The Best Kitchen Products, Tested and Proven
All Our Test Winners in One Place
After years of hands-on testing hundreds of products, these brands are the best of the best. Each one earned its spot through real testing, not marketing claims. I’ve included links to trusted retailers and my full reviews so you can see exactly how each product performed before deciding which one to buy.
Click below to navigate:
Stainless Steel Cookware | High-End Stainless Steel Alternatives | Carbon Steel Pan | Dutch Oven | Griddle | Nonstick Pan | Ceramic Nonstick Pan | Nonstick Alternative | Cast Iron Skillet | Induction Cookware | Sheet Pan | Starter Cookware Set | Stainless Steel Set | Complete Cookware Set | Air Fryer | Cutting Board | Chef’s Knife | Kitchen Scale | Instant-Read Thermometer | Grill Brush | Water Bottle | Rolling Knife Sharpener | Can Opener | Peeler
Best Stainless Steel Cookware: Demeyere Atlantis
Demeyere Atlantis (including Proline fry pans) has the thickest stainless steel construction I’ve tested, which results in excellent heat retention, stability, and even heat distribution. It’s expensive but built for professional performance that lasts a lifetime. Hestan NanoBond is a close runner-up due to its titanium-infused surface, flush rivets, and sealed rims.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Zwilling.com
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
High-End Alternatives: Made In & All-Clad D3 Everyday
Made In and All-Clad D3 Everyday deliver premium performance and build quality similar to top-tier brands like Demeyere and Hestan but at lower prices. They’re not cheap, but they offer outstanding value if you want professional-level cookware without spending as much as the ultra-premium options.
Where to Buy: MadeInCookware.com, Amazon (Made In), All-Clad.com
Learn More: Made In vs. All-Clad (read, watch)
Best Carbon Steel Pan: Strata
Strata’s tri-ply construction heats evenly, resists warping, and is lighter than traditional carbon steel. It offers excellent food release, flared rims, and the best handle design I’ve tested. It retains slightly less heat than thicker carbon steel pans, but none performed better overall.
Where to Buy: StrataCookware.com, Amazon
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Dutch Oven: Le Creuset
Le Creuset’s flawless enamel, wide handles, and lightweight build make it the easiest Dutch oven to use. It holds moisture well, cooks evenly, and comes in more than 20 colors. Staub is a top runner-up with superior heat retention and craftsmanship, while Made In’s Dutch Oven delivers nearly the same performance at a lower price.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Stovetop Griddle: Made In
Made In’s griddle handles extreme heat, works on any cooktop, and is perfect for searing, pancakes, or smash burgers. It’s durable, versatile, and easy to maneuver. Hestan’s Stainless Steel Griddle is a solid runner-up with a heavier build that doubles as a roasting pan, though the edges run cooler on standard burners.
Where to Buy: MadeInCookware.com, Amazon
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Nonstick Pan: Tramontina Professional
This heavy-gauge aluminum pan heats evenly, releases food effortlessly, and costs under $50. Since nonstick coatings wear out over time, it doesn’t make sense to overspend, and this model performs better than pans twice the price. The silicone grip stays cool, and overall it’s the best value if you want reliable nonstick performance without paying premium prices.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Tramontina.com
Learn More: Read Review
Best Ceramic Nonstick Pan: GreenPan Valencia Pro
GreenPan Valencia Pro is induction compatible, oven safe to 600°F, and holds its nonstick surface longer than most ceramic pans. It’s lighter and more affordable than premium options, making it the best value overall. Made In CeramiClad is sturdier with its 5-ply stainless steel body, but it’s much more expensive.
Where to Buy: Amazon, GreenPan.us
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Nonstick Alternative: Misen Carbon Nonstick
Misen’s Carbon Nonstick pan is made from nitrided carbon steel, so it cooks like nonstick but lasts forever. It doesn’t require seasoning, won’t rust, and delivers excellent food release right out of the box. It’s the best option if you want nonstick performance without worrying about seasoning or coatings wearing out.
Where to Buy: Misen.com, Amazon
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Cast Iron Skillet: Smithey
Smithey’s polished surface provides outstanding food release, even heat retention, and timeless craftsmanship. It’s heavy but built to last a lifetime. Lodge’s 12-Inch Classic is a reliable runner-up that offers nearly the same cooking performance for a fraction of the cost.
Where to Buy: Smithey.com
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Cookware for Induction
For stainless steel, Demeyere Atlantis performs best thanks to its thick, multi-layer base that prevents warping and maximizes contact with the cooktop. For nonstick, GreenPan Valencia Pro stays perfectly flat, heats evenly, and operates quietly on induction. For carbon steel, de Buyer Mineral B Pro holds heat longer than any pan I’ve tested, maintaining steady temperatures without buzzing. For cast iron, Smithey No. 12 stands out with its smooth polished surface and flat base that ensure excellent heat transfer on induction cooktops.
Where to Buy: Amazon (Demeyere, GreenPan, de Buyer), Smithey.com
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Sheet Pan: Nordic Ware
Nordic Ware heats evenly, stays flat, and costs less than $20. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and made in the USA. USA Pan’s Aluminized Steel Sheet is a worthy runner-up with excellent nonstick release but can warp slightly at high heat.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Starter Cookware Set: Goldilocks
Goldilocks’ fully clad tri-ply stainless steel cookware heats evenly and retains heat well, but costs much less than premium brands. Their 8-piece set includes just the essentials (two saucepans, two skillets, and a stock pot) making it perfect for beginners who want high-performing stainless steel pans without paying high-end prices.
Where to Buy: CookGoldilocks.com
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Stainless Steel Set: All-Clad D3 Everyday
All-Clad D3 Everyday combines tri-ply construction, precise heat control, and long-lasting durability. The 10-piece set includes all the essentials (nothing you don’t need) and features redesigned handles and a polished exterior that looks great on the stove. Built in Pennsylvania, it’s a dependable, well-balanced set that will last for decades.
Where to Buy: All-Clad.com
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Complete Set: Made In
If you’re starting from scratch and want to get everything you could need in one purchase, the Made In 13-piece set is the best choice. It combines stainless steel, nonstick, and carbon steel pieces for unmatched versatility, covering every cooking method with professional-level durability and performance.
Where to Buy: MadeInCookware.com
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Air Fryer: Typhur Dome 2
The Typhur Dome 2 cooks faster, quieter, and more evenly than any other model I tested. It’s large, powerful, and ideal for families. Instant Vortex Plus is a smaller, budget-friendly runner-up that performs consistently well.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Cutting Board: Teakhaus
Teakhaus provides the best balance of durability, knife friendliness, and appearance. It resists staining, dulls knives less than bamboo, and feels smooth under the blade. John Boos boards are a strong runner-up.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Chef’s Knife: MAC MTH-80
The MAC MTH-80 is the most balanced and versatile chef’s knife I’ve tested. It’s lightweight, razor-sharp, and holds its edge longer than German knives without being fragile like some Japanese options. The hybrid profile makes it great for both rocking and chopping cuts, and the balance point sits perfectly at the bolster for a secure grip. It’s the knife I reach for most often because it performs consistently and feels right in the hand. The shorter handle is the only downside for those with large hands.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Kitchen Scale: OXO
OXO’s pull-out display stays visible under large bowls, and the removable platform makes cleaning simple. It’s accurate, responsive, and intuitive. Escali Primo is a dependable runner-up that’s smaller and more affordable but offers the same precision.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Instant-Read Thermometer: ThermoWorks Thermapen One
The Thermapen One reads temperatures in about one second, resists water damage, and features a rotating display that’s easy to read from any angle. Javelin PRO Duo is the best lower-cost runner-up, offering similar speed and accuracy for less.
Where to Buy: Amazon, ThermoWorks.com
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Grill Brush: Grill Rescue
Grill Rescue’s bristle-free steam design lifts grease safely and effectively while withstanding heavy use. It’s safer and more durable than metal brushes. GRILLART’s Coil Brush is a reliable second choice that cleans between grates well but takes more effort and can bend over time.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Water Bottle: Yeti Rambler with Chug Cap
The Yeti Rambler keeps drinks hot or cold for hours, stays completely leakproof, and withstands years of use. It’s heavier than most but incredibly durable. CamelBak Chute Mag is a lighter, cup-holder-friendly runner-up that offers excellent insulation and easy one-handed drinking.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Rolling Knife Sharpener: Horl
The Horl produced the sharpest edges in testing, with a smooth rolling motion and precision build. It’s expensive but built to last a lifetime. Tumbler is the best alternative for its stronger magnet and similar sharpness at a lower cost.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Can Opener: OXO Soft-Handled Can Opener
The OXO Soft-Handled Can Opener cuts smoothly, feels sturdy, and stays comfortable even when wet. It outperformed every other model I tested. The OXO Smooth Edge is a safer runner-up with clean, no-sharp-edge cuts, and Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch offers the same convenience in an electric version.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Learn More: Read Review, Watch on YouTube
Best Peeler: Linden Sweden Original Jonas Peeler
The Linden Sweden Original Jonas Peeler outperformed eight other top models in my tests. It peeled smoothly through potatoes, apples, carrots, lemons, and even tough butternut squash with thin, consistent results and no sticking. If you prefer a Y-style design, the OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler is the best alternative.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Learn More: Watch on YouTube
Browse Our Favorites by Category
You can find all of these winners, the runner-up options, and more of our top-tested products on our Amazon storefront. Each category below links to a curated list of the exact models I’ve tested and recommend.
