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The holidays are upon us, and if you’re planning to host Thanksgiving dinner this year, you’re probably already mapping out the menu, hunting down the best ingredients, and, let’s face it, preparing for a few inevitable kitchen disasters. After all, cooking a feast fit for family and friends requires more than just a Pinterest-worthy recipe—it requires the kind of cookware that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Michelin-starred kitchen. The problem? The best cookware pieces often come with a price tag that could rival the cost of your entire grocery list. But don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered.
If you are down to shell out the cash, we’re here to inform you that investing in these kitchen essentials not only elevates your cooking game but might actually make hosting feel a little less chaotic. Sure, it’s not cheap, but the right tools can make you look like a culinary genius (and avoid sending your guests straight to the takeout apps). So, whether you’re an aspiring chef or just trying to survive the holidays with your sanity intact, these are the luxury pieces our own staffers use (who are not pros, FYI) that’ll have you cooking *like* a pro. Yes, chef!
The cookware *actually* worth your cash, according to staffers
Made In 12" Stainless Clad Frying Pan — $129.00
“After years of buying the cheapest nonstick pans I could find (some of which only lasted a year, while others I’ve had since college), I knew it was time for an upgrade. I wanted to find a large frying pan that’s not only built to last but made with high-quality materials I can trust.
Made In’s 12-inch stainless-clad frying pan fits that bill. It cooks food more evenly and quickly than my previous nonstick pans and is also super easy and low-effort to clean (just soak in warm, soapy water and lightly rinse!). It’s also got just the right amount of heft to it—not too light that it’s shifting around on the burner, but not too heavy to pick up. I broke it in on the first night with homemade chili!” – Allison Forsyth, Senior Health Editor
Read our Made In Cookware CeramiClad review here.
Benchmade Station Knife — $320.00
“I had the opportunity to see Benchmade’s kitchen cutlery in action at a media dinner this fall, and I cannot express enough how amazing these knives are. If you’re a serious home chef that wants a knife that cuts through ingredients like butter, the Station Knife is for you. It’s expensive, no doubt. But the quality is top-notch.
Benchmade blades are all lasercut from premium stainless steel and paired with featherlight handles to give you comfortable control while you chop, slice, and dice. They’re all hand-assembled and sharpened in Bend, Oregon with the utmost precision and care. And if they do get dull, the brand has frees sharpening services for the life of the knife. So, yeah, it’s expensive. But when you really widdle down (lol) what you’re paying for over the life of a tool you use every day, it’s worth every penny.”— Francesca Krempa, Commerce Editor
Viking PerformanceTi 3 Quart Sauce Pan with Lid — $230.00
“I’m not a *good* cook, so stainless steel has always intimidated me, which is why I was hesitant to cook with Viking’s PerformanceTi series. Thankfully it’s foolproof, thanks to its aluminum core and inner titanium layer that gives it a nonstick surface minus any chemicals or coatings. When heated, the laser-clad surface of the titanium allows for ample heat distribution and nonstickiness, so food slides around and clean-up is easy. This titanium surface is tough as nails (680x tougher than stainless steel, to be exact) and scratch-resistant, so no worrying about metal spatulas or forks ruining the surface. It’s 100% worth your coin, but just make sure to season it properly before first use to activate its slippery surface,” – Krempa
Great Jones The Dutchess — $180.00
“I like to cook large meals on weekdays to save myself time, and the only pot that can handle the job is this Dutch oven. It holds a lot. I recently used it to make eight hefty servings of arroz caldo, my favorite chicken and rice porridge, that lasted throughout the week. Its tall walls keep everything where I want it—in the pot and off my clothes—and the enamel-coated interior is easy to clean. You can also clean it in the dishwasher, but my machine is too small for the pot’s size. Yes, it’s big, and while I lack the space to store it out of sight, I don’t mind leaving it on my stovetop. It’s the most handsome piece of kitchenware I own,” – Danielle Calma, Commerce Writer
Caraway Fry Pan Duo — $280.00
“I’m a huge Caraway fan—shout-out to the brand’s food storage sets and organizers—and the fry pan duo is no exception. This set comes with a 10.5-inch pan and an eight-inch pan, which are both great for sauteing veggies, cooking up stir-fries, preparing eggs and proteins, and so much more. They’re lightweight enough to be easily maneuvered around but sturdy enough to feel really luxe, and they feature a non-toxic, non-stick coating that is SO easy to clean.
Another great bonus is that they are oven-safe up to 550°, so you can pop them in the oven to finish up cooking or keep your food warm. I have the black-and-gold colorway, which is from the Iconics collection, but truly any color would make a great addition to your kitchen,” – Katie Maguire, Senior Commerce Director
Goldilocks Cookware Set Plus — $225.00
“I was looking to replace my hodgepodge of mismatched pans that had seen better days. I was eyeing another stainless 12-inch pan, but I came across this set that was around the same price for a full set instead of just one pan. I actually got it as a gift and it’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.
I love having a proper sauce pot, lids that fit, and especially love the roomy 12-inch skillet. Our food always cooks evenly and the pan heats well and quickly—even my husband who doesn’t cook often noticed the difference. The pots and pans clean easily, can go in the dishwasher (on occasion), and are simple to clean by hand. Overall this is a great set for the price,” – Jessica Willison Reyes, Commerce Business Manager
Smithey 3.5 Quart Dutch Oven — $225.00
“Smithey crafts pieces that truly feel like an heirloom. Dutch ovens are always such a hefty piece of kitchen equipment so I’m happy to keep it out on my stovetop to double as decor. We’ve tested it out with some fall roasts and even movie night popcorn, it pairs well with my induction stovetop, cooking evenly and fast. I recommend seasoning it a few times before you use,” – Jenna Gibson, VP, Creative
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