’s where this Afaxinrie Oven Liner comes in. “I highly recommend this little piece of Spill-Whatever-You-Want magic,” Tiffany writes in her review. “[The liner] extends the time between oven cleans and helps me maintain my sanity.”

This Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole Skillet from Amazon Basics is “budget-friendly, versatile, durable, and attractive,” according to contributor Laura. “It has all the things I’ve ever wanted in an everyday piece of cookware, and it’s been holding strong in my kitchen.” The skillet is oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and works with all types of cooking surfaces, and it’s pretty enough to serve from. Plus, the wide loop handles make it a breeze to carry to the table, even with oven mitts on.

I love testing cookware, and almost everything I’ve had the chance to try from OXO has been a slam dunk. The brand’s Tri-Ply Stainless Mira Series Sauté Pan was no exception. It’s a kitchen workhorse made using two layers of stainless steel with a heat-radiant aluminum core, which means it heats evenly and won’t scorch or burn parts of your dish. It also features a stain-resistant finish with “evershine technology,” which helps prevent heat discoloration.

Looking for a belated Christmas gift for a wine-lover? Give them a unique bottle opener that uses zero effort to pop corks. “This bottle opener would become both a conversation starter and my go-to gift for everyone from family to wine-loving friends,” SEO editor Sarah writes in her review of the gadget. “This device uses compressed CO2 to push the cork out of the bottle from the inside — and it really lives up to its easy-to-use claims.”

If you’re looking to make one kitchen upgrade that will elevate the entire room, snag a Staub Dutch Oven. It’s not only incredibly versatile and useful, but it looks stunning atop a stove. “I’m on the record for preferring modestly sized Dutch ovens over the huge pieces, and this one hits the sweet spot of capacity and practicality,” Editor in Chief Faith writes in her review of the piece.

When it comes to black pepper, grind size is super important. Unfortunately, the plastic single-use grinders you might find at the grocery store don’t usually allow you to select your grind size — plus, they’re bad for the environment and end up costing a lot more than using a reusable pepper mill. This one from OXO was perfect for my apartment, and its unique design means no pepper crumbs on the counter.

Looking to get into baking in 2023? Snag this set of three key must-haves for any baker’s kitchen: a superb set of oven mitts, an insanely helpful pastry mat, and — our favorite — some innovative cupcake liners. “GIR, or ‘Get It Right,’ has been an editor-favorite at Kitchn since their epic spatula first popped on our radar years ago,” Stella writes in her review of the set. “Bottom line, this bundle is every baker’s dream.”

Contrary to popular belief, a good knife doesn’t have to be expensive. This affordable knife from Amazon has lasted me for what seems like forever, and it still holds a great edge and makes meal prep a breeze.

Constructed from 100 percent recycled plastic, Our Place’s Daily Board is an editor-favorite at Kitchn. It doesn’t slip, doesn’t warp, and features a unique, textured surface that helps with slicing and dicing.

Sometimes, it really feels like the Magic Bullet is actually magical. “Because the juicer’s blade and strainer are combined into one efficient, conical disk, assembling and breaking down the handy appliance is a breeze,” contributor Stella writes in her review. “I also love that when working on big batches of juice, I don’t have to stop and empty out the pulp bin.”

You never think you need a nice colander until you’re trying to balance a massive pot of boiling pasta on the edge of your sink, since you only have a fine mesh strainer which “has been working fine.” Save yourself the headache and snag a two-pack of Great Jones’ Full Steam. They’re four-in-one tools, meaning they can be used as a steamer, splatter guard, trivet, and, of course, colanders.

Give your feet (and ankles, and knees, and hips, and back) a break with this handy kitchen anti-fatigue mat. It’s made with comfortable, high-density foam so the mat won’t compress over time. Get ready to actually look forward to doing the dishes.

This one is right in the name: Tiny Bowls. Besides looking cute, these bowls are oven-safe, so they also work great for baking single-serving savory appetizers, souffles, or desserts. You can also use them to serve sides or sauces on the table!

This smart oven functions as an oven, toaster oven, slow cooker, steamer, air fryer, dehydrator, frying pan, sous vide, and grill. Phew. “There are a bunch of things that attracted me to the Brava Oven, with one of the main things being its versatility,” SEO Editor Sarah writes in her review of the oven. “With the Brava, cooking on crazy days is less laborious and, for the most part, foolproof.”