21 Editor-Approved Kitchen Products That'll Help You Elevate Your Holiday Cooking

4 days ago 8

Updated on Dec 18, 2024 at 1:45 PM

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There's an easy way to get excited about stepping up your game in the kitchen, and it's not finding a new viral recipe: it's buying yourself some new supplies. Shopping isn't the answer to everything, but we're firm believers that with the right cookware, kitchen knives, tools, and appliances, you might actually look forward to making yourself a meal, rather than viewing it as a chore or an added obstacle.

Fortunately, the internet is a great place to find the best cooking products for any home chef (shout-out to #CookTok!). Regardless of whether you're cooking an elaborate dinner spread or just need to whip up a quick protein snack, these products will help you get it done. Don't believe us? Not to worry, because our shopping experts have tested a number of cool kitchen appliances that not only come highly recommended, but are also available to shop from some of our favorite brands like Our Place, Great Jones, Caraway, Brightland, Made In, Hedley & Bennett, and more.

These useful kitchen tools will not only make you look good in the kitchen, but they might also inspire you to start cooking from scratch more often, too. Whether you want a versatile pan or a high-quality chef knife, we have you covered. Ahead, check out our editor's picks for must have cooking products and gadgets. We've tested and reviewed all of these brilliant products ourselves, so they even have the coveted PS stamp of approval. Plus, they're bound to elevate your holiday cooking for the better.

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An Electric KettlePS Photography | Kyley Warren

An Electric Kettle

Chefman 1.8L 1500W Glass Electric Kettle ($25, originally $35)

If you're an avid tea drinker, you'll want to treat yourself to this electric kettle. It has a built-in tea infuser, a "keep warm" setting, and automatically shuts off. Our editor tested it out and was delighted by how it cuts tea-making time in half. Read all about her experience in our Chefman 1.8L 1500W Glass Electric Kettle review.

Editor Quote: "More than anything else, I appreciate that this electric kettle takes all the hassle out of having to boil water — whether it be for a cup of tea, hot cocoa, or even soup. I simply plug the product's swivel base into a power outlet, place the kettle (filled with water to the maximum line) on top of the base, and the appliance instantly turns on. The tool features a variety of settings and buttons on the kettle's handle, which allow you to adjust the temperature at which you'd like to heat the water, as well as the duration of time you'd like the water to stay warm after it's finished boiling." — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Shopping

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An Elevated Olive Oilnordstrom.com

An Elevated Olive Oil

Brightland Awake Olive Oil ($37)

You can easily elevate any meal with the help of this internet-loved olive oil. Not only does the olive oil boast a flavorful, ingredient-packed base, but it's also hailed as being one of the most authentic olive oils on the market, with no fillers or artificial preservatives. One PS editor even admitted that the product is so great, it's the "only thing" she cooks with now, as detailed in this Brightland Olive Oil product review.

Editor Quote: "The oils taste as elevated as they look, likely because of the handpicked, organic heirloom olives that are milled soon after harvest. From my first blind taste, I immediately noticed the bright, herbaceous flavor of the Brightland Awake olive oil, while the Alive one tastes fruitier and nuttier." — Shelcy Joseph, former associate editor, Fashion

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A Better Baking Sheetgreatjonesgoods.com

A Better Baking Sheet

Great Jones Holy Baking Sheet ($40)

Every household should have a great baking sheet on hand for when they need to whip up flavorful, oven-ready treats in an instant, and this baking sheet is considered one of the very best. Whether you're baking a large batch of cookies or are playing around with new, sheet-pan dinners, this tool can accommodate it all. Plus, one PS editor even went as far as calling it her "new favorite kitchen product" in this Great Jones Holy Sheet Pan review.

Editor Quote: "It's sturdy and a smidge heavier than other options in my cabinets, which means it has yet to show any signs of damage, despite being stored alongside wire racks. Plus, the bottom doesn't puff up when baking in high heat unlike some flimsier options out there. And if you've ever had to scrape burnt pieces off a new pan, rest assured the nonstick coating on the Holy Sheet pan is impressively slick, even after handwashing it several times." — Lisa Robinson, former director, Distribution

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A Compact Dish RackPS Photography | Angela Elias

A Compact Dish Rack

Yamazaki Home Dish Rack ($87)

For an aesthetically-pleasing and compact dish rack, it doesn't get better than this option from Yamazaki Home. Instead of having a traditional draining tray, this one holds water in and doesn't need to be placed next to the sink. It's a lifesaver for kitchens with limited counter space, since you can easily tuck it into a corner during food prep. Our editor tested it in her own kitchen and insists it's worth the splurge. Check out more photos and details in our Yamazaki Home Dish Rack review.

Editor Quote: "Inspired by Scandinavian design and 'small space living' in Japan, this dish rack is an aesthetic dream. Its white, coated-steel frame and lacquer-coated wooden handles are the perfect balance of minimalism and warmth. I never thought I'd say this about a dish rack, but it looks beautiful on my kitchen counter." — Angela Elias, contributing editor, Shopping

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An Affordable Cookware Setwalmart.com

An Affordable Cookware Set

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 12pc Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set ($99)

Compared to some of the other cookware sets on the market, this teal-colored bundle from Drew Barrymore's line is definitely on the more affordable side — which is even more refreshing considering how unbelievably chic it is, too. The 12-piece set comes with everything you'll need to fill your kitchen, including frying pans, dutch ovens, cookware protectors, and more. Plus, it's made with a nontoxic ceramic nonstick coating that you can feel good about cooking your food on. Read our review of the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set to learn more.

Editor Quote: "Despite how pretty the kitchenware is, it's also proven to be just as effective at cooking a wide variety of dishes. The durable, flat construction of the pots and pans ensures that all foods are cooked evenly, and it's designed to be compatible with all stovetops. From my morning eggs to my go-to fajitas dish, this set has the capacity to cook it all — and make your kitchen space look seriously cute while you're doing it." — KW

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A Cult-Favorite PanPS Photography | Anvita Reddy

A Cult-Favorite Pan

Our Place Always Pan 2.0 ($99, originally $150)

If you have an Instagram account or find yourself regularly scrolling through the #CookTok hashtag on TikTok, chances are you've probably seen this pan splashed all over your feed — and for good reason. This multi-functional pan eliminates the need for a ton of cookware, as its nonstick composition allows users to cook up just about anything they'd like. It's also a PS editor favorite, as detailed in this Our Place Always Pan 2.0 product review.

Editor Quote: "The versatility of the Our Place Always Pan 2.0 is unmatched; you can cook breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert all in one place. I've been experimenting with this pan for a little while, and I've made everything, including fried eggs, chicken curry, pasta, and baked cinnamon rolls. I use this pan so much that it's perpetually sitting on my drying rack." — AR

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A Top-Rated Air FryerPS Photography | Haley Lyndes

A Top-Rated Air Fryer

Cosori Smart Air Fryer ($130)

This air fryer is a cooking essential for pro chefs and self-proclaimed foodies alike. The product serves as an efficient, easy-to-use alternative to crisping up flavorful meals at home, and one PS editor even said that the air fryer changed her life for the better in this Cosari Smart Air Fryer product review. For a larger option, check out our review of the Cosori TurboBlazer Air Fryer, too.

Editor Quote: "If counter space isn't an issue and you're looking for an air fryer with multiple functions and a spacious basket, this air fryer is a great option. I very much enjoy mine, and I use it on a day-to-day basis." — Haley Lyndes, former assistant editor, Shopping

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A Dutch Ovengreatjonesgoods.com

A Dutch Oven

Great Jones The Dutchess Dutch Oven ($180)

Looking for a cool cooking appliance that can help you to cook up something impressive with little to no effort? Look no further than this Dutch oven. The enameled cast-iron kitchen tool is safe for all stovetops and available to shop in a variety of colors. One PS editor said that the appliance was totally "worth the hype" in this Great Jones Dutchess Oven product review.

Editor Quote: "I decided to roast a chicken, and it was the easiest process ever. I filled the pot with a whole chicken, lemon, rosemary, spices, and white wine — the deep design allows everything to cook without spewing out everywhere. Once it was ready to go, it honestly looked like the prettiest thing I ever cooked while sitting inside the Dutchess. It was easy to lift, even with my hands in oven mitts." — Macy Cate Williams, former content director, Shopping

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An Indoor Herb GardenPS Photography | Moná Thomas

An Indoor Herb Garden

Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit ($175, originally $250)

Take your cooking game to the next level with the help of this herb garden kit, which allows anyone (even the most amateur of gardeners) to grow their favorite herbs right within the comforts of their home. One PS editor said the tool was especially "perfect for beginners" in this Click & Grow Indoor Smart Garden product review.

Editor Quote: "The Click & Grow Smart Garden is a great home addition for both beginner and advanced plant enthusiasts. For anyone who's too busy to grow traditionally, this is a perfect way to still get the experience of growing without stress. It's also a great home addition for anyone who just wants to enjoy greenery in the home to brighten up a space — this minimal maintenance is worth the air-quality benefit alone." — Moná Thomas, living editor and content strategist

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An Ice-Cream MakerPS Photography | Marisa Petrarca

An Ice-Cream Maker

Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker ($180, originally $230)

This TikTok-famous ice cream maker gives users the freedom to easily whip up their own decadent, icy deserts at home. From fruit sorbets to homemade versions of your favorite specialty pints, the possibilities are endless. Learn more about the editor-loved tool in this Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker product review.

Editor Quote: "This ice cream machine is great for ice cream aficionados of all kinds. My fiancé and I are most excited about creating healthy-ish ice cream alternatives that don't cost 10 bucks a pint." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Shopping

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A Luxury Cookware Setamazon.com

A Luxury Cookware Set

Member's Mark 11 Piece Modern Ceramic Cookware Set ($196)

If you'd prefer to spend less on a comprehensive cookware set, this one's editor and Amazon-shopper approved. This 11-piece set has received approval from editors and Amazon shoppers alike. It includes essential pieces such as a 9.5 and 11-inch fry pan, a two-quart covered saucepan, a three and six-quart Dutch oven, a four-quart deep sauté pan with a lid, and a multi-function stainless-steel basket.

While it may be slightly less scratch-resistant compared to pricier alternatives, it remains a great choice for those seeking to save some money without sacrificing functionality. Read our editor review of the Member's Mark 11 Piece Modern Ceramic Cookware Set for more.

Editor Quote: "Two things I noticed right away was that they're decently lightweight and heated up quicker than my previous ones thanks to their aluminum construction. While making scrambled eggs, I found that I could get away with using less oil to coat the pan and they slid right off the pan when they were done – as opposed to scraping them out like I hate to admit I did in the past. The result: Faster cleanup and healthier meals — a double-win." — MP

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A Plant-Based Milk Makeralmondcow.co

A Plant-Based Milk Maker

Almond Cow Milk Maker Machine ($250)

With this handy appliance, you can whip up your own custom plant-based milk varieties in minutes. Plus, it's a PS editor favorite; read our Almond Cow Milk Maker Machine review for photos and more details.

Editor Quote: "What I like most about the Almond Cow Milk Maker Machine is how ridiculously easy it is to use. Once you're familiar with the steps, you can turn a bag of almonds into almond milk in under five minutes (I'm not exaggerating)." — MP

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An Outdoor Ovenamazon.com

An Outdoor Oven

Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven ($300, originally $400)

Ninja's latest cooking innovation is an impressive wood-fired outdoor oven. The electric heat can range from 105-700°F with eight different functions: pizza, max roast, specialty roast, broil, bake, smoker, dehydrate, and keep warm. It might look smaller than a regular oven, but it can fit plenty: up to a 12-pound turkey, a full sheet pan meal, a nine-pound pork shoulder, and more. There is an integrated smoke box on the side of the oven to add Ninja's real wood pellets that instantly infuse food with that wood-fired flavor.

Editor Quote: "If you like to entertain, this outdoor oven is an absolute must. The fact that you can make both homemade pizzas, a rack of ribs, or brownies in the same device is beyond impressive. I was lucky enough to test out the product, and not only did all types of foods cook faster than they would have in a traditional oven, but there was zero compromise on taste or quality. As a pizza-lover, my favorite feature is that the product can make either New York style, Neapolitan, thin crust, pan, or frozen on the pizza stone in under three minutes. The options are limitless!" — Perri Konecky, former associate director, Breaking News

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A Smart ToasterPS Photography | Anvita Reddy

A Smart Toaster

Revolution InstaGLO R270 Touchscreen Toaster ($320, originally $400)

This touchscreen toaster comes highly recommended by both Oprah and PS editors alike. (Talk about a testimony!) The smart appliance features customizable settings so you can program the kitchen essential to better suit your toast preferences. Oprah included it in one of her favorite things lists, and one PS editor also put the tool to the test in this product review on the Revolution Touchscreen Toaster.

Editor Quote: "The Revolution R270 InstaGLO Toaster creates the perfect blend of crispness and crunch while keeping the inner layers soft and moist. No matter how you like your toast, this smart toaster will deliver with chef's kiss perfection." — AR

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A Smart ToasterPS Photography | Marisa Petrarca

A Smart Toaster

Tovala Smart Oven Pro ($330)

If you love to stock your kitchen with the latest and greatest smart appliances, this one should be on your radar. This versatile six-in-one device allows you to switch between air frying, steaming, baking, broiling, reheating, and toasting. What sets it apart is its smartphone app connectivity, which allows you to heat up specific recipes or frozen foods to perfection. One of our former editors is a big fan. Read her review of the Tovala Smart Oven Pro for more.

Editor Quote: "I'm not one for gimmicky gadgets, and this is far from that. Every single meal was delicious and easy. I think the best thing about this device though is that not only does it work on scanning its own meals, but it also works for popular microwaveable and toaster meals that include everything from Trader Joe's frozen meals to Eggo Waffles." — Krista Jones, former editor, Shopping

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An Essential Knife SetPS Photography | Yerin Kim

An Essential Knife Set

Made In Knife Sets and Kitchen Knives ($349, originally $406)

You don't have to be a professional chef to love this knife set — though one PS editor argued that the practical set actually made her feel like one in our product review on the Made In Knives. Whether you're cutting through dense meats or are meal-prepping vegetables for your upcoming week, these knives are sure to be a kitchen savior!

Editor Quote: "After owning these deluxe knives for about two months, I found myself reaching for the Chef Knife most often, using it to cut everything from meats to vegetables into different chops and sizes. But my favorite is actually the Nakiri Knife because it's made me chop vegetables finer that I ever could have imagined." — Yerin Kim, editor, Features

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A Premiuim Cookware Setamazon.com

A Premiuim Cookware Set

Caraway Cookware Set ($355, originally $395)

This 12-piece cookware set has taken the internet by storm. It's hailed for its nonstick capabilities, which help to make cooking and cleanup a total breeze. Not only does the set come in a multitude of fun colors (bonus!), but our own editor even tested the product for herself and confirmed it's totally worth the hype. Read PS's Caraway Home Cookware Set product review to learn more.

Editor Quote: "I am not exaggerating when I tell you that the Caraway Cookware Set ($395, originally $545) has totally changed my daily routine for the better." — MCW

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A Practical Pizza Ovendickssportinggoods.com

A Practical Pizza Oven

Ooni Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven ($599)

This epic pizza oven can also make flame-cooked steaks, fish, and vegetables. All you have to do is switch on the instant gas ignition, and you'll be ready to cook in 20 minutes. Two of our own PS editors put the pizza oven to the test and shared their honest experience in this Ooni Pizza Oven product review.

Editor Quote: "I've got to say, the Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven is a total crowd pleaser and party must have. If you have to feed a bunch of people, you can serve several pizzas swiftly. I also appreciate how easy the design is to use — you don't need to be some chef extraordinaire to make spectacular pizzas. That being said, my chef boyfriend with ridiculously high standards is equally impressed with the results as my father who barely knows how to boil water. It's truly a product designed for anyone." — MCW

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A Do-It-All Applianceamazon.com

A Do-It-All Appliance

The Brava Starter Set Countertop Oven ($1,195, originally $1,295)

If your traditional oven just isn't doing it for you anymore, it might be time to look into a cooking alternative like this countertop oven set. While the product comes at a pretty steep price, it's definitely worth it considering the wide variety of dishes you can make with the appliance (including things like salmon, chicken tenders, and more), and all in a fraction of the time it might take to cook the same meal in a traditional oven. Read our Brava Countertop Oven review to learn more about this editor-loved essential!

Editor Quote: "Although this countertop oven doesn't come cheap, it can help save hundreds of dollars over the course of a few months. I swapped expensive restaurant checks for grocery receipts, meanwhile making me more aware of the ingredients in my food. My diet is more varied, too (I've discovered new recipes and meals, rather than opting to eat the same to-go orders again and again)." — Hilary Sheinbaum, contributing editor

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— Additional reporting by Angela Elias

Kyley Warren (she/her) is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.

Angela Elias (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Commerce. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments for "POPSUGAR Now" on TV Guide Network and video content for brands like Pier 1 and Walgreens. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.

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