1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Cooking Equipment

Product Reviews and Recommendations

Before you head to the store, check here first for gift ideas and must-have equipment, as well as candid product reviews that can help you make the best purchase.
Must-Have Tools for Serving Thanksgiving Dinner
If you've already got all the right cooking equipment to prepare Thanksgiving dinner, the next step is to make sure you have the right tools and accessories to serve Thanksgiving dinner. These tools and accessories will help you serve your Thanksgiving dinner in style.
Guide to Kitchen Gifts and Gifts for Cooks
Are you shopping for the perfect gift for the cooks and food lovers in your life? I'm here to help. I've scoured the stores (both online and brick-and-mortar) to bring you some of the most innovative, appealing gifts for the cooks on your holiday gift list.
Top Gifts for Cooking with Kids
More and more people are discovering the rewards of cooking with their kids. And, with kids becoming increasingly interested in cooking and baking, cooking equipment in just their size makes the perfect gift. Check out some of the top tools and equipment for cooking with kids.
Kitchen Gifts for Aspiring Professional Chefs
If there's someone in your life who follows cooking reality shows with the passion of a pro sports fan, or who dreams of wearing a toque and heading up the kitchen in a four-star restaurant, these ideas for kitchen gifts will be a sure hit. Any aspiring professional chef is sure to appreciate the same type of cooking equipment that their favorite pro chefs use.
Kitchen Gadgets for the Perfect Gift
Whether you're looking for the perfect hostess gift, a small item for an office gift exchange, or a stocking stuffer for your favorite cook, these latest gadgets all make welcome gifts for anyone who loves to cook.
Do Pink Ribbon Products Truly Support Breast Cancer Research …
In October, it seems like every kitchenware store has a selection of pink products purporting to support breast cancer research and awareness. But do these pink ribbon products really support breast cancer as they promise? Here's how to choose wisely so that your pink ribbon purchases count.
Comparing Crock Pot and West Bend Slow Cookers
Crock Pot certainly is the best known brand of slow cookers, but there are plenty of other slow cookers on the market as well. Here is a comparison of two popular oval 6-quart slow cookers, the Crock Pot VersaWare Slow Cooker and the West Bend Versatility Slow Cooker.
Fissler Blue-Point Pressure Cooker
The Fissler pressure cooker is a sturdy, well-designed pressure cooker. Read the review of the Fissler pressure cooker.
All-Clad MC2 Cookware
The MC2 line from All-Clad cookware is at the lower end of the cookware company's price spectrum, but still has all of the durability and superior quality for which All-Clad cookware is known.
360 Cookware
360 Cookware is high-quality cookware with a special claim - it purports to cook in its own vapors, without added fat and oil. Read the review of 360 Cookware to see if it works.
Cooking Equipment - What's Your Favorite Piece of Cooking Equipment?
Every cook has a favorite tool in the kitchen that they use on a daily basis and can't live without. What's your favorite piece of cooking equipment?
Get the Julie and Julia Kitchen
Foodies anticipated the premiere of movie Julie and Julia as eagerly as sci-fi nerds awaited the latest Star Trek movie. And they weren't disappointed; Meryl Streep channeled the iconic chef flawlessly, and Amy Adams was a sympathetic heroine to whom anyone who's ever made a disastrous recipe could relate. But of course the food and the kitchens were the star of the show. If seeing Julie and Juli…
Fagor Portable Induction Cooktop
The Fagor Portable Induction Cooktop is a sleek, efficient, safe cooktop that can serve as a portable kitchen or an extra burner in your own kitchen. Read the review of the Fagor Portable Induction Cooktop.
5 Options for Citrus Juicers at All Prices
Whether it's making lemon bars, fruity drinks, or adding a bright note of flavor to a recipe, a citrus juicer is a must in the kitchen. There's a wide range to choose from, whether it's a manual citrus juicer or an electric appliance. Here are some citrus juicers to consider.
Guide to Cookers
Rice Cookers, Pressure Cookers and Slow Cookers (aka Crock-Pots) all have their place in a well-equipped kitchen. This guide tells you which cooker can be used for which type of recipe and what to look for as you're shopping for cookers.
Bridal Shower Gifts for the Kitchen
Whether you need small gifts for a bridal shower or for a wishing well at a wedding, there are plenty of kitchen tools and gadgets that any bride and groom would welcome. Here are some of my top picks for bridal shower gifts for the kitchen.
Review of the Demy Recipe Reader
The Demy Recipe Reader is a great idea - a device with which you can store and view recipes. Read the review of the Demy Recipe Reader to see if it's as good as it sounds
Fagor Electric Multi Cooker
The Fagor Electric Multi Cooker is a handy multitasker in the kitchen, ideal for kitchens with limited storage space. But it's important to know that each of the appliance's functions don't necessarily have all the bells, whistles and features that a single-use appliance would have. Read the review of the Fagor Electric Multi Cooker.
BeaterBlade Mixer Attachment from New Metro Designs
The BeaterBlade is a paddle blade attachment for Kitchenaid and other stand mixer brands. Read the full review of the BeaterBlade attachment.
Give her an kitchen gift she'll love
Whether she's your own mom, the mom of your children, or just a mom you love and admire, be sure to tell her how important she is to you with a meaningful Mother's Day gift. Is she into cooking and baking? I've assembled a selection of Mother's Day gifts at all prices that can make her time in the kitchen even more fun. Looking for more ideas? Check out more Budget Cooking Equipment - Readers Share Budget Cooking Equipment Tips
What is your favorite budget cooking equipment purchase? Share tips on buying cooking equipment on a budget, and learn about the best budget buys other readers have made.
Lodge Logic Cast Iron Cookware
Lodge Logic cast iron cookware is timeless, durable and comes already seasoned. Read a review of The Lodge Logic line of cast iron cookware.
Leifheit Swingo Power Peeler
The Leifheit Swingo Power Peeler is an electric potato peeler that uses battery power to create a vibrating sensation designed to make peeling easier. But does the Leifheit Swingo Power Peeler actually work? Read this review to find out.
Cooking Equipment on a Budget
In a time of recession, being frugal is all the rage, even in the kitchen. You might not be able to afford those expensive countertop appliances or top-of-the-line cookware, but you can still find plenty of good-quality budget cooking equipment. Here are some of the best budget-priced cooking equipment products and brands.
EdgeCraft Chef's Choice Electric Knife Sharpener (Model 120)
Having an at-home knife sharpener can help you keep your kitchen knives in prime working order. Read the review of the EdgeCraft Electric Knife Sharpener Model #120, which uses diamond abrasives to sharpen and hone.
AeroGarden Classic
The AeroGarden can grow herbs, vegetables and flowers indoors, with no dirt and minimal attention. Read this review of the AeroGarden classic, the company's flagship model.
Review of George Foreman Lean Mean Spin Frying Machine (Model GSFO26B)
The George Foreman fryer, called the George Foreman Lean Mean Spin Frying Machine, is designed to reduce the amount of fat retained in fried foods. Made by the company that revolutionized the indoor grilling category, George Foreman, this fryer is easy to use. Read a review of the George Foreman fryer.
Zyliss Pizza Wheel (Item 72476)
The Zyliss pizza cutter is easy to use and easy to clean. Read a review of the Zyliss Pizza Wutter.
Cook Like a Top Chef

Foodie television fans are mourning the recent ending of Top Chef's Season 5. But if you've been inspired by the culinary creations of the competitors on the show, you can at least attempt to cook like them.

Check out some of the cooking equipment that the Top Chef competitors used in the show's kitchens. With it, you might be able to create a meal that's worthy of Padma's and Tom's di…

Review of the Vita Mix Blender (Model 5200)
The Vita Mix blender is one of the most powerful blenders on the market, and also among the most expensive. Read the review of the Vita Mix blender to determine if a Vita Mix is a good choice for you
Caphalon Panini Grill Pan With Press
The Calphalon Panini Grill Pan comes with a panini press to make crusty sandwiches with perfectly melted fillings. Read a review of the Calphalon Panini Grill Pan with Press.
Cooking Equipment Winners of the 2009 Housewares Design Awards

The winners of the Housewares Design Awards are the cream of the crop in the housewares, cooking equipment and kitchenware industry. Winners are chosen based on such criteria as innovative technology, unique design, environmental benefits and social impact. The 2009 Housewares Design Awards were announced at a luncheon in January in New York City.

In the cooking equipment category, the…

Guide to Cookware Shapes
Pots and pans come in many different shapes, each with specific features that make it ideal for certain techniques and types of recipes. This cookware guide will help you identify the characteristics of the wide range of pots and pans, and what purpose each piece of cookware is best suited for.
Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Maker
The Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Maker allows you to make delicious handmade pasta the old-fashioned way. Read a review of the Atlas 150 Pasta Maker
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignonne Braising Base from Williams-Sonoma
Slow cooker meals are even easier to prepare when you start out with a braising base or jarred sauce like the Williams-Sonoma Beef Bourguignonne Braising Base. This product, albeit expensive, will help you make an authentic slow cooker meal.
All-Clad 4-Square Belgian Waffle Maker
The All-Clad 4-Square Belgian Waffle Maker is a pricey model as far as waffle makers go, but it's beautifully designed and makes thick, fluffy waffles.
Review of Crock-Pot Slow Cooker with eLume Touchscreen (Model SCVT650-PS)
The Crock-Pot Slow Cooker with eLume Touchscreen Technology has a sleek design and a fun touchscreen control panel. Read the review of the Crock-Pot Slow Cooker with eLume Touchscreen Technology.
Camerons Stovetop Smoker
Smoke foods quickly and easily with a Cameron Stovetop Smoker. Read a review of the Cameron Stovetop Smoker.
Cooking Equipment Guide to Holiday Gifts
Are you shopping for the perfect gift for the cooks and food lovers in your life? I'm here to help. I've scoured the stores (both online and brick-and-mortar) to bring you some of the most innovative, appealing gifts for the cooks on your holiday gift list.
Jessica's Top Holiday Cooking Equipment Gift Picks
Want a peek inside my holiday gift wish list? These kitchenware items are all my picks for this year's holiday gifts. Unusual and innovative, these gifts offer some out-of-the-box ideas for the cook on your gift list. Santa, are you listening?
Inexpensive Stocking Stuffers for the Cook
These tools and gadgets make fun stocking stuffers for any home cook.
Holiday Gifts for the Foodie Family
The family that plays together, stays together… and so does the family that eats together. These fun holiday gifts will ensure hours of fun on family night, whether playing a board game or watching a movie is on the agenda.
Holiday Gifts for Bakers
If someone on your list loves to bake breads, cookies, cakes and other baked goods, she'll love one of these holiday gifts for bakers to fuel her passion.
Holiday Gifts for the Cook who has Everything
It might seem like an accomplished home cook has everything she could possibly need in her kitchen already. But these holiday gifts offer a few special ideas to share with the cook in your life who seems to have everything.
Thanksgiving Dinner Cooking Equipment Checklist
Are you prepared for Thanksgiving dinner? If you're cooking Thanksgiving dinner at your house, this checklist will ensure you have all the cooking equipment and tools you need to make a glorious meal.
Epicurean Cutting Boards, Recycled Series
Epicurean Cutting Boards are made of environmentally friendly and knife friendly composites. These cutting boards are maintenance free, since they can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Read the review of Epicurean Cutting Boards.
Kitchen Products That Are Helping to Find a Cure
October is the month to "think pink" in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the kitchenware and cooking equipment industry is particularly supportive of this cause. You can support breast cancer research by choosing from of a wide range of kitchenware that's pink to help build awareness of this debilitating disease.
KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer (Model K45SSWH)
A KitchenAid mixer on the countertop is a status symbol in the kitchens of many cooking enthusiast. The classic series KitchenAid mixer is the company's entry-level product but still delivers power and versatility. Read the review of the Classic Series KitchenAid mixer, model K45SSWH.
OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer (Item 1071480)
A mandoline slicer can make your cooking look more professional. The OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer has some nice safety features and is easy to use, once you master the basics.
Comparing Stainless Steel Indoor Grills – George Foreman and Breville Grills
If you want the versatility of year-round indoor grilling coupled with a well-designed product that will meet your contemporary kitchen, opt for a stainless steel indoor grill. This article compares two of the most popular stainless indoor grills: George Foreman's Stainless Steel Grill and Breville's Indoor BBQ and Grill.
Secondary Small Appliances
Once you've got your must-have kitchen appliances, continue setting up your kitchen with an assortment of small kitchen appliances that aren't necessarily essential but are always nice to have.
Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Bread Machine (Model BBCC-X20)
Zojirushi's Home Bakery bread machine is a favorite among baking aficionados, but there are some drawbacks. Here is a review of the Zojirushi bread machine.
Review of Hamilton Beach 3-in-One Slow Cooker (Model 33133)
This slow cooker, or crock pot, has a clever design in which three different sized crocks fit into one base, enabling the cook to make slow cooker recipes for two or for a crowd.
Small Kitchen Appliance Basics – Appliances for a Well-Equipped Kitchen
What small kitchen appliances do you need to have a well-outfitted kitchen? This checklist outlines the small kitchen appliances you need to be prepared for every cooking task. Start with this basic kitchen equipment and expand according to your needs.
Emerilware BAM! Machine designed by Emeril Lagasse
Emeril Lagasse's Emerilware BAM! Machine is a food processor, blender and juicer. Read the review of Emeril's Emerilware BAM! Machine.
Five Things to Buy at a Restaurant Supply Store
Nearly every city has a restaurant supply store, an emporium of cooking equipment where the chefs shop for the tools of their trade. These stores are among the best places to get great values in kitchen gear and cooking equipment of all types. Most restaurant supply stores are open to the public, but if your local store isn't, check on their web site or call to see if you can get a free guest pas…
Cuisinart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker (Model ICE-20)
Cuisinart's most basic ice cream maker is inexpensive and easy to use. This ice cream maker features an insulated freezer bowl, eliminating the need for ice and salt like old-fashioned ice cream makers.
Emerilware Bread & Baguette Maker by T-Fal (Model 42EW705)
The Emerilware Bread & Baguette Maker is versatile and easy to use. The review of the Emerilware Bread & Baguette Maker weighs its pros and cons.
10 Kitchen Gadgets and Kitchen Tools Every Cook Needs
There are certain kitchen tools or kitchen gadgets that you'll reach for again and again. Whether they're a classic design or an innovative invention, these tools are ones that will make your work easier, your cleanup faster, your results better and more professional. Here are 10 kitchen gadgets that your kitchen shouldn't be without.
Kitchen Gear Graduation Gifts
As your favorite college graduate starts his or her new life, they'll appreciate graduation gifts equipped with everything they need to set up their new home. Even the most inexperienced cooks won't starve if their kitchen has these basic tools and countertop appliances. Read on for a selection of graduation gifts that will earn you an A+ in thoughtfulness!
KitchenAid Immersion Blender (Model KHB300)
A review of the KitchenAid Immersion Blender KHB300. This immersion blender is powerful and versatile.
Mother's Day Gifts for Every Budget
If she loves to cook, here are some ideas for kitchen equipment and kitchen gadgets she'll adore.
Comparing Food Processors
There's no doubt that Cuisinart and KitchenAid are the reigning brands in the food processor category. Here's a side-by-side comparison between two of their models to help you decide which is for you.
Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker (Model SD-YD250)
A review of Panasonic's Automatic Bread Maker, a good all-purpose bread machine for the beginning bread baker.
Fagor uCook Pressure Cooker
Fagor's uCook Pressure Cooker set is easy to use and has plenty of safety mechanisms. Two pot sizes, a steamer insert and a pasta insert guarantee its usefulness.
5 New Kitchen Appliances
Here are some of the latest cooking equipment products introduced at the International Home + Housewares Show last month.
Choosing Cooking Equipment
There are certain things you should consider when you're buying kitchen equipment. Here are four questions to ask yourself before you make your next big purchase.
Panasonic 5.5 Cup Rice Cooker with Advanced Fuzzy Logic Technology SR NA-10
This Panasonic Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker does much more than cook perfect rice.
KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender KSB-560
Loaded with features, KitchenAid's 5-Speed Blender is one of the most powerful blenders on the market.
Cuisinart Griddler GR-4
This review outlines the pros and cons of the versatile Cuisinart Griddler, which can serve as a contact grill, a grill top, a griddle and a sandwich press.
Explore Cooking Equipment
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Reclaim the morning and your sanity with these easy recipes, tips, and timesaving ideas. More >

  1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Cooking Equipment
  4. Reviews & Recommendations

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.