Shopping Guide
Equipment
With a well-stocked kitchen, you will be prepared to tackle any baking project. But the sheer number of equipment choices on the market can be positively overwhelming. How do you know which items are really essential? Or which loaf pan to buy when there are dozens of options? Not to worry—we’ve done the work for you and cut through the confusion with our comprehensive list. In the chart that follows, we outline the mot important features of all the baking equipment we deem essential for anyone who bakes regularly.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Stainless-steel cups (hefty and durable)
• Measurement markings that are visible even once the cup is full
• Evenly weighted and stable
• Long handles that are level with the rim of the cup
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
$19.99
LIQUID MEASURING CUP
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Crisp, unambiguous markings that include ¼ and ⅓ cup measurements
• Heatproof, sturdy cup with handle
• Good to have in a variety of sizes (1, 2, and 4 cups)
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Pyrex 2-Cup Measuring Cup
$5.99
ADJUSTABLE MEASURING CUP
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Plungerlike bottom (with a tight seal between plunger and tube) that you can set to correct measurement, then push up to cleanly extract sticky ingredients (such as shortening or peanut butter)
• 1- or 2-cup capacity
• Dishwasher-safe
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
KitchenArt Pro Adjust-A-Cup Professional Series
$12.95
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Long, comfortable handles
• Rim of bowl flush with handle
• Slim design
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons Set
$11.95
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Easy-to-read display not blocked by weighing platform
• At least 7-pound capacity
• Accessible buttons
• Gram-to-ounce conversion feature
• Roomy platform
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
OXO Good Grips 11 lb. Food Scale with Pull Out Display
$49.99
BEST BUY: Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
$11.79
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Display auto-rotates
• Lights up in low light
• Wakes up when unit is picked up
• Takes a single AAA alkaline battery
• Water resistant
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
ThermoWorks Thermapen Mk4
$99
BEST BUY: ThermoWorks ThermoPop
$29
OVEN THERMOMETER
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Wide, sturdy base
• Clear temperature markings
• Fairly easy to read
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
CDN Pro Accurate Oven Thermometer
$6
CANDY THERMOMETER
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Digital model
• Easy-to-read console
• Mounting clip (to attach probe to the pan)
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
ThermoWorks ChefAlarm
$59
BEST BUY: Polder Classic Digital Thermometer/Timer
$24.99
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Lengthy time range (1 second to at least 10 hours)
• Ability to count up after alarm goes off
• Easy to use and read
• Able to track multiple events
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
OXO Good Grips Triple Timer
$19.99
Wearable model: ThermoWorks TimeStick
$25
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Light-colored surface (heats and browns evenly)
• Thick, sturdy pan
• Dimensions of 18 by 13 inches
• Good to have at least two
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Nordic Ware Bakers Half Sheet
$14.97
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Light gold or dark nonstick surface for even browning and easy release
• Good to have both 8½ by 4½-inch and 9 by 5-inch pans
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Williams-Sonoma Nonstick Goldtouch Loaf Pan
$21
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Straight sides
• Light gold or dark nonstick surface for even browning and easy release of cakes
• Good to have both 9-inch and 8-inch square pans
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Williams-Sonoma Nonstick Goldtouch Square Cake Pan
$26.95, 8-inch
$27.95, 9-inch
ROUND CAKE PAN
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Straight sides
• Nonstick coating for even browning and easy release of cakes
• Good to have a set of both 9-inch and 8-inch round pans
• Light finish ideal for cakes, dark finish ideal for cinnamon buns
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
BEST ALL-AROUND: Nordic Ware Naturals Nonstick 9-inch Round Cake Pan
$14.32
BEST FOR BROWNING: Chicago Metallic Non-Stick 9″ Round Cake Pan
$10.97
METAL BAKING PAN
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Dimensions of 13 by 9 inches
• Straight sides
• Gold nonstick coating for even browning and easy release of cakes and bar cookies
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch Nonstick Rectangular Cake Pan, 9″ x 13″
$32.95
GLASS BAKING DISH
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Dimensions of 13 by 9 inches
• Lightweight with large handles for easy grip and safe maneuvering
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Pyrex Easy Grab 3-Quart Oblong Baking Dish
$7.29
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Golden-hued metal plate bakes crusts without overbrowning
• Produces crisp and flaky bottom crusts
• Nonfluted lip allows for maximum crust-crimping flexibility
• Good to have two
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch Nonstick Pie Dish
$18.95
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Tall sides for an easy grip
• Gold-toned pan produces evenly baked crust
• Wide, raised base provides ample support
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch Springform Pan, 9″
$49.95
BEST BUY: Nordic Ware 9″ Leakproof Springform Pan
$16.22
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Dark nonstick surface for easy release and deep, even browning
• Deep grooves for impressive edges
• If you bake a lot, it’s good to have multiple sizes, though 9 inches is standard
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Matfer Steel Non-Stick Fluted Tart Mold
$27
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Heavyweight cast aluminum
• Thick, easy-to-grip handles
• Clearly defined ridges
• 15-cup capacity
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Nordic Ware Anniversary Bundt Pan
$30.99
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Heavy pan (at least 1 pound)
• Heavy bottom for leak-free seal
• Dark nonstick surface for even browning and easy release
• 16-cup capacity
• Feet on rim
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Chicago Metallic Professional Nonstick Angel Food Cake Pan with Feet
$19.95
MUFFIN TIN
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Gold nonstick surface for perfect browning and easy release
• Wide, extended rims and raised lip for easy handling
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick 12-Cup Muffin Pan
$24.99
TRADITIONAL SKILLET
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Stainless-steel interior and fully clad for even heat distribution
• 12-inch diameter and flared sides
• Comfortable, ovensafe handle
• Tight-fitting lid included
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
All-Clad 12-Inch Stainless Steel Fry Pan with Lid
$96.85
NONSTICK SKILLET
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Dark, nonstick surface
• 12- or 12½-inch diameter, thick bottom
• Comfortable, ovensafe handle
• Cooking surface of at least 9 inches
• Good to have smaller (8- or 10-inch) skillets too
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick 12-Inch Open Frypan
$39.99
CAST-IRON SKILLET
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Thick bottom and straight sides
• Roomy interior (cooking surface of 9¼ inches or more)
• Preseasoned
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Lodge Classic 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
$33.31
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Enameled cast iron or stainless steel
• Capacity of at least 6 quarts
• Diameter of at least 9 inches
• Tight-fitting lid
• Wide, sturdy handles
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
HEAVIER: Le Creuset 7¼-Quart Round French Oven
$349.95
LIGHTER: All-Clad Stainless 8-Quart Stockpot
$279.95
BEST BUY: Cuisinart 7 Qt. Round Covered Casserole
$121.94
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Large saucepan with 3- to 4-quart capacity and small nonstick saucepan with 2- to 2½-quart capacity
• Tight-fitting lids
• Pans with rounded corners that a whisk can reach into
• Long, comfortable handles that are angled for even weight distribution
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
LARGE: All-Clad Stainless 4-Qt Sauce Pan
$179.13
BEST BUY: Cuisinart MultiClad Unlimited 4 Quart Saucepan with Cover
$65.12
SMALL: Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 2½ Quart Shallow Saucepan with Cover
$39.95
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Good to have both stainless steel and glass (for mixing, microwaving, and holding prepped ingredients)
• Sets of 3 to 4 nesting bowls ranging in capacity from about 1 quart to 4 quarts (for glass) and 1½ quarts to 5 quarts (for stainless steel)
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
STAINLESS STEEL: Vollrath Economy Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
$2.90–$6.90
GLASS: Pyrex Smart Essentials with Colored Lids
$27.98 for 4-bowl set
ALL-PURPOSE WHISK
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• At least 10 wires
• Wires of moderate thickness
• Comfortable rubber handle
• Balanced, lightweight feel
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk
$9.99
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Scalloped edges
• Slightly concave pincers
• Length of 12 inches (to keep your hand far from the heat)
• Open and close easily
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Tongs
$12.95
SILICONE SPATULA
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Firm, wide blade ideal for efficient scraping and scooping
• All-silicone design for easy cleaning
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Di Oro Seamless Silicone Spatula—Large
$10.97
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Moderate weight (1 to 1½ pounds)
• 19-inch straight barrel
• Slightly textured wooden surface to grip dough for easy rolling
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
J.K. Adams Plain Maple Rolling Dowel
$13.95
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Flexible blade offset to a roughly 30-degree angle
• Enough usable surface area to frost the radius of a 9-inch cake
• Comfortable handle
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
LARGE: OXO Good Grips Bent Icing Knife
$9.99
SMALL: Wilton 9-Inch Angled Spatula
$4.79
COMPACT SPATULA
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• High heat resistance
• Comfortable grip
• 2-inch wide head
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
KitchenAid Cookie/Pastry Lifter
$8.00
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Silicone bristles (heat-resistant, durable, and easy to clean)
• Perforated flaps (to trap liquid)
• Angled head to reach tight spots
• Comfortable handle
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
OXO Good Grips Silicone Pastry Brush
$6.99
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Curved shape with comfortable grip
• Rigid enough to move dough but flexible enough to scrape up batter
• Thin, straight edge doubles as dough cutter or bench scraper
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
ISI Basics Silicone Scraper Spatula
$5.99
BENCH SCRAPER
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Sturdy blade
• Beveled edge for easy cutting and scraping
• Comfortable handle with plastic, rubber, or nylon grip
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Dexter-Russell 6″ Dough Cutter/Scraper—Sani-Safe Series
$7.01
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Comfortable grip and nonslip handle
• Sharp blade
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Messermeister Serrated Swivel Peeler
$5.50
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Perfect half-sphere shape for easy portioning of batter and dough
• Easy-to-squeeze handles to eject dough
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
OXO Good Grips Large Cookie Scoop
$14.97
CHEF’S KNIFE
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• High-carbon stainless-steel knife
• Thin, curved 8-inch blade
• Lightweight
• Comfortable grip and nonslip handle
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Victorinox Swiss Army Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
$39.95
PARING KNIFE
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• 3- to 3½-inch blade
• Thin, slightly curved blade with pointed tip
• Comfortable grip
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Victorinox Swiss Army Fibrox Pro 3¼-inch Spear Point Paring Knife
$9.47
SERRATED KNIFE
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• 10-inch blade
• Broad, deep, pointed serrations
• Narrow blade angle
• Comfortable grippy handle
• Medium weight
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Mercer Culinary Millenia 10″ Wide Bread Knife
$22.10
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Take-apart scissors (for easy cleaning)
• Super-sharp blades
• Sturdy construction
• Work for both right- and left-handed users
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Shun Multi-Purpose Shears/Kershaw
Taskmaster Shears
$26.30
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Sharp teeth (require little effort or pressure when grating)
• Maneuverable over round shapes
• Soft, grippy, secure handle
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Microplane Premium Classic Zester/Grater
$14.95
GRATER
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Sharp, large holes and generous grating plane
• Rubber-lined feet for stability
• Comfortable handle
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Microplane Specialty Series 4-Sided Box Grater
$34.95
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Metal cutters
• Thin, sharp cutting edge and round or rubber-grip top
• Depth of at least 1 inch
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Little difference among various brands
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Sharp edges
• A set with a variety of sizes
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Ateco 5357 11-Piece Plain Round Cutter Set
$14.95
FINE-MESH STRAINER
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Stiff, tightly woven mesh
• Capacity of at least 5 cups with large, durable hooks for support over bowls and pots
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Rösle Fine-Mesh Strainer, Round Handle, 7.9 Inches, 20 cm
$45
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Directs juice in a steady stream with no splattering or overflowing
• Large, rounded handles that are easy to squeeze
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer
$23.04
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Grid-style rack with tightly woven, heavy-gauge bars
• Should fit inside a standard 18 by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet
• Dishwasher-safe
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Libertyware Half Size Sheet Pan Cooling Rack
$15.99 for set of two
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Roomy work surface at least 20 by 15 inches
• Teak board for minimal maintenance
• Durable edge-grain construction (wood grain runs parallel to surface of board)
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
Proteak Edge Grain Teak Cutting Board
$84.99
BEST BUY: OXO Good Grips Carving & Cutting Board
$21.99
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Substantial but not too heavy to handle
• Dimensions of 16 by 14 inches
• Clay, not cement, for evenly browned crusts
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Old Stone Oven Pizza Baking Stone
$59.95
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Form-fitting and not overly bulky
• Machine washable
• Flexible, heat-resistant material
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Kool-Tek 15-Inch Oven Mitt by KatchAll
$44.95 each
SPIDER SKIMMER
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Long, well-balanced handle
• Easy to maneuver
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Rösle Wire Skimmer
$41.68
BEST BUY: WMF Profi Plus Spider Strainer 14″ (5″ dia.)
$19.95
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Lightweight but sturdy plastic construction
• Easy to turn
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
RSVP Classic Rotary Food Mill
$24.95
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• 14-cup capacity
• Sharp and sturdy blades
• Wide feed tube
• Should come with basic blades and discs: steel blade, dough blade, shredding/slicing disc
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
Cuisinart Custom 14 Food Processor
$199.99
MINI FOOD PROCESSOR: Cuisinart Elite Collection 4-Cup Chopper/Grinder
$59.95
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Planetary action (stationary bowl and single mixing arm)
• Powerful motor
• Bowl size of at least 4½ quarts
• Slightly squat bowl to keep ingredients in beater’s range
• Should come with basic attachments: paddle, dough hook, metal whisk
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
KitchenAid Pro Line Series 7-Qt Bowl Lift Stand Mixer
$549.99
BEST BUY: KitchenAid Classic Plus Series Stand Mixer
$199.99
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Lightweight model
• Slim wire beaters without central post
• Variety of speeds
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer
$69.99
BEST BUY: Cuisinart PowerSelect 3-Speed Hand Mixer
$26.77
BLENDER
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Mix of straight and serrated blades at different angles
• Jar with curved base
• At least 44-ounce capacity
• Heavy base for stability
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
UPSCALE: Vitamix 5200
$449.00
MIDPRICED: Breville The Hemisphere Control
$199.95
INEXPENSIVE: Black + Decker Performance FusionBlade Blender
$80.26
IMMERSION BLENDER
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Easy to maneuver and lightweight with a slim, grippy body
• Well-designed blade and cage
• Detachable handle for easy cleanup
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Braun Multiquick 5 Hand Blender
$59.99
ELECTRIC GRIDDLE
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Large cooking area (about 21 by 12 inches)
• Attached pull-out grease trap (won’t tip over)
• Nonstick surface for easy cleanup
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
BroilKing Professional Griddle
$99.99
STOVETOP GRIDDLE
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Anodized aluminum for even heating
• Nonstick coating
• Heat-resistant loop handles
• At least 17 by 9 inches (large enough to span two burners)
• Pour spout for draining grease
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Anolon Advanced Double Burner Griddle
$68.99
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Comfortable grip with offset handle
• Sharp teeth
• Wide blade diameter
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
CuisiPro Apple Corer
$9.95
PIPING SET
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Contains all of the essentials: twelve 16-inch pastry bags; four plastic couplers; and the following Wilton tips: #4 round, #12 round, #70 leaf, #103 petal, #2D large closed star, #1M open star
• All parts available at most crafts stores
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Test Kitchen Self-Assembled à La Carte Decorating Set
$15.32
PIZZA WHEEL
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Clear plastic wheel to prevent damage to pans
• Comfortable, soft-grip handle
• Thumb guard to protect fingers
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
OXO Good Grips 4-Inch Pizza Wheel
$12.99
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Indicator lights and audible alert
• Makes two waffles at a time
• Six-point dial for customizing waffle doneness
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker
$99.95
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Thick, heavy ceramic
• Narrow shape
• Straight sides
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Le Creuset Stackable Ramekin
$16.00 for 1 ramekin
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
• Elevated rotating stand so you can hold the spatula steady for easy frosting
• Solid, light construction
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Winco Revolving Cake Decorating Stand
$29.98
Ingredients
Sometimes brand can make the difference between a baked good that’s just OK and one that’s truly spectacular. Here are the test kitchen’s top-rated brands for ingredients important to baking.
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Plugrá European-Style
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Sweet and creamy
• Complex tang and grassy flavor
• Enough butterfat (almost 83%) for decadent, but not dense and greasy, baked goods
RUNNERS-UP
Land O’Lakes and Vermont Creamery European-Style
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Premium Baking Bar
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Creamy texture, not grainy or chalky
• Complex flavor with notes of cherry and wine with slight smokiness
• Balance of sweetness and bitterness
RUNNER-UP
Callebaut Intense Dark L-60-40NV (60% Cacao)
CHOCOLATE, MILK
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Dove Silky Smooth
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Intense, full, rich chocolate flavor
• Super-creamy texture from abundant milk fat and cocoa butter
• Not overwhelmingly sweet
RUNNERS-UP
Endangered Species All-Natural Smooth and Green & Black’s Organic
CHOCOLATE, MILK CHIPS
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Hershey’s Kitchens
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Bold chocolate flavor outshines too-sweet, weak chocolate flavor of other chips
• Complex with caramel and nutty notes
• Higher fat content makes texture creamier than grainy, artificial competitors
CHOCOLATE, DARK CHIPS
Ghirardelli 60% Premium Baking Chips
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Rich, chocolate flavor
• Higher cacao and fat percentages
• Dew drop–shaped chips for even distribution
RUNNER-UP
Guittard Extra Dark Chocolate Chips 63%
CHOCOLATE, UNSWEETENED
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Hershey’s Unsweetened Baking Bar
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Well-rounded, complex flavor
• Assertive chocolate flavor and deep notes of cocoa
RUNNERS-UP
Valrhona Cacao Pate Extra 100% and Scharffen Berger Unsweetened Dark
CHOCOLATE, WHITE CHIPS
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Guittard Choc-Au-Lait
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Creamy texture, not waxy or crunchy
• Silky smooth meltability from high fat content
• Complex flavor like high-quality real chocolate, no artificial or off-flavors
RUNNER-UP
E. Guittard 31% Cacao Pure White Chocolate Wafers
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Morton & Bassett Spices
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Perfect balance of sweet and spicy
• Mellow flavor in baked applications
RUNNERS-UP
Penzeys Vietnamese and McCormick
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Hershey’s Natural Unsweetened
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Full, strong chocolate flavor
• Complex flavor with notes of coffee, cinnamon, orange, and spice
RUNNER-UP
Droste
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Arrowhead Mills Organic Yellow
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Clean, pure corn flavor comes from using whole-grain kernels
• Ideal texture resembling slightly damp, fine sand, not too fine or too coarse
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Nielsen-Massey Pure
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Rich, full-bodied, assertive flavor
• Not harsh or artificial
• Lovely almond bouquet
RUNNERS-UP
McCormick Imitation and McCormick Pure
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
McCormick Pure
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Strong, rich vanilla flavor where others are weak and sharp
• Complex flavor with spicy, caramel notes and a sweet undertone
RUNNERS-UP
CF Sauer Co. Gold Medal Imitation Vanilla Extract, and Rodelle Pure
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
King Arthur Unbleached Enriched
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Fresh, toasty flavor
• No metallic taste or other off-flavors
• Consistent results across recipes
• Made tender, flaky pie crust, hearty biscuits, crisp cookies, and chewy, sturdy bread
RUNNERS-UP
Gold Medal Enriched Bleached Presifted, and Gold Medal Unbleached
FLOUR, ALL-PURPOSE
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Pillsbury Unbleached Enriched
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Clean, toasty, and hearty flavor
• No metallic or other off-flavors
• Consistent results across recipes
• Made flaky pie crust, chewy cookies, and tender biscuits, muffins, and cakes
FLOUR, WHOLE-WHEAT
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
King Arthur Premium
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Finely ground for hearty but not overly coarse texture in bread and pancakes
• Sweet, nutty flavor
RUNNER-UP
Bob’s Red Mill Organic
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Grade A Dark Amber (little difference among brands)
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Inexpensive
• Dark molasses-y color
• Rich caramel flavor
RUNNERS-UP
Uncle Luke’s Pure Maple Syrup, Highland Sugarworks, Coombs Family Farms, Anderson’s, Maple Grove Farms, Maple Gold, Spring Tree, Camp Pure
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Bob’s Red Mill Old Fashioned
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Toasty flavor, even in cookies
• Tender texture with just the right amount of chew
RUNNER-UP
Bob’s Red Mill Extra Thick
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Crisco Blends
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Unobtrusive, mild flavor for stir-frying and sautéing and for use in baked goods and in uncooked applications such as mayonnaise and vinaigrette
• Neutral taste and absence of fishy or metallic flavors when used for frying
RUNNER-UP
Mazola Canola Oil
OLIVE OIL, EXTRA-VIRGIN, PREMIUM
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Gaea Fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Smooth, butter, and balanced flavor
• Sweet olive fruitiness with peppery aftertaste
RUNNER-UP
Casa de Santo Amaro Selection
OLIVE OIL, EXTRA-VIRGIN, SUPERMARKET
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
California Olive Ranch Everyday Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Fruity, fragrant, and fresh with a complex finish
• Flavor rivals winning premium extra-virgin olive oil
RUNNER-UP
Lucini Premium Select
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Skippy
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Smooth, creamy, and spreadable
• Good balance of sweet and salty flavors
RUNNER-UP
Jif
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Smucker’s
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Clean, strong raspberry flavor, not too tart or sweet
• Not overly seedy
• Ideal, spreadable texture, not too thick, artificial, or overprocessed
RUNNER-UP
Trappist
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Welch’s
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Big, distinct strawberry flavor
• Natural-tasting and not overwhelmingly sweet
• Thick and spreadable texture, not runny, slimy, or too smooth
RUNNERS-UP
Smucker’s and Smucker’s Simply Fruit Spreadable Fruit
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Maldon Sea Salt
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Light and airy texture
• Delicately crunchy flakes
• Not so coarse as to be overly crunchy or gritty nor so fine as to disappear
RUNNERS-UP
Fleur de Sel de Camargue, Morton Coarse Kosher, and Diamond Crystal Kosher
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITES
Borden Eagle Brand and Nestlé Carnation
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Made with whole milk; creamier in desserts and balances more assertive notes from other ingredients
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
McCormick Madagascar
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Moist, seed-filled pods
• Complex, robust flavor with caramel notes
RUNNER-UP
Spice Islands Bourbon
TEST KITCHEN FAVORITE
Brown Cow Cream Top Plain
WHY WE LIKE IT
• Rich, well-rounded flavor, not sour or bland
• Especially creamy, smooth texture, not thin or watery
• Higher fat content contributes to flavor and texture
RUNNER-UP
Stonyfield Farm Organic Plain