Chowhounds 100 Most-Discussed Cookware, Cookbooks & Kitchen Products Ever

Many Chowhound readers and community members live and breathe cooking, and have for more than two decades so when they talk, we listen. Whether its working through a buzzy new cookbook or sharing thoughts on that kitchen gadget everyones talking about, Chowhound is where food fanatics go to spill the proverbial tea on whats what, and (more importantly) whats good.

Thats why were bringing you a list of the top 100 most-discussed cookbooks, cookware, kitchen gadgets, and pantry items25 per categoryon Chowhound. We plumbed the depths of our many food-related threads and community message boards to find out exactly what the Chowhound faithful has been gabbin about over the years.

From tried-and-true kitchen workhorses like Vitamix blenders and KitchenAid stand mixers, to cutting-edge cookware, under-the-radar pantry ingredients, and newfangled gadgets that make kitchen life easier, these are the top 100 most talked-about kitchen and cooking products on Chowhound.

Related Reading: The 20 Best Food Subscription Boxes to Gift this Holiday

Keep scrolling to see everything, or use the links to jump to the topic youre most excited to explore first:

• Top 25 Cookbooks
• Top 25 Cookware Items
• Top 25 Kitchen Gadgets
• Top 25 Pantry Staples

Chowhounds Most-Discussed Cookbooks

Cookbooks and recipes are probably the single-most discussed topics on Chowhound (with restaurants running close behind). From classics to the newly released, here are the top 25 most-discussed cookbooks on Chowhound.

The Book of Greens by Jenn Louis, $27 on Amazon

If its greens youre after, you can put your trust in chef Jenn Louis, a known entity in the Portland area where vegetarian cooking is as highly acclaimedand criticizedas anywhere else in the world. Her compendium of 175 recipes covers 40 types of greens so you never run out of ideas for Meatless Monday.Buy Now

Sweet: Desserts from Londons Ottolenghi by Yotam Ottolenghi, $25 on Amazon

Speaking of vegetables, Yotam Ottolenghi has made an international splash with his inventive and soulful vegetarian cuisine but he started his career as a pastry chef. In this book, Yotam and his collaborator Helen Goh go sweet, tackling baked goods and other confections with dazzling photos and Ottolenghis signature creativity, as in his Cinnamon Pavlova with Praline Cream.Buy Now

BraveTart: Iconic American Desserts by Stella Parks, $35 on Amazon

This book won the 2018 James Beard Award for best baking cookbook and has a near-perfect score on Amazon, so its not a huge surprise Chowhounds have enjoyed Stella Parks cookbook celebrating classic American desserts like cherry pie, fudge brownies, and even chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.Buy Now

Cravings: Hungry for More by Chrissy Teigen, $16 on Amazon

WhenChrissy Teigentalks (or tweets) we listen, and when she writes a book we buy it. That includes the follow up to her hit cookbook Cravings entitled Cravings: Hungry for More. True to form, Teigens second book has approachable recipes that you really really want to eat like Banana Bread, and Shake n Bake Chicken with Hot Honey.Buy Now

Nigella Kitchen by Nigella Lawson, $21 on Amazon

Nigella Lawsons hit cookbook has lots of recipes but unlike most cookbooks, which are categorized by course or protein, these are broken up by moods and moments, as in Hurry Up, Im Hungry for when theres scarcely time to cook, or Easy Does it for feeding friends without losing your sanity.Buy Now

The Malaysian Kitchen by Christina Arokiasamy, $23 on Amazon

Malaysian cuisine is a beautiful melting pot with familiar flavors, and a cookbook about it could probably go on forever. This popular recipe compendium has a whopping 150 recipes from appetizers to noodles, rice, and lots of hearty mains. Expect a good deal of heat and plenty of seafood, too.Buy Now

Smith & Daughters: A Cookbook (That Happens to be Vegan) by Shannon Martizen and Moe Wyse, $22 on Amazon

This vegan cookbook hails from the iconic Australian restaurant which bears the same name, fit with ambitious dishes like Mexican meatless meatballs in a saffron sauce, and cashew cheese, tuna, and green pea croquettes.Buy Now

Related Reading:Smith & Daughters Tangy Vegan Potato Salad

Smitten Kitchen Every Day by Deb Perelman, $21 on Amazon

Deb Perelman has built a bit of a recipe and cookbook empire from her small NYC kitchen. This book has a bit of everything from highbrow mango apple ceviche with sunflower seeds to downhome delights like everything drop biscuits with cream cheese.Buy Now

Dutch Feast by Emily Wright, $19 on Amazon

Generally, one of the only silver linings of colonialism has been the fusion of global cuisines, and the Netherlands is a good example with its many Asian and European culinary influences. In this book, chef and author Emily Wright touches on that influence (and more) from one of the lesser celebrated but no less delicious European culinary traditions.Buy Now

Related Reading:Savory Cheese Cookies from Dutch Feast

Cherry Bombe: The Cookbook by Kerry Diamond & Claudia Wu, $23 on Amazon

From the indie magazine sensation that shines a bright light on women in food comes the brands first cookbook. Cherry Bombe: The Cookbook includes favorite recipes from some of the biggest stars in cooking including Amanda Cohen (Dirt Candy), Melissa Clark (The New York Times), and Padma Lakshmi (Top Chef).Buy Now

Food for Life: Delicious and Healthy Comfort Food by Laila Ali, $16 on Amazon

With rather big shoes to fill, Laila Alidaughter of Mohammad Alihas done well for herself both as a four-time boxing world champion, and a cookbook author. In this, her debut cookbook, Ali delivers a one-two combo of comforting recipes that wont bust your training regimen, like oven fried chicken and southern greens.Buy Now

Related Reading:Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Taste & Technique: Recipes to Elevate Your Home Cooking by Naomi Pomeroy, $25 on Amazon

This book, with recipes from James Beard winner Naomi Pomeroy, doesnt presume you know everything about cooking and serves as equal parts recipe compendium and how-to manual arming the home chef with confidence to nail any one of them.Buy Now

Polpo: A Venetian Cookbook (of sorts) by Russel Norman, $33 on Amazon

Russel Normans Venetian restaurant Polpo took on a life of its own as one of Londons best kept culinary secrets. Like any good secret, it didnt stay under wraps for long. Normans 2012 publishing of these 140 recipes from or inspired by the restaurant is proof.Buy Now

Phoenix Claws and Jade Trees by Kian Lam Kho, $25 on Amazon

Winner of multiple culinary awards this book on authentic Chinese cooking by Kiam Lima Ko offers recipes but also helpful techniques aimed to demystify and amplify this unique, and diverse cuisine.Buy Now

How to Eat a Peach by Diana Henry, $19 on Amazon

The recipient of much acclaim from book critics and fellow chefs alike, this book breathes life into the curated menus created by author Diana Henry, transporting the reader to a specific time and place through her personal essays that illuminate these colorful culinary moments in her life.Buy Now

Kachka: A Return to Russian Cooking by Bonnie Frumpkin Morales, $24 on Amazon

Vodka infusions, delicious dumplings, smoked fish; this cookbook has everything youd hope for in a book about Russian food. Dive deep into Soviet fare with this bright and bubbly book from the mind of Bonnie Morales, owner of Kachka restaurant (Portland, Ore.).Buy Now

Baking with Less Sugar by Joanne Chang, $17 on Amazon

Sugar and baked goods have so long gone hand in hand, its easy to take their association for granted. Not so fast, saysJoanne Chang, author of the hit cookbook Flour, whose aptly titled Baking with Less Sugar speaks directly to those trying to whittle some of those residual carbohydrates from their daily diet by using more natural sweeteners like fruit juice and honey.Buy Now

Related Reading:8 Healthy Low-Carb Desserts

Adventures in Starry Kitchen by Nguyen Tran, $16 on Amazon

You might remember Starry Kitchen, the speakeasy-style restaurant run by Nguyen Tran and his wife Thi out of a Los Angeles apartment in the last decade. It quickly became a sensation, racking up critical acclaim and impossible-to-get reservations. The couple has since left those humble beginnings behind, but their successes have continued, including this collection of 88 Asian-inspired recipes from Americas most famous underground restaurant.Buy Now

The Zuni Cafe Cookbook by Judy Rodgers, $23 on Amazon

To call The Zuni Cafe a staple of the San Francisco restaurant scene would be a dramatic understatement. With this compendium of recipes, chef and owner Judy Rodgers brings her beloved food into your home with recipes like the famous Zuni roast chicken and espresso granita.Buy Now

Anthony Bourdains Les Halles Cookbook by Anthony Bourdain, $26 on Amazon

The late, greatAnthony Bourdainfirst helmed the kitchen at New Yorks no-nonsense French brasserie, Les Halles. The beloved restaurant has since closed but its legacyand that of its most famous chef de cuisinelive on in this collection of recipes and guide for French classics like roasted veal short ribs, steak frites, escargots aux noix, and foie gras au pruneaux. All written with Bourdains undeniable wit and wisdom.Buy Now

The Breakfast Book by Marion Cunningham, $20 on Amazon

First published in 1987, this book by author Marion Cunningham celebrates that first meal of the day with over 280 recipes ranging from the sweet to the savory, and including breakfast ideas for every sort of occasion, from casual to chichi.Buy Now

Lucky Peach Presents 101 Easy Asian Recipes by Peter Meehan (& Editors), $20 on Amazon

Though it is now defunct, the legacy of Lucky Peacha cult food magazine which captivated the culinary world for yearslives on in its many editorial works, including this compendium of easy Asian recipes (they would later publish both and egg- and vegetable-centric cookbooks) which hit stores and online retailers in 2015. The collection was compiled by Peter Meehan along with the rest of the Lucky Peach editorial gang, and ranges from the simple to the more intricate.Buy Now

Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Jurney back to Israel by Alon Shaya, $15 on Amazon

In this book, which reads both as a memoir and recipe collection, youll follow Alon Shaya as he winds his way from Israel through the American south (New Orleans, to be specific) and back again (to Israel) and discover howthis journey informed Shayas unique and much-celebratedIsraeli-Creole style of cooking.Buy Now

Golden by Itamar Srulovich and Sarit Packer, $21 on Amazon

In a city not always thought of for its culinary prowess, there are still plenty ofshining, dare I say golden, examples of excellence. Golden restaurant is one of them, famous in part for thewonderful sweet and savory pastries which emerge from the London restaurants kitchen over the course of a day. In this cookbook, youll find recipes for favorites like sticky buns, and spiced lamb en croute.Buy Now

The Pho Cookbook by Andrea Nguyen, $16 on Amazon

Before Andrew Nguyen joined us for aChowhound Table Talkcelebrating her book Vietnamese Food Any Day she snagged a single subject James Beard award for this comprehensive pho cookbook. This book looks at the storied past of the warming soup, which helps tell the story of the country it originated, as well as some helpful know-how for making good pho at home.Buy Now

Related Reading:What Is the Difference Between Pho and Ramen?

Chowhounds Most-Discussed Cookware

There are a lot of cookware brands to sort through these days. Its hard to know where to start and whats worth your hard-earned cash, but this list is a good place to start. These are the top 25 most-discussed cookware products on Chowhound.

Staub Perfect Pan, $119.95 on Sur La Table

Sur La TablePerfect? Well, its wide enough to saut with reckless abandon, deep enough to pan-fry without oiling up the entire kitchen, and the enameled cast iron allows for high, even heat distribution, and easy cleanup. Oh, and did I mention it looks beautiful? So yeah, you could say this highly-versatile pan has earned its title.Buy Now

Demeyere 5-Plus 11-Inch Fry Pan, $159.95 on Amazon

The price tag may seem a bit high for a frying pan, but Demeyere is one of the brands pro chefs and experienced home cooks absolutely swear by. The 5-ply (five layers of metal) means its not only dense and conductive, but also strong and resistant to warping, so in a decade when the pan is still in good shape, it may not seem like such a crazy price.Buy Now

Kamadosan Clay Rice Cooker, $117 on Amazon

I cant stop looking at this rice cooker and I want one in every room.Buy Now

Le Creuset Hard-Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan, $142.99 at Macys

You definitely want a good nonstick skillet in your cupboard but you dont need to pay much more than $100. Thats because inevitably the nonstick surface will wear out and youll have to replace it, but the better qualitylike this toughened deep fry pan from French legacy brand Le Creusetthe longer itll last. (Especially if you treat it right).Buy Now

Scanpan 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan, $81.20 on Amazon

Heres an example of a slightly less expensive nonstick pan thatll still get the job done. It may not be quite as tough as the Le Creuset, but its still made from reinforced aluminum, and a toxin-free nonstick coating for easy cooking, and cleanup.Buy Now

Staub Small Rustic Cocottes (set of 3), $49 on Sur La Table

If youre a serial host or hostess, you should have these eye-catching cocottes on hand for French onion soups, stews, and desserts like souffl. They double as serving dishes for sides, and sauces and are available in white, red, and this rustic turquoise.Buy Now

All-Clad d3 Stainless Steel Weeknight Pan, $179.96 on Sur La Table

Another versatile any daypan with a wide surface for searing and sauting and high, sloped sides for sauces and stews.Buy Now

Staub 6-Quart Round Cocotte, $247.96 on Sur La Table

The kind of cookware you leave out on the stove because its so fun to use but also its just so darn pretty. Enameled cast iron is easy to cook with, easy to clean, and perfect for stews, soups, braises, and other one-pot meals.Buy Now

NordicWare Baking Sheets (set of 3), $32 on Amazon

Ever buy a baking sheet and after four or five uses it starts to bend worse than a politician? Not these. Encapsulated galvanized steel means they are strong like bull, and fully worth the little bit of extra change.Buy Now

Cuisinart 6-Quart Stainless Saute with Cover, $49.95 on Amazon

This Cuisinart saut pan comes in at a slightly lower price point then some on our list but you can still count on even heat distribution and durability from this bonded steel pan with tempered glass lid.Buy Now

Staub Ceramic Baking Dish, $23.96 onSur La Table

A reasonably-priced Staub baking dish for sweet and savory purposes in a charming, retro pastel hue.Buy Now

De Buyer Copper Skillet, $166 on Amazon

Copper cookwarebesides being so darn prettyis for precision cooking. It conducts heat as fast as anything but loses it quickly too making it ideal for delicate proteins you dont want to overcook or melting chocolate and caramel. You may not use it every day or for everything, but if you can slide one into your arsenal youll be happy to have it.Buy Now

Related Reading:How to Care for Copper Cookware

Le Creuset 1.5-Quart Braiser, $159.96 on Sur La Table

Smaller than a Dutch oven, this cast iron beauty is perfect for braising meats and veggies but shallow enough for a sear too. And it comes in all the beautiful colors of the Le Creuset rainbow.Buy Now

Demeyere Proline 11-Inch Stainless Fry Pan, $200 on Bed Bath& Beyond

An 11-inch surface is as much as youre likely to need for most pan jobs, and this is one of the better options if you can spring for it. Seven, count em, seven layers (most good brands use five) of metal alloy means its going to take a small army and a lot of use for this thing to show any real wear or warping. In fact, it comes with a 20-year manufacturers warranty from the century-old cookware brand!Buy Now

Tramontina 8-Piece Tri-Ply Stainless Cookware Set, $120-$270 on Walmart

For the price point, this 8-piece cookware set receives high marks in verified purchases. It includes the essentials like two different sized frying pans, a saut pan, two saucepans, and a stockpot.Buy Now

Related Reading:A Comprehensive Guide to Cookware

Williams-Sonoma Round Hammered Wok with Ring, $36 on Williams-Sonoma

Using a big wok takes a couple tries to get used to but once you do, its a ton of fun and makes cooking stir-fries a dream. This hammered wok with wood handle has a certain rustic charm, and the ring is key for newbies since a round wok doesnt balance so well on most stovetops.Buy Now

T-fal Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Cast Iron Skillet, $22 on Amazon

This is a perfect starter skillet for cast iron newbies. Its pre-seasoned so you dont have to bother with that, and its just the right size to cook a few steaks, burgers, or chicken breasts without taking over your cookware storage. Nothing gets hotter and retains heat better than cast iron and its a joy to cook with.Buy Now

KitchenAid 3-Ply Copper 12-Inch Skillet, $88 on Walmart

If you want that undeniable copper core precision (and cool copper look) but without the eye-popping price, KitchenAid has created a line of more affordable copper cookware and this 12-inch skillet would be a good place to start. Remember, copper cookware is an especially fickle yet fast conductor of heat and takes special attention, but many elite chefs swear by it.Buy Now

Staub Rectangular Baking Dish, $19.99 on Sur La Table

Even if youre not an avid baker you should have one quality baking dish in your cookware arsenal. Its great for savory bakes too like au gratins and casseroles. This lovely Staub baker comes in matte black and a more classic white.Buy Now

All-Clad Stainless Steel Simmer/Saute Pan, $199 on Bloomingdales

This unique pot from fan-favorite All-Clad was designed specially for simmering soups and stews, though it would make a fine stir-fry pan (if not a little heavy) given its sloping sides which keep the contents inside.Buy Now

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware Set, $69.95 on Amazon

Cooking with cast iron has a certain anachronistic charm but it also makes for extremely good eats. Though it may take longer to heat up, it holds heat longer than most other materials too, and seasoned cast iron cookware imparts a depth of flavor to food.Buy Now

Mauviel Copper Rondeau Pan, $398 on Bed Bath & Beyond

Youll want to dig out one of those 20 percent off coupons for this bad boy. A true showstopper of a rondeau pan with Mauviels signature copper sheen.Buy Now

Le Creuset Essential 4.25-Quart Oven with Accessories, $199.95 on Sur La Table

Le Creuset is known for its dazzling colors, perfect design, and durable products. This Dutch oven has a slightly flattened shape compared to other dutch ovens, and comes with two darling bowls and a ladle for serving your creations.Buy Now

All-Clad Stainless Steel Roasting Pan, $99.99 on Sur La Table

All-Clad is one of the cookware brands that comes up most with our readers. Beyonda sturdy construction, often from multi-ply reinforced and bonded metals, and reliable performance, it looks darn pretty great too. This roasting pan with rack is no exception and with the holidays fast approaching youll get plenty of use out of it still in 2019.Buy Now

Mauviel Copper Saute Pan, $99.99 on Cutlery& More

Mauviel has been crafting some of the worlds best cookware since 1830, and their signature copper pots and pans are known the world over. This perfectly sized 10-inch pan is your new go-to for precision cooking. Copper take some special care and attention but pays you back handsomely if you use it right.Buy Now

Chowhounds Most-Discussed Kitchen Gadgets

We love a good gadget. Whether its designed to shave precious time off an annoying kitchen task or simply make your finished food tastier or healthier, these are the top 25 most-discussed kitchen gadgets on Chowhound.

IKEASpice Mill, $6.99 on IKEA

Refillable for all your grindable spices like fresh pepper, nutmeg, clove, coriander, and more. Dishwasher safe with the grinding mechanism on top to prevent spillage.Buy Now

Thermoworks Thermapen, $79 on Thermoworks

With instant and high-accuracy readings, Thermoworks meat thermometers have become a favorite of the professional and home chef, alike. This is the real deal but beware of knockoffs that have flooded the market of late.Buy Now

Phillips VivaTurboStar Air Fryer, $149 on Bed Bath & Beyond

Phillips is leading the charge with high-quality air fryers and this VivaTurboStar is one of their more popular models. Its large enough to healthy-fry snacks for bigger groups and family affairs with a quick-clean basket, easy temp control, and auto turn-off function.Buy Now

Related Reading:The Best Air Fryer Recipes You Didn’t Know You Could Make

Regency Wraps Cheese Cloth, $4.49 on Amazon

If youve got designs to make your own cheese or tofu or nut milk or finely strain anything, really, quality cheesecloth is something youll want to have on hand. You can also use it to extract seeds and pulp from juice, but its not sold everywhere so its a good idea to stock up while youre thinking of it.Buy Now

Lamson Walnut Slotted Turner Spatula, $24 on Bed Bath & Beyond

If you cook a lot of delicate fish fillets, crab cakes, or other things that are infamous for falling apart in the pan, this is the turner spatula you need, made from sturdy walnut with a slim, slotted blade to let liquid through.Buy Now

SETO Japenese Chef Knife, $53 on Amazon

The best steel comes out of Japan and Germany and this forged steel Japanese SETO chefs knife handmade in Seki, Japan, gets extremely high marks in verified purchase reviews.Buy Now

John Boos & Co. Maple Edge Grain Cutting Board, $33 on Sur La Table

On a long list of kitchen tools youd be wise to spend a few dollars more on is cutting boards. Cheaply made boards just dont last, but this John Boos & Co board crafted from quality white maple absolutely will. Plus its reversible so you can have a side dedicated to meats, for instance, and it clocks in under $35 at Sur La Table.Buy Now

Breville Sous Chef Food Processor, $285 on Amazon

We all love Brevilles full line of helpful kitchen gadgetry but maybe none more than the Sous Chef food processor which flawlessly chops food to your exact specifications via five different multi-function discs, and three blades. While its not cheap, if you use a food processor often this will be a more-than-worthy investment.Buy Now

Rubbermaid Pull Down Spice Rack, $26 on Amazon

Oh my god, I need this! we all shout together. This smartly designed spice rack fastens inside a cupboard but then pulls out and down via some carefully placed hinges for easy access to all your spices while youre cooking up a storm.Buy Now

KitchenAid Pro 600 6-Quart Stand Mixer, $300 on QVC

You may not be surprised to find this icon on a list of the most talked about kitchen tools by our readers. Its a bakers best friend, of course, for mixing batters for bread, cakes, pizza, and cookiesand smart attachments turn it into anything from a juicer to a pasta maker, meat grinder, and more.Buy Now

Bob Kramer Carbon Steek Chefs Knife, $300 on Sur La Table

Noted as one of the greatest knifesmiths in the world, Bob Kramers wares have been used by some of the worlds most respected chefs. In fact, Anthony Bourdains estate just auctioned his personal Kramer for an astounding $231,000. This chefs knife is not a budget pick but the carbon steel is formulated to be sharp as heck, and remains that way for a very long time.Buy Now

Eng Grain Acacia Cutting Board, $48 on Home Depot

Speaking of things I like looking at, this strong acacia wood cutting board with a checkerboard pattern and a dark stain is tough enough to cut on and pretty enough to serve apps on.Buy Now

Miyabi Chefs Knife, $130-$160 on Sur La Table

Ergonomic handle, precision balance (very important), and tremendously strong steel make this knife a good buy. Spending $100+ on a knife might seem excessive but not if you consider how often you use it.Buy Now

Electric Meat Grinder, $80 on Amazon

A meat grinder is for a very specific person, but if you value top-quality ground beef, pork, chicken, and lamb, then grinding it yourself is one way to ensure ultimate freshness. You can also grind meats not always found readily in markers like bison, venison, and others.Buy Now

Handheld Salad Chopper, $12 on Amazon

Maybe youve seen these in your favorite salad chain. A simple tool but the best way to get that perfectly chopped salad and angled to chop inside a bowl so you dont have to dirty a cutting board.Buy Now

Related Reading:6 Cookbooks That Are All About Salad

Nutri-Ninja Pro Single Serve Blender, $59 on Best Buy

We all love our big blenders for powering through a chunky soup or sauce orif you have the right one making your own flour or nut milk. But for those times you just want to bust out a quick smoothie without waking the whole house, this smaller Ninja single-serve blender is the way to go.Buy Now

Fermentation Weights, $15 on Amazon

These were designed specifically to slide into a mason jar and keep the subjects of your pickling projectmost likely vegetablesfrom bobbing up above the vinegar. Simpleyet effective.Buy Now

Ball Mason Jars (12-pack), $15 on Amazon

Speaking of pickling, Ball Mason jars are important to have on hand if youre planning to do some. It may sound like an innocuous choice, but dont cheap out on the jars. If the lids dont fit well the whole project can go under.Buy Now

Fine Mesh Skimmer, $15 on Macys

A very handy kitchen tool for skimming broth and stock (wait, whats the difference again?), but also great for fishing dumplings or pierogies out of boiling water. You could even swat a fly with it in a pinch.Buy Now

OXO Good Grips 2-Cup Fat Separator, $10 on Bed Bath & Beyond

Speaking of stock and broth, this nifty device is an easy way to remove the fat from the liquid. Now if we can find something that removes the fat from my hips well be in business.Buy Now

Steel Baster with Cleaning Brush, $11 on Amazon

Basters do some messy work and those delicious fats and oils in the pan drippings are not the easiest things to remove, so having a cleaning brush handycue this great set sold on Amazonwill turn you into a total master baster.Buy Now

KitchenAid Hand Mixer, $50 on Best Buy

Stand mixers are great for the big jobs but hand mixers are still the best way to get in a quick mix of mashed potatoes or brownie batter. And when it comes to mixing, KitchenAid is king. This model comes in a true rainbow of fun colors and gets very high marks from our team.Buy Now

KitchenAid Immersion Blender, $59 on Amazon

Trying to transfer an entire pot of hot soup or sauce to a blender is truly a fraught exercise and is exactly why someone invented immersion blenders. KitchenAidno stranger to the blender gamemakes this popular model with genius whisk attachment for beating that holiday meringue into submission or eggs for a fabulous quiche.Buy Now

Compost Bin, $42 on Macys

If you have a garden but no compost bin we have to question your judgment on all things. Youre wasting powerful nutrients for those plants and sending more to the landfill than needed, but with this sharp-looking compost bin (currently on sale at Macys), youve officially run out of excuses.Buy Now

Related Reading:Products to Help Reduce Food Waste

Vitamix Eplorian, $289 on Amazon

Its hard to know where to begin with the Vitamix but I will say, once youve used an elite blender, like the Explorian, its difficult to go back to anything less. Power and precision are the two most important attributes your blender should have, and are essential for soups, smoothies, and sauces at exactly the desired consistency. For that, few machines are better than this one.Buy Now

Chowhounds Most Discussed Pantry Items

Thought your pantry was fully stocked? Think again. From Spanish squid ink to lemongrass paste, and even something called coffee flour, these are the top 25 most-discussed pantry items on Chowhound.

Tahitian Vanilla Beans, $27 on Amazon

Vanilla consistently proves to be one of my personal favorite flavors in sweet applications, and it seems to be the case for our readers as well. These fancy Tahitian beans come whole (dried) and vacuum-sealed for freshness.Buy Now

Spanish Squid Ink, $12.99 on Amazon

For a fast hit of umami and mysterious black hue, squid ink is a really fun ingredient to have lingering around your pantry, especially duringHalloween. But its definitely not something youll want to harvest yourself. Luckily, this Spanish squid ink can add depth of flavor to a sauce, risotto or soup, is reasonably priced, and has a long shelf life.Buy Now

Sir Kensington Organic Mayonaisse, $7.79 on Amazon

If you didnt think mayo could get any better, check out this organic spread from the fancy condiment kids, Sir Kensingtons. This mayo is made with 100 percent USDA certified organic sunflower oil, free-range eggs, organic lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper.Buy Now

Related Reading:This Vegan Mayonnaise Is Even Better Than the Real Thing

Chili Garlic Sauce, $2.19 on Target

Californias Huy Fong Foods might be most famous for Sriracha, but for my money, the chili garlic sauce is where its at, and it seems readers agree with the sentiment. A teaspoon of this doesnt just add heatalthough there is plentybut also a healthy punch of sweet garlic, too.Buy Now

Runamok Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup, $18 on Amazon

Bourbon and maple are two O.G. American-made products that take time to produce but are very much worth the wait. They also happen to be awfully complementary to one another,as inthis 100 percent pure organic Vermont maple is aged in bourbon barrels, adding a touch of whiskey spice. Drop a splash in your coffee or a more traditional pancake breakfast and thank us later.Buy Now

Star Dust Dipping Powder, $7.50 on My Panier

While this might sound like something Hunter S. Thompson might have sprinkled under his tonguein the sixties, itsactually a medium heat chili lime seasoning that would make any chicken breast or skirt steak pop. You can only get it on this online retailer which carries a slew of interesting small food brands.Buy Now

Montavo Red Wine Vinegar, $19 on Amazon

Aged in wooden casks this Red Wine vinegar from Italy makes for deep and delicious sauces, salad dressings, marinades, and more. A low-calorie way to addlots of zesty,flavor to food.Buy Now

Sahadi Whole Cous Cous, $2.50 on Sahadi

This quality whole-wheat couscous is made from durum semolina and cooks up to a perfect al dente to host your favorite Mediterranean flavors or on its own as a hearty side dish.Buy Now

Vermont Creamery Cultured Butter, $9.78 on Instacart

Cultured butter is a European style made form fresh cream but with added live bacterial cultures which eventually results in a deeper, richer, nuttier butter that you can use for cooking but is especially good just spread onto a slice of good sourdough.Buy Now

Related Reading:What Is the Difference Between Butter and Ghee?

Paella or Bomba Rice, $10 on Sur La Table

Weve written plenty aboutpaellabefore, and one of the key elements to a good oneif you askmost Spanish chefs worth his or her weight in chorizois the rice. Bomba rice istherice to use as it both holds plenty of delicious and flavorful broth like a sponge but is also able to caramelize, creating that oh-so-tasty soccorat on the bottom of the pan.Buy Now

Lousiana Crawfish Boil Seasoning, 11 on Amazon

It may not be prime crawfish boil season but that doesnt mean you shouldnt keep some shrimp crawfish and crab boil seasoning on hand for whenever the moment strikes.Buy Now

California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $8 on Target

A little birdy told me that Italian olive oil imported from Greece and Italy is not as well-regulated as California. This could explain why our readers are into this California blended EVOO which you can snag for less than $10 for 17 ounces at Target.Buy Now

Rind Superfood Snacks (pack of 3), $19 on Amazon

Now, this may not be a pantry ingredient in the truest sense of the word but youll be glad to have a few bags of these around for quick snacks with exactly no bad stuff added. Just dried fruit rinds and skins (where a lot of the nutrients are), and adds a nice sweet pop to summer salads.Buy Now

Lemongrass Stir-In Paste, $23 on Walmart

Are you a lemongrass addict? Dont worry this is a safe space. Its one of my favorite flavors and having a little stir in paste blended with oils and lemon juice is the easiest, breeziest way to add this delicate flavor to soups, stir-fries, or sandwiches.Buy Now

Colemans BBQ Sauce (2 pack), $12.99 on eBay

Colemans is known for its mustard but they made a limited-edition BBQ sauce made with their famous mustard and it had our community chattering. While you cant really get it anywhere other than eBay, Colemans was kind enough to share theBBQ sauce recipeon their website to whip up at home.Buy Now

Hempe Hemp Tofu (7-pack), $70 on Amazon

I still remember being coercedinto eating tofu as a child bymy moms vegan friend so it does come as a bit of a shock to know there is a tofu substitute. So meta, you guys. Hemp tofu strikes similar tofu chords with regard to texture and taste to the original stuff but is completely safe for a soy-free diet.Buy Now

Organic Chicken Stock, $6.99 on Thrive Market

When thestockis the base of your soup, sauce or a key player in your risotto or another dish, make sure its a good one like this organic chicken stock sold exclusively Thrive Market.Buy Now

Liquid Egg Whites, $6.49 on Instacart

If youre on a high protein, low-fat diet egg whites are one of the better foods to incorporate as much as possible for easy breakfast and mid-day snacks. These organic valley egg whites are pasteurized and ready tohit the pan. (No cracking required).Buy Now

Related Reading:Why Do We Call Deviled Eggs ‘Deviled’?

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, $10 on Amazon

The uses are endless for ACV and include salad dressings, marinades, sauces and more. This time of year, consider makingfire ciderto ward off colds and keep your immune system chugging. This stuff is a superfood and its no wonder theres interest in it year after year.Buy Now

Miso Salmon Grilling Rub, $1.95 on World Market

Where my umami-heads at? This miso rub gets right down to business perfect for fish of all sorts, but especially a rich oily salmon filet and fresh lemon to cut it all. Perfection.Buy Now

Coffee Flour, $9 on Amazon

Coffee flour is made from the oft-discarded fruit of the coffee plant that surrounds the bean and can be used in bread, muffins cookies and added to smoothies or a roasted citrus flavor.Buy Now

Related Reading:The Best Coffee Subscriptions for Every Type of Coffee Drinker

Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, $21 on Amazon

Vanilla extract is one of those things its just wise to spend a little extra money on. The good stuff can make a dish great while the cheap stuff just falls flat. Nielsen-Massey is the decidedly good stuff and, in addition to theirclassic vanilla, have this Madagascar Bourbon extract to play with.Buy Now

Maldon Sea Salt, $5.49 on Amazon

A full flavor salt harvested from the coastal town of Maldon, England this is a perfect finishing salt for just about anything, really. Its rich richness melts into food in a way other salts dont and youd be wise to have a box on hand at all times.Buy Now

Pomi Chopped Italian Tomatoes, $2.99 on Target

Nothing worse than getting all set up to knock out your famous Sunday marinara and realizing you dont have crushed tomatoes. Pomi shelf-stable boxed and bottled tomatoes are a favorite to have on hand in those moments and youd be wise to stock up while youre thinking of it.Buy Now

Ortiz Anchovy Fillets, $13 on Amazon

Anchovies make for an easy weeknight meal chopped and tossed with pasta garlic, and good olive or on top of the flatbread with shaved parmesan. A good jar ofOrtiz Anchovies or Anchoas in oil will be your new go-to pantry favorite.Buy Now

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