The chef’s knives worth holding
Seven checked chef’s knives from Victorinox, Henckels, Mercer, imarku, SHAN ZU, Shun and Wüsthof, from budget to heirloom.
Guides
Cutting boards for prep and serving
Seven checked cutting boards: John Boos maple, Sonder walnut end grain, Teakhaus, bamboo, plastic sets and a hinoki board.
Cookware sets that earn their cupboard space
Seven checked cookware sets: fully clad stainless from All-Clad, Cuisinart and Tramontina, plus nonstick and ceramic sets.
Cast iron, enamel and carbon steel pans
Seven checked heavy pans: Lodge skillets, enamelled Dutch ovens, a de Buyer carbon steel pan and a hand-hammered wok.
Coffee makers, kettles and air fryers I’d keep on the counter
Seven checked countertop appliances: Cosori and Ninja air fryers, a Breville espresso machine, drip and pour-over coffee makers and a gooseneck kettle.
Dinnerware sets for every kind of table
Seven checked dinnerware sets: matte black, reactive glaze, farmhouse white, colourful stoneware, Corelle and plain porcelain.
Flatware sets that feel good in the hand
Seven checked flatware sets: 18/10 stainless from Mikasa, Lenox and Kingstone, plus black, hammered and big-value sets.
Wine glasses for weeknights and dinner parties
Seven checked wine glass sets: JoyJolt, Riedel, Zwiesel, Mikasa, Gabriel-Glas and a big set of eight.
Food storage and pantry organizers that end the chaos
Seven checked storage picks: Pyrex and Rubbermaid glass, airtight pantry containers, OXO POP, spice racks and a lazy Susan.