Buying guides for the home & kitchen
Home & kitchen, explained
Plain-language guides to help you choose common kitchen products. Price-sorted picks (under $25, $50, and $100) are coming next.
- 26 guides
- 6 topics
- Free to read
- Plain language
No jargon. Each guide explains what to look for before you buy.
- No made-up reviews
We do not publish ratings or claim to have tested products.
- Open about funding
Some links may earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Browse by topic
- Small Appliances Air fryers, blenders, kettles, and other countertop helpers 8 guides
- Cookware & Bakeware Pans, pots, bakeware, and how to care for them 4 guides
- Tools & Prep Knives, cutting boards, scales, and everyday tools 6 guides
- Storage & Organization Containers, pantry, and drawer organization 2 guides
- Home & Cleaning Vacuums, irons, and household helpers 4 guides
- Gifts & Basics Ideas and starting points for people who cook 2 guides
Popular buying guides
See all 26 guides →- Gift Ideas for People Who Cook
How to choose a kitchen gift, with ideas sorted by how big a gift you want to give.
- Glass vs. Plastic Food Storage Containers
How glass and plastic food storage containers differ, and what to check on lids, seals, and labels.
- How to Choose a Chef's Knife
The features that matter in a chef's knife, from blade shape and steel to handle comfort and upkeep.
- How to Choose a Coffee Maker or Electric Kettle
The main types of coffee makers and electric kettles, and the features that affect everyday use.
- How to Choose a Vacuum Cleaner
The main types of vacuum cleaners and the features to compare, from floor type to filters and storage.
- How to Choose an Air Fryer
What an air fryer does, the main design differences, and the practical things worth checking before you buy one.
- How to Choose Nonstick Pans and a Dutch Oven
What to look for in a nonstick pan and a Dutch oven, including materials, cooktop compatibility, and care.
- Kitchen Essentials for Your First Kitchen
A practical starting list of tools and cookware for a first kitchen, and how to add to it over time.
- Slow Cooker, Pressure Cooker, or Multi-Cooker?
How slow cookers, electric pressure cookers, and multi-cookers differ, and what to check before you buy.
Coming next
Kitchen finds, sorted by budget
We are building price-sorted picks so you can start from what you want to spend.
- Under $25
- Under $50
- Under $100
Missing a guide you need? Tell us what to cover.