The 10 Best Things Kitchn Editors Bought So Far This Year

Lauren Masur
Lauren Masur
Lauren was the Groceries Editor for Kitchn.
published Jun 25, 2020
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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Credit: Joe Lingeman/Apartment Therapy

Halfway through any year, we like to stop and take a look back at the things we bought — the things that have made our lives better and have us enjoying cooking even more. Clearly, this year is not like any other year. And our halfway-through-2020 list is extra proof of that. Turns out, being quarantined for months has us missing coffee shop espresso, desperate for help with the dishes, and in search of more work space. Here are 10 of the best things Kitchn editors have bought so far this year. Maybe some of the things on this list will help you in the back half of the year?

Credit: Amazon

1. Poplite Popcorn Popper

“I recently bought a popcorn air popper and I love it. I’m not very good at popping popcorn on the stovetop (I always burn it — or it just never pops), and this makes it so easy.” — Jesse Szewczyk, Studio Food Editor

Buy: Poplite Popcorn Popper, $20

Credit: Jacobsen Salt Co.

2. Jacobsen Co. Ramen Seasoning

“I pretty much bought this out of cooking boredom during quarantine, thinking it would up our weekly ramen nights, but I’ve been loving it on popcorn, on top of reheated rice for lunch bowls, and now for seasoning meats and veggies headed for the grill. I’m going to have to order more soon!” — Meghan Splawn, Associate Food Editor

Buy: Ramen Seasoning, $7 at Jacobsen Salt Co.

Credit: Target

3. Black + Decker Citrus Juicer

“Buying this citrus juicer was one joy of 2020. It’s not great on getting rid of pulp — and I’m a pulp-free kind of gal — so my boyfriend sometimes will do an extra strain in our strainer. (Yes, he’s the sweetest!) Waking up to freshly squeezed juice is much better than looking at the news first thing in the morning.” — Ariel Knutson, Features Director

Buy: Black + Decker Citrus Juicer, $40 at Target

Credit: Debbie Carlos Studio

4. Debbie Carlos Studio Ceramic Bowls

“I eat just about everything out of a bowl, and these gorgeous bowls are my new favorite. They truly are perfectly sized, and are lovely for salads, pastas, grain bowls, and more. If you, too, are a bowl person, this is the bowl you’ve been looking for.” — Kaitlin Garske, Social Media Manager

Buy: Debbie Carlos Studio Ceramic Bowls, from $38

5. Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray

“Raise your hand if you feel like you’re always doing dishes? Yeah, me too. While I don’t mind washing up cutting boards and knives, I hate scrubbing dishes with burnt-on stuff. My mom first told me about Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray, and after shrugging her off too many times I finally tried it. Let me just say this: Moms are always right!” — Lisa Freedman, Lifestyle Director

Buy: Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray, $9 at Bed Bath and Beyond

6. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

“I had a different espresso machine lingering in my virtual shopping cart for months and I was about it. However, just before I clicked, my coworker Kaitlin mentioned her Breville and I decided to check it out. After reading all the reviews and watching tons of YouTube videos, I was convinced this was the machine for me. It’s more than I had planned to spend, but I love that I don’t have to use those expensive pods. I have had this coffee maker for almost a month and it’s 100 percent worth the hefty price tag. I wake up looking forward to my morning coffee!” — Sholeen Damarwala, Commerce Editor

Buy: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, $700 at Williams Sonoma

Credit: Lauren Kodiak

7. Golde Latte Blends

“With ingredients like coconut milk powder, turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom, these latte mixes take all the work out of blending up a perfectly balanced drink. They’re a great alternative to coffee (I try to limit my daily amount), and feel like a really luxurious treat in the afternoon. The lattes taste great hot, but lately with the warmer weather I’ve really been loving them iced with a little bit of Oatly to top it off.” — Lauren Kodiak, Managing Editor

Buy: Cacao Turmeric Latte Blend and Matcha Turmeric Latte Blend, $29 each at Golde

Credit: East Fork

8. East Fork Breakfast Bowls

“We’re clearly Bowl People here at Kitchn! I’m going to challenge Kaitlin and say that these are the perfect size. They’re small enough for an acceptable amount of yogurt in the morning and still large enough for a generous helping of mid-afternoon pretzels or after-dinner ice cream. Oh, and they’re stunners to look at and to hold, too. They’re bringing me so much joy right now.” — Sheela Prakash, Senior Contributing Editor

Buy: East Fork Breakfast Bowl, $22 each

Credit: Amazon

9. Fine Mesh Shakers

“With all the sourdough bread baking I’ve done this year, these cute little shakers are my favorite new tool. They dust just the right amount of flour onto my counter or loaves and have lids that snap on tightly when I’m not using them. They’re also great for powdered sugar!” — Christine Gallary, Food Editor-At-Large

Buy: AnFun Fine Mesh Shakers, $13 for two

Credit: Hotel Restaurant Supply

10. Stainless Steel Work Table

“I am getting my kitchen to be a better organized space for photo shoots and developing, because I’m going to be doing my job from home for awhile. So I got rid of a wire shelving rack and replaced it with more counter space!” — Amelia Rampe, Studio Food Editor

Buy: Stainless Steel Work Table, $684 at Hotel Restaurant Supply

What’s the best thing you bought so far in 2020?