There’s an easy way to get excited about stepping up your game in the kitchen, and it’s not finding a new viral recipe — it’s buying yourself some new supplies.
Shopping isn’t the answer to everything, but we’re firm believers that with the right kitchen gadget or cooking appliance, you might actually look forward to making yourself a meal, rather than viewing it as a chore or an added obstacle.
Fortunately, the internet is a great place to find the best cooking products for any home chef, regardless of whether you’re a culinary artist or a new home cook.
Don’t believe us? Not to worry, because our shopping experts have tested a number of cool kitchen appliances that not only come highly recommended, but are also available to shop from some of our favorite brands like Our Place, Great Jones, Caraway, Brightland, Made In, Hedley & Bennett, and more.
- An Ice-Cream Maker
This TikTok-famous ice cream maker gives users the freedom to easily whip up their own decadent, icy deserts at home. From fruit sorbets to homemade versions of your favorite specialty pints, the possibilities are endless. Learn more about the editor-loved tool in this Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker product review.
Editor Quote: “This ice cream machine is great for ice cream aficionados of all kinds. My fiancé and I are most excited about creating healthy-ish ice cream alternatives that don’t cost 10 bucks a pint.” — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Editor, Commerce
- A Top-Rated Air Fryer
This air fryer is a cooking essential for pro chefs and self-proclaimed foodies alike. The product serves as an efficient, easy-to-use alternative to crisping up flavorful meals at home, and one POPSUGAR editor even said that the air fryer changed her life for the better in this Cosari Smart Air Fryer product review.
Editor Quote: “If counter space isn’t an issue and you’re looking for an air fryer with multiple functions and a spacious basket, this air fryer is a great option. I very much enjoy mine, and I use it on a day-to-day basis.” — Haley Lyndes, Former Assistant Editor, Commerce
- A Plant-Based-Milk Maker
With this handy appliance, you can whip up your own custom plant-based milk varieties in minutes. Plus, it’s a POPSUGAR editor favorite; read our Almond Cow Milk Maker Machine review for photos and more details.
Editor Quote: “What I like most about the Almond Cow Milk Maker Machine is how ridiculously easy it is to use. Once you’re familiar with the steps, you can turn a bag of almonds into almond milk in under five minutes (I’m not exaggerating).” — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Editor, Commerce
- An Outdoor Oven
Ninja’s latest cooking innovation is an impressive wood-fired outdoor oven. The electric heat can range from 105-700°F with eight different functions: pizza, max roast, specialty roast, broil, bake, smoker, dehydrate, and keep warm. It might look smaller than a regular oven, but it can fit plenty: up to a 12-pound turkey, a full sheet pan meal, a nine-pound pork shoulder, and more. There is an integrated smoke box on the side of the oven to add Ninja’s real wood pellets that instantly infuse food with that wood-fired flavor.
Editor Quote: “If you like to entertain, this outdoor oven is an absolute must. The fact that you can make both homemade pizzas, a rack of ribs, or brownies in the same device is beyond impressive. I was lucky enough to test out the product, and not only did all types of foods cook faster than they would have in a traditional oven, but there was zero compromise on taste or quality. As a pizza-lover, my favorite feature is that the product can make either New Yorkm style, Neapolitan, thin crust, pan, or frozen on the pizza stone in under three minutes. The options are limitless!” — Perri Konecky, associate director, Breaking News
- A Practical Pizza Oven
This epic pizza oven can also make flame-cooked steaks, fish, and vegetables. All you have to do is switch on the instant gas ignition, and you’ll be ready to cook in 20 minutes. Two of our own POPSUGAR editors put the pizza oven to the test and shared their honest experience in this Ooni Pizza Oven product review.
Editor Quote: “I’ve got to say, the Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven is a total crowd pleaser and party must have. If you have to feed a bunch of people, you can serve several pizzas swiftly. I also appreciate how easy the design is to use — you don’t need to be some chef extraordinaire to make spectacular pizzas. That being said, my chef boyfriend with ridiculously high standards is equally impressed with the results as my father who barely knows how to boil water. It’s truly a product designed for anyone.” — Macy Cate Williams, Former Content Director, Commerce
- An Indoor Herb Garden
Take your cooking game to the next level with the help of this herb garden kit, which allows anyone (even the most amateur of gardeners) to grow their favorite herbs right within the comforts of their home. One POPSUGAR editor said the tool was especially “perfect for beginners” in this Click & Grow Indoor Smart Garden product review.
Editor Quote: “The Click & Grow Smart Garden is a great home addition for both beginner and advanced plant enthusiasts. For anyone who’s too busy to grow traditionally, this is a perfect way to still get the experience of growing without stress. It’s also a great home addition for anyone who just wants to enjoy greenery in the home to brighten up a space — this minimal maintenance is worth the air-quality benefit alone.” — Moná Thomas, Living Editor and Content Strategist
- An Oprah-Loved Toaster
This touchscreen toaster comes highly recommended by both Oprah and POPSUGAR editors alike — talk about a testimony! The smart appliance features customizable settings so you can program the kitchen essential to better suit your toast preferences. Oprah included it in her favorite things list for 2022, and one POPSUGAR editor also put the tool to the test in this product review on the Revolution Touchscreen Toaster.
Editor Quote: “The Revolution R270 InstaGLO Toaster creates the perfect blend of crispness and crunch while keeping the inner layers soft and moist. No matter how you like your toast, this smart toaster will deliver with chef’s kiss perfection.” — Anvita Reddy, Assistant Editor, Commerce
- Stylish Cookware
This 12-piece cookware set has taken the internet by storm. It’s hailed for its nonstick capabilities, which help to make cooking and cleanup a total breeze. Not only does the set come in a multitude of fun colors (bonus!), but our own editor even tested the product for herself and confirmed it’s totally worth the hype. Read POPSUGAR’s Caraway Home Cookware Set product review to learn more.
Editor Quote: “I am not exaggerating when I tell you that the Caraway Cookware Set ($395, originally $545) has totally changed my daily routine for the better.” — Macy Cate Williams, Former Content Director, Commerce
- A More Affordable Stylish Cookware Set
If you’d prefer to spend less on a comprehensive cookware set, this one’s editor and Amazon-shopper approved. This 11-piece set has received approval from editors and Amazon shoppers alike.
It includes essential pieces such as a 9.5 and 11-inch fry pan, a two-quart covered saucepan, a three and six-quart Dutch oven, a four-quart deep sauté pan with a lid, and a multi-function stainless-steel basket.
While it may be slightly less scratch-resistant compared to pricier alternatives, it remains a great choice for those seeking to save some money without sacrificing functionality. Read our editor review of the Member’s Mark 11 Piece Modern Ceramic Cookware Set for more.
Editor Quote: “Two things I noticed right away was that they’re decently lightweight and heated up quicker than my previous ones thanks to their aluminum construction. While making scrambled eggs, I found that I could get away with using less oil to coat the pan and they slid right off the pan when they were done – as opposed to scraping them out like I hate to admit I did in the past. The result: Faster cleanup and healthier meals — a double-win.” — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Editor, Commerce
- A Smart Toaster
If you love to stock your kitchen with the latest and greatest smart appliances, this one should be on your radar. This versatile six-in-one device allows you to switch between air frying, steaming, baking, broiling, reheating, and toasting.
What sets it apart is its smartphone app connectivity, which allows you to heat up specific recipes or frozen foods to perfection. One of our former editors is a big fan. Read her review of the Tovala Smart Oven Pro for more.
Editor Quote: “I’m not one for gimmicky gadgets, and this is far from that. Every single meal was delicious and easy. I think the best thing about this device though is that not only does it work on scanning its own meals, but it also works for popular microwaveable and toaster meals that include everything from Trader Joe’s frozen meals to Eggo Waffles.” — Krista Jones, Former Editor, Commerce
