In testing the best Weber Grills, grilling expert and Taste of Home Test Kitchen team member Catherine Ward found the Weber Performer charcoal grill to be the best pick for its ease of assembly and use, sturdy, clever design and excellent performance when cooking steak, chicken and baby back ribs. Here’s what we found out while testing.

What is the Weber Performer?

Weber is well-known for its iconic dome-shaped kettle grill design. It’s the same design that has been going strong for the last 70-plus years. And while the original Weber Kettle grill is an excellent budget-friendly option, the 22-inch Weber Performer is the ultimate upgrade. The charcoal grill is designed with the same classic dome shape, but instead of a three-legged system, it is built into a four-legged cart with wheels on each leg. The grill is also designed with a holder to easily move the lid over while checking on what you’re grilling, along with a side prep table that folds down and utility hooks for grilling tools and accessories. It has a 363-square-inch cooking surface to cook everything from multiple burgers and chicken legs to a small grilled pizza.

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Weber Performer Charcoal Grill

This charcoal grill's powerful performance and convenient features is your excuse to ignite the coals every day.

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Weber Performer Features

Weber charcoal grills are constructed from steel, and the Weber Performer has a porcelain enamel coating to maximize heat retention while also protecting the exterior against rust or other damage. Inside, there are heavy-duty grates designed with a hinge system. This allows you to add more charcoal while grilling. You can also customize the way you use the grill by removing the center grate and adding a Weber grill accessory such as a griddle.

The Test Kitchen noted the convenience of the side table, which was very sturdy. The locking wheels made it easy to move and then lock and keep in place.

When the grill is lit, the temperature can be read on the built-in thermometer on top. If you need to adjust the temperature, the top and bottom vents, each with silicone handles, are easily accessible and safe to touch when in use.

How We Tested the Weber Performer

The first step in testing the Weber Performer charcoal grill was to see how simple it was to assemble straight out of the box. There weren’t too many parts to put together with this grill, and the instructions were clear. The Test Kitchen noted that it was simpler to put together than the Original Weber Kettle Grill, and the spinning wheels made for easy access and movement while assembling.

This grill was tested with a variety of foods and cooking methods. Grilling expert Catherine Ward cooked a 1 1/2-inch steak on high heat at 450 degrees, searing each side for one minute and cooking the steak covered for four minutes in between each sear. It took one hour to cook a whole cut-up chicken at a medium temperature of 350 degrees. Baby back ribs were also cooked on the charcoal grill at a low and slow temperature of 275 degrees for three hours.

During cooking, Catherine found it easy to control and maintain the grill’s temperature by adjusting the vents; additional charcoal didn’t need to be added while cooking. It took less than 10 minutes to get the grill up to the desired temperature, and the grill stayed consistent the entire cook time. The steak test resulted in a juicy steak with a beautiful sear on both sides, while the tender ribs had light grill marks. The chicken had crisp, browned skin with grill marks and a juicy, tender texture. Catherine also loved the convenient hooks for holding go-to grilling tools.

Cleaning the Weber Performer grill after cooking was simple with a grill brush, and the grates were not scratched by the bristles of the brush. The grease drip tray at the base of the grill was big enough to catch all of the drips while cooking, and it was easy to remove the solidified grease when cleaning out the tray.

After a week of reviewing in our Outdoor Test Kitchen, Catherine then took the grill home for further evaluation. She’s particularly smitten with all the features on this charcoal grill, noting it’s a nice step up from a standard kettle grill. “The lid cradle makes it easy to store the lid when the grill is uncovered; the removable center grate for indirect grilling is a very useful feature; the silicone handle on the lid vent means you can adjust the vents without getting burned or having to use tongs to adjust it,” Catherine says. “I have used and appreciated all of these features when testing.”

Catherine also appreciates all the storage the Performer offers. “The hinged side table is very sturdy, so I can easily load a pan or platter with food on and off the grill. I have the table folded down for a smaller footprint when storing. There is a rack under the grill which is handy too; I store my chimney starter there. There are also hooks on the front of the grill to hang utensils and grill brush that I use while cooking,” she explains. The cherry on top? “The large wheels make moving this grill a cinch. I store my grills in a different area of my patio than where I cook, so moving smoothly is a huge plus for me.”

Pros

• Easy and intuitive to use
• Sturdy design with 4 wheeled legs
• Sturdy, large folding side table for prep
• Cradle to hold lid when opening the grill

Cons

• No char basket included for indirect cooking

Why You Should Trust Us

The Taste of Home Test Kitchen tested this Weber Performer charcoal grill, along with other Weber charcoal and gas grill models, with grilling expert Catherine Ward taking the lead. The grill was thoroughly evaluated for assembly, performance, design and ease of cleaning.

I am a writer specializing in food and lifestyle, with a specific passion for outdoor cooking and grilling. While I love to keep my eye on the latest food trends and kitchen gadgets, I primarily focus on testing established products. I strive to recommend items that are worth the investment and will last, including pizza ovens, fire pits, grills and smokers.

Product Comparison

The best grills are simple and safe to use, perform well and can be cleaned easily. The Weber Performer grill is an excellent choice for those who love charcoal grilling but want upgraded features. It has all of the intuitive, easy-to-use features of the Original Weber Kettle Grill, but with helpful additions such as the folding side table and rolling legs so you can use your grill anywhere in a variety of ways. It functions very similarly to any charcoal grill but comes with the same clever design that Weber has been known for over decades of use.

Because charcoal grills can simply be turned on and off, they have a bit more of a learning curve in controlling temperature and managing the flame compared to gas grills. However, because of its design and features, the Weber Performer charcoal grill would be a good fit for beginners just getting started cooking with charcoal.

Final Verdict

The Weber Performer charcoal grill offers all the benefits of exceptional flavor you get from a charcoal grill, coupled with helpful temperature control and additional features such as easy-to-roll wheels and a folding side table. It’s all that people love in the iconic Weber Kettle Grill, but with clever, convenient upgrades to make a grilling session that much more fun.

Where to Buy the Weber Performer

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Weber Performer Charcoal Grill

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Time to fire up the grill for great flavor? The Weber Performer grill can be found at Amazon, Weber, Walmart and Home Depot for $349.

The post Weber Performer Review: This Grill Delivers Iconic Design and Great Charcoal Flavor With Upgraded Features appeared first on Taste of Home.

As a grilling enthusiast, I’m impressed with how powerful this three-burner grill is for cooking while still being compact enough to leave out on a patio, deck or anywhere else in the yard. Test Kitchen grilling expert Catherine Ward was impressed with its quick heating time and design, noting it was the best grill for small backyards on our list of the best Weber Grills. Here’s what we learned while testing.

What is the Weber Spirit II E-310?

The Weber Spirit II E-310 is a workhorse of a gas grill, offering impressive power in a compact design. With the lid open, the grill is 52 inches wide by 57 inches tall and 26 inches deep. It has a sturdy, solid design with three temperature control knobs on the front panel to change the temperature of each of the grill’s three burners. There are folding shelves on either side of the grill for food prep and hooks for holding grilling tools and accessories for easy access. The grill is powered by propane and hooks up to the tank with a hose. It has a strong bottom shelf to set things on for storage, along with two built-in wheels to be able to move the grill to another location with assistance if needed.

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Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill

This spacious 3-burner cooking area means you can sear steaks on one side while grilling an appetizer on the other.

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Weber Spirit II E-310 Features

This grill offers versatility and power in a compact design. While the grill won’t take up too much space in the backyard, it still features three burners with 30,000 BTUs across a large 424-square-inch cooking area. The grill is easy and intuitive to light with the ignition button on the front, and the three burners can be adjusted on their own, allowing you to sear a steak at high temperatures on one side and grill corn at a lower temperature on the other all at once. You could also use Weber grill accessories at different temperatures, such as pressing burgers while cooking diced vegetables in a grill basket. There is a built-in thermometer on the lid of the grill and a hook for hanging your propane tank with a fuel gauge, so you know just how much grilling time you have left before needing to refill.

The grill’s interior is designed with cast-iron cooking grates for supreme heat retention. The grates are porcelain-enameled, providing protection for the cast iron and making it easier to clean them after your grilling session. The grill also has a lower main cooking area and an upper rack warming area to hold cooked food until it’s time to dig in.

How We Tested the Weber Spirit II E-310

The Weber Spirit II E-310 was first assessed based on how simple the assembly was straight out of the box. Our Test Kitchen found that there were a lot of steps to put together this grill. However, each was clearly defined, and ultimately, the grill came together fairly easily.

To test performance, grilling expert Catherine Ward prepped a variety of BBQ foods. She cooked a steak on high heat at 500 degrees to achieve a good sear. It took two minutes to sear on each side, with a four-minute long covered cook between each sear. Catherine also whipped up a rack of baby back ribs, finding it took two hours to perfectly cook the ribs at a low and slow temperature of 225 degrees. She also grilled a whole cut-up chicken. The chicken was cooked on medium heat at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, and the grill produced a delicious meal with light areas of charring and excellent flavor.

The grill was also assessed based on its ease of cleaning the grill grates and emptying the grease drip.

After the initial testing in our outdoor Test Kitchen, the Spirit grill made its way to Editorial Coordinator and long-term tester Sydney Manning. Sydney has used the grill a handful of times to prep chicken wings, steak kabobs, burgers and asparagus.

“This grill is very nice and easy to use,” says Sydney. It was easy to set up the propane tank and attach it. The burners turned on right away and were ready to go. It does a great job and is priced well.” Sydney’s favorite feature is the built-in lid thermometer, which makes it easy to keep an eye on the temperature of her food as it cooks. To clean, she recommends picking up a bristle-free grill brush.

Pros

• Powerful 30,000 BTU across 3 burners
• Folding side shelves and hooks for storage and prep
• Built-in thermometer and propane fuel gauge
• 10-year warranty

Cons

• Only two wheels for limited mobility

FAQ

How many square inches of cooking space are there on the Weber Spirit II E-310?

The Weber Spirit II E-310 has 424 square inches of cooking space, which is spread across three individual burners, allowing you to control the temperature of each section. The warming rack area also provides 105 square inches of space.

How do you clean a Weber Spirit grill?

Keeping a grill clean is important for proper and safe use. Use our picks for the best grill brush to remove grease and stuck-on food from the grates. A stainless steel grill brush can also be used to clean the inside of the grill’s lid.

Why You Should Trust Us

The Taste of Home Test Kitchen tested this Weber Spirit grill, along with other Weber grill models, with grilling expert Catherine Ward taking the lead. The grill was thoroughly evaluated for assembly, performance, design and ease of cleaning.

I am a writer specializing in food and lifestyle, passionate about outdoor cooking and grilling. While I love to keep my eye on the latest food trends and kitchen gadgets, I also focus on established products. My goal is only to recommend items that are worth the investment and will last, including pizza ovens, fire pits, grills and smokers.

Product Comparison

Weber is well-known for its charcoal grills, which allow for flame-grilled cooking. However, the Weber Spirit II E-310 is part of the gas grills line-up. It still features the same quality construction but can only be used when hooked up to a propane tank. This may make grilling simpler, especially for beginners, as the learning curve isn’t quite as steep when grilling on gas in comparison to managing charcoal or trying your hand at smoking on a Traeger grill.

In comparison to other Weber gas grills, this is one of the most compact. It takes up far less space compared to the Weber Genesis E-325 but still has three burners and almost as high of BTU performance. Compared to the Napoleon Grills Rogue 425 with three burners, it also comes in at a lower price point. Its smaller design allows for better versatility of use, making it possible to use the grill in smaller spaces such as a balcony or patio.

Final Verdict

The Weber Spirit II E-310 is an excellent choice for those looking for their first gas grill. It’s also a great option for someone who wants a grill that performs well at powerful, high temperatures without taking up too much space. It provides the ideal balance between performance and space-saving in the yard. The low-profile design is slim enough to fit on patios, decks or in other backyard spaces, and the side tables fold down to make for even more space.

Where to Buy the Weber Spirit II E-310

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Armed with the strong GS4 grilling system, this 3-burner gas grill is sure to take you and your meals to the next level.

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Ready to fire up the grill? The Weber Spirit II E-310 is available for $569 from Amazon, Weber and Home Depot. We tested the liquid propane version, but Weber also makes a model that is compatible with natural gas.

The post Weber Spirit II E-310 Review: The Ultimate Compact Yet Powerful Gas Grill appeared first on Taste of Home.

As a grilling enthusiast, I’m impressed with the sear zone on the Weber Genesis E-325 for even more cooking options. Test Kitchen grilling expert, Catherine Ward, was impressed with its large grilling area, attractive design and sturdy buildnoting it was the best overall gas grill on our list of the best Weber grills. Here’s what we learned about this top-notch grill while testing.

What is the Weber Genesis E-325?

Part of Weber’s Genesis line of gas grills, the Genesis E-325 is a mid-size grill. It is designed with a sleek black and silver steel exterior and a storage cabinet at the base so you can tuck away the propane tank and have room left for other grilling accessories. The grill has sturdy tables on each side, simplifying prep and cooking. It features four wheels for mobility, all of which lock in place so the grill stays put once you’ve found the perfect spot on your patio. There is a built-in thermometer on the top of the grill, and both the temperature dials and the ignition switch are located on the front for convenient access.

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Weber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill

The extra-large sear zone delivers legendary Weber quality, performance and durability in a grill you can rely on.

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Weber Genesis E-325 Features

The Genesis E-325 has three burners, cranking at 39,000 BTUs for powerful performance. Inside, it has heavy-duty cast-iron grill grates for excellent heat retention, which are porcelain enamel-coated to make cleaning easier. The grill has a cooking area of 531 square inches, with 513 square inches comprising the three-burner main cooking area. The sear zone is concentrated, delivering 13,000 BTUs for high heat searing of steaks. There is also a 128-square-inch warming rack to keep cooked food warm before serving. The cabinet’s design below provides extra covered space to store Weber grilling accessories, so they’re easily in reach.

How We Tested the Weber Genesis E-325

To assess this gas grill, the Taste of Home Test Kitchen first evaluated it by ease of assembly. Although there were many parts to this grill, the directions were clear, and the parts were labeled to make assembly simpler.

Then, it was time to get cooking! Test Kitchen pro Catherine Ward grilled a 1 1/2-inch thick steak on high heat at 500 degrees on this grill. With a two-minute sear on each side and a four-minute covered cook between sears, she found that this grill produced steakhouse-quality sears for excellent flavor. A whole cut-up chicken was cooked at a medium heat of 350 degrees for 45 minutes, resulting in a deep golden mahogany color without being overly charred. It had excellent color and deep, delicious flavor.

While testing this grill, Catherine found that it took about 5 minutes to get it up to temperature each time, and it maintained temperature perfectly. The grilling surface provided plenty of space between the grates and the warming rack, allowing room for flipping and basting items while cooking. There was also plenty of space between burners for indirect grilling without charring cooked items. This makes the grill versatile for a variety of cooking needs, whether you’re cooking straight on the grates or using a grilling basket or cast-iron griddle.

Overall, the grill was easy to clean with a grill brush to remove stuck-on food. Grease is directed into a drip tray with a disposable foil liner to make cleanup that much simpler.

Once initial testing in our Outdoor Product Testing Lab was complete, Catherine took the grill home for additional long-term testing. She’s used it over a dozen times to prep salmon, pork chops, burgers, brats, chicken breasts, veggies, corn on the cob and steak. Whew!

“Ive used the sear zone on pork chops and steaks for a quicker cook. I really appreciate that I can get a good sear without overcooking,” Catherine says. “I also like the warming rack. It is narrow and can be used as is, or you can easily fold it out for a deeper area. I have used that for brats and burgers when some are done sooner than others. It means I can keep them warm instead of removing them to a platter and risking a cool-down before I serve them.”

Catherine also loves that the grill heats up quickly so she can get dinner started in a snap. It also cools down quickly. “With two side tables, there is plenty of room to hold everything I need while grilling. I really like the large cabinet under the grill for storing my grill brush and grilling utensils,” she notes.” Another great feature is the hook that holds the propaneit measures the fullness of the tank. No need to open the cabinet to check as there is a red arrow on the exterior.”

Pros

• Reaches temperature in 5 minutes
• Concentrated 13,000 BTUs sear zone
• Flavorizer bars catch and vaporize juices, boosting grilled flavor
• Large, sturdy side tables and cabinet for storage
• Easy-to-clean grease drip system

Cons

• A lot of parts for assembly

FAQ

How do you clean a Weber Genesis grill?

The Weber Genesis E-325 has porcelain-enameled grill grates inside. That enameled coating makes it easier to use a grill brush to clean the grill. The grill also has a grease management system, so you can easily pull the tray out after the grill has cooled and throw away what’s in it.

How do you light a Weber Genesis grill?

When it comes time to fire up the grill, open the lid of the grill and turn the valve on the gas tank all the way open to allow propane to flow. Next, turn the burner control knob to high and then press the ignition button.

Why You Should Trust Us

The Taste of Home Test Kitchen tested this Weber Genesis grill, along with other Weber grill models, with grilling expert Catherine Ward taking the lead. The grill was thoroughly evaluated for assembly, performance, design and ease of cleaning.

I am a writer specializing in food and lifestyle, with a specific passion for outdoor cooking and grilling. While I love to keep my eye on the latest food trends and kitchen gadgets, I also test established products. My goal is to recommend items that are worth the investment and will last, including pizza ovens, fire pits, grills and smokers.

Product Comparison

In our larger test of the best grills, we noted the Weber Genesis E-325 gas grill as Weber’s best gas grill. It earned this top spot for its powerful performance, stylish design and extra clever features. Compared to other Weber gas grills, it’s larger and has higher BTUs than the compact Weber Spirit II E-310, which is excellent for small backyards. It’s still in the mid-size range compared to Weber’s much larger gas grill options, making it more budget-friendly.

This would be an excellent grill for beginners, but it also has enough power and additional features to be a great upgrade for someone who already loves grilling.

Final Verdict

The Weber Genesis E-325 has it all with an attractive design, helpful storage cabinet and side tables, powerful heat performance across three burners, a concentrated sear zone and a grease drip cleaning system. It’s well-built and sturdy to bring the heat without taking up too much space.

Where to Buy the Weber Genesis E-325

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Weber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill

Featuring flavorizer bars to catch and vaporize juices, boosting grilled flavor.

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Ready to master the grill? The Weber Genesis E-325 is available at Amazon, Ace Hardware and BBQ Guys for $849. You can also order directly from Weber. While we tested the liquid propane version, there is also an E-325 model compatible with natural gas.

The post Weber Genesis E-325 Review: A Stylish Top Performer for Flavorful Cooking appeared first on Taste of Home.

You can certainly snag a cheap toaster that burns bread and breaks down after a year of use. Orhear us outenjoy a perfectly even kiss of golden brown made by the Corvette of toasters. The SMEG toaster may be a bit pricey, but this stylish and durable gadget is truly worth the splurge. Here’s why our Product Testing Team gives this classy toaster three thumbs up.

What is the SMEG Toaster?

The SMEG toaster is a beautiful appliance with rounded corners and a shiny chrome finish. The top is brushed or satin, depending on the chosen color. It comes in 11 different shades, including light blue, pink, cream, chrome, gold, pastel green, champagne, red, black and slate gray. The cute rounded lever and mirror finish give this toaster a distinctive style that echos retro appliances.

In addition to its charming looks, each component is thoughtfully designed. The shade knob is substantial and easy to turn, and beneath the toaster are four very solid silicone feet that prevent it from slipping and sliding. Settings include a defrost and bagel button, plus a browning control knob with six darkness choices and a stop function.

It arrives in a secure brown shipping box. Inside is a branded box with a molded cardboard insert for security. The toaster is wrapped in a cloth-like branded bag for additional protection. Like the KitchenAid toaster, we love the overall vintage vibes of this stylish option.

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SMEG Toaster

Our Product Testing Team was impressed by this pricey, retro-inspired pick.

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How We Testedthe SMEG Toaster

Over the course of several days, our Product Testing Team dedicated their time and Testing Lab to find thebest toasters for every budget and need. This endeavor introduced us to various options, from the aptly named Beautiful toaster to splurge-worthy finds like the Breville toaster. The SMEG toaster was voted the “most stylish” option, earning its place in the top six. It flawlessly tackled tests in the following categories (and looked good doing it):

• Size and unit of measurements
• Packaging and shipping quality
• The fit of test foods, including thick-cut brioche, sourdough, English muffins, pastries, bagels and frozen waffles
• Ease of slice removal
• Any special settings and the performance of those settings
• How long the settings take
• Appearance, material and overall quality
• Ease of care and cleaning
• Quality compared to price

Before testing for our SMEG toaster review, we wondered how a toaster could possibly be worth $200. However, this appliance pleasantly surprised us with its aesthetics and overall performance against 12 competitors.

The settings offer toasting options for every breakfast eater, from no browning with a very light crisp to an impressively even browning with plenty of crunch. Toaster pastries also fared well on the lowest “defrost” setting, which, based on the icon, seems like a built-in reheat setting. It was perfectly heated through with an ooey, gooey center.

One-Month Update

Senior Video Producer Paul Klawien volunteered his kitchen to long-term test the SMEG toaster. So far, he is impressed with the glossy look and even results.

“Our family uses it about three to four times per week, and it does consistent toasting every time,” says Paul. “I really like the solid construction. Every piece on it feels sturdy and solid. The chrome and weight of it remind me of 1950s appliances that are durable and last forever.”

Regarding criticisms, Paul notes that the popping-up sound is rather quiet for his lifestyle. “My wife and I are running around in the morning with a family of young kids, so Ill often put breakfast in to get toasted and then multitask. I rarely notice when it pops, so toast often gets left in and cold. A louder pop would remind me to grab it right away,” he says.

Additionally, he finds the combination of small numbers and a chrome surface make the knob a bit difficult to read. He also notes that he must crank the dial to the sixth toast setting for bagels. That said, Paul mentions that the simplicity of the controls, the one-side toasting feature and a well-designed crumb tray balance out the negatives.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our testing team has three years of experience testing and evaluating everything from thebest coffee subscriptionsto thebest flower delivery services. Many of us have backgrounds in kitchen and culinary careers ourselves. The remainder of our team are passionate home cooks who want to recommend the best products using honest and fair testing practices.

FAQs

How much does a SMEG toaster cost?

At $200, the SMEG toaster isn’t cheap. However, it’s worth the splurge if you want an appliance that will last for years and offer perfectly even results.

How do you clean a SMEG toaster?

To clean the SMEG toaster, pour your preferred cleaning product onto a damp cloth, then wipe it thoroughly and dry it with a soft or microfiber cloth. Never use abrasive or chlorine-based acids. Also never submerge your toaster.

Where to Buy the SMEG Toaster

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SMEG Toaster

The SMEG toaster is a splurge-worthy option that looks lovely and delivers delightfully even, crunchy slices.

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The SMEG toaster is available at several popular retailers, including Amazon, West Elm, Wayfair and Williams Sonoma. While it retails for around $200, the price depends on color. We tested the 2-slice model, but SMEG also makes a 4-slice toaster with two slots and a 4-slice toaster with four slots.

In line with the price, the overall build and performance of the appliance are top-notch, making this a worthwhile splurge for families who want a toaster that lasts through years of use.

The post We Tried the $200 Retro SMEG Toaster—Here’s How It Performed appeared first on Taste of Home.

2. How To Enter: Contest begins at 12:01 am Eastern Time on July 1, 2024, and ends at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on August 31, 2024 (the Deadline Date). All entries must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the Deadline Date. To enter visit www.tasteofhome.com/recipecontests and follow the instructions. All entries must include your full name, address, city, state/province, zip/postal code, telephone number and email address (if you have one). Entries submitted in geographic areas in which the entry is not permissible will be disqualified. If entries do not contain all necessary information, entrant will be disqualified. Please be certain to follow all directions. Eligible persons can enter as many original recipes in this Contest as they wish. Sponsor is the official timekeeper for this Contest. In the event the Contest is entered via a mobile device, Message and Data charges may apply.

All recipes must be the original work of entrant and not previously published. You may use other recipes for inspiration, but you must make your own unique ingredient and cooking instruction changes for the recipe to be considered. Each submitted recipe must not infringe the copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity or other intellectual property rights of any person or entity. All entries become the physical property of Sponsor and will not be returned. By submitting a recipe for this Contest, you grant Sponsor, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners and licensees unrestricted use of the submitted entry which includes the right to publish your recipe and any other information provided worldwide in all print and electronic media (now or hereafter existing) without time limitation, and the right to include your name and hometown (e.g., city and state) in connection therewith. Sponsor reserves the right to edit, modify, translate, reproduce and distribute the submitted material in any medium and in any manner as it deems appropriate. Sponsor tests selected recipes and reserves the right to alter them as it deems appropriate. By submitting a recipe for this Contest, you further agree that Sponsor may, in its discretion, select your recipe for entry in one or more future best of, roundup or similar recipe contests conducted by Sponsor, in which event you consent to such entry and agree to be bound by the applicable rules for such contest(s). Sponsor may contact you via phone or email regarding your submission.

3. Judging: The winner of the Contest will be determined by judging all qualifying entrants submissions based on the following criteria:

• Taste: 25%
  • Does this recipe taste great with every bite? Does it have mass appeal? Would you want to make this recipe over and over again based on taste alone? Does it contain interesting, yet gratifying flavor combinations?
• Visual Appeal: 25%
  • Does this recipe present beautifully on a plate or in a baking dish? Do your eyes make you want to eat this before you even smell or taste it?
• Creativity: 25%
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  • Does your recipe appeal to fellow home cooks everywhere? Does the recipe have easy-to-find everyday ingredients and is it easy to make? Does the recipe have a story that will inspire many others to make it?

All entries will be judged using the criteria stated above. In the event of a tie, the highest scoring entry in the Creativity category will be the winner. All judging will be accomplished by a panel of Taste of Home food experts. Decision of the judges is final and binding on all matters relating to this Contest.

4. Winners and Prizes: A total of 4 winners will be selected as follows: one Grand Prize winner will be awarded $500; one first place winner will be awarded $300; one second place winner will be awarded $150; and one third place winner will be awarded $75. The total value of all prizes in this Contest is $1,025.00. The winner of the Grand Prize in this Contest will be ineligible to win the Grand Prize in any other Taste of Home recipe contest for one year following the close of this Contest, but they may enter such contests for which they are otherwise eligible and may win other prizes in such contests. Each winner agrees that the publishing rights granted above will be exclusive to Sponsor, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners and licensees for use in any magazine and/or cookbook in any media (now or hereafter existing) for a period of one year after the date a prize is awarded; following such period, such publishing rights shall continue on a non-exclusive basis. Each prize is not transferable and cannot be substituted or assigned by the winner, unless prohibited by law. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a similar prize of equal or greater value in the event that the stated prize cannot be awarded for any reason. All taxes, if any, are the winners responsibility. Sponsor will not be responsible for any loss, liability or damage arising out of the winners acceptance or use of the prize(s). All prizes are guaranteed to be awarded, assuming a sufficient number of qualifying entries is received and meet the minimum judging criteria.

5. Selection of Winners: Winners will be determined and notified on or about November 8, 2024, by regular mail and/or email. Any winner may be required to execute a Statement of Eligibility and Release and Payment Authorization within 30 days of prize notification attempt or winner will be disqualified and prize may be awarded to an alternate winner. In the event winner is a minor in his or her place of residence, all required documentation must be signed by parent or legal guardian. Return of prize or prize notification as undeliverable will result in disqualification and an alternate winner may be selected. Entry and/or acceptance of prize(s) constitutes permission for the Sponsor and its agencies (if any) to use the winners name, hometown (e.g., city and state) and/or likeness for advertising and trade purposes without further compensation or authorization, worldwide and in perpetuity, in any and all forms of media, now known and hereafter devised, unless prohibited by law.

6. Conditions: By entering, participants agree to be bound by these complete Official Rules and Sponsors Privacy Policy, accessible at www.tmbi.com/privacy-policy. Sponsor is not liable for any malfunctions or failures of any telephone network or lines, computer internet system, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any email on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the internet or at any website, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to participants or any other persons computer, mobile or any other device and/or its contents related to or resulting from participation or downloading/uploading any materials relating to this Contest, or other technical difficulties or failures or other errors of any kind. Sponsor reserves the right to terminate or modify the Contest at any time for any reason. In such a circumstance, all winners will be selected based on entries received to date of termination. Sponsor also reserves the right to modify this Contest in the event an insufficient number of entries are received and/or an insufficient number of entries meet the minimum judging criteria.

In the event that two similar entries are received, only the entry judged to best meet criteria as set by Sponsor will be included in the final judging. Entrants agree to indemnify Sponsor, its affiliated and subsidiary companies from and against any and all claims and liabilities arising out of or in connection with this Contest. In the event of any dispute regarding the identity of an entrant who submitted an online entry, the authorized account holder of the email address used for the entry at the time of entry will be deemed the entrant. Authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an email address by an internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g. business, educational institute) that is responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email address. Any potential winner may be requested to provide Sponsor with proof that such winner is the authorized account holder of the email address associated with the winning entry. Sponsor, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the operation of the website or the entry process.

7. No Recourse to Judicial or Other Procedures/Severability: To the extent permitted by law, the rights to litigate, to seek injunctive relief or to make any other recourse to judicial or any other procedure in case of disputes or claims resulting from or in connection with this Contest are hereby excluded, and any entrant expressly waives any and all such rights. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction finds the foregoing waiver unenforceable, entrants hereby consent to the jurisdiction and venue residing exclusively within the federal or state courts sitting in Milwaukee County in the State of Wisconsin, U.S.A. and agree that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action. Entrants agree that these Official Rules are governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin, U.S.A., without reference to principles of conflicts of law. If any provision(s) of these Official Rules are held to be invalid or unenforceable, all remaining provisions hereof will remain in full force and effect.

8. Anticipated Number of Entrants: The total number of contestants anticipated is 1,000.

9. Consumer Information and Winner List: If you do not wish to receive future sweepstakes or skill contest postal mailings from Sponsor, specify your request in writing to Taste of Home Eat More Fruits & Veggies Recipe Contest (#313) Mailing List, PO Box 3125, Harlan, Iowa 51593-0191. To receive a list of winners, write to Taste of Home Eat More Fruits & Veggies Recipe Contest (#313) Winners List, PO Box 3063, Harlan, Iowa 51593-0127. Request for winner list must be received within one year of the Deadline Date.

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In our recent hunt for the best toasters, the KitchenAid toaster impressed us with more than just its shining exterior (which, to be fair, is gorgeous). With a library of settings, even results and looks that befit a mid-century modern dream kitchen, it topped our list as the best all-purpose option. Here’s why we keep popping our bread into this gleaming, retro-style appliance.

What is the KitchenAid Toaster?

Are you nostalgic for the glossy, space-age designs of yesteryear? The KitchenAid Toaster is made for folks like you. It’s a retro-style toaster that calls to mind mid-century home appliances with a shiny chrome body and sleek, rounded corners. Available in brushed silver, red and black, the toaster embodies 50s aesthetics without feeling dated. There’s also a four-slice option that functions as two toasters in one for folks with larger families. For our tests, we chose the Empire Red two-slice version.

Like most KitchenAid appliances, it’s undeniable that this toaster looks chic on a counter. The sides are reflective red plastic, and the top band is a beautiful brushed stainless. The controls, logo and lower base are trimmed in black. Chrome vents on the side give it a retro automobile feel. A five-point shade dial, pull-down lever and buttons are all on one end, while the other boasts a generous 38-inch cord that ends in a three-prong plug.

There are thoughtful touches throughout, including a bagel symbol that indicates which way to insert halves for the best outcome. A rather loud bell sounds when each toast session is finished, so you never forget about your breakfast while distracted by the morning rush.

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The KitchenAid Toaster is a sleek, shiny retro-style toaster that delivers even browning and comes in several kitchen-complementing colors.

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How We Testedthe KitchenAid Toaster

Over the course of several days, our Product Testing Team dedicated their time and Testing Lab to find the best toasters for every budget and need. This endeavor introduced us to various options, from a high-quality Breville pick to practically-priced budget options like the Beautiful toaster. The KitchenAid toaster impressed with its sturdy components and sleek look, earning it the best all-purpose award. It flawlessly tackled tests in the following categories:

• Size and unit of measurements
• Packaging and shipping quality
• The fit of test foods, including thick-cut brioche, sourdough, English muffins, pastries, bagels and frozen waffles
• Any special settings and the performance of those settings
• Appearance, material and overall quality
• Ease of care and cleaning
• Quality compared to price

Testing Team Analysis

The toaster truly is the perfect multipurpose pick, whether you prefer toaster pastries, English muffins or a slice of crispy, crunchy peanut butter toast. Five darkness settings and two “other” buttons (bagel and cancel) offer up a range of options for brunches, breakfasts and midday snacks. A simple control dial with an audible “click” ensures folks enjoy toast in the shade they expect.

While there are five darkness settings, we found the highest setting churned out smoking pieces that looked pretty inedible, and the medium setting was a bit more brown than wed like. That said, most folks will find that the sweet spot is the lowest setting, which churns out an even golden brown that extends the whole length of each bread slice.

Out of all the toasters we tested, the KitchenAid toaster’s bagel setting offered the most even browning. It is comparable, color-wise, to white bread we toasted on medium. It’s worth noting that the toaster does take a while to get there, opting for a “slow and steady” approach rather than a faster toast at higher temperatures. That said, we definitely prefer the accuracy of this toaster to the splotchy results from speedy competitors.

While it doesn’t offer a frozen setting or pastry buttons, both waffles and toaster pastries fared well on the first setting. The lever is a little bouncy, but other than that, it seems like it should last a long time. We’d love to see improvement in the lift function of the lever, which we needed to remove an English muffin. The edge of the muffin was barely above the opening of the slot, making it a bit awkward to retrieve. Other than that, we found few negatives to report.

One Month Update

After testing the toaster against 13 other options in our Testing Lab, Editorial Business Assistant Kari Kober volunteered to continue using it as her primary toaster in her own home. Regarding long-term performance, Kari is impressed with the sleek, retro look and the even kiss of brown on toast, bagels and English muffins.

“The toaster itself is very nice looking with the red. I feel that it looks good enough to leave out on the counter. I go just past the first setting, and it toasts my toast, bagels and English muffins perfectly,” says Kari. “One of my favorite features is the beep it makes just before it pops up because if I have started something else, its a nice reminder rather than getting too sidetracked.”

In terms of overall quality, KitchenAid gets a thumbs up from Kari. “You can tell the quality is there in the toaster, and it’s well made and built to last. I feel it’s worth the price for a better-quality toaster. I dont feel that it’s too expensive, either,” she says.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our testing team has three years of experience testing and evaluating everything from thebest coffee subscriptionsto thebest flower delivery services. Many of us have backgrounds in kitchen and culinary careers ourselves. The remainder of our team are passionate home cooks who want to recommend the best products using honest and fair testing practices. Regardless of the brand’s popularity or size, we never recommend a product we dont love.

FAQ

How to clean a KitchenAid toaster?

First, unplug the toaster and let it cool. Second, grasp the center of the crumb tray and slide it out. Finally, simply shake the crumbs into a waste container. We recommend emptying the crumb tray after each use. The Crumb tray is hand-wash only.

Similarly, wipe the toaster with a soft, damp cotton cloth. Do not use paper towels, abrasive cleaners or liquid cleaning products. Do not immerse the toaster in water. Return the crumb tray to the toaster. Press it in firmly until it clicks into position. Never use a toaster without a crumb tray in the proper position!

How do I reset my KitchenAid toaster?

Press the “cancel” button to reset a KitchenAid toaster.

Why is my KitchenAid toaster not toasting evenly?

A full crumb tray is the number one reason your toaster might not be toasting evenly. Emptying the crumb tray after each use ensures you get a nice, all-over golden brown rather than a spotty piece of bread.

Where to Buy the KitchenAid Toaster

Apart from its impressive performance, the KitchenAid toaster comes very reasonably priced at under $60. In addition to its mid-tier price point, we love that it’s readily available at most stores, including Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair.

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The post The KitchenAid Toaster is the Perfect All-Purpose Appliance appeared first on Taste of Home.

KATIE BANDURSKI/TASTE OF HOME

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A candle subscription that’s affordable, flexible and giftable may seem like a white whale, but we found an option that truly does have it all. Our pick for the best overall candle subscription is Vellabox. Vellabox offers very flexible subscription options, parsed out by candle size. Choices include a four-ounce option, an eight-ounce option and a behemoth 16-ounce option.

Our favorite aspect of Vellabox is that each included candle comes from a different candlemaker each month, meaning that there’s no limit to the number of scents and brands you get to try. Plus, regardless of size, each box comes with a curated gift to accompany the candle.

Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski has been a Vellabox customer ever since trying them for her Vellabox review. In that time, she has received a number of candle companions, from gourmet lip balms to an eco-friendly mini scrub brush. “I’ve received many Vellabox boxes over the years, and they’re all high quality. I’ve found so many amazing scents (hello, pear and brandy), and I love to give them as gifts,” she says.

Subscriptions cost between $12 and $30, depending on your chosen candle size. For the price, we find Vellabox to be an incredible value for gifting, enjoying and exploring new scents. They’re also very well packaged to prevent breakage, and each comes in a pretty fabric pouch that elicits “oohs” and “ahhs” from potential giftees.

The post 6 Best Candle Subscription Boxes [Tested and Reviewed] appeared first on Taste of Home.

The Dyson V8 is no exception. It wowed our Product Testing Team with its performance and its affordable price tag. We personally lab-tested it alongside other Dyson cordless models to see how it stacked up to pricier models when tasked with cleaning up cereal, glitter and hair. The verdict? It suckedbut in all the ways we hoped.

What is the Dyson V8 vacuum?

The V8 is from Dyson’s latest line of nine powerful cordless vacuums. But what sets it apart from the rest of the models is its price point. While “Dyson” and “budget” rarely go hand in hand, the V8 is one of the most affordable options of the bunch.

At just 5.5 pounds, it’s also one of the lighter and quieter models, as our testers pleasantly noted. And while you’ll trade in a smaller bin size, you’ll still enjoy many of the impressive features included in Dyson’s other popular, higher-end models.

It combines durability and functionality with powerful suction and boasts de-tangling technology, a reusable HEPA filter, acoustic control, no-touch bin emptying, as well as the following slew of handy attachments:

• Motorbar cleaner head: This head utilizes Dyson’s latest hair detangling technology andfeatures hair removal vanes to automatically clear hair as it cleans.
• Hair screw tool:A conical brush that quickly removes hair from stairs, car seats and pet beds.
• Crevice tool: Reach every nook and corner of your house with this narrow, precision-cleaning attachment.
• Combination tool: A two-in-one, wide nozzle and brush dusts and cleans around your home or car.

Easily switch between two power modesLow and Maxto conserve battery and enjoy up to 40 minutes of runtime. For added convenience and versatility, convert the machine to a handheld vacuum. From there, you can easily clean furniture, cars and other hard-to-reach or high-up places (yes, even the ceiling!) thanks to its lightweight, ergonomic design.

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Dyson V8

This affordable Dyson cordless vacuum exudes power and versatility in a lightweight footprint.

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How We Tested It

Our Product Testing Team put the Dyson V8 through 15 tests, sucking up handfuls of various types of debris in our lab. We observed the V8’s performance vacuuming up cornflakes and glitter after three passes on tile, high-pile and low-pile carpet, as well as its efficiency at pulling hair out of carpet. We also collected data points on battery runtime, maneuverability and clearance around and under furniture.

While performance was a top priority, we also took the following important factors into consideration:

• Packaging and setup
• Specs and features
• Accessories
• Cleaning and emptying
• Value

During testing, the machine really exceeded our expectations. Utilizing the Max mode, the V8 sucked up every bit of glitter and cornflakes on medium-pile carpet, and effectively collected and cleared hair from high-pile carpet. It struggled at first when we tested hair on medium-pile carpet, but it’s possible we threw too much hair its way.

We were also impressed with the V8’s ability to effortlessly suck up crumbs from the edge and corner of the room. On vinyl, we utilized the “Low” setting; anything stronger and the vacuum would have easily sucked up the mat from the floor. While it effortlessly cleared the glitter entirely, the cornflakes took a little more manual effort, and we had to lift and plop the vacuum directly onto the mess for it to suck it up.

We also tested the vacuum in the handheld mode; with the crevice tool attached, the cleaner extended to 48 inches for easy cleaning behind narrow furniture and high up on ceiling corners and shelves. Next, we tested the crevice tool to vacuum furniture, cleaning between tight cushions. While it got the job done, we highly recommend using the Low setting; in Max mode, it quickly surged in between the cushions (likely a safety mechanism to prevent the machine from overheating), and we noted a light burning smell.

Throughout our testing, the vacuum delivered roughly 30 minutes of fade-free power! While this was less than the 40 minutes Dyson promised, it was likely because we were utilizing the Max setting for the majority of our cleaning. Plus, with the machine’s effectiveness and efficiency, this would be ample time to clean most apartments and homes.

Lastly, we followed the manufacturers cleaning and emptying instructions. The team was impressed with the V8’s super easy-to-clean chamber, noting that all the debris fell out at once.

Overall, the V8’s stellar performance, lightweight floor-to-ceiling maneuverability and arsenal of attachments make it a valuable addition for those searching for the power and durability of a Dyson vacuum at a fraction of the price.

Long-Term Testing

We sent the V8 home with Executive Culinary Director Sarah Farmer to see how the vacuum cleaner holds up over time. While Sarah has only been using the vacuum for a few weeks, she’s already smitten.

“Ask my husbandI vacuum way too much. Im over-the-top with how often Im grabbing the Dyson to clean the kitchen, the hardwood floors, the rugs, the bedroom carpets and the stairsI could go on,” Sarah says. “For a clean freak like me, who feels most comfortable when my house is tidy, the Dyson is the way to go. It brings joy to my life!”

Sarah loves the long battery life, powerful suction and bounty of attachments. “On a single charge, it runs long enough for me to clean my entire first floor, covering multiple rooms effortlessly. (And I often operate it one-handed while Im on my phone.) The suction is powerful and reliable; no crumb or speck is left behind. The smart attachments make it easy to clean under appliances, on upholstered furniture, around chairs and on stairs. Cleaning the canister is so simple and satisfying, too.”

Pros

• • Easy-button operation
  • Lightweight (just 5.5 pounds!)
  • Multiple attachments, including hair screw and crevice tool
  • Dust chamber is easy to clean
  • Washable HEPA filter
  • Most quiet of all Dyson models tested

>Cons

• • • Only two settings: Low and Max
    • Smaller collection bin

Why You Should Trust Us

When it comes to cleaning products, our Product Testing Team arent just testerstheyre users, too! We all have homes to keep tidy, and when a product impresses us, we bring it home and make it a part of our regular cleaning routine.

Our Product Testing Team has three years of combined experience testing and evaluating everything from the best Shark vacuums to the best grill brushes for backyard barbequing. For each test, our product testing experts spend over 40 hours conducting firsthand research in our Testing Lab, including researching and sourcing products. We strive to recommend the very best products using honest and fair testing practices.

Where to Buy the Dyson V8

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This cordless vacuum converts to a handheld for convenient cleaning around the house, furniture and car.

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The Dyson V8 is available at many retailers, including Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. You can also buy it directly from Dyson. It’s our top pick if you’re on a budget but still want cordless, grime-busting suction power.

The post Dyson V8 Review: Dyson’s Affordable Cordless Vacuum Swept Our Testers off Their Feet appeared first on Taste of Home.

Because of this, I used to consider toasters a necessary evil. No matter how I approach things, I always over-toast my gluten-free bread slices. Frankly, I’m tired of my breakfasts being last-minute bowls of cereal rather than the protein-packed peanut butter toast I dream of.

I would have laughed if you had told me last year that I’d be pining after a pretty, feature-packed smart toaster. That was before I heard about the Breville toasterand finally understood that owning one of the best toasters completely redefines breakfast.

What is the Breville Toaster?

The Breville toaster isn’t your grandma’s 1950s Toastmaster De Luxe. It’s sleek and futuristic and features simple, easy-to-understand settings and buttons. It doesn’t justlook nice, either. This impressive pick outperformed roughly seven other toasters in rigorous testing, earning it a spot alongside six other winners.

Noteworthy features include a “lift and look” lever for checking in on a piece’s progress and the “a bit more” button that adds just a touch of extra toastiness to slices. The toaster is compact and solid, offering a slip-free bottom that holds itself against aggressive lever-pullers (guilty!). Special settings include “bagel” and “frozen” buttons and a slider bar to indicate toast level. Additionally, the slider features an LED light that acts as a countdown. This handy visual reference makes it easy to see how much time is left at a glance.

Sure, it’s priced a bit higher than a traditional two-slice toaster. But the Breville toaster is well worth the splurge if you’re sick of badly burned toast or cold-in-the-middle pastries. Plus, the brand has a proven track record of putting out top-rated appliances. Our favorites include some of the best drip coffeemakers, indoor pizza ovens, and the famous Bambino Plus espresso machine, which impressed our deputy editor.

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How We Tested the Breville Toaster

Over the course of several days, our Product Testing Team dedicated their time and Testing Lab to find the best toasters for every budget and need. This endeavor introduced us to various options, from pretty Beautiful-branded picks to practically-priced budget options. The Breville was our favorite “smart” option, earning its place in the top six. It flawlessly tackled tests in the following categories:

• Size and unit of measurements
• Packaging and shipping quality
• The fit of test foods, including thick-cut brioche, sourdough, English muffins, pastries, bagels and frozen waffles
• Ease of slice removal
• Any special settings and the performance of those settings
• How long the settings take
• Appearance, material and overall quality
• Ease of care and cleaning
• Quality compared to price

From the outside in, this toaster impressed with its high quality components and thoughtful touches. Remarkably, the luxe brushed aluminum Breville hides fingerprints very well, making it great for families. In addition, a bagel symbol indicates which way to insert halves, leading to perfectly crispy, indulgent lox bagels. Probably our favorite feature is that the interior levers are automated, so the bread descends and ascends on its own after you press “go.”

Regardless of the setting, the toaster offers quite an even amount of browning on both sides. We found that the first setting is ideal for most folks. It leaves bread pleasantly crunchy, pastries golden brown on the edges, and waffles crispy on one side while soft enough to soak in syrup on the other. If you trust any toaster with the spoils from your favorite bread delivery service, make it this one.

One Month Update

Team member Jessi Rhine has been testing the Breville toaster for about four weeks in her own home. Despite heavy use during breakfast, she comments that the toaster still looks brand new. She uses it alongside a Breville toaster oven. The two appliances form a classy duo that tackles everything from warming pastries to impeccably toasted slices ready for a smear of butter and jelly.

“We used only to use a toaster oven in the past. This new toaster seems faster and makes the toast brown on both sides, which is great,” she says. “I think this is a great toaster, and I would recommend it.”

So far, Jessi has only used the toaster on the first toast setting, which results in perfectly toasted bread. She notes that the ‘a bit more’ setting is a handy option to boost the darkness slightly without worrying about charring her breakfast. That said, she also finds the first setting dark enough, noting that she can’t imagine trying to enjoy a piece toasted on the fifth setting. In our tests, this produces a pretty blackened piece, which some folks may prefer.

Pros

• Has Lift and Look and A Bit More buttons
• Three-prong plug with a handy pull ring
• Very stable
• LED countdown
• Fits squatter slices at an angle

Cons

• No choice of color or finish
• Pricey

Why You Should Trust Us

Our testing team has three years of experience testing and evaluating everything from thebest coffee subscriptionsto thebest flower delivery services. Many of us have backgrounds in kitchen and culinary careers ourselves. The remainder of our team are passionate home cooks who want to recommend the best products using honest and fair testing practices. Regardless of how popular or big the brand is, we would never recommend a product we dont love.

FAQ

How do I clean the Breville toaster?

According to the Testing Team, cleanup is simple. Remove the crumb tray, empty it, and replace it before using the toaster again. To remove additional crumbs, turn the toaster upside down over the trash bin and shake the crumbs free. Wipe the outside of the toaster with a slightly dampened soft cloth, then polish with a soft, dry cloth to dry completely.

Where to Buy the Breville Toaster

The Breville toaster is available for purchase at major retailers, including the Breville site, Amazon and Walmart. While it’s pricier than other options, it’s as close to an heirloom toaster as possible, making it worth the splurge. With proper care and use, we expect this one to last through years of daily use.

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The post The Smart and Sleek Breville Toaster That Stole Our Editor’s Heart appeared first on Taste of Home.

NICOLE DOSTER/TASTE OF HOME

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Zwilling is practically synonymous with quality. Given that, we’re unsurprised that it scored the most points in our tests for the best kitchen knife set. The Four Star knife set is a basic but remarkable assortment of three essential knives. The set includes an eight-inch chef’s knife, a three-inch pairing knife and a five-inch serrated knife. We love that there’s no gimmicky extras or flashy frillsjust a simple, high-quality set of kitchen tools. The quality of the chef’s knife, in particular, is not lost on Deputy Editor and self-described knife snob Nicole Doster.

“You know how prepping ingredients usually feels like a chore? Now I look forward to it because I have such a nice knife that slides through celery, peppers, potatoes, broccoli florets, roast chicken and steak like butter,” she says. “With just a little pressure, the Zwilling knife chops harder ingredients too, like super fibrous sweet potato. I even retired my beloved Ergochef chef’s knife that I thought you’d have to rip from my cold dead hands in favor of the new Zwilling.”

She notes the overall ergonomics of this set are perfect for those who don’t like holding heavier utensils. “At first, I was shocked to feel that the knives were so lightweight. I’ve been used to handling Ergochef knives, which I consider high quality,” she says. “The Zwillings weren’t heavy in my hands but had enough weight distributed to feel well-balanced, like the knife wouldn’t sway one direction or the other.”

Each inclusion falls right into the “Goldilocks zone” of size and value, making them perfect for both budding home cooks and experienced chefs. The blades themselves come from high-carbon stainless steel using Henkel’s proprietary “FRIODUR” methods. This method centers on heating and cooling the blades in a specific manner to create a high-quality cutting tool that doesn’t chip or crumble throughout the years. While the serrated knife works well for most baked goods, our one complaint is that the five-inch blade may be too short for larger bread loaves.

Unfortunately, this particular Zwilling set doesn’t come with a dedicated knife block (or sheaths, for that matter). However, given the quality and value of the set, we don’t consider that a deal breaker. Those interested in the set should snag one of our favorite knife holders to keep your workspace tidy and your knives from knocking against each other.

Blade material: Carbon stainless steel |Storage: No | Includes: 8″ Chef’s knife, 3″ pairing knife, 5″ serrated knife

The post Our Editors Tested 19 Kitchen Knife Sets—These Are the Ones Worth Buying appeared first on Taste of Home.

In fact, the Beautiful Toaster won the “best overall” honor during our toaster tests, coming out ahead of industry-leading brands like KitchenAid and Breville. It even earned a spot on our Product Testing Manager’s counter!

So what’s the deal with the Beautiful Toaster? If you expect just another piece of celebrity cookware, you’re mistaken. This sleek, colorful toaster offers optimum performance in a pretty package. Plus, it retails for less than $40. Here’s why we’re obsessed with this practical and lovely appliance.

What is the Beautiful Toaster?

The Beautiful Toaster from the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore kitchen line absolutely oozes style. Apart from offering a sleek matte body and silvery, shining accents, it also takes up just 11 inches of space. A lift function on the lever makes retrieving squatter slices of bread easy, and bagel and gluten-free settings round out its functionality.

Like the rest of the Beautiful line (including the Hero Pan), the toaster comes in seven pretty shades: black sesame, cornflower blue, lavender, oyster grey, rose, sage green and white icing. The toaster uses touchscreen technology rather than raised buttons, making it much easier to clean since there’s nowhere to trap crumbs.

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How We Testedthe Beautiful Toaster

Over the course of several days, our Product Testing Team dedicated their time and Testing Lab to find the best toasters for every budget and need. This endeavor introduced us to various options in various styles and price points. The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Toaster immediately won us over, earning it the best overall award. It flawlessly tackled tests in the following categories:

• Size and unit of measurements
• Packaging and shipping quality
• The fit of foods, including thick-cut brioche, sourdough, English muffins, pastries, bagels and frozen waffles
• Ease of slice removal
• Performance of special settings
• Timing of each setting
• Appearance, material and overall quality
• Ease of care and cleaning
• Quality compared to price

The Beautiful by Drew Toaster is impressive with its sleek matte finish, on which we found fingerprints are nearly indetectable. A satin gold handle with a B monogram on the side and a futuristic touchscreen display round out this pretty pick. However, beauty isn’t the only thing going for this stylish option.

In terms of performance, it delivers as-expected darkness for each setting. The lowest option is one of the fastest of all the toasters we tested. It leaves a substantial crisp on both sides of the bread without browning. One setting up, and the bread gets pretty dark. A nice brownness all over the bread slices even reaches the edges. The upper quarter of each bread piece is ever-so-slightly darker than the rest. As for the darkest setting, an all-over even darkness covers the bread. While most folks will settle for the middle setting, it’s nice that the others offer even coverage.

We were most impressed with the waffle setting. During our tests, the toaster browned waffles all over and completely defrosted the waffles interiorsomething the other toasters we tested struggled with. The instructions note not to use it for toaster pastries with runny filling, but we found no issues toasting one up on low.

While it doesn’t offer the same smart features as our beloved Breville toaster, the LED touchscreen adds an additional layer of user-friendly elegance. It also comes in a wide range of shades that match the rest of the line, including the frozen margarita maker. Those seeking a toaster that flawlessly tackles the basics and looks good doing it, the Beautiful Toaster is exactly what you’re looking for.

Four-Month Update

Product Testing Manager Annamarie Higley has regularly used this toaster at home since the end of March. Its operating just as well as it did months ago. Apart from being the overall best toaster winner, this was also Annamarie’s personal favorite toaster from the batch test.

“This toaster isnt perfect, but I quickly learned during batch testing that no toaster is (even the $300 ones!),” says Annamarie. “All things considered, this toaster produces a remarkably even toast. I appreciate that this toaster has a matte finish. Some of my other toasters have been chrome or stainless steel, and the finger prints are inevitable but insanely irksome, nonetheless. Not an issue with this one!”

One place where Annamarie notes the toaster could do better? Bagels. “It seems as though the heat intensity decreases when you hit the bagel button. For example, a level-three toast on a bagel with the bagel setting wont be as dark as a level-three toast on a regular piece of bread on the standard toast setting,” she says. “I havent quite honed how to best make bagels with it. It produces near-perfect English muffins, bread and frozen waffles, though.”

Ive used a few other Beautiful products, like the ceramic-coated skillet and stand mixer, and Im always astounded by the quality for the price. This toaster is no different. Its understated but still so stylish, toasts a mean slice of toast and costs only $40,” notes Annamarie. “I love for items in my home to have a little personality (but I dont want to sacrifice performance, obviously!). This toaster is perfect for me.

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FAQs

Where can I buy Beautiful by Drew Barrymore?

Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful kitchen line is available at Walmart, both in stores and online.

How to clean the Beautiful Toaster?

Cleaning is simple. First, push to release the crumb tray and wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Then, replace the tray and wipe the toaster’s stainless steel exterior with a clean damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or put the cord or plug in water.

Where to Buy the Beautiful Toaster

VIA MERCHANT

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Editor's Pick

Beautiful by Drew Toaster

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Like the rest of Drew Barrymore’sappliances, the Beautiful Toaster is available at Walmart. While it looks luxe, it retails for less than $40, making it ultra-affordable for most shoppers. There’s also a 4-slice toaster if you have a big family to feed. Snag it in one of seven lovely shades and start making breakfast in style.

The post This Beautiful Toaster Is Our Product Testing Team’s Favorite Budget Appliance appeared first on Taste of Home.

TMB STUDIO

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According to our extensive testing, GreenPan produces the overall best ceramic cookware. The GreenPan Valencia pan has a silky ceramic coating that keeps everything from crepes to eggs sliding smoothly across the surface. In addition toearning its place as the best ceramic frying pan thanks to its performance, GreenPan’s ceramic offerings work on every cooking surface, including induction.

Because it comes from sturdy, heavy-duty aluminum, we expect it to last through years of use with proper care. That shouldn’t be a problem for most, especially since it’s one of the only options we tested that’s metal utensil safe. In addition, a scratch- and chip-resistant surface makes the slightly higher price tag a little easier to swallow. Like the featured pan in our GreenPan review, this ceramic cookware also comes in various fun shades. Colors include green, pink, blue, mint, yellow, purple, burgundy and coral, among many other options.

“If you’re looking for a quality pan that sears like a dream, the GreenPan Valencia is a solid option with an effective non-stick finish and induction-compatible magnetic base,” says Product Testing Team Member Dylan Fischer. In our tests of the pan, we noted that it offers some of the most even results in our searing test. The chicken turned the perfect shade of bronze, with a slightly browner center. Plus, the pan itself is lightweight and easy to maneuver for fancy egg flips.

Even after our tests, the bottom of the pan remained pristinethere was no charring or scratching! Plus, GreenPan backs its cookware with a two-year warranty for the ceramic coating and a lifetime warranty that covers defects. While the pan has no lid, easy cleanup and perfect nonstick performance make it worth the splurge.

Oven safe: Up to 600F | Induction ready: Yes |Dishwasher safe: Yes

The post We Tested 17 of the Best Ceramic Cookware Brands — These Are the Ones Worth Buying appeared first on Taste of Home.

MOLLY ALLEN FOR TASTE OF HOME

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The Ooni Koda 16 is awarded the top spot for best Ooni pizza oven because of its versatility, durability and ease of use.

The sleek oven is constructed from carbon-coated steel, which plays a role in heat retention while the oven is on. That black powder coating on the exterior helps to protect the pizza oven from a variety of elements, making it very durable for years of outdoor use. It weighs just under 40 pounds, so it’s not the most portable of the Ooni ovens, but that extra weight is all worth it for the extra cooking space that comes with it. With 16 inches of cordierite pizza stone space and a wide opening, it’s easier to turn pizzas. It also means you can put larger cast iron pans in the oven, allowing you to cook everything from grilled veggies to meatballs or even nachos.

Once the oven is hooked up to a propane tank and the ignition switch on the side is turned on, it takes 20 minutes to preheat. That time brings the pizza stone and oven to about 800 degrees, though the oven can reach 950 degrees. I find that cooking pizzas between 750 to 850 degrees is my preferred temperature, which means I can cook pizzas in under two minutes. The oven has an L-shaped flame on the left side. It’s important to keep an eye and turn pizzas frequently in this oven to achieve even browning of the crust.

Thanks to its roomy design, I’ve found it simple to clean this oven. You can keep the oven on high to help cook off any burnt-on food remnants or use a pizza oven brush to help scrape things off. The stone is removable, so you can allow it to cool, take it out and easily clean out the back of the oven. While the Ooni Koda 16 is my top overall pick, the brand also makes the same oven in a smaller size. Our team also tested the Ooni Koda 12. It has all of the same features but comes with a smaller 12-inch cooking area at a lower price point.

The post The Best Ooni Pizza Ovens, Based on Our Expert Testing appeared first on Taste of Home.

KATIE BANDURSKI/TASTE OF HOME

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There’s a lot to love about the Suncreat double hammock. It checks nearly all the boxes for what the best hammock should look like: It’s easy to assemble; there are over 18 prints, colors and patterns for any backyard style; and, perhaps most importantly, it’s incredibly relaxing.

As a self-proclaimed hammock connoisseur, this is the most comfortable hammock I’ve ever used. Its extra-large double capacity means I’m cradled in every directionwith room to spare! That added room makes shifting around on the hammock easy without fear of tipping over. Think of it like lying on a twin bed vs. a queen. The latter has way more space to spread out.

When this hammock arrived on my doorstep, it came in a large box. I could lift it fairly easily, but it would be seamless with two people. To assemble, you simply slide the stand pieces together until they snap into place, then hang the hammock net from the attached carabiner hooks. I find my hammock only fits on the first few rungs of the chain, which means as the net stretches with time, I’ll be able to pull it tighter and prolong its use.

Like most hammocks, we suggest taking your time getting into it; otherwise, you might slip or flip out. Ensure the hammock is on a completely flat surface, too. Once you’re in, it provides ample support and feels secure. I’ve laid in this hammock multiple times by myself and with my husband. While we don’t meet the advertised 475-pound capacity, I’m confident this hammock can hold diverse body types. (My husband is 6-foot and has no issues!)

The only downside? There’s no great way to clean the hammock bed. Since the rope is interwoven with the netting, you can’t separate the two to run the cover through the wash. I’ve had no issues so far, but I also bring the net into my garage after each use.

The post The Best Hammocks for Backyard Lounging [Tested and Reviewed] appeared first on Taste of Home.

MARY HENN/TASTE OF HOME

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Sturdy materials and a pleasant, simplistic design make the Serif extendable dining table our top pick for the best dining room tables overall. Apart from the clean, neutral lines, we appreciate the simple assembly and low-maintenance materials that make it a shoo-in for families. A choice of oak or walnut offers an extra layer of customization.

The table provides a smooth, flat surface thats stain- and scratch-resistant, so its great for a variety of family activities like cooking and crafting, says EditorMary Henn, who owns a Serif table. Despite the tabletop not boasting 100% wood, it’s still simple to maintain and doesn’t scratch easily. While you should only use wood-safe products for a deep clean, a wet rag should do the trick for cleaning up daily messes, notes Mary.

One of our favorite aspects of this unassuming wood table is that it truly works in almost any space. It looks just as at home with a spread of Pioneer Woman dishes as it does adorned with mid-century margarita glasses. Additionally, thanks to the extendable tabletop, it seats anywhere from four to eight people. Just install the hidden leaf for holidays and gatherings. We love that the leaves also nestle into a hidden tray beneath the tabletop when not in use, freeing up additional storage space.

Overall, we find it worth the slightly higher price point, especially if you’re looking for an option built to last through years of dinner parties and daily use.

Dimensions: 59 L x 34.5 W x 29.75 H | Seats: 4 to 8 | Material(s):Solid ash, ash veneer, engineered wood | Features:Extendable to 78.75, scratch- and stain-resistant top

The post The 8 Best Kitchen and Dining Room Tables of 2024, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Taste of Home.

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