Month: November 2022

Nothing is worse than waking up to find that your perfectly good, market-fresh seasonal food has wilted overnight in the refrigerator. The best food storage containers are necessary to keep things fresh, whether you’ve made it your mission to avoid wasting any food or are bringing a fresh harvest of berries for a picnic.

The days of hoping for the best when wrapping food in wax paper and tin foil or of waiting for a Tupperware party to come to town and inform you which plastic container to purchase are long gone. For every sort of meal and fridge, a wide variety of food preservation products are now readily available. There are containers that keep whatever bites you like to eat edible for a decent amount longer, ranging from all-purpose stackables to glass jars and collapsible.

WHAT TO THINK ABOUT

Size: Considering size is crucial for two reasons: how much it can contain and how simple it is to fit in your refrigerator. Naturally, not all meals suit the same dimensions, so if you want a range of sizes or anticipate occasionally playing refrigerator Tetris, choose a set that offers a selection of size alternatives. Some even have the ability to collapse, taking up less space when not in use.
Style: The word “food container” is a bit of a catch-all when, in reality, there are many different styles designed for different kinds of products. Jams, sauces, and other liquids work best in jars, especially ones with sealed tops, while more solid items work best in the more common snap-top plastic containers.
Material: Because glass food storage containers are freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe, they make up the majority of our recommended products below. However, we’ve also included a few additional food storage choices, such as reusable silicone bags and collapsible containers, both of which focus on mobility and toughness.
So never again throw away your leftovers, prepared meals, or fresh produce. Get one of these food storage containers to give your lunch or dinner a bit more flavor.

1 set of brilliant food storage containers (14-Piece)

These adaptable Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers are perfect for daily use thanks to their BPA-free Tritan snap-on lids, stain-resistant sturdy bases with 360-degree clarity, and five convenient size options.

What distinguishes this ensemble? In addition to its clear visibility and practical stackability, we also appreciate that its lids provide a leakproof seal and that the clip regions serve as vents for comfortable microwave cooking without concern for spatter. And when should the containers be cleaned? They can be cleaned in the dishwasher, so it’s simple.

For almost all of my adult life, I simply purchased Gladware or Ziplock, allowed them to progressively deteriorate over a few months, recycled (or lost) them, and repeated the process. One of the more than 46,000 five-star reviews for this set exclaims, “It finally occurred to me to invest on some decent ones. They have each been through the washer a dozen times with no obvious signs of wear and tear, and the plastic is extremely clear and airtight. The Ziplocs are typically hazy, twisted, or have holes by this point. However, these men just keep going.

 

2 portable food storage containers that collapse

With this collection of three collapsible silicone food storage containers, you can pack your lunch for a picnic outside and then collapse each container. You can store these food containers more compactly in your kitchen and to-go bag thanks to their foldable shape.

3 reusable stand-up silicone food storage bags

The usual plastic food storage container is a great replacement for these pinch-lock sealed reusable bags. Food (including liquids!) stays incredibly fresh in the airtight bag, which is made of non-toxic silicone that is safe to use in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.

Another benefit of using reusable bags was mentioned by one environmentally minded reviewer: “Like many people, I’ve been trying to get rid of single-use plastic in my house.” “While I’ll confess it takes a little while to get used to the Stasher bags, once you do, you’ll never go back,” she said.

4 Produce Saver Food Storage Containers from FreshWorks

Why in the world would you allow a bounty of magnificent, fresh summer produce that you just spent your hard-earned money on wilt in the refrigerator? With their ingenious slotted lids that control oxygen flow and moisture-catching trays, Rubbermaid’s vented food storage containers avoid the dreaded wilt.

With these ingenious FreshWorks food storage containers, you’ll be able to make the most of your seasonal produce.

5 Glass Food Storage Containers for Meal Prep

Are you tired of your favorite yogurt or chia pudding turning mushy when you add fresh berries to it? Use this clever glass food storage container from Prep Naturals to keep things divided. It has built-in dividers. Easy, quick, and spill-proof snack preparation? Check!

“I adore these to pieces! They are made of thick, sturdy glass that is comparable to Pyrex, and the lids have an excellent airtight seal, according to an Amazon reviewer. The fact that they are oven and microwave safe even without the lids on “impresses me much.”

6 Hermetic Glass Jars by Bormioli with Chalkboard Labels

Thanks to these ingenious glass jars with repositionable chalkboard labels, organizing those homemade preserves, jellies, and sauces just became a whole lot simpler. These indefinitely relabel-able jars, which come in 25-ounce, 34-ounce, and 1.6-quart sizes, are ideal for recurrent use. If the rubber seal breaks, you can quickly buy replacements.

Additionally, you can urge your children to assist you in organizing while they draw!

7 Guzzini’s ” Grigio Glass Canisters”

Each of these innovative and sturdy glass canisters has a lift-off cover that can nest inside the base of another canister, allowing you to perfectly stack your favorite treats inside.

These jars are a fantastic choice whether you want to store dried goods stacked on a shelf or more perishable foods in the refrigerator without worrying about spilling (due to the jars’ solid, flat base).

8 meal-prep plastic food containers for microwaving

These food storage containers are ideal for you if you enjoy meal preparation because they are safe for the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Prepare your food, put it in these containers, and store it in a freezer stack. The stackable bins will keep your freezer organized while preserving the taste and texture of your meals.

Additionally, you won’t have to worry if you tend to be a little forgetful and leave food containers in the workplace fridge overnight thanks to this bulk pack.

Backyard barbecues, community cookouts, and the best grilling season are all associated with the summer. You can still come out on your back patio to grill up a delicious lunch with your summer-loving friends even though the pandemic transformed how we currently socialize.

To prepare a delicious meal and keep your station tidy, you’ll need the right equipment and accessories, whether you’re trying out a smoker barbecue this year or just utilizing a regular outdoor grill. We’ve gathered grilling lights, heat-resistant gloves, and grill brushes among other items to keep your grill and your cooking abilities in tip-top shape so you may continue to rule cookouts for years to come.

These 20 must-have grill accessories, which range from flavorful wood planks to kabob baskets and even dry rubs, may be added to practically any backyard barbecue setup. We’ve chosen the essential grilling equipment so you have everything you need to barbecue delicious food all summer long, forever.

1 a single Stingray 7-in-1 grilling tool

Any grill master will tell you that while working with various sorts of food, you can’t just use any old utensil. While steak and hearty vegetables are best turned with a skilled pair of tongs, delicate fish fillets require a flat spatula.

A versatile grill attachment with a built-in bottle opener, the Stingray 7-in-1 Grill Multitool can handle almost any form of grilled food.

 

2  D-ICE BBQ Kabob baskets (Set of 4)

These brilliant nonstick baskets, which are made for flawless flipping, will preserve those kabobs in great condition with each and every turn. Plus, if a family member has dietary restrictions or food allergies, these grill accessories make it simple to keep items separate.

 

3 KOSIN Grill Lights (2-Pack)

With this popular KOSIN magnetic grill light set, grilling at night will be simpler. These lights’ strong magnetic bases let you securely mount them to your grill in any location, and the gooseneck shape lets you change the angle at which they shine on your cooking or grilling surface.

4 Variety Pack of  Wildwood Grilling Planks

Wood planks are excellent grilling accessories because they naturally absorb moisture and give your meal a distinct smokey flavor. Wildwood Grilling offers six various types of wood in this assortment of grilling planks, including cedar, alder, hickory, cherry, maple, and red oak.

Your favorite red and white meats will pair well with maple, while salmon is best grilled on a cedar plank.

5 Kabob Skewers Made of Stainless Steel (10-Pack)

AT WALMART, $38
All of us have used the disposable bamboo skewers that burn or break when cooking, introducing splinters into your food. Use reusable stainless steel kabob skewers to avoid the entire mess. You may use these robust (but affordable) barbecue accessories for meal after meal because they are constructed of rust-resistant stainless steel.

Additionally, your chicken or vegetable kabobs may be easily and precisely gripped and flipped thanks to the innovative flat-blade design.

 

6 Habor Meat Thermometer

No one like playing the temperature guessing game when it comes to the time-sensitive handling of meat, whether they are grilling brisket, vegetables, or ribs.

Enter the precise, user-friendly meat thermometer. This Habor Digital Meat Thermometer, which is now the top-selling product in its category on Amazon, measures temperature in just 4 to 6 seconds thanks to a precise internal sensor.

7 Outdoor BBQ apron and utensil set  Chef’s Kitchen

The grilling enthusiast in your life will love this sturdy, all-in-one apron and tool set. They don’t require a second pair of hands because there are so many storage compartments for all of their grilling supplies.

8 BBQ Planks with Himalayan Salt

With the help of this lovely hand-carved Himalayan salt dish, transform your next batch of grilled vegetables. Himalayan salt not only offers a natural source of spice, but it also properly distributes heat, so you won’t have to worry about overcooking.

 

9 Grill Accessories Made of All-Clad Stainless Steel

After years of flipping burgers, if your favorite grilling equipment just don’t look the same, it’s time to update your collection with this stainless steel tool set from All-Clad. This grill accessory kit includes everything you’ll need to start grilling, including locking tongs, a spatula, a pronged fork, and a marinade brush.

Additionally, you can simply bring your preferred grilling equipment with you for barbecues at the park or the beach while remaining organized thanks to the stylish and practical matching carrying case.

10 Oven Gloves with Extreme Heat Resistance from Grill Armor

Every chef needs a pair of heat-resistant gloves since nothing can thaw the frost faster than an unintentional burn while cooking. These tough gloves are great for slicing or flipping vegetables or kabobs as well as shredding meats like pulled pork or brisket.

Your paws will be completely covered by these top-notch, insulated rubberized gloves, which can withstand temperatures of up to 932 degrees Fahrenheit.

Even while salad tongs might not seem like the most interesting item on your table setting, selecting a fashionable set can liven up any dinner display. These choices cover a wide range, from practical to eccentric, and everything in between. Serve up in elegance now!

 

This fork and spoon set, which is made from exquisite mango wood and with copper accents, making it simple and fashionable to serve summer salads.

1 a single set of two salad forks and spoons from Thirstystone Urban Farm

This fork and spoon set, which is made from exquisite mango wood and with copper accents, making it simple and fashionable to serve summer salads.

 

2 Salad Serving Set with  Serengti Pieces

These exquisite and useful cutlery, made from inlaid bone and horn, will add a bohemian touch to any dining setting. Your visitors will desire to have one of their own!

3 Everson 2-Piece Salad Server Set  Three Posts

This vibrant serving set is a must-have summer kitchen item because it is strong enough to transport for picnics or beach outings on the go.

 

4 EKCO Bamboo Salad Tongs

Any dining party will have an organic, rustic feel with these handmade bamboo tongs. This tool is essential for you if your aesthetic preference is more natural.

5 Lipper International Hands

Consider purchasing a pair of these acacia “hands” to go with your preferred wooden salad bowl. Additionally, these little scoopers (just 7 inches) fit in your utensil drawer far better than long tongs if you’re low on room.

6 Salad servers with Heart of Haiti all-horns

Purchase your salad tongs from a self-employed craftsperson while also helping a worthy cause. These servers are being offered for sale in collaboration with Global Goods Partners, who will pay the Haitian craftsperson who made them half of the wholesale cost of each unit sold. These large implements are a representation of Haiti’s rich history of horn crafting.

 

7 Michael Aram’s MADHOUSE -Piece Teal Salad Server Set

Even the most bland place settings will benefit from the personality this light teal (practically translucent) dish set brings. While the two handles have a rustic appearance that adds charm, the molded polystyrene material nevertheless has a streamlined appearance. Furthermore, these tongs are totally dishwasher safe.

8 salad servers in Atherton

These custom salad servers made of stainless steel will improve the presentation of any dish (even a backyard barbecue). It is able to pick up pieces from the bottom of even your deepest bowl thanks to the gracefully long handles.

9 salad tongs from Trudeau Toss and Chop

As you toss your salad, chop it as well. With the accompanying spoon, you may combine the lettuce and veggies after cutting them with the included scissors and tongs. When you’re rummaging in the utensil drawer, your hands are kept secure by the soft-grip handles that lock together.

 

10  progressively sized whisk tongs

These tongs have a whisk-shaped end for mixing salad dressing ingredients and tongs for tossing and coating lettuce. This tool can be used for more than just salads; it can also be used to serve pasta and grip cooked potatoes.

Nothing is more satisfying than taking that first drink of finely ground, intensely flavorful, and irresistibly wonderful cold-brew coffee. Somehow, it tastes even better when it is your own creation.

You practically have everything you need on hand to operate one of these cold-brew coffee makers if you have a favorite brand of coffee beans and a coffee grinder for brewing a hot batch every morning in your conventional coffee maker. You may adjust the flavor of your cold brew to be exactly as smooth or as powerful as you’d like with the help of these wonderfully simple-to-use products.

MAKERS OF THE BEST COLD-BREW COFFEE

Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the best overall.
OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the smallest.
KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the easiest to pour.
Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the most attractive.
Cuisinart Automatic Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Fastest Brew

WHAT TO THINK ABOUT

Iced coffee vs. cold-brew coffee
First, let’s clarify the terminology. Cold-brew coffee and iced coffee are different beverages, despite the fact that they are sometimes used interchangeably. Iced coffee is nothing more than hot coffee that has been chilled. Ground coffee beans are steeped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours to create cold-brew coffee. The end result typically tastes less acidic and has a bolder flavor than ordinary iced coffee.

Because hot water removes more caffeine, cold-brew coffee has a tendency to taste stronger even though it contains somewhat less caffeine than coffee that has been brewed hot. It is advised to serve cold brew over ice with milk or a dairy substitute of your choice.

The amount of ground coffee that should be used depends on the cold-brew maker; the recommended ratio is typically 1:4 coffee to water. However, the general guideline is to utilize a coarse grind when grinding your own beans for cold brew. Pre-ground coffee is typically too fine, and as more of it might escape through the filter when steeping, it might produce a murkier brew.

Making your own cold brew is fantastic because, in addition to being fulfilling, you may experiment with various beans, coarsenesses, and steep periods until you find the combination that works best for you.

Brewer Volume
The typical serving size for cold-brew coffee is 12 ounces, which is also the size of a Starbucks “tall” cold brew and the quantity Stumptown recommends. However, this is typically diluted with ice and milk rather than being merely cold brew in a cup. Even if you consume more or less coffee each day than this, it’s a good idea to consider a cold-brew coffee maker’s capacity to see whether it can accommodate your weekly needs.

The OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker, with its 16 fluid ounce capacity, has the smallest capacity in this list, making it ideal for people who drink relatively little coffee on a daily basis. However, the Cuisinart Automatic Cold Brew Coffee Maker makes 7 cups to accommodate numerous cold-brew drinkers in a home (or one person with a high caffeine tolerance) (or roughly 56 fluid ounces). If you already have limited space, pick carefully because a large capacity can also suggest how much room it will take up in your fridge!

How We Ran Tests

After a preliminary 3-week trial, our editors provided testing input for our guide to the best cold-brew coffee machines (although many of us have continued to use these devices for much longer). Each cold-brew maker’s capacity, user-friendliness, and of course, coffee quality have all been assessed. We also took into account any design strengths or weaknesses, price, and product footprint, which may also influence your purchasing decision.

Making your own cold brew in the convenience of your own home will allow you to make a batch of coffee that is brewed to your exact specifications for strength, flavor, and quantity. Learn more about these simple-to-use cold-brew coffee makers that will simplify your daily routine by reading on.

1 Takeya cold brewer for coffee

PROS
holds a respectable quantity of cold brew each week.
Fits on fridge door or shelf
Watertight top
CONS
A plastic carafe feels less expensive.
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Contains 32 ounces.

The Takeya Cold-Brew Coffee Maker is a popular item since it’s easy to use, convenient to store, and produces enough cold brew each week for a person who consumes light to moderate amounts of caffeine.

The container is constructed of BPA-free plastic and has a fine-mesh filter for steeping coarse-ground beans that can be removed without having to fish them out from the top. Along with a space-saving size and footprint, it also boasts a strong handle and an airtight lid. Its design received high ratings from our tester Erica Murphy, who commented, “I didn’t think it took up too much space. It’s approximately the size of a tiny pitcher. It fits on the top shelf as well as the door handle of my refrigerator.

Filling the Takeya cold brew coffee maker’s filter basket
— Brandon Carte “All the parts are easily removable for cleaning, and everything is dishwasher-safe.”
BARBARA RAMSEY
Brandon Carte, one of our testers, is likewise totally smitten with this product and has even used it to make tea. According to him, the pitcher even includes a tiny cup so that you won’t spill dirty water while adding or removing the tea or coffee grinds. The components can all be readily taken apart for cleaning, and everything is dishwasher-safe. The pitchers have not leaked at any point, either.

This pitcher should create enough coffee to get you through the workweek if your servings of cold brew are a little smaller than the typical 12 ounces. However, if you dislike the fact that it’s constructed of plastic rather than glass, we suggest the Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker in this guide as a comparable, marginally thinner substitute.

2 Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker by OXO

PROS
No sediment, clean, and robust coffee flavor
Brewing is a simple and enjoyable procedure.
CONS
minimal capacity

Contains 16 ounces.

Using less caffeine than usual? Despite its small size, the OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker produces some very excellent coffee. This two-part set includes a brewer that allows water to seep through the coffee grounds in a manner akin to rain, as opposed to steeping your coffee grinds in a brew basket that is submerged in water. After 12 to 24 hours of cold brewing, the coffee can be effortlessly poured into a separate cork-topped, borosilicate-glass carafe for convenient pouring and leisurely drinking.

As much as she liked the coffee’s flavor, our tester Jennifer Hussein said the gadget was convenient and took up very little room. Every time, the strength and sweetness of my cold brew were just right; it never had a bitter or overpowering flavor. In order to create more cold brew in a single session, I wish the carafe were just a little bit bigger.

 

If you prefer something bigger, OXO also makes a 32-ounce cold-brew coffee machine that is larger but functions similarly.

3 KitchenAid coffee makers for cold brew

PROS
can be repurposed to serve cocktails or tea.
CONS
occupies a lot of refrigerator space
Size: 38 or 28 ounces

Fueling up with cold brew is quick, easy, and efficient with the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker. You can make your own cold brew at home and have it available for the entire week by simply adding coffee grounds and water to the carafe, letting it steep overnight, then removing the brewing filter. The appliance has a glass and stainless steel construction that gives it a very elegant appearance, but because of its shape, it requires a little more shelf space in the refrigerator and cannot be kept on the door.

However, according to our tester Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, it is a complete joy to use if you have room to spare. If brewing your own cold-brew coffee intimidates you, the KitchenAid maker will demonstrate how simple it is. The instructions are really straightforward, and it just takes a few minutes to set everything together before the tea begins to boil. Making a batch of coffee before going to sleep is simple.

4 Hario Mizudashi cold brew coffee makers.j

PROS
streamlined and capacious
easy to wash by hand
CONS
Design is a little top-heavy.
33 ounces of capacity

The Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker, which is straightforward yet sculptural, will transform your regular coffee ritual into a peaceful morning ritual. It is made of heat-resistant glass, has a filter basket, and a snap-on lid; it may be used to steep ground coffee in the same way as the Takeya Cold Brew Maker.

Cold brew coffee maker by Hario on the kitchen counter
Its filter basket performs an excellent job of filtering, leaving the finished product delicious and clear. — Melanie Yates
YATES, Melanie

This appliance has a very modest footprint on a fridge shelf or door at just 11 inches tall and 4 inches wide, but its height may restrict where you may put it. Melanie Yates, one of our testers, says, “Even though this cold-brew coffee maker can feel a little top-heavy when it’s full, it looks so lovely and produces a lot of delicious coffee. Its filter basket does a thorough job of filtering even when I’ve tested it with a finer coffee grind so that the end product is still tasty and not murky.

5 Cuisinart Cold Brew Coffee Maker Automatic

PROS
creates cold brew in less than one hour.
maximum capacity
CONS
Pricey

Contains 56 ounces.

A large-capacity gadget is an excellent idea if you share a house with other cold-brew enthusiasts. Additionally, getting one that brews immediately as opposed to overnight is a better choice. The Cuisinart Automatic Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a plug-in appliance that occupies roughly the same amount of space as a typical drip coffee maker. It brews a fresh, cold, or room-temperature batch in between 25 and 45 minutes, and you can even select how strong you’d want it to be.

This is a two-part gadget that brews in one portion and delivers the coffee into another, much like the OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker. But when it’s turned on to brew, this machine starts rotating its brew unit, integrating the coffee into the water much more quickly than if you just let it steep naturally. Although there is some noise made during this agitation, it is not loud or bothersome. When it’s finished, you can pour your coffee into the carafe whenever you’re ready thanks to the device’s blinking lights.

To achieve the best flavor from each batch, we advise using medium-coarse coffee grounds for brewing, although tester David Monk had no problems utilizing what he had on hand. “The cold brew was great,” he remarks. I didn’t use as coarse of coffee as I would have wanted, but the results were still good.

After brewing, you can serve the coffee over ice or put the glass carafe in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to keep it fresh.