Christopher Kimball for Henckels International 7-Inch Chef's Knife
Our chef's knife blade is 7 inches, not 8. It weighs a bit over 6 ounces, not 10. It has a deeper blade, a huge advantage that makes it easier to rest the flat side of the blade against the knuckles while slicing, which substantially improves comfort and safety. The heel of the blade is scalloped, which means there is room to bring up your fingers for a good grip on the blade for close-up work. It also feels like a knife that you can handle, which won't get away from you like a 20-inch chainsaw or a 12-cylinder sports car. It has enough power to do the job, but it's not overwhelming. The knife also features comfortable, midsize polymer handles and tough high-carbon stainless steel that will hold an edge and resist rust. (To preserve the blade’s edge, we strongly recommend hand washing and drying.) It is constructed from German stainless steel with a forged one-piece design and triple-rivets in the handle. — Christopher Kimball
Marna Silicone Piggy Steamer Lid
Designed for steaming food, the Marna Piggy Steamer from Japan is a silicone lid that forms a tight seal over pots and containers, vents excess steam through its snout and is easy to lift by its ear-shaped handles. Use it for perfect stovetop steaming, splatter-free microwave cooking or even refrigerator storage in place of plastic wrap. It's more compact and flexible than metal pot lids and fits any vessel less than 8.5 inches in diameter, with the silicone locking in moisture for effective steaming; smartly designed holes in the pig snout act as vents to avoid built-up pressure. When you're done using it, you can throw the lid in a kitchen drawer for storage without worrying about finding a spot on the shelf.
Christopher Kimball for Kuhn Rikon Comfort Balloon Whisk
This sturdy, fine-wired balloon whisk is broad enough for whipping eggs, yet small enough to fit into any utensil drawer. It’ll easily whip stiff peaks and the thickest pancake batter.
Suncraft 9-inch Seseragi Bread Knife
With three unique blade edges, this smartly-designed serrated knife combines the function of two knives in one—slicing through any and all loaves with ease. The blade is 9 inches, so long enough to cut the largest loaf cleanly without sawing back and forth. And the tapered blade features a gently curved belly to facilitate clean slicing. A 2-inch section of wide wave serrations located closer to the tip of the knife dives in and saws through a crunchy, rustic outer crust, while the smaller teeth cleanly slice through the inner crumb. It’s also ideal for delicate foods like soft sandwich breads and juicy tomatoes. The knife features a small length of straight blade at the tip to pierce through tough crusts, tomato skins or melon rinds. Plus, the handle is specifically designed for a comfortable grip, with a slight curve to it.
Christopher Kimball by Regal Ware 8-inch Premium Stainless Steel Skillet
Our five-ply cookware has three layers of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of nonreactive stainless steel. The aluminum core heats evenly and retains that heat well, eliminating hot spots, while the magnetic stainless steel exterior makes this premium cookware ideal for any cooking surface, including induction cooktops. The skillet's heavy-duty construction also ensures that it won't warp over time, unlike thin metal pans that become raised in the center. And the rounded, oven-safe handle feels comfortable and well-balanced in the hand, even when handling a full pan of food; plus, the handle's hollow core is lightweight and stays cool during stovetop cooking. We use an 8-inch skillet for a wide range of kitchen tasks from toasting nuts and spices, to breakfast duty, to omelets, to smaller jobs such as steak for one.
Maron Bouillie Bread Basket/Bag
Designed and handcrafted in Paris, Maron Bouillie’s Bread Basket/Bag is an environmentally conscious choice for displaying and holding bread. Made from recycled and organic materials, this basket to bag combo is large enough to fit rolls or a sliced loaf and is equipped with a drawstring to keep things in place. Plus, the printed design is on theme, featuring an array of breads all over. An added bonus? This bag is machine washable, so it can be thrown in the wash at your convenience.
Suncraft MOKA Damascus Santoku
Envisioned by noted Japanese designer Motomi Kawakami, this 7-inch santoku knife is one of the sleekest, most elegant blades we’ve come across, as well as one of the most useful. The ultratough, cobalt-infused stainless VG-10 steel is the Japanese benchmark for kitchen knives; it delivers wear resistance and a long-lasting edge. And the Damascus pattern is more than just good looks: the 69 layers of ultrathin steel create a particularly hard, lively steel—there’s a reason swords used to be made from it. The blade geometry arcs strongly toward the fine tip, making it excellent for slicing as well as mincing and rock chopping. It’s also tall enough for scooping up chopped foods to transfer to the pot or mixing bowl. The midsized sculpted stainless steel handle is surprisingly comfortable in the hand—broader at the top and subtly narrower at the bottom for a secure grip. At 150 grams, or about 5 ounces, this is one of the heaviest full-sized knives we’ve ever used, but one of the nimblest in the hand.
Farmhouse Pottery Classic Baker's Pie Dish
This Classic Baker’s Pie Dish from Farmhouse Pottery will instantly become your new favorite dish. It’s made from ceramic, which conducts slow, even heat to help yield a uniform golden crust and cooked filling, rather than slick glass or metal which can lead to slumping or shrinking of your dough. Plus, the beautiful ruffled edge, besides looking good on the table, acts as a helpful fluting guide to shape the edges of the pie. And because it’s dishwasher safe, cleanup is easier than ever.
RT1home Tool Wrap Apron
This 2-in-1 design functions as both a tool wrap and an apron, able to protect your clothes while gardening and keep your tools secure. When planting, simply tie the apron around your waist and place any necessary tools in the pockets. And when you’re done, undo the straps, roll it up and tie it closed to keep your tools neatly tucked away. Plus, the apron is made from Sunbrella fabric, a sturdy but pliable canvas used on boats and for awnings. The fabric is resistant to UV rays, water, mold and mildew, so it can take on all the elements outdoors.
Artelegno Cheese / Cured Meat Cutting Board
This eye catching cutting board entirely made in Italy is the result of a keen research on functional designs of multipurpose products for an ideal use in a household as well as restaurants and hotels. This product is perfect as a platter to serve cheeses or cured meats.
The 4 magnets (2 magnets on the small board) allow the safe positioning of 4 cheese knives (not included with purchase) or a slicing knife.
This cutting board is made of solid beech wood and is totally recyclable. It is treated with food safe oils that gives it a smooth finish, a good hydrorepellence and resistance to stains
Artelegno Cheese/Appetizer Serving Board
If you’re interested in setting an elegant table, you can serve family and friends cheese or other appetizers on the innovative Artelegno Solid Beech Wood Long Serving Board. Serve carved meats and vegetables to your guests, and when enjoying olives, grapes, or even nuts, the integrated raised, rounded wells on either end keep them from rolling off the board.