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Kitchen & Cooking

  • There are countless accidents each day in both home and professional kitchens. The culprit; The kitchen knife or meat slicer. Cutting your hand or fingers in the kitchen is pretty common place for pros and amateurs alike. That said, it doesn't have to continue. If you are looking to spare injury from knife or kitchen scissor cuts, then cut-resistant gloves are your answer. I chose these five picks of the best cut resistant kitchen gloves in 2022 because they are affordable and durable. Two things a great set of cut-resistant gloves should be. Stop nicking fingers and protect yourself.
    December 04, 2013
  • Nothing better than a freshly baked apple pie or even homemade apple sauce. The first step in creating these tried and true American favorites is peeling the apples. This can be a tedious and tiresome task when the apple count is more than one or two. Standard potato peelers don't always do the job, it's better to have a truly well made apple peeler. My five favorite picks needed to be either hand-cranked, handheld or electric, easy to clean and under $50. Don't keep struggling with pairing knives that aren't doing the job fast enough. Check out my list for the best apple peelers in 2022 and get ready to peel the easy way.
    December 04, 2013
  • Homemade pasta no longer has to be a daunting and back breaking task. With more and more advancements being made in pasta makers for home cooks, it now easier than ever. There are many different types to choose from. While investigating which pasta makers are making the cut, I wanted to focus on ease of use, durability and counter top or electric models. These five picks of the best pasta makers in 2022 represent the best available pasta makers on the market. Check them out and find one that suits your tastes.
    December 03, 2013
  • Oven mitts protect the hands when removing hot items from the oven or stove top. The problem with old school hand mitts is that when they get wet, they are essentially useless. Yes, I remember the steam burn from a wet hand mitt. However, hand mitts have come a long way. In order for these five picks of the best oven mitts in 2022 to really be worthy of this list, I wanted them to be one size fits all, able to withstand high heat and made with different materials. Take a look at these picks and throw out your old mitts.
    December 03, 2013
  • Even those with the best knife skills could use an easy shortcut. Slicing ingredients thinly and evenly can be a challenge with even a sharp knife. For recipes and preparations that require evenly sliced ingredients, your best option is a manodline. A mandoline is a flat rectangular shaped slicer and looks very similar to a flat grater. You can adjust the thickness and it typically comes with a slicing guard. This protects your hands and knuckles from the center blade. While selecting these best mandoline slicers in 2022, I wanted them to be sturdy and under $300. A good mandoline can be pricey, but definitely worth the investment.
    December 03, 2013
  • Many of us have had the experience of crushing garlic with the back of a spoon or the side of a knife. This can result in a messy, garlic infused chopping board and garlic hands. Not to mention the strong smell of garlic you can wear all day. Well now, you and or cutting board smelling like garlic doesn't have to happen. A garlic press is a great tool to make the messy task of mincing or crushing garlic easy. I wanted garlic presses that were sturdy, have comfortable handles and were easy to clean. Check out my picks for the best garlic presses in 2022 and see which garlic press fits your taste.
    December 03, 2013
  • There aren't many things in the world as delicious as a batch of freshly baked brownies, hot out of the oven. Whether you're a fan of the gooey middle pieces or the crispy corners, there are plenty of high-quality brownie pans to choose from. When picking out the best brownie pans, we looked for pans that heat evenly with no hot or cold spots that can cause burned or uncooked patches. We also looked for pans with superior non-stick qualities so that you won't have to dig your brownies out of the pan with a butter knife. All the best brownie pans in 2021 that made this list are also easy to clean, and though some are dishwasher safe, your pan will last longer if you wash it by hand.
    December 02, 2013
  • Fresh, homemade donuts are delicious but deep frying them in oil can make them one of the unhealthiest treats out there. Fortunately, there are specialized baking pans that can be used to make donuts in the oven. Baked donuts are just as light and fluffy as their fried counterparts, but don't have nearly as much fat. Once they're out of the oven, they can be topped with chocolate, caramel, or powdered sugar, just like store-bought donuts. For our list of these five best donut pans in 2022 , we chose pans that are made from high quality aluminum, steel, or cast iron that heat evenly and will last for years.
    December 02, 2013
  • Cake pans come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. There are round, square, and rectangular pans, as well as pans that can create specialty cakes that are perfect for holiday celebrations and children's birthday parties. No matter what shape pan you choose, you'll want a pan that releases extremely well so that the cake slides out of it without breaking. Good cake pans are also made from high quality steel or aluminum that heats evenly so that the entire cake bakes through without burning. When picking out the best cake pans in 2022, we chose pans with these two essential qualities, as well as pans that are a good value for the money.
    December 02, 2013
  • If you're craving homemade muffins or cupcakes you'll need a muffin pan. These pans contain a series of cups that cook up a batch of hand-held treats. Though many people use baking cups to allow these tiny cakes to slip right out of the pan, the pans on this list are made so you can bake cup cakes or muffins without a paper or foil lining. The five best muffin pans in 2022 on this list are also made from high quality materials that heat up evenly so there won't be burned or raw spots on your baked goods. The final quality we looked for in a muffin pan was the ability to make out-of-the ordinary cup cakes or muffins that are absolutely delicious.
    November 27, 2013
  • Cleaning an oven is often a struggle, frustrating and full of chemicals. This list has graded different oven cleaners on three categories: price, ability and its environmental friendliness. Put those three together and what is achieved is a product that can be safely used in the home without breaking the bank. Going green in today's world should not be a luxury, it is a necessity. Therefore, all of these best oven cleaners in 2022 are wonderful in their ability to remove the unwanted mess, and at the same, help keep the planet surviving for a few more years. A win-win for any consumer. Go green now, clean that oven and relax knowing that the choices made were the right ones.
    November 26, 2013
  • Springform pans are perfect for making delicate cakes and quiches that might crack or crumble when being turned out of a standard cake pan. When picking out the best springform pans, we looked for pans with a sturdy latch, a tight seal between the collar and the base, and a superior non-stick coated that releases easily. Though many of the best springform pans in 2022 that made our list are dishwasher safe, it's a good idea to wash all springform pans by hand because they have a number of delicate parts that could bend or break in the dishwasher. They also need to be dried completely so they don't form rust in the collar. If you're making a cheesecake, you won't be able to bake it in a water bath if you're using a springform pan, no matter how tight the seal.
    November 26, 2013
  • Bread pans, sometimes called loaf pans, are a must if you're hoping to make a fresh loaf of sandwich bread or quick bread. Though most bread pans are in a traditional loaf shape, some are specially designed to make baguettes or individual-sized loaves. The best bread pans in 2022 are made from a high-quality metal that ensures even cooking and that doesn't develop hot spots that could burn the bread. They are also strong and durable and made to last for years. When choosing the best bread pans, we looked for pans that were long-lasting, made of high-quality materials, and highly recommended by home bakers. Here is our list of our favorite bread pans along with a handy buyer's guide for your bread-making needs.
    November 26, 2013
  • Bundt cakes are an essential part of many holiday celebrations. These ring-shaped cakes are made in specialized bundt pans that have fluted sides and a tube going through the middle. The shape allows more of the cake batter to touch the sides which helps large cakes cook much faster than they would in other shaped molds. The best bundt pans in 2022 have high-quality non-stick coatings that allows the cake to slide effortlessly out of the pan. They also need to be made from a high-quality aluminum or steel that heats evenly. In addition to these two qualities, we also looked for pans that were durable enough to last for years.
    November 26, 2013
  • A holiday staple for decades, the electric knife makes it easy to carve up a turkey or a roast beef with ease. Electric knives can get their power direct from the wall socket or they can rely on a battery pack that gets charged before the knife is used. In general, electric knives that have cords are most useful in the home environment, where there is easy access to electricity. Cordless electric knives usually come with fillet blades because these knives are popular with fisherman who can carve up the day's catch before heading home to prepare dinner. When shopping for an electric knife, it's a good idea to try before you buy. The handles on these knives are quite large, and though most have been ergonomically designed with comfort in mind, there are some home cooks that find even the best electric knife in 2022 difficult to hold.
    November 21, 2013
  • Frying pans have been used for decades for cooking a variety of dishes. A frying pan is great for foods that require shallow frying or even for searing or toasting. This is an essential pan that makes cooking quick and easy. A good quality pan can be non stick, stainless steel or any other sturdy material. The picks on this list of the best frying pans in 2022 were chosen because they are light weight yet durable, easy to clean and any size. The following five pans are guaranteed to have you sizzling with ease.
    November 18, 2013
  • If there's one kitchen essential tool you need, it is a well made saucepan. A saucepan is important because they are very versatile and great for any job that doesn't require a large pot. It isn't difficult to choose the right pan, you just need a few things to look for. The best saucepans in 2022 on this list were chosen because they are heavy duty, have a lid, anywhere from 2 to 5 quarts and have a nonstick interior. Whichever pan you choose, it should make fixing almost anything in it a breeze.
    October 25, 2013
  • Though fondue is a rather classic and very 1970s dinner party idea, it has made a resurgence in recent years. It serves as more than just an opportunity to indulge in the ooey-gooey tradition of dripping bread into a hot pot of melted cheese. It's a social thing. The fondue pots on this list were chosen because they are electric, have visual appeal, and are highly durable. Take a look at these options, and after you're done, look at the buying guide below. We've compiled a list of important features to keep in mind when picking a fondue set, so use it to help you pick out the right one for you!
    October 23, 2013
  • For so many, a cup of tea is no more than a tea bag of sub par tea with hot water from a hot water tank or microwave. For tea lovers however, a proper cup of tea includes superior quality tea leaves and water, heated in a well made tea kettle. Tea kettles make far better tea than using a pot because they heat quickly and get to the proper temperature. The best tea kettles in 2022 on this list were chosen because they are sturdy, usable on a stove or are electric, and have a unique and stylish design. Choose your favorite tea kettle from our favorite picks and enjoy a proper cup of tea.
    October 15, 2013
  • Although the use of broiler pans has declined with the advent of grill pans and other more advanced roasters, the broiler pan remains an affordable and easy option for oven broiled foods. Broiler pans have been used for decades for oven roasting. Some ovens even come with broiler pans. Because much of the juices and liquids from the roasting meat sits at the bottom of the pan, and can often cause sticking, the quality of your broiler pan is essential. The best broiler pans in 2022 listed here were chosen because they are easy to clean, sturdy, nonstick and under $50. The broiler pan may be a bit of a blast from the past, but these five fabulous picks will renew your faith in broiler cooking.
    October 09, 2013
  • If you are looking for a healthier ways to enjoy fruits and vegetables or even protein, then a food dehydrator will be a great option. Dehydrating food for health purposes has been around since biblical times. The benefit of dehydrated foods are priceless. By drying foods, you will retain nearly 100 percent of the vitamins and nutrients. Buying bulk dried foods in a regular grocery store can be very expensive. As an alternative, owning your own dehydrator can not only be fun, but will save you money. In assessing the best dehydrators on the market, low cost, size and heating power were factors. I looked for dehydrators under $150, had a minimum 6 tray capacity and had at least 500 watts of power. These best food dehydrators in 2022 will allow you to affordably invest in your health without compromising quality.
    October 08, 2013
  • You don't have to be a professional to make awesome crepes, but you certainly do need the right pan for the job. You could attempt to make crepes in any skillet, but you certainly won't get the results you desire. I have been able to find five crepe pans that perform beautifully. My goal was to seek out five crepe pans that are cast iron, nonstick or electric, under $150, and durable. Browse our picks and the accompanying buying guide- in tandem, you'll be able to use these tools to pick the right crepe pan for you!
    October 07, 2013
  • With all of the fancy and oft times expensive cookware sets on the market, at the end of the day, sometimes one pan can simply do it all. No matter how many specialty pots and pans you may have in your kitchen repertoire, nothing beats a good everyday pan. There are some specific requirements to what would make an everyday pan most useful. The best everyday pans in 2022 that are on this list were chosen because they are medium to large, oven safe, deep and durable.
    October 03, 2013
  • It's a delicious dish that hails from Italy, but is enjoyed internationally. A sumptuously cheesy confection that combines robust tomato sauce with meat and gooey Mozzarella cheese. That dish is lasagna. Lasagna is traditionally baked in square baking pans. In looking for the best pan for lasagna, size definitely mattered. The best lasagna pans i n 2022 on this list were chosen because they are all medium to large in size, nonstick, heavy duty and under $50. Each of these qualities are essential. Lasagna must be prepared in a pan that is deep enough to contain the sauciness and nonstick to release the contents. Lastly, this behemoth of a dish also requires a sturdy pan that doesn't break the bank. Get out your favorite lasagna recipe and browse through my top picks to choose your favorite.
    October 01, 2013
  • The cast iron skillet is by far one of the best cooking tools anyone can have. They have been around for decades and known to produce a great sear on meats and vegetables as well as excellent when used for deep frying. These skillets can come with a variety of exterior coatings, colors and designs. The best cast iron skillets in 2022 on this list were chosen based on moderate cost, if they are already seasoned and light weight. These selections is a solid basis for choosing the perfect cast iron skillet for your needs.
    October 01, 2013
  • Soap Dispensers are a great accessory to have in your kitchen and bathroom. The reasons for buying a liquid soap dispenser run the gamut from being more sanitary than bar soap to serving as a decorative item. They come in a variety of materials such as stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, chrome, and glass. When choosing a soap dispenser, consider both the durability of the dispenser as well as the decorating scheme of the room it will be placed in. I’ve chosen the best soap dispensers in 2022, appeal to a variety of styles and preferences, but ultimately they are quality products that will look good in your home.
    August 26, 2013
  • A thermos is a means of transporting food. They are designed to keep food either hot or cold, making them perfect companions for school or work lunches. Thermoses are great for soups or hot drinks such as coffee and tea as they can help retain a hot temperature. With respect to price, aesthetics and durability, the thermoses in this list with the best thermoses in 2022 can help keep your foods hot or cold and make them portable and easy to eat.
    June 14, 2011