I already had two Le Creuset skillets and one Dutch oven to my name—all of them unused because their heft and beauty felt strangely intimidating to me—and I couldn’t wait to discover the iconic French cookware buried within this nondescript brown box. The brand says that each of these brown mystery boxes contains up to $350 in retail value of merchandise, so purchasing one at $50 through the sale was hardly a gamble. An avid home cook, I was determined to add new treasures to my meager collection in an affordable way and finally put them to use.

I briefly lifted my head to respond and realized we were hardly alone. The entire parking lot was abuzz with men and women of all ages and from all walks of life, showing off their mystery box wares and making trades left and right. Apparently, a high-end swap meet had organically transpired in the event’s parking lot. The only currency? Cookware.

What’s your color?

The woman nudged me out of the way to get a better view of what I’d uncovered in my trunk: An all Mist Grey collection of mugs, casserole dishes, a large braiser and a platter. Each piece was striking, but the colors didn’t match my kitchen. I love a bold red (Cerise, in Le Creuset color lingo), and that’s what my heart was set on. “Is this your color?” she asked. When I shook my head no, she sprang into action—this clearly wasn’t the woman’s first rodeo, but she sensed it was mine.

She told me to go ahead and put all that packing material in the bottom of my shopping cart and to lay each Le Creuset piece on top so people can easily see what I’d be trading. “Head over toward that camper,” she said, “It’s where everyone is gathering, and there are snacks and drinks too. Help yourself.” Intrigued, I did as I was told, moving slowly so my wares wouldn’t clank together, but also because I had no idea what I was walking into.

Trading Wares in the Parking Lot

When I arrived at the heart of the action, it would have been easy to feel overwhelmed. I didn’t have a vast knowledge about the brand, wasn’t attuned to the finer points of trading wares in a parking lot, and I didn’t know anyone.

Instead, I was greeted by about 30 friendly faces who turned out to be the most welcoming group of brand loyalists I’ve ever encountered: Grandmothers who have spent decades collecting their heritage cookware reminiscing about Le Creuset’s long-retired vintage collections, savvy moms who make stews and casseroles for their growing families, couples obsessed with hosting rustically chic dinner parties and millennials looking to outfit their first kitchens.

The attendees—some of whom already knew each other from Le Creuset fan Facebook groups—dubbed it “Le Creuchella.” Several had traveled from across the country to attend this event, something they did a few times a year for great deals and camaraderie.

One woman, Gigi, was flitting about, helping other attendees keen to trade their newfound wares identify vessel shapes, sizes and colors, and even helping complete strangers broker deals. I learned that she is a personal chef who’s been collecting Le Creuset for about eight years and is known throughout the fan Facebook groups as a brand expert.

I watched as her eyes lit up when someone revealed a limited-edition piece from their box or a special piece she’d been wanting for years. She had flown in from Florida just to attend this event and brought pool noodles and bubble wrap to help protect her new treasures when she shipped them home. I learned so much by observing her interactions, and she stopped to answer my newbie questions multiple times as I worked up the nerve to begin trading my pieces.

The Joy of a Good Swap

Over the next few hours, I successfully swapped most of my Mist Grey mystery box items for more preferential shapes, sizes and colors. The trading took on a life of its own and I soon noticed my swapped items in the carts of those I hadn’t even “done a deal” with—these pieces were changing hands multiple times. Everyone was on their own personal mission and each pot and pan was simply a tradable vessel in their strategy to successfully add to their own collections.

So I’d accept a trade, then trade that piece for something else, and repeat the process with someone else. At one point, a woman offered me her gorgeous Cerise cast-iron Signature Saucepan in exchange for a few stoneware casserole dishes, and when I told her she was getting the short end of that deal financially, she said she didn’t care. She just wanted, no, needed, my casserole dishes. Fine by me!

That was the beauty of this experience: Nobody felt slighted, nobody cared as much about the “true value” of each piece as they did about getting their hands on coveted pieces, and nobody argued. And I didn’t see a single dollar bill exchange hands.

In the end, I walked away with a larger Dutch oven than the one I already owned (I was convinced it was necessary for bigger batches), an oval Dutch oven (which I gave to my mother), a rice pot, a pie plate, some casserole dishes and a Flame braiser. I was thrilled, and it was so much fun. So fun, in fact, that I was actually sad when I realized I was done.

Where Else to Find Le Creuset Deals

That was about six months ago, but the warm fuzzy feeling of that day has yet to fade. Now, I find myself scouring OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace ads, looking for killer Le Creuset deals. I’ve since purchased a brand-new tagine for $90, a gently used loaf pan for $20, a set of six rainbow-colored ice cream bowls for $45 and an unused roaster for $75.

Each time I score a deal, I feel like I’ve won the lottery. And when I post my newfound gems on the Le Creuset fan Facebook groups, all the members show their excitement about the bargains (especially for those ice cream bowls, which apparently are hard to find).

The community fostered in these groups is a rare mix of respect and helpfulness—they share everything from cleaning tips and recipe ideas to unlikely finds at Marshall’s and tips for avoiding scams when purchasing from eBay.

I was amazed at how something as simple as the appreciation for quality cookware can unite an otherwise unconnected population. In stark contrast to a sample sale or Black Friday, where shoppers have been known to get physically violent while snagging the perfect product, this impromptu Le Creuset mystery box exchange was more than civil; it was heartwarming.

What’s more, everyone walked away happy, feeling as though they’d somehow gotten the better deal. I arrived an outsider looking in just hoping for a great deal (I didn’t even know how to use my Dutch oven!), and now I’m braising meats and buying yeast for breads because the people in that parking lot inspired me to learn how.

The post I Went to the Le Creuset Factory to Table Sale and Now I’m an Avid Collector—Here’s Why appeared first on Taste of Home.

Glass Pumpkin Candle

Because it’s simply not fall without pumpkin-scented everything, my current home decor obsession for cozy season is this glass pumpkin-shaped candle from Target’s beloved Threshold collection. I’ve collected pretty much every size and scent this candle comes in, and I love the cozy ambiance it exudes while lit on my shelf or mantle. Even when it’s not lit it doubles as chic seasonal decor, which is a total win-win. When I’ve burned every last bit of pumpkin spice goodness, I will definitely be cleaning out the vessel to reuse it year after year—or as a Halloween candy jar!

–Madi Koetting, Associate Shopping Editor

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For the Candle Collector: Candle Warmer

When it comes to last-minute Christmas gifts, there’s no denying this candle-warming lamp that’s gorgeous (and editor-approved!). If they’ve got one burning in every room, consider buying them this safer method of melting wax and enjoying scents. It even allows their festive Christmas candles to last a little longer than if they were to light them with a flame.

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Just like summer’s Amazon Prime Day, Big Deal Day savings are only available to Prime Members (or those with a free 30-day trial). While we shopping editors collectively have our eyes on everything from pizza ovens to artificial Christmas trees, I’ve got my sights set on one item: the HexClad wok.

The Best Amazon Prime Day Deal

So, what makes the HexClad Wok our favorite Amazon Prime Day deal? Apart from the modern look and an endorsement from chef Gordon Ramsay, there are lots of things to love about HexClad cookware in general. As seen in editor-tested favorites like the HexClad Dutch oven, the cookware uses thin lines of stainless steel, sandwiched between nonstick hexagons, to provide incredible searing power without the threat of burnt-on food.

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What are the HexClad Wok features?

Because of its many bells and whistles, we decided to break down our favorite features of the HexClad wok into the bulleted list below. Here’s everything you can look forward to:

• Tri-ply aluminum and stainless steel construction
• Hexagonal surface that prevents sticking
• Stay-cool handle
• Domed lid included
• Works on gas, electric, glass and induction cooktops
• Oven-safe up to 500°F
• Surface is metal-utensil-resistant
• Dishwasher-safe design
• Lightweight at only three pounds
• Lifetime warranty

Where to Buy Our Favorite Amazon Prime Day Deal

The HexClad Wok is available on Amazon and regularly retails for $149.99. However, during Prime Day, Amazon Prime members (and those using their free 30-day trial) can snag this classy pan at a savings of 20%, putting the price under $100. Fire it up and see why chef Gordon Ramsey calls HexClad cookware “the Rolls Royce of pans.”

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The Best Amazon Prime Day Deal: Day Two

HexClad Wok

This is the wok of the future. A laser-etched stainless-steel hexagonal design offers serious searing power, and in between each network of hexagons is a nonstick center for easy release.

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The post The HexClad Wok Is Our Favorite Amazon Prime Day Two Deal appeared first on Taste of Home.

I’ve tested a variety of pizza oven models and styles, including the all-electric Ooni Volt and the circular, stainless steel Solo Stove Pi. And then along came the Gozney Roccbox, promising portability and functionality. I knew I had to also put it to the test.

What is the Gozney Roccbox pizza oven?

The Gozney Roccbox is a pizza oven that can be fueled by either gas or wood. To cook with gas, you simply hook the attachment up to the back of the oven and use the hose to connect to a propane tank—the same kind you would use for a barbecue. The wood burner is sold separately, and as the name implies, it allows you to feed a small fire in the back of the oven to cook with real wood.

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Gozney Roccbox

Powered by gas or wood, this is the ultimate versatile oven for restaurant-quality pizzas at home.

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The oven has a dome-shaped top with three folding legs and a silicone exterior cover that comes in multiple colors. An added perk? The Gozney pizza oven comes with a pizza peel for launching pizzas, so there’s no need to purchase one. But other handy pizza tools, such as a pizza turner, are sold separately.

Gozney Roccbox Features

The Roccbox is one of the few pizza oven options out there that comes in multiple colors, which I love. The wrapping around the Gozney pizza oven isn’t just for looks, though. It’s a silicone coating that traps heat, so touching the exterior of the pizza oven won’t burn your hands.

The three legs lift it up from the base of a heat-safe table but can fold down for easy portability. On the side, there’s a built-in thermometer, which definitely comes in handy (however, I still always check with an infrared thermometer before launching a pizza). The oven weighs 44 pounds, so it’s not light, but it is definitely compact enough to pack with you or to leave out on your patio or deck. The cooking area is 12.4 inches by 13.4 inches, providing enough room to cook 12-inch pizzas.

How We Tested It

Set-Up

The setup of this Gozney pizza oven was incredibly simple. For starters, the oven had a strap wrapped around it with a handle at the top—making it easy to pull out of the box, pull down the folding legs and set the oven on the table. The stone is built into the floor of the pizza oven, so there was no need to unwrap and insert that separately. Once it was set on a heat-safe surface, I attached the gas burner by simply lining up and inserting three metal pegs into the back base of the pizza oven and twisting to lock it in place.

Cooking With Gas

The pizza oven has a dial on the gas burner to ignite and turn it on. Once I turned on the gas burner, I allowed the pizza oven to preheat for roughly 20 minutes until it reached 800 degrees. Now it was time to get cooking!

With the flame turned down to medium, I cooked multiple pizzas in just 60 to 90 seconds. The flame is designed to radiate heat to both the pizza stone and the top of the oven. This helped to cook pizzas even faster, especially those with plenty of toppings. Because of the smaller opening of the oven, there’s a bit of a learning curve with turning pizzas, but that simply just means more attention is needed while cooking to avoid too much char.

I also tested the oven with the Gozney Roccbox Mantel (sold separately). While I preferred cooking and turning pizzas without it, it would come in handy for cooking other items in the pizza oven.

Cooking With Wood

The wood burner attachment is sold separately, but it allows for great versatility. This is especially helpful if you want to take your pizza oven with you, but don’t want to lug a gas tank along. The attachment hooks into the back base of the Gozney pizza oven—just like the gas attachment—and is almost identical in shape. I used a fire starter and a few thin, 5-inch pieces of wood to build a small fire in the basket. Once lit, I kept feeding the flame small pieces of wood for 15 minutes to allow it to preheat the oven. I was shocked by how well the oven was insulated to radiate heat. It was much more efficient at utilizing a wood flame than other wood pizza ovens I’ve tested.

Cooking pizzas with wood was not only just as fast as cooking with gas, but the flame stayed lit and kept rolling consistently. It was also nice to have the great flavor and texture that wood provides, without too much hassle.

Cleaning

It’s important to note that Gozney pizza oven users may see some soot that gathers at the top opening of the oven. This is due to the design of the high-rolling flame as well as the type of fuel you’re using. Once the oven has cooled down after use, it’s easy to wipe off with a damp cloth.

Pros

• Can operate on gas or wood fuel
• Folding legs and carrying strap for portability
• Rolling flame helps cook pizzas in 90 seconds or less
• Includes a pizza peel

Cons

• Learning curve with smaller front opening
• Not suitable for pizzas larger than 12-inches

FAQ

What is the difference between Ooni and Roccbox?

While an Ooni pizza oven is a great choice, the Roccbox offers a different design. The Ooni Koda 12, which is designed for gas-only, has a built-in burner and an L-shaped flame. The Ooni Karu 12G can be fueled with either gas or wood with detachable burners and a top rolling flame, making it similar to the Roccbox. Both utilize a cordierite pizza stone and have foldable legs. The Ooni ovens I have tested perform similarly to the Roccbox. Overall, the main difference is size preference, along with the design and aesthetics.

Does Roccbox use a lot of gas?

The Roccbox is fuel-efficient, but overall consumption depends on the temperature and flame height you prefer to cook at, along with how long you let it preheat and leave on between cooking pizzas. It will go through 300 to 400 grams of gas per hour, depending on how it’s used.

How big of a pizza can you put in a Roccbox?

The Roccbox is designed for portability and versatility, so it’s a smaller pizza oven. You can cook 12-inch pizzas in this pizza oven.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

I found cooking with the Gozney Roccbox to be simple and delicious, but don’t just take it from me.

Verified Amazon reviewer Kristie C. gave it a five-star rating, saying, “I never write reviews, but I felt compelled to tell everyone how much I love this oven. It is convenient, super easy to use and set up, and it cooks pizza to PERFECTION. I am in love and will be using this all the time.”

Another five-star review from verified buyer Mark says this pizza oven is an amazing product. “We started making pizzas at home because we wanted to control the ingredients. We’ve been cooking in the oven, but the crust was not like a restaurant pizza. Just one pizza in and I can say this oven has transformed our pizza game. I only wish I found this years ago! Perfect pizza in minutes.”

Product Comparison

The Gozney Roccbox performs very similarly to Ooni’s Karu 12g model and has the ability to utilize either wood or gas fuel. It is very different from than Ooni Koda 16 or 12 model because of its shape. Those pizza ovens also have an L-shaped flame. However, even with structural and design differences, it performs just as well as other pizza ovens I’ve tested, providing great heat retention to warm up the oven to 950 degrees and cooking pizzas in under 90 seconds.

Final Verdict

The Gozney Roccbox pizza oven is so simple to set up right out of the box. It has an attractive design while being functional for backyard use or even for travel. While there’s a slight learning curve adjusting to the smaller opening of the oven, with some practice, you’ll cook restaurant-quality pizzas at high temperatures in less than 90 seconds! It comes with a gas burner attachment but also allows for the versatility of purchasing a separate attachment for cooking with wood.

Where to Buy the Gozney Roccbox Pizza Oven

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Gozney Roccbox

Fire up this portable pizza oven with the convenience of gas or the flavor of wood.

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The Gozney Roccbox pizza oven retails for $499 and can be purchased on Gozney’s website, Amazon and other retailers. (You might even get lucky and find it on sale.) It’s time to fire it up for great pizza nights!

The post Gozney Roccbox Pizza Oven Review: The Ideal Option for Versatility appeared first on Taste of Home.

Though cleaning is like therapy for me, it doesn’t mean I want to spend all my free time refreshing my home. Time is precious, and if I can clear my cleaning schedule to focus on other important tasks (re: relaxing or shopping), then I will do whatever it takes to free up my agenda.

As a cleaning-obsessed shopping editor, I’ve tested a lot of hard-working products (looking at you, Bissell Steam Shot). Still, one area of the home I find myself dreading to clean is my hardwood floors. Not only do they need to be vacuumed, there’s so much dirt trapped within them that mopping is equally essential.

Enter the Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze vacuum-mop. The cordless, 2-in-1 system cleans sealed hard floors in half the time. Sounds like a dream, right? Spoiler: My Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze review left me in shock by how much dirt was trapped inside my floors. It’s the best thing to happen to my home—here’s why I’m never cleaning my floors with a regular mop again.

What is the Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze?

Part vacuum, part mop, the Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze is a 2-in-1 hard floor cleaning system that efficiently washes floors while simultaneously picking up crumbs, hair and dirt. Unlike traditional mops, this duo cleans sealed hard floors with significantly less water. Meaning that floors are left streak-free yet incredibly clean.

While it’s ideal for picking up everyday grime, the most beloved feature is its ability to clean serious messes in just one swipe. Instead of breaking out the paper towels, vacuum and mop for picking up heavy-duty jobs like spilled cereal milk, the Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze tackles any mess in half the time. All it takes is filling the clean water tank with a splash of cleaning solution and water, turning on the vacuum-mop and voila! Floors are clean in just one swipe.

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Tineco iFloor 3

This 2-in-1 hardwood floor cleaner cuts cleaning time in half.

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Product Features

• High water recovery rate to get floors cleaner while drying faster
• 20-minute run time
• 20-ounce clean water tank capacity
• 16-ounce dirty water tank capacity
• Cordless
• Weighs 9 pounds

How We Tested It

I unboxed my Tineco wet-dry vac as soon as it arrived. As an apartment dweller, I was pleasantly surprised to find the vacuum-mop duo was more compact than I originally imagined. I was expecting a hefty machine, but the Tineco is slimmer than a regular vacuum cleaner (the traditional kind, not the sleek cordless type, to be clear). Plus, it’s easy to stash in a small closet with ease. Now, let’s get into the Tineco iFloor 3 review.

Assembly

The Tineco iFloor 3 arrives mostly assembled. All I had to do was snap the handle into the wet dry vac and I was good to go. I was equally excited to clean with the high-tech machine as I was intimidated by it. The fact that it vacuums and mops at the same time truly still blows my mind, but I’m happy to report that it’s extremely easy to maneuver.

Before cleaning my floors, the Tineco required a four to five-hour charge. I planned to clean my floors the following day, so I plugged it in to juice up overnight. When I was ready to get cleaning, I ensured every attachment was in place: Brush roller (Check!), dirty water tank (Check!), clean water tank (Check!).

Following the assembly instructions, I filled the clean water tank with one capful of the included deodorizing solution and water up to the max fill line. The included Tineco cleaning solution is required to thoroughly wash floors (otherwise they just get wet and dirt is still trapped within). It has a light, clean scent that reminds me of Lysol disinfecting spray—but in a good, “I-trust-my-floors-are-sterile” kind of way. With the clean water tank in place and all the other attachments locked in position, it was time to wash the floors.

Cleaning Hard Floors

Though initially intimidated by my Tineco iFloor 3 review, once I kicked the machine in motion I realized the beautiful simplicity of the wet dry vac. With just two buttons—start and max water flow—all you have to do is maneuver the machine like a vacuum. The best part? Rigorous scrubbing isn’t necessary.

Pushing the Tineco back and forth through my kitchen, I was shocked by how little water the machine uses to wash hard floors. I turned on the max water flow button just to see what the machine could really do (and because I knew my floors were disgusting). With max water flow on, I could only see the slightest trace of water where I moved the machine. Better yet, absolutely no streaks were left behind like they are when mopping.

Between me, my dog and my partner whom I share an 800-square-foot apartment, our floors collect a lot of hair and crumbs. Clumps of hair, dust and random food scraps vanished as soon as the Tineco VacMop touched it. Now, I’ll be honest, I take my sweet time while cleaning my floors with the Tineco. A slow, back-and-forth motion makes all the difference in knowing every last bit is vacuumed and mopped.

The only room without hardwood floors is the bedroom. After cleaning the kitchen, bathroom and living room floors, it takes me 10 minutes flat to slowly (but efficiently!) move the Tineco through my apartment. That’s a huge improvement from the 30-minute chore of vacuuming and then mopping my floors the old-fashioned way. So, if you’re just now tuning in, the fact that this machine cleans floors in half (or less) the time is reason enough to add to cart.

Mopping Heavy-Duty Messes

My initial Tineco iFloor 3 review made me a believer in the wet-dry vac system, but the true test is seeing how it performs on heavy-duty messes like spilled cereal milk. After watching several social media videos of the Tineco effortlessly cleaning up nasty spills, I had a lot of trust in this product. Still, I had to see the magic for myself.

As much as it pained me, I intentionally dumped yogurt on my floors and let it sit for half an hour before going in with the Tineco VacMop. In just four swipes, the machine effortlessly picked up every last bit of yogurt while leaving the area with a streak-free finish to prevent sticky residue. Success!

Next, I spilled freshly brewed coffee all over my kitchen. The Tineco cleaned up every inch with no sticky residue left behind. As for spilled cereal? This mess was a tad trickier to clean, but I discovered that moving the Tineco very slowly is key for picking up all the cereal chunks. The Tineco can handle chunkier messes like this, but depending on how much is spilled, the base may get clogged. I had to wipe off the bottom mid-clean to prevent clogging, but the Tineco certainly accomplished the assignment much quicker than I would have on my own.

Where I used to rush to the paper towels to clean up spilled liquids, the Tineco is a total superhero. No more two-step cleaning routine—all it takes is a few back-and-forth motions of the Tineco and you’re good to go.

Cleanup

Because the Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze picks up significant gunk, it’s essential to clean the machine after each use. I mean, no one wants a dirty tank of water sitting in their house until the vacmop’s next use—gross! After turning off my Tineco VacMop, I removed the dirty water tank and dumped it in the toilet. Then, I rinsed the tank in the sink to remove excess hair and debris. I also re-filled the clean water tank (more on that later) and snapped both tanks back into place on the vacmop.

Depending on the mess, I also remove the brush roller and give it a rinse. There tends to be some hair and debris where the brush roller sits, so I wipe the area with a microfiber cloth after each use, too.

Time for the fun part—the self-cleaning feature. With the Tineco VacMop plugged in, I attached the clean water tank (filled, not empty) and made sure all the bells and whistles were locked into place. Then, I held the power button until the self-cleaning mode was activated. This rushes clean water through the machine to prevent clogs or dirt from getting trapped inside. This also thoroughly dries the brush roller to remove excess liquid. The self-clean function took about three to five minutes. Once complete, the dirty water tank was semi-full, so I dumped and rinsed it. I let my Tineco charge overnight to ensure it was all juiced up for when it was time to clean my floors again.

Pros

• Cuts cleaning time in half
• Leaves floors with a streak-free finish
• Cordless and compact
• Quieter than some vacuum cleaners
• Safe on most sealed hard floors
• Included cleaning solution leaves floors smelling clean and disinfected
• Self-cleaning function thoroughly dries the brush roller

Cons

• Must empty the dirty tank as soon as it’s full otherwise it starts leaking
• Needs to charge for 4-5 hours before use (pro tip: charge it overnight!)
• Must clean the vacuum-mop immediately after use to avoid build-up and odors

FAQ

What is the difference between the Tineco iFloor 3 and S3?

The iFloor 3 Breeze is the second edition of Tineco’s floor washers. The S3 is one step above the iFloor 3, offering a 35-minute runtime (compared to the iFloor 3’s 20-minute run time) and fancier functions like LED display and smart app integration. Still, both models vacuum, mop and deodorize in one simple step—the latter is just a bit fancier and runs longer.

Which Tineco vacuum is best?

It depends on what you’re looking for! If you want a time-effective and affordable way to clean floors, the Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze is a trustworthy pick that has been around for years. Or, if a long runtime, large dirty water tank capacity, and smart technology are important to you, Tineco’s newer floor washers (like the S7) are for you. They do, however, come at a higher cost.

Can you use the iFloor 3 on carpet?

No, it’s not recommended to use the iFloor 3 on carpet. It vacuums while it mops, so there’s not a vacuum-only mode (or a mop-only mode).

What Other Shoppers Had to Say

I’m not the only one who swears by the Tineco iFloor 3 as the mop of the future—over 25,000 reviewers are in love with this smart system.

“This machine is a game changer!” raves verified Amazon reviewer, Yesenia Green. “Mom of three boys here, with the youngest being two years old. My toddler is constantly spilling as all toddlers do. This floor cleaner serves as a mop and a drying rag. I use it for standard mopping or to pick up juice, milk, water or any spills. It’s so convenient to just turn it on and clean, as opposed to bringing out the mop and bucket. I can’t believe I never knew this existed…highly recommend to anyone that’s looking for a convenient and fast way of cleaning their floors.”

“I have had multiple dogs and purchased at least 12 different hard floor cleaners over the past 27 years,” adds verified Amazon reviewer, Gail Heisler. “This is by far the best! It’s easy to use, clean and it actually cleans the floor—great! No streaking, no dripping, very lightweight and I love that it’s self-propelled and self-cleaning.”

“This thing suctioned entire pieces of chicken, scattered wet ramen and vomit off my floors,” shares Vicky Stotler. “If you have children in your home, I cannot recommend this vacuum mop enough. Dare I say, it even makes cleaning fun. I have added different floor cleaning products to the clean water tank for a better smell. I would say, it will smell better if you’re efficient about dumping the dirty water tank, if it sits it smells bad. Good power life, I have about 1,000 square feet, usually only spot clean around my dining table throughout the day but it will go days without needing a charge.”

Product Comparison

With several wet-dry vac options available from brands like Bissell and Shark—how does the Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze compare? All Tineco VacMop models are comparable to the Shark Cordless HydroVac and the Bissell CrossWave line. At their core, the Tineco, Shark and Bissell wet-dry vacs combine the tiresome task of vacuuming and mopping into one do-it-all multitasker. Where they differ is additional features and price.

At $360, the Shark Cordless HydroVac boasts an antimicrobial brush roll, odor-neutralizer technology and LED headlights. The Bissell CrossWave series goes for $220 to $400 depending on the model. The pet models boast a pet hair strainer while higher-tech options boast Wi-Fi connectivity. At under $280, the Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze strikes the perfect balance of affordable and diligent without all the tricked-out extras.

As for how the Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze compares to newer Tineco models like the Floor One S5 and S7? The S5 and S7 are more advanced, and more expensive, with features like enhanced edge cleaning, digital display, smart suction and flow control and smart app integration. These models also boast a longer run time and large capacity dirty water tank, so they’re ideal for large homes. Still, all three models boast the same core functions that have made shoppers fall in love with the wet-dry vacuum, which is the ability to detect, vacuum and mop in one simple step.

Final Verdict

If you can’t tell by now, I’m never using a regular mop again. My Tineco iFloor 3 review taught me there’s a smarter (and more fun) way to wash my hardwood floors—and it takes half the effort. It’s important to note that the Tineco iFloor 3 doesn’t replace the need for a vacuum. It simultaneously mops and vacuums, so there’s no mode where it just vacuums or mops. Still, it’s the gadget I rely on for everyday hardwood floor maintenance and serious catastrophes like spilled spaghetti.

Where to Buy the Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze

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Tineco iFloor 3

The vacmop tackles everything from pet hair to spilled cereal and serious dirt.

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There’s a smarter way to clean hard floors, and the secret is the Tineco iFloor 3. Find it on Amazon, Walmart, Target or the Tineco website where it goes for around $280. Though it’s an investment, my Tineco iFloor 3 review proves it’s one of the hardest-working (and most affordable vacuum-mops) on the market. The best part? You’ll never have to buy a mop again. The Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze is truly the mop of the future.

For more cleaning gadgets that basically clean the home for you, check out our EyeVac Touchless Vacuum review.

The post Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze Review: My Floors Were Never Really Clean Until I Tried This VacMop appeared first on Taste of Home.

Meal kits take the effort out of meal planning but none of the variety and quality. EveryPlate is the latest of many that I’ve tried. Owned by the HelloFresh Group and touted as the company’s most affordable service, this kit did not disappoint. Let’s dig into my EveryPlate reviews of each recipe in the box.

What is EveryPlate?

VIA MERCHANT

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We Tried It

EveryPlate Meal Kit

EveryPlate meal kits are an affordable way to have delicious recipes and all their ingredients delivered straight to your door.

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EveryPlate follows the same formula as most other meal kit delivery services on the market, especially those also owned by the HelloFresh Group, such as Green Chef and, of course, HelloFresh. Offering an exceptional user experience, the service allows customers to select up to six recipes with yields of two, four or six servings on a weekly basis.

The well-insulated box of ingredients for the preselected recipes then arrives on your doorstep typically by Wednesday of the given week. The family-friendly meals are as low as $4.99 per serving based on how many meals and servings you purchase, and you’ll have 26 signature, semi-customizable recipes from which to choose each week.

EveryPlate Features

EveryPlate reviews set this meal kit apart from competitors, such as Mosaic, Marley Spoon and Home Chef, mainly for its low price—a price the company is able to offer because of packaging adjustments and condensed menu options. That being said, there are still 26 meals from which to choose each week. When you sign up, you’ll have the option to select preferences such as “Quick & Easy” or “Veggie” to signal to EveryPlate which recipes to display first.

Then comes the fun part, at least for me: sifting through all the delicious-looking recipes and picking which ones I want on my plate ASAP. For my box, I chose Chicken Scallopini, Sticky Soy Pork Burgers and Creamy Corn & Bacon Chowder. I opted out of any add-ons, but you can bulk up your box with items like garlic bread, egg bites or cheesecake for a small price if you like.

The recipes are conveniently labeled with signifiers such as “Customer Fave,” “Easy Cleanup” or “30 Min or Less,” so you know exactly what you’re signing up for. And if you’re not feelin’ any of the offerings, you can skip weeks or cancel altogether at any time.

How We Tested It

My EveryPlate box arrived on a Wednesday afternoon. I immediately unpacked it and tossed all the ingredients in the fridge. The non-meat ingredients, such as sauces, veggies and grains, are compiled in a cardboard box. Then, check underneath the ice packs for your proteins—I’ve made that mistake before! Despite the packaging adjustments that partially account for the low cost of the box, the items arrived cold and in great shape. I cooked them all the very next day.

Chicken Scallopini

For those who don’t know (read: me before ordering this box), Chicken Scallopini is thinly sliced chicken that’s dredged in flour, pan-fried and served with a sauce, in this case, a lemon-garlic cream sauce. The full meal also included roasted broccoli and cubed potatoes. So, in addition to the aforementioned steps of dredging, pan-frying and whisking together a cream sauce, I also had to chop, season and bake the potatoes and broccoli.

The instructions included some helpful pointers that I might not have considered, such as adjusting the oven racks so the potatoes would bake right at the top of the oven and the broccoli would go in the middle. This lent itself to a perfect cook on both. However, I would’ve preferred the instructions had me add the broccoli halfway through the potatoes’ cook time rather than pulling them out halfway through the potatoes’ cook time so that both would’ve been hot when eating.

The dredging process was super easy—I appreciated that the instructions had me sprinkle the flour over the chicken, then pat until it adhered, rather than having me add the flour to a bowl, toss the chicken in there and dirty extra pans. After the chicken was cooked, I was able to stir together the sauce in the same skillet. Achieving that smooth, lemony sauce was so straightforward.

Although one piece of chicken was on the slightly dry side, in all, it was a nourishing, filling meal that those sitting around my table really enjoyed. The potatoes were crisped to perfection, and the lemon cream sauce added a welcome brightness to this comfort-food dish. I will note, though, that it took me nearly an hour to prepare, rather than the quoted 40 minutes.

Sticky Soy Pork Burgers

When eagerly awaiting the arrival of my EveryPlate box, this is the meal about which I was most excited. And after taste-testing them all, it was certainly the most unique, in a largely positive way. The recipe entails chopping, seasoning and baking the potato wedges; making a cilantro slaw; and forming and cooking the pork patties on the stovetop (there’s also a ground beef version).

Despite feeling like something you’d find on a restaurant menu, this recipe was super easy to put together. Although I’d make some tiny tweaks were I to make it again, such as julienning the potatoes so they cooked better, seasoning the patties slightly more, or adding less mayo to the slaw, I found it to be a juicy, delicious burger that stands out from many of the tired, go-to recipes in my repertoire.

The glaze on the Sticky Soy Pork Burgers, made of soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, lime, ginger and a couple of other ingredients, really took things up a notch, and the potato buns were a fluffy, tender complement to the equally tender pork. Although this recipe took me 42 instead of 35 minutes to make, I could certainly see myself revisiting this recipe.

Creamy Corn & Bacon Chowder

I’ve had some really incredible salads from meal kit delivery services, so it was time to try a soup. With a few favorite ingredients of mine such as bacon, cream cheese, jalapeno and potatoes, the Creamy Corn & Bacon Chowder was a slam-dunk for me. In fact, I’d say the bacon was the highest-quality ingredient in the whole box.

First, I chopped the potatoes, onion and jalapeno. Then I sauteed the aromatics and seasonings in butter before adding flour, then milk. Next, I added milk, water, chicken stock and potatoes, and cooked until the potatoes were tender. Meanwhile, I crisped up the bacon to just my liking. Lastly, I stirred in cream cheese, some of the bacon and corn, then topped it with jalapeno, more bacon and sour cream. Easy, peasy!

Although this was my favorite recipe of the bunch flavor-wise, there were some minor drawbacks. First, the recipe required milk but did not provide it. Luckily, I keep dairy milk on hand, but at this point in time, I know many households do not. Furthermore, unlike the other meals, there were no side dishes, so I needed to make my own; this wasn’t an all-in-one kit. Lastly, it took me 45 minutes to make instead of the quoted 35.

To end on a bright note, it tasted dang good. The cream cheese added a tanginess where other corn chowders sometimes fall flat. The combination of textures with the crispy bacon, tender corn, semi-mashed potatoes and raw jalapeno was delightful. And the recipe made way more than two servings, in my opinion. Leftovers I can get behind!

Pros

• Affordable
• High-quality ingredients (especially bacon and broccoli!)
• Helpful recipe cards
• Only easy techniques and straightforward tools required
• Plentiful portions
• Flexible cancellation or pausing

Cons

• Quoted times are inaccurat

FAQ

How much is EveryPlate for one person?

Although one-serving recipes are not available, a single person could easily order from EveryPlate, so long as they’re OK with leftovers. If one person were to purchase a box of two-serving recipes, they would spend around $45 for three meals (or six total servings), $55 for four (eight total servings), $65 for five (10 total servings) and $72 for six (12 total servings). Keep an eye on meal kit sales for even better deals!

Is EveryPlate owned by HelloFresh?

Yes, EveryPlate, along with Green Chef, Factor and HelloFresh, is owned by the HelloFresh Group. Among the group’s brands, it is marketed as a value meal kit service.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

This meal kit has been feeding and pleasing people all over the U.S. and Australia for long enough to accrue more than 11,000 five-star EveryPlate reviews on Trustpilot.

Joel Riecker, a five-star reviewer, loves the simplicity of the recipes. “As a longtime picky eater, I’ve been pleasantly surprised from all angles,” he says. “The value is there, especially for a family. For a single person (as in my case), it’s cheaper than eating out but tends to be a bit more than buying my own groceries. But the tradeoff of having it delivered to my door and getting out of my food rut has been worth it. I’m into my fifth box and plan to continue my orders.”

For some others, EveryPlate even offers a bonding and learning opportunity. “I have been using EveryPlate to teach my two boys to cook,” DeAnna Squires says. “They are so excited when our box arrives. We have to ‘rock, paper, scissors’ to see who gets to cook first each week. This is genius at teaching kiddos to cook. They are always so proud of the outcome.”

Cathy is a new customer and is especially impressed by the customer service, which is key for a meal kit delivery service in the event of a delayed shipment, missing ingredients, etc. “I just marvel at their customer service and the attention to every little detail, which creates an overall exceptional experience,” she says. “Great delivery; good quality/quantity of foods; perfect and easy recipes; fun perks and rewards. Did I forget to mention delicious meals? Thanks, EveryPlate!”

Product Comparison

You’ll most often find EveryPlate compared to Dinnerly, which is another meal kit service that claims to have meals for as low as $4.99 per serving. Although I admittedly did prefer my meals and the customization options from Dinnerly, they cost more money.

How is that so? Well, servings don’t cost $4.99 from either meal kit service unless you buy the maximum amount of meals and servings. So, when I ordered the smallest Dinnerly box (two 2-serving recipes), I was charged $32, or roughly $8 per serving. However, when I ordered the smallest EveryPlate box (three 2-serving recipes), I was charged $44, or roughly $7 per serving. This means that EveryPlate really has the cheapest offerings of any meal kit delivery service, especially if you’re ordering for just one or two people.

Final Verdict

You might assume EveryPlate cut corners to cut costs, but I didn’t find that to be the case. The food arrived cold and fresh—with no noticeable dip in quality from other HelloFresh Group brands, such as Green Chef. The meals were easy to make, with the aid of recipe cards with comprehensive written instructions and step-by-step photos.

Although I found the recipes to be a tad bit elementary for my taste, they were still yummy and filled me up for hours. EveryPlate would be the no-brainer option for families with young kids, picky eaters, kitchen novices or anyone looking to save a buck. Just keep in mind that they might take you a little longer than the quoted time.

Where to Buy an EveryPlate Meal Kit

VIA MERCHANT

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We Tried It

EveryPlate Meal Kit

EveryPlate meal kits are available exclusively on the brand's website. Choose from 26 delicious options today for tasty dinners next week!

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Head to the EveryPlate website for your very own box of budget-friendly, taste-bud-wowing recipes. The smallest box, with three 2-serving recipes, costs around $45, and the largest box, with six 6-serving recipes, costs $180. You’ll be so glad you stepped up to the EveryPlate!

The post EveryPlate Review: I Tried This Meal Kit and the Quality Stays High While the Cost Stays Low appeared first on Taste of Home.

While Christmastime may seem far away, now is the time to snag a fun Advent calendar. Festive Advent calendars are filled with treats from cheeses and chocolates to Bonne Maman jams and coffee. Hunting for the perfect gift for the whiskey connoisseur in your life? Then look no further than a whiskey Advent calendar.

Counting down to Christmas is sweeter with an Advent calendar filled with edible chocolate delights or boozy spirits. It’s best to pre-order trending Advent calendars as they have a limited supply and sell out fast! Flaviar’s whiskey Advent calendar is no exception.

If you want to receive Flaviar’s 2023 calendar, you have to pre-order now as it’s renowned for selling out every year. Taste of Home readers can get an exclusive $10 off the Flaviar calendar with code TOH10. Try a wine Advent calendar if whiskey isn’t your spirit of choice.

What is the Flaviar whiskey Advent calendar? 

Flaviar, an online spirits club for whiskey connoisseurs, offers a new Advent calendar every year that features rare whiskies from across the world. I personally tested Flaviar’s 2023 Indiana Jones-themed whiskey Advent calendar.

Explore The Lost Art of Distillation: The Amber Kingdom with 24 1.7-ounce vials of whiskey from eight different countries, two Glencairn glasses, a tasting journal with information about each whiskey and a free one-year Flaviar base membership.

The one-year Flaviar base membership ($350 value) includes a full-size bottle and three mini-samples of your choice every quarter of the year. Plus, it also provides member discounts, free shipping on certain products, access to a vast array of spirits from across the globe, first dibs on exclusive bottlings and entry to a passionate spirits community.

Flaviar only unveils so many details about their Advent calendar, as it should be a surprise. If you want to find out more, you’ll have to order the box for yourself or as a gift for a whiskey lover to enjoy.

Pros

• Shareable design
• Vials hold 60% more liquid than most Advent calendars
• 24 top-shelf whiskey samples from eight countries
• Free one-year Flaviar base membership ($350 value)
• Festive packaging with an engaging tasting experience
• Two Glencairn glasses
• Tasting journal with information on each whiskey sample

Cons

• Pre-order only
• Only ships to 32/50 states in the U.S.
• Pricey

VIA MERCHANT

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Editor's Pick

Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar

Flaviar's whiskey Advent calendar is our go-to gift for bourbon enthusiasts. Sample 24 curated selections of bespoke bourbons from the best distilleries across the globe.

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Why I Love It 

With 24 days until Christmas starting December 1, there’s one 1.7-ounce hand-picked and expertly curated glass whiskey vial for every day until my favorite holiday.

Industry-leading whiskey makers and distillers contributed to this whiskey Advent calendar across eight countries: the United States, Ireland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Denmark, Japan and New Zealand. Sample a thoughtfully curated variety of new and old whiskeys: bourbons, ryes, blended Scotches and single malts.

Whiskey samples include award winners and exclusive new releases. Some whiskey vials come from bottles worth over $150. One whiskey vial features a Scotch that comes out in 2024.

Flaviar’s whiskey Advent calendar is designed as a gift to be shared, hence two Glencairn glasses—the best glassware for tasting whiskey. A single 1.7-ounce pour is enough for two people to enjoy. Sample whiskeys from across the globe with your significant other, close friend or family member.

The education-focused tasting journal includes information on each individual whiskey sample with space for personal tasting notes on each whiskey vial. For whiskey lovers with a green palette, the tasting notes in the journal are rather helpful in refining spirit preferences.

Might I add, the Advent calendar is wrapped in stunning black and gold packaging, enhancing the overall tasting advent-ure. Additionally, the whiskey vials and glasses are secured tightly in their slots and won’t break during shipping.

But Don’t Take My Word for It! 

Reviewers tout Flaviar as the best whiskey Advent calendar on the market. From the packaging to meticulously curated samples, every step of the tasting journey is captivating and festive. For some, it’s the best gift they’ve ever received.

Five-star reviewer Josh Cannery says, “Best Advent calendar—EVER! Packaging is high quality, user experience is entertaining, samples are wonderfully delivered and no shortage of variety.”

It’s the perfect gift for any whiskey enthusiast in the family, according to Nick Glorioso. “My wife and son purchased this for my 50th. Absolutely the best present I could receive. Hands down one of the best presents you could purchase as a gift.”

For verified purchaser and booze enthusiast Chefbourbon, it was an opportunity to expand his palette. “My wife got me that for Christmas. What a treat! Really fun to try some new bottles I might never have given a time of day.”

Where to Buy the Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar

VIA MERCHANT

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Editor's Pick

Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar

Flaviar's whiskey Advent calendar is our go-to gift for bourbon enthusiasts. Sample 24 curated selections of bespoke bourbons from the best distilleries across the globe.

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The Flaviar whiskey Advent calendar is available exclusively from Flaviar’s website. $250 gets you 24 curated 1.7-ounce whiskey samples among other goodies. $250 for 40.8 ounces of whiskey hammers out to $6.13 per ounce. Given some included whiskey bottles are worth over $150, it’s a stellar deal! Or, purchase two whiskey Advent calendars and save $50 (just $225 per calendar).

Remember, Taste of Home readers get an exclusive $10 off the calendar with code TOH10. If you preorder by October 25, you’re guaranteed to receive a calendar by Thanksgiving. Flaviar does not ship the whiskey Advent calendar to certain states or P.O. boxes.

For the whiskey-obsessed or those looking to expand and refine their booze palette, Flaviar’s whiskey Advent calendar is the perfect gift.

The post I Tried the Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar That Sells Out Every Year appeared first on Taste of Home.

As an apartment dweller, I’m used to well-used major appliances not operating properly—my range hood included. Apart from it being on the older side, years and years of caked-on grease and dust make it unhygienic to use. After spending my summer with the windows open to kick errant smells to the curb, I’m ready to fully embrace the chilly weather. The Airhood portable range hood not only lets me keep my windows closed—it eliminates odors, grease particles and helps me breathe better.

What is the Airhood portable range hood?

The Airhood is a portable range hood that resembles a desk fan. Apart from the sleek design, the device offers three fan speeds controlled by a no-frills switch at the top. It’s ductless, ventless and weighs in at just under six pounds. Other than the classic white that I chose, it also comes in a modern black and striking cadmium orange. At 13 inches tall, this small kitchen appliance is tiny enough to tote anywhere.

Airhood’s goal is simple: keep air clean in kitchens that have zero—or limited—ventilation. One side suctions in smoke, oil and odors through its dual filters. The other side releases fresh, clean air. Because of its petite size, the Airhood fits snugly into small spaces. After cooking, it easily tucks away in a cupboard. Or (like me), you can stow it under the sink.

When I say the Airhood cleans air and eliminates odors anywhere, I truly mean anywhere. Think small spaces where you couldn’t normally microwave fish without causing a riot. RVs, boats, apartments, break rooms, dorm rooms or tiny homes are ideal locations. Fire it up in a studio apartment to slay sour smells so you can sleep peacefully. That said, the Airhood is rather noisy, so it’s best not to operate it in the middle of the night.

However, you don’t need to stir up a pungent meal to reap the full benefits of the Airhood. The device also draws in and traps greasy particles that would normally end up on walls, cabinets and floors. While it’s no replacement for an over-the-oven range hood, kitchens that lack a built-in hood benefit from the air-cleansing properties of the device.

After all, over-the-range hoods are mounted directly above the stove. Comparatively, the Airhood sits on the counter with other small kitchen appliances, so it relies on air circulation to properly filter out smoke and grease. Despite it taking a little longer to properly eliminate poor air quality from cooking, it does a bang-up job.

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Airhood Product Features

• Oil filter that fights grease on walls, floors and cabinets
• Replaceable charcoal filter that traps and eliminates odors
• Stainless steel handle makes it easy to carry
• Wired and wireless version
• Strong internal ventilator sucks in contaminated air
• Three speed settings
• Ductless, ventless and easy to clean
• Certified under ETL certification program as an air cleaner
• Highest fan setting spins at 5,000 rpm
• Three colors
• 5.8 pounds
• Just over 12 inches tall

How We Tested It

My device arrived with five charcoal filters—like the ones found in refrigerator odor eliminators—which Airhood says will last for more than two years of daily cooking. One was already installed upon arrival, cutting down on my setup time. As a bonus, they’re relatively simple to replace. Simply pop them out with your fingers when they become ineffective, then slide the new one in place.

Aside from additional filters, my Airhood also comes with a charger and a wireless base. While there is a wired version, the wireless one is ideal for me—it allows me to position my Airhood far away from heat sources, making it safe to operate in the kitchen.

A handy quick-start guide arrives with every unit and outlines helpful setup instructions and tips for getting the most out of the unit. Assembly wasn’t difficult at all—the filters are already installed upon arrival, so all I had to do was charge the base for an hour or so before snapping it onto the device and firing it up.

Our first test: burned buns. While cooking dinner, my husband and I made a big oops by not adding enough water to our wok while steaming some bao buns. The result was a burned bamboo steamer and a horrible, foul odor that permeated our apartment. In response, I fired up the Airhood and aimed it at the source of the offending odor, keeping it a safe distance away from heat sources.

Luckily, the Airhood filtered out the smell in less than an hour, saving me from a headache. We both learned our lesson and upgraded our finicky bamboo steamer for a stainless steel steamer, like the ones from Caraway.

Our second test: tempura. Nothing beats the crunch of tempura broccoli, except maybe the Airhood’s impeccable ability to prevent greasy walls. Normally caked in a thin film by the time I’m finished frying, the cupboards above my stove didn’t see a single dot of oil. In fact, I could literally see the oil that normally ends up all over my kitchen coating the outer filter of the Airhood. Surprisingly, it is also easily washed off with regular dish detergent and some light scrubbing.

Pros

• Recycles air and increases indoor air quality
• Small, portable size and weight
• Two filters maximize air cleaning capabilities
• Traps grease particles that can end up on the floor, walls or cabinets
• Charcoal filter eliminates odors
• Most components are dishwasher-safe
• Three fan speeds
• Attractive, modern look
• Three colors choices
• Incredibly easy to operate

Cons

• Shouldn’t be used directly next to gas stoves
• Not as effective as a built-in range hood
• Wired version isn’t as portable as the wireless version
• Noisy

FAQ

Why is indoor ventilation important while cooking?

According to a study by the California Air Resources Board, cooking can “generate unhealthy air pollutants from heating oil, fat and other food ingredients, especially at high temperatures. Self-cleaning ovens, whether gas or electric, can create high levels of pollutants as food waste is burned away.

Exposure to these can cause or worsen a wide range of health problems such as nose and throat irritation, headaches, fatigue and nausea. Young children, people with asthma and people with heart or lung disease are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of indoor air pollution.”

Given this assessment, the California Air Resources Board recommends a few ways to properly ventilate areas. For those with a range hood, this means:

1. Making sure it vents to the outdoors
2. Use it while cooking or using your stove
3. Cook on back burners whenever possible

Those without a range hood should:

1. Use a wall or ceiling exhaust fan
2. Open windows and/or doors to improve airflow

How does the Airhood work?

Similarly to indoor plants (but far more effective), the Airhood filters indoor air pollutants that cause lung irritation. An exterior oil filter traps grease particles, while an inner charcoal filter eliminates smaller odor particulates. While running, the device releases fresh, clean air that improves indoor air quality and eliminates nasty particulates.

For those who can’t make the above accommodations suggested by the California Air Resources Board—whether they’re renting or simply don’t have the budget—the Airhood is the perfect Plan B.

How to Clean the Airhood

As with any kitchen appliance, the device should be cleaned after every use. This goes doubly-so after pan frying because grease particles can clog up the outward-facing filter.

According to Airhood, just “remove the magnetically attached air duct ‘in a jiffy’ and clean it wherever you like. The oil filter is mounted on the air duct utilizing a bracket, which can be removed with a quick flick of the wrist thanks to the simple twist-lock mechanism and then cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher. In addition, the activated charcoal filter behind the oil filter can be easily removed and replaced by hand.”

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Reviews for the Airhood are overwhelmingly positive, with purchasers praising the portability and power of this petite device. “I use the Air Hood when using my counter-top deep fryer,” writes verified purchaser Woodrow D. “I cannot place my deep fryer on my cooktop, so it’s not under my range hood leaving the smell and grease particulate hanging in the air.”

He continues, “I placed my Air Hood next to the deep fryer and I can see the steam cloud, along with the grease and odor being pulled into the Air Hood Filters. It really significantly reduced the smell of fish frying and trapped the grease particulate in the filter. A great idea for all of your portable cooking appliances.”

Product Comparison

The Airhood is also a great supplemental device for kitchens with older range hoods that don’t fully filter the air. This is especially helpful when they’re too old or poor quality. With the average cost of a replacement hood landing somewhere between $200 and $700—plus the labor-intensive task of removing and installing—it’s easy to see how the Airhood could be a smart option for less handy folks at under $200.

But don’t let that assessment fool you—the Airhood is also an affordable option for those who lack any kind of built-in range hood. While it takes a lot longer than a traditional hood to truly eliminate odors and grease particles from the air, using the device beats box fans a hundred times over. The charcoal filter makes all the difference and justifies the mid-range price tag, especially when compared to tabletop fans that simply rotate stale air around the room.

Air filters like the editor-tested Molekule purifier offer a similar result when it comes to ridding the air of odors. However, they aren’t a replacement for a range hood. That means cooking-related contaminants like grease and steam could damage their delicate interiors. When comparing the Airhood with countertop air purifiers, it’s preferable to opt for the Airhood for anything cooking-related.

Final Verdict

For those living in close quarters, the Airhood is a lifesaver. If you’re a fan of smelly food, it’s a relationship-saver. Despite being less effective than a pricey built-in range hood, the lower price point and portable size make it well worth splurging on. Because it’s compact enough to travel with, it’s perfect for bringing to Airbnbs or as additional ventilation while prepping Thanksgiving meals at a relative’s house.

Where to Buy the Airhood

The Airhood is available on Amazon, and rings up at around $150. That’s much more affordable than a replacement range hood, and it offers tons of flexibility while cooking. Say goodbye to smells and sticky films from fried food—this portable hood surpasses both regular fans and air purifiers.

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The post AirHood Review: The World’s First Portable Range Hood appeared first on Taste of Home.

From mini cookware to eye-catching tableware, home cooks can’t get enough of this aesthetic (and high-performance) cookware brand. Imagine our shock when the brand dropped the newest addition to their lineup: the Our Place Wonder Oven. We couldn’t wait to get our hands on the six-in-one appliance that fans are calling “the adult Easy-Bake oven.”

Sure, it’s lovely, but how does the recently launched Our Place Wonder Oven rank in terms of performance? As a home cook, shopping editor and freezer food enthusiast, here’s what I thought of the brand’s first foray into appliances. Spoiler: I’ve never been more in love with a little blue box.

What is the Our Place Wonder Oven?

Despite looking like an air fryer, the Our Place Wonder Oven—often referred to as the “adult Easy-Bake oven”—offers so much more than chicken wings and French fries (although it’s certainly capable of both). Instead, this six-in-one oven accomplishes a variety of cooking tasks. Presets for air frying, baking, roasting, toasting, reheating and broiling are all baked right into the appliance.

In addition, a clever optional steam function revives stable bread, backyard-fired pizza and bakery items. Inside the oven are two tiers that offer tons of space to cook up an entire supper with sides. Or, stick to just the bottom rack to roast a 4.5-pound chicken—seriously!

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Our Place Wonder Oven Product Features

Four matte shades—char, blue salt, steam and spice—bring a warm and inviting tone to the kitchen. I picked mine up in blue salt, which perfectly matches the rest of my cookware. It also certainly looks prettier on my counter than the typically stale air fryer oven. Retro rotary dials, slip-resistant feet and a generously sized oven handle look sleek and fun.

Better yet, this thing has more accessories than Barbie. The miniature air fryer basket, baking tray and crumb tray offer ample ways to fire up your food. As someone who never really got over the loss of my coveted Easy-Bake Oven, I love the inclusion of mini accessories. It taps into the nostalgia of mixing up little cakes and cooking them with a lightbulb, minus the wait.

Three dials line the top of the Wonder Oven. Controls for temperature, cooking mode and time are well-labeled. Temperature selections range from 300 to 450 degrees, whereas the time dial allows for up to 40 minutes of cooking time. Modes include air frying, baking, roasting, toasting, reheating and broiling—nearly everything a home cook could hope for in an oven.

The 12-liter cooking capacity is just enough for both me and my husband, but the two cooking tiers make it possible to snag another set of accessories to serve more people if desired. Overall, the controls are intuitive and look cute to boot.

How We Tested It

Setting up the Our Place Wonder Oven is so easy. Just remove it from the box, insert the crumb tray below the bottom heating element, and fire it up for a fast lunch. The included instructions show where to slide in each rack, pan and air fryer basket for the best results.

Our Place does recommend performing a trial run without food prior to the first use. Set the temperature to 400 degrees and let it run for 10 minutes in bake mode to cook away any lingering factory odors. There was a slight odor for me, but nothing that put me off the oven.

Before using it to cook I thoroughly cleaned the air fryer basket, baking pan and rack inserts by hand. Our Place recommends hand-washing all accessories.

Air Fry

My first task was testing out the air fryer function. What better way to trial the crispy, crunchy results than cooking up a few frozen samosas? I preheated the oven according to the instructions, setting the temperature to 350 degrees for five minutes.

The steam function works with all the cooking modes, so I decided to try it with air frying. Before cooking, simply detach the 10-milliliter cup at the top of the unit, fill it with water and dump it into the water inlet beneath where the cup attaches to the unit.

Once preheated, I plopped down three samosas into the air fryer basket, filled up the water inlet using the directions included with the oven and set the timer to 15 minutes.

I wasn’t sure whether the steam function would work in conjunction with the air fryer, but I was pleasantly surprised! The samosas came out perfect—crispy on the outside and deliciously soft and steamy on the inside. The samosas didn’t turn out dry at all. My oven has some serious competition in this unassuming appliance!

Bake

One big draw of the Wonder Oven is the ability to use it like a traditional oven. As soon as I saw the promotional photos featuring cookies, I ran to the store to pick up some Pillsbury pumpkin cookie dough. For this test, I opted not to use the steam function.

I preheated the oven to 350 degrees, inserted the cookie sheet, set the timer for 12 minutes and watched the cookies expand and flatten as they baked. It’s hypnotizing! As I would with the oven, I let the cookies cool for a few minutes before enjoying to complete the baking process.

Verdict? Delicious. The oven is the ideal size to bake up a few cookies for me and my husband, and I didn’t have to dig around my cluttered cabinet for a baking sheet. Win!

Steam

I used the steam function while cooking up cheese-filled bread bites. While the cooking instructions on the package included air fryer instructions, I opted to use the oven instructions instead. That said, I did pull them out a few minutes early to prevent over-browning, so check on your food frequently throughout cooking.

The steam kept them soft and chewy while still allowing them to crisp up around the outside. Even my regular oven can’t deliver results as good as this!

Pros

• Six different cooking modes
• Easy-to-use rotary dials
• Comes in a selection of modern matte hues
• Small enough for tiny kitchens and counters
• Two-tier cooking capabilities
• Steam function
• Pleasant timer chime

Cons

• A bit pricey, but pretty standard for a toaster oven
• Cook times may need to be adjusted
• Radiates a bit of heat

FAQ

Is the Wonder Oven a good air fryer?

When it comes to the Wonder Oven’s air frying abilities, consider us smitten. It’s just as capable as our favorite air fryers, and comes with more temperature controls than the average single-drawer model. The glass front panel makes it easy to keep an eye on food and prevent over-browning.

Those new to air fryers should snag an air fryer cheat sheet for precise cooking times and temperatures. Despite the popularity of these appliances, cooking instructions rarely include directions for air fryers.

How do you cook with Wonder Oven?

It’s important to remember to preheat the oven before cooking. This is achieved by using the intuitive dials on the front to set the desired mode and temperature, then setting the timer for five minutes prior to cooking.

After that, cooking with the Wonder Oven is as easy as adding your food and setting the timer. The six-in-one functionality makes it easy to tackle everything from ooey, gooey cookies to crispy skinned chicken. I can’t wait to have extra oven space during Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner prep!

What Other Reviewers Are Saying

Like me, reviewers adore the look and performance of the Wonder Oven, with most noting that any skepticism they had vanished at first bite.

“I really enjoy using this oven,” writes verified purchaser John G. He says, “My wife, a skeptic at first, has also hopped on the Wonder Oven bandwagon. We both love the way it fits on our counter, in both the physical and aesthetic senses. Practically speaking, it has handled all we’ve thrown at it, be it broiling salmon, air-frying hot dogs, baking cookies or reheating fried food. Where it has really shined is with leftover pizza, specifically in giving it a delectably crispy and thin outer shell on the cheese.”

Product Comparison

What is the difference between the Wonder Oven and the Ninja Foodi?

We’re big fans of the Ninja Foodi—so much so that we curated a trove of Ninja Foodi recipes! While the Wonder Oven and the Ninja Foodi are both air fryers, they’re both capable of more than the usual fare.

Ninja Foodi is an air fryer, pressure cooker, broiler, dehydrator, slow cooker and steamer all in one. In contrast, the Wonder Oven bakes, broils, air fries, reheats, roasts and toasts.

Our Place Wonder Oven vs. Balmuda Toaster Oven

I’m already the proud owner of a Balmuda toaster oven, the aesthetic multi-use steam oven, so I consider myself a bit of a toaster oven enthusiast. Compared to the Balmuda, there are a few differences. Firstly, the Wonder Oven is much taller. This comes in handy for those interested in two-tier cooking or roasting bigger items like chicken.

I hate to admit it, but when it comes to steam functionality, the Wonder Oven has the Balmuda beat. The Wonder Oven’s steam function works in every cooking mode, whereas the Balmuda’s steam function is restricted to certain cooking modes like bread and pizza.

The Wonder Oven also offers more temperatures to choose from when baking. Despite the fact that the Balmuda’s water cup is a lot cuter—it looks like a mini mug—there’s no place to house it, which enhances the likelihood of losing it. In contrast, the Wonder Oven has a dedicated nesting spot for its steam cup on the top.

Final Verdict

Those searching for an all-in-one appliance that bakes, broils, air fries, reheats, toasts and roasts won’t be disappointed by the Wonder Oven. The retro-modern look is just the tip of the iceberg. This little oven is bound to become your go-to for quick cooking tasks.

Just be careful—your oven might get jealous!

Where to Buy the Our Place Wonder Oven

Folks can purchase the Our Place Wonder Oven on Our Place’s website for just under $200. Price-wise, it’s pretty par for the course when it comes to toaster ovens—and most don’t offer this level of functionality. Snag one today and relive your Easy-Bake Oven days as an adult.

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The post Our Place Wonder Oven Review: The Easy-Bake Oven for Adults appeared first on Taste of Home.

Yes, you read that correctly. This all-in-one countertop cooker is not only useful—it’s essential in my kitchen and has turned this air fryer skeptic into a true believer.

What is the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro?

Breville’s Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is not just an air fryer—it’s an all-in-one countertop appliance. The Pro model I tested comes with two wire racks, a 13-by-9 enamel pan, a pizza pan and a mesh basket for dehydrating and air frying. It boasts 13 different cooking methods:

• Air fry
• Bake
• Roast
• Pizza
• Proof
• Reheat
• Cookies
• Slow cook
• Dehydrate
• Bagel
• Toast

Over the past few years since I’ve owned the oven, I’ve cooked everything from biscuits to bacon to bagels—and even a whole roast chicken. Its versatility is second to none.

What makes the Breville different from most other air fryers out on the market is its size. It’s a little larger than a microwave, and unlike most egg-shaped air fryers, the Breville Smart Oven uses a flat mesh basket that slides into a rack to air fry food. This allows you to fit more food across a larger surface area compared to the typical air fryer. And since the oven door is glass, you can check in on food as it cooks. Buh-bye overcooked air fryer french fries!

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Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

This all-in-one smart oven is a kitchen workhorse with 13 settings ranging from roast to air-fry to dehydrate and more.

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How Does It Work?

With the twist of a dial, you can select between the 13 cooking methods that the Breville Smart Oven has to offer. Once a method is selected, a preset will appear with the option to change the time and/or temperature. For instance, if you select Toast, the oven will give you an option to select the level of darkness (1-7) and number of slices (1-9). For the Cookies setting, the oven defaults to 325° on convection for 11 minutes.

To cook, you simply place the rack (or sheet pan or air fryer basket) to its designated height. Breville outlines the proper spot to place each rack on the outside of the door. Broil on the top rack; pizza on the lowest rack and so on. (However, while testing, I’ve found these labels can be somewhat tricky to read.)

Once the oven is fired up, Breville uses what it refers to as “Element IQ technology” to adjust the power of its heating elements to cook food to perfection. Like other air fryers and convection ovens, a built-in fan circulates hot air throughout the oven, distributing the steady heat and consistent airflow that’s essential to crisp food to perfection.

Product Features

As mentioned, the oven’s size is one of its defining features. As someone whose counter space is a scarce commodity, there are pros and cons to an oven of this size (14 inches x 22 inches x 12 inches to be exact). While it takes up a decent amount of space, the oven has a spacious interior that accommodates a whole slew of dishes that the typical air fryer can’t, like a variety of Christmas recipes. It’s great for making large sides and even main courses ranging from casseroles to whole chickens. I was surprised that I could fit an entire 4-quart Dutch oven inside!

And while the oven comes with preset modes, you’re not limited to them. When baking, for example, you can select the precise time and temperature of your choice. One of the genius features Breville built into the oven is the ability to automatically convert the temperature from regular baking to convection and to super convection. So long conversion guides!

There are a few more subtle features that reflect Breville’s attention to detail in its product design. With the press of a button, you can turn on “rotate remind” which alerts you at the halfway mark to turn your dish for even cooking.  There’s also a light that makes it easy to peek in, magnets built into the door that help pull out the rack and even a specially designed loop on the appliance cord that makes it easier to insert and remove the plug. These small upgrades and accessories add up and make the Breville Smart Oven feel like a luxury in the kitchen.

How We Tested It

To test the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, I first measured the time it took to pre-heat the Smart  Oven to 400° and compared it to my standard oven. The results were incredible:

• Breville Smart Oven preheat time: 5 minutes 10 seconds
• Standard oven preheat time: 13 minutes 11 seconds

This means the Breville Smart Oven is able to preheat and cook a dish in the time that it took to heat my old oven. As someone who is very impatient when it comes to cooking, this was eye-opening.

Next, to test Breville’s powerful convection heat, I baked sliced potatoes at 400° for 15 minutes on the regular bake, convection and super-convection settings and compared them to my standard (non-convection) oven.

• Standard oven: The potatoes were cooked and only slightly golden on the outside. They could likely use 10-15 more minutes until browned and crispy.
• Breville standard: The potatoes were slightly darker than my standard oven’s results, but not by much.
• Breville convection: The ovens were beginning to get deeply golden with some dark brown bits.
• Breville super-convection: At the 15-minute mark, the potatoes were a deep brown and perfectly roasted, with some smaller slices beginning to over-brown.

What this leads me to believe is that the Smart Oven’s convection and super convection modes are a great shortcut for speedy roasting and air frying, shaving minutes off the standard cooking time for dinners and sides.

What’s more, I can confirm that the appliance can dependibly cook almost anything you through its way. This past holiday season, I relied on it for Christmas cookies, where its preheat time was invaluable. I’ve also baked fruit cobbler using my largest 12-inch cast iron skillet, brownies in a 9-by-9 baking dish and almost too many cakes to count. If you constantly find yourself needing more space to cook dessert, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a great complement to your baking arsenal.

Pros

• Versatility
• Smart and powerful cooking technology
• Large capacity
• Air fryer settings
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Pricey
• Takes up countertop space
• Has a learning curve

FAQ

Can I use my Breville Smart Oven as an air fryer?

Yes, you can use your Breville Smart Oven as an air fryer. In fact, it’s one of its primary functions. My favorite things to cook in the air fryer are crispy carrots, zucchini chips and frozen french fries. Here are some tasty Thanksgiving air fryer recipes to try.

How loud is the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer?

I will admit when I had initially set up the smart oven, the buzzer was loud. My colleagues have told me that this is a common gripe for many air fryer owners. Luckily, there is a way to adjust the volume on the Breville to get rid of blaring alarms. Simply hold the temperature conversion button for three seconds to turn the volume up, down or off completely. Press any button to lock the setting.

Some users have found that older models from Breville were noisy while cooking—especially on the air fry or convection settings. So far I have found no issues with the sound of the oven fan.

What is the difference between the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer and the Pro?

Breville has released several versions of their countertop ovens with capabilities ranging from a simple toaster oven to the multifunctional smart oven air fryer combos of today. The primary difference between the Smart Oven Air Fryer and the Pro version is the size. The standard model measures 0.8 cubic foot while the Pro model is 1 cubic foot. Additionally, the Pro has two new settings: Dehydrate and Proof.

The company has also released the new Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro—an even smarter smart oven that connects to your phone and other Wi-Fi devices (think: Alexa and Google Assistant) and for remote control.

Can you put aluminum foil in a Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer?

Yes, you can use aluminum foil in a Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. However, like most ovens, you should be cautious to ensure the foil does not touch the heating elements. When air frying wet foods, I actually prefer to line a baking sheet with foil to catch drippings instead of letting the mess fall to the drip tray. This makes for easy cleanup.

What Other Shoppers Had to Say

Foodies and home cooks alike have shared rave reviews about the smart oven.

Amazon reviewer Orchards Charcuterie shared, “From the moment I started using it, I was blown away by its amazing features. The LCD display is not only sleek and stylish, but it also makes it incredibly easy to navigate through the different cooking functions. And speaking of cooking functions, this oven has it all. With 13 options to choose from, I can cook anything from crispy fries to mouthwatering roasts.”

After purchasing the appliance for their kitchen, reviewer Mona Segal states, “It’s the best appliance decision I have made in years. Breville is a reliable and excellent product line, I own other appliances made by them. This oven, however, has completely transformed my overheated kitchen. Aside from the air frying capacity, it has absolutely every oven function imaginable, thus allowing me to cook without having to fire up my large oven, a true gift in this hot summer.”

Five-star reviewer Cool1234 says, “It fits wonderfully on my countertop and looks beautiful. It’s very well made and it is not loud and all, even when cooking with convection mode and (super convection mode).”

Product Comparison

So how does the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro stack up against other popular air fryer ovens on the market?

Breville vs. Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Oven: The Ninja Foodi is similar to the Breville in many ways. It has intuitive controls and evenly browns food on its Bake and Air Fry functions. The Ninja is more budget-friendly, while Breville tends to be more of a splurge. However, the Breville offers more settings than the Ninja, including low-temp pre-sets like Proof and Slow Cook.

Breville vs. Cosori Air Fryer Oven: You can find the Cosori Air Fryer Oven online for nearly half the price of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, making it the more economical option. Cosori offers similar controls to the Breville and even comes with accessories to cook rotisserie chicken. (Fun!) While trying out the models, our Test Kitchen found Breville to be more dependable, solid and sturdy with luxe bells and whistles.

Breville vs. Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer XL: Both appliances are top-notch air fryers with a large cooking capacity. The Chefman can hold a whopping eight quarts in its air fryer basket. However, the Chefman Air Fryer is a traditional air fryer with one primary cooking mode while the Breville Smart Oven is multifunctional and similar in size and shape to a convection toaster oven.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for an appliance that offers the same benefits as an air fryer, toaster, oven and dehydrator in one, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the way to go. While on the pricier end, the Breville is packed with features and special touches that make cooking your favorite mains and side dishes a breeze. Its super powerful heating elements cook food more quickly and thoroughly than traditional appliances—great for those (like me) who are always antsy to get food on the table.

Where to Buy the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

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Ready to take the leap? The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro will soon be your go-to appliance for air frying, baking, dehydrating and more.

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The Breville  Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is available on Amazon, Breville and Sur La Table. Keep an eye out for sale markdowns during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day events for the best price.

The post Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro Review: Why I Ditched My Oven for This All-in-One Appliance appeared first on Taste of Home.

Are you a bread enthusiast? Maybe you’re a healthy cook or a pasta connoisseur? A creative cook working in tight quarters? No matter what you love to cook or how you mix up your favorite meals, there’s a KitchenAid Stand Mixer to help.

How to Choose: Based on Capacity

The best appliances are the ones that seamlessly fit into your lifestyle, family and storage space.

Small spaces call for mighty mixers that don’t take up much room—such as the Artisan Mini 3.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. Compatible with all power hub attachments, this KitchenAid Stand Mixer may be the best stand mixer for small families and households with one to two people. The 3.5-quart capacity bowl is absolutely perfect for weeknight dinners and can yield enough appetizers and desserts to share.

Average-sized households benefit from the extra capacity available with full-sized stand mixers. Consider the Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer bundled with an extra bowl for more flexibility.

Large families or those who frequently host will appreciate the extra capacity and power of sturdy bowl-lift stand mixers featuring 5- to 7-quart bowls. These stand mixers are made to take on heavy mixtures in larger quantities. Featuring 11 distinct speeds, these stand mixers can tackle any task.

How to Choose: Based on Experience

Whether you’re a newbie baker or your countertops are regularly covered with oven-fresh morsels, there’s a stand mixer to assist along the way.

Beginning bakers might want to start small with the Deluxe 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. This model not only comes with a lower price point, it has everything you need to get started baking breads, cookies, meringues and more. Just under 14 inches tall, it makes up to eight dozen cookies per batch (using flat beater; 28 grams of dough each) and can tuck below most over-counter cabinets.

More ambitious bakers can kick it up a notch with the 5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer. Designed to combine form and function, this 11-speed mixer can handle any culinary challenge.

All experienced bakers will love the KitchenAid 7-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer for its notable function, convenience, size and style. In addition, this stand mixer includes a Double Flex Edge Beater that reduces the need to stop and manually scrape ingredients clinging to the side of the bowl.

How to Choose: Based on Size

If you’re all about baking warm, comforting breads, the best stand mixer depends on the loaves you mix up and the number of loaves you make at once. Any KitchenAid Stand Mixer easily kneads basic doughs, so choose a stand mixer based on how much and what kind of dough you make. Don’t forget to pair your KitchenAid 4.5- and 5-Quart Tilt-Head Mixers with the Bread Bowl with Baking Lid (sold separately) for easy proofing and rising!

Go bold with an Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. Featuring a smaller footprint, these stand mixers are available in over 20 colors, making them a particularly customizable option.

Go big with a 7-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer. These stand mixers can handle more than 8 pounds of dough (using dedicated outlet). The bowl-lift models are also ideal for working with dense mixtures, such as multigrain bread. Bake to your heart’s content with this model!

Other Things to Consider

The perfect stand mixer is the one that enables you to achieve your culinary goals. KitchenAid offers options for those just starting out, along with models featuring more powerful motors and heavy-duty construction to take on the most ambitious of your cooking and baking endeavors.

Start it off right. Classic Series stand mixers provide all the power needed for everyday meals while featuring the same durable and built-to-last metal construction found in all KitchenAid Stand Mixers. The Classic Series 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer offers coated beaters, a stainless steel bowl and the popular tilt-head feature that makes it easy to add ingredients.

Up your cooking (and countertop) game. Artisan Series stand mixers are best for handling dense recipes. Consider a 5-quart model for a lower price point if you’re just starting out with heavy mixtures. Available in more than 20 colors, this model includes a stainless steel bowl with handles and stands at 16ó inches.

Go pretty and powerful. Stand mixers with upgraded features allow cooks to enjoy a mixer paired with a glass or ceramic bowl for a simple way to amp up style and decor. Choose the Artisan Design Series mixer and you upgrade to a premium bowl and attachments, bringing beauty to your kitchen.

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Stand Mixer Accessories

All KitchenAid Stand Mixers come with a mixing bowl, dough hook, flat beater and wire whip. Some models even include a pastry beater accessory and a pouring shield. With these incredibly handy basics, the perfect tool is always at your fingertips.

Mix It Right

Whips/Whisks: Use the Wire Whip when you need to aerate something to make it light and fluffy, such as eggs, meringue, mousse or whipped cream. You can also use the Wire Whip to emulsify ingredients, such as mayonnaise and salad dressing.

Flat Beater: When making cakes, brownies or cookies, the Flat Beater is the accessory you want to grab. Flat Beaters can also be used to pull pork, mash potatoes, mix guacamole or even combine the ingredients in meatball and meat loaf recipes.

Pastry Beater: A smart replacement for handheld pastry cutters and blenders, this stainless steel beater cuts butter into flour for flaky pastries and makes shredding and mashing a snap.

Dough Hook: This accessory is a must-have for any cook who enjoys preparing homemade dough. From bread dough to freshly made pasta, if it requires kneading, this tool opens all sorts of time-saving possibilities.

Pouring Shields: Adding ingredients while mixing has never been easier or less messy, because these kitchen helpers keep flour and liquids inside the bowl.

Bowls, Bowls and More Bowls

KitchenAid also offers several mixing bowls and other accessories to help you customize a stand mixer that’s perfect for you and the family favorites you prepare. Check that your choice of mixing bowl is the right size for your stand mixer and is made for your specific model, whether a bestselling bowl-lift or tilt-head stand mixer.

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls: Stainless steel is a durable, yet lightweight, option for easily transferring contents. Go with the classic handleless bowl or try one with a flat handle for easy gripping. For elevated style, try the hammered stainless steel bowl for tilt-head mixers.

Glass Mixing Bowls: The clear glass mixing bowl is microwavable so you can easily melt or heat ingredients right in the bowl. It also has a handle, a pour spout and measuring markers, so it functions like a giant measuring cup. You can choose from 3.5-, 5- and 6-quart sizes.

Ceramic Mixing Bowls: Get ready to impress! These pretty bowls are available in many colors and patterns, adding a touch of style to your kitchen and even to your dining table.

Bread Bowl with Baking Lid: This bread bowl helps emulate a steam oven. How cool is that? The bowl traps steam and evenly distributes heat for breads with a crusty exterior and a soft interior.

Mixing Bowl Lids: KitchenAid bowl lids are perfect for covering dough that is resting—and make it a snap to store leftovers. These dishwasher-safe lids are even available with pouring spouts for glass mixing bowls.

Stand Mixer Attachments

You can easily transform your KitchenAid Stand Mixer into a variety of small kitchen appliances. Simply connect attachments to the stand mixer’s power hub and create something exciting.

Pasta, Anyone?

The KitchenAid pasta maker attachments help you get the authentic taste of fresh pasta whenever you want, right in your own kitchen. Prepare a variety of homemade pastas that range from family favorites like traditional spaghetti to change-of-pace ravioli.

Five-Piece Pasta Deluxe Set: This set comes with a pasta roller and capellini, spaghetti, fettuccine and lasagnette cutters.

Gourmet Pasta Press: This press makes six shapes of pasta, including rigatoni and macaroni.

All-Metal Grain Mill: Boost nutrients at your table with homemade grain pasta. This versatile attachment makes it easy to add freshly ground grains and flour to pasta for hearty texture and unbeatable flavor. Use it for your baked goods, too!

Pasta Roller: Use this basic pasta roller to create lasagna noodles or hand-cut or stuffed pastas.

Three-Piece Pasta Roller & Cutter Set: An introductory set, this package includes the pasta roller and the spaghetti and fettuccine cutters.

For the Meat Lover

Whether making freshly ground beef for burgers or stuffing sausage with your own mix of spices, you can use a Food Grinder Attachment to create quality dishes that always delight.

Food Grinder Attachment: With the food tray, food pusher, grinding auger, metal blade and grinding plates, you can grind both coarse and fine textures.

Metal Food Grinder Attachment: This all-metal attachment includes three grinding plates, a large food tray and two sausage tubes.

Sausage Stuffer Kit: Show off your specialty charcuterie skills by making your own sausage in two sizes: breakfast sausage links, or Italian sausage, bratwurst and other larger links.

Healthy Foods Made Fast

Eating right doesn’t have to tax your time or put creativity on the back burner. Let these attachments help.

Spiralizer with Peel, Core and Slice: Dress up meals with spiralized zucchini or sweet potatoes, and quickly slice apples and pears for tasty desserts.

Citrus Juicer: This attachment extracts healthy juices from fruits directly into a bowl, pitcher or measuring cup. Best of all, it catches seeds in its built-in strainer.

Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder: It’s easier than ever to add freshly sliced or shredded ingredients to salads, entrees, sides and more. This handy attachment uses the power of the stand mixer to process veggies, fruit and other items in minutes. Equipped with three blades, if offers endless slicing and shredding possibilities.

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An outdoor pizza oven is not only the ideal tool for making delicious homemade pizza, but it’s also fun to use. Nothing beats a pizza night on the deck or in the backyard with friends and family. And I’ve hosted them countless times with my Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven.

As a professional baker and pizza oven enthusiast, I’ve tested six different pizza oven options on the market including Solo Stove, the Ooni Volt and the Ooni Karu 12G. I’ve owned the Ooni Koda for over a year now. This is definitely one of the top ovens I go back to every time I’m cooking pizzas.

What is the Oona Koda 16?

The Ooni Koda 16 is a gas-powered pizza oven. It has a connecting gas hose that hooks up to a small propane tank like your regular home barbecue. The exterior of the pizza oven is covered with a powder coating. This gives it a sleek design while also making it weather-resistant. The oven reaches incredibly high temperatures and has plenty of space to cook homemade pizzas. You can also use this versatile oven for cooking with cast iron for a variety of other meals.

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Ooni Koda 16

This gas-powered outdoor pizza oven reaches up to 950 degrees and is designed for large pizzas, meats, fish and vegetables.

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Ooni Koda 16 Features

The Koda 16 is constructed from carbon steel, which makes it incredibly durable. My oven actually accidentally fell out of a truck during a move and it was perfectly fine. The thick steel creates great insulation to keep heat in, and the wide opening at the front makes it easy to turn pizzas.

This is one of the largest pizza ovens in the Ooni line-up, so it’s not ideal for someone hoping to save on space. However, that extra space inside always comes in handy for me, and at just under 40 pounds, it’s still movable to be able to store or even take out for tailgating.

The cordierite stone provides a beautiful cooking surface, and it heats up quickly to allow for that fast 30-second cook on the base of the pizza. From there, I turn it a few times to cook the toppings and finish the crust—it only takes about 90 seconds to fully cook a pizza from launch to finish. Once cooked, I like to pull the pizza out of the oven and let it rest for a minute or two before grabbing my pizza cutter and digging in.

How We Tested It

Set-Up

The Ooni Koda 16 is one of the easiest pizza ovens to set up. It shipped in a large cardboard box with plenty of padding. Once it arrives, all you have to do is open the box and pull the entire unit out. Extend the three folding legs, unwrap and gently place the cordierite stone inside. Attach the gas hose and you’re ready to fire it up! Set up the oven on a heat-safe surface for cooking. Ooni recommends a seasoning process for the first use of your oven. I lit my oven and let it sit on high heat for 30 minutes before using it.

Lighting the Pizza Oven

The Ooni Koda 16 has an ignition and temperature dial on the side of the oven. Once the gas tank is flowing, it’s quick and simple to turn the knob to ignite the burner. However, it’s important to stand to the side of the oven rather than in front—you’ll keep clear of the rush of heat that comes out. Once the oven is lit, I keep it on high to allow it to preheat for 20 minutes. I like to cook my pizzas right around 750 degrees, so I always let the stone heat up accordingly and check the temperature with an infrared thermometer to make sure it’s hot enough before the first launch.

Cooking Pizzas

The Ooni Koda 16 was the first pizza oven I ever used, and there was a bit of a learning curve at the beginning. It’s crucial to prep the dough with plenty of semolina or flour to keep it from sticking to the pizza peel. However, you don’t want too much of that flour going into the pizza oven and burning the bottom of your pie. To avoid that, I always use a perforated pizza peel, which lets the excess flour slide out before launching the pizza.

Once a pizza is in the oven, it takes about 30 seconds for the bottom of the crust to set, thanks to the heat of the pizza stone. I always cook with my flame on medium for better flexibility. The Ooni Koda 16 has an L-shaped burner, so the live flame is only on the left and back of the oven. I have found this design makes it much simpler to cook and turn your pizza without having to worry too much about burning it. The extra cooking surface area definitely helps out with that, allowing you to keep the pizza in the heat while avoiding the live flame.

Cooking Other Items

While pizza is the number one food I cook in my Ooni Koda 16, I’ve also used this oven for a variety of other things. I’ve cooked apple crisps in this oven in a cast iron skillet, as well as used it to make incredibly juicy burgers and flavorful chicken. This can also be achieved in the Koda 12, but I’ve found that the extra surface area of the Koda 16 makes it that much easier.

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Gas-powered for ease of use
• Reaches 950 degrees
• 16-inch cooking area provides plenty of space
• Durable carbon steel construction with folding legs

Cons

• Pizza tools and Ooni accessories sold separately
• Learning curve at first with the live flame

FAQ

Is the Ooni 16 better than the 12?

While I haven’t tested the Ooni Koda 12 on my own, I have tested other 12-inch Ooni models. I love the functionality of the electric Ooni Volt, or choosing between gas and wood in the Ooni Karu 12G. However, the extra cooking space in the Koda 16 makes all the difference to me. You can certainly still make smaller pizzas, but the extra room makes for easy turning or for placing a cast iron skillet or griddle in the oven.

Can I use the Ooni 16 indoors?

Use the Ooni Koda 16 for outdoor use only. It is fueled by gas from a propane tank, which should not be utilized indoors. The Ooni Volt is the only model from Ooni that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Using the Ooni pizza steel is another great option for indoor cooking.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Curious what others have to say about the Ooni Koda 16? Verified Amazon purchaser Stewart Fox said it’s a great pizza oven. “This is a terrific product. First, it came very well packaged. There is virtually no setup. It’s easy to use, cooks pizzas very fast and they come out great. The first pizza I made came out good, by the fourth, they were coming out perfect. Really happy with this product. Highly recommended.”

Another five-star reviewer, Chris, noted that it has become part of a pizza tradition at his house. “My kids and I regularly make mini pizzas on this thing. It’s easy to operate and works great. There’s a bit of a learning curve when making pizza, but the oven part of it was easy and reliable and fun.”

Product Comparison

The Ooni pizza oven line-up includes two options with a 16-inch cooking area. The Ooni Karu 16 allows for cooking with wood, charcoal and gas, while the Ooni Koda 16 allows for cooking with gas only. There’s a bit more of a learning curve with the other models, especially due to the flame placement and if you plan to cook with other fuel sources. If you’re hoping for ease of use, gas is the simplest. You get temperature and flame regulation for perfectly cooked pies.

The Ooni Koda 12 and Ooni Koda 16 are virtually the same. The main differences are portability and the cooking area. The Koda 16 offers better versatility to move food around in the oven without being confined, ultimately making it simpler to use. Other brands such as the Solo Stove Pi Prime and Cuisinart pizza oven are highly rated by our team of reviewers, but they still have a smaller cooking surface area.

Final Verdict

If you’re searching for a pizza oven to add to your backyard or patio setup, the Ooni Koda 16 is a great option. Because of its 16-inch cooking area, it is easier to use than many other models, whether you’re cooking pizzas or using it for other foods. Cooking with gas allows for great heat regulation, overall resulting in the best pizza-making experience for beginners looking to hone their craft.

Where to Buy the Ooni Koda 16

via Ooni

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We Tried It

Ooni Koda 16

This gas-powered outdoor pizza oven reaches up to 950 degrees and is designed for large pizzas, meats, fish and vegetables.

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Ready to launch? While you may find a great pizza oven sale, the Ooni Koda 16 typically retails for $599 and can be purchased on Ooni’s website among other retailers. Once it arrives, all that’s left to do is gather your favorite pizza toppings!

The post Ooni Koda 16 Review: Our Expert Recommends This Beginner-Friendly and Versatile Pizza Oven appeared first on Taste of Home.

For Under $15: Bistro Tile Monogram Mug

The best Anthropologie gifts don’t have to break the bank to show you care. Anthropologie offers plenty of personalized goodies under $30, and this monogram mug in the brand’s iconic bistro tile motif is one of our favorites. It’s chic, timeless and the perfect addition to a loved one’s collection of cute coffee mugs.

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The post The Best Anthropologie Gifts for Everyone on Your List in 2023 appeared first on Taste of Home.

If your kitchen is like mine, you could pay an electrician the big bucks to hardwire your island (it’s certainly crossed my mind), or you could start a collection of cordless appliances. The baker in me was especially excited about the KitchenAid cordless hand mixer. So, I gave it a go in the Test Kitchen to find out if this handy gadget is as great as it sounds.

What is the KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer?

The KitchenAid cordless hand mixer is a follow-up to the perennial brand’s popular corded hand and stand mixers. (Psst! Read our full review of the stand mixer.) As the name would suggest, this appliance has no cord and is powered instead by a rechargeable battery.

Released a few years back as part of a broader cordless appliance collection, the cordless hand mixer could very well be the mixer of the future as it untethers home chefs and bakers from their outlets and even their kitchens.

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KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer Features

The KitchenAid Cordless 7 Speed Hand Mixer is basic in the best way. So basic, in fact, that it doesn’t have a key component of most models: a permanent cord. In its place, you’ll find a rechargeable battery that detaches and plugs into the wall via a power cord. Easy-to-read indicator lights signify how much juice the battery has.

All other features are similar to other standard hand mixers. There are two dishwasher-safe beaters and an eject button to detach them easily. There is also a slide button that allows the user to adjust between the seven speeds. Low speeds are marked by short lines, and the lines increase in length as the speed increases.

Notably, no matter how fast you want your whisks spinning, they’ll start slowly before incrementally increasing speed, thanks to the mixer’s soft-start function. This means no more splattering cake batter or heavy cream!

Even the shape of the appliance is intentional. The flat bottom of the base allows the mixer to be placed upright on a countertop or table without smearing batter, dough, icing, etc. onto the surface.

How We Tested It

From years of testing products for our Test Kitchen Preferred series, I have product testing down pat. When I got my hands on this hand mixer, I knew immediately how I wanted to put it through the paces. I decided to use it to mix cake batter, butter, frosting, egg whites and chicken.

Construction & Specs

First, I checked out the mixer speeds, which are controlled by a slider mechanism. The speeds aren’t numbered but rather signaled by lines that increase in length based on the speed.

I found the mixer to be easy to use with intuitive features. There’s an eject button to remove the beaters, as well as a rechargeable battery with charge indicator lights. Aside from the lack of a cord, the features and buttons are very comparable to those you would find on a corded model. Notably, though, it doesn’t come with a storage container or case.

The unit is of average weight. I’ve used models that are heavier and lighter, but even so, the mixer felt sturdy in my hand—it wasn’t cheap-feeling at all. The flat bottom further enforces its sturdiness. It sits upright on any surface without threat of tipping.

Despite having seven speeds, the highest of which is quite powerful, the machine was super quiet. The beaters do their thing inconspicuously; the duo has standard whisks that are easy to clean. As for the base of the appliance, it’s super sleek, comes in seven colors and, of course, lacks a cord.

Performance

We started off easy with cake mix, butter and icing. The hand mixer flawlessly incorporated all the ingredients of a cake batter with no issue. When it came to the icing, the food dye was streaky upon first addition, but after a bit more mixing, the coloring was incorporated adequately.

Next up: egg whites. Hand mixers are never going to be the go-to for stiff peaks, and this one was no exception. It readily whipped the whites into soft peaks; however, this appliance probably wouldn’t do the job for a meringue-obsessed baker. That being said, it performed just as well as the other hand mixers did with egg whites.

Lastly, we tried mixing chicken. Huh? Well, believe it or not: It’s our best-kept secret for quickly shredding meat, such as pulled pork and chicken, and one of our favorite unexpected uses of a KitchenAid mixer. We found the best success shredding the cooked boneless, skinless white meat on a low-speed setting. It’d be better for a hearty pulled chicken sandwich or a chunky chicken salad, as some of the pieces remained on the larger side.

Pros

• Short charge time
• Low-battery indicator light
• Powerful, with seven speeds
• Flat bottom for standing
• Solid stainless-steel beaters
• Soft-start feature

Cons

• Might be too heavy for some users
• No storage container
• Pricier than corded counterparts

FAQ

How long does KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer last?

The KitchenAid Cordless 7 Speed Hand Mixer takes about two hours to charge to completion. From there, it’ll last for 45 minutes of rigorous mixing before it needs to be plugged in again. That’s more than enough time for multiple batches of cookies, cake and its frosting, etc.!

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

So, what’s the word on no cord? Other users, beyond those on our Test Kitchen team, seem to be just as impressed with this smart appliance.

Amazon reviewer Susan put the KitchenAid product through the paces in her own kitchen. “My mixer arrived yesterday, and I decided to give it a challenging first try,” she explains. “I charged it until it was ready to go, and I made a fresh peach pound cake. For those who bake, a pound cake takes a significant amount of mixing. Also, in this recipe, there is no liquid except for the eggs (liquid comes from the fruit at the end of the recipe). It worked like a champ and had no problem at all mixing a very thick batter.” 

Similarly, Jose R. Martinez was wowed by just about every aspect of the product. “This is the best hand mixer I’ve ever owned,” he says. “It is quiet and makes less mess than other mixers. It whips up egg whites quickly and holds a charge for long enough to make two cakes and whipped cream. Love it!”

Product Comparison

We’ve officially tested 10 types of hand mixers and narrowed them down to four favorites. The KitchenAid cordless hand mixer handily made the cut. Unsurprisingly categorized as the “best cordless hand mixer,” this product stacked up to all the corded counterparts, such as competitors from Breville, Sunbeam and Braun. Plus, it has the added bonus of not requiring an outlet during use.

When comparing it to other cordless hand mixer models, such as those from Cuisinart, Farberware and Chefman, that we haven’t tested firsthand, KitchenAid is the most expensive. However, that cost difference is made up by the longer charge time (the aforementioned appliances only run for 20-30 minutes), chic color options and, in some cases, more speed settings.

Final Verdict

Just as I suspected: Cordless is king! (Well, so is KitchenAid, but we’ve known that for a while now.) At just under $100, this quality, sturdy hand mixer performs well and is easy and so convenient to use. Plus, the nifty cordless tool comes in seven colors, so it’ll coordinate with your kitchen. Form and function? We’re all for that.

Just keep in mind, though, that this isn’t a replacement for a heavy-duty stand mixer. Save your thick bread doughs and your stiff meringues for the hand mixer’s static countertop cousin.

Where to Buy the KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer

Get your hands on a KitchenAid cordless hand mixer by purchasing one from Amazon, the KitchenAid website, Walmart, Home Depot and other popular vendors. It’s time to untether yourself from outlets! What do you say?

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The post KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer Review: Holiday Meal Prep Just Got Way More Convenient appeared first on Taste of Home.

I’m now the designated griller and smoker on the Taste of Home Test Kitchen team, but I only first tried my hand at the latter cooking method a few years back. For my initial go, not yet willing to invest in a full-blown smoker, I figured out how to smoke meat on a grill. The charcoal grill I used had no bells or whistles (i.e., no internal thermometer, no side table, no segmented racks), so I was in for a challenge.

Maintaining a consistent pit temperature is vital for successful smoking, and the only reason I was able to eventually excel at the cooking method with my jury-rigged grill-turned-smoker was because of the Thermoworks Smoke X Dual-Probe Meat Thermometer. The smart Thermoworks product gauges the internal temperature of my cooking vessel (e.g., smoker, grill or oven) and the internal temperature of the meat—simultaneously.

I’ve since upgraded to cooking on a smoker with a built-in thermometer at Taste of Home headquarters (looking at you, Traeger), but I still rely on my trusty thermometer when I smoke on my Kettle grill and roast poultry at home. So, whether you’re a novice or a meat master, there’s reason to add the Thermoworks Smoke X to your repertoire.

What is the Thermoworks Smoke X?

The Thermoworks Smoke X is a thermometer that comes with two commercial-grade, high-temperature probes, each of which serves a different purpose.

The shorter, fatter probe fits into a clip that attaches to the grate or rack of your smoker, grill or oven. It measures the internal temperature of the appliance. This is essential if your appliance doesn’t have a built-in thermometer. But even if it does, you can count on boosted accuracy from the Thermoworks Smoke X.

The second probe is longer and thinner and is inserted into the center of your meat. There is the option to buy a two-channel or four-channel model. The latter comes with multiple of these longer, thinner probes. This is ideal when you’re cooking more than one type of meat at once or looking to gauge the internal temperatures of both the dark and light meat on a single piece of poultry.

When you close the lid or door of your appliance, the wires from the probes thread out the side or the bottom. These wires connect to a base unit that has a magnetic backing and plastic kickstand for placement on any desired surface. Lastly, the receiver is a portable piece that communicates with the base unit and reflects the same readings, but from afar. Talk about a great grilling gift!

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Thermoworks Smoke X Features

The Thermoworks Smoke X is smart as can be, with a slew of cool features, so I consider it just as much an essential for holiday cooking as it is an essential for summer grilling.

The probes arrive pre-synced to the base unit, so there’s no need to calibrate before use. The base unit runs on AA batteries and is connected to an RF receiver, so it’s not Wi-Fi- or Bluetooth-based. Rather, the signals are transmitted by radio frequency and travel up to 6,500 feet. So, even if you’re cooking in an area without Wi-Fi or solid service, this unit will still perform, unlike other smart appliances that rely on phone apps, Bluetooth, etc.

There are control buttons on the front and back of the base unit. You can toy around with the volume of the alarm, alarm settings for both the meat and pit, temperature, screen light, Celsius and Fahrenheit settings. The probes and base unit communicate, as do the base unit and the receiver. The receiver, which comes with a lanyard so you can wear it while performing other tasks, shows the same readings as those on the base unit and updates in real-time.

How We Tested It

Let’s rewind to the first time I used this product. (I’ve used it more than 30 times since and continue to use the same steps!)

First, I read the directions for about 10 minutes, though I could’ve figured out how to use the thermometer without them because it’s that intuitive. I soaked my smoking wood for 30 minutes while I added my dry rub to the meat. After positioning and lighting my coals, I set up the thermometer by inputting “low” and “high” temperatures for the meat and the pit. An alarm sounds when any of these temperatures are met.

The pit temperature is especially important to me because I live in Wisconsin and smoke all year—yes, even when it’s nearly 0 degrees. On these days, the pit temperature can quickly become too low, and the low-temperature alarm will alert me to that. Conversely, I can’t have the temperature getting too high because a low-and-slow cook is what I’m after. High heat makes tough meat, so the high-temperature alarm sounds when things get too hot.

Probing the Pork

When my starter coals glowed red and were covered with ash, I added my smoking wood and then clipped the pit thermometer to the grate. I then placed a pork shoulder in the center of the grate. From there, I inserted the meat probe into the center of the pork shoulder. Mine was boneless, but if I were cooking a bone-in pork shoulder, I’d have been sure to insert the probe about an inch from the bone.

Once the meat “stalled” (i.e., stopped increasing in temperature) around 180 degrees, I wrapped it in a double layer of foil, reinserted the probe and returned everything to the smoker for the back half of the cook. I always use heatproof gloves for this portion because the cables get hot. I then waited for the shoulder to reach an internal temperature of 205 degrees. The alarm let me know when I reached that temperature, which I’d preset.

Now that it was up to temperature, I removed the meat probe and brought the pork shoulder inside. I waited until the pit was cool to remove the clip and probe. For good measure, I used my Thermapen to take another reading of the center of the meat. Out of habit, I still do this and—wouldn’t you know it!—the temperature is always the same as what my meat probe read.

Pros

• Professional-grade probes
• Water-resistant and weatherproof
• Accurate to boot
• Various color options
• Impressive range—I can walk my dog and watch the receiver at the same time!
• Thin meat probe, ideal for hearty and delicate meats alike
• All-metal parts so there’s no melting

Cons

• On the pricey side
• Uncoated wires that get hot and require gloves when handling

FAQ

How accurate is Thermoworks Smoke?

I (and many reviewers on the Thermoworks website) find the Thermoworks Smoke X to be extremely accurate. I cross-check the pit temperature with the Thermoworks Smoke X, an oven thermometer and my Thermapen, and they always closely align.

What is the temperature range of Thermoworks Smoke?

The probes of the Thermoworks Smoke X can register temperatures from -58 degrees to 572 degrees. The cables can withstand temperatures up to 700 degrees.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Our Test Kitchen has sworn by Thermworks products for some time now (see our review of the Thermapen too), but we’re not the only ones.

Nancy S. loves the simplicity of the product. Sometimes, less really is more. “This is, as are most Thermoworks products, rock-solid, reliable and something everyone who likes to barbecue should own,” she says. “There is no app and no finicky Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection to worry about. What you get is a simple-to-set, easy-to-use gadget.”

Avid outdoor cook Frank H. has noticed an improvement in flavor, even, when using this meat thermometer. “I’m smoking or grilling at least four to five days a week,” he says. “I’ve used lower-quality units thinking I was cooking to temp, but after using this unit, I’ve quickly realized I was not. This unit, coupled with fantastic probes, has delivered extremely accurate temps that have changed the taste of my food.”

Similarly, Clarence G. has tried multiple meat thermometers, none of which hold a flame to the Thermoworks Smoke X. “Simply outstanding and reliable,” he says. “I wasted money on four other brands purchased over the years; I wish I had bought this in the beginning!”

Product Comparison

As the reviewers from the last section attested, the Thermoworks Smoke X outranks its competitors in various categories. It has an impressive range of 1-1/4 miles (that can even penetrate walls), as compared to other thermometers’ ranges of only a few hundred feet. Moreover, it bypasses the struggles that can come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity by relying on radio frequency instead.

The four-channel model, especially, stands out for its multi-functionality and efficiency. Plus, the probes are made entirely of metal, so they don’t run the risk of melting like those with plastic tips. Additionally, I appreciate the thinness of the meat probes as compared to others on the market. I don’t want gaping holes in the center of delicate meats such as chicken thighs or salmon after taking their temperatures.

Lastly and plainly put, the Thermoworks Smoke X was built for this. I’ve gone through several basic oven thermometers when smoking because, after just a short while, the face of the tool gets so coated in smoke and splattered meat juices that it’s illegible. The Thermoworks Smoke X is a heavy-duty meat thermometer designed specially for this demanding, niche duty. It’ll always do the job better than an instant-read or oven thermometer.

Final Verdict

I’ve cooked with the Thermoworks Smoke X dozens of times—something I wouldn’t have done if it didn’t have my total stamp of approval. The pros so outweigh the cons, and I’d recommend this to anyone who’s passionate about prepping meats, whether in the oven or smoker or on the grill. The accuracy of the sturdy metal probes is second to none, and its reliable range makes it the most convenient sidekick to have when cooking up a feast. Just remember to use gloves when messing with the cables and probes!

Where to Buy the Thermoworks Smoke X

The two- and four-channel Thermoworks Smoke X thermometers are available on the Thermoworks website for $169 and $199, respectively. We promise the various probes, eye-catching colors, multi-functional base unit and receiver aren’t just smoke and mirrors; they’re Smoke X! And they’re totally worth the splurge.

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The post Thermoworks Smoke X Review: This Dual-Probe Thermometer Is the Secret to the Juiciest Meat appeared first on Taste of Home.

Quince Woven Throw Blanket

“The weather still feels like summer here in Denver, but it’s officially fall in my books. In search of a statement-worthy throw blanket for my new couch, I discovered (and fell in love with) this terracotta woven throw blanket. I mean, the terracotta hue just screams, “I’m ready for autumn!” And don’t get me started on the woven texture. I’m a sucker for knits (sweaters, sweatpants, you name it), and my home decor is no exception. It holds its structure beautifully despite my puppy constantly scratching at it.”

–Madi Koetting, Associate Shopping Editor

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The post Taste of Home Shopping Wins: Everything Our Editors Are Loving in September appeared first on Taste of Home.

What is a Vellabox candle subscription?

Candles are personal. And Vellabox takes the guesswork out of delivering the perfect scent—either to you or a loved one. Let me show you how it works in my Vellabox review.

First, you take a short quiz identifying your favorite scent profiles, where you like to burn candles, scent strength, burning frequency and more. From there, you choose between three size options: Lucerna (4-ounce candle), Ignis (8-ounce candle) or Vivere (16-ounce candle). Then, sit back, relax and wait for scented candle bliss to appear on your doorstep.

Each box includes a bonus gift—think a lip balm, air freshener or trinket tray—and a card detailing your candle of the month. Choose to receive a Vellabox delivery monthly, or pre-pay for 3, 6 or 12 months at a time. U.S. orders ship free!

Beyond the subscription, you can peruse the Vellabox shop to stock up on your favorite scents and candle accessories.

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Why I Love It

At this point, pretty much every candle in my home is from Vellabox. I’ve been testing the service on and off since 2020, so you know this Vellabox review is worth it.

Without fail, I tear into every candle box like a kid on Christmas morning. Even though I’ve identified my favorite scents and have at least a general idea of what to expect, it’s still so much fun to smell each option in real life.

Each Vellabox candle is artisan-made from 100% natural wax, cotton wicks and phthalate-free fragrance oils. As someone with a sensitivity to intense fragrances, these candles burn more cleanly than other brands I’ve tried.

Plus, the packaging is impeccable. Each candle is wrapped in a seasonally appropriate cloth bag and then tucked inside a box with the surprise goodie and candle card. Over several months of testing, I have not once received a broken or damaged candle. And those cloth bags? I love that they’re more sustainable than bubble wrap, and I have found endless uses for ‘em around my house.

To burn the candles, I start by trimming the wick. (This step is critical to prevent wick mushrooming and scary-high flames.) I also make sure I have plenty of time for the initial burn. You want to create an even layer of melted wax all the way across the top of the candle to prevent tunneling. The larger the candle, the longer this process takes. I like to tackle the initial burn during a movie night or when settling in with a good book. Tough job, I know.

While I’ve sampled dozens of candles through the years, Autumn Nights is my latest seasonal obsession. It’s a little sweet, a little spicy and the absolute best way to set the mood for a fall Gilmore Girls binge session. (Especially when I place it under a candle warmer lamp!)

You can tell from my Vellabox review that it also makes a great gift. It’s my go-to when I don’t want the headache of shipping a gift myself or when someone’s birthday sneaks up on me. Ordering takes mere minutes, and I know they’ll enjoy the gift month after month.

Where to Buy a Vellabox Candle Subscription

You can order your very own candle subscription through the Vellabox website. Subscriptions start at just $12 a month for the small Lucerna box, $22 for the medium Ignis box and $29 for the large Vivere box. Considering you get a candle and an extra goodie, the value is well worth the price tag. If you’re a candle lover, don’t hesitate to hit “subscribe.”

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The post Vellabox Review: This Candle Subscription Service Keeps Your Home Cozy All Year Long appeared first on Taste of Home.

This Thanksgiving, we’re switching it up. We tapped our culinary pros and home experts to uncover their hardworking essentials. These tools and gadgets will help you host the holidays without a hitch—so you can focus on soaking up time with friends and family. Whether you’re tackling this year’s turkey, leading the sides prep team, baking a treasure trove of treats or bringing the kitchen back to life after the big day, here are the Thanksgiving essentials we rely on for stress-free holiday gatherings. We’ll cheers to that!

Josh’s Turkey Essentials

I was blessed to have the Thanksgiving meal prepared for me for many wonderful years. My only responsibility was helping my Memaw lift the heavy turkey into and out of the oven. When it was time to start cooking on my own, the thought of roasting the turkey was very intimidating. And indeed, I spent quite a few years trying different methods and strategies.

Now, as a culinary producer, I have a foolproof plan of action. I’ve also collected the Thanksgiving essentials needed to cook an outstanding turkey every. single. time. Not only do I approach the holiday cook-a-thon with confidence, I’m able to spend less time worrying about the turkey and more time enjoying the celebration with my family and friends. I mean, what more could a person want?

• D’Artagnan Organic Turkey: Skip the mad dash to the grocery store and score a delicious, quality bird delivered right to your door. We trust this D’Artagnan organic turkey for the job. It serves 8-10 hungry bellies, and every bird was raised on small-scale Midwestern farms so you can trust you’re feeding your family the absolute best.
• Dual-Probe Meat Thermometer: As a culinary expert, Thermoworks is my preferred brand of thermometers. Their dual-probe thermometer takes all the guess work out of knowing when the turkey is done. Having two meat probes allows the home cook to monitor both the white meat of the breast and the dark meat of the leg and thighs. These special thermometers stay in the meat while the turkey roasts in the oven, giving temperature reads in real time. There’s not a meat thermometer I trust more for precise holiday cooking!
• OXO Flavor Injector Tool: Add oil, herbs and more directly to your turkey for the juiciest bird ever. A flavor injector works similarly to the wet brining method, allowing the turkey to absorb salt and herbs directly into the meat. My mouth is practically watering thinking about how flavorful the turkey will be thanks to this problem-solving tool.
• Kana Half-Sheet Roasting Set: Why this pan? Traditional roasting pans are deeper and often come with a shaped rack to hold the turkey or roast. While very sturdy, these deeper pans prevent air circulation around the meat. This Test Kitchen-preferred roasting pan is shallow, allowing for better air circulation to create a browner turkey. Talk about a win-win!
• J.K. Adams Wood Carving Board: An obvious Thanksgiving essential, upgraded. This carving board has beneficial grooves that collect juices from the turkey while spikes keep the bird from slipping around while carving. This special design is ideal for keeping the mess from flowing onto countertops, down cabinets and onto the floor.
• Poultry and Meat Shears: Because I don’t live in a Norman Rockwell painting, I’ve never set a whole turkey on the table and carved it while my guests wait. Therefore, my favorite method of roasting a turkey is to segment the bird into pieces: breast, thighs/legs and wings (leaving skin on and bones in). When spatchcocking or segmenting a turkey, a good pair of meat shears really helps remove the spine and cut through joints. This pair from Steven Raichlen opens on its own when the clasp is removed, making it feel spring-loaded for easy cutting.

Katie’s Sides Essentials

In my kitchen, holiday sides are as important as the main event. It’s just not the holiday season without buttery mashed potatoes, brandy glazed carrots and my family’s secret stuffing recipe gracing the table. But all that prep work? Oof—my wrists hurt just thinking about chopping a mountain of potatoes and onions.

That’s why I’ve found a host of items to prep your favorite sides faster. These Thanksgiving essentials make it quick and easy to put dinner on the table. Come Thanksgiving day, you can spend less time sweating in an apron and more time watching the Macy’s parade.

• Vegetable Chopper: Whether it’s diced celery for stuffing, picture-perfect squash rounds for gratin or grated orange peel for cranberry sauce, this multipurpose vegetable chopper does it all. The chopper-meets-mandoline comes with eight interchangeable blades that help you slice, dice, chop, grate and shred to your heart’s content. Bye-bye, bulky cutting board!
• Essential Spices: I use Thanksgiving as a yearly excuse to overhaul my spice rack. The Essentials Collection from Spice House has everything I need (and then some) to prep holiday sides. Seasonal classics like rosemary, thyme, sage and granulated garlic are my holiday go-tos, but this set has 24 jars to fit any taste.
• Vegetable Keepers: This set of potato, onion and garlic keepers ensures my most-used holiday veggies stay fresh right up until the big day. The dark storage, plus air ventilation holes, keep everything nice and dry. These canisters save me money, too, since I can stock up on spuds when they’re on sale.
• Breville Smart Oven: Oven space is at a premium during the holidays. Cook your favorite sides on the, well, side, with this smart toaster oven. A whopping 13 settings—including roast, proof, air-fry and broil—let me prep everything from cheesy potato casserole to crispy Brussels sprouts. Plus, this appliance’s ample size (it measures 21.5-inches wide by 17.1 inches deep and 12.7 inches tall) ensures there’s plenty to go around—even if cousin Eddie makes a rogue appearance.
• Warming Gravy Boat: Cold, coagulated gravy? Not on my holiday table! This genius gravy boat has space for a tea candle to keep gravy warm all the way through second helpings.
• Boarderie Baked Brie Board: After prepping all my sides, the last thing I want to do is cobble together an appetizer. Luckily, Boarderie has me covered with an out-of-this-world baked brie board that ships straight to my door. All I need to do is pop the pastry-wrapped brie in the oven right before guests arrive, then serve with crackers. Plus, flavors like truffle, fig and orange or rosemary, sun-dried tomato and olive are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Annamarie’s Baking Essentials

Call me crazy, but I’ve never been one for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey and taters take a backseat to the pies and sweets that succeed it. Growing up, I celebrated the best Thursday of the year with just my immediate family, so a single pie surely would’ve been enough to satisfy us.

Even so, I couldn’t resist making my famous French apple pie with its buttery crumble topping and cinnamon-y insides to accompany our Costco pumpkin pie each year. I’ve tried many a baking tool and gadget during my endeavors, and I can assure you, these novel, practical and sleek Thanksgiving essentials are among the best.       

• Cordless Hand Mixer: The air fryer is crisping the Brussels sprouts, the slow cooker is warming the mac and cheese, and now, you’re all out of outlets. Ain’t no big thing when you have this cordless seven-speed KitchenAid mixer on—and in—hand. The rechargeable battery lasts for about 45 minutes so you can whip up doughs, batters and frostings in any corner of the home. 
• 9-Piece Airtight Storage Set: A weevil infestation taught me very quickly the value of airtight storage for flour, sugar and the like. This 9-piece set does way more than just house dry ingredients, though. In addition to clear containers printed with measurement markers and silicone-rimmed lids, you’ll find a leveler, brown sugar keeper, dusting spoon and dusting screen in the set. Don’t forget to snag the matching cookie saver!
• The Original PieCaken: Plain ol’ pumpkin pie has officially been ousted as the Thanksgiving dessert to rule them all. This delightful mashup, named the PieCaken as a nod to the iconic Turducken, is a pecan pie, pumpkin pie and spice cake rolled into one. It ships straight to your door from the iconic New York bakery and feeds up to a dozen guests.
• 3-Tier Collapsible Cooling Rack: So many sweets, so little counter space. At least that’s my issue! This Wilton cooling rack does wonders to help with that. I’ll slip a pumpkin bread onto the bottom rack, some spice cupcakes onto the middle and a dozen pecan tassies onto the top, and I’ll still have enough work surface to whip up more. The fact that it’s collapsible is such a bonus when storing, too.   
• OXO Dough-Rolling Bag: I’m something of a perfectionist, so an oblong pie crust simply won’t do. This circular, zippered pouch ensures a perfectly shaped and sized pie crust—oh, and a clean countertop. When you’re done rolling out the dough with a rolling pin, toss the silicone bag in the dishwasher for easy, peasy cleanup.
• Raisenne Dough Riser: I like to keep my home warm and cozy during chilly months, but it’s still nowhere near the ideal temperature for proofing dough. That’s where this handy contraption comes in. The heated plate stays at 85°F to quicken the leavening process and override other environmental factors, such as room temperature and humidity levels. 

Madi’s Cleanup Essentials

Confession time: I usually leave the holiday cooking and baking to my family. Sure, I like to try my hand at my mom’s creamy mashed potatoes recipe, but that’s as involved as I get for holiday cooking. My time in the spotlight comes after everyone’s bellies are full, leaving me with a messy kitchen screaming for TLC. As silly as it sounds, holiday cleanup is basically my Super Bowl.

Because cleaning and organizing are like therapy for me, I’ve had several years of holiday cleanup experience to recommend the following hard-working products for this year’s big event. Here are my essentials for keeping post-dinner cleanup to a minimum, so you can spend more time soaking up precious moments with the entire family.

• Caraway Food Storage Set: Here’s an organization tip you’ll wish you knew sooner. Investing in a uniform food storage container set, like this Caraway set, not only makes it easy to store holiday leftovers for weeks, it helps organize the fridge or freezer, too. Complete with versatile container sizes for storing the main dish and plenty of sides (hello, cranberry sauce!), everything stacks easily in the fridge for when leftovers call your name. Bonus: The pretty containers double as serving dishes—no need to dirty more cookware. The beautiful color options and non-toxic components are the cherry on top.
• Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack: The ultimate gift this holiday? The gift of more kitchen counter space for drying dishes, rinsing produce or cooling side dishes hot out of the oven. It’s all possible thanks to this genius roll-up dish drying rack. Simply set it over the sink to add valuable counter space when it’s at a premium during holiday turkey prep.
• EyeVac Stationary Vacuum Cleaner: What if I told you there’s a touchless vacuum that practically cleans the floors for you? The EyeVac stationary vacuum sits in the kitchen just waiting to suck up crumbs, dirt, pet hair—anything that gets in the way of your kitchen feeling pristine. It’s as easy as turning it on and sweeping messes toward the vacuum to clean the floors. Genius!
• Swedish Dishcloths: If there’s one cleaning product I can’t stop recommending, it’s Swedish dishcloths. Eco-friendly and endlessly reusable (just throw ’em in the washing machine), this three-pack of Swedish dishcloths replaces several paper towel rolls. Plus, the fun seasonal designs brighten up the kitchen. The material is nice and thick for wiping everything down from the counters to the stove, sink and beyond.
• Sensor Trash Can: Your trash can? It gets really dirty—and Thanksgiving is basically its worst nightmare. For when both hands are filled with turkey guts and messy fingers are all around, this voice- and motion-activated 58-liter trash can is a total lifesaver. Not only is the stainless steel finish display worthy, it prevents fingerprints and germs thanks to an invisible silver-ion coating. Oh, and this touchless trash can comes with odorsorb pods so your kitchen never starts smelling like, well, raw turkey guts.
• Stove Gap Covers: I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t have awkward gaps in between their oven and countertop, and I always recommend these stove gap covers to solve the annoying problem. They slide right into the cracks, creating a seamless surface from the counter to the stovetop. Just trim the covers to fit your setup. You’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to pull out the oven to sweep behind it after the big day is over!

The post Our Thanksgiving Essentials for Cooking, Baking and Cleaning appeared first on Taste of Home.

There are a number of brands on the market with high-quality outdoor pizza ovens including Solo Stove and Cuisinart. But Ooni pizza ovens consistently top the list of bestsellers. Ooni makes several different pizza ovens to suit a variety of needs. While some people may be looking for true wood-fired flavor, others love the ease of using gas. If you’re shopping for an Ooni pizza oven, here are the best models to consider.

What are the differences between the Ooni pizza ovens?

While you could use a pizza steel in your kitchen’s oven, nothing compares to the texture and flavor of a homemade pie made in a pizza oven. Ooni sells a variety of models, each using different fuel sources.

It all boils down to finding the best fit for you. Consider your cooking needs and the space where you plan to set up and use your pizza oven. Some models use wood or hardwood pellets as a fuel source, some use gas and some allow you to switch back and forth between fuel sources depending on your desired taste and texture. The brand also makes an all-electric pizza oven to make pizza night even easier.

• Shop Ooni Koda Pizza Ovens
• Explore Ooni Karu Pizza Ovens
• Get the Ooni Fyra Pizza Oven
• Try the Ooni Volt Pizza Oven

All About Ooni Koda

• Gas fuel source
• Reaches 950 Degrees

The Ooni Koda is the brand’s highest-reviewed pizza oven with more than 6,000 reviews and four-plus stars. The Koda model is all gas-powered, so you can hook it up to a propane tank as the fuel source, just like a barbecue. Ooni sells both the Koda 16 for up to 16-inch pizzas, along with a smaller version, the Koda 12, for up to 12-inch pizzas.

The oven has a sleek design with a powder coating for weather resistance. Inside, there’s an L-shaped burner which is powered by connecting the gas hose to a tank and turning on the oven. A gas-powered oven eliminates the need to consistently feed the fire. Plus, it reduces the learning curve for beginners cooking pizza at home. Instead, you’ll have a constant flame that maintains high temperatures very well.

I use this oven at least once a week at home, and it has been thoroughly reviewed by the Taste of Home team with rave reviews. While the Koda 16 is more expensive due to its larger size, the Koda 12 is one of the most affordable options in the Ooni lineup.

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All About Ooni Karu

• Multi-fuel source (gas, wood, charcoal)
• Reaches 950 Degrees

The Ooni Karu is the most versatile model for cooking pizza in your backyard. It allows you to choose between cooking with gas, or you can power it with wood or charcoal. Ooni’s Karu 12 (which is on sale!) is a multi-fuel oven and is similar in design to the brand’s first pizza oven, but the Karu 12G is an improved version that is more fuel efficient and uses far less gas, while still reaching 950 degrees.

It has a built-in folding door to retain heat, along with an exterior thermometer to easily check the temperature. The flame in this oven is located in the back, which heats the stone and rolls up to the top of the oven. With the door closed, it creates the ideal environment for crisp crust. The Karu 16 is similar in design, but the Karu 12G allows for easier portability. There is a bit of a learning curve to cooking pizza with wood or charcoal as your fuel source, but luckily this model has the option to choose which works best for you.

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All About Ooni Fyra

• Wood-pellet fuel source
• Reaches 950 Degrees

The Ooni Fyra is one of the highest-rated pizza ovens on Amazon. It only comes in one size—the Fyra 12 meant for making 12-inch pizzas. It utilizes hardwood pellets as the fuel source, which are consistently fed into a hopper to fuel the rolling flame in the back of the oven. Because of this design, it eliminates the need to constantly feed the flame with wood. It still reaches 950 degrees for optimal cooking, but the design makes it simpler to maintain heat, while still infusing wood-fired flavor.

The Fyra is modeled after Ooni’s first wood pellet-fueled portable pizza oven. It’s the brand’s smallest model and one of the most budget-friendly. And because it has three folding legs and only weighs 22 pounds, it’s ideal for transporting on-the-go so you can make pizza just about anywhere.

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All About Ooni Volt

• All-electric
• Reaches 850 Degrees

If you’re hoping for a pizza oven that allows you to make homemade pies both indoors and outdoors, the Ooni Volt is the right model for you. It has the highest price tag amongst Ooni’s line-up of pizza ovens, but after testing the Ooni Volt thoroughly, it’s worth the investment for those looking for ultimate versatility.

The oven is all-electric with a weather-resistant powder coating. You can plug it in on your deck or patio or use it inside your home kitchen. It has room inside for making 12-inch pizzas and heats up to 850 degrees incredibly fast thanks to great heat retention.

The front dial makes it simple to choose from a temperature range of 350 degrees to 850 degrees. And the heating controls let you adjust how much heat you want to reach your pie. It’s the brand’s easiest, most intuitive model to use and has an automatic shutoff feature after 45 minutes.

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FAQ

How good is an Ooni pizza oven?

Ooni pizza ovens are built for all-weather use and can be a great investment for pizza lovers or those interested in learning how to make pizza at home. Oonis have a one-year warranty, which extends to five years once you register the pizza oven. The brand also has an upgrade program that allows pizza oven owners to upgrade to a new oven for 20% off without trading in their old one.

Does Ooni really cook pizza in 60 seconds?

Ooni pizza ovens reach incredibly high temperatures after 15 to 20 minutes of preheating time. Depending on the model, they get as hot as 850 degrees to 950 degrees. With that high temperature, it is possible to cook a pizza in as little as 60 seconds. Depending on the pizza oven, your pizza dough and your chosen pizza toppings, it can take anywhere from 60 seconds to two minutes to fully cook a pie.

Can I leave my Ooni pizza oven outside?

All Ooni pizza ovens are meant for outdoor use on a regular basis. They feature a sleek, weather-resistant powder coating. Your pizza oven can certainly be left outside, but it is recommended to put a cover on it to keep it in tip-top shape. In harsh weather conditions, it’s best to store your oven indoors to prevent damage. Find more essential pizza-making tools and Ooni accessories.

The Bottom Line

Finding the best Ooni pizza oven model for you will be based on the amount of space you have to use your pizza oven, along with the preferred fuel source. If you want a wood-fired flavor, the Fyra or Karu models will be best. If you want to use gas-only, which is one of the simplest ways to cook pizza with great heat control, the Ooni Koda is the ideal fit. For the versatility of indoor and outdoor use, along with no need to control a live flame, the Ooni Volt is best.

Where to Buy Ooni Pizza Ovens

Ready to grab your pizza cutter and dig in? Ooni pizza ovens can be found on Amazon, Williams Sonoma, Walmart and Ooni’s website. Once your oven fires up, you’ll have fresh pizza on the table in no time!

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The post The Best Ooni Pizza Ovens: Which Model Is Right for You? appeared first on Taste of Home.

For the Tea Drinker: Pretty Tea Kettle

A modern take on a classic, this non-toxic whistling tea kettle is one of the best gifts for the homebody who’s always filling their cup with a warm and cozy drink. Choose from nine pretty colorways to match their home aesthetic. Want to really warm their heart? Pair the kettle with these gifts for tea lovers.

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The post 40 Cozy Gifts Every Homebody in Your Life Will Appreciate appeared first on Taste of Home.

Funny enough, my qualifications for a great pizza oven are the exact same. It should be high in quality yet simple to use. Ninja products have certainly followed through on these criteria in the past (looking at you, Ninja Creami), so I was curious to see if the brand’s pizza oven would do the same. A couple weeks ago, I put the Ninja pizza oven to the test.

What is the Ninja Pizza Oven?

The Ninja pizza oven is more than just that. Technically called the Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven, the workhorse can cook pizza, roast, smoke, broil, bake and even dehydrate. The electric oven is straightforward to use due to its heat source and reaches temperatures between 105 degrees and 700 degrees. Note: There’s the option to add pellets while cooking to infuse food with wood-fired flavor.

With the purchase, you receive the oven, as well as a pan, pizza stone, roast rack, pellet scoop, accessory frame and all-purpose blend starter pack.

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Ninja Pizza Oven Features

Pizza ovens are all the rage (peep these favorites from Amazon), so we were most interested in this appliance’s pizza-baking capabilities.

Conveniently, there are various preset options for pizza, including thin crust, New York style, deep dish, Neapolitan and even frozen. Each of these functions automates the oven temperature and cook time. For example, when cooking a pizza at 700 degrees, Ninja claims you can have an artisan-quality pie ready in just three minutes.

As stated above, the oven comes with a pizza stone, but Ninja has tons of other pizza accessories available to purchase separately. We jumped at the pizza peel, but the brand also offers an oven cover, cast-iron pizza pan, oven stand and branded wood pellets.

How We Tested It

The Ninja pizza oven is ready to use virtually straight from the box, so I got started ASAP. To remain true to the promised Ninja pizza oven experience, I made the Universal Pizza Dough from the included recipe booklet and prepared three Neapolitan pizzas, which baked at 700 degrees for three minutes.

Setup & Use

Because it’s electric, the pizza oven needs to be plugged in, so keep the fact that you need outdoor power in mind when purchasing. I did have success plugging it into an extension cord, however. The oven took about 20 minutes to preheat fully, which was easy to gauge because the digital screen had markers to track the heating progress. I kept the included pizza stone in the oven as it heated so the surface was nice and hot by the time I launched my ‘za.

To place the pizzas into and pull them from the oven, I used the Ninja pizza peel. The peel is made of thin nonstick metal and is perforated. Full disclosure: I found the perforations a little confusing because a significant amount of the semolina flour that I use to help slide the pizzas in and out of the oven fell through the holes. I would’ve preferred the peel to be solid.

That being said, my pizzas still successfully launched off the peel and cooked beautifully in the guaranteed three minutes. I cooked them back to back to back, proving that the electric oven stays hot and that there’s minimal sticking.

My recommendation when cooking Neapolitan pizza is to go easy on toppings. If the toppings are too heavy, they can slide off the crust and cause a greasy mess (which is also a fire hazard!). My simply dressed mozzarella-basil pizza and onion-pepperoni pizzas worked super well.

Cleaning

To clean the appliance, I let it cool for a few hours. Then I removed the pizza stone and cleaned it with hot water and a pan scraper. While the oven was empty, I brushed away the gunk and burnt-on bits with a work brush. After replacing the pizza stone, it was ready to go for round two.

Pros

• Electric-powered
• Compact and sturdy
• Cooked pizza well and within the promised time
• Maintained high temperatures
• Intuitive presets

Cons

• Requires cleaning after every use (per instructions)
• Somewhat messy launching process
• Can only handle small pizzas one at a time

FAQ

Which Ninja is best for pizza?

Ninja sells multiple products that can feasibly cook pizza, including the Smart Double Oven, Pro Air Oven and the All-in-One Multicooker, to name a few. That said, the Ninja outdoor oven is the only one intended for outdoor cooking, and it’s the only item that comes with a pizza stone and multiple pizza-centric presets.

What is the temperature range of the Ninja Woodfire?

The Ninja Woodfire temperature ranges from 105 degrees to 700 degrees. According to our test, the oven was able to successfully reach 700 degrees within about 20 minutes and stay there for the length of time it took to bake three pizzas.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

This Ninja pizza oven is newer to the scene, but its sleek appearance and impressive performance have already scored some great reviews.

Pizza Guy, unsurprisingly based on his username, has tried out several pizza oven models, and this one stands out. “New York-style pizza is my favorite, and this oven does not disappoint,” he says. “I have propane pizza ovens and can’t believe the bake on this oven is as good if not better. My new favorite pizza oven.”

Another five-star reviewer named Suzy21 loves the outdoor aspect of it all. “It’s been so nice to take our cooking outdoors, especially when we don’t want to heat up the house,” she says. “It’s been so fun to play with recipes and have friends over to see this new backyard centerpiece.”

And mrsbride fills in the blanks about the other functionalities of the Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven, which we have yet to try. “I have made chicken, steak, ribs and all the veggies. It browns and sears beautifully,” she says. “As with all of my Ninja products, it delivers on its promises.”

Product Comparison

Most pizza ovens, such as the 3-in-1 Cuisinart Pizza Oven, Solo Stove Pi and Ooni Koda, are powered by gas. Others yet run on wood or charcoal. So, immediately the Ninja pizza oven stands out for its easy-to-use fuel source: electricity. Our Test Kitchen pros agree that, though outdoor power is needed, these types of pizza ovens are less finicky and more predictable. The gas ovens we’ve tested as a team have a hard time staying lit if the weather conditions aren’t just right.

A comparable outdoor pizza oven that does run on electricity is the Ooni Volt. That being said, the Volt is more single-use than the Ninja pizza oven. The former does get hotter—up to 850 degrees, in fact—but it’s also $1000, as opposed to the Ninja model which costs $400. Moreover, the Ninja pizza oven can cook up other delicacies beyond pizzas, perhaps making it a better investment for some. Psst! Keep an eye out for pizza oven sales.

Final Verdict

By and large, the Ninja pizza oven worked great. I would confidently say it’s more user-friendly and manageable than its gas-powered counterparts. And considering it’s an electric oven, the pizzas came out looking and tasting authentic—totally up to par with what you’d expect from a wood-fired pizza. Plus, they really did cook in three minutes!

The preset pizza functions were helpful and took out any guesswork. And I love the idea of cooking with it outdoors during the summer to keep from turning on your indoor oven and, as a result, heating your home. Moreover, for its myriad functions, it’s quite affordable.

Where to Buy the Ninja Pizza Oven

The Ninja pizza oven is available for $400 from the Ninja website, as well as from Amazon and Target. The Ninja Creami might have just met its warm-weather match with this amazing new product from the brand. Crispy crust, here we come!

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The post Ninja Pizza Oven Review: The Electric Powerhouse Cooks Perfect Pies in Just 3 Minutes appeared first on Taste of Home.

What is the Crunch Cup?

The Crunch Cup is a trending gift idea, time-saver and overall fantastic find that recently gained a cult following on TikTok. Its purpose is simple: fill it with milk and cereal, then knock it back like a drink for a mouthful of crunchy, non-soggy cereal with milk.

Shaped like a blender bottle and made from a durable plastic that’s safe for dishwashers, the cup comes with a lid and interior insert that holds your choice of cereal. The cup comes in three colors: blue, pink and white. It holds just under two servings of cereal, so it’s perfect for those practicing portion control.

To use it, unscrew the cap and fill the cup with your choice of milk. Whole milk is fully encouraged for a proper experience, but 2% and plant-based alternatives are fine substitutes. Once filled with milk, replace the insert and fill it with your favorite generic or brand-name cereal. After that, simply snap on the lid and get sip’n.

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Why I Love It

Cereal. Anywhere. Need I say more? The Crunch Cup has seriously cut down on the spills, drips and crumbs covering my couch. It’s perfect for both taking to work and eliminating accidents while kids enjoy their morning meals. In the stratosphere of cool Amazon products, the Crunch Cup takes the cake. There are tons of practical uses for it, from camping to reducing the amount of flatware you have to clean. It’s even a cute gift idea for a friend with a new job!

What Other Reviewers Are Saying

Where to Buy the Crunch Cup

The Crunch Cup is available on Amazon and at stores like Walmart. Normally retailing for around $30, it’s frequently on sale—especially as the holidays start to creep up. Say goodbye to soggy cereal and hello to the crunchy, satisfying breakfast you deserve!

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The post The Viral Crunch Cup Is Breakfast Lovers’ Excuse to Eat Cereal Anywhere appeared first on Taste of Home.

The Best Lifetime Warranty Products

Big Green Egg: Large Green Egg

Buying a grill is a big investment, so why settle for one that won’t last more than a few summers? Big Green Egg ceramic grills come in a variety of sizes, but the Large Green Egg is the most popular of all its lifetime warranty products. Apart from retaining heat and moisture, a limited lifetime warranty is the Egg’s major selling point. It covers failures and degradation due to craftsmanship and materials.

Big enough to fit up to eight steaks at a time, this charcoal grill uses its lock-tight lid to reach cooking temperatures in just minutes. Grill, roast, smoke, sear and bake without waiting for the grill to preheat, leaving plenty of time to party.

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The post 8 Products You Only Need to Buy Once in Your Life appeared first on Taste of Home.

What is a wrapping paper organizer?

A gift wrap organizer keeps all your gift-wrapping gear ready for when you’ve got mountains of presents to wrap. This one in particular is made of waterproof polyethylene, so it keeps rolls, ribbons, bags and tags as crisp and neat as the day you bought them to ensure a flawlessly wrapped gift.

The dimensions are 40 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches, so there’s plenty of room on the inside for extra-long (30-inch) gift wrap rolls. It fits up to 18 to 24 standard rolls, depending on thickness. Don’t have that many to store? You can always place boxes and gift bags flat underneath the rolls instead.

If you’ve got shorter rolls of gift wrap to store, use the Velcro-attached divider to designate areas for bags and bows, or small accessories like tape and scissors (or our personal favorite, the Little Elf wrap cutter). But if you went ahead and snagged those extra-long rolls of paper, don’t fret—there are also two clear pockets on the top to hold any other small items you need for your marathon gift-wrapping sessions.

When you’re done stowing your gift-wrapping supplies, zip the whole thing closed like a suitcase. It even has a handle for easy toting to and from your designated wrapping spot.

This gift wrap organizer comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including red and green plaid. But you won’t have to worry about aesthetics, since it conveniently stows away in a closet or under the bed until next year. Just don’t forget where you’ve put it to avoid spending more on gift wrap supplies!

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Why I Love It

If you’re a natural-born organizer, good for you. But the rest of us need all the help we can get! That’s why it’s so convenient when organizing solutions, like this gift wrap organizer, are actually easy to use, so you can keep items neat without much fuss.

With this wrapping paper organizer from Zober, there’s no question of what goes where. Just lay the rolls of paper flat on top of each other, slide ribbons and bags into the pockets and zip it all up until you need it again. Even though it’s not likely to go very far, we like that it has a handle, which makes it easy to pull out from under the bed or down from the shelf when it’s time to get wrapping.

If you’re already a legend for your creative gift-wrapping skills, this organizer will only up your game. But if you’ve always dreaded the chore, this wrapping paper organizer might cheer you up this holiday season so you can focus on the task at hand—finding the best gifts.

But Don’t Take My Word for It!

Even if you already recognize this wrapping paper organizer as the thing to pull off a successful holiday season, you might want to know how it works in the real world. From nearly 25,000 ratings on Amazon, this bag has earned an average of 4.6 out of five stars.

Five-star reviewer, Heather, says, “I ordered this organizer after Christmas when I was busy putting all my decorations away. I was feeling slightly overwhelmed with all the extra rolls of wrapping paper and bags left over, and I wanted a good place to store them so I could reuse them next year. I was pleasantly surprised by this item. It was better quality than I was expecting and fit a good amount of stuff. Now I won’t have to worry about anything getting crumpled or ruined, and it’s nice to have everything in one convenient place.”

“I was able to put quite a bit of Christmas wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, cards and all the things I need to wrap gifts,” shares Lisa, a verified purchaser. “I highly recommend this! It is sturdy with the inserts that get put on the sides. It is sturdy enough to stand up without collapsing, but not independently. I have it leaning against a wall at the moment without any issues. The pocket inside is clear to see what you put inside and contains a large pocket to put stuff in.”

“My wife owns far more wrapping paper and gift bags than I could wrap my head around, and the collection started growing a little out of control,” writes John Culbertson, another five-star reviewer. “I bought her this organizer and it works great. It keeps everything kitted in one convenient package, and it let me come to a compromise with my wife that we would never buy more gift bags than we can fit in this organizer. :)”

Where to Buy the Wrapping Paper Organizer

You can snag your own wrapping paper organizer for $12 and up on Amazon. Keep in mind that prices do vary based on your color/pattern selection. No matter which one you choose, you’ll have an impressive organizational system ready in time for the holidays!

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The post This $12 Wrapping Paper Organizer Is the True Santa’s Helper appeared first on Taste of Home.

Margarita machines exist, but they’re often pricey and take up a ton of counter space. Plus, they always clash with my low-key kitchen decor. When Drew Barrymore added a line of frozen drink makers to the Beautiful by Drew Walmart line, I knew this was the house party game-changer I’d been dreaming of.

What is the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore frozen drink maker?

The Beautiful by Drew frozen drink maker is like a blender, but better. Like other appliances from the Beautiful by Drew line, the drink maker features a beautiful LED touchscreen display. Presets for frozen drinks, smoothies and snow cones round out this pretty drink maker.

Unlike a shaved ice machine, the drink maker automatically mixes up drinks right inside the pitcher. It boasts a pour spout that makes it so easy to serve up daiquiris and margaritas. The no-drip design is the star of the show—a button on the front controls the spout, so it doesn’t leak when bumped.

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Why I Love It

Tons of thoughtful details make this frozen drink maker my top choice for at-home icy cocktails. That’s no surprise for something from the Beautiful by Drew line. A generous 60-ounce carafe holds up to 10 six-ounce drinks—enough for a crowd. The intuitive sensor-activated blade system precisely crushes up ice and beautifully mixes blended cocktails, smoothies, snow cones and shaved ice.

Don’t worry about spills while pouring. The easy-to-use pour spout makes serving a breeze. Plus, it comes in all of Beautiful’s signature colors, including lavender and sage green. It’s so pretty, you won’t want to hide it in a cupboard!

But Don’t Take My Word for It!

Like me, other shoppers love the look and ease of this frozen drink maker. “I love this blender’s sleek design,” writes verified purchaser Danielle. “The machine has a touch-activated control panel that disappears when not in use. There are three different drink settings; frozen drink, snowcone and smoothie.

It also comes with an easy-to-use dispenser spout to pour your drinks effortlessly. I used fresh and frozen fruit to make a smoothie and it blended perfectly! I also love that it has an automatic turn-off for each drink’s cycle time. I would highly recommend this frozen drink maker for any occasion! It makes frozen drinks effortlessly!”

Where to Buy the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Frozen Drink Maker

Like the viral Hero Pan and other Beautiful by Drew Barrymore kitchen items, the frozen drink machine is available at Walmart.com. It retails for around $90, which is about a third of the price of similar drink makers. Stop tossing money away on drinks at the bar—this clever tropical blender brings the beach cabana home!

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The post The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Frozen Drink Maker Keeps Your Favorite Drinks on Tap—Literally appeared first on Taste of Home.

The Best Giadzy Ingredients and Kits

Sheet Pan Lasagna Box

Try the viral recipe that broke the internet with authentic Italian ingredients—no trips to the grocery store required—thanks to Giadzy. Giada’s layerless sheet pan lasagna comes together in minutes with the sheet pan lasagna box.

Inside, the kit contains Setaro’s taccole pasta (the only US-based brand that carries the elusive shape). Plus, enjoy organic tomato sauce, Sicilian extra virgin olive oil and Calabrian chili paste that delivers a mellow, fruity heat. Simply layer everything together according to the recipe and pop it in the oven for an easy and delicious weeknight meal.

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Back in 2019, I decided to cut meat out of my diet for environmental reasons. As a longtime charcuterie-, burger- and steak-lover, this was a big deal, but I felt the impact that prioritizing plant-based foods (and reusable kitchen products) could have on the planet was well worth it. I’ve slowly integrated sustainably sourced meat back into my meal rotation, but that desire to eat green has stuck with me. After reading Green Chef reviews, I found the meal kit service and I were on the same mission, so I just had to try it out.

Interested in reducing food waste, specifically? Learn more about Misfits Market.

What is Green Chef?

With so many meal kit services on the market, from Gobble to Marley Spoon, it’s difficult to differentiate them all. Green Chef stands out among the rest as a company that focuses on clean, organic ingredients and sustainable practices, such as offsetting delivery emissions.

Like its meal delivery competitors, Green Chef has customers pick a meal plan that dictates the number of recipes and servings they’ll receive each week. From there, users select meals from a menu with nearly 50 options. These tasty, unassembled breakfasts, lunches and/or dinners then arrive on their doorsteps on the chosen delivery date.

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As if Green Chef meals weren't good enough, the brand's eco-friendliness and usage of organic ingredients seal the delicious deal.

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Green Chef Features

The Green Chef website is fitted out with some smart features. When selecting your box size (i.e., the number of meals and servings per meal), you can also highlight lifestyle preferences. Options include “Mediterranean,” “Calorie Smart,” “Protein Packed” and “Delicious Discoveries,” the last of which highlights global flavors. By selecting preferences, you’ll be shown recipes that fit into those categories first each week.

After registering and adding your address and payment details, you’ll then select your recipes from a list of mostly dinners but also 10-minute lunches and breakfasts. Furthermore, Green Chef offers add-ons, which are shipped separately from the standard meal boxes. Add-ons include beverages, snacks and proteins like chicken, seafood and grass-fed beef. (See where else to buy meat online.) According to Green Chef reviews, the goal here is to eliminate the need for a weekly grocery run more or less.

When your chilled and insulated meal box arrives, you’ll find the ingredients for each meal neatly tucked into their own designated brown paper bag. The only exception is the proteins, which you’ll find packed separately. Additionally, there are recipe cards that include a cook time, calorie count, recipe description, list of ingredients and tools, allergens and step-by-step instructions.

How We Tested It

I received my shipment of Green Chef meals on a Tuesday morning and prepared them on a Thursday. As I was unpacking the box, I instantly noticed the use of plastic—and lots of it. Albeit, the material seems to be a necessary evil in order to ultimately reduce food waste. For example, I received half a green bell pepper and a few romaine leaves, neither of which could be sent loose. On to cooking!

Birria-Style Black Bean Tacos

First up were the Birria-Style Black Bean Tacos. Green Chef is known for its healthy options, so I just had to try one of the vegetarian selections. The ingredients were high quality. Except for a small brown spot on one of the green onions, the produce was ripe, the cheese seemed freshly shaved and free from the common anti-caking agents and the tortillas were restaurant-level. (Psst! For more high-quality bread delivered to your door, check out Wildgrain.)

That being said, there were some drawbacks. For instance, I received two tomatoes instead of one, the second of which ended up being tossed. The recipe called for some tools, such as a Microplane and a meat thermometer, that I don’t feel are necessarily household staples. And the tacos took me nearly 45 minutes to prepare rather than the quoted 30.

The end result of this easy-to-make stovetop meal was tasty, tender tacos coated in a slew of sauces and dressings, including fresh pico de gallo, scallion crema and birria broth. The snafus certainly weren’t considerable enough to detract from the delicious finished product. I shared them with my vegetarian friend for lunch, and she was totally smitten.

Blackened Chicken Salad with Dijonnaise

Next, I made the Blackened Chicken Salad with Dijoinnaise. This winner took me close to the specified total prep time of 15 minutes, but the quoted cook times weren’t as accurate. The chicken “tenders” included in the box were actually finely chopped pieces of white meat (this threw me for a loop!), so they took less time to cook than estimated.

Aside from that, the preparation process went super smoothly. This salad was chock-full of mix-ins, yet there was hardly any chopping to be done. I was tasked with cutting up the tomato, celery and romaine—that’s it! (Plus, I learned a faster way to cut romaine from the instructions on the recipe card.) All that was left to be done after that was cooking the chicken and tossing the fixings.

The condiments for this dish came pre-made, and there was no shortage of them—just how I like! The chicken was doused in a Creole-inspired mixture of Dijon and mayo, and the salad, as a whole, received a tangy ranch. This meal was so fresh, texturally interesting and flavorful—I was obsessed! Every bite was like a surprise inside. This was, without a doubt, my favorite meal.

Chicken with Basil Pistou

I’m not a huge fan of chicken breast. I’d never even heard of pistou (a French sauce similar to pesto), and the stir-ins seemed interesting, to say the least. The Chicken with Basil Pistou was a risk for sure, but it paid off! As with the other Green Chef reviews and recipes, the instructions were easy to follow, and the dish was ready within 30 minutes, as was stated on the recipe card.

Those whom I shared it with were skeptical of the ingredients as well. We would’ve never thought to pair artichokes, fennel, chard, red peppers and dates, but alas, it worked! That’s the beauty of these meal kits: getting you and your family outside of your comfort zone without much creativity on your part.

Pros

• Offset carbon emissions
• Fresh, organic ingredients
• Comprehensive recipe cards
• Step-by-step instructions with photos
• Delicious finished recipes

Cons

• Higher price point
• Somewhat inaccurate cook times
• Ingredient mishaps, such as an extra tomato and mislabeled chicken
• Considerable amount of waste, both plastic and food

FAQ

Is Green Chef the same as HelloFresh?

Green Chef is not the same as HelloFresh, though they are both owned by the HelloFresh Group. Green Chef has an added emphasis on organic ingredients and special diets, such as keto and plant-based, whereas HelloFresh is more general use. Because they’re owned by the same company, though, the websites are formatted very similarly, and there is some crossover in offerings.

How much is Green Chef per week?

The cost of Green Chef per week depends on the amount of meals and servings you purchase. And it’s pretty pricey—unless you snag one of these meal kit deals! For instance, six servings (i.e., three meals for two people) cost around $80, plus shipping, per week. And 24 servings (i.e., four meals for six people), which is the maximum, would cost around $288, plus shipping, per week.

Is Green Chef only vegan?

No, Green Chef is not only vegan. Although it can cater to those following a vegan diet, many of the recipes include meat, dairy and/or eggs. Helpful tags, such as “veggie,” “vegan” and “protein-packed,” signify which recipes are friendly for which consumers. If you need exclusively keto, gluten-free or diabetic-friendly meal kits, you might want to consider ordering from elsewhere.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

When you read Green Chef reviews, you see that thousands of home chefs are going gaga over Green Chef—and for all different reasons.

One customer, Penelope Jane, loves having her decision fatigue surrounding meal planning relieved. “I really appreciate not having to think about what to eat for every meal, what groceries I need, etc.,” she says. “This service saves me a lot of time and mental energy.”

Five-star reviewer Ginny, on the other hand, is hooked on the quality of the recipes. “They are easy, well-balanced and absolutely delicious,” she says. “I love that they have keto meals and so many other options. My husband thinks I’m a gourmet chef.”

And Cat, a faithful fan of Green Chef, has tried out her fair share of meal kit services. This one comes out on top: “The food is excellent and healthy, and the quality control on proper packing is really good. Other meal services, we constantly had to call for missing items, rotten food or incorrect meals.”

Product Comparison

What distinguishes Green Chef from many competitors, even some of its counterparts in the HelloFresh Group, is its emphasis on organic ingredients and accommodations for varying lifestyles and diets. After all, Green Chef is a certified organic company.

But because of this, Green Chef comes at a higher price. For comparison, the cheapest meals from HelloFresh cost $9. Those from Rachael Ray’s Home Chef meal service cost $10. And those from Dinnerly cost $5. All of which are cheaper than Green Chef’s $12 meals.

However, again, you’re paying for quality and even ingenuity. Green Chef reviews don’t lie. The meals are full of fresh, clean produce, as well as novel flavors. They readily stack up to and, in some cases, beat out the other meal kits on the market.

Final Verdict

After my Green Chef reviews and recipes, I can honestly say that cooking the meals was such a treat. The salad was better than many I’ve had from restaurants; the birria tacos were a healthier take on a dish I know and love; and the chicken was a deliciously different underdog. Sadly, Green Chef will have to stay a treat for me, as the higher price point doesn’t fit into my budget. Although its business practices are sustainable (which I love!), for me, the cost is not.

If this isn’t a concern for you, I’d certainly recommend this meal kit service for your family, especially if you have dietary restrictions. The finished meals were as delicious as they were nutritious, not to mention easy to make and filling to boot. Also, the website was simple to navigate and use. Plus, the ingenious add-ons allow for a more well-rounded meal kit experience if that’s what you’re after.

Where to Buy Green Chef

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Green Chef

Green Chef meals, available for as little as $11.99 per serving, are organic, sustainable and oh, so delicious.

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Snag your first Green Chef box directly from the company’s website, with meals starting at $12 per serving. You’ll be a clean, green cooking machine in no time!

The post I Tried Green Chef and Discovered My New All-Time Favorite Meal Kit Recipe appeared first on Taste of Home.

Dinner was an easy enough riddle to solve when I lived by myself. I’d make what I wanted when I wanted. (Mostly just this Stir-Fry Rice Bowl on repeat.) But now that I live with my boyfriend, supper’s a little less simple. We have multiple food sensitivities and preferences to consider. And that’s not to mention the fact that we’re buying and cooking double what we’re used to. This adds up, both in time commitment and cost, which is why Dinnerly reviews initially piqued my interest.

The meal kit service claims to be affordable and flexible, but is it really? I tested it to see how it performs—and how it compares to some of my other favorites, Gobble and Green Chef.

What is Dinnerly?

Dinnerly is a meal kit delivery service specializing in so much more than just dinner. Like some other services, such as HelloFresh, Dinnerly has branched into breakfasts and lunches. Even so, the company remains true to what it does best: serving up hearty entrees, such as the Apricot-Glazed Harissa Chicken and Seared Cheddar Bratwurst that I received, for as low as $4.99 per serving.

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Dinnerly Meal Kits

Serve up scrumptious dinners (and breakfasts and lunches) on the cheap with a Dinnerly subscription.

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Dinnerly Meal Kit Features

Each week, you choose from a list of more than 100 customizable recipes, labeled with helpful signifiers such as “low-cal,” “easy cleanup” and “no chop.” You can also filter by tags including “kid-friendly,” “one pot meal” and “healthy,” making this a great meal service option for families, specifically.

I was so impressed by the wealth of selections. Almost every meal has an alternative to suit your tastes. For example, there’s an Oklahoma-style smash burger available with either ground beef or ground turkey. The same goes for the oven-baked taquitos. This is so genius because it let me, as a customer, feel like I had control over my meal planning, even when using a service with a preset menu.

In each insulted box of hand-picked suppers, you’ll find all the makings you need for your meals (save a few staples such as olive oil or salt and pepper). Each box can contain as few as two meals for two people or as many as six meals for four people, depending on your needs.

According to Dinnerly reviews, the brand utilizes as little packaging as possible to save paper. All ingredients for all meals arrive intermixed with one another, so you’ll need to set aside some time to sort them. And don’t expect printed recipe cards to guide you! Dinnerly asks that you use its app or website to access the recipes and instructions.

The chock-full online recipe pages include a description of the recipe, cooking time, level of difficulty, allergens, nutritional information, list of ingredients and tools, step-by-step instructions and a photo of the completed recipe.

How We Tested It

Sorting

My Dinnerly box arrived on a Tuesday morning, but I didn’t have time to prepare the meals until Thursday and Friday. Despite this, the produce and other ingredients remained in tip-top shape—comparable to the quality of what I’d find in a produce delivery box like one from Misfits Market. Apron on and ready to go, I sifted through the ingredients to separate those for the Apricot-Glazed Harissa Chicken from those for the Seared Cheddar Bratwurst.

To do so, I referred to the recipes on the website (I’m not one for phone apps). I was so excited to see name-brand fixings, like Bonne Maman preserves (a favorite of our Test Kitchen) and Schaller & Weber bratwurst, items I might not even splurge on at the supermarket.

Seared Cheddar Bratwurst

The brats and potato salad were estimated to take me between 20 and 30 minutes, and in all, I needed 34 minutes to get them on the table. Not too bad!

I will note that one of the excluded ingredients was red wine vinegar, meaning you needed to have some at home, and I’m not sure I’d consider that a universal pantry staple. Plus, the list of tools wasn’t comprehensive. The recipe page stated I’d need a microwave, rimmed baking sheet and skillet, but I also used knives, a cutting board, a microwave-safe dish, mixing bowls and more to dice the vegetables, chop the dill, cook the potatoes, prep the sauces and sear the sausages. All of these steps were clearly outlined for me on the recipe webpage.

For this dish, the homemade sauces made all the difference. I’m a major horseradish fan, so the creamy drizzle for the brats knocked it out of the park, and the dill dressing for the potato salad was tangy to the nines. They were incredibly simple to stir together, but nothing was quite as simple as microwaving the potatoes. Genius! As instructed, I popped the cubes into the microwave and then broiled them in the oven. This first step made certain the Dinnerly reviews delivered on their promise of a speedy supper.

Although I could’ve done without quite so much dressing on the salad and quite so much food on my plate overall, the dinner was absolutely delicious. It was filling, fancy-feeling and foolproof. It was as close to a 10 out of 10 as they come!

Apricot-Glazed Harissa Chicken

I have equally complimentary things to say about the chicken dish. It was incredibly straightforward and took me the allotted time of around 30 minutes. This restaurant-quality entree would be the perfect elevated weeknight meal. Plus, I really appreciated that the zucchini (and the potatoes from the last recipe) were loose within the box because it reduced the amount of waste. Produce doesn’t need plastic packaging!

Pros

• Zero food waste
• Accurate preparation times
• Fresh, oftentimes name-brand ingredients
• Sizable portions
• Delicious final results
• Eco-conscious packaging

Cons

• No hardcopy recipe cards
• Ingredients arrive loose in box and require sorting
• More cleanup than some competitors

FAQ

How much does Dinnerly actually cost?

The weekly price of Dinnerly varies depending on the amount of meals and servings you purchase. The price will incrementally decrease the more you buy. For example, two meals for two people cost just over $44 per week, which equals about $8 per portion, plus $12 shipping. Six meals for four people, however, cost around $132 per week, which means each meal costs $5, plus $12 shipping.

Does Dinnerly have healthy options?

Yes, Dinnerly has healthy options, and thankfully, it’s very easy to identify them. When ordering, keep an eye out for tags pertaining to carbs, calories, gluten and dairy content, vegan or vegetarian status and more. Psst! Did you know there are meal kit services that are specifically keto, diabetic-friendly and gluten-free?

Is Dinnerly owned by Marley Spoon?

Yes, Dinnerly is owned by the same company as Marley Spoon, Martha Stewart’s meal kit service. It’s no wonder we love them equally!

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Much like Mosaic, Dinnerly has garnered a big fanbase, and members shout their love online in their Dinnerly reviews.

One reviewer of the Tortellini Marinara with Pesto & Parm said, “If you can boil water, you can easily make this meal.” I’m not sure what could better underscore the simplicity of Dinnerly’s meals and recipe instructions.

If you’re not naturally inclined in the kitchen, fear not! A reviewer of the Chicken Shawarma Pita with Sour Cream, which is flaunted as a “no chop” meal, called it “the perfect low-effort meal for the exhausted and unmotivated.”

And TikToker @kaylenamichellex enjoyed her Dinnerly meals so much, she created a whole series of Dinnerly reviews and videos about them. In this review of the Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry, she gives the dinner a 10 out of 10 and says it was “super easy to make” and expresses pleasant surprise at the portion sizes.

Product Comparison

Meal delivery services are here to stay, and because of that, there are now tons saturating the market. The most obvious comparison is to Marley Spoon, which is owned by the same company as Dinnerly.

Dinnerly seems to be the affordable option of the two, as the cheapest meals on Marley Spoon cost nearly $9. The meals on Dinnerly, though categorized with similar tags and labels, do appear to be a bit more elementary, but there’s nothing wrong with that!

We could also compare Dinnerly to other services, such as Green Chef. Green Chef, unsurprisingly based on its name, focuses on sustainability by offsetting 100% of delivery emissions and 100% of plastic in each box. That being said, Dinnerly did create less waste, including less food waste, than Green Chef.

Green Chef is also significantly more expensive than Dinnerly and even Marley Spoon. The cheapest meals are $12 per serving. Plus, there are fewer menu items each week, and I found the quoted cooking times to be less accurate.

Final Verdict

The Dinnerly reviews are in! Although it’s been a while since I’ve considered subscribing to a meal delivery service long-term, Dinnerly just might be the one to get me to do it. The customization options are unparalleled, and the recipes are so delicious. Of the handful of meal kits I’ve tested from various services, the Seared Cheddar Bratwurst was a standout.

Plus, the numbers don’t lie. Dinnerly is shockingly inexpensive. Unlike many competitors, it actually costs similar to what a weekly grocery run would. (Peep these meal kit sales!) I can confidently say Dinnerly is a kid-friendly meal service, ideal for small families and couples, who are looking to spice up suppertime and cut down on food waste—all while sticking to a budget.

Where to Buy Dinnerly

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Dinnerly Meal Kits

For as low as $4.99 per serving, Dinnerly meals are low cost and big flavor that the whole family will love.

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Purchase your first box directly from the Dinnerly website for between $44 and $132 and consider the dinner dilemma solved!

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