52 Best Kitchen Gifts Every Home Cook Will Fall in Love With

You won’t be surprised to learn that our go-to gifts to give and receive are the ones that help us out in our favorite room of the house: the kitchen! That’s why we’ve compiled a handy list of the best kitchen gifts for any skill level, any occasion, and any budget.

Ahead, you’ll find amazing gifts for home cooks, including a handy cast-iron pan that produces a perfect sear, a powerful food processor that cuts down on prep time, and tons of practical, yet stylish tools. Plus, so many of these kitchen gift ideas also happen to be editor favorites!

2021 K Gift Guide: Kitchen Gifts - Cookware

1. Moroccan Cooking Tagine for Two

   Verve Culture

   $60

   This beautiful tagine for two is a thoughtful choice for a couple, or anyone really, who wants to relive their travels with a delicious meal. The domed lid traps and recirculates steam to keep meat tender and juicy, and the glazed terracotta is worthy of being displayed in a prominent spot.

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2. 5.5-Quart Round Dutch Oven

   Le Creuset

   $420

   If your giftee has had their eye on a Dutch oven, this would be the absolute perfect gift. This 5.5-quart version of the brand's signature round Dutch oven is large enough to take crowd-worthy batches of chili or simmering chicken parts for stock. Plus, with its classic design and myriad of colors, there's no doubt it'll look stunning on their stovetop.

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3. D3 Stainless 3-ply Bonded Cookware, Fry Pan with lid, 12 inch

   All-Clad

   $129.99 (was $239.99)

   Readers ask us all the time if All-Clad is worth the money, and we tell them that it is — especially when it comes to this fry pan. It has three bonded layers (that's what the D3 means), so it heats super evenly and gives food that coveted sear. It's also comfortable to hold and doesn't discolor easily. Plus, it'll last for ages, making it a gift they'll likely end up passing down aka a gift that keeps on giving.

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4. Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast-Iron Skillet

   Amazon

   $19.90 (was $34.25)

   Some people are lucky enough to have heirloom cast-iron pans passed down to them, while the rest of us can hope that someone buys us a high-quality pan that we can season and love enough to pass down to someone else one day. This Lodge skillet is that pan: classic, sturdy, and perfectly sized for everyday use.

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5. Great Jones Holy Sheet

   Great Jones

   $40

   Not only does this baking tray add a fun pop of color when making cookies and sheet pan dinners, it’s also a great kitchen workhorse. We love the Holy Sheet from Great Jones so much that it even made it onto our Kitchn Essentials list. It's available in five colors, so there’s a bright color to match any mood — or meal.

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6. Cookware Set

   Caraway

   $395 (was $545)

   You can't wrong with direct-to-consumer cookware brand Caraway — just ask our editors. That's why the beloved Cookware Set deserves a spot on this Hall of Fame gift list. The nontoxic, nonstick, ceramic-coated set includes essential cookware plus storage, and you can choose from eight gorgeous colorways. We especially love the popular Cream option, which will brighten up your kitchen instantly.

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7. Staub 5.5-Quart Cocotte

   Zwilling

   $399.99

   Crafted to last a lifetime, this is the gift that will keep on giving. Traditionally used for slow-cooking meat, fish, or vegetables, this cocotte has a matte black enamel coating inside that helps ensure a great sear to lock in flavor. Fun fact: It tied for the honor of top Dutch oven in our official Best List testing.

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8. Always Pan 2.0

   Our Place

   $110 (was $150)

   Perfect for the beginner home cook or anyone who is short on kitchen space, the do-it-all Always Pan 2.0 is an internet (and Kitchn editor) sensation for good reason. It was created to handle 10 different cooking tasks, including frying, sautéing, steaming (courtesy of the included steamer basket), searing, braising, boiling, and more. And, it doesn’t hurt that it’s gorgeous enough to bring from stove to table.

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9. 12" Hybrid Griddle Pan

   Hexclad

   $139.99 (was $159.99)

   Gifting a breakfast-loving household? Get them a griddle pan to help make weekend brunches that much more enjoyable. This one from editor-favorite HexClad delivers a completely flat 12-inch surface that will make quick work of fluffy pancakes, crisp bacon, and cheesy eggs (no sticking here!). Come dinnertime, it's great for kebobs, grilled sandwiches, and more.

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10. Bread Oven

    Le Creuset

    $300

    Anyone who already bakes bread would love the next best thing: a Le Creuset bread oven! We tested it and can report that it works beautifully thanks to the flat bottom (that doubles as a grill pan) and domed lid. The top traps and circulates steam, resulting in a crispy crust, whether they're making sourdough, whole wheat, rye, or more.

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11. OXO Good Grips Pro Hard Anodized Nonstick 12-Inch Skillet

    Amazon

    $59.99 (was $69.99)

    Speaking of our Best Lists, this skillet won the top spot on our nonstick skillet Best List! It's incredibly light, cooks like a dream, and has a comfortable handle that stays cool throughout cooking.

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12. All-Clad HA1 Nonstick Roasting Pan With Rack, 16" x 13"

    Sur La Table

    $99.95 (was $150)

    This large nonstick roasting pan comes with a rack perfect for everything from springtime roasts (think lamb or lemony chicken) and or course, holiday turkey. Remove the rack to use the pan as a do-it-all roaster for veggies, potatoes, or something sweet. Ultra-durable, PFOA free, and scratch resistant, this All-Clad piece is everything they'll want in a roasting pan.

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13. Great Jones Hot Dish

    Great Jones

    $90

    This stoneware casserole dish from Great Jones results in an even bake, cleans up incredibly easily, and has the best (read: easiest to grab) handles of any casserole dish we've ever tested. Plus, it's supercute!

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14. Saucy

    Great Jones

    $120

    This looker of a saucepan has a ton of hidden extras — such as laser-etched measurements, a small spout for drip-free pouring, a feel-good ergonomic handle, and more.

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15. Milo Classic Dutch Oven

    Kana Lifestyle

    $145

    Most Dutch ovens look pretty similar, but this one from Milo has a little something special. Maybe it’s the sleek color, the slightly straighter-than-usual lines, or the eye-catching gold-toned knob — or all three? It looks (and works) great, and it's a lot less expensive than other options.

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16. Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Skinny Grill

    Williams Sonoma

    $119.95 (was $205)

    This slim cast-iron grill fits over a single burner on a stovetop and churns out food that'll rival anything that an actual grill can cook. The extra-high ridges ensure good-looking grill marks and elevate food above drippings, and we also love the oversized handles, which make it easy to grip, even with oven mitts on.

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2021 K Gift Guide: Kitchen Gifts - Small Appliances

1. 2024 Design Series Evergreen Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

   KitchenAid

   $699.99

   If you have the budget, a KitchenAid stand mixer will help you score major, ahem, brownie points. It features 10 mixing speeds, and the beautiful 5-quart wooden bowl (a first for the brand) is large enough for dozens of cookies, multiple loads of bread, lots of mashed potatoes ... the list goes on.

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2. KitchenAid Go Cordless System Hand Mixer

   KitchenAid

   $129.99

   If they're short on space, KitchenAid's hand mixer features a streamlined design and is cordless for even more convenience.

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3. Fresh & Save Pump and Bag Set

   Zwilling

   $74.99

   Want to help them save food, time, and money? This vacuum starter set has everything needed to seal food up and lock in freshness and flavor — and keep it that way for up to five times longer than conventional methods.

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4. Instant Pot Vortex 5.7QT Air Fryer Oven Combo

   Amazon

   $114.58 (was $139.99)

   Instant Pot's editor-favorite air fryer includes four functions to air fry, bake, roast, and reheat — all within one compact appliance. The 5.7-quart capacity is great for solo dining, couples, and even small families.

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5. Vitamix Explorian E310

   Vitamix

   $329.95 (was $379.95)

   Many consider Vitamix to be the GOAT when it comes to blenders, and we have to agree. The Explorian E310 model is one of the most intuitive to use, with just three control dials and switches. It has a 48-ounce container as well as a powerful motor that's beloved by home cooks and pro chefs everywhere. Copy Chief Lauren Kodiak has had hers for more than six years — six!

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6. Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor

   Williams Sonoma

   $249.95

   This versatile countertop appliance shows up on wedding registries time and time again, and for good reason. It’s a classic workhorse that's easy to use and would be appreciated in any kitchen. It has a generous 14-cup capacity, and there are only two buttons — On and Off/Pulse — so there’s no learning curve when using it for the first time. It also beat out every other food processor during our testing.

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7. Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine

   Amazon

   $179.99 (was $249)

   This Nespresso machine has all the bells and whistles to brew three cup sizes for coffee, as well as both single and double espresso. With six speed settings, 19 bars of pressure, a 20-second brew time, and a frother attachment, there's officially no more need for your daily coffee shop run.

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8. Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

   Amazon

   $199.99 (was $229.99)

   Your giftee will never have to (or want to) go to the store for ice cream again — or for sorbet, gelato, slushies, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls — once they try the ever-popular Ninja CREAMi. It's an upgraded version of the machine that Commerce Editor Britt Franklin reviewed and loved. “It’s so easy to store premade mixtures in the freezer that I often have multiple pints frozen at one time. Whenever I have a craving for something sweet, all I have to do is grab one, load it into the Ninja CREAMi, and enjoy it — all in less than five minutes,” she writes.

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9. Hamilton Beach Personal Blender

   Amazon

   $20.85 (was $21.85)

   Have someone in your life who's always on the go? Get them this handy personal blender from Hamilton Beach they can use to streamline their mornings and crush delicious smoothies and shakes wherever they are. Plus, it's an editor-favorite item!

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10. Fellow Stagg Pour-Over Kettle

    Williams Sonoma

    $72.25 (was $85)

    The tea or coffee lover in your life will appreciate this style-forward kettle from Fellow, which also happens to be our favorite gooseneck kettle. It’s ideal for anyone who makes pour-over coffee because it’s designed to let you pour at a slow, even pace. You can also keep track of the temperature with the built-in thermometer. Plus, it’ll look gorgeous on any counter, making it totally giftable.

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11. Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender

    Williams Sonoma

    $129.95

    No one enjoys transferring hot soup from the stovetop to the blender. With this immersion blender, home cooks can skip that step entirely and puree the butternut squash soup that dreams are made of right in the pot. It's also great for making smoothies, pesto, cake batter, or fresh whipped cream.

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12. Smeg 2-Slice Toaster

    Williams Sonoma

    $199.95

    Not only do SMEG products have tons of retro charm, but they work incredibly well, too. This toaster (available in a ton of fun colors) features two extra-wide slots for thick slices of bread or bagels, and uses self-centering racks for even browning every time. It's no surprise that this beauty also ranks as one of our favorite toasters.

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13. 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Podless Single-Serve Function

    OXO

    $299.99

    This investment-worthy coffee maker is a huge hit with our editors, thanks to OXO's famous high-quality construction and the fact that you can make either a single cup or an entire pot of coffee at a time. Plus, it looks so sleek on your counter!

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2021 K Gift Guide: Kitchen Gifts - Accessories

1. Tabitha Brown for Target Dot Stoneware Spoon Rest

   Target

   $10

   A spoon rest is a practical gift for any home cook who wants to avoid a splatter-stained countertop, and this one from Tabitha Brown's Target collab is super bold and fun with its vivid pop of yellow and bright blue trim. Plus, at just $10 you can afford to grab the matching oven mitts, too!

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2. Escali Primo Lightweight Scale

   Amazon

   $19.99 (was $39.95)

   Every cook worth their weight in salt needs to have a reliable digital scale, and Escali’s are the gold standard because they’re easy to use, easy to clean, and, despite a cute appearance, very durable. Plus, they’re available in a ton of vibrant colors, so if your giftee has a classic navy kitchen, or even a bubblegum pink theme, you’re in luck.

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3. Williams Sonoma Ultimate Patterned Oven Mitt

   Williams Sonoma

   $19.95

   Give your loved one a hand with this durable oven mitt from Williams Sonoma. It's made from double-layer cotton, lined with poly fleece, and dipped in textured silicone that resists heat up to 650°F. When it's dirty, your giftee can toss it into the washing machine.

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4. KitchenAid 3-Piece Pasta Roller & Cutter Set

   Williams Sonoma

   $149.95 (was $219.95)

   If your giftee has a KitchenAid stand mixer and loves pasta, then it's impastable to think of a better gift. Editorial Shopping Director Jada Wong has this pasta attachment trio and loves that it takes a ton of work out of pasta making. It includes a pasta roller (which can be used for ravioli and sheets of lasagne noodles) and two pasta cutters for fettuccine and spaghetti.

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5. Silpat Baking Mat, Medium

   Amazon

   $11.99 (was $26.65)

   A food-safe, nonstick silicone sheet is a must-have for anyone who spends time baking. This option from Silpat is a do-it-all workhorse, whether your giftee uses it for baking cookies, roasting veggies, or broiling proteins. It's safe to use in the oven, microwave, and freezer, and no matter how ooey-gooey a mess may be, it cleans effortlessly with a little soap and hot water. Read our in-depth review of it here.

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6. DASH Safe Slice Mandoline Slicer

   Amazon

   $34.99 (was $39.99)

   Mandoline's are a great kitchen tool but they can admittedly be a bit intimidating. With this safe-to-use, standing mandoline, your giftee can slice and dice with ease to make their next big salad or sheet pan meal in a matter of minutes.

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7. Zwilling Four-Star 8-Inch Chef's Knife

   Zwilling

   $99.99 (was $139.99)

   If there's one item that every home chef needs, it's a really good chef's knife. Beloved by home cooks and pros alike, Zwilling is the go-to for quality cutlery, and the Four Star 8-inch Chef's Knife is designed to deliver proper balance, safe slicing, and great blade strength. It's entirely dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup, too.

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8. Orkney Linen Tea Towel

   Rough Linen

   $22.10 (was $26)

   Tea towels are the perfect small gift if you’re not quite sure what exactly your giftee needs in their kitchen. Even though they’re meant to dry dishes, when they're draped on a hook or a towel bar, they can make a seriously stylish statement. This option from Rough Linen is one of our favorites: The antimicrobial linen dries quickly, looks luxe, and comes in 11 chic colorways. If you want to go a step further, you can even gift them a set of seven, which is 15% off right now!

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9. Universal Pot and Pan Lid

   Amazon

   $23.99

   The Kitchn contributor and private chef Meredith swears by this universal lid that can fit on all of her pots and pans. It's ideal for making sunny-side-up eggs, keeping dishes warm, or just speeding up cooking by trapping steam under the lid. Since it can replace so many other lids, it'll even help your loved one clear the clutter from their cabinets. Read Meredith's in-depth review here.

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10. Tumbler Diamond Rolling Knife Sharpener Set

    Tumbler

    $98 (was $129)

    For the cook with serious knife skills, how about the ultimate knife-sharpening system? Ian, The Kitchn's former senior commerce editor, said that although it takes some practice, the Tumbler Rolling Knife Sharpener is great for beginners. "I have a double-sided synthetic whetstone that I’ve used for years, but the Tumbler is admittedly a lot faster," he wrote. "It also takes much less thought than a whetstone, since you don’t really have to worry about getting the correct angles. For the sake of the article, I dulled one of my knives on purpose, and while it broke my heart to scrape the edge along the back of a fork, the Tumbler Diamond Rolling Knife Sharpener Set had it back to a very sharp edge in just a few minutes. Credit where credit is due!"

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11. Saludi Colored Wine Glasses

    Amazon

    $134.98

    Wine glasses always make a fantastic gift (especially these!). With a generous capacity, a modern design, and six distinct colors, Saludi's colored glasses add elegance to any occasion. Expertly handblown and lead-free, these glasses are the real deal. Plus, they come in a stylish gift box!

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12. Signature Oil and Vinegar Set

    Le Creuset

    $41.60 (was $52)

    This stunning two-piece cruet set from Le Creuset is crafted specifically for oils and vinegars, with stainless-steel pouring nozzles, easy-to-clean glazed interiors, and high-quality stoneware that protects the contents from light and heat. The glaze, which is available in nearly a dozen eye-catching colors, is resistant to chipping and cracking, and it’s even dishwasher-safe.

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13. Chemex Pour Over Glass Coffeemaker

    Amazon

    $36.98 (was $43.50)

    Know a coffee lover who wants to step up their morning cup? Gift them this Chemex Pour Over Coffeemaker, which is our favorite because of its classic shape and durable design. It’s also easy to use: Put the coffee grounds up top, then pour hot water over them slowly. The result is a delicious cup of coffee made without a bulky machine on your counter.

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14. Stojo Box 24-Ounce, 3-Pack

    Stojo

    $54 (was $60)

    If your loved one values form just as much as function, then Stojo’s range of reusable bottles, bowls, and boxes is the perfect place to look for a gift. Try this Box Bundle that includes three collapsible silicone containers each capable of holding up to 24 ounces. It's a great pick for someone who is trying to cut down on plastic in their kitchen or who would appreciate some stylish on-the-go lunch boxes.

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15. Bee’s Wrap

    Amazon

    $13.59 (was $18.99)

    Help your lunch buddy ditch plastic for good with this reusable food wrap. Made from cotton, beeswax, plant oils, and tree resin, these wraps are an all-natural way to store and transport food. They're pretty cute, too.

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16. Thermapen ONE

    ThermoWorks

    $81.75 (was $109)

    As you might suspect from the name, this thermometer gives an (almost) unbelievably fast reading in just one second. It’s lightweight and easy to use, making it a favorite in our editors' kitchens. If the price is a little more than you want to spend, check out the brand’s more budget-friendly option.

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17. J.K. Adams Large Reversible Maple Carving Board

    Amazon

    $84.99 (was $90.25)

    This maple cutting board is groovy. As in, it’s got a nice deep well carved into one side that helps hold a roast or bird steady as it’s being carved. (It also features a juice groove around the edge.) A flat surface on the reverse side is ideal for serving and slicing.

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18. Nama Standing Mat (23-inch by 30-inch)

    House of Noa

    $79

    Standing in a kitchen for long periods of time, whether that’s in front of the sink or at the stove, can be a real pain in the ... back. But one of these standing mats, which look more like fancy rugs, can help.

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19. Earlywood Essentials Four-Piece Wood Utensil Set

    Etsy

    $58

    Turns out, the best wooden spoon isn't a spoon at all. This handmade set includes a spreader (think: frosting and peanut butter), a scraper for cast-iron cooking, and two flat sauté tools, which we think are better than actual spoons. Get this set for your friend who isn't afraid to stir things up! (And check out our review here to see them in action.)

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20. Mepal Microwavable Nested Storage Bowls, Shallow, Set of 4

    Food52

    $77

    No offense to traditional plastic containers, but most of them could look a lot better, don’t ya think? These nesting bowls have all the features a busy cook desires: They’re lightweight; dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe; and boast a leak-proof seal. And, of course, they’re easy on the eyes.

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21. Material The reBoard

    Material

    $35

    Manufacturing kitchenware results in a great deal of plastic waste, but Material cleverly figured out how to repurpose it into durable, colorful cutting boards. The Kitchn editors have been using these boards for years and report that they're still looking as good as new.

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22. PepperMate Pepper Mill

    Amazon

    $39.99

    If it’s good enough for Ina Garten, it should be good enough for your loved one, right? All kidding aside, this pepper mill is pretty great. It’s easy to load and has a ceramic grinder that won’t rust. The best part? The clear cup at the bottom catches stray grounds so that they don’t make a mess on the counter or table.

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23. Soft-Edge Turner

    Material

    $25

    Give someone you love something to flip over — or flip with, more accurately. This silicone turner is sturdy yet flexible, making it ideal for scraping, turning, folding, and, of course, flipping whatever is in the pan. It often sells out (because it's that amazing!), so buy it while you can.

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Further Reading

We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Ice Cream, and They All Said the Same Thing

Do Water Filters Really Work — And Which Ones Are the Best?

Le Creuset Launched a Pan That’s Perfect for Everything from Stews to Stir-Fry — and It’s Already on Sale