Author: An Uong

Memorial Day Weekend may be coming to a close, but some of our best-testing kitchen gear is still on sale. We wouldn’t want you to miss out on last-chance upgrades, whether you’re looking for a more precise coffee grinder or a feature-packed pizza oven. Williams Sonoma is still brimming with great deals you can grab, and we’ve rounded up the best ones. Save up to 40% off tried and true favorites like the Staub grill pan and Fellow temperature control electric kettle. 

Last-Minute Williams Sonoma Memorial Day Sales

• One of the Best Pellet Grills: Traeger Pro Series 780 Grill
• One of the Best Dutch Ovens: Le Creuset 6 3/4-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Wide Dutch Oven
• The Best Nugget Countertop Ice Maker: GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
• The Best Kitchen Shears: Shun Classic Kitchen Shears
• A Great Nakiri Knife: Global Classic 7-Inch Vegetable Knife
• The Best French Press: Fellow Clara French Press
• The Best Gooseneck Kettle: Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle
• The Best Coffee Grinder for Pour-Overs: Fellow Ode Gen 2 Brew Grinder
• A Great Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven: Ooni Karu 16 Pizza Oven
• The Best Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan: Staub Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan
• The Best Air Fryer: Instant Pot 6-Quart Vortex Plus Air Fryer

One of the Best Pellet Grills: 

Traeger Pro Series 780 Grill

Pellet grills offer the best of both worlds: You can grill or smoke your proteins based on what you’re craving. During our tests of 21 pellet grills, we found that the Traeger Pro 780 grill offered great smoke and flavor for a model under $1,000. It also has a digital control panel and now, it’s on sale for an even more attractive price at $200 off.

One of the Best Dutch Ovens: 

Le Creuset 6 3/4-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Wide Dutch Oven

It’s no secret that we love Le Creuset Dutch ovens. Over the years, they’ve held up in our home kitchens and at the test kitchen, consistently delivering even heating and browning, plus incredible heat retention. Right now, the wider model is 35% off, and it’s perfect for large roasts, whole chickens, and more.

The Best Nugget Countertop Ice Maker:

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker

Iced drinks season is upon us, and we are once again reminded that there are only so many cubes an ice tray can make. For folks who like to pile ice into their drinks all day long, the GE Profile 2.0 countertop nugget ice maker delivers. It can make just over a pound of pellet ice in an hour, and thankfully, the storage bin can hold up to three pounds of ice. Thanks to a detachable reservoir, you don’t have to worry about lifting the whole machine, which is 38 pounds and comes in at 14.8 inches by 11.3 inches by 14.1 inches. While normally it’s a bit of an investment for on-demand ice, the machine is still a rare $100 off.

The Best Kitchen Shears:

Shun Classic Kitchen Shears

During our tests of 12 shears, the best ones turned out to be the Shun Classic kitchen shears. This pair is super sharp, comfortable to hold, and has long blades (3.75 inches). It’s especially versatile thanks to the five additional features including a nutcracker, a jar opener, a bone notch, a bottle opener, and two screwdriver tips. You can also take it apart to easily clean the blades independently — a plus for busy home cooks. Grab the 20% off deal at Williams Sonoma.

A Great Nakiri Knife:

Global Classic 7-Inch Vegetable Knife

The Nakiri knife excels at slicing and dicing through denser vegetables like sweet potatoes or more delicate produce like eggplant. One of our favorites is the Global 7-inch vegetable knife, which has a squared off, Nakiri-style blade that’s super sharp and durable. Thankfully, the price is still slashed 23% on this model.

The Best French Press: 

Fellow Clara French Press

For French press coffee lovers out there, our favorite Fellow Clara French press is 20% off at Williams Sonoma. It has a sleek design, plus double-walled insulation that provides excellent heat retention to keep coffee hottest for longer. During our test, we found that the Clara produced smooth, nougat-like coffee and was an absolute pleasure to use. It has a 24-ounce capacity so you can keep pouring from it throughout the day.

The Best Gooseneck Kettle: 

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle

As burgeoning coffee enthusiasts become more serious about their routines, a gooseneck kettle is essential. Especially for pour-overs, being able to pour water slowly and smoothly more evenly saturates coffee grounds, ensuring a full-bodied flavor in the brew. We love the Fellow Stagg EKG electric gooseneck kettle thanks to its precise temperature control settings that remained accurate throughout our tests. In fact, you can control temperature down to the degree, from 135°F to 212°F. Fellow products rarely go on sale, so even 15% off makes it worth grabbing.

The Best Coffee Grinder for Pour-Overs:

Fellow Ode Gen 2 Coffee Grinder

The Fellow Ode Gen 2 grinder produced some of the most consistent grindings in our testing. It’s user friendly, has no static cling, and is impeccably stylish. Thanks to its vertically-oriented flat grinding burrs, which mimic high-end commercial grinders, the Ode Gen 2 yields impressive flavor clarity in each and every brew. It’s a whopping 30% off, a surefire sign that it’s time to upgrade your morning coffee once and for all.

A Great Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven:

Ooni Karu 16 Pizza Oven

Outdoor pizza is one of the best parts of warmer weather, and the Ooni Karu 16 is a powerful pizza oven that’s full of helpful features, like an internal temperature gauge, a glass door for faster heating, and its ability to use multiple fueling sources. You can use gas, wood, or charcoal with this model, and it takes only 25 minutes to reach 950°F, according to our tests.It even comes complete with a pizza stone diameter of 16 inches, so you can churn out family-sized pies all day long. Williams Sonoma has the Ooni Karu 16 on sale for 20% off, so grab one just in time for your dough to proof.

The Best Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan:

Staub Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan

Who says superb grilling can only be achieved outdoors? The Staub enameled cast iron grill pan grilled its competition during our tests thanks to sturdy cast iron construction and ridged design. It grilled sandwiches and chicken breast beautifully, and even left impressively charred grill marks on burger patties thanks to its .2-inch grates (there are 13 of them!) that are deeper than most. While we feel it’s worth the investment at its normal price, it’s $100 off right now.

The Best Air Fryer:

Instant Pot 6-Quart Vortex Plus Air Fryer

If there’s one thing we love here, it’s precision and control. The Instant Pot Vortex is an air fryer that offers those very features with its ability to set the temperature in 5-degree increments. It’s been our top air fryer pick since 2021, thanks to its large capacity (though you can choose between a 6-quart model or an 8-quart model) and a user-friendly control panel. Plus, it makes truly crispy fries and tender chicken wings that still have a crunch to them — what more could you ask for in an air fryer? Luckily, it’s still 23% off at Williams Sonoma.

FAQs

How long will the Williams Sonoma Memorial Day sale last?

While Memorial Day sales tend to end after, well, Memorial Day, there are times when deals are extended. We’ll keep an eye on sales as they develop and update this list accordingly.

What are other Memorial Day sales happening right now?

We have several Memorial Day roundups that include the best deals on some of our favorite gear, including the Vitamix 5200 blender and Weber gas grill.

Why We’re the Experts

• An Uong is a Commerce Writer for Serious Eats and Food & Wine.
• An spends her working hours scouring the internet for kitchen deals. She loves a good sale and will hold up a checkout line if she has coupons that need to be used.
  

As someone who spends my days testing kitchen equipment, I’ve gotten to find out what the best manual citrus juicer is or which vegetable peeler is fastest. It’s a blessing and a curse to know what the best of the best is, especially during sales, when there are deals on all of my favorite gear. And for Memorial Day, the sales are plentiful. Thankfully, I scoured through the sales to find the best deals on the best products that I think are actually worth buying, from our loved All-Clad skillet to the best Le Creuset Dutch oven. Plus, some items are up to 50% off. 

Editor’s Memorial Day Deal Picks:

• The Best Blender: Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender
• The Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Dutch Oven
• The Best Kitchen Towels: Zeppoli Classic Dish Towels
• The Best Instant Pot: Instant Pot Pro Pressure Cooker
• A Versatile Air Fryer: Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
• The Best Stainless Steel Sauce Pan: All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Sauce Pan
• The Best Immersion Blender: All-Clad Electrics Stainless Steel Immersion Blender
• The Best Budget Coffee Grinder: OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
• The Best Wood-Fired Pizza Oven: Ooni Fyra 12 Wood-Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven
• One of the Best Stainless-Steel Skillets: All-Clad 12-Inch Stainless Steel Skillet

The Best Blender: 

Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender

My professional-grade blender is one of my most beloved kitchen appliances. I reach for it nearly daily to make smoothies, soups, sauces, and more. Something like the Vitamix 5200 blender (our favorite of ten years) is worth the investment for all the time it will save you in the kitchen. This model has outperformed the rest time and time again thanks to its powerful motor and tapered jar that can hold up to 64 fluid ounces. Plus, it has an analog control panel with 10 speeds that offers plenty of control. The Vitamix 5200 is rarely on sale, so $135 off is a deal worth grabbing in my opinion. 

The Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven: 

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Dutch Oven

I’ve used almost every Dutch oven on the market, but I’m still eyeing this Le Creuset Dutch oven deal, because at 33% off, it’s too good to pass up. After six years of tests, the Le Creuset Dutch oven remains our top pick out of 20 models. This Dutch oven seared, sautéed, and slow-cooked effortlessly thanks to its even heat distribution and retention. The 5.5-quart capacity is ideal whether you’re cooking for yourself (with lots of leftovers) or for a crowd. At 11 pounds, it’s also lighter than the average Dutch oven we tested.

The Best Kitchen Towels: 

Zeppoli Classic Dish Towels, Set of 15

I love my dish towels — almost too much. They sop up all my messes, help me maneuver hot pots and pans with more dexterity, and last forever. As a believer that one can never have too many dish towels, I’m eyeing these Zeppoli classic dish towels. After testing 17 dish towels, we were impressed with how sturdy and absorbent the Zeppoli towels are. At just under $1 apiece, the price point is almost too good to be true — yet it is.

The Best Instant Pot: 

Instant Pot Pro Pressure Cooker

On evenings when I can’t bear to be at the stovetop, I’m thankful to have an Instant Pot that makes my weeknight dinner with a touch of a button. With it, I can make my favorite mushroom risotto in a fraction of the time. While it may feel like there’s an infinite number of Instant Pots out there, our rigorous tests revealed a top performer: the Instant Pot Pro. It pressurized the quickest, and was the best at searing and sautéeing. It also has a non-spinning stainless steel inner pot that stays still when you stir. Right now, the 6-quart model is a steep 30% off.

The Best Air Fryer: 

Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer

My mom and I bonded over shared custody of an air fryer for years. We made a lot of fries and even experimented with vegetarian “chicken” wings. Now that it’s time for me to get my own air fryer, I’m eyeing the Instant Vortex Plus, our top air fryer pick. The model fried its competition by consistently browning foods at the fastest speeds during our tests. Its touchscreen with knob control makes for a user-friendly interface and it offers six functions including air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. At 44% off, it’s a deal that will pay for itself when I’m enjoying restaurant-level fries at home.

The Best Stainless Steel Saucepan: 

All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Saucepan

I love my saucepan. It’s the unsung hero of my kitchen, cooking up custards, sauces, quick rice, and so much more over the 10+ years that I’ve had it. While it still has a few years left in it, I’m already planning an upgrade to one of our top saucepan picks, the All-Clad stainless steel saucepan. During our tests, the 3-ply stainless steel cooked evenly and was responsive to heat. The 3-quart model is a great size for most kitchens, and while All-Clad pieces are usually pricey, this 33% off deal has me more than intrigued.

The Best Immersion Blender: 

All-Clad Electrics Stainless Steel Immersion Blender

I love eating soup all year round, even during the height of summer, and my immersion blender is my partner in crime. Whether I’m making butternut squash soup or cream of mushroom, I love that I can blend directly in my stockpot with a handheld blender like the All-Clad stainless steel immersion blender. Through each round of testing, the All-Clad model powered through as the fastest and most efficient immersion blender. It crushed ice cubes, puréed celery, and emulsified mayo in seconds. Grab it for 30% off, then blend and blitz your way to new culinary heights.

The Best Budget Coffee Grinder: 

OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

The day I found out about grinding coffee with a burr grinder as opposed to using a bladed spice grinder, my coffee game changed. Using a high quality burr grinder gives me more control over how coarse or fine of a grind I want. I’ve been using a handheld burr grinder for years, but as I drink more coffee, I’m tempted by this OXO conical burr grinder that’s been our best budget coffee grinder pick for years. It has 15 settings, plus micro settings in between the numbers to achieve even more precise grinds. It’s already affordable, but it’s on extra sale at 20% off. 

The Best Wood-Fired Pizza Oven: 

Ooni Fyra 12 Wood-Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven

Pizza is one of my favorite foods, and if I could, I’d have it for dinner every night. The Ooni Fyra 12 outdoor pizza oven makes a strong argument for daily pizzas. It has a portable design that doesn’t take up too much space, but with a 12-inch stone diameter, it can still churn out shareable pizzas. Using wood pellets only, it can reach 950°F in 15 to 20 minutes and can cook a pizza in just over a minute. Now that it’s 30% off, it looks like I might just have my daily pizza afterall.

One of the Best Stainless-Steel Skillets: 

All-Clad 12-Inch Stainless Steel Skillet

A great stainless steel skillet lasts a lifetime. I’ve had my 10-inch skillet for years, and it still sears up tofu just as beautifully as the day I got it. As I look to add a 12-inch pan to my set, I’m eyeing the All-Clad 12-inch stainless steel skillet, one of our favorites after rounds of testing. It conducts and retains heat evenly and while it’s usually on the pricier side, it’s definitely worth grabbing now at a whopping 50% off.

FAQs

How long do Memorial Day sales last?

While a typical Memorial Day sale lasts through Memorial Day, which lands on May 27, 2024, some deals stay on for longer. We’ll keep this list updated.

Why We’re the Experts

• An Uong is a Commerce Writer for Serious Eats and Food & Wine.
• An has reviewed kitchen gear for years, and especially loved her Vietnamese coffee phin and jar scraper.

Over the years, we’ve tested nearly every piece of kitchen equipment under the sun, and we’re especially passionate about stainless steel cookware. From small saucepans to large rondeaus, our favorites rise to the top only after rigorous performance and durability tests. 

For years, Made In has continued to impress our editors with its stainless steel skillets, its stainless steel saucier, and its sauté pan. We even recommended its cookware set — a rarity for us, as we personally believe the best cookware set is the one you build yourself. While investing in high quality stainless steel cookware might seem like a splurge, Amazon has deals on Made In that we couldn’t help but notice, including $150 off one of our favorite dinnerware sets.

Editor’s Picks From Made In’s Memorial Day Weekend Sale

• The Best Stainless Steel Skillets: 3-Piece Stainless Steel Skillet Set
• A Great Stainless Steel Starter Cookware Set: 6-Piece Stainless Steel Set
• One of the Best Stainless Steel Rondeaus: Stainless Clad Rondeau
• A Great Butter Warmer: Stainless Steel Butter Warmer
• The Best Flatware Set: Stainless Steel Flatware for 4 Place Settings
• One of the Best Tabletop Dinnerware Sets: Complete Tabletop Set
• The Best Stoneware Pie Plate: 1.5-Quart Pie Dish
• The Best Small Platter: Stoneware Serving Platter

The Best Stainless Steel Skillets

3-Piece Stainless Steel Skillet Set

The Made In 10-inch and 12-inch skillets were top performers during our skillet tests. Their 5-ply construction meant quick and even heating that produced perfect crepes and beautifully seared chicken breasts. It was also comfortable to hold — something we can’t say about all stainless steel skillets. While each skillet is on sale independently, you can get the best deal on the 3-piece set at $30 off, which includes the 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch skillet.

A Great Stainless Steel Starter Cookware Set

6-Piece Stainless Steel Set

While we believe that the perfect cookware set is one you assemble yourself, we wanted to find the best options for those who might be starting out or replacing worn-out gear. Made In’s 6-piece stainless steel cookware set is $30 off and has the essentials, with the addition of a nonstick pan for more delicate cooking. All of the pieces heated evenly and the flared rims on the pots made for easy pouring.

One of the Best Stainless Steel Rondeaus

Stainless Clad Rondeau

A cross between a sauté pan and a brasier, the rondeau is a versatile piece of cookware that can sear, stew, shallow fry, slow cook, and more. During our tests, the Made In rondeau made flavorful beef stroganoff, perfectly braised chicken and cabbage, and was easy to maneuver despite its size. Half way between a shallow pot and a tall pan, it has a 12-inch diameter and 6-quart capacity, making it large enough to whip up one-pot meals for a crowd.

A Great Butter Warmer

Stainless Steel Butter Warmer

Made In’s 2-quart saucepan is our favorite from various tests of small saucepans, and while it isn’t on sale, it’s smaller sibling, the ¾-quart butter warmer, is. Sometimes, you just need a saucepan big enough to warm a bit of milk, melt a few tablespoons of butter, or or whip up the smallest amount of lemon curd. For those moments, the ¾-quart butter warmer is the perfect piece of cookware to complete small tasks with ease. Right now, you can save $10 on this little, but majorly helpful saucepan.

The Best Flatware Set

Made In Flatware for 4 Place Settings

During our tests, the Made In flatware set impressed us with its elegance, balance, and weight. The classic design is versatile enough to fit into any kitchen, and they’re durable enough to last year after year. They come with enough utensils for four place settings and right now, they’re $30 off.

One of The Best Tabletop Dinnerware Sets

Complete Tabletop Set

This porcelain set made in England comes with or recommended flatware set and serving platter. The glossy finish and optional colorful rims bring a touch of playfulness to the sturdy set, offering a great balance between classic elegance and modern flair. While it’s normally pricey for a complete set, it’s $150 off during Made In’s Memorial Day Sale.

The Best Stoneware Pie Plate

1.5-Quart Pie Dish

The Made In stoneware pie plate baked up a crisp, golden crust during our tests, and had sides deep enough for pies that have larger amounts of filling. Plus, the flat rim was helpful when it came to crimping pie edges in different designs. The 9-inch diameter rim to rim and generous 1.5-quart capacity makes it perfect for baking pies full of bright summer fruits, so grab this pie dish for $10 off. 

The Best Small Platter

Serving Platter

This serving platter was one of our favorites during testing thanks to its classic design that instantly made food feel fancier. The flared, raised edge also kept liquids contained and made scooping a breeze for easy serving. If you often find yourself hosting, or if you simply want to enhance your weeknight dinners, save $10 on the serving platter during Made In’s sale.

FAQs

Where are Made In’s products made?

The stainless steel cookware and flatware on this list are made in Italy and the stoneware is made in England.

How long will this sale last?

Made In’s Memorial Day sale is set to last through May 27, 2024. We’ll keep this article updated as we learn more about the sale.

Why We’re the Experts

• An Uong is a commerce writer for Serious Eats and Food & Wine.
• An has tested kitchen equipment for Serious Eats since 2022, including manual citrus juicers and vegetable peelers.
  

Memorial Day Weekend is a time for rest, relaxation, lots of good food, and yes — deals. Since we test kitchen equipment and tools year-round, any opportunity to snag one of our favorite blenders, espresso machines, or air fryers at a discounted price is worth celebrating. 

With Memorial Day nearly upon us, Amazon is already filled with deals on equipment and tools that we’ve loved and recommended for years. From the Vitamix 5200 professional-grade blender to the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE, we’ve rounded up our favorite deals. Because really, who doesn’t love a sale on All-Clad cookware?

Editor’s Picks:

• A Top-Performing Stainless Steel Skillet: All-Clad D3 3-Ply 12-Inch Stainless Steel Fry Pan
• One of the Best Saucepans: All-Clad D3 3-Ply 3-Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan
• The Best Two-Burner Gas Grill: Weber Spirit II 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
• The Best Blender: Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender
• The Best Air Fryer: Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer
• A Sleek and Reliable Pizza Oven: Gozney Roccbox Pizza Oven
• The Best Espresso Machine for Beginners: Breville Barista Express Impress
• The Best Swedish Dishcloths: Swedish Wholesale Dishcloth, 10-Pack
• The Best Instant-Read Thermometer: ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE
• The Best Budget Chef’s Knife: Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Millennia Chef's Knife

A Top-Performing Stainless Steel Skillet:

All-Clad D3 3-Ply 12-Inch Stainless Steel Fry Pan

During our tests, the All-Clad 3-ply skillet heated evenly, seared beautifully, and withstood everything we threw at it. While All-Clad is usually a bit on the pricier side, we deemed it “worthy of the top spot, especially when the price tag dips.” The good news is, the price has indeed dropped — you can get it at a whopping 46% off.

One of the Best Saucepans:

All-Clad D3 3-Ply 3-Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan

Heat-responsive and easy to clean, the All-Clad D3 3-ply saucepan was our splurge pick for saucepans, but it’s on sale for 33% off right now. The saucepan is a workhorse that can make a great pot of rice, brown butter consistently, and evenly cook pastry cream. We’re big fans of All-Clad in general, and think its cookware is especially worth grabbing when it’s discounted.

The Best Two-Burner Gas Grill: 

Weber Spirit II 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill

For those with small backyards or patio areas, we named the Weber Spirit II 2-burner grill the best compact gas grill, and it’s on sale at nearly 20% off. It’s the smaller version of our overall best pick, with a total surface cooking area of 20.32 inches by 17.5 inches. For its smaller size, it has exceptional heat retention and can still comfortably grill for a smaller crowd. 

The Best Blender: 

Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender

We’ve loved Vitamix blenders for years, and the Vitamix 5200 professional-grade blender has been our top-performer every time we’ve put it to the test. For 10 years, it’s been our favorite thanks to its powerful motor that excels at turning the stickiest, most fibrous ingredients into smooth and creamy purées. Vitamix blenders rarely go on sale, so grab this one for $150 off while you still can.

The Best Air Fryer: 

Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer

For days when you don’t want to go near a stovetop or oven, it’s useful to have a multitasking air fryer that can broil, dehydrate, roast, reheat, bake, and of course, fry, to perfection. We’ve loved the Instant Pot Vortex air fryer since we first tested it in 2021. Across all of the tests, it achieved the best crisp on frozen fries, homemade fries, chicken wings, and was a breeze to clean. With the onsite coupon, it’s a solid 20% off.

A Sleek and Reliable Pizza Oven:

Gozney Roccbox Pizza Oven

Memorial Day Weekend marks the official start of al fresco dining season. As far as outdoor pizza ovens go, the Gozney Roccbox pizza oven has been one of our top picks for years, and it’s 20% off through Memorial Day Weekend. Simply put, it’s easy to use, reliable, and can hit 900ºF in just 30 minutes.

The Best Espresso Machine for Beginners:

Breville Barista Express Impress

The world of espresso machines can be intimidating, but the Breville Barista Express Impress is an incredibly approachable machine for making espresso at home. We named this model the best machine for beginners since it comes with a built-in grinder, an automatic portioning system, and an assisted tamping lever. For those who want to hit the ground running with quality espresso at home without any fuss, the Breville Barista Express Impress is a great option, and it’s currently 20% off.

Swedish Wholesale Dishcloth, 10-Pack

Swedish dishcloths are a secret tool to defeat kitchen messes of any kind, and we recommended these Swedish Wholesale dishcloths for their superior absorbency, affordability, and quick air-drying time. They’re also machine-washable, so after you sop up a spill, just toss it in the machine. Right now, they’re even more budget-friendly at just $13 for a 10-pack. 

The Best Instant-Read Thermometer: 

ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE

We’re serious about food safety, and nothing beats our favorite instant-read thermometer, the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE. It works quickly (2 to 3-second read times) and has a rotating display plus adjustable probe for ultimate versatility when you’re temping over a sizzling skillet or smokey grill. Right now, you can grab one on the ThermoWorks site for 20% off.

The Best Budget Chef’s Knife: 

Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Millennia Chef's Knife

A quality chef’s knife is essential to every kitchen, and the Mercer Culinary chef’s knife is a great budget option for those looking for a sturdy knife they can knock around. While it’s not our top knife, it’s still impressively sharp and very light, making it easy to work with for burgeoning cooks who are finessing their knife skills. At 45% off the already affordable price, it’s now even more of a steal.

Wading through the wide world of espresso at home can be overwhelming. There are coffee scales, espresso grinders, knock boxes, and even water filters to explore as you fine-tune your process. But more important than anything else, you’ll need a good espresso machine. The ideal at-home espresso machine should be user-friendly, consistent, and capable of producing a high-quality espresso shot with little fuss. 

It might seem impossible for one espresso machine to achieve all of that without costing you thousands of dollars, but the Breville Bambino Plus ticks off all of the boxes, and more, making it our top pick since we first started reviewing espresso machines in 2021. Better yet, it’s on sale for 20% off, but only for a limited time. 

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

During our test of 22 espresso machines, the Breville Bambino Plus held its own against models twice its size, and as a compact machine (7.6 inches by 12.5 inches by 12.2 inches), it doesn’t take up too much counter space. It was quick to heat — in fact, it could get water up to brewing temperature in just three seconds.. Plus, once it was at temperature, its precise temperature control feature kept water at a consistent 200ºF for every shot we pulled.   

For a machine that pulled impressive, cafe-quality espresso pulls throughout our tests, it was easy to use thanks to its simple, intuitive interface (no fiddling around with knobs and levers!). Plus, it has an automatic steam wand that makes silky smooth milk at three different temperature and foam level options. 

Its excellent espresso performance combined with its user-friendly design makes the Breville Bambino Plus an ideal home espresso option for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Breville espresso machines rarely go on sale, so grab it for $100 off while you can.

FAQs

How do I get started with making espresso at home?

Our espresso 101 guide goes through all the essential tools, terms, and techniques for hitting the ground running on your espresso journey.

How do I clean a Breville Bambino Plus?

On the day-to-day, you should purge and wipe the steam wand after every use, flush the machine’s group head to avoid the buildup of coffee grounds, and clean the portafilter and basket. The Breville Bambino Plus also has helpful cleaning instructions printed on the back of its removable water reservoir.

What espresso tool upgrades should I make?

Once you’ve got the essentials down, there are a few ways to finesse your espresso process even further. Our guide in how to get the most out of your espresso machine covers our upgrade recommendations for portafilters, tampers, scales, and even water.

What beans should I use with an espresso machine?

While you can use regular coffee beans, there are espresso blends designed specifically for brewing balanced shots.

Why We’re The Experts

• An Uong is a Commerce Writer for Serious Eats and Food & Wine.
• An is married to an ex-barista who’s talked her ear off about all things related to espresso machines and espresso pulling.
• We’ve tested espresso machines for years, and the Breville Bambino Plus continues to be our favorite semi-automatic, small model, and even bested other Breville models.
  

Our most beloved brands hold top spots in our hearts for good reason. Through endless hours of frying, sautéing, braising, grilling, baking, and more, we’ve found that our favorites are high-performing and long-lasting, meaning they’ll produce a perfectly seared steak or beautifully crusted loaf of bread for decades to come. These are heirloom pieces that sometimes come with heirloom prices, but thankfully, Williams Sonoma’s Spring Cookware Event has marked down quite a few of our top picks, up to 47% off. Our editors have been eyeing the catalog and named a few standout deals that they’d snag for themselves or gift to another.

Over the years, these pieces have outperformed the competition time and time again, and they look good doing it, too. If you’ve been stashing away coffee money to invest in your own enameled Dutch oven, stainless steel pan, or cast iron skillet, you’re in luck. These items are currently on steep sale over at Williams Sonoma’s biggest sale of the season.

The Best Cookware Deals from Williams Sonoma’s Spring Sale

• The Best Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven: Le Creuset 6 3/4-Quart Enameled Round Wide Dutch Oven
• The Best Stainless Steel Braiser: Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Stainless Steel Braiser
• The Best Stainless Steel Saucepan: All-Clad 3-Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan
• The Best Cast Iron Grill Pan: Staub Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan
• The Best Enameled Cast Iron Braiser: Staub 3.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Everything Braiser
• The Best Enameled Cast Iron Skillet: Le Creuset 10-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Deep Skillet
• The Best Stainless Steel Fry Pan: All-Clad 10-Inch D3 Stainless Steel Covered Fry Pan
• The Best Stovetop Kettle: Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle

Le Creuset 6 3/4-Quart Enameled Round Wide Dutch Oven

“I am DEEPLY a sucker for a Le Creuset Dutch oven on sale,” says Executive Editorial Director Tess Koman, who singled out the Le Creuset Wide Dutch Oven. While the traditional Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Round Dutch Oven is our all-time tried-and-true love, the Le Creuset Wide Dutch Oven offers all the same capabilities as the round model, plus a wider cooking surface for browning foods more thoroughly before slow simmering or braising. The enamel’s light interior is also helpful to keep track of how well-done your food is. Its versatility also means you can cook on the stove-top or put it in the oven, as it’s oven-safe up to 500°F. Right now, it’s an incredible 35% off at Williams Sonoma.

Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Stainless Steel Braiser

We do love a multitasking piece of cookware here at Serious Eats. That’s why the Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Stainless Steel Braiser, currently 20% off, caught the eye of our Culinary Editor Genevieve Yam (“I love dual-purpose cookware!)” who highlighted that this braiser also doubles as a steamer with the included insert. As a braiser, it can easily go from stovetop to oven, so you can whip together weeknight baked pasta or a comforting veggie casserole. When it comes to steaming, you can put on the insert for steamed buns or pumpkin custard. Thanks to its insulated walls, it can keep your food warm at 150°F for up to 90 minutes. 

All-Clad 3-Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan

As someone who’s still somehow holding on to my hand-me-down saucepans, I’m eager to take Editorial Director Daniel Gritzer’s advice: “Always nice to grab a saucepan if you need one!” Saucepans are an unsung hero in the kitchen. From making rice to browning butter, the All-Clad 3-Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan was one of our best picks when we tested over 10 saucepans. It was heat-responsive and easy to clean, showing high performance with even the most delicate test: whipping up a batch of pastry cream. Good news, this small-but-mighty upgrade to your kitchen is 40% off right now.

Staub Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan

While we’ve tested upwards of 42 grills across charcoal, gas, and pellet models (not to mention the portable ones), there’s always a place for the trusty grill pan in our hearts. Commerce Editor Rochelle Bilow, who lives in an apartment with no outdoor space for grilling, loves the small footprint of a grill pan that can sear and sizzle evenly without needing the firepower of a grill. In our review of grill pans, the Staub Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan produced beautiful grill marks on all of our tests. “No, a steak cooked on a grill pan won't have that campfire-y flavor, but it will have gorgeous grill marks and an enviable crust—without the annoying cleanup,” says Rochelle. “In my book, Staub's grill pan earns extra points for its color selection (that lilac glaze!).” So if you still want to be able to have a grilling experience, but without the grill, you can grab the Staub Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan for 36% off right now.

Staub 3.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Everything Braiser

It’s not every day that you’ll see a Staub Enameled Cast Iron Braiser on sale for 42% off. We’ve been long-time fans of the Staub braiser for its longevity, as it’s the most durable braiser model we’ve ever tested. A cross between a Dutch oven and a skillet, braisers offer the ability to shallow-fry, roast, sear, simmer, and more.  “The Staub braiser is one of my favorites,” says Senior Commerce Editor Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm. “Its black enameled interior looks good as new after many cooking sessions, and its upturned, wide handles are nice to hold onto.”

Le Creuset 10-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Deep Skillet

A great skillet will last forever through years of potato hashes, casseroles, and even chocolate cakes. We’ve tested dozens of cast iron skillets to find the best ones, and the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet rose to the top in our review of enameled cast iron skillets for its high heat retention and even heat distribution. In our tests, it made a perfect steak, released fried eggs beautifully, and baked up a golden skillet cornbread. For the Williams Sonoma Spring Sale, it’s currently 20% off.

All-Clad 10-Inch D3 Stainless Steel Fry Pan

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of All-Clad cookware, but we realize this brand may not always be within budget. Out of all our skillet tests, the All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Fry Pan has consistently stood with its exceptional heat conduction and durability. It’s also induction-friendly, and currently on sale with the steepest discount in Williams Sonoma’s Spring Sale, at 47% off. In our tests, the pan beautifully seared skin-on chicken, sautéed vegetables evenly, and deglazed and reduced liquid quickly.

Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle

If you’re a classic kettle type, the Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle came out as one of the fastest-boiling models when we tested stovetop kettles. It boiled water lighting fast, tying for first place at boiling 1.5 quarts of water but shooting ahead by 30 seconds when it came to .75 quarts. We also appreciated the 3/4-inch spout which made pouring hot water easy (and safe!). It comes in a lovely variety of colorways, and right now, it’s on sale at 20% off.

It doesn’t matter how you soak up the outdoors. Whether you’re a cabin lover, campground regular, or fair-weather camper, eating a well-made meal outside is a universal joy. For some, that looks like putting a hot dog on the sharpened end of a branch. For others, it could be a finely seared steak or perfectly caramelized vegetable skewers. 

If you’re just starting out on your culinary adventure in the woods and want to make grilled meals that impress without having to fiddle with complicated knobs or levers, the editor-tested Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture Gas Grill will be your go-to this camping season. No larger than a picnic basket, this model is easy to pack up and transport without compromising on the quality of its grilling. If you’re putting together your camp kitchen setup for the season, snag the Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture Gas Grill while it’s still on sale for 20% off on Amazon.

Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture Gas Grill

Why It Won Our Review

In our test of seven portable gas grills, the Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture Gas Grill received top marks for, well, its impressive marks. The model had great searing ability despite its small, camping-friendly size. It’s quick to pack up and set up, plus it comes with a little wooden cutting board that doubles as a lid. The design also allows for storing a small propane tank underneath the firebox, making it easy to transport everything as a single unit. 

A truly fine example of form and function, the grill performs just as well as it looks. Through grilling onion rounds, burgers, steaks, and even fish filets, the cast iron grates produced an “enviably golden-brown sear” despite the varying heat in some spots that resulted in extra char (although, who doesn’t like a bit of Maillard Reaction on overtime?). While it typically costs $210, you can grab it for $167 in rare sale over at Amazon.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 13 x 16.25 x 10.75” ‎
• Grate material: Porcelain enameled cast-iron
• Cooking area: 154 square inches
• Weight: 20.6 pounds
• Heat capacity: 9,000 BTU
• Special features: Includes removable cutting board, carrying strap, removable drip tray, and small propane tank storage base

FAQs

What kind of propane tank is compatible with the Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture Gas Grill?

This model can accommodate a 1-pound propane tank and does not have an adapter for larger tanks.

How do you clean a Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture Gas Grill?

Keeping your grill clean is critical to the longevity of your grill. Cuisinart recommends hand-washing the grill grate with a mild cream cleaner on a non-abrasive pad where necessary. It should be dried thoroughly after washing so as to avoid rusting on the cast iron grates. For the grill body, Cuisinart recommends removing grease with a soft plastic or wooden scraper. Additionally, you can remove the burner to clean the body more fully using hot soapy water and a cloth or nylon-bristled brush only.

What kind of gas can be used with the Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture Gas Grill?

You should only use liquid propane (LP) gas. Do not use natural gas or any other fuel source for this model.

How do you light the Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture Gas Grill?

Once you’ve attached the liquid propane gas tank to the grill, the Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture Gas Grill has a single knob for ease of operation. You simply push the gas control knob in and turn it counterclockwise until you hear a click.

Why We’re The Experts

• An Uong is a commerce writer for Serious Eats.
• An is a camper of 10+ years who’s had her fair share of poorly executed campside meals. Don’t worry, she’s since perfected her camp kitchen setup.
• We tested seven portable gas grill models to evaluate their ability to sear, ease of transport, and more. The Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture Gas Grill was among our favorites, especially for campers.
  

When I was a kid, I was always sniffing around my mom’s morning cup of coffee. Her ritual included pouring a thin layer of condensed milk into her cup then adding in her hot coffee, mixing it all gently with a spoon until she had her perfect cup. I grew up around this specific combination of strong coffee and sugary sweet condensed milk, yet never made my own until getting a phin filter from Nguyen Coffee Supply. Phins are simple and approachable, yet yield a high-quality brew that’s perfect for anyone to enjoy.

Slowing down to take in a cup of coffee with a friend or just yourself is built into Vietnam’s cafe culture. Introduced to the country during French colonization, coffee has taken on its own life in Vietnam, which has grown to become the second-largest coffee exporter in the world after Brazil. The French also brought with them the phin, which has graced cafe tables for generations and has now entered mainstream artisanal coffee culture.

What Is a Phin?

You can think of a phin as a mashup of a pourover and a French press. It usually comes in four stainless steel parts that include a plate, the body, a press disk, and the lid. The plate and the bottom of the body are perforated and everything (if you get the 12-ounce size) easily sits on top of most cups, mugs, or thermoses you’ll find in your cupboards. 

How to Use a Phin

To prepare a single serving of coffee with a phin, simply put the plate and body of the phin over your drinking container of choice and add two tablespoons of ground coffee. Then, cover the grounds with the press disc and add hot water until it fills the body of the phin. Put on the lid, and wait a moment as your coffee drips down. If you want, you can even add another round of water to get more from your coffee grounds. As you continue to use the phin, you can easily adjust the amount of grounds and water to your own liking.

You can enjoy your coffee however you like it—with a splash of milk, sweetened with honey or sugar, or do it the Vietnamese way and add condensed milk for a thicker sweetness that brings a whole other layer to your coffee experience. The truth is, there’s no wrong way to do it—that’s the beauty of a phin. Plus, cleaning is an absolute breeze as the parts are very easy to wash either by hand or in the dishwasher.

Wait—What’s Vietnamese Coffee?

Many people may think of Vietnamese coffee as any coffee plus condensed milk. While that’s partly true, it’s not the whole truth. Vietnamese coffee is traditionally made with Robusta beans, which come from plants that are hardier and therefore easier to cultivate in mass quantities. However, you won’t often see single-origin Robusta beans in store aisles as they’re usually bulk exported and put into large, name-brand blends of beans and instant coffee. When brewed on their own, Robusta beans produce a strong, rich flavor with complex notes that haven’t been celebrated until recently.

Vietnam has only entered the zeitgeist of artisanal coffee in recent years, as several budding Vietnamese entrepreneurs have made it their mission to carve out a place for Vietnamese beans and coffee traditions, including the phin.

Why I Love the Nguyen Coffee Supply Vietnamese Phin Filter

The Nguyen Coffee Supply phin is minimalist and utilitarian in all the best ways. Made from all stainless steel parts, the phin comes in three sizes: four ounces, 12 ounces, and 24 ounces. So whether you’re looking to make your own small cup each morning or you’re brewing a batch for guests, the sizes have you covered. The 4-ounce and 12-ounce models also make for great traveling coffee solutions if you’re the type of person who wants a trustworthy cup of coffee in your hotel room or at the campground. 

In truth, there isn’t a whole lot of variety to different phin models. They all have the same parts more or less, and the Nguyen Coffee Supply stays true to the most traditional style of a Vietnamese coffee phin filter. Plus, if you want to explore Robusta beans, Nguyen Coffee Supply also sells single-origin Robusta beans, which are produced in collaboration with a fourth-generation farmer in Vietnam. Grab a bag of beans and a phin, and you’ll unlock an in-phin-nite amount of new ways to enjoy your coffee.

FAQs

What do you need to use a Phin filter?

The phin is a perfect coffee brewing solution for any level of coffee know-how. You don’t have to be an expert to use it, and the high-quality output can be enjoyed by anyone. For days when you want a simpler brewing process, or if you find yourself away from your usual brewing tools, the phin is a perfect substitute. Plus, if you want to have Vietnamese-style coffee, it’s better to use a phin. It’s not just about adding condensed milk, but rather the whole process of slowing down to take part in the phin ritual from start to finish.

Is a phin filter a pourover?

In theory—yes! It works very similarly to a pourover in that you add water into the device holding your grounds and your coffee slowly drips down. However, some differences include the press disc, which evenly distributes the water for you so you don’t have to hone in on a pouring technique. Plus, you can skip the paper filters.

What is the coffee ratio for a phin filter?

In general, it’s recommended to start with a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:2. This can be easily adjusted depending on how light or dark you like your brew.

Why We’re the Experts 

• An Uong is a writer and recipe tinkerer whose work “whose work orbits themes of pop culture, food, and Vietnamese-American womanhood.” 
• She has written numerous stories for Serious Eats, including a review of vegetable peelers, manual juicers, and a piece on reusable silicone covers.