Tips for Tool Shopping

The answer is never.

That mint green fridge could impact your home's future.

Let’s be real: We’ve all spent several hours shopping inside an IKEA store, or browsing on the IKEA website, or figuring out how to put a piece of its furniture together. But how much time have we devoted to learning the story behind our favorite affordable Swedish home goods brand? Chances are that you have purchased at least one item from IKEA, but do you even have the slightest clue what their name means?

If you thought IKEA couldn’t get any better, you thought wrong. On February 8, the biggest IKEA in North America will open in Burbank, California. The biggest, we say! At 456,000 square feet, the new IKEA Burbank edges out the 450,000-square-foot store in Schaumberg, Illinois, as North America’s largest, but falls short of the world’s largest, in Seoul, South Korea, where shoppers can traipse through a 625,000-square-foot store. (Most branches in the U.S.

For starters, shake up that bin from time to time.

No need to get a new stove!

Whether you’re setting up a new kitchen or considering upgrading the tools you currently have, a knife set can seem like a good idea. The advantages are that you get a lot of knives (and, often, kitchen shears and a honing steel) at a reasonable price and you don’t have to think too much about it. But are you really better off purchasing a block set? The experts agree: probably not, and here’s why. Bottom line: You don’t really need a lot of knives.

Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen? Do you have a refrigerator that’s way (way) past its expiration date? If you’re just starting your search for a new appliance (or appliances!), you’ll quickly find that there are a lot more factors to consider than you may have anticipated. Is a top freezer or a bottom freezer better for the way you store your stuff? Is a counter-depth or a built-in fridge worth the extra expense?

Hint: You are definitely NOT expecting us to name this store!

You can do it too!

Here's where you can save and what you should buy.

Beyond that sweet Prime shipping, that is.

Q: I am accustomed to using a hand mixer and only recently decided that it would be a good idea to have a stand mixer. How do I determine what motor watt to buy? Watts are confusing to me — my hand mixer is only 200 watts and does a fine job, so am I too far off in thinking that a 275 watt stand mixer would do the trick for me? Sent by Laura Editor: My understanding is that watts translates into power — more watts, more power.

I’ve been going to Upstate New York for the past few weeks with some friends who do many style-y things for a living, and one of them is that they collect antiques to sell in their store in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. They are good friends to have in many ways, but one of my favorite things about having these housemates is the way they can do a flea market like no one else. Lately, I’ve learned some of their tricks.

You know that sound — the sound of a grocery bag toppling over in your trunk after you make a sharp turn. Now something (the jar of pickles, or the jug of milk?) is rolling back and forth, back and forth. And all you can think is, am I going to open my trunk and find a leaky mess everywhere? If this sounds familiar, you need a trunk organizer. You can pick up one of these oft-collapsible organizers for as little as $10.

If I could be anybody at 70 years old, I would want to be Ina Garten. Actually, scratch that — I’d want to be her at any age. I want her Hamptons house and her $15,000 French stove, and I want to smile all the time and look 25 years younger than I am — just like she does. The last part I’m still optimistic for, but the Hamptons house and the shiny oven are things I might just have to be content with by watching Ina on TV.

There have been several comments about the industrial-sized roll of plastic wrap on chef Dan Kluger’s counter, pictured in yesterday’s Brooklyn Kitchen Tour.Personally, we lack the counter space for a box this big, but if you’re itching for 2000 feet of plastic wrap, we found some sources for you…And yes, most commercial rolls are 2000 feet long. They do vary in width, however. We found ones from 12 to 24 inches.

When selecting appliances for the kitchen, one is presented with a variety of choices (almost too much variety for those of use prone to indecision!). One place to start in narrowing down the selection is figuring out whether they they will be freestanding or built-in: Figure that out as a first step, then narrow your choices from there. For a start, here are advantages and disadvantages to both: Freestanding: Pros Generally less expensive than built-ins.

You know how some refrigerators are so deep that they stick out past the counter? Well, there is a whole genre of the appliance out there that is made to fit flush with the depth of the counter, eliminating those awkward ins-and-outs in the kitchen. Problem is, most of them are at least 36″ wide: A counter-depth fridge is shallower than normal, but generally makes up for storage capacity in its width. Most counter-depth models are 36″ wide and up.

Do you have a stand mixer? If you don’t, it is probably on your standing wish list. Many people buy stand mixers this time of year (it is Christmas, after all!) so here are a few tips and questions for those of you picking out a stand mixer. Whether you’re buying the ubiquitous KitchenAid or another brand of stand mixer, run through these questions and tips as you go about your mixer shopping. The first question you should ask yourself is whether you really need a stand mixer.

Like its name suggests, Butcher Block Co. specializes in all kitchen things made with butcher block. From cutting boards to countertops, carts, and kitchen islands, they have an impressive collection from top-of-the-line butcher block makers like John Boos and Catskill Craftsmen — and all with a price match guarantee.As the company says on their website, they “try to make it easy” to shop for butcher block products.

We saw and appropriately devoured IKEA’s new 2015 catalog, but that wasn’t the end; the beloved Swedish superstore just announced they have brand new designs hitting their US stores in February. We got a sneak peek at what’s coming for the kitchen, and it’s pretty great — we’re talking four new dining tables, a new series of bamboo kitchen organization accessories (including a bamboo tablet stand!

A kitchen scale is one of those gadgets you probably don’t think about until you have an immediate need for one. But once you’ve picked one up, you’re likely to use it frequently. That is, if you pick the right one. There are many different kinds of scales out there, so it’s important to get the one that will fit most of your uses. We picked five types of scales you should consider, depending on what you will use it for the most.

How often do you actually wear an apron? Do you don one each night when you’re cooking dinner, or do you only reach for one when you’re settling into a serious kitchen project, like baking cookies or making homemade tomato sauce? Whichever type of apron-wearer you are, it’s important to have one or two in your kitchen. Here are a few of our favorite aprons on the market now. Get one and keep your clothes stain-free.

We see a lot of gear — from handheld gadgets to countertop appliances — come across our desks and kitchen counters each year. There are some things that are worth the money, and some that fall flat. Plus, there are plenty of ways to save on the gear you need in the kitchen. Here are our best shopping tips and product reviews from 2015. The restaurant supply store is your friend: You can score good deals on restaurant-quality goods, if you know what to look for.

Ceramic knives may look like fancy plastic utensils, but your produce and fingers know otherwise — these blades are sharp! And the good news is, they keep that edge for a very long time. The bad news? These tools can’t take the same type of abuse as their stainless steel counterparts. They’re more brittle and more likely to chip or break if you don’t treat them with special care. Here are five tips for taking care of these fierce but fragile blades.

No, it’s not IKEA. Well, IKEA is one of our favorite shops for cozy Scandinavian finds, but there’s a site that offers way more. From the classic designers and iconic brands to lacquered oak chairs and the sleekest smoke alarms you’ve ever seen, the Finnish Design Shop has all the things a hygge-lover could want — and more. Need proof? Here are 10 items we’re currently drooling over on the site.

If you’re looking to purchase a new fridge, you’re probably a bit perplexed about where to start — especially if you’ve never gone through this before. Well, we’ve got you covered with a few of the most vital need-to-know items. Read on and you’ll be sure to stay savvy as you navigate the fridge market.

It’s toast — how hard can it be? Medium hard, actually! Sure, you can get a two-slice toaster for around $30, but you can also shell out a couple hundred bucks on a toaster oven that puts your real oven to shame. How do you decide which option is best for you? Answer these five questions and you’ll see the way. Ah, this great debate. So many households are divided over this issue. I’ve actually seen his and hers toasters and toasters ovens, respectively.

Shopping for a blender can be complicated. There are a lot of options out there! And not only are these gadgets pretty bulky, but they can also cost a pretty penny. The last thing you want to do is waste storage space or money on a blender that doesn’t actually fit your lifestyle or needs. Check out these important questions to ask yourself before you, um, checkout. Are you just going to be making the occasional milkshake?

The coffee maker is the sun around which your kitchen orbits: The day waxes as the first cups brew in the morning, and wanes as the last pot of decaf is prepared. That’s why buying a new machine can be a really big decision and feel like the whole house’s happiness rests in the balance. Here are some things to know before you do it. Buying a coffee maker is not a one-time expense.

The best part of owning a slow cooker is that you don’t really have to think about it much. You do, however, have to think about a few factors before you can buy one. In the market for one? Ask yourself these five questions before you shell out the cash. Slow cookers come in all sorts of sizes. If you live alone or you just want a slow cooker to heat up nacho cheese for taco night, you might like a tiny guy that holds just two-and-a-half quarts.

Updating your kitchen with new appliances can be an exciting facelift. But updating your budget spreadsheet with the necessary numbers can feel a little bit more like a punch in the gut. If you’re looking for a bargain, you know to shop around for sales and look for rebates. One other option? Buying used. Here are the pros and cons that come with getting something that’s pre-loved — and where to find a gem if you choose to take the plunge!

A range is arguably the most important appliance in the kitchen. Not convinced? Just think back to your college days when, chances are, all you had to work with was a hot pot and a microwave. If you’re in the market for a new range, you want to make sure you’re investing in a good one. But how much exactly should you spend? When is it worth it to shell out an extra hundred dollars (or two) and when is it totally not?

If you're a fan of a clean, streamlined aesthetic, you need to know about this store.

There are many things at Costco that have their own cult following, like checking out the samples (which are always free) and taking a trip to the food court on your way out. But there might be a few things you’re missing from this wholesale giant, and they don’t have anything to do with food. This weekend a thread over at Reddit got some traction about deep discount savings at Costco and it caught my attention. Here are the top ones I found. 1.

What did we do before Amazon? I realize that the retail behemoth might be responsible for the death of the independent bookstore, but I’m still oh-so-grateful for/dependent upon the services it provides (even while I patiently wait for the second season of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel to hit Prime Video). Although, with so many sellers from all over the world offering products, you run the risk of getting items that are either no good, or flat-out not what was promised.

I go back and forth in my love for discount stores. When you go and find an amazing deal, you don’t just feel lucky — you feel like a genius for being smart enough to scour the store and find just what you needed, without paying full price like those other fools. Combining that rush of a shiny new object with pride for your perseverance is celebration-worthy.

While many of us are just casual HomeGoods shoppers, some people have turned it into basically a full-time job. They scour stores for amazing deals and share them with their fans through Instagram and Twitter. Fortunately, you don’t have to get that serious to land the best deals and experience. You just have to know these secrets.

Think you know everything there is to know about how best to shop at HomeGoods? Well, think again. We reached out to Christine Lee, the mastermind behind Instagram account HomeGoodsObsessed, to share her super shopper-approved insider tips and tricks for getting the best deals and scoring the best finds at the bargain home decor treasure trove. Read on for seven secrets only the savviest HomeGoods fans know. When are you most likely to hit up HomeGoods? On the weekend?

There’s a lot to love about IKEA. You can get stylish, yet affordable home furnishings and decor, unique houseplants, a do-it-all bag for just $1.30, and even a full meal all within the walls of one giant store. But one perk you’re probably overlooking is the store’s loyalty card. The IKEA Family Card entitles members to a wide range of benefits and freebies that are clearly spelled out in the terms and conditions.

Unless you’re planning on staying in your house forever, chances are good that, when planning home improvements, you have at least one eye on resale value. Today we’re tackling a tricky question: Can new appliances increase the value of your home? As most appliances don’t come cheap, is it worth the expensive upgrade? Turns out, the answer is: it depends. For the most part, expecting a significant return on appliances is a risky proposition.

The cake that sunk in the middle or cracked on the top. The roast that came out too rare or dry as a bone. I feel your pain. So, what do you do? Chances are, you run out and buy an oven thermometer the first chance you get. Then, you determine that the actual temperature doesn’t match the one you’ve selected. Next step? You adjust future recipes by upping or lowering the temp setting because you now know that your oven runs hot or cold. Common sense, right? Not so fast.

Iced coffee is one of the best things about summer. It’s refreshing, cooling, and heavily caffeinated. What’s not to love? The only problem is that buying iced coffee from coffee shops can get extremely expensive — especially since it goes down so quickly (you’ll need another cup before you know it!). And cold brew coffee tends to be even more expensive than regular ol’ iced coffee, which is already more expensive than hot coffee!

Have you ever wondered why your cookies never come out the same from batch to batch, even though you’re using the same recipe? Chances are, it’s your measuring cup that’s to blame. While, yes, the whole point of a measuring cup is accuracy, it’s extremely easy to measure incorrectly. A little too much on top here, a little under the line there — that can really mess up a recipe. Good news, bakers!

When it’s time to buy a new fridge, it can feel like there are about a thousand options — single door, French doors, freezer on the top, freezer on the bottom, stainless steel or not. The list goes on, but luckily we’re here to break it all down for you, including one more feature you probably didn’t even know existed before you started your refrigerator research. Here’s the question: Should you get a counter-depth or a standard-depth fridge?

If you’re considering a new refrigerator, chances are the first things you’ll consider are price and size. These are critical! But, as you’ll find out once you start to do some research, there are many (many) more factors to take into consideration. One of those is freezer placement. No, it’s not sexy, but it is a question you should ask yourself: Do you want a freezer on the top or a freezer on the bottom? There are advantages (and disadvantages) to both.

When you’ve got a family to feed — or just a serious Costco habit — the idea of having some more space in the freezer is incredibly appealing. You can just imagine the benefits: You’ll do less grocery shopping because you can buy so much meat at once and freeze it for the future, you’ll spend less money because you can take advantage of sales and stick the excess in the freezer, and you’ll avoid last-minute pizza by freezing more meals for future late nights.

If your eyes light up when you head through the frozen aisle at Costco, or your feet are at risk every time you open your freezer (a pint of Ben & Jerry’s can really do a number on your toes!), you’ve probably thought about getting another freezer. We know: It seems like such an indulgence! Would you even use it, have a place for it, or be able to justify the expense? Take this quiz and find out. A. One to two B. Three to four C. Five or more A. Whole Foods B.

Your range is a wonderful and complicated thing that helps you put dinner on the table. And even though it may see like a complicated heat box machine, it’s actually pretty simple to repair. The ceramic top has a crack? No big deal! A new one can be popped into place (just don’t cook on it until then, as it could further shatter or lead to some electric shocks!). The oven seems to be giving off a lot of heat? You might just need a new gasket. Is the control panel being wonky?

I think that there may be one type of cookware that has prompted more “What is that?” questions from readers over the years than anything else, and that is Dansk Kobenstyle.

We recently went refrigerator shopping and saw model after model with ice and water dispensers installed in the doors. It’s not something we want because of the look, the fact that these dispensers often need repair, and the $50 price tag on replacement filters. A great alternative to consider: A whole-home water filter! This way, you can simply fill a glass (and ice cube trays) from the tap and skip incorporating these features into the refrigerator.

There seem to be two camps when it comes to electric kettles: those who can’t live without them and those who don’t really see the point. The question is, do you need one in your kitchen? Electric kettles certainly have a lot going for them. They are energy-efficient and heat water quickly (more quickly than in a stovetop kettle or in the microwave). You can even control the water temperature on most of the newer models, a feature that tea and coffee aficionados love.

We’ve been talking a lot about essential kitchen equipment during the Kitchen Cure, encouraging you to jettison things you don’t need and to make sure you do have the right equipment to make cooking a pleasure and not a pain. Of course, cooking gear is very subjective, according to how and what you cook. It’s fun to hear what different cooks consider essential. Here is another list from the Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten.

If you’re making your own candy this holiday season to give as gifts or to keep for yourself, you may be working with fondant or tempering chocolate. If so, you’re going to need a marble slab. Marble surfaces are useful for working with certain types of food because they stay cool – if you place one in the fridge, it will hold the cold temperature for a few hours. When hot candy is poured on a marble slab, it cools more quickly and this makes it easier to work with.