Every now and then, the old rice rumor will swirl around—something along the lines of "eating leftover rice will surely make you sick if not kill you." Allow me to be the bearer of good news: You don’t have to toss out the cold chicken and rice you saved, because rice can stay in the fridge longer than you might think.

Is eating leftover rice dangerous? 

The popular rumor you may have heard about leftover rice being poisonous is likely an exaggeration. Leftover rice is not in itself bad, or inedible—no more so than other foods. While all food poisoning should be taken seriously, there are simple ways to avoid it. 

To be clear, the culprit in question here is Bacillus cereus, and the spores can exist on a lot of different leftover foods, including rice, but also beans, meats, cheese, potatoes, and pasta. That’s because bacillus cereus is common in our environment and found in soil. (Fresh cucumbers are popular with bacillus cereus.) So I think we can get away from the practice of calling getting sick from it “fried rice syndrome."

How long can rice be kept in the fridge?

Rice, like all foods, is best eaten when you’ve followed the regular food safety rules, according to the USDA. Specifically, after rice has been cooked, don’t leave it sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. Wrap it or box it up in a container with a tight fitting lid and put it in the fridge after that time stamp. There, it can stay safely for up to five days, or (hack alert!) you can freeze your rice for up to three months.

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Again, as with any leftovers, you’ll want to reheat your rice before you eat it. Do so in any manner you like—microwave, stove, steamer, or soup. The goal is to bring the rice’s temperature up to a minimum of 140°F, getting it safely out of the “danger zone.” The result will look like steaming rice, and the rice will be hot to the touch.

How to easily and safely reheat leftover rice

To reheat rice, I usually scoop the amount I want into a microwave-safe bowl, add a small spoonful of water, cover it in a microwavable lid ,and nuke it for about a minute. (It might be longer if you are heating a lot of rice) When I uncover the bowl steam will billow out and the rice will be fluffy, renewed, and safe to consume.

Personally, I’ve lived a healthy life occasionally disregarding the rules by eating danger zone-y room temperature rice. I don’t make it a habit and certainly I don’t suggest others make a habit of it. From a textural standpoint, I never eat fridge cold rice, or any cold starches for that matter, because starches seize up when they cool down, becoming hard and gritty. Why risk bacteria and an unpleasant mouth-feel? 

Don’t waste your leftovers, reheat your rice, and enjoy the possibilities with warm rice salads, creamy rice dishes, and exploring the wide world of beans and rice.

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I’ve always preferred pulled pork or pulled chicken sandwiches to the whole-cut variety. When meat is shredded it holds onto sauces better, and I've always found that leads to a superior eating experience—this despite the fact that shredding meat is undoubtedly more work than cutting it. Luckily, there's an easier way to get it done: use your stand mixer for the job.

I first learned of this method in a video like this one, focused on making a shredded chicken salad. The person fitted the stand mixer with a whisk attachment, switched on the machine, added their ingredients, and scooped out the finished salad. My initial reaction was that the completed chicken salad looked a bit too smooth and lacking in texture. The video maker essentially admitted as much, but was otherwise pleased with the results.

I was intrigued enough to try shredding in a stand mixer myself—with a few modifications.

How to shred chicken or pull pork in a stand mixer

Usually when I shred chicken with forks I at first think, “oh, this isn’t so bad,” and then a few minutes later, my palms have developed reddened fork handle-dents. It’s not that the act of shredding is complicated or particularly hard to figure out, but if you need to shred enough for a barbecue for 20 people, it can be a painful task. The stand mixer method will get the people their pulled pork sandwiches faster.

When stand mixer-shredding for pulled pork or chicken, keep in mind that you need to keep your eye on it so it doesn't get overworked. Pork can be fattier than chicken, and thus even easier to accidentally over-shred. (You might note that slow cooker pulled pork falls apart readily, which is true; I'll reiterate that it’s not that pulling apart the meat is hard, it’s just a lot to do if you have a large quantity.)

1. Add the correct attachment

Toss the meat into the mixing bowl and use a paddle attachment—not a whisk attachment—to start shredding it.

2. Start the machine on low speed

Keep an eye on the meat's progress. With no exaggeration, my pork was nearly ready in fewer than 10 seconds on the lowest possible setting. What an absolute dream! No reddened hands, and I could empty out the shredded meat and start pulling the next pork butt. If you have a tougher cut of meat, it may take a touch longer.

3. Add sauce if desired

After the meat is pulled to your satisfaction add your favorite sauce and switch on the machine for another 5 seconds. Done.

The best stand mixer for shredding meat

What does this mean for us shredded meat lovers? Well, it means you may want to get yourself a stand mixer if you don’t already have one. I think this method is an absolute game changer for tougher, drier meats like chicken, and a very reasonable option for tender meats when you have three or more pounds of it to shred.

I’ve had my Kitchen Aid Professional 6-quart for more than a decade, and while newer models are quieter, this ol’ girl is as effective as ever. Though I can’t find the 6-quart model in stock anymore, the 5-quart is a good alternative, or if you're looking to save a little more then try this Hamilton Beach model. 

KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer - KSM150PS

$349.99 at Walmart

$499.99 Save $150.00

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Shop Now

$349.99 at Walmart

$499.99 Save $150.00

This is now my now go-to method for shredding chicken and pork

I always consider clean-up when I’m deciding if a gadget or appliance helps with speedy cooking, and the amount of time saved here cannot be argued. Losing the cutting board, the dripping juice, the knives, and the forks, and simply popping the meat into the mixing bowl—it's a huge mess avoided. The bowl prevents juices lost to the cutting board, and the paddle attachment is easy to clean. Between shredding and cleaning time, I'd estimate it saves me 10 to 20 minutes of effort.

Beyond that, the mixer does the stirring for you, so you can drop in chopped ingredients and sauces for a simple, effective multitask. Essentially, using a stand mixer takes all the tough work out of preparing a pulled meat dish, and makes cooking big batches more accessible too. I would absolutely suggest it to older cooks or anyone with reduced shoulder mobility or arm strength. Your backyard summer parties are about to include much more relaxation, and much less hand pain.

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I typically use my air fryer to cook freezer snacks or to make quick work of meats and veggies, but I most appreciate this countertop convection oven when I need an escape from the usual sink full of bowls and frying pans leftover after making dinner.

Last week, I needed that freedom more than ever, so for the first time in my air frying history, I tried preparing all of my meals in my Instant Vortex air fryer. It wasn't always great, but I ate, and I learned. 

Instant Vortex 5.7-Quart 4-in-1 Air Fryer - Black

$90.27 at Amazon

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$90.27 at Amazon

Why I like the Instant Vortex air fryer

The Instant Vortex was my tool of choice for this challenge. It’s a basket-style air fryer, and while I’ve tested quite a few air fryers out, I reach for this one for most daily recipes. You might wonder why I don’t prefer a toaster oven-style air fryer, like my "Best Overall" choice, the Cuisinart Air Fryer and Toaster. I do like them and I think they’re great for baking, but they require a lot more counter space than I have to offer in my apartment. 

The Instant Vortex, on the other hand, is medium-sized, lightweight enough to move in and out of its storage space, and it browns and crisps evenly. 

The best ingredients for air fryer meals

Last week was hectic so my meals weren’t always picture-perfect examples of a balanced diet. Despite being a food writer, many of my meals are more like uncoordinated snacks. The week’s fare contained eggs, potatoes, mushrooms, peppers, a variety of marinated meats, sausages, dumplings, ravioli, cheese, and sandwiches. Some of these items turned out as expected because I make them all the time, while others were surprising. One of them I’d never make again.

Here's what I learned.

Meals with simple roasted ingredients are best

The Instant Vortex is great at roasting vegetables. Everything from mushrooms to sweet potatoes, to chickpeas and peppers—I’ve only had success roasting veggies in this simple basket air fryer. This week I tossed in three medium sweet potatoes at once. I had pricked them around the exterior, mostly because this helps signal when they’re done (the sugary juices bubble out and caramelize when the potato is cooked through), and I ended up eating one as a midday snack for three days running.

For dinner one night, I made roasted stuffed portobello mushrooms (basically the mega version of these stuffed mushrooms that I love so much). I tried another version with mashed potatoes as the stuffing too. The verdict: absolutely filling and flavorful, and a simple clean-up of washing out the air fryer basket with soapy water. 

The takeaway: Any meal that could consist of two or three roasted items absolutely crushed in the Instant Vortex. Dinners were easy and hands-off all week. If you're going the all air fryer route, this is my first suggestion.

A small cake pan is an indispensable tool

What if you eat eggs for breakfast, or something else that you’d normally cook in a stovetop frying pan? This was literally my very first challenge to conquer, as I can't not eat eggs in the morning. I know that I can take the grate out of the bottom and fry my eggs directly in the basket, but I did not want to get the bottom of the basket all oily and have clean it up. I also knew I’d be putting sausage in there and making a breakfast sandwich.

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Instead, I got good use out of my six-inch cake pans. A cake pan that’s small enough to fit down in the basket provided me with a small sturdy surface, with the added benefit of being metal: Even though convection ovens heat from the top I knew that the metal would conduct that heat up through the bottom eventually.

I buttered the pan, cracked my egg into it, and tossed in a couple Brown ‘N Serve sausages. I placed the pan in the basket, and since there was room left on the sides, I put my bun back there to toast up too. I checked on the sandwich’s progress after a few minutes and removed the bun so it didn’t dry out. The rest cooked up in about five minutes, and my breakfast was a runaway success.

The takeaway: If you want to faux-sauté something in your air fryer without additional mess, a small cake pan is your best friend.

The air fryer isn't a great steamer, but you can make it work

Unfortunately for me, I love soups and steamed items. Soup was clearly never going to work in the air fryer, so I did not attempt it, but I just couldn’t let steaming go. I’d tried air fryer steaming dumplings once before, and I ended up disappointed. This time, with the newfound success of cake pan cooking, I tried a different approach. 

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

I added about a quarter inch of water to the cake pan. Put a layer of carrots down and topped them with frozen dumplings. Then I covered the pan tightly with foil. The idea was to capture the steam as the pan and water heated up. I used the carrots to keep the dumplings out of direct contact with the water, like a steamer tray, and I figured they might cook too, and I could have nicely steamed carrots. 

Well, the dumplings did steam. However, it took longer to do it in the air fryer than in a simple stove top steamer, and the carrots didn’t cook. I tried the foil-cover method again but with no water, using fridge-cold ravioli over small asparagus cuts and leftover barley. This was much more successful, and I think that’s owed to the warmer starting temperature, along with the fact that the items were less dense and added moisture wasn’t really needed.

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

The takeaway: If your stove broke and your microwave were broken and all you had was an air fryer, then I would suggest trying the foil covered method for steaming—but not if the ingredients are frozen or dense. It’ll just take too long, and you risk some of the ingredients getting mushy.

My most successful air fryer dish

I roasted tons of chicken, marinated pork, and steak. Those were incredible, but I was most proud of making the entire breakfast sandwich in five minutes with barely any clean up. I also dropped slabs of queso blanco into the air fryer and it crisped and browned perfectly—a huge victory.

My least successful air fryer dish

Hands down, the steamed dumplings and carrots were inferior to any other method I’ve used to cook those items. Your air fryer simply is not a very good steamer.

So should you cook every meal in the air fryer?

While the air fryer is a versatile tool, I don’t think you’d be happy doing making every meal using it alone. While you could cook well-rounded meal after well-rounded meal in the Instant Vortex, you’d be missing out on some variety. Everything would be a version of crunchy or roasted. No soups, gently sautéd foods, steamed ingredients, and certainly no blanching can be done in the air fryer.

That said, the air fryer can significantly help streamline a good portion of meals, and you can reduce time spent in front of the kitchen sink with just cleaning up this one basket. Just keep my three takeaways in mind as you plan out your recipes.

If you’re a tennis fan, then you already know that Iga Świątek is the Wimbledon champ. If you’re a pasta fan, then you’ve already had your personal gut reaction to Iga Świątek mixing strawberries and yogurt into a bowl of shells. I’m never one to yuck someone else's yum—especially when they could grand slam my ass on the grass court—but if you’re not quite there yet with this viral fruit pasta sensation, here are some alternatives that might surprise you.

Iga Świątek’s choice of pasta works

Presumably the strawberries and yogurt aren’t throwing you off, so let’s pause for a moment and consider pasta. Plain old pasta. Pasta is a carb. And like most unseasoned, unsauced carbs, it tastes pretty darn close to nothing. In fact, I think what we love most about carbs is the unlimited flavor pairings that always seem to work out well. So before you make a face at pasta and strawberries, consider the bland carbs that you’re normally cool pairing with fruit and take it from there. Let us begin. 

Oats. Whether it’s a scoop of crispy granola with maple syrup coated pecans, or a steaming bowl of instant oats, strawberries and yogurt are a classic pairing. Simply chop up the strawberries and stir them in with a scoop of yogurt—plain or strawberry yogurt for an extra boost of fruity flavor. 

Brioche buns. It’s never long before I kick off the training wheels, so let’s branch out to a sandwich. Brioche bread is light on sweet and strong on butter, making it a lovely companion for a strawberries and cream filling. Think of it as a more handheld strawberry shortcake swapping the biscuit for a bun. 

Rice. Even though it’s my number one favorite carb, I can’t stand eating rice plain. It tastes the most like nothing (a close second only to plain, air-popped popcorn). However, it does have a signature texture, and its lack of flavor makes it a brilliant blank canvas for whatever you put on it—even sweet toppings. Add your mashed strawberries and yogurt into a freshly steamed bowl of rice, drizzle on some honey and add a pinch of salt. 

Orzo salad. Finally, we’ve made it to pasta—rice shaped pasta. I adore cold orzo pasta salads. I think they’re fantastic for backyard barbecues or for picnics in the park. Instead of tossing in chopped bell peppers and parsley, try a sweet and tangy approach. Stir in chopped strawberries, torn basil, and a yogurt dressing thinned with honey and a splash of white balsamic vinegar. 

Fruit and carbs work together just fine, and you can even test out other fruits you like. Did you see how we worked our way up the carb ladder? Heck, you might even be ready for Iga Świątek’s spaghetti or shells next.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Prime Day 2025 ends tonight, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. 

• Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find.

• Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. 

• Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox.

• New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change.

I love what the air fryer has done for home cooks across the country: Its crisping capabilities are unmatched by the conventional oven. However, there are a number of occasions where I’m not looking to immediately blast the skin off of my roast chicken. If you’ve been thinking about an appliance that can keep meats moist while also crisping the outside, then you’re probably thinking of a combi oven, which is a level up from the typical air fryer. You can get the Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer on sale until Prime Day ends tonight.

Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer

$238.97 at Amazon

$359.00 Save $120.03

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$238.97 at Amazon

$359.00 Save $120.03

The Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer is $238.97 right now, 33% off of the usual retail price of $359.00. Granted, it’s still not cheap, but it’s an excellent piece of machinery. If you’ve been wondering at all about combi fryers (aka combi ovens), why they’re useful and what they do, check out my explainer here. Long story short: They have convection fans like an air fryer, with the crucial addition of a steam injection feature. That means your roasts will maintain their moisture better on the inside, but you can still get a nice crust on the outside. 

What I like most about the Dreo ChefMaker is that it’s nicely compact. It’s about the size of a medium-sized basket air fryer, and that works for me. In an apartment kitchen, a small and powerful machine is always best. The Dreo comes with an integrated probe thermometer so you can easily see the internal temperature of your food on the smart, digital display. For my fellow noise-haters out there, the Dreo brand values quiet appliances; everything from their indoor fans to their combi fryers works with a gentle hum. You won’t have to deal with a jet engine in your kitchen.  

Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Home Depot have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime.

• Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale begins at midnight on July 8 and will include deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. 

• Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale, “Black Friday in July,” runs through Sunday, July 13 and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Prime Day 2025 ends tonight, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. 

• Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find.

• Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. 

• Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox.

New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change.

Any working kitchen scale is better than no kitchen scale. This will always be true. However, if you’re disenchanted with the small weighing platform of the Escali, or you’re annoyed because your cheap off-brand scale ERRs-out when you put five pounds of cookie dough in it, my friend in food, it’s time to treat yourself to a better scale. Get the OXO Good Grips 11-pound capacity scale while it's on sale. From a professional recipe developing standpoint: I use it every single day, and it holds up.

OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Food Scale with Pull-Out Display

$40.56 at Amazon

$55.95 Save $15.39

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$40.56 at Amazon

$55.95 Save $15.39

I was using a small, round platform scale for years. It was about $20 and honestly, it was fine for a while. Then I started scaling-up recipes, I started recipe developing, and I needed to put bigger bowls on the wee scale. That’s when I started noticing that the readings would shift and be inaccurate if the ingredients in the bowl weren’t centered—and it was worse if the bowl or pan was overhanging the platform and display. (And then I couldn’t read the display.)

I replaced it with the OXO Good Grips 11-pound scale and it was like a weight off my shoulders (that I could now accurately measure). This kitchen scale has a large, square weighing platform that doesn’t get thrown off by large bowls, the display is backlit for overhanging bowls, and it actually pulls out away from the scale if you’re weighing a particularly large container. Even with the wide platform, the scale is rather slim, so I can store it easily in my silverware drawer without any issues. 

The best part is that this scale is 23% off right now, making it $43.06, which is a great price considering all of the perks, especially when you consider that those dinky round scales have increased in price over the years. It’s hard to find a reliable one for less than $30, so invest in one that’ll keep up with your cooking for years to come.

Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Home Depot have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime.

• Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale begins at midnight on July 8 and will include deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. 

• Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale, “Black Friday in July,” runs through Sunday, July 13 and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Prime Day 2025 ends tonight, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. 

• Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find.

• Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. 

• Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox.

New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change.

In the remaining hours of Amazon Prime Day, you may have to start prioritizing which sales are worth your hard-earned cash. If you’re still rounding out your kitchen appliance arsenal, I recommend you consider the air fryer as one of your final purchases. There are some great models out there that are reliable enough to be worth their regular retail price, and while they're on sale, they're even harder to pass up. Here are some of the best air fryers to snag while they’re still discounted.

Instant Pot Vortex 6QT XL Air Fryer

$84.99

$139.99 Save $55.00

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$84.99

$139.99 Save $55.00

Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Cooking System

$159.95 at Amazon

$179.99 Save $20.04

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$159.95 at Amazon

$179.99 Save $20.04

Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven

$153.95 at Amazon

$229.95 Save $76.00

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$153.95 at Amazon

$229.95 Save $76.00

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

$319.95 at Amazon

$399.95 Save $80.00

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$319.95 at Amazon

$399.95 Save $80.00

Our Place Wonder Oven 6-in-1 Air Fryer & Toaster Oven with Steam Infusion

$140.00 at Amazon

$175.00 Save $35.00

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$140.00 at Amazon

$175.00 Save $35.00

Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer with EvenCrisp Technology

$94.95 at Amazon

$159.99 Save $65.04

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$94.95 at Amazon

$159.99 Save $65.04

Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo

$149.99 at Amazon

$209.99 Save $60.00

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$149.99 at Amazon

$209.99 Save $60.00

Ninja Air Fryer, 10QT DoubleStack XL

$209.99

$249.99 Save $40.00

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$209.99

$249.99 Save $40.00

SEE 5 MORE

Air fryers are one of the most helpful cooking appliances these days due to their speed and excellent crisping capabilities. Even the very cheapest air fryer will still be pretty darn good at what it’s made for (though, who knows how long the cheapest model would last). These air fryers have either made it to my list of best sales already, or they’re models that would be excellent for a particular type of chef or batch-size.

Instant Pot Vortex 6-quart

The Instant Vortex 6-quart was my first air fryer and it’ll always have a place in my heart, and on my counter. I think this model is perfect for daily cooking. I use it almost every day to do simple cooking quickly, and often with no oil at all. My Vortex rotation includes roasting sweet potatoes, peppers, and an entire pork loin. It's on sale for $84.99. You can read all the details about the Instant Vortex in my review.

Ninja Crispi

I don’t think air fryers are generally expected to be portable, but the Ninja Crispi tosses that expectation out the window. This air fryer is designed with a detachable convection lid and comes with two differently sized glass cooking containers. The containers can also function as serving dishes and storage containers with the included lids. If you’re not sure a portable air fryer is for you, then maybe my review can help. You can still snag the Crispi for $159.95.

Cuisinart Air Fryer Convection Toaster Oven

One of my biggest issues with air fryers is the noise. The convection fan can really cause a racket. The Cuisinart Air Fryer and Toaster Oven, however, is a gift for the folks who go to the quiet car on trains. I love it for the even cooking and unobtrusive hum, but fans of analog technology will appreciate the spring loaded timer dial and the other twisting knobs. I tested this one too, and reviewed it here. You can buy this near-silent appliance on sale for $153.95.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

Although I haven’t tried this model myself, I’ve heard its large capacity and 13 cooking functions make it a tool that’s hard to live without. Breville is a premium brand and this model normally retails at $399.95. Right now, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is on sale for $319.95. If you’ve been eyeing this one, now is a good time to take the plunge.

Our Place Wonder Oven

This fashionable air fryer is taking a cue from combi ovens and incorporating a steam injection feature. A bit of steam (as long as it isn’t immediately ejected out of the vents) can help keep roasts moist and prevent other items from drying out too much. If steam is a big factor for you, then maybe you’d rather get a proper combi oven. Consider this one while it’s still on sale. The Our Place Wonder Oven is on sale for $140, 20% off the retail price of $175.

Instant Pot Rotisserie Air Fryer

Air fryers only heat from one heating element, and usually it’s situated on the top or on one side of the appliance. While this works just fine most of the time, it can cause un-crisped bottoms or require you to flip the food. This Instant Pot Air Fryer with a rotisserie feature, however, takes care of all that business for you. It’s 41% off for $94.95 right now.

Emeril Lagasse Extra Large Double Door

For folks that often cook large batches or like to prepare multiple racks of food at once, a regular basket-style air fryer might not cut it. Emeril Lagasse's Double Door oven-style air fryer allows you to cook multiple things at once (broccoli on one tray, and chicken fingers on another, for example). The double doors make it easy to reach inside and the windows allow you to keep an eye on progress. It’s on sale for $149.99 right now, more than $50 off.

Ninja DoubleStack XL

Another big helper for big families or folks that like to make their entire meal in one go, the Ninja DoubleStack XL has two completely separate baskets that heat and function independently of each other. It’s easy to operate, and during my tests I was able to cook four different food items at once. (Read here for my full review.) Right now you can get it for $209.99.

Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Home Depot have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime.

• Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs through Sunday, July 13 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. 

• Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale, “Black Friday in July,” runs through Sunday, July 13 and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Prime Day 2025 ends tonight, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. 

• Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find.

• Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. 

• Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox.

• New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change.

Part of the allure of having a KitchenAid stand mixer is the potential for attachment. You buy the stand mixer (like this one on sale from Walmart) with big dreams of mixing cookies and cakes, then pivoting to grinding sausage and rolling your own fresh homemade pasta. But those heavy-duty attachments often cost over $100 each. Normally, that’s pretty unaffordable, but in these waning hours of Amazon Prime Day you can snatch up the most popular KitchenAid attachments all for roughly 30% off.

KitchenAid Pasta Roller Attachment - KSMPSA

$89.99 at Amazon

$129.99 Save $40.00

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$89.99 at Amazon

$129.99 Save $40.00

KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachment, Food Grinder

$89.95 at Amazon

$119.99 Save $30.04

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$89.95 at Amazon

$119.99 Save $30.04

KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachment, Slicer/Shredder

$49.96 at Amazon

$69.99 Save $20.03

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$49.96 at Amazon

$69.99 Save $20.03

KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachment, Shave Ice

$79.99 at Amazon

$119.99 Save $40.00

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$79.99 at Amazon

$119.99 Save $40.00

KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment for Stand Mixer, 2 Quart

$79.95 at Amazon

$119.99 Save $40.04

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$79.95 at Amazon

$119.99 Save $40.04

KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachment, Fruit and Vegetable Spiralizer

$89.95 at Amazon

$129.99 Save $40.04

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$89.95 at Amazon

$129.99 Save $40.04

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The best KitchenAid stand mixer attachment sales for Prime Day

The very front of the KitchenAid stand mixer head has a little silver flap on it. This is where every single attachment clicks in to be operated by the powerful motor within. Here are some helpful attachments that are on sale right now.

The pasta roller. Hand-cranked pasta rollers are quaint, but you basically need three hands to operate one if you’re rolling out long sheets of pasta. Attach this pasta roller and let the machine run so it can take care of the rolling and you can just focus on supporting the dough. It’s on sale for $89.99 (down from $129.99).

The food grinder. Make your own burgers, sausages, and ground turkey with this attachment. The set comes with three differently sized grinding dials, cleaning equipment, and its own storage case. This KitchenAid food grinder is on sale for $89.95 (down from $119.99).

The slicer and shredder. Your stand mixer can essentially do the work of a food processor with this slicer and shredder attachment. Select the cutter you want and quickly shred cheddar, slice radishes, and carrots. This bundle is on sale for $49.96 right now.

The shaved ice attachment. Perfect timing for summer, you can use your KitchenAid stand mixer to make a big fluffy pile of shaved ice. This shaved ice kit even comes with some freezer-friendly containers to store all of your creations. It’s on sale for $79.99 right now (down from $119.99).

The ice cream maker attachment. This attachment actually replaces the bowl, so you can leave the normal attachment port alone this time. Like other freezer bowl ice cream makers, The KitchenAid ice cream maker bowl goes into the freezer in advance, then hooks up to the machine so you can add your ice cream base and get churning. It's on sale for $79.95 (the regular retail price is $119.99).

The spiralizer. Spiralizing vegetables is still cool. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Buy this attachment, click it in, and add the blade size you want (it comes with four). Then press in your fruit or veggie and let it rip. The KitchenAid spiralizer is on sale for $89.95, reduced from $129.99.

By the way, all KitchenAid models are compatible with the attachment accessories, so you don’t have to wonder if these work with your tilt-head. As long as they’re genuine KitchenAid accessories (not from other brands) they’ll work with whichever model you have.

Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Home Depot have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime.

• Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs through Sunday, July 13 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. 

• Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale, “Black Friday in July,” runs through Sunday, July 13 and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Prime Day 2025 ends tonight, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. 

• Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find.

• Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. 

• Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox.

• New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change.

We're officially in the final hours of Prime Day—whether you're hoping for a specific item on sale or looking to throw caution to the wind and shop for an impulse buy, Amazon (and its competitors) still have some great deals on kitchen appliances.

All of the deals listed here are on products I've tested or they're from a brand I particularly enjoy and trust. Here's a selection of my favorite sales on kitchen appliances for Prime Day, but be sure to read on because there are even more below. 

Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro

$172.09 at Amazon

$399.99 Save $227.90

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$172.09 at Amazon

$399.99 Save $227.90

KitchenAid - 5.5 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer - Contour Silver

$449.99 at Walmart

$389.00 Save 0.00

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$449.99 at Walmart

$389.00 Save 0.00

Vitamix Propel Series 750 Blender

$379.95 at Amazon

$629.95 Save $250.00

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$379.95 at Amazon

$629.95 Save $250.00

Coleman RoadTrip Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill

$262.99 at Amazon

$424.99 Save $162.00

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$262.99 at Amazon

$424.99 Save $162.00

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

$89.99 at Amazon

$129.99 Save $40.00

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Get Deal

$89.99 at Amazon

$129.99 Save $40.00

Instant Pot Stand Mixer Pro 10-speed Mixer

$169.99 at Amazon

$299.99 Save $130.00

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$169.99 at Amazon

$299.99 Save $130.00

Instant Pot Vortex 6QT XL Air Fryer

$84.99 at Amazon

$139.99 Save $55.00

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$84.99 at Amazon

$139.99 Save $55.00

Ninja Crispi™ 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Cooking System

$159.95 at Amazon

$179.99 Save $20.04

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$159.95 at Amazon

$179.99 Save $20.04

Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer with thermometer

$238.97 at Amazon

$359.00 Save $120.03

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$238.97 at Amazon

$359.00 Save $120.03

Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville

$110.47 at Amazon

$169.95 Save $59.48

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$110.47 at Amazon

$169.95 Save $59.48

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The best Prime Day deals on sous vide cookers

Sous vide cooking is unlike most other techniques. Instead of drying it out under hot air, like in an oven or air fryer, you lock it up in a bag and drop it in warm water for hours. A good immersion circulator will heat up the water bath quickly and keep the water at a precise temperature. That's exactly what the Anova Sous Vide Precision Cooker Pro does and it's one of the best in the game. It's usually a splurge purchase for nearly $400, but right now you can save $200. It's 57% off and you'll only spend $172.09.

Honorable mention: The Anova Precision Cooker 3.0 for $137.99. It's usually lightyears cheaper than the fancier model above, but it's still a solid pick.

Under $100 option: Instant brand has really come in strong this Prime Day and this is another great deal. The Instant Pot Accu Slim immersion circulator is 33% off for $87 right now. This model has a bright, large display so you can keep an eye on the temperature and how much time is left.

The best Prime Day deals on stand mixers

A good quality stand mixer should be able to do all the hard work for you with kneading dough, whipping cream, and beating butter—and it should do it for years. With that in mind, these heavy-duty appliances aren’t cheap. However, this Instant brand stand mixer gets about as close to cheap as possible without being suspicious. On sale right now for $169.99 (43% off of $299.99), this mixer has 10 speeds, and unlike most stand mixers, you can actually program the speed and duration for it to mix. That’s pretty fancy.

Splurge sale option: It might come as a surprise, but the best deal on a KitchenAid stand mixer isn't with Amazon, it's with Walmart. This KitchenAid 5.5-quart stand mixer features the stationary head with bowl-lift design for a price that's usually reserved for the much smaller tilt-head stand mixers. It's usually offered for $449.99, but right now it's on sale for $279. This mixer's design is much more likely to last you years. Read why in my post about this deal.

The best Prime Day deals on blenders

Splurge sale option: If you've been looking to treat yourself then you should probably check out this sale on the Vitamix Propel 750. It's 40% off the usual retail price of $629.95 and will only cost you $379.95. That level of price is usually reserved for its Explorian series (a blender that I also love).

Under $100: The Vitamix is the splurge option, so here’s a blender that might fit your budget better. The Ninja Blender is 25% off right now, for a more manageable $89.99. I’ve always found Ninja appliances to be effective and high-quality, so this blender should be an excellent helper in your kitchen.

Under $50: While they aren't as versatile as a stand-alone blender, for years I effectively blended everything from single servings of whipped cream to protein smoothies, chunky salsas to large batches of velvety broccoli soup using only an immersion blender. A good immersion blender is the best-kept secret for a chef on a budget. The Braun Immersion Blender is 29% off for $49.95. 

The best Prime Day deals on grills

Portable gas grill: Gas grills bring to mind large, permanent fixtures in the backyard, but what if you could have one that collapses flat-ish and has wheels to roll up a mountainside? The Coleman RoadTrip is a portable gas grill that can be tossed into the hatchback and taken on camping trips. The blue color is 38% off right now for $262.99 (down from $424.99). Even if you don't take it camping, it's one of my suggested models for gas grills for when you're on a budget.

Best stationary gas grill: Weber is one of the most well-known and reliable brands in grills. If you're looking for a classic gas grill, the Weber Spirit four-burner gas grill is one you can actually get for under a grand. Right now it's on sale for $799 (down from $949), making it even more budget-friendly than usual. It's a four-burner, which means you can use it for day-to-day meals, or crank up all the engines to host a yard party this summer.

The best Prime Day deals on multi-cookers

Under $100: The Instant Pot brand has been holding its own holiday sale for the past few days, and this Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 multi-cooker is a downright bargain at the moment. It’s $89.99, down from its regular retail price of $129.99. It’s the eight-quart model, which is a great size for larger families, or folks who like to meal prep multiple servings at the beginning of the week. 

Splurge sale option: The Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 multi-cooker for $99.99. It’s 41% off the retail price of $169.99. For $30 more than the Duo right now, this appliance has greater functionality, more presets, and monitoring capabilities via the Instant Pot app. 

The best Prime Day deals on air fryers and combi cookers

Best splurge item: The Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer gives you all the speed and benefits of an air fryer without drying out your roasts. This special type of appliance uses convection heating (the same as an air fryer) and includes a steam injector to ensure your chicken doesn't turn into jerky. The best part is that it's $120 off right now for $238.97. Read more about how combi ovens work here.

Best for small spaces: If you have a tight kitchen or live in an apartment like I do, prepare to be impressed by the Ninja Crispi and its powers of coming apart—in a good way. This is one of my top air fryers of 2025 because you can remove the convection engine from the cooking containers and store them as you wish—and it's on sale for $159.95. Check out the details on the Ninja Crispi in my review, here. Now you can get your counter space back.

Under $100: Instant Pot again? Listen, if it weren’t a good piece of equipment, I wouldn’t cover it. The Instant Vortex air fryer is my go-to air fryer, and right now it’s selling for $84.99. It’s powerful, heats evenly, it’s incredibly easy to operate, and a breeze to clean. Still not sold? Read my glowing review and see how it stacks up against other great air fryers that I tested.

Under $50: For $49.99 you can get a less flashy air fryer that will get the job done. The Dash 2.6-quart isn’t huge and it doesn’t come with fancy preset cooking options, but you can set the time and temperature, and that’s all a petite countertop convection oven needs to offer to crisp up some fries or reheat last night’s fried chicken. 

If you didn't see the perfect one here, check out this lineup for even more air fryers that are still on sale in these last hours of Amazon Prime Day.

The best Prime Day deals on coffee makers and accessories

I’m an insufferable coffee snob most days (here’s my favorite pour over vessel, if you’re looking) but I’ve also been known to pop a Nespresso from time to time. Breville teamed up with Nespresso to bring you a compact espresso maker and it’s 35% off right now, at $110.47. 

Under $100: If you like to have more variety with hot and cold coffees and you don’t mind a splash of self-expression, the pistachio-colored Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ might even be a better deal for you. It can brew all the same types of coffee as the above, in addition to making 12-ounce serving sizes.

The best coffee accessory for latte-lovers: If you can make an espresso at home then you can make a latte at home. All you need is a best-in-class microfoam milk frother, like this Dreo All-in-1 BaristaMaker. It's a lifesaver for folks who use non-dairy milks, and it's on sale for $84.14 (down from $99). Use the digital navigation panel to select the type of milk you're using and the drink you plan on making. It can even make cold foam, which I've been using a lot this summer.

Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime.

• Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs through Sunday, July 13 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. 

• Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale, “Black Friday in July,” runs through Sunday, July 13 and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member.

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

This Fourth of July weekend, you can bet on the fact that grills will be sparking up from sea to shining sea. At least twice you’ll look down the street and ask, “is that a fire?” only to realize it’s just your industrious neighbor’s offset smoker. (Again.) You might even see me out there this weekend, setting up a chimney at one of the charcoal grills at the public park, gearing up to cook my favorite grill food: skewers.

Lately I’ve been experimenting with ingredient combinations from the classic to the adventurous (and a few not worth repeating). Here are my top three favorites so far. And electric grill users, you’re included too: Electric grills are a huge boon for apartment dwellers (like me), and even folks who grill outdoors but prefer less smoke and a cleaner taste. All of these skewers work wonderfully on an indoor grill too. (Read here for electric grill options if you’ve been looking.) 

How to experiment with skewer flavor combinations

I’ve noticed some patterns in my skewer research. The best ones balance savory, sweet, and herbal or earthy elements. That’s all you really need for success. So if you have a main protein, like marinated chicken or tofu, you’ve already nailed the savory element. Think of adding a sliced peach or fig section for some sweetness. For an earthy element—an ingredient that borders on bitter but not overwhelmingly so—you can add a halved shallot or a hunk of jalepeño. For extra pizzazz, you can always drizzle on vinaigrettes after grilling, sprinkle on seasonings, or add crumbled cheeses. 

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

When grilling over charcoal or gas, always practice good grilling technique and safety. Don't skewer your hands—skewer your food, and oil the food, not the grill grate. I use a non-aerosol spritz bottle of cooking oil to get an even coating on skewers.

If you’re using an electric grill, like I did today, you have the added benefit of being able to oil the grill plates if you’d like. All of these skewers were grilled for three to four minutes in a ChefMan Panini Press Grill, an appliance I’ve grown rather fond of. The hinged upper plate is key for evenly pressing taller items.

Chefman Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker

$44.87 at Amazon

$49.99 Save $5.12

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$44.87 at Amazon

$49.99 Save $5.12

Without further ado, here are three excellent skewers that I keep coming back to.

Pesto chicken and ravioli skewer

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Clearly I have not grilled enough ravioli in my life, and I'm guessing you haven't either. You'll want to buy the “fresh” style pasta that you can find in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. The pasta won't be dry, but soft and pliable, so all you have to do is unpack and skewer it. Personally, I went on a Trader Joe’s bender and picked up some cacio e pepe ravioli. No regrets.

You can also purchase chicken breasts and cuts of meat that are packaged in a marinade to make your life easier. The chicken I used was slathered in a pesto sauce marinade. Rather than cube the meat, I prefer to slice it thinly and skewer it in a rippling ribbon. Among the chicken and ravioli, I nestled a thick wedge of portobello mushroom. You might say, "Allie, there is no sweet element here." You’re correct. In this case, I made an executive decision to leave savory, herbal, and earthy alone.

This skewer smells particularly incredible while grilling. After enjoying the portobello perfume, I love the way the charred ravioli comes out. The pasta’s exterior is tender with delicate crispy sections, and the filling is warm, but you’'' be in no danger of burning the roof of your mouth.

Al pastor-inspired skewer

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

One of my favorite tacos is the al pastor. It’s filled with marinated, spit-roasted pork and paired with a slice of pineapple. The pork is deeply flavorful, with irresistible crispy edges, and the warm, sweet pineapple compliments the savory element while also providing a burst of acidity to brighten things up. A skewer with these components is like getting straight to the heart of the al pastor. 

To make these al pastor skewers, I thinly sliced some garlic and herb marinated pork loin and ribboned it onto the skewer. (This is how my family makes grilled satay, so I prefer the meat sliced versus cubing it. But cube if you must.) Add the pork, a hunk of pineapple, and a wedge of shallot. Repeat until you’re out of room on your skewers.

The pork almost plays second fiddle to the sweetness of the fruit and the caramelized shallot. (You could swap out the pork for some firm marinated tofu and the results would be delightful.) This one is a definitely crowd favorite.

Sweet chicken and shishito skewer

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

I grabbed a pre-marinated Pollo Asado Autentico packet from Trader Joe’s for this one, and I have no regrets. The flavors include paprika, garlic, cayenne pepper, dehydrated onion, and lime juice powder, but you can whip up your own spicy chicken marinade instead if you like. I skewered thin slices of the chicken with slices of a slightly unripe nectarine. (I find nectarines don’t turn to mush as quickly on the grill.) A couple shishito peppers were the perfect earthy partner for this skewer. 

After grilling, the nectarine becomes honey-sweet, balancing the spices from the chicken and the potentially spicy pepper. (If you can’t find shishito peppers, try slices of poblano or jalapeño before you reach for the green bell pepper.)

Beyond these three skewers, I encourage you to try other combinations as you grill this summer. There’s something inexplicably fun about eating grilled morsels off of a stick, and they’re always popular with family and friends. 

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Whether or not you’ve ever been to a Juice Press store doesn’t matter. What’s important is that you know they offer a special chia seed pudding, and it’s out of this world. Even I, a self-professed lover of air-fried Popeye’s chicken sandwiches and bacon wrapped banana bites, cannot get enough of this surprisingly addictive vegan pudding.

In the past, I’ve tried duplicating the pudding at home, but came up short every time. Recently, however, I’ve had more success thanks the Vitamix Explorian E310, which helped me make a perfect copy of this cult favorite vanilla-scented pudding. 

Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender

$329.95 at Amazon

$379.95 Save $50.00

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$329.95 at Amazon

$379.95 Save $50.00

The right blender matters

Chia seeds are rather unusual—they're teeny tiny, but packed with nutrients. When stirred into liquid they have incredible absorption capabilities, lending the resulting mixture a gelatinous consistency. Juice Press chia seed pudding is vegan, which might have you asking how to get a stable, pudding-like consistency without some key animal ingredients and lots of whisking on the stove. Instead of eggs the structure relies on a cashews, with the chia seeds serving as a natural thickening agent.

The key to this pudding succeeding, then, is making a creamy, non-gritty cashew sauce with a high-powered blender. And this is where having the right equipment matters.  

The Vitamix Explorian is the cheapest of their blender offerings but doesn't skimp on power. Credit: Diane Mattia

My past blenders and even some food processors have had trouble breaking down the cashews into a fine texture. Now, soaking the cashews helps here, and this recipe will taste good no matter what blender you have, but making a true copycat with pudding-like consistency—smooth enough that you'd be surprised to learn it is made with nuts—requires a powerful motor, and sharp, durable blades. The Vitamix Explorian E310 makes it all look easy—not to mention that it’s the cheapest model on offer from this top tier brand. (Read my full review of the Explorian E310.)

Making chia seed pudding in a Vitamix

With three easy steps and just a few ingredients, you can have this creamy, slightly sweet, vegan vanilla pudding at home. It’s perfect as-is but you can spice things up and add a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder to the mixture.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup raw cashews

• ½ cup water

• ½ cup almond milk

• 6 pitted dates

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

• ⅛ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup chia seeds

1. Soak the cashews

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

If you’re a big raw foods person then you can cold-soak your cashews overnight, but I’m fine with doing things the speedy way: Put the cashews in a bowl and cover them with just-boiled water. Let them soak for about 20 to 30 minutes. 

2. Blend the cashew sauce

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Drain the cashews and pour the nuts into the blender container. Add all of the other ingredients except the chia seeds. The Explorian model doesn’t have any fancy presets, but frankly, you don’t need them! (Here are my tips on how to operate the Explorian to reach its full potential.)

I like to start by pulsing the mixture to chop it up a bit. Use the pulse switch on the left side four or five times. Then start the Vitamix Explorian on the lowest speed setting, with the dial set to speed 1. Run the machine for about 10 seconds and then ramp up all the way to speed 10. The resulting mixture should be smooth and somewhat thick, kind of like a milkshake.

3. Stir in the chia seeds and let it set

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Next, I pour the chia seeds into a container and stir the cashew sauce into the seeds. Make sure the seeds are thoroughly mixed in and not clumped up. I like to use a glass or plastic container so I can see what’s going on under the surface. Let the pudding rest for 30 minutes so the seeds can begin absorbing liquid. They might settle a little during this time, so stir everything again to remix it. Cover the pudding and let it chill in the fridge for at least three hours to set. 

The Explorian is great for making cozy hot soups in the winter and good old-fashioned summer smoothies, but this chia pudding is hands-down my favorite year-round recipe to whip up. 

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

The double whammy of July 4th sales and a looming Amazon Prime Day has triggered some great pre-sale bargains. If you’ve been looking for new kitchen appliances, you’ll be pleased to hear that Instant Pot has quietly put a whole lineup of their products on sale.

Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Qt 7-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker

$59.99 at Amazon

$89.99 Save $30.00

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Get Deal

$59.99 at Amazon

$89.99 Save $30.00

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 6qt Electric Pressure Cooker

$69.99 at Amazon

$139.99 Save $70.00

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Get Deal

$69.99 at Amazon

$139.99 Save $70.00

Instant Pot Vortex 6QT XL 4-in-1 Air Fryer

$119.99 at Amazon

$139.99 Save $20.00

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Get Deal

$119.99 at Amazon

$139.99 Save $20.00

Instant 20-Cup Rice Cooker

$75.04 at Amazon

$89.95 Save $14.91

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$75.04 at Amazon

$89.95 Save $14.91

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Instant Pot became a household name back when its multi-cooker made a big splash, bringing pressure cookers back into regular usage. That cgadget is experiencing a notable sale—the Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 is on sale for $59.99, and the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 is 50% off for $69.99. The Duo Plus has extra functionality and double the capacity, so unless you have serious storage constraints, it’s worth the extra $10.

My favorite Instant appliance is their Vortex six-quart basket air fryer and that’s on sale right now for 29% off for $84.99. I love this machine—maybe too much. After testing multiple air fryers of different styles (you can see how they stack up here), this one became my daily go-to machine. The Instant Vortex cooks evenly, it’s powerful, ventilates well, and it’s hands-down the easiest to clean. I’ve literally taken one air fryer out, stared at it and put it back in the storage cabinet because I knew I’d regret the mess. Instead, I’d grab my trusty Vortex. You can read my full review of the Instant Vortex air fryer here—note that the one on sale right now is the newer generation with a larger digital display.

I’m a big fan of simple rice cookers that have a single switch and operate with a spring-loaded mechanism, but newer, sleeker rice cookers are all the rage. They’re loaded with preset functions for other types of grains (quinoa, oats, brown rice and others), so you don’t have to think about it so much. The Instant Pot rice cooker is exactly this type of grain cooker with a sleek, clean design and easy to navigate menu of options. It’s a 20-cup rice cooker, so I recommend this one for anyone who likes to meal prep big batches of rice to freeze, or who cooks for more than four people.  

While those are my favorite finds, don’t sleep on these other sales Instant Pot is holding right now.

Growing up, I loved cooking but I fully avoided the broiler. I’m not sure why, but maybe because my mom never used it or perhaps I just wasn't sure what it was. The entire time, I was wondering how to get a crispy, browned surface on my mac and cheese and toast my breadcrumb-topped casseroles. How did chefs do it?

It turns out, the broiler is exactly the handy tool you need to finish off dishes to crispy, melty, browned perfection, and it’s likely been in your kitchen this entire time. 

Check to see where your broiler lives

The first time I tried to broil, I was an adult and in my first apartment. I had seen enough Food Network to know I was capable of doing it. Emboldened, I set up my casserole in the oven and bravely clicked “broil.” I eagerly awaited crispy edges and bubbly cheese, but nothing happened. The oven actually didn’t feel very hot at all. The only thing that I got was a harsh smell. 

I tried a few more times after that and the same thing happened. The oven was working—I could hear it—but no bubbles and only a nasty smell. Maybe I had been right about broiling the whole time. It's not so great. I gave up. A year later I was moving out and I had to pack up my kitchen pans. I opened the lower storage drawer of the oven and observed a collection of warped, discolored pans. That particular oven had a lower drawer broiler and I was storing pans in there.

The broiler might be inside the main oven cavity, where just the top heating element will fire up. It could be in a lower drawer, in which case the oven's lower heating element will activate but the food goes underneath. (Do not store pots and pans in this area if that’s the case.) Some ovens might have a separate mini oven where you can put food for broiling. I always think of the old Rachel Ray show where her broiler was a hinged trap door she would throw toast in. Before you click any buttons, find out where your broiler lives.

What is broiling?

The broiler function in your oven activates a single, upper (in relationship to the food) heating element that gets turned up to a scorching hot temperature, usually around 500°F. Your job is to put the food item right underneath, or at least close. It’s meant to quickly heat only the top of the food, so the rest of the dish or item needs to be cooked through beforehand. It’s hot and it’s fast. And if it’s not happening fast (like within two to five minutes) then you might need to locate your broiler or the positioning is off.

When you should consider broiling

Broiling only heats from the top, so you’ll use your broiler for crisping any surface that’s facing upward. Broiling is excellent for casseroles that you want to crisp on top. It’s also great for finishing off thick steaks to get some color, oven grilling, fish, or even making broiler s'mores. It uses very high heat, so you probably wouldn’t use the broiler for anything you’ve cooked in a delicate fashion, like custard. However, if you topped said custard with sugar and you want to broil the top for crème brûlée, this could be the perfect usage. Just keep a very close eye on the caramelizing sugar, and how close you put the custard to the heating element, as this Reddit user discovered. 

How to use the broiler

Activating the broiler is simple. Your oven likely has a single button or switch that says “broil.” It has a set temperature so you don’t need to do anything besides press that button and it’ll automatically begin. My oven has a hi-lo option, so I can press it twice for a lower temperature broil. You may need to press the start button, depending on your oven. 

Where you place the food under the broiler is a slightly more nuanced decision. Place it too close and you can burn the food; too far away and the browning will take much longer and you risk overcooking the dish through to the center. When I was first trying out the broiler, the latter was my problem. I ended up overcooking and drying out my mac and cheese because I was trying to broil the top, but it was too far away. 

I recommend placing the surface of the item about five inches from the broiler element. Then you can assess how it’s going. Browning should occur within three minutes. It is seriously fast. So if you’re not pleased with how it’s going, you may want to move the oven rack up one notch to get the item closer. You can also slide an overturned baking pan under the dish to lift it up an inch. 

Best practices for broiling

Be aware of the dish you're using under the broiler. Coated or non-stick cookware can be damaged, so be sure to use casserole dishes that can stand up to broiling (ceramic, tempered glass, or borosilicate), cast iron skillets, or stainless steel frying pans that are oven-safe.

Make sure you set a timer for broiling. Three to five minutes is usually sufficient, and you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget about it for 10 minutes. The aroma of scorched food is loved by none. With that in mind, you’re ready to broil. 

As soon as it became safe for me to cook on the stove unsupervised—say 12 years old?—I began to fry bacon. I’d do my best to stretch out the wobbly strips so they wouldn’t overlap or curl up too much and brace myself for the impact of tiny, sharp, popping oil splatters. I loved the results (chewy, crispy bacon is a compelling reward), but I hated the process and the clean-up that followed. It wasn’t worth it. But instead of giving up on bacon, I changed my approach. Now I oven bake my bacon and it’s the only way I’ll ever do it. 

Why oven-baking your bacon is best

Oven-baking is superior to pan frying because you don’t have to babysit it, the stovetop is available for other cooking, you’re not subject to painful splatters, and cleanup can be a breeze with a simple trick (more on that in a moment). Furthermore, it’s an absolute lifesaver if you’re hosting a large brunch party and you need to cook three pounds of bacon. You aren’t limited to how many slices you can fit in your frying pan. Instead, you can bake as much bacon as you can fit on a large sheet pan. And if your oven has two racks, guess what? You can bake two sheet pans-worth of bacon. 

What oven temperature is best for bacon?

I usually cook my bacon in a 350°F degree oven for about 20 minutes. The timing will change slightly depending on if you’re using thin or thick cut bacon, but that’s my go-to temperature. It’s hot enough to crisp and brown the bacon within a reasonable amount of time to cook the rest of breakfast, but not so hot where you scorch your precious pork before you know it. I’ve always had success at this temperature and I find that it provides a cooking window perfect for catching your bacon at exactly the doneness you like. 

Occasionally, if I’m in a rush, I’ll bump the temperature to 400°F. However, doing this always comes with the understanding that I may burn it. This temperature is fine and it’ll shave five to eight minutes from your overall bake time, but if I’m in a rush then my mind is probably in 10 places at once and not on my bacon. I have scorched my meat at this temperature before. If you need bacon fast, try 400°F—but set a timer.

How to bake the best batch of bacon

The steps are simple, and this hands-off method allows you to use the stove top for important business, like pancakes and eggs. 

1. Line the baking sheet

As much as I dislike single-use aluminum foil, this is key for cleanup. Pick a medium to small baking sheet and use a single piece of aluminum foil to line it. Use the lip of the pan to shape the foil so that you have four walls. Even if your sheet pan is bigger, you can still use the edges to shape walls, the foil just won’t be hugging the sides of the pan and that’s fine. The goal is to capture the rendered fat.

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

2. Arrange the bacon and bake

Within the foil arena you’ve made, lay out the strips of bacon. It doesn’t matter which direction they go and they can touch side to side, but just make sure they’re flat and not overlapping. If they do overlap then you’ll have some steam pockets and uneven cooking. For crispy bacon, this is a sin. However, if you like chewy, soft bacon then this might be all right for you. 

Put the sheet of bacon in a preheated 350°F oven and leave it be for 18 to 20 minutes, or until you’ve achieved your preferred bacon texture. 

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

3. Easy clean-up

Oven-baked bacon is more evenly cooked and stays flatter compared to pan-fried bacon. In the case of clean-up, baked wins again. Remove the bacon strips from the foil—they should release easily—and put them on some paper towels to blot off excess fat, or let them cool on a wire cooling rack.

Now you have a foil lined baking sheet full of liquid bacon drippings. Yes, you could just lift this up and toss it in the trash, but you might be risking some fat dribble escaping onto the floor or into the trash. Instead, I toss the entire sheet tray into the fridge or freezer for about five minutes to solidify the fat. Now you can lift the foil, crumple it up, and toss it with zero mess.

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Alternatively, save your bacon drippings. The rendered fat you capture is an especially delicious ingredient and you can use later in other meals. Simply run the liquid fat through a fine mesh strainer and into a jar. Here are the best tips on collecting, storing, and using your bacon fat, like using it to grease your waffle maker or flavoring your popcorn with it. Extra bacon fat can be a great flavoring tool in other parts of your breakfast or for adding a bit of smoky flavor to bean dishes, proteins, biscuits, vegetables, and pastas. 

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The days are long and the weather gives you a sense of what the inside of an air fryer must feel like. While June is full of hope, July is just sweaty—and we’re closing in. The good news is that plants love the long sunny hours and gnarly humidity. Summer’s produce will directly benefit as it ripens during this time—and so will you. This monthly article can help you decide which fruits and veggies to buy before they skyrocket in price, or completely disappear for another 10 months.

Why seasonal and local produce beats off-season

Local produce is naturally going to be in season. Not only does buying local produce support regional farms situated somewhere closer to where you live but you’re likely to benefit from a cheaper price tag. When all of the sweet corn gets harvested, and all of those New Jersey blueberries get picked, they won’t last forever. Not just at the farmer’s market either; big box stores like ShopRite will also have a glut of zucchini that they’ll mark down significantly.  

You’ll probably see a greater variety of tender greens and delicate fruits that don’t travel out of state well too. And let’s not forget about flavor: In-season produce is robust. If you’ve ever had an imported, wintertime tomato and then tasted an in-season tomato from a local garden (maybe even your own), you know they almost taste like different fruits entirely. 

What’s in season right now

My very favorite fruits are beginning to stroll into the grocery store: peaches. These along with other incredible stone fruits are what I wait for all year. Don’t just buy enough fruit; buy “too much.” The excess is great for smoothies (here are a couple great blenders that might interest you), and pies.

The new produce ready for harvest in for July:

• Apples

• Blueberries

• Raspberries

• Peaches

• Plums

• Nectarines

• Tart cherries

• Collard greens

• Snap beans (green beans)

• Carrots

• Cucumbers

• Onions

• Peppers

• Potatoes

• Tomatoes

Get ‘em before they’re gone:

• Sweet Cherries

• Garlic scapes

• Green sweet peas

• Rhubarb

• Snap peas

• Snow peas

Produce in peak season:

• Beet greens

• Apricots

• Strawberries

• Beets

• Broccoli 

• Cabbage 

• Garlic

• Mustard greens

• Zucchini & summer squash

• Lettuce

• Radishes and their greens

• Spinach

• Swiss chard

Keep in mind that availability varies by a few weeks regionally—so don’t be jealous if rhubarb left you a week ago, and don’t get cocky if you started seeing plums at the farmer’s market already. Do consider getting a chest freezer though, because you’ll want to freeze your peak season fruits in a month or so. (Here’s the best way to freeze fruit.)

Midea MERC04C4BAWW 3.5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer, Cu.ft-Convertible, White

$199.99 at Amazon

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What to cook with your bounty

Fruits

July is about the time we all start to hate turning on our ovens. It’s OK to avoid pie baking if need be. Instead, use your summer fruit bounty in no-bake desserts and for goodness’ sake, eat the stuff raw. Add peaches and plums to your cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt. Make stovetop compotes, which are quick and easy. Or you can really avoid the heat and use the microwave. I use frozen berries in this microwave compote but you can use fresh fruit too. Don’t count out the air fryer either. Roasting fruits, vegetables, and cooking small pies is quicker and the heat is less radiant than with the conventional oven. Here are my favorite air fryers of 2025 so far. 

Naturally, the best way to cool off is with a frozen treat. Mix fresh fruit or your newly made microwave compote into homemade ice cream, sorbet, or a slushy. I suggest a simple ice cream maker like this Cuisinart Pure Indulgence, or for a single serving, nothing beats the Dash My Mug. If you really want to get fancy, use the Ninja Slushi for a frozen drink. Blend your fresh fruit into a puree before adding it into your drink mixture.

Speaking of refreshing drinks, you can also use frozen fruit to function as ice cubes for your summer cocktails. You can even use them to make an infused shaken Campari cocktail.

If you can get used to a little oven warmth, now’s the time to churn out some pies. Cherry pies, peach pies, or blueberry tarts—whatever fruit you can get your hands on. Here’s my fail-proof way to lattice pie crust, and my best advice on preventing soggy fruit pies. If you’ve had trouble with pie in the past, give these a read. 

Vegetables 

Beans, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes are all joining us for July. Sounds like a salad to me. If you’re not a fan of raw salad (I understand), try a warm salad with some grains tossed in. Make a quick stir fry with the cabbage, peas, and greens. Now is also the best time to make a crudité platter. I know, it sounds boring, but raw produce never tastes better than when it’s in peak season. 

This goes for both fruits and veg: grill them. It almost couldn't be easier. Swipe a neutral cooking oil over planks of squash or halved peaches and pop them on the blisteringly hot grates for a minute just to get some color. Salt them when they come off the heat.  

Before you know it, we’ll all be swimming in tomatoes. And during that time, we have a duty to eat as many as possible every day. Get a jar of mayo and sliced bread ready for when that time finally swings around. 

The only bad fried chicken is soggy fried chicken. (And even then, honestly, a quick air fry’ll fix it right up.) However, there are indisputably great ways to get a crackling crust, and those should always be considered. For example, the karaage method or the copycat fast food method. There is another fried chicken trick that I’ve recently become aware of, and unlike the other two I mentioned, this one has no extra steps. There’s no three-part batter, and it doesn’t require a dip in a bowl of (still pricey) eggs. It’s one step with a simple flour swap, and it changes everything. 

Self-rising flour is key

I’ve always used regular all-purpose flour to fry, or potato flour for its superior crisping qualities, but self-rising flour was a complete surprise. This flour, ever-present on my grocery store’s shelves, never seemed to be much use to me. For those who also don’t use it much, self-rising flour consists of a reliable ratio of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. So if you wanted to make a quick pancake recipe, you could use a scoop of this stuff and skip adding those other two ingredients to your recipe.

I know that folks in the UK use it often, but I’ve always shied away from not being able to control the leavening agent and salt in my baking. But while reading the recipes in Still We Rise, a fantastic cookbook with biscuit recipes and recipes for other things you’d enjoy with a biscuit nearby, I came across the Glori-Fried Chicken Biscuit Sandwich. You guessed it: The recipe uses self-rising flour. 

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

An easy, light, and crispy coating

Following the recipe, there is a section of notes called The Gospel of Fried Chicken, and Council (the author) briefly describes why self-rising flour works. The included salt boosts the flavor—no surprises there—but the baking powder plays a large role in giving a thin, shattering crust to the fried chicken. There’s no need for multiple dredges through flour or egg washes to make the crust as brilliant as it is. 

As a leavening agent, baking powder has the duty to lift up and aerate our cakes and muffins, but it does this even in that thin layer coating your chicken. When hydrated and heated up, the baking powder reacts and produces carbon dioxide. This looks like tiny little bubbles in cakes, but on chicken it produces a delicate, rippling crust. 

How to use self-rising flour for fried chicken

1. Brine

Whenever I fry chicken, I prefer to do a buttermilk brine if time affords it. Yogurt will work too, and that’s usually what I use. Even one hour can make a difference in how juicy and tender the chicken will be. I brined some skin-on chicken drumsticks in yogurt with a pinch of salt for about an hour. Then I prepared my flour dredge. 

2. Coat the chicken

I mixed about three-quarters of a cup of self-rising flour with a half-teaspoon of salt (a little extra is necessary for fried chicken), a teaspoon of cornstarch (which provides extra starch for crunch), and a sprinkle of garlic and onion powder. 

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Then comes the easy part: coating the chicken. I put one drumstick at a time into the flour and coated it completely. Just one time. Then let them dry on a wire rack while I heated the oil.

3. Fry the chicken

I heated up about an inch of cooking oil in a dutch oven until it reached 350°F and fried until they were deeply browned on all sides and the internal temperature reached 160°F (carryover cooking—that is, when food continues to cook off the heat for several minutes—takes care of the remaining five degrees to get it to 165°F).

With truly the least effort I’ve ever put into fried chicken, I made a batch of the best drumsticks I’ve had in a long time. And with picnics and backyard parties coming up, you deserve this ease too.

Although I haven’t tried this self-rising flour coating on other fried morsels, like chicken tenders, eggplant, tofu, or zucchini planks, I trust that it would work just as well. Actually, I think I have a pack of tofu in the fridge right now. I know what I must do.

If you want more egg-free alternatives while prices are still high, I've tested other ideas, including:

• The Five Best Egg Replacements I've Used for Baking (so Far)

• I Tested Boxed Cake Mix Without the Eggs, and It Was Fantastic

• Sour Cream Makes for a Better Egg Wash Than an Actual Egg

• Eggless Breakfasts to Fuel Your Day (and Spare Your Wallet)

• All the Ways Chickpea Liquid Can Replace Eggs in Dessert Recipes

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While the Vitamix Explorian E310 is the cheapest model of Vitamix you can get, it doesn’t mean they’re cutting corners on its capabilities. However, the fancy preset functions that you’ll see on their higher-end models, like the Ascent X5, are not present on the Explorian model. This easily seems like a knock against the blender, but once you get the hang of how to operate it without the presets, the Explorian is actually better for folks who want more control over their blend. It’s simple too—here’s how I do it. 

Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender

$379.95 at Walmart

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$379.95 at Walmart

I was lucky enough to test the Ascent X5 before testing the Explorian (here’s my review of the Explorian and of the Ascent if you’re torn between the two), and I noticed a consistent pattern with the presets. The presets have the most effective timings and blade speeds programmed in to match the food you’re trying to make. After seeing this pattern happen during enough blends (and reading the Vitamix instruction manual for leisure because I’m that person), I’ve found I can basically mimic the Ascent model presets.

Take it easy

Whether you’re making a smoothie, soup, or frozen dessert, the presets all start slow for a few seconds—and you should do that manually with the Explorian too. If you don’t take it easy during the initial blend, there’s a good chance a ton of your foundational ingredients end up stuck to the lid. I’ve done it. It’s annoying. (If you did this already, just stop the machine and use a small rubber spatula to scrape everything back into the container.)

It’s during this slow chop that the blades can catch a lot of the ingredients situated low in the container. Depending on what’s down there, this will hopefully be liquid or ingredients that release some liquids and eventually help pulverize the ingredients above at higher speeds.

All you have to do is make sure the central dial of the Explorian is all the way to the left side at level 1. Flip the switch on the right side to On and blend slowly for about 10 seconds.

Ramp it up

After that initial blend on low speed, the Vitamix presets always blast off to the highest speed: level 10. This is part of why I love the presets: At that speed, they all finish in under a minute (except for the hot soup function). But, preset-shmee-set—you can do this manually with any Vitamix model. 

After the 10 second slow chop, keep your hand on the speed dial and consistently rotate it all the way over to the highest speed on the right side. Do this over the course of seven to 10 seconds. The coward in me always considers stopping before level 10 (it’s very powerful!) but just go for it. 

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

At this point, the operation might be over and you can just switch it off. But observe the consistency of your blend to see if you need to repeat the speed process. That’s the beauty of manual operation. If the consistency isn’t smoothing out, or the blade is whizzing free without catching anything (as can happen with thicker pastes), maybe you have to bring the speed down again. 

Don’t forget your handy tamper tool

However unattractive, his angular mini-baseball bat is important, regardless of the Vitamix model. If your blends are taking more than a minute or two to become silky smooth (again, barring the delightful hot soups you’re churning up), you should be using your tamper. Not using the tamper will require you to blend for extra time and it’s a surefire way to heat up the mixture. It’s certainly not ideal for a chilly fruit smoothie.

Remove the central cap in the lid, and the tamper goes through there. Use it to smash ingredients down into the blades. It will make your blending experience much faster, doesn’t take much effort, and it’s easy to clean. 

How to clean a Vitamix container

My steps to cleaning the Vitamix Explorian container is another mimic of the self-clean preset of the Vitamix Ascent. First, rinse the container and lid with warm water to get most of the residual mixture out. Fill the container halfway with warm water (I go a little higher than halfway in height because the container flares at the top), and add a few drops of dish soap. Snap on the lid, make sure the center cap is secure and fit it onto the base. Start the machine on low speed for a couple seconds and then steadily ramp it up to the highest speed for about 30 seconds. 

Click the right hand switch to the Off position. Rinse out the container, and you’re all set. If you have some stubborn smudges—always the case with peanut butter—spot clean it with a soapy sponge or dish brush. Once you get the hang of manual operation, you won’t be missing out on anything with your Vitamix Explorian.

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The only type of grill I ever saw growing up was one fueled by propane gas—they were at both of my parents’ houses, and at all of my friends’ homes. That’s not to say that charcoal grills aren’t a popular and high-quality option (read here to see if charcoal is right for you), but something about the large size and ease of using a gas grill feels very “family nest” to me. If you’re weighing the options for your next summer cookout, consider a gas grill. 

Gas grills I recommend

A foldable gas grill that you can take with you on the next excursion.

Coleman RoadTrip Stand-Up Propane Grill

$319.99 at Amazon

$424.99 Save $105.00

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$319.99 at Amazon

$424.99 Save $105.00

This grill comes ready to hook up to your natural gas line.

Weber Spirit 3-burner Natural Gas Grill

$714.27 at Amazon

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$714.27 at Amazon

This gas grill is offered with either propane or natural gas connections.

Weber Summit Gas Grill

$2,149.99 at Amazon

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$2,149.99 at Amazon

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Is a gas grill right for you?

Gas grills can be great long-term outdoor fixtures that can anchor the space of a patio or backyard. They used to be primarily large boxy grills, but now they come in a wide variety of sizes (and so do the gas tanks)—those big enough to cook a 20-person feast, down to more portable folding propane grills for camping. Regardless of the size you choose or whether you want folding side tables or not, gas grills boast a number of pros compared to other grill types.

• Easy to use. Unlike a charcoal grill which can take some practice and accessories to properly get going, modern gas grills start with a twist of a knob and a click of a button. This makes it ideal for folks that see themselves grilling multiple times a week or even on a daily basis.

• Cleaner fuel. If the plumes of smoke that come billowing along with charcoal grills bother you, it might be a good idea to go gas. Gas burns cleaner than charcoal—which is a trade-off in regard to flavor—but you won’t have to worry about smoking out your neighbors even with the occasional burger-juice flare up. If you have natural gas set up at your home, many grills can hook up to that line too (which is great if you hate refilling your propane tank).

• Temperature control. Starting up the grill isn’t the only thing that’s done with a dial; you get precise temperature control with a gas grill. Gone are the days of prodding charcoal pyramids over to one side or wondering if your electric grill can even reach that high a temperature.

• Peace of mind. While you can use a charcoal grill safely, there is a degree of peace of mind that comes with a grill that doesn’t involve stoking flames and nursing embers. No need to wait for the coals to die out completely—when you turn a gas grill off, it’s off.

Gas grills can be pricey

Then there's the small matter of cost: Charcoal grills can be had for around $70, and electric grills are pricier, at around $150, but gas grills strike a huge range—and it's usually a high range. Medium to large gas-powered grills can easily sneak cost between $400 and $600, while large grill stations can cost $1,000 or more.

That doesn't mean you have to pay that much. For one thing, as we get closer to the Fourth of July, you'll start to see some great deals that can save you serious cash. Consider also what size grill you really need and whether extra features like side tables will be worth the cost, or if something more petite or portable will suffice.

For a portable option, consider the Coleman RoadTrip Standing Propane Gas Grill

If you frequently enjoy a weekend camping trip with friends or family the Coleman RoadTrip is something to consider. It folds flat-ish, has sturdy wheels and three adjustable burners. That's nothing to sneeze at. Three burners gives you 285 square inches of cooking real estate. For the food-visual learner, that's about 16 hot dogs and six burgers all grilling at the same time. It operates on one-pound gas canisters which means you don’t have to take up precious trunk space with a 20-pound propane tank. 

For a natural gas grill, check out the Weber Spirit 3-burner Gas Grill

You can’t always convert propane gas grills to natural gas, so if you’re set on hooking it up to your house's natural gas line then the Weber Spirit is worth checking out. It has a built-in thermometer to help you monitor the temperature while the lid is closed, and it even comes with a 10-foot natural gas hose so you can keep your grill a safe distance from the house. With 529 square inches of cooking surface, you’ve got a decent sized main grilling area with an additional warming rack. This is a great size for someone who grills dinner throughout the week and hosts backyard parties every other weekend.

If you love bells and whistles, take a gander at the Weber Summit Gas Grill

This grill is monumental. It is a beauty. It's about as much of an outdoor kitchen patio fixture as you can get short of building in a true permanent outdoor kitchen. While it comes with a hefty price tag, this is the type of unit that should last you eight to 12 years or longer depending on how you maintain it. 

This grill has four main burners, a smoker option, a side burner for pots or pans, a rotisserie feature, and the knobs even light up for after sunset cooking. Plus, it has that classic backyard, gas-fueled grill look. The Weber Summit is set up for either propane or natural gas.

Safety first

It may not be the glamorous part of grilling, but safety is crucial to making sure your summer doesn’t go up in flames. While you don’t have charcoal embers kicking around, gas is your invisible opponent. 

Gas safety involves being mindful of gas leaks, and preventing gas build up. If you smell gas and there’s no reason for that (like the grill is off), don’t light anything nearby, make sure all gas valves are closed, clear the area, and call emergency services to help you find out if you have a gas leak.

Always open the lid of the grill before you click on the gas. This will prevent a gas pocket building under the hood before you ignite it, and gives you a chance to take a look around. Clean the grates to minimize flare ups and yucky flavors. Actually, get in there and do a deep clean every now and again, here's how to do it. It’s also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

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Few outdoor accessories are more important than the grill you choose for summertime cookouts. It was already time to retire your old grill when that rust hole appeared and a family of mice moved in three years ago, so don’t put it off any longer.

If you’ve already weighed the benefits of an electric grill but you haven’t been able to shake the siren’s call of the classic charcoal grill, you’re in the right place. Consider this my argument for why charcoal can be a great choice, and how to choose a good grill.

A small, portable grill that can go with you on your next camping trip.

Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Slate Blue

$69.99 at Amazon

$79.99 Save $10.00

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$69.99 at Amazon

$79.99 Save $10.00

A heavy duty 18-inch ceramic charcoal grill with 250 square inches of cooking space

Kamado Joe Classic Joe Grill - Series II

$1,199.00 at Amazon

$1,399.99 Save $200.99

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$1,199.00 at Amazon

$1,399.99 Save $200.99

The classic design with some useful upgrades, like a lid hook and built in thermometer.

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

$249.00 at Amazon

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$249.00 at Amazon

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Is a charcoal grill right for you?

When considering which type of grill to buy, think about your priorities. Do you need it to be portable? What size do you think is best? Do you just want something that lights the first time, or are you okay with some trial and error? Consider charcoal's advantages: 

• Great flavor. This is my number one concern when grilling (or when cooking, really), and the charcoal grill delivers. If you want that flame-kissed flavor, then the question isn’t if you should buy a charcoal grill, it’s which charcoal grill. 

• High heat. Charcoal cooks your food with powerful radiant heat from the mound of briquettes underneath the food. While gas burns cleaner, it just doesn’t burn as hot as charcoal. If strong sears are important to you, go with charcoal.

• Portable. You’re probably not taking a propane tank or an electric plugin grill to the park or to the beach. Charcoal grills can come in large sizes, or as tiny foldable units. Throw a bag of charcoal in the back seat and you can grill up some burgers anywhere you are legally allowed.

• Affordable. Your budget matters. No one should have to choose between fond charcoal burger memories and affording a beach weekend with the kids. Charcoal grills can run a range of prices. Yes, there are expensive ceramic ones, but at the end of the day, a charcoal grill is just a metal container and a grill grate. There are perfectly effective small kettle grills that can be in the $20 to $99 range.

Safety first

If you’re looking for tips on charcoal grilling, read about how to keep it hot, and these tips for starting out. As always, use your charcoal grill safely, and never burn charcoal indoors (including in a tent). Burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) and doing it in an enclosed space can lead to CO poisoning. Keep it in the open air—it’s more fun to cook out there anyway. 

Also: Clean the damn thing, including the grates, with every use to remove fat deposits which can cause flare-ups, and just because you should.

Finally, give your grill some space. Even if you don’t live in NYC, I'm referencing the city's guidelines, because it doesn’t get much more crammed full of people and buildings than here. NYC.gov recommends a clearance of 10 feet or more when using charcoal grills near buildings and structures, and it doesn't hurt to keep a fire extinguisher handy. Read here for more tips on grilling safety.

Now, on to my recommendations.

For a portable option, consider the Weber Smokey Joe Premium

This wee tabletop Weber grill gives you a 14-inch cooking surface, which is small enough to carry but big enough to fit five average-sized burgers all at once. This is an option for the outdoorsy chef on the go that envisions many tailgating, camping, or park grilling sessions in their future. Although the art of charcoal grilling is the same whether small or large, this Weber’s petite footprint makes it approachable if you’re a beginner just starting out. Retailing at $79.99 for a reliable brand, it's a solid option.

It you want a kamado charcoal grill, check out Kamado Joe’s 

Do I know why the name “Joe” seems to inspire so many charcoal grills? Nope. But what I am sure of is that Japanese-style kamado grills are an excellent option for anyone looking for their new backyard centerpiece. While on the pricier side among charcoal-fueled options, this heavy duty grill is constructed of thick ceramic with cast iron parts, so it provides even heating, consistent temperatures, and surprisingly strong heat retention. It is not, however, light—you won’t be tossing this one in the back seat, so it’s a good option for folks who plan on grilling at home. 

The Weber Original Kettle is a classic for a reason

Weber has been one of the more recognizable names in charcoal grills since the 1960s, perhaps because, although simple, its standard design works so well. This original kettle reflects the same silhouette as the first Webers, with some helpful improvements like easy-lift grill grates to move the charcoal underneath and a removable ash catcher. This grill is great as a middle of the road option—it’s more lightweight than the kamado grill and has wheels, so it’s semi-portable. Plus the price range is far more affordable while still accounting for higher quality materials.

Whether you start out with a small, portable, tabletop charcoal grill just to test it out, or you invest in a heavy-duty ceramic kamado grill, I have a feeling once you have your first successful grill session, you'll be hooked.