Professional baker here: believing the baking times on the recipe. Every oven is different, every time you use that oven is different, etc. Timers are useful for reminding you that you have something in the oven, but beyond that, you have to know what done looks/feels like. Probe thermometers are your friend.
They've been to the Michelin-starred restaurant. They're on first-name basis with the city's top chefs. They know about the cool underground spots seemingly before they've even opened. What then, could you possibly buy the on-the-pulse food fanatic that they haven't already thought of themself?
STEELPORT Knife Co., the Portland-based maker celebrated for its award-winning, American-forged kitchen cutlery, is doubling down on its mission to merge craftsmanship and innovation with the release of its newest product: the SteelCore™ Mini Cutting Board. Alongside the Mini, the brand has unveiled three curated Knife & Board Sets that make gifting high-quality kitchen tools easier than ever. Together, these launches mark the next step in STEELPORT's commitment to redefining the modern kitchen experience with heirloom-quality design.
We independently select these products-if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing. There are so many amazing kitchen products out there. I should know - I've already tested more than 100 pieces of cookware, appliances, and gadgets this year! It is quite literally my job to cook (and bake) with these items to make sure their promises live up to reality.
A colander is a freestanding bowl often made from food-grade material, such as stainless steel or silicone, with coarse holes. Its day-to-day uses include straining pasta, rinsing produce, or draining canned beans. A sieve, on the other hand, is made from a fine mesh and is ideal for sifting, aerating, or straining smaller particles. Neither colander nor sieve should be confused with a chinois however, an additional type of strainer used in professional kitchens, specifically to create smooth sauces.
Vintage kitchenware, including cast iron pans and mid-century dishes, can be surprisingly valuable and cherished for their durability and craftsmanship. A thrift store find may be worth much more.
Designed by Stu Cole, the Weigh Balance Measuring Spoon integrates a classic design with modern aesthetics, ensuring both style and practicality for culinary tasks in contemporary kitchens.
A pair of gorgeous kitchen shears that are as functional as they are stunning - reviewers love these all-purpose, super sharp blades for cutting everything from meat and fruit to opening packages and wrangling with complicated wrapping.
