Tool Uses
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A Visual Guide to Every Single Knife in Your Knife Block
How sharp is your knife knowledge? We’re taking you on a tour of your knife block to show you what each of its common components looks like and what it does best. One size fits all doesn’t quite apply when it comes to buying a knife block. The selection and amount of knives can vary, and price can start as low as $25 and go up to $600 and higher. This is an example of an introductory knife block; one that you’d find for about $40 or less.
May 1, 2019
The Anatomy of a Chef’s Knife
Just how well do you know the parts of your chef’s knife? There may be variations between material, size, and weight that set these common knives apart, but whether it costs $20 or $200, all chef’s knives have the same basic parts and construction. From the point to the butt and everything in between, take a walk through the anatomy of your chef’s knife. Most commonly used for piercing and scoring, the point is the portion of the blade where the tip and the spine meet.
May 1, 2019
Why I Hid a Garlic Press from Alton Brown for 8 Years
This is a cautionary tale of assumptions, stigma, and honesty that centers around an often-reviled kitchen tool: the garlic press. I spent the last 10 years working as part of Alton Brown’s culinary team in his test kitchens and studios around Atlanta. For most of those 10 years, I hid a garlic press from him in those kitchens. You see, I thought that the garlic press was a “unitasker” (if you know Alton, he bemoans unitaskers) not suited for professional chefs.
May 1, 2019
You Can Hack It! 4 Alternative Uses for Everyday Equipment
Some of your everyday kitchen tools may be more versatile than you think. Here are some of our favorite ways to use a few standard kitchen tools to accomplish a bevy of kitchen tasks. When stacked on top of each other, using balls of aluminum foil as spacers between each rack and set in a very low-temperature oven, cooling racks mimic the basic setup of a food dehydrator.
May 1, 2019
The Hack That Turns Cooling Racks into a Dehydrator
Cooling racks are essential for bringing cookies, muffins, cakes, and more down to room temperature after coming out of the oven, but that’s not all they can do. When paired with aluminum foil, these metal racks transform into a pretty good homemade dehydrator rack. Here’s how to get your fill of homemade jerky and dried fruit without splurging on a dehydrator.
May 1, 2019
How Did the Cast Iron Skillet Take Over the World?
If you search for “cast iron” on eBay, you will see about 15,000 cookware items for sale. There are also about 20 cast iron cookbooks presently on the market, not to mention numerous blogs dedicated to cast iron collecting and cooking. And there is, of course, a Facebook group, of which I am now a member, dedicated to celebrating all things cast iron.
May 1, 2019
5 Sheet Pan Miracle Meals
One-pot pasta has been all the rage when it comes to quick-cooking dinners, and while we’re a fan of that method, our current crush is the sheet pan miracle meal. We’re talking about the dinner you feel confident about putting together to make sure dinner happens at home, on time, and without stressing out the cook while still appealing to the eater.
May 1, 2019
10 Practical Vessels That Are Better than Gravy Boats
Back in the day, owning a formal set of china was a requirement. You’d haul it out once a year for Thanksgiving and then banish it back into the basement to be forgotten about until November rolled around again. To this, we say: nope! Not anymore. Let your grandmother gasp in astonishment about your life choices — you don’t have the room or the need for stuff that you use only once a year. Chief among those sorts of objects? Gravy boats.
May 1, 2019
13 Small Yet Mighty Kitchen Tools We Can’t Live Without
We all aspire to the ideal that our kitchens should be workstations where everything is clean, unbroken, and useful. Not always possible, it’s true, but we can be careful about cluttering it up with unnecessary tools and unitasking gadgets. Here’s a baker’s dozen of the tools we learned to love even more this year, from the humble paddle that came with our rice cooker, to the garlic press one of our editors hid from Alton to the almighty lemon squeezer.
May 1, 2019
10 Essential Things You Should Know About Your Chef’s Knife
Your chef’s knife is perhaps the most important and beloved tool in your kitchen, so naturally you want to be thoroughly schooled on every aspect of it. To help you out, we rounded up all the top intel on how to buy, care for, store, sharpen, clean, and use a chef’s knife. Remember, this is the tool that will potentially be with you for your entire lifetime, so it’s best to get really well-acquainted, really quick.
May 1, 2019
The Kitchn’s Guide to Carbon Steel Pans & Knives
Carbon steel cookware has certainly taken off since I first raved about my de Buyer carbon steel pan four years ago, and it’s a good thing. I can honestly say that my pan is still going strong today and it is by far the one I reach for the most. Curious about carbon steel, how it differs from cast iron, and how hard it is to maintain? And what about carbon steel knives? Are they worth the small amount of extra maintenance?
May 1, 2019
3 Times a Pressure Cooker Is Better than a Slow Cooker (and 3 Times It’s Not)
Over the past several years the electric pressure cooker has seen a huge resurgence in popularity. Some cooks have even jumped at the chance to let it replace the slow cooker, but not me. Both of these appliances have made life in the kitchen easier and more convenient, but for different reasons. Make sure both of these tools are helping you in the kitchen by taking advantage of what they do best. This is the appliance to lean on when time is not on your side.
May 1, 2019
5 Things to Know About Buying, Using, and Caring for Steak Knives
If you’ve ever tried to tear into a juicy sirloin with a butter knife (or, gasp, your teeth), you totally get the importance of a good set of steak knives. Here’s all you need to know about choosing and using your set. The next time you’re at a kitchen store, take a close look at the blades on the steak knives on offer — you’ll notice that some are straight while some are serrated.
May 1, 2019
What Kind of Blender Do You Have & Would You Buy It Again?
After working for food publications for more than eight years — and being a home cook for even longer — I finally got myself a Vitamix. It’s been such a game-changer, and not just because it’s a Vitamix (often considered the gold standard of blenders) or because it’s amazing (mine has a measuring cup in the lid, you guys!) — but because it’s a new blender. Period.
May 1, 2019
7 Things to Know About Buying a New Microwave
If your microwave is starting to go (or you never had one to begin with), you may find yourself unsure of where to start. Fun fact: Shopping for a microwave oven can be just as complicated as shopping for an actual oven. (At least microwaves are a lot cheaper!) Study up on these seven pointers and your head won’t explode when you start your search. Related: 5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Microwave Countertop microwaves are the ones commonly found, well, on countertops.
May 1, 2019
How the Instant Pot Changed My Meal Prep Routine
One of the most crucial parts of my weekly meal plan is my meal prep routine every Sunday. Spending a few hours in the kitchen means I’ve got hard-boiled eggs for breakfast and grains for salad, and that getting dinner on the table will be a lot easier in the week ahead. I shared my love for the Instant Pot a couple years ago, and now it’s time to do it again — because it has single-handedly improved the way I meal prep.
May 1, 2019
5 Telltale Signs You Really Need to Buy a Stand Mixer
What’s that? Is this stand mixer whispering to you? It wants you to bring it home? Sounds like you might really need to buy a stand mixer. In case you weren’t totally sure, here are the five telltale signs it’s time. If you have a Pinterest board that doubles as a wish list and basically everything on that list is a stand mixer, you might have a problem. The easy solution? Just buy yourself a stand mixer, already! Pistachio, Buttercup, Truffle Dust, and Kalamata Olive.
May 1, 2019
A Neat and Easy Way to Store Your Plastic Containers
Thanks to all those random sizes, your plastic container collection can become a jumbled mess very quickly. And while we don’t usually like to advocate buying things just to get organized (we’d rather spend our money on something fun, like kitchen stuff with flamingos on it!), there is one product that caught our eye recently. Meet the StoraStack Food Container Storage Organizer. It’s part pegboard (something we’re currently obsessed with) and part file folder holder.
May 1, 2019
5 Signs You Probably Need to Replace Your Dishwasher
One devastating appliance breakdown can quickly transform your kitchen from your home’s haven to a living nightmare — and thanks to Murphy’s Law, these unexpected moments almost always happen at the most inopportune times (like right before a party. Yikes!). Perhaps the worst of the worst? Your trusty dishwasher craps out. Pay attention to these five warning signs to catch (and repair or replace!) your appliance before you both hit total meltdown mode.
May 1, 2019
I Tried the Instant Pot and Didn’t Love It. What Am I Missing?
When the Instant Pot went on sale for Amazon Prime Day But I was also busy. And despite the fact that this strange contraption had promised to save me time and change my life, I just didn’t have the focus to learn what I quickly discovered was a whole new way of cooking. I had questions and uncertainties, so it sat in its box in the basement for a week. And then I had guests over, so I hid it in the spare bedroom.
May 1, 2019
5 Ways Kitchen Shears Make Cooking Chicken Easier
You’re probably used to reaching for your trusted chef’s knife, or maybe even a boning knife, when it comes time to prep chicken. That was certainly my go-to for a long time. But it turns out there’s an even better tool for nearly any job involving chicken: kitchen shears. Here is how they make prepping and cooking whole chicken and individual pieces even easier.
May 1, 2019
Is a Built-in Refrigerator Worth the Extra Money?
There are a few luxuries that can make your kitchen instantly seem like it belongs in a Michelin-star chef’s home: a gorgeous range, plenty of counter space, and a seriously impressive refrigerator. When it comes to the latter, how do you decide whether you should get a built-in or if a freestanding fridge will do? The cost will play a huge role in helping you decide. Other key factors? Aesthetics and how much space you have, for sure.
May 1, 2019
This Little Aesthetic Feature Makes a Big Difference on a Dishwasher
If you haven’t been dishwasher shopping in a while (or ever), know this: Dishwashers have gotten pretty fancy! Like, really fancy. Not only do they clean your dishes, but many now also come with built-in sensors to determine how soiled your dishes happen to be. They also have all sorts of settings and rack configurations (silverware caddies verses drawers or adjustable tines, for example). You’re gonna have a ton of choices and things to think about when you get to the store.
May 1, 2019
Do You Need This Kitchen Tool?
It’s no secret that we’re skeptical of unitaskers around here. If you’re going to spend the money on a gadget (and devote some storage space to it), it better be able to make your life easier, better, or faster in a bunch of ways.
May 1, 2019
4 Grill Tools You Absolutely Need (and 4 You Definitely Don’t)
Even the most experienced home cook can feel intimidated by the idea of grilling. Maybe it’s the varying temperatures, the rules, or the tons of gadgets and accessories that can feel necessary for success. But don’t let all of that deter you. “I always say that grilling is 90 percent the will, and 10 percent the skill,” says Elizabeth Karmel, the founder of Girls at the Grill.
May 1, 2019
Get the Cast Iron Cleaner That People Are Obsessed With
You’ve heard us extol the virtues of a well-seasoned cast iron pan. A cast iron pan is versatile, lasts forever, and cooks everything from steaks to eggs to steak and eggs like a pro. That said, cast iron pans also require a specific kind of upkeep. It can feel overwhelming — enough to make you want to throw in the towel and just use nonstick pans exclusively!
May 1, 2019
You Can Now Turn Your Broccoli into a PSL
I’m convinced there are two types of people in this world when it comes to pumpkin-spice season: those who subscribe to the PSL fan club and aren’t caught dead without one, and those who mock the card-carrying members of team PSL but are the first ones to buy anything with new fall flavors in it. Although there are always those who claim to stay far away from such things, we bet they’ll actually be the first ones to put this new organic pumpkin spice spray on all the things.
May 1, 2019
10 Surprising Ways to Use a Label Maker in the Kitchen
There are few organizing tools that excite us as much as a label maker. Oh, the possibilities! You can label your canisters, sure. You can also steal one of these great ideas and use your label maker for something totally surprising. Here are 10 surprising ways to use a label maker in the kitchen. Instead of spending money on a set of cheese markers, which can’t exactly change based on what you’re serving, try this trick from The Container Store.
May 1, 2019
The Best Thing I Ever Did for My Cast Iron Pan
When I make pie, I use my grandmother’s pastry blender and rolling pin, but one thing she did not pass down was her cast iron skillet slick with a history of family feasts. Instead, I received my cast iron pan five years ago — a new Lodge pan, fresh with the factory seasoning. Even with a factory fresh seasoning, the surface never felt smooth; it always had a pebbly texture.
May 1, 2019
What the Heck Is an Air Fryer, and Do I Need One?
With its promise to deliver the crispy goodness of fried food, using at most a couple of tablespoons of oil, the air fryer sounds like a french fry–lover’s dream. What exactly is an air fryer, though? Basically, it’s an odd-shaped countertop convection oven that circulates air around food. It takes up a lot of countertop space and doesn’t come cheap, with models ranging from $70 to $300.
May 1, 2019
The Best Pan for Making Frittatas
Frittatas are the back-pocket meal I always lean on when I want something simple yet slightly more exciting than scrambled eggs for breakfast, and when my energy level is running on fumes come dinnertime. They’re quick and couldn’t be easier to pull off (in fact, I’d argue that you don’t need a recipe so much as a template to make one).
May 1, 2019
This Coffee Grinder Has Over 3,200 5-Star Reviews on Amazon
Freshly ground coffee is, without a doubt, better than pre-ground. But there are many reasons we often opt to get our coffee pre-ground when given the option. The main reason is that at-home coffee grinders can be a pain. The easiest method, using a spice grinder, can often result in inconsistent or imprecise grind sizes. Disc grinders create the most precise grinding, but can be expensive or bulky.
May 1, 2019
When to Buy a Blender (and Not a Food Processor or Another Gadget)
If you’re thinking of finally buying a blender, food processor, immersion blender, or other similar appliance, at first glance, you may think they all do the exact same thing. They all have blades that chop, blitz, and blend solid food, right? Well, yes, but they all do it a little differently. There’s no reason to invest in all of them, however. Depending on your habits, one might be better for you in the long run. Here’s what you should consider when making your decision.
May 1, 2019
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Refurbished Vitamix on Amazon
If you really, really want a Vitamix but just can’t bring yourself to pay the big bucks, you should consider buying a reconditioned model. Just read this story first. Here, we explain everything you need to know about buying a refurbished Vitamix on Amazon. Buy: Certified Reconditioned Vitamix Blenders Reconditioned models are machines that get returned by consumers and were either never or only slightly used.
May 1, 2019
The Most Ridiculous Things to Do with Your Toaster, According to the Internet
As a parent of carb-loving kids, the toaster is one of my most-used small appliances. I use it to heat up all manner of frozen breakfast items, from regular toast and bagels to frozen waffles, French toast sticks, and more. But, according to the internet, I’ve yet to realize the true powers of this trusty device. Here are five ridiculous (and amazing) things you can do with your toaster.
May 1, 2019
The $6 Tool You Need for Better Chocolate-Coated Treats
If you’ve ever fumbled, crumbled, or smooshed a truffle or buckeye trying to get a perfect chocolate coating, then I have a tiny, inexpensive tool that’s about to make your life much easier. I found mine years ago at a yard sale for just a quarter, but you can often find these strong little tools in the silverware bin at your local thrift store. You can also get them new pretty inexpensively.
May 1, 2019
What It Means When Your Instant Pot Says “Burn” on the Front
Seeing a “burn” warning on any electronic device is probably cause for concern. You might think Fire! and throw it out the window in panic. If you see the “burn” message pop up on your Instant Pot, though, don’t worry — it’s actually a common problem and there’s a simple solution. First of all, you should know that when your Instant Pot reads “burn” it means that your dish is, well, burning.
Apr 30, 2019
This Is the Best Tiny Kitchen We’ve Seen in Years
Illustrator, designer, and creative director Sara Blake is all about the custom touch. “If you are going to be in a space long enough, even if you are a renter, I’ve gotten a lot of value out of custom-built furniture to fit and function the way I need,” Sara says in her House Tour from Apartment Therapy.
Apr 30, 2019
The 6 Little Things That Finally Got Me to Try (and Love) the Instant Pot
When I first heard buzz about the Instant Pot I figured it was not unlike the quesadilla maker; just another unnecessary kitchen gadget invented to get people excited about cooking that would eventually end up in the summer yard sale. It wasn’t for those of us who actually like to cook, those of us who get “ooohs” and “aaahs” as we place a meal on the table.
Apr 30, 2019
Um, This Instant Pot Competitor Has a Built-in Fridge
Instant Pots make a huge difference in the cooking life of many Americans, with the super-speedy pressure-cooking options and the one-pot abilities to brown and cook stews. Whole genres of cooking and food blogging have been devoted to the multi-cooker in the years since the kitchen appliance arrived on American shores. But now, reports Gear Patrol, a kitchen appliance company called Gourmia is offering a competitor that one-ups the famous pot, called the CoolCooker MultiCooker.
Apr 30, 2019
Aluminum Foil Can Extend the Life of Your Cast Iron Pan
If you own a cast iron pan (and you should), you know that it’s an essential kitchen tool. Your cast iron pan is the vehicle for a varied range of dishes for any meal of the day: eggs, pork chops, even Buffalo chicken dip. But cast iron requires a lot of dedicated upkeep. Technically, you can simply rinse it with (a little) soap and water, but this much more intensive (and our preferred) cleaning method will ensure it lasts longer.
Apr 30, 2019
16 Brilliant Hacks That Make Your Microwave Worth the Counter Space
Any tool that multitasks in the kitchen means less wasted space and more bang for your buck. A gadget with a specific use has to be downright amazing for me to give up kitchen real estate to it. (A strawberry huller falls under that category in our family, and gets used several times a week in the summer.
Apr 30, 2019
An Unexpected Use for Your Toaster Oven, According to Eric Ripert
When Eric Ripert, the chef mastermind behind three-Michelin-star seafood restaurant Le Bernardin (and close friend of Anthony Bourdain), tells you how to cook something, it would be best to listen to him. His latest recommendation is probably not one you’re expecting, though. It doesn’t involve any fancy, expensive machinery that you’d only find in a professional kitchen. In fact, all you need is a toaster oven.
Dec 12, 2018
This Soon-to-Be-Released Instant Pot Will Make Your Life Even Easier
Between a new blender, a slow cooker, and a collaboration with the Pioneer Woman, the folks at Instant Pot sure have been busy. And they have another new product coming out soon (hopefully in time for holiday gifting!): As of today, the Instant Pot Smart WiFi is now available for preorder on Amazon. Preorder: 6-Quart Instant Pot Smart WiFi, $150 As its name implies, The Smart WiFi Instant Pot is equipped with WiFi and can be controlled with your iOS or Android device.
Nov 2, 2018
You May Be Using Your Slow Cooker Latches Incorrectly!
Transporting a slow cooker can be a pain — they’re heavy, unwieldy, hot, and prone to spills. But if you’ve made a meal for a potluck or a dip for a tailgate, it’s often easiest (and healthiest, from a food-safety standpoint) to keep the food in the slow cooker instead of transferring it to another container. Slow cooker manufacturers heard consumers, and a few years ago started introducing latches onto their appliances to keep the lids on tight. Yay!
Jul 26, 2018
The Surprising Ways You Are and Aren’t Ruining Your Knives
Does this scene sound familiar? Your Amazon Prime package comes and somebody at your house grabs a knife to start hacking away at the packaging. These packages come more often than our UPS driver would like, and if I don’t beat my husband to it, that’s him with our good chef’s knife. It’s been one of our longest-running debates; every time he saws through the packing tape I cringe and tell him he’s ruining our knives.
Jul 19, 2018
The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Cast Iron Care
This pan is kind of like a Tamagotchi that never dies.
Jul 7, 2018
Should You Buy a Blender or a Stick Blender? We Can Help You Decide!
In life, there are “stick people” and “jar people.” And people who are both! We’re talking about blenders here. See, a stick blender is very different from a traditional blender with a jar or pitcher. Some home cooks can get by with just one or the other, while super serious smoothie- and soup-makers will say they need both. Of course, there are pros and cons to each type of blender — here they are!
Jun 20, 2018
The Absurd On-Again, Off-Again Relationship I Developed with My Cast Iron Skillet
I had a crush for several months before ever making a move. I’d scroll through the feeds of my favorite food bloggers, daydreaming of what the future could hold: stove-to-oven creations like eggplant Parm and mac and cheese, hearty breakfasts, cozy dinners, stories and recipes to share with the next generation. Then one day, my dreams came true. My crush entered my life, and at last I held a shiny and new (and shockingly heavy) 12-inch Lodge cast iron skillet in my hands.
Jun 5, 2018
5 Reasons Every Kitchen Should Have a Digital Scale
One of the reasons I chose a degree in baking and pastry arts rather than a culinary degree — besides the cake, obviously — is that I enjoy the exacting science of weighing sugar and flour, and then watching as a few simple ingredients become a cake or cookies. Baking, to me, is equal parts science and magic. But maybe you’re not quite as obsessed with home baking as I am and so you’ve eschewed the advice that every kitchen should have a scale.
Apr 13, 2018
Why Kitchn Editors Are So in Love with This Seemingly One-Use Tool
Shopping
Even if you're not a baker, you need a bench scraper.
Mar 21, 2018
We Updated an Old Appliance with Liquid Stainless Steel — Here’s How It Went
Can this outdated, off-white relic of a stove be transformed into a sleek stainless steel beauty? When I learned about a product designed to replicate the look of stainless steel appliances, I was itching to see if it worked — it just seemed a little too good to be true. Could this paint make appliances blend in a little bit more, or maybe look a little less decrepit? Less almond, at least? For this test, I bought Rust-Oleum’s Stainless Steel, which retails for about $30 on Amazon.
Mar 20, 2018
Why a Cookie Spatula Is My Most-Used Kitchen Tool (No, I’m Not a Professional Baker)
I love chocolate chip cookies so much that I have the classic Nestle Tollhouse recipe memorized. At any given point, my roommate and I have all the supplies required to make a batch (and can do the mental math to halve or even quarter the batch if we’re running low on butter). I even have developed my own personal tricks for boosting the cookie quality (add a finishing salt and a little extra vanilla extract, for starters). I own and regularly use a cookie dough freezer tray.
Mar 12, 2018
What’s the Difference Between Enameled and Cast Iron Dutch Ovens?
When it comes to outfitting your cookware collection with a Dutch oven (a total workhorse and truly worthwhile investment for any kitchen), you’ve got a choice to make: Will you go for an enameled Dutch oven (technically a French oven) or the traditional cast iron version? They can be used in just about all the same ways, and both move seamlessly between the stovetop and oven, but there are a few distinctions that set them apart.
Feb 22, 2018
I Got One of Those Expensive Holiday-Themed Le Creusets, and Here’s What I Used It For
The year was 2013. Hanukkah was upon us and people everywhere were losing their minds over the fact that the Festival of Lights would coincide with Thanksgiving for the first time since the 1800s. They called it Thanksgivukkah, and the Internet was abuzz with dishes that incorporated scrumptious traditions from both holidays: challah bread stuffing, cranberry applesauce, Manischewitz-brined turkey.
Feb 14, 2018
Is This the Secret to Instant Pot’s Success?
The cult of the Instant Pot shows no sign of stopping. I mean, the machine can make yogurt, and slow cook, and pressure cook, and basically do everything except the dishes (you’ll still need a dishwasher or a good sponge for that, unfortunately). The trendy kitchen appliance’s rise to fame is particularly interesting, however, given the fact that you rarely see any advertising for the product. How did the Instant Pot become so successful so quickly?
Nov 28, 2017
Sorry, Silicon Valley. A Smart Kitchen Will Never Replace a Smart Cook.
Some people dream of the latest newfangled appliances, and Silicon Valley is happy to oblige. There’s the fridge that knows your shopping habits, and the stove that knows when you walk in the door. But not me. Can smart appliances really replace the rhythms and instincts of a cook? I’m not so sure.
Oct 27, 2017
The Coolest Thing I Saw at the Smart Kitchen Summit
I’ve been reviewing kitchen equipment for more than 30 years and I’ve seen it all, from potato-peeling mitts (fuhgettabout ’em) to cooking robots (for those who don’t actually like making dinner). It takes a lot to impress me, and yet this month at the Smart Kitchen Summit in Seattle, I saw something that made me think, I want that in my own kitchen!
Oct 24, 2017
8 Ways the Slow Cooker Helps Me Save Money
I recently got married. As we’ve joined our finances and embraced the sexy task of co-budgeting, I’ve been shocked — shocked! — by our combined food bill, which has at times spiked above $1000 a month. So I’ve recommitted to cooking as a way to save money, rather than squander it. And one of the most reliable tools I have to do that is my slow cooker. Here are eight ways it helps me save money.
Sep 27, 2017
The 6 Things Smart Cooks Always Keep Near the Stove
One of my favorite little kitchen rituals revolves around a small tray that sits next to the stove. Once a week it gets wiped down and all of its contents — salts, oil, and a small bottle of vinegar — get refilled. These are the ingredients I reach for regularly, but there are a few other things that I keep next to the stove to ensure weeknight dinners come together quickly and easily without a fuss.
Sep 13, 2017
I Bought a Tiny “Parisian” Fridge and I Totally Regret It
Everything is better in Paris. I know that. Attempting to make my American home my own version of a Parisian apartment was destined to be a disappointment. I live on the wrong continent with a different way of life. But I couldn’t resist. I should have resisted. I spent nine days at the most adorable Airbnb ever a couple of years ago. The Yellow Flat in the Canal St. Martin area of Paris was everything you dream of when you dream of Paris.
Sep 11, 2017
What’s the Difference Between a Gas Grill and a Charcoal Grill?
The battle of charcoal versus gas grills is one for the ages — and the grilling enthusiasts in your life are sure to have strong opinions. But if you’re considering buying a grill for the first time or, perhaps thinking about making the switch from #teamgas to #teamcharcoal (or vice versa), what are the key factors you should consider? We’ve laid it all out here. There are a few reasons to opt for a charcoal grill, not least of which is cost.
May 29, 2017
5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Microwave
Of all the appliances (large or small) in your kitchen, the microwave tends to have the shortest lifespan — around nine years or so. The good news? The new ones on the market are relatively inexpensive and you can get a decent one for less than $100. How will you know if it’s time to get a new one? Look for any of these five signs. That buzzing or banging you’ve been hearing lately? Yeah, that’s not normal.
Mar 30, 2017
Are Microwave Drawers Worth the Extra Expense?
I’m going to take a wild guess and assume that your favorite thing about your kitchen is not the microwave. The gorgeous morning light? Sure. The reclaimed wood table? Definitely. Your new oven? Yay! The microwave? Well, that’s usually more of a functional necessity than anyone’s hallmark piece. That’s not to mention that it poses its own set of design challenges. You could leave it floating on a countertop, but then your work space might look cluttered.
Mar 27, 2017
What’s Your Best Advice for Small Appliance Repairs?
Deciding whether to fix a broken appliance or just get a new one can be pretty tough in our disposable society — especially when you have a stack of blue-and-white coupons for 20 percent off at your nearest big box store, and when you don’t even know where to get started. (It’s not like you can just bring it back to the store, 10 years later, or leave it on your windowsill and wait for magical elves to come fix it. You can’t, right?
Mar 16, 2017
I’ll Never Ditch My Microwave. Why? Migraines
I can never have a kitchen that doesn’t have a microwave. It’s just not an option. And that’s not because I spend my evenings heating up frozen dinners or containers of leftovers (although the latter is sometimes true!). In fact, it has nothing to do with food at all. The reason I’ll never have a kitchen that doesn’t have a microwave is because I suffer from frequent and intense migraines. What do my headaches have to do with a microwave?
Mar 13, 2017
A Love Letter to My Toaster
When I moved to New York eight years ago, I got a crash course in bagels — where to find the best ones, what each spot’s specialty was, and, the biggest shock of them all, which places didn’t toast. “Well, this must be some kind of silly mistake,” I thought. “New Yorkers are serious about their bagels. So why in the world would some institutions skip the most crucial step?” The toasting of the bagel, in my humble opinion, is non-negotiable.
Mar 3, 2017
What Was the Last Small Appliance You Bought, and Do You Love It?
I look at kitchen gear the way some other girls look at shoes and babies. I want it all! And I want to hug it and kiss it and pinch its little toaster cheeks. Okay, that’s weird to say, I admit. But you get my point. I’m obsessed with juice glasses, wooden spoons, and especially all the things in the small-appliance department. I’m constantly looking sideways at my food processor, hand mixer, and microwave. Are you not working properly any more?
Mar 2, 2017
An Ingenious Bonus Use for Your Salad Spinner
The party problem: You’ve got to transport a homemade cake, but you don’t have a carrier or a box. The party trick: Use the bowl from your salad spinner — and a plate. We’re all about using kitchen gadgets for as many jobs as possible, and the salad spinner is way more of a multitasker than people realize (see: 10 Alternative Uses for Your Salad Spinner). Perhaps one of its most handy uses — aside from, duh, drying lettuce — is as a cake dome.
Jan 19, 2017
5 Other Pans to Bake a Pumpkin Pie In
I have a pretty hefty pie pan collection. And even with everything from ceramic to glass (and a few metal and aluminum pans as backups), every year around this time I find myself needing another pan for baking my annual pumpkin pie when the others are occupied with sweet potato pie, apple pie, and pot pie. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for baking pumpkin pie in other baking pans because of this.
Nov 4, 2016
5 Non-Cake Uses for Your Bundt Pan
With their tube-shaped centers and rounded, ridged bodies, there’s no question that Bundt pans make some pretty beautiful cakes. But that’s not all they can do. This classic piece of bakeware is far from a one-trick pony. Here are five more ways to put your Bundt pan to work (and they don’t involve cake). Beyond cakes and loafs, the bundt pan is the magical tool that let’s you reimagine a classic phyllo tart or pie. And the result is downright impressive!
Oct 24, 2016
The Best Place to Buy Carbon Steel Pans
If you’re a fan of cast iron, then you’ll want to try carbon steel The difference between the two (and the main benefit of carbon steel) is that carbon steel pans tend to be thinner and lighter than their cast iron cousins. They can also be cheaper than cast iron pans to buy — especially if you know where to look. Restaurant supply stores are a hidden secret for home cooks. You can get everything you need to feel just like a chef in a restaurant, including carbon steel pans.
Oct 14, 2016