Kitchen Reviews
Honest reviews of must-have kitchen gadgets
Signature Round Dutch Oven
by Le Creuset
$285-$680
A genuinely excellent piece of cookware that will last decades if treated well — but the performance doesn't justify the 3-5x premium over Lodge. Buy it if you love the aesthetic and can afford the splurge as a lifetime investment; buy Lodge if you just want great enameled cast iron without the status symbol.
Slush & Shake Maker
by Zoku
$22.99
A fun, well-designed gadget that delivers on its promise for the right audience — families with kids or anyone who loves slushies. It's not a must-have kitchen tool, but at $23 it's an affordable novelty that actually works. Just know it's single-serving and requires sugary drinks to function properly.
Scrub Daddy Original
by Scrub Daddy
$3.99
A genuinely innovative cleaning tool that lives up to the hype — the temperature-responsive material and odor resistance make it meaningfully better than a standard sponge. At $4 it's pricier than basic sponges, but it lasts longer and cleans better. Worth it if you want a small upgrade to your cleaning routine; skip it if you're happy with whatever sponge is cheapest.
Always Pan
by Our Place
$135
Gorgeous and genuinely enjoyable to cook with when new — but it's a lifestyle purchase, not an investment. Go in knowing the coating is a consumable, or consider a stainless or cast iron pan that truly lasts decades.
Little Green Pro Portable Cleaner
by Bissell
$99
Great for spot-cleaning fresh messes, pet accidents, and car interiors — and the satisfying dirty water is genuinely motivating. Just don't expect it to deep-clean old carpets or replace a professional service.
Ceramic Cookware Set
by Caraway
$395
Stunning, safe-feeling, and great to cook with at first — just go in knowing ceramic coatings are a consumable that you'll replace in a few years.
Blackstone 36" Griddle
by Blackstone
$495
If you're a serious outdoor cook willing to put in maintenance work, the Blackstone delivers an unmatched flat-top experience. But if you want something low-maintenance, the rust and upkeep issues will frustrate you quickly.
Our Place Always Pan
by Our Place
$135
It's a genuinely versatile and beautiful pan for everyday low-to-medium heat cooking, but the durability issues and coating longevity make it hard to justify $145. It's a nice addition to a kitchen — not a replacement for one.
Ninja Creami
by Ninja
$230
Makes great healthy ice cream, but requires planning ahead and patience to master.
Owala FreeSip
by Owala
$24-$40
Owala bottles are stylish and functional with the dual-opening feature, but cleaning challenges and durability concerns make it worth considering established alternatives.