On a quest to brew the perfect cup of joe, your focus may understandably fall on selecting the right roasts, upgrading equipment, and refining technique over time. However, one of the most important variables is often overlooked entirely – the water itself.

Even with the best coffee makers, the mineral composition of your water can have a significant impact on flavour and aroma, and it can vary not only by location but even seasonally. That’s why serious coffee enthusiasts often turn to mineral-enhancing packets such as Third Wave Water, available from Amazon, to help ensure consistency cup after cup.

'The role water quality plays in flavor and aroma is often overlooked,' notes Heather Perry, two-time US Barista Champion and CEO of Klatch Coffee. 'Coffee is, after all, almost completely water.' Here’s what she recommends for achieving the best possible brew, every time.

How Mineral Packets Can Drastically Improve Home Coffee

If, when you make coffee at home, it never quite tastes as it does at the coffee shop, even when using the same beans and the best non-toxic coffee makers, it may be your water to blame.

Heather explains, 'Municipal quality and mineral content can vary wildly depending on the source and geographic location, which affects the finished cup. Worse, it sometimes contains contaminants.

'In high volume cafes, business owners invest heavily in water filtration and treatment to ensure consistency and high quality, especially across multiple locations,' she notes.

Packet mineral treatments offer a fantastic alternative to these industrial systems. When using the best home water filters to treat distilled water (available at Walmart), mineral packets 'add back' key minerals in just the right amounts for the resulting brew.

It is worth noting that for most of the US, water from your faucet is usually safe to drink and safe for use in coffee machines. That being said, a study by the Environmental Working Group found evidence of several pollutants across the country that may affect your coffee, but most importantly, your health. As a result, they have put together an EWG tap water checker for you to check your local zip-code supply.

Switching to treated water, such as distilled or filtered, and adding mineral packets is a great way to be on the safe side when it comes to both your body and your appliances.

It is quick, simple, and contaminant-free. Plus, this method of brewing is a fantastic way to prevent limescale, prolonging its lifespan, preserving taste, and making cleaning a coffee maker more streamlined. What's not to love?

What to Shop

'Third Wave Water is one such product we recommend,' Heather shares. 'Home brewers can add it to distilled or reverse osmosis water to create water that perfectly fits within the Specialty Coffee Association's (SCA) guidelines for improved flavor, ideal for home coffee preparation.'

We’ve selected some of their most popular formulations, along with a few additional accessories, to help you achieve a consistently café-quality brew at home.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

if you coffee still doesn't taste quite right, brush up on how to choose coffee beans to refine your selection and ensure you are using the correct roast for every brewing method.

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Outdoor lighting takes center stage on your home’s facade. Whether it’s flanking the front door, illuminating the path that leads guests in, or casting a glow over the garden at night, the right fixtures do more than add safety and convenience. They enhance your home’s exterior in a way that feels polished, warm, and welcoming.

When you’re choosing your outdoor lighting, as such a visible and important design element, starting with the right retailer makes all the difference. Here, we've narrowed down our go-to brands and stores, broken down by price point and specialty, to set you down the right, well-lit path.

Luxury Outdoor Lighting

From period-inspired sconces to statement-making outdoor chandeliers, these retailers promise high-end, high-style lighting that's worth the investment.

Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation is a go-to source for exterior lighting that looks like it’s always been there; in other words, high-quality pieces that take reference from classic fixtures and historic architecture. You’ll find industrial-inspired gooseneck sconces, lantern lighting with a French Provincial feel, and colonial-era pendants reimagined for today.

Many pieces are customizable in size and finish, which is rare at this price point and makes it a strong choice for buyers who want something that feels considered rather than off-the-shelf.

Best for: Customized outdoor lighting, classic and midcentury styles

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 5-7 business days, custom orders take 2-4 weeks

Restoration Hardware

For modern statement lighting that can hold its own against intricate architecture or a substantial facade, it’s hard to beat RH. Think oversized lanterns, iron-and-crystal outdoor chandeliers, and sleek, contemporary sconces that enhance the overall design of your home’s exterior.

The collection also includes lighting collaborations with creatives like master glass artist Alison Berger and interior designers Timothy Oulton and Jonathan Browning, which gives many of the pieces a more distinctive, high-design feel.

Best for: Statement lighting that feels special

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 7-10 business days, custom orders take 12-24 weeks

Frontgate

If you're after timeless, well-made outdoor lighting but don't want to scroll through pages of options, Frontgate is a smart place to shop. The collection of outdoor wall sconces, pendants, and path lighting is relatively small, but it's thoughtfully curated, with classic silhouettes and polished finishes that feel traditional in the best way.

Best for: Classic fixtures and finishes, reliable quality

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 3-7 business days

Ferguson Home

Ferguson is less of a brand and more of a destination. The site carries an exceptionally wide selection from some of the most recognized names in lighting, like Currey & Co., Hinkley, and Visual Comfort. If you’re lucky enough to live near one of their 250+ showrooms nationwide, seeing the lighting in person can streamline decision-making, especially if you’re trying to coordinate existing fixtures or finishes.

Best for: High-end brand selection

Price positioning: $-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items ship in 1-3 business days

Design-Forward Lighting Specialists

These retailers focus specifically on lighting, so you’ll typically find a wider range of styles, along with more specialized fixtures and landscape lighting options.

Pooky Lighting

Exterior lighting can often feel a little limited, style-wise, but Pooky breaks the mold with an outdoor collection that prioritizes design personality over predictable basics. You’ll find sage green lantern pendants, Art Deco-inspired lights with laser-cut details, and cast-brass downlights inspired by ships' funnels. It’s an especially good option if you're after outdoor lighting that feels distinctive and a little more design-forward than the norm.

Best for: Lighting that feels timeless but original

Price positioning: $$

Delivery details: Most orders arrive in 7-10 business days

Shades of Light

The outdoor collection at Shades of Light includes more than 600 styles from leading brands, along with exclusive pieces designed and produced in the company’s Virginia workshop. The assortment is mostly made up of traditional styles, but you'll find bohemian and modern fixtures mixed in.

Best for: Coordinated lighting sets

Price positioning: $$

Delivery details: Most items ship in 1-3 days

Lamps Plus

If you’re looking for variety, you’ll find it at Lamps Plus. The assortment is broad in terms of style, application, and price point, but there’s heavy emphasis on accessibility and value. The outdoor line is anchored by the brand’s own John Timberland label, which covers wall sconces, post lights, path lighting, and garden accents, but you’ll also find well-regarded lines like Kathy Ireland, Troy, and Savoy House.

Best for: A huge selection, from low-to high-end

Price positioning: $-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 4-8 business days

Volt Lighting

Volt specializes in landscape and outdoor lighting, making it a strong source for everything from uplighting trees to illuminating a pool area or lining a front walkway after dark. Because the company designs, manufactures, and sells its products directly, prices are notably competitive, and its landscape lighting kits make it easy to get everything you need to light your yard in one go.

Best for: Speciality landscape lighting that looks stylish

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: In-stock items ship in 1-3 days

Affordable Outdoor Lighting

If budget and convenience are a priority, it's hard to beat these mass-market lighting sources.

Target

Target's outdoor lighting sweet spot is patio and garden accent lighting – solar string lights, rechargeable lanterns, and decorative path lighting – particularly from its in-house brands like Threshold and Hearth & Hand. The selection isn't comprehensive, but it's trend-focused and stylish, especially for the price. For a quick refresh or a tight budget where looks still matter, it's a reliable first stop.

Best for: Accent and decorative lighting

Price positioning: $

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 1-3 days

Wayfair

Like its other categories, Wayfair's outdoor lighting selection is enormous, making it an easy starting point for buyers who want maximum variety in style and price point. Its assortment of matching collections also makes it a convenient option for buyers who need a complete, coordinated exterior lighting scheme at a reasonable price point.

Best for: A large selection of affordable and coordinated lighting

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 2-5 days

Home Depot

Home Depot's exterior lighting selection is, in a word, large. With more than 12,000 fixtures in inventory – from basic security and solar path lighting, to stylish wall sconces and string lights in almost any configuration you can think of – it’s an easy one-stop shop for almost any outdoor lighting need. Quality and price point tend to be middle of the road, with a mix of Home Depot’s in-house brands (Hampton Bay and Home Decorator’s Collection) and reliable mass-market brands like Jonathan Y and Kichler.

Best for: Landscape and security lighting, string lights

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 2-5 days, Same-day delivery from local stores

Lowe's

Lowe’s fills a similar role to Home Depot, with a broad, practical assortment and the advantage of easy in-store access. If you’re in search of utilitarian lighting options or you’re prioritizing convenience and value over design variety, it’s a reliable option.

Best for: Coordinated lighting at an affordable price point

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 2-5 days, Same-day delivery from local stores

Vintage, One-of-a-Kind and Specialty Makers

Looking for lighting that feels unique, vintage, or made to your specifications? Start with these go-to sources for more distinctive pieces.

Etsy

Etsy is the right call when you want something that no one else on the block will have – handmade copper sconces, vintage pendants from the year your home was built, mushroom-shaped garden lights, or custom-fabricated fixtures from independent makers and artisans around the world.

Best for: Custom lighting, pieces that suit any architectural style

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: Lead times vary by vendor

Chairish

Chairish carries a range of vintage, new, and pre-owned lighting, and if you know what you're looking for and are willing to get creative, there are plenty of stylish possibilities. For outdoor lighting specifically, the inventory leans toward vintage gas lanterns, modern re-editions of antique designs, and mid-century and Art Deco pieces that can add real character to an exterior.

Best for: Vintage lighting

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: Lead times vary by vendor

1st Dibs

1stDibs is a top bet for buyers with a specific aesthetic or piece in mind (and, generally speaking, an ample budget). Like Chairish and Etsy, 1stDibs is a goldmine for vintage outdoor lighting, but what sets it apart is its community of renowned and avant-garde contemporary designers who sell directly on the platform. Whether it's concrete sconces made in Paris or a Brutalist aluminum wall light crafted in Sao Paolo, 1stDibs connects buyers directly to niche lighting designers around the globe.

Best for: High-end, one of a kind lighting that looks like art

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Lead times vary by vendor

Our Favorite Outdoor Lighting to Shop Now

Outdoor Lighting FAQs

What Makes Outdoor Lighting Different Than Indoor Lighting?

Outdoor lighting may look similar to indoor styles, but the difference is in the durability. Outdoor lights are designed to withstand rain and wind, and are usually "damp-rated," or safe to use in wet locations. Outdoor lights are given an IP (Ingress Protection) safety rating, which "grades the resistance of an enclosure against the intrusion of dust or liquids," according to the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Can You Use Indoor Lighting Outside?

It is generally not advised to use indoor lighting outdoors, with the exception of indoor/outdoor string lights, or portable fixtures and table lamps that can be brought inside when not in use.

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It’s hard to imagine that outdoor furniture was once only about practicality. The sheer range of options for today’s patio sets and pool loungers means that your outdoor space can now be as thoughtfully designed as your living room, with layered seating, custom fabric choices, and increasingly durable materials that balance comfort with design.

The challenge, then, isn't finding outdoor furniture – it's knowing where to look.

Here, we’ve rounded up the best places to buy outdoor furniture for any space, spanning affordable retailers, design-forward brands, and investment-level sources. Whether you’re after a quick-ship conversation set, a timeless teak table, or a retro-inspired pool lounger, these are the retailers that deliver on both style and performance, so you can shop with confidence and skip the cumbersome returns.

The Best Patio Furniture Sales

Throughout the summer, many brands host sales on patio furniture so that you can score deep discounts on some of the best products of the season. Below, I've outlined some of the top patio furniture deals to shop right now.

• Shop unmissable outdoor deals over Amazon Prime Day
• Shop discounted outdoor furniture at Article
• Shop an assortment of deals at Castlery
• Shop savings on outdoors at Crate & Barrel
• Shop outdoor furniture on sale at Lulu and Georgia
• Shop savings on outdoor finds at McGee & Co.
• Shop stellar outdoor decor discounts at Pottery Barn
• Shop savings on all things outdoor at Serena and Lily
• Shop discounted outdoor furniture and decor at Target
• Shop up to 70% off outdoor picks at Wayfair
• Shop outdoor clearance at West Elm
• Shop deep deals on outdoor essentials at Walmart

Affordable Outdoor Furniture

If you are looking to overhaul your outdoor living room or outdoor dining spaces on a tight budget, these retailers consistently have the best value-minded finds.

Wayfair

Wayfair’s outdoor selection is expansive, with everything from full conversation sets to outdoor rugs and patio umbrellas. It’s especially useful to shop at Wayfair if you want to outfit an entire patio quickly, since the brand offers plenty of options at affordable price points. Though much of Wayfair's outdoor furniture is reasonably priced, it's helpful to shop Wayfair's outdoor sale to score even deeper discounts on outdoor furniture.

Best for: Conversation sets, outdoor rugs, replacement cushions

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: Most accent furniture arrives in 2-3 days, custom pieces take 4-5 weeks.

Target

Target's in-house brands like Hearth & Hand with Magnolia, Threshold Designed with Studio McGee, and Room Essentials are a go-to for trend-forward outdoor furniture that won't blow the budget. Expect designer-lookalike conversation sets, practical outdoor basics, and seasonal throw pillows, planters, and outdoor umbrellas that make refreshing your outdoor space easy and affordable.

Best for: On trend outdoor furniture sets, outdoor accessories, stylish patio umbrellas

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: In-stock furniture arrives in 2-4 days

IKEA

IKEA’s outdoor collection is simple, functional, and budget-friendly, with an emphasis on modern silhouettes and small-space solutions. You'll find everything from dining sets and outdoor rugs to umbrellas, sofas, and side tables – all of which make a practical choice for balconies, patios, and starter setups.

Best for: Streamlined outdoor basics

Price positioning: $

Delivery details: Most accent furniture arrives in 2-4 days, custom pieces take 4-5 weeks.

Walmart

Walmart might be one of the more unexpected sources for stylish patio furniture, but it’s quickly becoming a go-to for budget-friendly pieces that still feel pulled together. The retailer’s My Texas House line made with designer Erin Vogelpohl and its Beautiful line designed by Drew Barrymore stand out for their designer-inspired looks that earn high marks with shoppers.

Best for: Luxurious lookalikes, affordable accent furniture

Price positioning: $

Delivery details: In-stock items ship in 1-3 days

Etsy

Decorating with vintage isn't just for the interiors of your home. In fact, it's a big outdoor furniture trend for 2026 to source aged pieces for your backyard, too. In addition to a vast collection of vintage pieces, Etsy offers access to small makers producing outdoor furniture in a range of styles, from personalized Adirondack chairs to custom-crafted garden benches and replacement cushions. It’s a good option if you’re looking for something unique or made to measure. There's a real mix of price points too.

Best for: Custom items, vintage finds

Price positioning: $–$$

Delivery details: Shipping varies by seller

Luxury Design-Led Outdoor Furniture

If you spend a lot of time outside, investing in top-quality patio furniture will be well worth it. These retailers are known for offerings like solid teak frames, custom fabric choices, and cushions as comfortable as your indoor sectional.

McGee & Co.

Delivering the perfect balance between classic and contemporary design, Shea McGee's McGee & Co. outdoor furniture collection hits just the right note – whether you're furnishing an outdoor living room in a modern urban setting or a secluded patio in the mountains. There are ranges of rustic yet elegant teak wood, wicker lounge sets with understated detail, and sculptural dining and coffee tables that are made to take center stage and elevate your backyard set-up at any outdoor gathering.

Best for: Laid back luxury style

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Most outdoor items available to ship in 4-6 business days.

Serena & Lily

Serena & Lily’s outdoor furniture reflects its signature coastal aesthetic, with pale woods, woven details, and an earth-toned color palette. The pieces feel relaxed but polished – perfect for creating a resort-style atmosphere at home.

Best for: Coastal-inspired furniture, rattan and wicker styles

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Quick-ship upholstery takes 3-4 weeks, custom pieces ship in 8-10 weeks

Williams Sonoma Home

If Serena & Lily is California coastal, Williams Sonoma Home is East Coast chic. The brand sets the standard for elegant outdoor style, with a range of tailored seating, wicker frames, and timeless performance fabrics designed to withstand the elements. The aesthetic is more refined and structured than overly casual.

Best for: Upholstered pieces with timeless sophistication

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Quick-ship items arrive within a week, custom pieces ship in 16-20 weeks

One King’s Lane

If you want an outdoor furniture shopping experience that feels like it was edited by an interior designer, head to One King's Lane. The site offers a stylish collection of outdoor furniture from leading brands like Tommy Bahama Home, Currey & Co., Four Hands, and Celerie Kembel, and every piece feels thoughtfully chosen.

Best for: Traditional outdoor seating, curated patio looks

Price positioning: $$–$$$

Delivery details: Mix of in-stock and made-to-order; delivery timelines vary

Hati Home

Founded with a mission to celebrate slow design and intentional living, Hati Home creates outdoor furniture that blends artisanal craftsmanship with enduring quality. Every piece is built to last, using consciously sourced materials – think all-weather teak and durable rattan weaves – all crafted to stand up to the elements while retaining their beauty. With sustainability and timeless design at the heart of the brand, Hati Home’s boho-style outdoor collection offers furniture that feels as good as it looks: elegant, resilient, and made for enjoying.

Best for: Quality materials and timeless designs

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Ready to Ship collections in 1-5 business days

Ballard Designs

Ballard is a top choice if you want an outdoor space that feels layered and comfortable, but a bit more decorated than the typical patio. Ballard's outdoor furniture is rife with details – think powder-blue garden benches with scalloped edges, Grecian-inspired dining tables, and porch swings with lattice frames.

Best for: Outdoor furniture with traditional lines and decorative details

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: In-stock furniture ships in 1-7 business days

Anthropologie

Like its indoor furniture selection, Anthropologie’s outdoor furniture leans whimsical and bohemian, with pieces that are more fun than you thought outdoor furniture could be. Expect punchy patterns, bold colors, and woven textures that feel plucked from indoor rooms, and bring plenty of personality to a patio or garden.

Best for: Quirky, colorful outdoor sofas, tables, and accent furniture

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock accent furniture ships in 1-3 days, larger pieces take 1-3 weeks.

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn's outdoor furniture embodies a sense of livable luxury. The brand's range spans everything from its bestselling wicker sectionals to FSC-certified teak dining tables and modern concrete-base accent pieces, with a focus on comfort and quality at every turn. Fabrics like Sunbrella are standard across much of the line, meaning the cushions can keep up with the frames.

Best for: Classic, comfortable outdoor sofas.

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: In-stocks items are delivered in 1-3 weeks, Custom items take 6-12 weeks.

Outdoor Speciality Retailers

The nice thing about outdoor specialty retailers? They do one thing, and they do it well. Because the category is their entire focus, you'll find a level of material research, construction detail, and design intention that mass-market brands don't often match.

Outer

The Outer brand is built around a commitment to durability and sustainability, with a clear rejection of 'fast furniture'. You'll find clean-lined, well-made outdoor sofas, modular seating, dining sets, and lounge chairs designed to outlast bad weather and changing trends alike.

Best for: Customizable, modular outdoor furniture; contemporary styles

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery Details: Delivery times vary by item, but typically take 6-12 weeks.

Business & Pleasure Co.

If you like a retro vibe, look no further than Business & Pleasure Co. The brand's outdoor seating, pool loungers, and patio umbrellas look like they were plucked from a Slim Aarons photograph. The vibes may be vintage, but the construction is cutting-edge – furniture is contract-grade and made with materials like powder-coated steel and water-resistant fabric.

Best for: Stylish pool loungers and patio umbrellas

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery Details: In-stock items arrive in 8-14 business days

Frontgate

Frontgate is known for its well-built, resort-style outdoor furniture, with deep seating, plush cushions, and durable, all-weather materials. The designs lean classic but elevated, making it a top choice for creating a polished, high-end outdoor living space. The brand also offers everything you need to extend the life of your outdoor setup, from replacement cushions to fitted furniture covers.

Best for: Quality construction, transitional design

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: In-stock furniture ships via truck delivery in 1-3 weeks, custom items take 4-6 weeks.

Yardbird

Yardbird operates on a direct-to-consumer model – similar to brands like Quince and Article – cutting out middlemen to deliver well-made outdoor furniture at a higher quality than its price point suggests. Style-wise, Yardbird keeps things simple, offering 11 seating collections that span styles from modern to traditional, so there's something for everyone.

Best for: Quality furniture at a reasonable price point, simple designs you won't tire of

Price positioning: $$–$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items ship within 3 weeks

Neighbor

Neighbor focuses on streamlined, sustainably made outdoor furniture, with an emphasis on solid teak frames and modular designs that can evolve with your space. The look is clean, understated, and a touch industrial, but the materials are substantial – a combination that makes it feel high-end.

Best for: Modern designs

Price positioning: $$–$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items ship within 3 weeks

Our Favorite Outdoor Furniture to Shop Now

Outdoor Furniture FAQ

What Materials Are Best for Outdoor Furniture?

Teak: Teak is beloved for outdoor furniture because it's naturally weather-resistant, highly durable, and develops a beautiful silver patina over time.

Powder-coated aluminum: Powder-coated aluminum is rust-resistant and lightweight, and a popular choice for modern outdoor furniture.

All-weather wicker: If you love the look of wicker but not the maintenance aspect, synthetic resin wicker is designed to withstand moisture and UV exposure.

Stainless steel: Extremely durable but best suited to covered outdoor spaces, as prolonged outdoor exposure can cause rust.

Outdoor performance fabrics: Fabrics like Sunbrella and those made from polypropylene are stain- and fade-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor furniture.

High-density polyethylene: Often known by the brand name Polywood, this petroleum-based "lumber" is used in place of natural wood in furniture like Adirondack chairs and rockers, for added durability.

Wrought iron: Vintage and antique patio furniture was often made of iron, but it's still a common choice today for its durability. It's best suited for covered spaces, since it's prone to rusting.

What Outdoor Furniture Lasts the Longest?

The longevity of your patio furniture will largely depend on how well it's cared for, and environmental factors like the weather where you live and whether it's in a covered location or not. Proper care and storage can prevent mold and mildew, fading, and rust longer than a 'set it and forget it' mentality.

That said, certain materials like teak, aluminum, and high-density polyethylene (i.e., Polywood) are known for supreme durability.

Should Outdoor Furniture Be Covered?

If it's not under a covered patio, outdoor furniture should be covered when not in use to prevent mildew, rust, and fading. And if you live in a climate that's cold or rainy in the winter months, outdoor furniture should be properly stored, too. Many covers aren't expensive, and it can be easy to find something to fit your outdoor couch or dining table. Amazon has a large array of affordable patio furniture covers.

What’s the Best Way to Store Outdoor Furniture?

Ideally, outdoor furniture should be stores for the season in a dry location like shed, garage or basement. All-weather deck boxes can also be used. Cushions should be stored in water-resistant bags for added longevity.

Once you've invested in a set of the best outdoor furniture, it's important to take good care of it. It's worth learning how to clean outdoor furniture at home to get rid of grime and keep cobwebs at bay.

The best outdoor furniture is designed for year-round use. With that said, you might not want to sit outside during a snowstorm. If you're keen to store your furniture during the colder months, be sure to avoid the most common outdoor furniture storage mistakes people make in winter.

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Your living room furniture does a lot of heavy lifting. It’s the backdrop for morning coffee, family movie nights, marathon laundry folding sessions, and gatherings with friends. Because the space is often centrally located, it also helps define the overall style of your home, setting the tone for surrounding rooms.

Since it works so hard, it’s a space where it truly pays to shop smart.

Below is a well-tailored guide to shopping for well-built, stylish, and reliable living room furniture. Whether you’re looking for the best place to buy a sofa that stands up to kids and pets, a coffee table that makes a statement, or a quick-ship accent chair that doesn’t blow the budget, these are the retailers we’d start with. We've categorized them into Household Heros, Accessible Style, Luxury & Designer, and Vintage, One-of-a-Kind & Specialty Makers so you can easily shop based on style and budget.

Household Heros

For those in search of reliable quality, style, and customer service at an accessible price point, it's hard to beat the big-name furniture industry stalwarts. The good news? There's a retailer for every style.

Ballard Designs

Ballard Designs leans traditional with an emphasis on crisp colors and classic patterns that give its offering a preppy feel. You’ll find tailored upholstery, skirted seating, and antique-inspired designs that suit more formal spaces. The customization options are many, especially when it comes to fabrics.

Best for: Traditional and transitional living rooms; tailored, polished picks

Price positioning: $$–$$$

Delivery details: In-stock pieces ship in 1-3 days, custom pieces ship in 8-10 weeks

Anthropologie

Anthropologie’s living room furniture fits its distinct bohemian aesthetic and, and whether you’re looking for a side table or a sofa, it’ll pack an element of whimsy or drama. Think Brutalist-inspired end tables, skirted sofas in pink-and-white gingham, and armchairs with exaggerated proportions.

Best for: Quirky, colorful accent pieces

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock pieces ship in 1-3 weeks, made-to-order options take about 4 weeks

West Elm

West Elm's calling card? Contemporary and midcentury silhouettes and trend-driven accent furniture at approachable price points. The brand also offers a large selection of quick-ship and custom upholstery, and is a great source for apartment-sized sofas and modular sectionals.

Best for: Modern design fans, small space dwellers

Price positioning: $$–$$$

Delivery details: Quick-ship items arrive in 1-4 weeks; custom upholstery can take 10-20+ weeks

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn is a go-to for family-friendly living room furniture, excelling at comfortable sofas, leather seating, and substantial coffee and accent tables that feel built to last. The brand's classic styling means you get longevity in a design sense, too.

Best for: Comfortable, durable upholstery, high-quality wood furniture

Price positioning: $$–$$$

Delivery details: Quick-ship items arrive in 1-4 weeks; custom upholstery typically 10-16 weeks

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel consistently delivers on quality, comfort, and clean-lined style. The upholstery is particularly strong, comfortable, durable, and well-designed. If you want something modern but not stark, Crate & Barrel is a reliable starting point.

Best for: Modern, yet livable furniture, comfortable seating, clean-lined storage pieces

Price positioning: $$–$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in as few as 7 days, custom pieces take 8-16 weeks

Accessible Style

There's room in any living space for budget-friendly finds, whether it's a trendy side table or a high-end lookalike. These retailers consistently have the best value-minded finds.

Wayfair

It's hard to beat the convenience and versatility of Wayfair. The site is a true one-stop shop for living room furniture, and it caters to nearly any price point and style. Its breadth can make it tricky to separate the good buys from the lower-quality options, so it's important to read reviews (which are usually plentiful) and check product specifications before purchasing. One highlight: Wayfair's in-house brands Birch Lane and Joss & Main offer custom sofas in a relatively short timeline of just 4-5 weeks.

Best for: Fast, free delivery, budget-friendly accent furniture

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: Most accent furniture arrives in 2-3 days, custom pieces take 4-5 weeks.

Target

Target has become a dependable destination for design-forward living room accents, thanks to well-executed in-house brands, and dependable collaborations with designers like McGee &Co. and Joanna Gaines. While it’s not the place to shop for a forever sofa, it’s excellent for accent chairs, side tables, and trend-forward pieces that refresh a room without a major commitment or expense.

Best for: Trend-driven accent pieces, designer looks for less

Price positioning: $

Delivery details: Most items are stocked an arrive in 2-3 days

Article

Article offers plenty of options for the living room, including sofas, coffee tables, accent chairs, and lighting, and its direct-to-consumer model helps keep prices more competitive than comparable retailers. Most of the styles are clean-lined, making them best-suited for midcentury or contemporary homes, as well as small living rooms.

Best for: Value-driven, stylish sofas and sectionals

Price positioning: $$

Delivery details: Most items arrive in 1-3 weeks

Zara Home

Zara Home is as style-driven as its fashion counterpart, with a furniture collection that leans clean, sculptural, and current. Best bets here include sculptural accent tables, sleek storage, and lighting that punches above its price point. Zara's recent collaboration with architect Vincent Van Duysen signals a turns towards higher-end collections, and includes premium-priced leather and linen furniture.

Best for: Trend-forward coffee and side tables, accent furniture

Price positioning: $-$$$

Delivery details: Most accent furniture arrives in 2-4 days, custom pieces take 4-5 weeks.

Marshalls/TJ Maxx

If you haven't tried shopping online at Marshalls and TJ Maxx, consider this your cue. Each site offers a slightly different selection of designer living room furniture from quality brands like Safavieh, Moe's Home, Theodor Alexander, and Bernhardt at a discount. While the selection is more limited than, say, Wayfair or Target, there are gems to be had if you check back often.

Best for: Accent furniture like side tables, armchairs and ottomans

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: Items are in-stock and generally ship within a few days

Luxury & Designer

If you are looking for living room furniture that's going to last, these are the brands to look out for. Classic styles that never lean into fleeting trends and materials that will last decades – these brands favor craftsmanship and the price points reflect that.

Arhaus

Arhaus is one of the best in the furniture industry at marrying craftsmanship and style. Price points are high, but there’s quality to back it up: much of the company’s upholstered furniture is made by artisans in North Carolina, using materials like hardwood, recycled steel, and premium performance upholstery.

Best for: Quality furniture with style-focused silhouettes, large-scale pieces

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Quick-ship items arrive in 1-2 weeks, Custom pieces ship in 10 weeks

Williams Sonoma Home

The parent company to Pottery Barn and West Elm, Williams Sonoma is best-known for its high-end kitchenware, but its home offshoot is not to be missed. The assortment is tightly curated, with customization available in upholstery, and centers on classic, well-made pieces meant to feel sophisticated now and in a decade.

Best for: Upholstered pieces with timeless sophistication

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Quick-ship items arrive within a week, custom pieces ship in 16-20 weeks

Serena & Lily

Serena & Lily is known for its airy, elevated coastal style, but there are gems in its catalog for any aesthetic. Of note is the brand’s extensive range of upholstered furniture, which is bench-made in North Carolina and offers high-quality hallmarks like 8-way hand-tied steel coil springs and mortise-and-tenon construction, along with 100+ custom fabric choices.

Best for: Coastal-inspired design, luxury upholstery

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Quick-ship upholstery takes 4-6 weeks, custom pieces ship in 8-10 weeks

Design Within Reach

You won’t find an overstuffed family sectional at Design Within Reach. Instead, DWR is where you shop for pieces known by name – the Barcelona chair, the Noguchi table – and for clean-lined furniture for a modernist or contemporary room. If you’re looking for a statement piece, start here.

Best for: Contemporary and modern design fans

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Furniture arrives 1-3 weeks from shipping date

Ethan Allen

Ethan Allen has been a bastion for quality, comfortable furniture for nearly 100 years. While the brand built its reputation around traditional designs, the brand has evolved over the decades to include more streamlined and contemporary silhouettes alongside its classic offerings.

Best for: Traditionalists who appreciate practicality, craftsmanship and comfort

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Most items are custom-made and ship in 5-8 weeks

Arteriors

Arteriors is a designer favorite that's often associated with statement lighting, but its furniture collection is not to be missed, especially if you’re looking for something unique. Expect sculptural silhouettes, mixed materials, and pieces that look gallery-worthy without being impractical.

Best for: Statement-making accent furniture

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Most items are in-stock and ship within three business days

Vintage, One-of-a-Kind & Specialty Makers

If you’re drawn to decorating with vintage or pieces with real character, look beyond the mass-market chains and consider one of these specialty retailers. Whether you’re after a substantial antique that adds depth and gravitas, a custom sofa tailored to your exact specifications, or original artwork to finish off your room, these sources deliver pieces with distinction.

1stDibs

If you’re searching for a custom accent piece, pristine antique or an oil painting with provenance, 1stDibs is the place to start. The platform connects buyers with vetted artisans and antique dealers (no individual sellers allowed), who peddle wares like European armchairs and rare midcentury coffee tables. It’s not a budget destination, but if you have something truly special in mind, it’s a sure bet.

Best for: Investment antiques, collectible designer furniture

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Shipping varies by dealer

Chairish

Chairish operated in a similar manner to 1stDibs, but tends to have more vintage collections and a broader range of price points, in part because Chairish allows individual resellers, too. Think of it as a flea market for those who don’t have time to make the trip in person.

Best for: Vintage accent chairs, unique coffee tables, character-driven pieces

Price positioning: $$–$$$

Delivery details: Shipping varies by seller

Etsy

armchairsEtsy is an dependable and accessible source for both custom and vintage items. You’ll find everything from secondhand case goods and upcycled arm chairs, to bespoke throw pillows and retro lighting. Price points are equally as varied, ranging from bargain-basement to high-end boutique.

Best for: Vintage finds that add personality, custom cushions and tables

Price positioning: $–$$$

Delivery details: Shipping varies by seller

Our Favorite Living Room Furniture to Shop Now

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A conveyor belt of pots and pans comes and goes in my kitchen. Non-stick, copper, stainless steel... I’ve tried them all. As a trained chef who cooks at home daily and works as a product tester, it is my passion and profession to test the best cookware on the market.

From the best non-toxic cookware to the best Dutch ovens, I've seen what works and what wears out sooner than I'd like. That's why I've curated this guide: your one-stop resource for finding the best cookware for your needs.

Rather than a simple list of pots and pans, this guide is organized to help you find cookware that suits your kitchen style, your budget, and the dishes you cook most often. For a clear look at the most reliable names, start with the best cookware brands. If you're lost in the nomenclature of various pots and pans, I'll explain how to choose the right pieces for your kitchen, the cookware material most suited to you, and where to shop, too.

Where to Shop the Best Cookware Brands

Best Cookware Brands

Every single one of the brands below has been thoroughly tried and tested firsthand. I told you, I do a lot of cooking! I’ve highlighted which types of cooks each brand best suits (because not everyone has the same requirements in the kitchen), along with my top three product recommendations from each range and insider tips on how to find the best deals.

Le Creuset

Best for: A lifetime of flavorful braising, baking, and timeless beauty.

I've cooked with some of the best cast iron cookware on the market, and Le Creuset always comes out on top. The brand has been making cookware since 1925. Each Dutch oven is cast in sand, polished and finished by hand, then coated with porcelain enamel for durability and fired for heat resistance.

Like many keen cooks, I was introduced to the brand by my parents. My mom actually taught me how to cook with her Le Creuset pot (the best Dutch oven), which was a wedding gift 30 years ago. Three decades later, she’s still using it to bake bread and simmer casseroles. It continues to look good and perform well.

When people ask me, 'Is Le Creuset worth the money?' I think the rare combination of beauty, functionality, and durability is worth every penny.

When to get the best Le Creuset deals

Unless you’re lucky enough to receive a Le Creuset item as a gift, the upfront cost can feel like a splurge. It's worth looking for items in the Le Creuset clearance section, and bookmark your shopping for Black Friday (the last weekend of November) or Amazon Prime Day (a bi-annual event, typically in July and October at Amazon).

I also tend to find great discounts when a colorway is discontinued (I recently covered the sales when Le Creuset's Caribbean shade discontinued, and this seems to happen at least once a year).

Where to buy Le Creuset cookware

You'll find over 1,400 options, including all the latest colorways and seasonal SKUs at Le Creuset USA. Otherwise, you'll find Le Creuset classics, bakeware, and dinnerware in exclusive shades at Crate & Barrel, and a wide selection at Amazon and Macy's.

Made In

Best for: Durable, restaurant-quality stainless steel and PFAS-free non-stick.

I’ve cooked with some of the best stainless steel cookware out there, but Made In continues to impress me the most. Though the brand is relatively young compared to heritage names, its roots run deep. Co-founder Jake Kalick’s family has been in the kitchen supply business in Boston since 1929.

I first discovered the brand through the chefs I admire most, who actually use Made In in their restaurants. Each piece is crafted with premium materials and designed in collaboration with chefs who use them daily in professional kitchens.

As a trained cook myself, I gravitate towards the Made In stainless steel pan for its durability and sear – but I also enjoy using their CeramiClad non-stick fry pan for cooking perfect fried eggs and golden tofu.

When to get the best Made In deals

In my experience as a cookware editor, Made In isn’t as frequent with its discounts as other brands. Your first port of call should be the 'Bundle and Save’ section on the Made In website, where you can often pick up sets at a better value than buying individual pieces. Otherwise, watch for end-of-season sales (typically in July and January), as well as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day deals – those tend to be the best times to snag savings.

Where to buy Made In cookware

All the latest launches are available at Made In website; you can also find the limited-edition pans with brass handles at Crate & Barrel, as well as select pieces at Macy's or the Amazon storefront.

HexClad

Best for: Serious non-stick searing and easy cleaning.

If you admire Gordon Ramsay, you’ve probably heard of HexClad – makers of one of the best non-stick fry pans on the market, co-founded by the famous chef himself.

Many people ask me: Is HexClad worth it? And I do recommend the hybrid surface to most cooks. It combines pro-level stainless steel peaks with a beginner-friendly ceramic non-stick base. The tri-ply stainless steel layers encased around an aluminum core provide exceptional heat control and distribution, ensuring pro-level golden sears on meat and fish.

Meanwhile, the signature hexagonal surface handles even the stickiest ingredients – from fried eggs to tofu and halloumi – with effortless release and minimal upkeep. It’s cookware designed for beginners and pros alike, with very little learning curve.

Where to shop HexClad

In my experience, you need to go straight to the source for a good HexClad sale. The HexClad website runs regular seasonal promotions, and they often bundle cookware together (think knives, mixing bowls, pans, and lids) so you get a bigger saving. After that, the HexClad Amazon storefront is your best bet.

When to get the best HexClad deals

You'll see the biggest HexClad discounts drop on Prime Day and Black Friday. Last Black Friday, I tracked savings of up to 40% off larger cookware sets and HexClad knives – making it a good time to grab multiple pieces if you need a kitchen refresh (or you're shopping for gifts).

Holiday weekends, like the 4th of July and Labor Day, also bring seasonal-themed promotions on HexClad griddles, pizza stones, and BBQ gear.

Lodge

Best For: Cooks on a budget who prefer non‑toxic, built‑to‑last cookware.

Founded in 1896 by Joseph Lodge in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, Lodge is one of America’s oldest family‑owned cookware manufacturers still operating out of its original foundry town. From day one, the brand has emphasized durability, serious heat retention, and cookware you can pass down generations.

I have tested products from across the range – from review of the Lodge Chef Collection Skillet that's under $30 and the Lodge Enamel Dutch oven review. I prefer their seasoned cast iron to the enameled stuff, which doesn't feel quite as durable when you've tested quality Le Creuset (more on that in my review, linked above).

Lodge cookware isn't fancy, but it's reliable and solid. You won't find synthetic coatings or gimmicks – just heavy cast iron, ready to stand the test of time as long as you take care of it (thorough drying and seasoning do the trick).

When to get the best Lodge deals

This one's easy. The Lodge website often runs discount codes for seasonal moments (think: Labor Day, Black Friday, Memorial Day). The discounts usually top out at 20%. Otherwise, it's worth looking at Walmart; they often have ad-hoc deals on Lodge griddles and skillets, and I'm always surprised at how deep the discounts can get over there.

Where to shop Lodge

Lodge cast iron is pretty widely available. You can get next-day delivery when you order from the Lodge Amazon storefront, and Walmart and Target both stock a large selection of the range. The official Lodge website offers some really fun limited-edition pieces, too – like the Dolly Parton cast iron collection.

Caraway

Best For: Beginner cooks who appreciate aesthetics and matching sets.

If you’re drawn to beautiful branding, lightweight construction, and excellent care guides/instructions, Caraway might be your match.

First, I tested the Caraway ceramic non-stick pan, which is the brand's most famous product. I found it stylish and easy for everyday meals, though it doesn’t deliver the intense searing of professional-grade pans. Personally, I preferred Caraway's 5-ply stainless steel collection – I found these pans more durable, versatile, and equally easy to use, as the brand provides helpful instruction booklets.

When to get the best Caraway deals

In my experience, Black Friday is Caraway's biggest sale of the year. Last time, I saw discounts of up to 40% off cookware sets. The sale tends to start in early to mid‑November, often with early access for email subscribers. So keep an eye on the Caraway website (and your inbox) for bundles, free extras, and the best discount codes. It's a good opportunity to buy gifts, too, as the Caraway items are all packaged beautifully.

Where to shop Caraway

Aside from the Caraway Home (the destination for all the cookware, as well as matching cutting boards and utensils), you'll find Caraway at Amazon (seriously, what don't they stock), as well as Bloomingdale's. I've also written about the exclusive colorways on offer at Crate & Barrel, like the 2025 Caraway Blue Lagoon cookware launch.

Our Place

Best For: Health-conscious cooks and anyone who loves Instagram-ready aesthetics.

Founded by Shiza Shahid with a mission to make home cooking more joyful, practical, and free from forever chemicals, Our Place quickly went viral on social media for its pastel palettes and best non-toxic air fryers.

When our cookware expert, Emilia, tested the Always Pan 2.0, we felt it prioritized style over substance. However, Our Place's Titanium Always Pan Pro (launched in 2024), marked a more professional-grade chapter for the brand: higher heat capability, more durability, and a non-toxic, no-coating interior that’s pretty unique in today’s market.

It’s a substantial step up – and the brand has now expanded the Titanium line into Dutch ovens, mini fry pans, and saucepans, too.

When to get the best Our Place deals

Like most brands, Black Friday ends up being Our Place’s biggest sale of the year. Their recent deals have offered up to around 40% off bundles and 15-30% off cookware. They also tend to run rival sales to Amazon Prime Day, which include site‑wide markdowns on their bestsellers – pans, pots, appliances, and even tableware. If you time it right, you can score really high-value pieces, like the Titanium Pro Cookware Set.

Where to shop Our Place

I'd start by checking the Our Place website to see if there are any good deals on offer. There's also an Our Place retail store in Los Angeles where you can see the range in real life, if you live close by. You can also shop at Amazon, Crate & Barrel, and Bloomingdale's.

Hestan

Best For: Passionate cooks who value high-end performance.

Hestan is a premium cookware brand, crafted in Italy. I have tried almost every pan in the range, and for the most part, I've been really impressed with its craftsmanship and performance.

Most recently, I tested the ProBond Luxe Skillet (pictured above). It not only looks elegant but sears beautifully. I love thoughtful touches like sealed rims and flush rivets that make cleaning easier. I’ve also tried the Copperbond pan (ideal for precise sauce making) and the Titanium NanoBond line, which features thousands of nano-layers of titanium. It’s incredibly hard and durable and seriously resists sticking.

That said, Hestan is pricey. I wasn’t a huge fan of the TITUM non-stick line; it is supposed to be highly durable, and it performed well at first, but developed a significant dent after just a few months.

Which Cookware Pieces Do I Need?

As a cookware tester, I own around 30 pans, but only a handful make it into my weekly rotation. This is what I'd recommend for most people.

First: a small ceramic non-stick pan for fried eggs, tofu, delicate fish, and other quick-cook foods. Then, a larger 10-inch skillet for everyday sautéing, searing, and simmering (I prefer stainless steel, but cast iron works just as well).

A Dutch oven earns its keep with casseroles, pot roasts, soups, chilli, and bolognese, while a small saucepan handles sauces, side dishes, and gravies. A large stock pot is nice to have for boiling pasta or making big batches of broth, but not essential for everyone.

Finally, I couldn't be without my roasting dishes for lasagnas and cobblers, plus a couple of durable sheet pans for vegetable traybakes and cookies. And when the holidays roll around, it's worth investing in one of the best turkey roasting pans, too.

A Chef's DIY Guide to Building a Versatile Kit

If I were buying my cookware set from scratch, this is what I'd choose.

Jargon-Buster: A Guide to Different Types of Cookware

Shopping for cookware online can be a little confusing sometimes; there are so many pots and pans to choose from, all with different names and unique selling points. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the variety, but knowing what you actually need and what can serve multiple purposes helps you shop smarter.

What is a skillet? I grew up in London, and never heard this term until I started cooking and writing in the USA. A skillet (sometimes used interchangeably with fry pan) is a flat‑bottomed pan with relatively low, flared sides, making it ideal for frying, searing, and everyday cookery.

What is a sauté pan? A sauté pan has taller sides than a skillet, and it usually comes with a lid. This makes it better suited for tasks such as shallow frying cutlets in oil, tossing pasta, or finishing a dish in the oven with a lid on. It is not to be confused with a sautier, which has sloped, rounded sides and is designed for precise sauce-making.

Dutch oven vs Cocotte: What is the difference? A Dutch oven is a heavy‑duty lidded pot (usually made out of cast iron) with thick walls and a tight‑fitting lid. The best Dutch ovens are unparalleled for slow‑cooking techniques like stews, braising, and also for baking bread at high heat.

A Cocotte is simply the French term for an enameled Dutch oven, and they are often available in smaller sizes. Staub mini cocottes, for example, are made for serving individual portions. Dutch ovens, on the other hand, can be enameled or bare, reflecting their traditional roots in the Netherlands.

What is a stock pot? A stock pot does what it says on the tin; it is the best cookware for stock, soups, broths, and boiled ingredients, like pasta. Typically constructed from stainless steel, they are usually pretty capacious, with tall sides and tight-fitting lids.

Which Cookware Material is Best for You?

Different cookware materials heat differently, clean differently, last for different lengths of time, and respond uniquely to ingredients. In this section, I’ll explain everything you need to know about the best cookware materials, so you can figure out which one fits your kitchen habits best

What is stainless steel cookware? This material is best for rigorous cooking, which is why it is favored by professional chefs. Stainless steel is lightweight, oven-friendly, and tough enough to handle metal utensils. It excels at browning meat and building flavor for pan sauces. The material is also non-reactive, meaning it doesn't alter the flavor of acidic foods, like tomato pasta sauces or wine-infused dishes (which can sometimes be a problem with cast iron, for example).

It is almost perfect, but stainless steel cookware can get sticky if you don't preheat or oil the pan properly. It might be an adjustment for some cooks, but I promise, it's easy once you know how – I've written a simple guide on how to make any pan non-stick to help you get started. If you're wondering how to clean stainless steel, hand-washing is best if you want it to stay at peak performance. I can promise you, once you get the hang of it, stainless steel is incredibly versatile, reliable, easy to clean, and above all, safe.

What is non-stick cookware? Non-stick cookware layers a slippery surface over a (typically) aluminum core. The non-stick is there to make sure your food doesn't stick to the pan. So, if you often cook with tofu, halloumi, paneer, fried eggs, or skin-on fish. The best non-stick fry pans are a friendly choice if you're a beginner cook; it doesn't require any technique at all to get good results. However, non-stick cookware isn't a lifetime investment. They can be quite an expensive purchase for a mere 2-3 years of good use, since the non-stick degrades over time.

What is non-toxic cookware? When brands market their cookware as 'non-toxic', this usually means that it is free from harmful chemicals (like PFAS) and certified to meet safety standards. This usually includes stainless steel, ceramic, and cast iron cookware. You can read more in our guide to the best non‑toxic cookware.

What is cast iron cookware? A classic culinary icon that people have used for centuries. The best cast iron cookware becomes naturally non-stick when seasoned properly, which is perfect for sautéing and searing. It excels at baking, roasting, and open-flame cooking, so I recommend it to keen campers or anyone keen to make an outdoor kitchen more luxurious. However, it is hefty and requires seasoning with oil after every use to keep it working. That's easy, but it might not suit more casual cooks. If it's poorly seasoned and not used often, you risk a metallic taste when you cook acidic ingredients or stuck-on food.

What is enamelled cast iron? This material offers the same impressive heat retention as raw cast iron, but it is layered with a glossy enamel that doesn’t require seasoning or regular upkeep. Le Creuset and Staub are the most well-known brands for enamel cast iron, famed for their glossy, colorful finishes and excellent results on braised meats. I highly recommend this cookware to families who love one-pan meals and oven-to-table serving.

Shopping By Type: Helpful Buying Guides

• Best Dutch Ovens
• Best Non-Stick Fry Pans
• Best Cast Iron Cookware
• Best Non-Toxic Cookware
• Best Roasting Pans
• Best Induction Cookware

What We Look for in the Best Cookware

• Comfortable handles: We love handles that feel secure and balanced in your hand, so even long cooking sessions feel effortless and safe.
• Quality cooking surface: Great cooking starts with a pan that browns food beautifully without sticking – because nobody enjoys scraping breakfast off a burnt pan.
• Even heating: Cookware should heat evenly all across the surface, so your food isn’t burnt in one spot and undercooked in another.
• Durability: We prefer pans built to last, made from materials that can take daily use and high heat without chipping, flaking, or warping.
• Easy cleaning: We look for smooth surfaces and flush rivets that clean up quickly and stay performing well, though we understand that long-lasting pans might need to sacrifice on tossing them in the dishwasher
• Value for money: The best cookware feels worth every penny, delivering performance, longevity, and versatility that make it a true investment – not something you'll have to replace quickly.

How We Test the Best Cookware

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: versatility, manageable weight, brilliant cooking performance, safety, and ease of cleaning.

I use every pan I test for over a month to see how it fares over time. I've owned many pans that have been great out of the box, but start to stick, discolor and destroy my ingredients after prolonged use. There's nothing worse than this, especially when you've forked out your hard-earned money and need to buy a replacement.

When I'm testing, I'm looking for a pan that can handle everything: from delicately frying an egg to searing a steak with a perfect crust. It should feel balanced in your hand – not so heavy it’s hard to lift, but substantial enough to retain heat evenly for consistent cooking.

I like to test notoriously sticky or delicate recipes, including: tofu, sticky cheese like halloumi or paneer, steak and fried eggs. I assess how these work in the pan and the mess they leave afterwards – because no one wants to scrub endlessly after dinner.

Also, having trained at a professional cookery school and worked as a food writer and recipe editor for some of the world's leading recipe companies, from Mindful Chef to Deliciously Ella, I do have exacting standards.

Cookware FAQs

What are the Best Cookware Brands on Amazon?

You'll find most of the best cookware brands in this guide on Amazon, including Le Creuset, Caraway Home, Our Place, Lodge and HexClad.

However, I know that some people often use 'Amazon' to be synonymous with 'affordable.' I can recommend a good budget-friendly choice on the online store, too. Tramontina stainless steelstands out as a rare blend of cheap price tags and solid quality.

When it comes to roasting, Nordic Ware sheet pans are my go-to. Their bakeware is affordable, but built to last with heavy-duty materials that don’t warp, and provide even heat distribution every time.

Is Sensarte Cookware Good?

If you're wondering if Sensarte cookware is good, you've likely seen it listed for a very low price on Amazon. It’s hard to miss – often ranking among the best-selling pans, flaunting non-stick surfaces and jaw-droppingly low price point.

I've tested it, so I can say: if you're looking for an ultra-budget pan that performs well out of the box, Sensarte is that. For $17, I got a fast-heating pan that made a great fried egg and was easy to clean. The flipping was smooth, and the price really is cheap as chips. I even got a free screwdriver to assemble the handle (yes, really).

However, my overall feeling is that the Sensarte pan is very poorly constructed, unbalanced, cheaply made, and flimsy; the durability is up for debate. You’ll need to treat it with great care, avoiding overheating and scratching, and probably replace it within a few months.

If you're shopping ahead of Amazon Prime Day and need a cheap pan in a hurry (mine arrived within 14 hours, which is seriously impressive), it’s a decent deal. I would recommend choosing one of Sensarte's ceramic options that is labelled as PFAS-free though, so you can cook with less caution.

What is the Most Durable Cookware Material?

The most durable cookware materials are cast iron and stainless steel. You can use metal utensils, high heat, and not worry about chipping or flaking.

How Long Should Good Cookware Last?

In my opinion, good-quality cookware should last decades – even generations – if you take care of it properly.

Cast iron, if maintained and seasoned well, can last a lifetime and even become a family heirloom. Enameled cast iron and stainless steel can easily serve you for 15–30 years of use if you keep it clean, dry, and scratch-free.

The best non-stick cookware, on the other hand, typically lasts under five years – it needs to be replaced once the surface starts to wear and it can't be restored easily.

How Do I know Which Size Fry Pan to Pick?

The size of your pan should suit both your ingredients and your stovetop. The golden rule is: don’t crowd the pan. Air and space around your ingredients is the key to caramelized onions, seared steaks, and crispy fried eggs.

I’ve tested bed sheets that cost more than many Americans’ biweekly paychecks – and plenty that ring in under $100. If you can afford it, I’m here to break some unfortunate news: the former is, in many cases, so much better.

That doesn’t mean quality is a direct function of price. There are levels to luxury. Within the $300-and-up range, for instance, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by options at the lower end of the high-end spectrum. But in certain instances, you do get what you pay for. Because the ‘luxury’ in luxury bedding isn’t just about how it looks – it’s about how it behaves.

The best bed sheets, often spun in small batches at ethically operated mills, are crafted from finer raw materials. Cotton, for example, will feature longer staples for superior softness and durability, while the weave is engineered to breathe, drape, and soften beautifully over time. (There’s a reason premium Egyptian cotton consistently out-prices low-momme silk.)

According to R. Jane Morgan, owner and founder of Chicago-based R. Jane Morgan Interior + Design, these distinctions matter. ‘If great sleep is a priority in your life, do yourself a favor and gift yourself luxury bed linens. It will notably improve the quality of your sleep, and because you are more rested, it will also make you more productive during the day,’ she says – pointing to the often-confusing interplay of material, weave, and thread count. (We break that down below.)

After testing enough bedding to outfit half of Manhattan, I have opinions. Ahead, seven luxury bed sheets that genuinely justify the splurge. Most I’ve slept on myself; all have been vetted through hands-on experience and years of covering bedding professionally. Each earns its place here – for its materials, its craftsmanship, and je ne sais quoi you immediately feel.

These sheets may not be inexpensive. But heeding the old adage, you won’t be buying them twice.

The Best Luxury Bed Sheets 2026

Best Luxury Bed Sheets Overall: Matouk Egyptian Cotton Percale

Pros: Made in the U.S.; wide style range; highly customizable

Cons: A few find the percale too crisp

Matouk boasts a rare mix of legacy and modernity that makes ‘American-made’ feel aspirational again. Nearly a century old, the heritage bedding brand still produces everything in Fall River, Massachusetts, where its factory hums with old-world craftsmanship and meticulous hands. Its aesthetic ranges from monogrammed traditional to pattern-forward maximalism – all united by an obsessive attention to finish.

You may come for the storied Egyptian cotton percale, but you’ll stay for the style. Rendered in this exceptional fabrication are dozens of designs, including the palm-motif, double-scalloped Palmyra collection pictured above – one of several collaborations with Schumacher that bring the brand’s iconic botanical prints into the bedroom. Detail lovers will appreciate the ability to customize nearly everything, from color and stitch to appliqué.

Matouk has the range to dress every room, the craftsmanship to impress a textile snob, and the materials to rival a five-star hotel. In the realm of luxury bed sheets, any sheet Matouk blesses us with in its Egyptian cotton percale earns the H&G stamp of approval.

Best Luxury Bed Sheets for Range: Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set

Pros: Buttery-soft organic cotton, sustainably made, deep-pocket design

Cons: Not quite hotel caliber, but perfect for everyday luxury

Boll & Branch’s Signature Hemmed Sheet Set is the brand’s buzzy bestseller for good reason. Crafted from long-staple organic cotton and finished with a clean, double-stitched hem, it strikes a careful balance between breathable and buttery, crisp and cozy – what the brand calls a ‘new generation of luxury.’

The signature weave is soft from the start and only gets better with time, offering a lived-in comfort that some of the even higher-end sheets still can't achieve. And while Boll & Branch may be known for its sustainable ethos, it also has serious fashion cred, from a Prabal Gurung Met Gala gown made of its Summit Supima cotton to collaborations with design duo Chris Loves Julia.

Best Luxury Bed Sheets for Hotel Quality: Frette Bold Sheet Set

Pros: Used by 1,000+ luxury hotels; offers custom embroidery and sizing; rich Italian heritage

Cons: No trial period; entry-level lines may not rival the couture-grade sets

When your flagship sits on some of the most expensive real estate in Manhattan, it’s rarely by accident. Italian heritage house Frette has spent nearly two centuries perfecting the art of the five-star bed, supplying sheets to stays such as L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Beijing, and countless Ritz-Carltons worldwide.

The brand’s lineage is also somewhat mythic, having crafted linens that graced the altar at St. Peter’s Basilica and the dining cars of the original Orient Express, not to mention the bedrooms of over 500 European royal families.

Signature designs such as Links, Herringbone, and Forever Lace are a testament to the brand's couture-level finish. Though it’s the Bold Sheet Set, with its striking contrast borders on long-staple cotton sateen, that feels like the most distilled expression of the house.

Best White Luxury Bed Sheets: Sferra Giza 45 Sateen Collection

Pros: Favored by the highest echelon of luxury hotels; impeccable, sartorial-level stitching; crafted from the rarest grade of Egyptian cotton

Cons: Wrinkles easily; high-maintenance care (steam ironing recommended after washing); limited color range

Exceptionally nice five-star hotels might splurge on Sferra, stocking their top suites with something like the Grande Hotel Collection. It’s excellent bedding – but the Giza 45 Sateen Collection is on another level. Crafted from Nile River Valley–grown Giza 45 (the rarest grade of Egyptian cotton) and woven in one of Sferra’s small, family-owned mills in Northern Italy, the difference is obvious. The subtle dotted hemstitch on the classic collection may sound minor, but in person, reads like a demi-couture button-down.

With white sheets, precision matters more. There’s nowhere to hide behind pattern or trim, so the details must be extraordinary – and they are. If you, for instance, want a touch more ornamentation, the Lace edition is finished with a romantic insert. Having tested both the fanciful style and the classic, the experience is best described as a heavenly cross between the fluid softness of silk with tailored crispness of percale.

These Egyptian cotton sheets wrinkle easily (steaming is required), but I don’t mind. I’ve never overheated, and I’ve never felt fancier. When someone looks like they’re wearing a plain white T-shirt (but it’s actually Brunello), I’d wager their ‘plain’ white sheets are probably this.

Best Silk Luxury Bed Sheets: LilySilk Silk Charmeuse

Pros: 100% mulberry silk; luminous pearl-like sheen; exceptional value; fashion-forward,;great for skin and hair

Cons: High maintenance (line dry or dry clean; Lilysilk detergent recommended); silk production is resource-intensive

It’s all in the name. Lilysilk doesn’t just dabble in silk – it specializes. Given the quality, the brand could easily charge double. It’s still a splurge, of course, but one that justifies itself the first night you sleep on it.

Lilysilk's collection is particularly strong in foundational basic sets across nearly every shade – though ‘basic’ here still means 6A-grade mulberry silk, the gold standard. They’re an excellent entry point (I own several, and with proper care, they’ve worn beautifully), but it's the decorative detailing that really sets this brand apart.

Seek out sheet styles rendered in Lilysilk’s signature Silk Charmeuse, an H&G favorite for its duality: one side carries a pearl-like gloss, the reverse a soft matte finish. That subtle contrast makes all the difference. From sartorial jacquards to stripes and embroidered florals rarely seen in sheets, the range reads like a great gown – for your bed.

Best Luxury Sheets for Hot Sleepers: Cozy Earth Bamboo Viscose Sheet Set

Pros: Celebrity-approved; nearly 9,000 five-star reviews; silk-like sheen

Cons: Limited style range; some report light wrinkling after washing

If you’re even moderately online (or a fan of Oprah), you’ve likely heard of Cozy Earth. The brand has redefined the meaning of ‘luxury’ bedding. It’s not Supima, and it’s certainly not always cashmere. Instead, the sheets are crafted from the brand’s signature bamboo-derived viscose, delivering a silk-like sheen, fluid drape, and a sustainability angle silk simply can’t match.

As someone who tests bedding for a living, I can confirm these are the sheets I reach for most. They’re buttery, breathable, and impossibly cool – the only thing that carried me through one of New York’s hottest summers on record. They wash more easily than silk, yet feel just as indulgent.

And as a final aside, it’s worth mentioning that each set arrives in a striped canvas tote chic enough to double as an overnight bag – which I have, of course, tested.

Best Linen Luxury Bed Sheets: Coyuchi Organic Relaxed Linen Duvet Cover

Pros: Sustainable; free from harmful chemicals; nature-inspired palette

Cons: Limited style variety

Linen bed sheets are their own lane. Surprisingly, this easygoing material is one of the more difficult ones to master. A great set should feel relaxed but not rumpled, airy but not coarse. Coyuchi has got the balance down to an art and science.

Its linen bedding is crafted from rare, GOTS-certified organic French flax grown on a seven-year crop rotation that supports soil health and small farmers. Even an unmade, rumpled bed dressed in Coyuchi linen somehow looks better than it did the day before.

Coyuchi’s sustainability ethos extends well beyond linen – the brand also does beautiful percale, sateen, and flannel – but it's the linen sheets (and especially the duvets) that deliver that effortless California-cool in a single sweep. Each one is grounded in nature-inspired colorways you could easily imagine Gwyneth Paltrow reaching for after a long beach dinner in Santa Barbara.

Luxury Bed Sheet Materials

Egyptian Cotton

When we think of luxury bedding materials, Egyptian cotton is often the first that comes to mind – but what exactly is it, and is it really better than regular cotton? According to Amy Hoban, Chief Creative Officer of Parachute, ‘The short answer is yes,’ she says. ‘Egyptian cotton is considered the best cotton in the world.’

Anecdotally, I could tell the difference with my eyes closed. After cycling through more than ten organic cotton sheet sets on my own bed – one week at a time – I know the difference between good and great. The first time I slept on Egyptian cotton (a Ritz, presumably Frette), I remember thinking: so this is what everyone else has been pretending their sheets feel like.

Known for its long-staple fibers, it’s softer, stronger, and more breathable than standard cotton, often woven into the crisp percale or smooth sateen sheets you’ll find in five-star suites. ‘That said, the label alone is not enough,’ Amy adds. ‘What matters most is the quality of the fiber and the craftsmanship of the weave’ – so do your research and make sure the brand actually delivers.

Linen

Linen might sound humble compared to its bedding material counterparts, but done right – and sourced from the right places (France and Portugal top the list) – it’s absolutely a luxury bed sheet material. Lightweight, airy, and naturally textured, linen sheets are my perennial favorite for spring and summer. They’re ‘amazing for hot sleepers and warm climates,’ agrees Lori Miller, interior designer and President at LGC Interior Design. ‘It softens over time but tends to be pricier and wrinkles easily,’ she adds. (As a California native, I’ve always liked a little rumple anyway.)

Just beware the impostors: plenty of ‘linen’ sets sneak in synthetics to cut costs. A true luxury brand would never.

Silk

Right up there with Egyptian cotton, silk has long been the material of kings – and it’s held that title for a reason. I’ve tested more bedding sets than I care to admit, and despite the maintenance (mine go straight to the dry cleaner), silk still wins out. I wake up with less bed head, my skincare intact, and sheets that still feel impossibly smooth.

Even as textile tech evolves, silk remains firmly in the luxury rotation for its lustrous sheen, natural breathability, and antibacterial properties. It’s also why your wellness-obsessed friend insists you need a silk pillowcase – they actually work.

That said, ‘silk’ gets thrown around too freely. Many versions on the market are synthetic blends that mimic the look, not the feel. The real thing – pure mulberry silk – is an investment, but one that, with proper care (and absolutely no dryer), will last you years.

Bamboo Viscose

Then there’s bamboo viscose – a new favorite of mine, probably because it acts a lot like silk. It’s the newest ‘it’ material in bedding, popularized by brands like Cozy Earth. Some say it’s even softer than silk (I’d second that), but all can agree it’s easier on the wallet. It offers that same fluid drape and subtle sheen, with greater breathability and no need for dry cleaning.

‘They’re ultra-soft, moisture-wicking, cooling, and naturally hypoallergenic. Great for sensitive skin, though sometimes less durable than cotton,’ adds Lori Miller. I like to think of bamboo viscose as silk’s eco-conscious Gen Z sister.

Thread Counts

The higher the thread count, the better the sheet – right? According to every expert I spoke with, that belief is unequivocally false.

‘Thread count is a marketing trick!’ says Tandy Avery, VP of Product Development at LUXOME. ‘Companies realized that consumers were trained to think a higher number equals better quality. So, they started using sneaky ways to inflate the thread count number by counting each fiber twisted into a single thread or by using thinner, lower-quality threads.’

Instead, Avery recommends prioritizing quality materials over inflated numbers. ‘Key considerations include the type of fiber used, such as high-quality fibers like long-staple cotton that produce durable and soft threads. Additionally, the weave of the sheets plays a crucial role in determining the texture,’ she explains, noting that single-ply threads are typically stronger and longer-lasting than multi-ply, which are often used to artificially boost the count.

That said, if you are looking at numbers, context matters. ‘A good thread count for cotton sheets is usually between 200 and 600,’ adds Amy Hoban, Chief Creative Officer at Parachute. ‘This can vary depending on the material, since some fabrics use finer or thicker fibers. For example, the raw fibers of linen are naturally thicker, so its thread count is substantially lower than cotton’s.’

As Amy puts it, ‘There are no regulations around how brands report thread count, so a big number alone doesn’t tell you much about quality.’

Trust the touch, not the tag.

Luxury Colors & Trends

In luxury bedding, trends move slowly and deliberately. You won’t see a heritage house turning out Brat Green top sheets anytime soon, but you will notice subtle shifts, such as scalloped edges on minimalist sets, or soft embroidery breaking up the usual sleek lines. At these price points, timelessness always wins.

‘When determining your bedroom’s look and design, the color palette can depend on your preference as well as the mood it gives off,’ says Parima Ijaz, textile expert and founder of Pure Parima. ‘A light color palette feels more airy, makes the room feel larger, and creates a spa-like mood. This is also a great choice for the summer months. Alternatively, a dark palette creates a cozy, dramatic feel that is more popular in the winter months.’

White sheets will always have our hearts, but warmer neutrals – creams, whisper taupes – are beginning to take over, bringing softness and ease. ‘Seasonally, spring invites colors like soft sage, pale yellow and blush tones,’ continues Parima. ‘Summer is a great time for those crisp white sheets, sky blue, and tans. Fall is known for terracottas, olives, and deep browns,’ while winter sets the stage for moodier fare, such as charcoal, navy, plums, and even gold.

Bedding design is becoming decidedly more ornate in 2026. Florals, stripes, and frills – from romantic ruffles to ruching – are officially back. ‘This year, we’ve been seeing a decline in pure minimalism, especially in bedsheets,’ says Joyce Huston, Co-Founder and Lead Interior Designer at Decorilla. ‘People are moving away from the monochrome look because it can end up looking and feeling quite stark or even austere, especially with all-white bedsheets.’

‘Moreover, character and charm are really having their moment lately,’ she adds. ‘The nice thing about a patterned sheet is that it adds visual dynamic and, pun intended, softens a bed in terms of aesthetics.’

How Much Should You Spend On Luxury Bed Sheets?

According to interior designer Rasheeda Grey of Philadelphia-based Grey Space Interiors, true luxury sheet sets – meaning hand-finished or designer-grade collections – typically start around $400 and rise steeply from there. For context, she notes that mid-range options usually fall between $150 and $300, where you’ll find higher-quality materials like bamboo, linen, and Egyptian cotton – though not always at the same caliber.

In other words, not every splurge is worth it. ‘Gorgeous, but sometimes you’re paying for the name,’ warns Rasheeda of linens priced high for the sake of status. Her advice is to do your research – or, if you’d rather skip the sleuthing, any of the sheets above are a safe bet.

How We Test Luxury Bed Sheets

You can touch all the bed sheets you want (and believe me, I do – often, in stores, if I can't get my hands on a sample), but the only real bed sheet test happens the old-fashioned way: by sleeping in them. Every set gets at least a week on my own bed to break in, followed by a proper wash to see how it holds up. Nothing fancy, just the truth of a third-floor New York walk-up and a fluff-and-fold laundromat down the street.

For this luxury category, though, I’ve also done my fair share of ‘research’ in five-star hotels and homes – from Matouk-dressed guest rooms to Frette-furnished suites – noting everything I like and all the details I don't. I’m notoriously particular, but it’s that scrutiny that keeps this list honest. If a set makes it here, it’s because it’s survived my sleep, my standards, and my sheets-obsessed snobbery.

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The best video doorbells do more than show you who is standing at the front door. A good one can tell you when a package has arrived, warn you when someone is approaching, help deter opportunistic thieves, and make everyday moments a little easier to manage. The tricky part is choosing the right one.

Ring is still the brand name many people think of first when securing their home, but it is far from the only option. What might be the most suitable choice for one home will not always be ideal for another. A busy street, a long driveway, a rented front door, or a dislike of monthly fees can all change what pushes a video doorbell into pole position for you.

To help you find the perfect match, we’ve tested the latest video doorbells for weeks at a time in our own homes, evaluating how easy they are to install, how quickly they send alerts, how clearly they capture visitors and packages, and how useful their security features are in daily use in comparison to the upfront costs, and where applicable, monthly fees.

Our One-Minute Verdict on the Best Video Doorbells

The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus we reviewed is our top pick if you are happy to pay for an ongoing subscription. It has the strongest all-round mix of clear head-to-toe video, colour night vision, responsive two-way audio, adjustable motion detection, and a straightforward app. Without a Ring plan, you still get live view, alerts, and two-way talk, but you will need a subscription to save and review recordings.

The eufy E340 is the best choice if you want to avoid monthly fees. It stores clips locally, has dual cameras so you can see both visitors and packages, and offers crisp day-and-night video without locking the most useful features behind a subscription. The E340 can be a little slow to load the live feed if your Wi-Fi signal is weak, but it is still the strongest no-fee option we’ve tested.

The Tapo D205 is our best affordable video doorbell. It's much cheaper than most of the models in this guide, but still gives you a proper step up in front-door security, with good video and audio quality, simple installation, and a renter-friendly feel. It is not as polished or feature-rich as the Ring or eufy, but for the price, it is an easy recommendation.

The Quick List

The 6 Best Video Doorbells, Tested by Us

The Best Video Doorbell with a Subscription

With clear head-to-toe video, reliable motion alerts, and a simple app, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is the best choice for most homes if you are happy to pay for a Ring subscription. It gives you a wide view of visitors and packages, works well in poor light, and makes it easy to check what is happening at the front door from your phone.

The 1536p HD+ camera is sharp enough to pick up faces, package details, and courier uniforms, while the tall field of view means you can see both visitors and parcels on the doorstep.

Motion detection is quick and easy to adjust. During our testing, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus picked up movement before visitors reached the door, and it could also catch cars passing on the road. That sensitivity is useful, but you will want to spend a little time setting your motion zones so you are not being alerted every time someone walks past your home.

The two-way audio is another strong point. Voices come through clearly, without the lag, echo, or background noise that can make some video doorbells frustrating to use. It held up well around traffic, bad weather, and other everyday outdoor noise, which makes it much more practical when you need to speak to a delivery driver or visitor in real time.

The Ring app is straightforward, with fast access to the live feed, clear previews in notifications, and easy clip downloads if you are subscribed. Installation is simple too, especially if you are replacing an older Ring doorbell, as it can use the same mount. For renters or anyone who does not want to drill, an adhesive mount is also available separately.

The main drawback is the subscription. Without a Ring plan, you can still use live view, motion alerts, and two-way talk, but you will not be able to save or review recordings. If you are already happy with Ring’s ecosystem, though, this is the most balanced model we have tested.

Read more in our five-star Ring Battery Doorbell Plus review.

The Best Subscription-Free Video Doorbell

If you want a capable video doorbell without adding another monthly subscription to your life, the eufy E340 is the strongest option we have tested.

The doorbell has crisp 2K video, free local storage, dual cameras for visitors and packages, and enough smart features to feel genuinely useful without paying for cloud storage.

The biggest advantage is the built-in 8GB local storage, letting the E340 save recent clips without a subscription, automatically deleting the oldest footage when the storage fills up. You can pay for extra storage if you want it, but unlike Ring, the core recording features are available without an ongoing fee.

The dual-camera design is especially useful for deliveries. One camera faces forward, while the second points down towards the doorstep, so you can see packages as well as visitors. Ring achieves a similar head-to-toe effect with a fish-eye lens, but eufy’s approach gives a more natural view, with the trade-off of a break between the two camera feeds.

Video quality is strong in daylight and at night, with colour night vision bright enough to pick up faces clearly. The E340 can also recognise people, packages, and vehicles, and you can name familiar faces in the app so it can identify them when they approach the door.

There are a couple of drawbacks we should mention. The live feed can be slow to load if the doorbell is far from your Wi-Fi router, and the optional privacy zones can also block more of the image than you might expect if you live close to neighbours.

Even so, the eufy E340 is the best choice here if you want a premium-feeling video doorbell without monthly costs.

Read more in our full eufy E340 Video Doorbell review.

The Best Value Video Doorbell

The Tapo D205 is the best choice if you want a solid video doorbell without spending Ring or eufy money. It is compact, easy to install, much cheaper than most of the models in this guide, but still gives you a clear view of visitors and lets you check in on your front door remotely.

We found it quick to set up, with the option to use screws or adhesive depending on where you want to place it, making it a practical choice for renters, or for anyone who wants to add a video doorbell without making a more permanent change to their home.

The video quality is impressive for the price. You can record in 2K, and the picture is clear enough in daylight and at night for basic front-door use. It does not have the more complete head-to-toe view you get from Ring, eufy, or Reolink, so it is not the best option if package visibility is your main priority.

Audio is another pleasant surprise. Two-way talk is clear and easy to use, with no obvious lag or echo during conversations. Background noise can sound more noticeable when watching live or stored footage.

The D205 can detect people and motion within its detection range, though this is one of the areas where you feel the lower price. It is useful for visitors and deliveries near the door, but it is not as strong for longer driveways or wider surveillance.

Storage is flexible. You can use Tapo Care cloud storage after the free trial, but you can also add a microSD card for local storage and avoid ongoing costs.

The main concern is the security of the device itself. The doorbell is easy to remove from its mount, which is helpful when it needs charging but less reassuring if you are worried about theft.

Read more in our full Tapo D205 Video Doorbell Mini review.

The Best Ring Alternative Video Doorbell

The Reolink Video Doorbell Battery is the best choice if you like the idea of a Ring doorbell but do not want to be pushed towards a monthly subscription. It's wireless, easy to install, and stores footage locally, giving you more control over your recordings without adding another ongoing cost to your home.

Its 2K camera gives a clear view of visitors, packages, and activity outside your front door. The 1:1 field of view is especially useful for deliveries, as it gives you a taller look at the doorstep than a traditional landscape camera.

Smart detection covers people, packages, and vehicles, which helps cut down on vague motion alerts and makes the Reolink more useful than a basic budget doorbell, especially if your front door looks onto a driveway or street.

The biggest advantage over Ring is storage. You can save clips locally on a microSD card, so you do not need a subscription for the main recording features. There is an optional cloud plan if you want it, but the Reolink makes much more sense for anyone trying to avoid monthly fees.

It does come with a few compromises. We found that fine facial detail could be sharper, especially compared with the best Ring and eufy models, and battery life was shorter than expected during testing. The doorbell also needs a strong Wi-Fi connection to perform at its best.

Still, as a Ring alternative, the Reolink is a strong offering. It gives you a strong mix of video quality, local storage, smart detection, and wireless installation, without locking its most useful features behind a subscription.

Read more in our full Reolink Video Doorbell Battery review.

The Best Video Doorbell for Motion Detection

The Philips 7000 Series is the best choice if you want your video doorbell to spot movement before someone reaches the front step. Its motion detection is the most sensitive we have tested, making it especially useful for driveways, longer paths, or homes where you want a nice early warning.

In our testing, we found that it could pick up cars passing on the road around 15 feet away, a level of sensitivity that could easily become annoying, but the settings are adjustable, so you can reduce unnecessary alerts while keeping useful coverage across the areas that matter.

It also has radar detection, with settings for human-only detection or all motion, giving it a more precise sense of what is happening outside your home, without needing a full security camera system.

The rest of the package is strong, too. Its 2K picture is sharp and colourful during the day and at night, and the dual-camera design gives you one view of visitors and another aimed down at packages.

You also get 8GB of local storage, so you do not need a monthly subscription for the main features. That gives it a similar no-fee appeal to eufy and Reolink, though Philips is better suited to people who care most about detection range.

The main drawback is battery life. It lasted around two months in testing, which is much shorter than the Ring or eufy. There can also be a little audio lag if the doorbell is far from your Wi-Fi router. Even so, for sensitive and adjustable motion detection, the Philips 7000 Series is the strongest model here.

Read more in our full Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell review.

The Best Anti-Intruder Video Doorbell

The Arlo 2K Wireless Video Doorbell is the best option here if you want your doorbell to act as more than a camera. Most video doorbells are built to show you what happened after the fact, but Arlo adds a built-in siren that can help deter porch pirates.

You can set the siren to sound automatically when someone approaches, which could be useful when you are away from home, on vacation, or worried about packages being left outside. You can also trigger it manually from the app.

The wide 180-degree view gives you a broad look at the area outside your front door, while the 2K video is crisp in daylight. Its object recognition is also more detailed than most, covering people, packages, vehicles, animals, and even fire.

There are a few trade-offs. The night vision is black and white rather than colour, unlike the Ring, eufy, or Philips. Our testing also found some audio interference during live streaming and stored footage, and the app could be more streamlined.

You will also need a subscription to unlock the most useful features, including cloud-based event history, 2K recordings, custom activity zones, advanced object detection, and interactive notifications.

Still, Arlo earns its place because of that active deterrent. If your biggest concern is opportunistic doorstep thieves, unfamiliar visitors, or adding an extra layer of visible security to your front door, the Arlo 2K Wireless Video Doorbell is the most reassuring pick in this guide.

Read more in our full Arlo 2K Wireless Video Doorbell review.

How to Choose the Best Video Doorbell

Choosing the best video doorbell starts with how your front door actually works.

A quiet porch, a busy street, a long driveway, and an apartment door all place different demands on a video doorbell, so it is worth thinking about your home's design and front door setup before focusing on the most impressive-looking spec sheet.

• Power and installation: Video doorbells are usually battery-powered, wired, or able to support both. Battery models are easiest for renters and anyone avoiding doorbell wiring, but they need recharging. Wired models take more work to install and may need a compatible transformer, but you do not have to worry about battery life. If your door is angled, look for a wedge or corner mount.
• Storage and subscriptions: This is one of the biggest differences between video doorbells. Some models, especially Ring and Arlo, need a subscription for saved recordings, event history, and advanced alerts. Others, including eufy and Reolink, offer local storage without monthly fees. Cloud storage can be convenient, but it should be part of your budget from the start.
• Detection and alerts: A video doorbell is only useful if it tells you about the right things. Basic motion detection can be enough for a quiet front path, but busier homes will benefit from person, package, and vehicle detection. Adjustable motion zones also help reduce unwanted notifications if your camera faces a road, sidewalk, or neighbor’s property.
• Field of view and package visibility: A wide field of view (FOV) shows more of the area around your front door, but height matters too. If you receive lots of deliveries, look for a taller head-to-toe view, a 1:1 aspect ratio, or a dual-camera design that shows both visitors and packages. A standard landscape view can miss parcels placed directly below the camera.
• Resolution, HDR, and night vision: Sharp video helps you recognise faces, read package labels, and understand what happened after an alert. For most homes, 2K or 1536p video is a strong sweet spot. HDR helps with awkward lighting, while good night vision is essential after dark. Color night vision is useful, but clear detail matters more than color alone.
• Audio quality and app reliability: Two-way audio should be clear enough for a quick conversation with a visitor or delivery driver. Lag, echo, and background noise can make this frustrating, especially if your front door faces traffic or wind. The app matters too: alerts should arrive quickly, live view should load reliably, and saved clips should be easy to find.
• Connectivity: Video doorbells rely on a strong Wi-Fi signal, and front doors are often further from the router than you might think. If your doorbell is slow to load or misses events, poor Wi-Fi may be the reason. Check whether your chosen model works on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or both, and consider a mesh system or extender if needed.
• Weather resistance: A doorbell lives outside year-round, so make sure it is built for rain, heat, and cold. Most good video doorbells have an IP rating, but placement still matters. A covered porch will be kinder to the camera and battery than a door fully exposed to sun, wind, and heavy rain.
• Smart home support: If you use Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home, or another smart home system, check compatibility before buying. A connected display can show who is at the door, while smart speakers can act as chimes around the house. It should not be the only reason to choose a model, but it can make your doorbell easier to live with.

How We Test the Best Video Doorbells

We test video doorbells in our own homes for long-term, real-world use so that our recommendations reflect performance you can rely on day-to-day.

We assess how straightforward it is to mount the doorbell using the instructions given, connect to existing chimes, and pair with the app. A well-designed setup should be quick and clear, with wedge plates, anchors, and terminals included where needed, without any advanced DIY skills needed.

Video quality is judged both in daylight and after dark, in all sorts of weather and lighting conditions. We check for face clarity, how easily visible details on packages or vehicle registration plates are, and any other details you wouldn't want to miss or may rely on for better security.

To test motion detection, we observe how quickly the doorbell and app alert you to people approaching or ringing the doorbell, and whether we're able to adjust sensitivity so that passing cars or neighbors don't unnecessarily alert you. We also measure how accurately the doorbell distinguishes people, packages, and vehicles, if those features are present.

Audio performance is reviewed by assessing the clarity of two-way talk, how well background noise such as wind or traffic is suppressed, and whether there are any echoes or delays.

We also look at how easy the app is to use. You shouldn't have to be tech-savvy to use a video doorbell, so a straightforward app with simple controls scores big points. And importantly, we evaluate what the doorbell offers against the price of purchasing and the ongoing subscription costs (if any). If the essential features like storing data aren't available if you don't pay monthly, this should be reflected in the upfront cost.

FAQs

Is It Better to Get a Wired or Wireless Video Doorbell?

A wireless video doorbell is usually better if you rent, do not have existing doorbell wiring, or want the simplest installation. You can fit most battery models yourself, although you will need to recharge them every few months.

A wired video doorbell is better if you already have compatible wiring and want a more permanent setup without worrying about battery life.

What Are the Downsides of a Video Doorbell?

The main downsides are cost, privacy, Wi-Fi reliability, and ongoing subscriptions. Some models are much less useful without a paid plan, while others need a strong signal at the front door to load live video quickly.

You should also think about where the camera points, especially if it faces a neighbour’s home, shared hallway, or public street.

Do Video Doorbells Need A Subscription?

Not always. Some of the best video doorbells, including models from eufy, Reolink, Tapo, and Philips, can store clips locally without a monthly fee. Others, including Ring and Arlo, need a subscription for key features such as saved recordings, event history, and advanced alerts. You can still use many subscription-based models without paying, but they are usually much more limited.

Can Video Doorbells See Parcels?

Some can, but it depends on the camera angle. A standard wide view may show visitors clearly but miss parcels placed directly below the doorbell.

If deliveries are one of your main concerns, look for a head-to-toe view, a 1:1 aspect ratio, or a dual-camera design with one lens pointed down towards the doorstep.

How Do I Stop False Alerts?

Start by adjusting the motion sensitivity and setting activity zones, so the doorbell only watches the areas that matter. This is especially useful if your camera faces a road, pavement, shared entrance, or neighbour’s property.

Person, parcel, and vehicle detection can also help, as the doorbell can ignore general movement and focus on more useful alerts.

For more home security tips, learn the best places for security lights and the home mistakes that make you a target for identity theft.

When it comes to modern food prep, there are a dazzling number of kitchen gadgets available to make your life easier. With so many options, come many questions. Do you really need a high-power food processor to make a good hummus? Or will a simple blender do the trick? Will a chopper save you time in the evening, or is it just an extra piece of clutter?

I'm a chef and a kitchen appliance reviewer, so I’ve tested all the gadgets in the game – the best blenders, juicers, mini choppers, food processors, and even some manual tools – so you don’t have to guess which appliance you need.

In this guide, I’ll break down which kitchen appliances you actually need for food prep, which ones will make your favorite recipes genuinely easier, and how to get the best value for your money. By the end, you should know exactly what you actually need for your everyday cooking style and holiday hosting – whether that's the best blender-food processor combo or a humble pestle and mortar.

A quick comparison

This comparison table highlights the differences between each food prep appliance, including which recipes they're best suited to, how they work, the size and the all-important price. You’ll find more detailed comparisons below, but this is a great place to start if you want the key takeaways.

Blender vs. Food Processor: what is the difference?

The key difference between blenders vs food processors comes down to liquids vs solids.

Blenders are unbeatable when it comes to liquidizing and will pulverize fresh fruit and vegetables to make delicious and healthy smoothies, soups, and sauces with ease. More often than not, they have built-in spouts to make pouring out your delicious concoctions a mess-free affair.

The best personal blenders are designed so you can drink directly out of the canister you blend in, saving on washing up, and are often supplied with a lid for fresh smoothies on-the-go. They tend to be very speedy, blending your ingredients into a smooth, drinkable texture in just a couple of minutes.

Food processors on the other hand offer a lot more functionality, like grating, shredding, and chopping at various speeds. They’re less about the liquids – although they can do that too, but there's no pouring spout – and all about getting dinner on the table. If your recipes requires a lot of dry ingredients (think raw vegetables, pastry dough, hummus, nut butter) you'll need a food processor.

The mixing bowls tend to be much wider and bigger (unless you buy a mini model) and, while a food processor is a bit more labor-intensive to set up and use, it will help you deliver a far greater menu range. The list of things you can make in a food processor is exciting.

Food chopper vs. food processor: what is the difference?

If you're weighing up food processors vs food choppers, the key differences are size, power, versatility, and price.

Food processors have a bigger capacity and tend to be more powerful and versatile. If you're keen on crafting complex recipes or cooking for a crowd, you'll want one of these. They start at around 10 cups, but we've tested some enormous models, like the Breville Paradice 16 Cup. They come with sturdy, powerful motors and lots of attachments for slicing, shredding, chopping, kneading, pureeing, mixing, and sometimes, dicing.

Food processors are quite expensive, but they are good value if you often prep in large quantities. The range of accessories means that they can be slightly more complicated to operate and harder to store.

Food choppers are petite appliances, perfect for compact kitchens. Their capacities can be as small as one cup and range up to five cups in size. They're perfect for chopping, mincing, and blending small amounts of food. They're less likely to come with extra accessories, instead, most choppers have a single, sharp chopping blade. It's specialized and straightforward, perfect for dips and salsas.

They're also more likely to be compact and sometimes even cordless, ideal for bringing outside or moving across countertops with. More often than not, food choppers are also cheaper than food processors, too.

Slap chop vs. Food processor: which is better?

Slap chop vs food processor: it's the question that continues to divide keen cooks and baffle starter chefs.

You might remember the Slap Chop from late-night commercials back in the 2000s. This kitchen gadget is designed to make meal prep quick and easy. Coated in plastic to cover the internal blades, the slap chop is a hand-held chopping device. All you need to do is hold it over your produce and slap your hand against the spring. The force of the slap presses down on the blades, which make quick, clean incisions into the food.

Where a Slap Chop is manual, a food processor is electric and powered by sturdy motors. You can set it to chop on low, high, or a pulse setting to control your cuts. Unlike the Slap Chop, which stands alone, many of the best food processors come with added attachments for blending or dicing.

I'm a food processor fan through and through, so I asked another chef for an objective opinion. Jessica Randhawa, Head Chef at The Forked Spoon, says:

'When deciding between a Slap Chop and a food processor, consider your cooking habits and needs,' says Jessica. 'A Slap Chop is an excellent fit for someone who cooks in smaller quantities and needs a tool for quick, simple chopping jobs. It's convenient for small kitchens and cooks who don't require the diverse functions of a food processor.'

'In contrast, a food processor would make an excellent investment for a home cook who prepares meals for a large family or frequently engages in more complex cooking tasks. Its range of functions and capacity to handle larger quantities of food make it a versatile and invaluable tool in a busy kitchen'.

Juicer vs blender: what is the difference?

If you love healthy, vibrant drinks, you might be weighing up blender vs juicer and wondering which to buy. Having tested both the best blenders and the best juicers (including the best cold press juicers and masticating juicers), I can help you choose.

Juicers work to remove the juice from celery, apples, ginger and other fruit or vegetables to turn them into clear drinks, leaving behind the fibrous flesh and pulp which can either be used elsewhere in your kitchen or thrown away. The best models can also produce sorbets and nut milks, but other than that, they are one-trick ponies.

Blenders pulverize fruit, vegetables and just about anything else you put in them to make smoothies and sauces. They keep all the fiber, creating thick and creamy drinks with no waste. The most powerful blenders can crush ice, heat soups, and more, so they are more versatile appliances - there's a huge list of things you can make in a blender.

If you’re on a budget and your biggest priority is fresh, healthy, versatile drinks, opt for a blender. If you want to juice every single day, investing in a juicer is worth it.

Choosing the right appliance by recipe

If you're still feeling lost, simply ask yourself: what do I want to make? I've listed the most popular recipes below and suggested an appliance or two that will help you make them.

SMOOTHIES AND FROZEN COCKTAILS:

Best appliance: Countertop blender. With a tall jar and powerful motor. This is the best appliance for creating smooth, silky recipes. If you just want to make smoothies and shakes for one person, choose one of the best personal blenders . If you want to liquefy tougher ingredients, like frozen kale or ice cubes for frosty cocktails, you'll need a larger, more powerful countertop model, like a Vitamix.

CREAMY SOUPS & PUREED SAUCES:

Best appliance: Immersion blender. You can blend directly in a large Dutch oven or pot, saving time and reducing washing up. I've written a full guide to how to choose the best blender for your needs.

In a pinch, a large food processor can work for soups or smoothies, but they have wide bowls without pouring spouts, so they can make a real mess (trust me, I've tried it).

DIPS (HUMMUS, PESTO, SALSA):

Best appliance: Food processor. You don't need to add liquid and the blades pulse quickly through dry ingredients to create richly-flavored dish with just the right texture. You can make hummus in a blender, but you'll need to add a ton of water and oil and that means it loses flavor. Similarly, you can make pesto in a blender, but it will come out very smooth. Another fantastic option is to use a traditional mortar and pestle, which creates just the right nutty, rustic texture.

CHOPPED ONIONS, CELERY, CARROTS, ETC:

Best appliance: Food processor. You won't find a better appliance to help you prep for soups, stews, or big-batch cooking. For smaller jobs, like a single shallot or a few cloves of garlic, a mini food chopper is a better fit.

SHREDDED CHEESE:

Best appliance: Food processor with a shredding attachment. This the only appliance for the job, and the same goes for grated vegetables. Otherwise, you'll need to get a grater out.

DOUGH, PASTRY AND DESSERTS:

Best appliance: A large food processor with attachments. With dough hooks and mixing accessories, you can make delicious desserts at scale, like brioche, sponge cake, pastry crusts, sliced fruit pies, fruit purees, chocolate mousse, and energy balls. Famously, a perfectly even cheesecake crumb is made in a processor.

A food processor can also help speed up pasta dough; in large restaurants, they always use food processors for pasta dishes to avoid the time and mess that comes with the handmade method.

CHOPPED HERBS, BREADCRUMBS AND TOPPINGS:

Best appliance: Mini food chopper. If you need to serve a huge dining room of people, a large food processor will be a better workhorse, but otherwise, a mini choper fits the bill. For breadcrumbs, a couple of quick pulses in a large blender will work, too.

JUICES AND NUT MILK:

Best appliance: A juicer. The best juicers will extract maximum juice from fruits and vegetables, leaving behind the pulp. However, you can also make juice or nut milk with a blender and a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag. The blender/straining method demands a lot more effort, but still creates fresh results without a separate appliance.

GROUND MEAT:

Best appliance: a meat grinder. You can buy these separately, or many stand mixers offer grinder attachments (just take a look at the best KitchenAid attachments). A food processor can work in a pinch, but some produce uneven results - sometimes too chunky, sometimes too mushy, so check the reviews first.

NUT BUTTERS:

Best appliance: a food processor. The sharp blades, heavy base, and strong motor on a food processor can break down nuts into a creamy, spreadable consistency over several minutes of processing. Blenders can do this too, but they often need added oil to keep things moving. Vitamix is the only blender brand I've tried that managed to get good results (the Vitamix A2300 in particular is great).

The best alternatives

Food processors, choppers and blenders aren't the only food prep appliances in the game. Some alternatives come with accessories that transform them into immensely useful and versatile appliances.

How to get the best value for money

When it comes to kitchen appliances, the best value doesn’t come from buying everything at once - it comes from thinking carefully about what you really need and starting small.

I always recommend starting with a great blender, since it covers a wide range of recipes from smoothies to soups and sauces. If you later find yourself wanting to slice, dice, and shred without the manual effort, you can add a food processor. And if you don’t need the size or power of a full processor, a mini chopper is an affordable way to handle small prep tasks.

For budget-conscious cooks, an immersion blender is often the most versatile, space-saving choice. It cleans easily, tucks into a drawer, and with a little manual effort can blend soups and smoothies, whip cream, and even handle small chopping or whisking jobs.

By building your toolkit gradually, starting with the most versatile tool and only adding extras as your cooking style grows and adds demand - you’ll save money, avoid clutter, and still have the right appliance for every job.

For any kitchen appliance purchase you make, I always recommend shopping in the sales. National holidays like Black Friday and Cyber weekend bring deep discounts on big brand names, while Amazon Prime Day (usually held bi-annually in July and October) brings deep savings and speedy delivery, too.

The final verdict

Choosing the right kitchen appliance really comes down to how you like to cook. If you’re just starting out or don’t spend much time in the kitchen, I think the best blender and a small food chopper will cover almost everything you need - from smoothies and soups to quick veggie and herb prep.

For those who love cooking, hosting, and experimenting with more complex recipes, investing in the best food processor makes sense. It’s versatile enough to handle dough, nut butters, and larger batches. You can couple that with a great blender for soups, smoothies, and your signature cocktails.

And if you’re a keen baker, you may not need a separate food processor for dough at all – of the best stand mixers offer attachments that can handle slicing, shredding, grinding, or even food processing, letting you expand your cooking capabilities without cluttering your kitchen with another appliance.

FAQs

Do I need a food processor?

Food processors are incredibly useful appliances. They can save you time and deliver consistent results in a fraction of the time. If you're a keen cook and you often prep for a crowd, this should be a priority.

Do I need a food chopper?

If you own a food processor, you probably don't need a food chopper. However, if you don't have either and need a compact option, a food chopper will be an invaluable appliance.

Will a food processor grind meat?

Some will. Our expert kitchen tester, Camryn, says the Cuisinart Elemental 13-Cup Food Processor proved best on test for grinding meat. Powered by a 550W motor and equipped with a 13-cup capacity, this food processor makes mincemeat out of all manner of fresh and frozen produce.

We often talk about hardware when it comes to kitchens, and the choice of faucet often gets overlooked. Yet it's a feature that is incredibly visible in your scheme, and just like hardware in the jewelry of the cabinets, the faucet is the jewel of your sink, which is why a beautiful design is key to a curated space.

A good faucet needs to not only look good, but also function as you require it, and to match your kitchen sink. There's a lot to think about, and so often, people end up picking the most practical, but not necessarily stylish, option.

But there's no reason to compromise on aesthetics – so many brands are offering timeless, elegant faucet designs that have all the functionalities you could ever wish for. And if there's one thing I've learned since becoming a Kitchens Editor, it's that a stylish faucet will instantly elevate the finish of your design.

I appreciate that faucet shopping isn't the easiest or most enjoyable step of designing a kitchen, which is why I'm making it much simpler for you. I've pulled together my top picks of places to shop for faucets that blend style and function.

Where to buy kitchen faucets

There's a lot to consider when buying a kitchen faucet. Finish, size, style, and capabilities all come into play, making it feel almost impossible to find the right design, especially if you're not entirely sure what you're looking for. So if that's you, you'll find plenty of stores to shop below, no matter your style or budget.

However, if you do have a particular style or design of kitchen faucet in mind, I've made finding it even easier with these quick links to the best faucet in each style and category.

Best contemporary kitchen faucet: Faucet with Touchless Technology from Delta

Best traditional kitchen faucet: deVOL Aged Brass Ionian Tap

Best high-tech kitchen faucet: Glacier Bay Touchless Kitchen Faucet from The Home Depot

Best nickel kitchen faucet: Moen One-Handle Kitchen Faucet with Power Boost

Best affordable kitchen faucet: Kitchen Faucet with Soap Dispenser from Amazon

Best luxury kitchen faucet: Davoli Bridge Kitchen Faucet from Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation

I love Rejuvenation for kitchen hardware, so it's no surprise that they also deliver on beautiful kitchen faucets. They are definitely on the more luxurious end of the spectrum, but there are some truly timeless designs here for contemporary and traditional schemes. This is also the brand that comes up most when I speak with designers about kitchen fixtures and fittings.

There were two things that really stood out to me when I was shopping for kitchen faucets on Rejuvenation. The first was how easy to use the website is – it's so easy to find the kitchen faucet category, and there are really great filtering options, from price and finish to brand, style, and even handle type.

Secondly, I was really impressed by how elevated the faucets look. You can really see the quality in the designs – even the smallest details like decorative edging around the handles have been considered.

If you're looking for affordable kitchen faucets, Rejuvenation is not the store for you (prices start around $500), but if you want beautifully designed, timeless faucets that will last for years to come, it's the ideal store to make that investment.

Delivery: Varies per item and brand
Returns: Within 30 days
Warranty: up to 5 years

Wayfair

Buying a kitchen faucet on Wayfair really hits the mark for variety. The mix of brands, prices, and styles makes it an ideal place to compare designs and functionality, which is endlessly useful when sourcing the right design for your space and needs..

The shopping experience on Wayfair is one of my favorites. The images are clear as you scroll through the products, providing straightforward information about finish options, customer ratings, and delivery details without even needing to click into the product. It makes shopping quicker and easier.

What stands out the most here is the mix of brands, from high-end designs from Moen and Kraus to more affordable options – many of which are under $100. It makes shopping for kitchen faucets accessible for everyone, plus the range of style and finish options is among the best I've seen.

Delivery: Free 3-day delivery on most faucets
Returns: 30 days for most items
Warranty: Manufacturer's warranty

Walmart

A one-stop shop for all of your kitchen decor needs, it comes as no surprise that Walmart also offers a great range of faucets. For me, it's a winner for really affordable kitchen faucets, with options available for less than $20.

Among the standard designs, there are a few gems that look more expensive than they are, with some beautifully traditional options nestled amongst the mass of contemporary ones.

I would recommend shopping for a kitchen faucet here if you're looking for affordable designs that feature sturdy sprayers, matching soap dispensers, and easy installation. I would recommend using the filters here, as there are a lot of products – I found the number of holes and customer rating ones particularly useful. As with anything on Walmart, you really want to spend some time reading reviews, as I find it's images often don't do a piece justice, or the opposite the images look nothing like what you end up with.

It's worth considering that these more affordable designs will likely need replacing more quickly than the luxury retailers, but if you shop through the best-rated ones, there are some great mid-range options, too.

Delivery: 2-4 days for most items
Returns: 90 days for most items
Warranty: Varies per manufacturer

Lowe's

Stocking 83 different brands, Lowe's is another brilliant place to shop for kitchen faucets. While it stocks similar brands to Wayfair, including Kohler, Kraus, and Moen, it only offers the more affordable options, reflecting the more budget-friendly designs you can find on Lowe's.

I found the sophisticated filtering options really helpful to narrow down what feels like endless pages of results. You can filter by the usual color, brand, and price, but you can also get as specific as faucet types, number of handles, and activation method.

While you won't find the high-end luxury faucets like Rejuvenation, Lowe's has a fantastic range of more affordable faucets. I like that they still include the reputable brands, but simply offer their most affordable ranges. It helps to bridge the gap between style and functionality, especially when budget faucets can often feel less aesthetic.

Delivery: Standard and same-day shipping offered
Returns: 90 days for most items
Warranty: Manufacturer's warranty and Lowe's protection plan

The Home Depot

As with the other DIY stores, The Home Depot is another affordable place to buy kitchen faucets. I found it stocked a lot of the same brands as Wayfair and Lowe's, but with just slightly less variety. But if you are after a one stock shop to tick lots of the more practical elements of your kitchen renovation list, head to Home Depot.

A lot of the designs here feel very contemporary, with sleek forms and minimalist details, but there is plenty here offering sprayers, soap dispensers, and wave activation. For me, there isn't much variety in terms of more traditional designs, but I don't think you'd shop at The Home Depot expecting there to be.

I do like the shopping experience on its website, however. It's easy to navigate, the filters make it really easy to find a curated edit based on your requirements, and many of the faucets have a good selection of finishes to choose from.

Delivery: Same day, next day, and 1-2 day delivery available
Returns: 90 days for most items
Warranty: Limited lifetime and manufacturer's warranty

Amazon

When I recently covered the best places to buy kitchen hardware, I spoke about the difficulty in navigating categories on Amazon. However, it was a much easier process for kitchen faucets – a pleasant surprise that made shopping much more enjoyable.

I really appreciate the range of styles and price points on Amazon – from traditional to modern, and even unique designs I've never seen before. I think anyone will be able to find a faucet that perfectly suits their kitchen and budget.

There are also some reputable brands sold via Amazon, including Kohler, Delta, and Kraus, so you can get a really good comparison in one place. And while the designs here aren't the most luxurious, that's very much reflected in the prices.

Above all, I like the reliability of ordering on Amazon. There are more reviews than most websites, which allows you to hear first-person experiences, as well as the easy ordering and returning process, should you require it.

Delivery: Varies per item, with some available on Prime
Returns: 30 days for most items
Warranty: Two-year limited warranty

FAQs

Do knobs and faucets have to match?

It's not unusual to feel like you have to match your kitchen cabinet hardware and faucet finish – it is, after all, an easy way to create a cohesive finish. But recent kitchen trends have embraced a more contrasting, characterful look where mixing metals and finishes is encouraged.

So, should your kitchen faucet's material match your other hardware?

'Not that long ago, everything centered around the use of chrome or stainless steel hardware, not just in the kitchen, but in interiors in general. However, there has been a huge shift, and we have never had as many choices when it comes to the metallic finishes and styles we can pick, from aged brass through to brushed copper. There is now an abundance of choice,' says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.

'Which is why it isn’t that much of a surprise that we want to use several of these options within a room, picking shades and products that we love, rather than having to make them fit within a pre-defined design. 2025 is the year when we’ll see a lot more blending of different finishes in the kitchen, from brass to bronze, to stainless steel and nickel, to many other options.'

In short, you absolutely don't have to match your knobs and faucet finish if you don't want to.

What to check when buying a kitchen faucet

Let's be honest, when we think about buying a new kitchen faucet, our minds immediately go to the fun elements, such as the aesthetic of intriguing tech features. But there are a few more practical things you need to consider.

'One of the most important details to look for in these faucets is the height and whether it's going to work in your space. The last thing you want to do is buy a beautiful, sculptural kitchen faucet, and it doesn't actually fit with your upper cabinets. If you have your sink against the window, you can go for any size,' says interior designer Phoenix Grey.

'Second on the list is going to be a pull-down nozzle with a spray option. I love more minimal styles that come out and have a sleek design. That way you don't have any interruption on the faucet design and it's its own sculptural piece versus something that has a more traditional style pull down, which is cool, but I find it comes off very commercial looking.'

The shape of your faucet is another thing to consider – and it's a more aesthetic element that's more fun to think about. Goose neck faucets are enduringly popular as they have a very elegant form and work seamlessly in many kitchen styles. Phoenix also points out that it's 'more timeless than going for a more industrial, crooked ones.'

And while there are always questions around whether your kitchen faucet and hardware should match or if you should embrace mixed metals, the same can be asked about the faucet itself, with many brands offering designs with more than one finish.

'The only time I would recommend mixing metals [in the faucet] is when you have it repeated in the rest of the kitchen,' he advises. 'If you just have it as a statement faucet, it's going to look really out of place because the finishes don't coincide with anything else in the room.'

While your faucet may seem like a small, functional element of your kitchen, it's really important to the overall finish and cohesion of your space. Even on a tighter budget, you can still choose hardware that can make a room more expensive, especially if you opt for timeless finishes and forms.

We often hail hardware as the jewelry of the kitchen, and while it might seem like an overused phrase, it sums up this small yet hardworking feature perfectly. It's not only a functional detail, but it also doubles as one of the most decorative elements in this very hardworking space.

So it goes without saying that your kitchen hardware needs to be well chosen, and that starts with the place you source it from. You want a design that feels chic and timeless, yet stands up to the everyday wear and tear of a cooking space.

Here we've curated a guide of all the best places to buy kitchen hardware – filled with stores offering designs that blend style, function, and timeless appeal. They are the brands we trust in for high-quality designs for every style and budget.

And to make things even easier, we've divided our top brands, stores, and retailers into three defined categories: Luxury & Designer, Specialty Makers, and Affordable Finds, to make your kitchen hardware search easier.

Luxury & Designer Retailers

When you invest in your kitchen hardware, it really shows. Beautiful finishes, timeless forms, and pieces that last for years – looking to more luxurious retailers will ensure your hardware really stands the test of time, both in style and longevity. Here's where we recommend shopping for timeless craftsmanship and investment kitchen hardware.

Anthropologie

If you want kitchen cabinet hardware that's stylish and unique, we'd recommend Anthropologie every time. Its collection is vast, including switch plates, handles, knobs, and even door knockers – ideal for creating a sense of cohesion throughout your home from the moment you reach the front door.

The kitchen cabinet hardware follows a clear aesthetic. All of the designs are decorative, with lots of brass, marble, and playful motifs filling the hardware section. There's a real vintage feel to a lot of the hardware, too, which always proves timeless.

Best for: Unique and decorative cabinet hardware

Lead time: Usually 1-8 business days

Price: $$-$$$

Pottery Barn

Described as 'premium cabinet hardware,' you can be sure you are getting high-quality designs when you buy cabinet hardware from Pottery Barn. All of their cabinet hardware designs are simple and classic, with a clear focus on timeless style.

Each product is labeled as new, best seller, or contract grade, which makes finding an ideal design so much simpler, and most of its hardware options are offered in a range of sizes and finishes, so you can really get experimental with scale and mixing metals.

Best for: Classic silhouettes

Lead time: Standard and next-day delivery offered

Price: $$-$$$

RH

If luxury is what you're searching for, RH fits the bill. Much like its coveted furniture designs, its hardware continues the brand's renowned style for classic forms and enduring designs.

You have all the classic finishes to choose from with every knob and pull, as well as silhouettes ranging from traditional and decorative to sleek and contemporary. The price is at the higher end, but the quality is second to none, making it a brilliant investment for a kitchen that endures.

Best for: Beautiful quality and high-end finishes

Lead time: Generally 2 to 7 business days

Price: $$$$

West Elm

If Anthropologie is the answer to classic, quirky, and vintage-inspired, West Elm is quite the opposite. Its kitchen hardware offerings are more polished and sleek, while still offering classic silhouettes for a timeless kitchen.

These stylish designs will instantly elevate any kitchen, are designed to be ergonomic, and are made from materials that guarantee longevity. Almost every handle comes in multiple sizes with a matching cabinet knob, which makes creating a cohesive yet visually interesting scheme easier to achieve.

Best for: Contemporary kitchen hardware designs

Lead time: 4 to 5 business days

Price: $$-$$$

Crate & Barrel

If there's one word to sum up Crate & Barrel's kitchen hardware offerings, it's fun. The usual forms we are accustomed to have been given a unique touch with hammered finishes, unexpected silhouettes, and mixed materials that you don't often see elsewhere. They still feel classic, but with a less expected appeal.

Best for: Playful takes on classic designs and mixed materials

Lead time: 3-5 business days

Price: $$-$$$

deVOL

You're probably very familiar with deVOL for its classic kitchens, from traditional Shaker doors to their Mid-Century-style Haberdashers range. But they also offer beautifully classic hardware that proves to be just as timeless as their kitchens.

Ideal for classic kitchens and period homes, its kitchen cabinet hardware designs range from classic cup handles and pulls to old school Georgian swing handles and catches. There's something very characterful about these designs that sets them apart from mainstream alternatives.

Best for: Timeless designs with a more traditional feel

Lead time: Between 3 and 5 business days

Price: $$$$

Vintage, One-of-a-Kind Finds & Artisan Makers

Whether you're trying to create the vintage kitchen you've been dreaming of or simply want to finish your kitchen with hand-crafted hardware, antique stores, vintage sellers, and artisan makers are the perfect way to find unique designs. Here's where you can find those one-of-a-kind pieces for your scheme.

1stDibs

It takes a bit of patience and trying a few different search terms, but amongst the vintage decor and antique furniture, you can find some charming vintage hardware for your kitchen at 1stDibs.

From 1950s Modernist knobs in the Carl Aubock style to Mid-century brass drawer pulls, there's much to be discovered. Expect to spend a bit more when shopping here, as the finds sold here tend to be rare and sought-after pieces.

Best for: Rare antique and vintage finds

Lead time: 3 days to 3 weeks, depending on location

Price: $$$$

Etsy

Etsy is so underrated for kitchen hardware, but it's the perfect place to find vintage, antique, and handmade designs all in one place. There's a beautiful array of unique designs, from vintage brass in decorative styles, quirky green glass pieces that pay homage to the best of bygone eras, and even antique porcelain knobs that bring unexpected style to a kitchen.

Best for: Variety of vintage hardware of every style and era

Lead time: Varies by seller

Price: $-$$$

Affordable Finds

There is an appeal to luxurious, artisan kitchen hardware, but even on a tighter budget, you can still find beautiful pieces that feel classic, timeless, and elevated. It can be tricky to navigate through the seemingly endless lists of choices, so we've found the stores, brands, and retailers that offer the best affordable kitchen hardware.

Wayfair

Whether you love to shop a sale or simply like to browse kitchen cabinet hardware from a variety of brands in one place, Wayfair has you covered. There's something for every budget, style, and taste here, with dedicated sections for Mid-century modern, country, and American traditional, just to name a few.

The versatility covers more than just style – price points are varied, too. It's not just high-end or budget hardware, but a mix and everything in between. It gives you a really good idea of what the difference is between the two and gives you a better opportunity to compare quality and cost.

Best for: Variety of brands

Lead time: 1 to 7 days

Price: $-$$

IKEA

Whether you're undertaking a full remodel or a simple kitchen refresh, the chances are you will end up in IKEA at some point. And for good reason – its pared-back, affordable designs hit every time. And just as IKEA kitchens come recommended, so do the brand's hardware options.

There's something for just about every kitchen style, from brass cup handles and classic silver pulls to Scandi-inspired pulls that blend with the color of your cabinets. There are also lots of natural wood designs, as well as a few bolder, brighter colors for the maximalists among us.

Best for: An array of finishes, including bolder colors

Lead time: Usually 3-5 days

Price: $-$$

Home Depot

If you're remodeling your kitchen, the chances are you will end up in Home Depot at some point. If you're designing on a budget and prefer to keep your cabinet hardware simple, there are plenty of options for you here.

While you won't find the same decorative designs that Anthropologie has to offer, Home Depot does simplistic, classic silhouettes really well, and its range of finishes is great for the price. There's also the added benefit of lots of multipacks, with some containing 50 pulls or knobs for ease of purchase.

Best for: Simple, budget hardware

Lead time: Calculated on order size and location

Price: $-$$

Walmart

If you're looking for a place to buy kitchen cabinet hardware that offers plenty of designs at affordable prices, look no further than Walmart. The more simplistic hardware is best here, creating a classic look without the financial commitment. There's a reliability to Walmart that makes it a go-to for many homeowners looking to refresh on a budget – just steer clear of some of the more eccentric designs.

Best for: Affordable prices

Lead time: Varies per item

Price: $-$$

Target

For stylish yet affordable kitchen cabinet hardware, Target has a great range of styles and finishes to choose from. There's a vast array of brands listed here, giving you a greater variety to choose from in one space.

They might not offer the same craftsmanship as deVOL or the decorative designs typical of Anthropologie, but you will find hardware in varying shapes, sizes, and finishes, from classic bar pulls to miniature knobs, at more affordable prices.

Best for: Variety of designs

Lead time: Dependent on item and size of order

Price: $-$$

Amazon

Amazon is the go-to when it comes to buying things for our kitchens, whether it's a pretty soap dispenser or aesthetic pantry containers. But it also has some great hardware options – we've even written about the best kitchen hardware at Amazon before, thanks to its wide range of options and ease of ordering.

Under every product, Amazon lets you know what items other customers bought with the hardware, which helps you to find cohesive designs and even faucets in the same tone and style. Plus, the sheer versatility of kitchen cabinet hardware options on offer here makes it a one-stop shop for everything you need.

Best for: Easy ordering and a wide variety

Lead time: Varies per product, but many are available on Prime

Price: $-$$

Our Favorite Kitchen Hardware to Shop Now

FAQs

What Kitchen Hardware is Trending Now?

This year's kitchen hardware trends are embracing a blend of timeless style and personalized designs. Think classic antique brass finishes and the return of gallery rails on shelves for an elevated look. Vintage kitchen hardware is also making a comeback, bringing an authentic, aged look to kitchens of every style.

On the other end of the spectrum, we're seeing unique hardware shapes, mixed metals, and handles that match the cabinet color, all becoming increasingly popular for something a bit more unique.

However, when it comes to faucets, classic designs are reigning supreme. In more traditional kitchens, designs like the deVOL Aged Brass Ionian Tap are a favorite among designers, and contemporary schemes, opting for a sleeker design like Kohler's Crue® Pull-Down Faucet is a stylish choice.

Should I Get Knobs or Pulls On My Kitchen Cabinets?

While it may seem easier to introduce one consistent hardware style across all of your kitchen cabinets, opting for a mix instantly creates a more visually interesting and elevated finish. How to choose kitchen hardware will also depend on your space.

On your cabinet doors, opting for two different lengths of pulls instantly looks more considered. Heavy or large doors, such as those used for integrated appliances, will need larger handles for strength.

However, drawers or light upper cabinets, especially glass-fronted designs, always look chic with a classic knob instead of a pull. They generally offer less surface space, so a cabinet knob feels more proportionate compared to a full-size handle.

Whether you use knobs or pulls will also depend on the style of your kitchen. Contemporary spaces call for sleek handles and minimalist knobs, whereas a more traditional scheme better suits cup pulls and more decorative brass handles.

Is Expensive Kitchen Hardware Worth It?

The price of kitchen cabinet hardware really varies, with more luxurious designs proving more of an investment. But whether or not expensive hardware is worth it really comes down to your decorating approach and your budget.

'I always advocate for a long-term approach when designing kitchens. My philosophy is simple: buy once, buy well,' says Sarah Snouffer, of Third Street Architecture, who generally recommends opting for something higher quality.

'Investing in well-made, timeless materials ensures a kitchen that not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time. Hardware is another key detail – good-quality handles in aged brass or bronze will withstand daily use and add a sense of craftsmanship,' she adds.

However, if you are working on a tighter budget, hardware is one area where you can choose a more affordable design without losing the aesthetic you desire. While they might not last a lifetime like more expensive options, places like Amazon, Target, and Wayfair offer good quality at a more affordable price point.

'Cabinet hardware is an area where you can opt for high-quality, affordable options that complement your design without the need for luxury finishes. These savings allow you to allocate your budget toward more impactful areas of the kitchen,' says Vyanca Soto, owner and principal designer at Market Studio Interiors.

It might be small in size, but cabinet hardware has a bigger impact on your kitchen than you might think. The right hardware can make a room more expensive, while the wrong choices can instantly date your scheme, so look out for kitchen hardware mistakes to avoid.

I've always thought of ceiling fans as a 'function-over-form' home decor detail. Since their main purpose is to circulate air and keep a room cool, chic style isn't exactly a priority. I used to have these in my childhood home, and while practical, they never added anything when it came to style That said, I'm sure you could imagine my surprise when I came across this stylish ceiling fan light fixture combo from Wayfair – it blends the function of a fan and the elegance of a chandelier but looks nothing like the designs of my childhood.

Technically speaking, this type of fixture is known as a fandelier, which simply combines the words fan and chandelier. Just like regular ceiling fans, fandeliers are an easy way to cool a room. The only difference? Fandeliers tend to be more decorative and detailed, just like a traditional chandelier.

One of the reasons why this model from Wayfair stands out amongst the rest is because it features one of our favorite summer decor trends here at Homes & Gardens: rattan. Woven tastefully around the black metal frame and miniature blades, the rattan exterior shade makes this fandelier a casually elegant ceiling decoration. It circulates the air, lights up the room, and looks good while doing so.

Reviewers rate this fandelier highly, saying it's easy to assemble and install, and despite its small size, they remark on how powerful a breeze it creates. Some even comment on how it's an ideal feature for small bedrooms since it does two things at once – it lights up the space and circulates air.

Because of the enclosed rattan shade of this fandelier, it produces a stylish light output – one that can create a tasteful ambience in whatever room you choose to mount it. Aesthetics aside, the enclosed nature of fandeliers like this model can also be ideal for safety. Unlike traditional ceiling fan blades, fandelier blades are small and enclosed by exterior shades – making it rare for something to come in contact with them.

Fandeliers were not on my list of options to cool down my hot apartment, but I have been pleasantly surprised by how far designs have come, and while yes, I did see plenty of options that look like they have come straight from the 1990s, there are increasingly more chic options to choose from.

So we can add fandeliers to the list of outdated 90s decor making a comeback, you just have to do some digging to find the most stylish options. If you are looking for ways to keep your home cool this summer I would (unexpectedly) recommend a fandelier, especially if space is tight and you need a double duty design.

Using the best non-toxic cookware should be a priority for anyone who cooks at home. As more studies unveil the associated risks of PFAS and 'forever chemicals', replacing pans with these harmful surfaces and materials is the simplest way to reduce your household's risk of ingesting the microscopic particles during meal times.

Unlike many of the best non-toxic kitchen appliances, a great deal of modern cookware still relies on traditional non-stick coatings that may contain PFAS. As a health-focused home cook and Kitchen Appliances Editor, I'm following the advice of board-certified toxicologist and materials compliance expert Dr. Bruce Jarnot, who advises, ‘To eliminate PFAS exposure risks in the kitchen, consumers should switch out their non-stick frying pans.’ This means instead using the best stainless steel, ceramic, and hybrid non-toxic pans.

Some of our ultimate top six may require slightly more care and technique when using or afterwards during your cleanup process, but safe cookware brings meaningful returns that cannot be ignored: Improved cooking performance, long-term durability, and, most importantly, greater peace of mind for the wellbeing of your family.

The One-Minute Verdict

Following our extended testing, the All-Clad D3 Stainless Everyday 3-Ply Bonded Essential Cookware is our top pick for non-toxic cookware, delivering even heating and reliable searing on all cooktops.

For small kitchens, the STAUB Cast Iron Stackable Set, available at Amazon, offers four space-saving, high-performance pans. And for those who still value non-stick, the HexClad Hybrid Pan leads the way for performance and longevity.

The Quick List

Best Non-Toxic Cookware Overall: All-Clad D3 Stainless Everyday 3-Ply Bonded Essential Cookware

What makes it non-toxic? The All-Clad D3 Everyday pans are non-toxic because they’re crafted from stainless steel, with no chemical coatings that can chip or flake. This material is naturally safe, resistant to leaching, and highly durable, making it a healthier alternative to non-stick pans.

Why we recommend it: On testing these pans, our reviewer, Jamie Davis Smith, fell in love with the heirloom quality. As with any stainless steel cookware, the All-Clad D3 pans are not naturally nonstick, but she found adapting to using the Leidenfrost effect simple, claiming 'it quickly becomes second nature', with the quality of the All-Clad cookware.

Across our usual tests, onions caramelised evenly without scorching or sticking, seared tofu stuck slightly but released without too much fuss and turned a perfect golden brown, the fried egg slid out with ease when using the right amount of oil, and the sauce simmered right to the edges in just under a minute and a half. While not needed during testing, All-Clad recommends using baking soda to remove burned-on food and a cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend, from Walmart, or Bon Ami, from Amazon, to remove other types of tough-to-clean spots.

Small criticisms: Other customers have also reported success in cleaning the pans in the dishwasher; however, handwashing is recommended by the brand for longevity, which may be a snag for people looking for quick clean-up.

Read more: All-Clad D3 Everyday Stainless Steel Cookware review

Best Non-Toxic Hybrid Non-Stick Cookware

What makes it non-toxic? HexClad pans are considered non-toxic because their hybrid surface combines stainless steel peaks with a ceramic non-stick. Earlier models (produced between 2022 and early 2024) were found to use PTFE-based coatings (you may recall the lawsuit on this). However, independent third-party testing conducted in 2025 found no detectable traces of PFAS compounds in the current collection. This means you get the benefits of non-stick cooking without the health concerns associated with traditional coatings.

Why we recommend it: HexClad's non-stick surface is impressively durable and effective. I made perfect fried eggs, tofu, and halloumi in the kitchen – and the pans can withstand metal utensils. After 10 months of use, it showed no signs of flaking or peeling.

You need to cook on medium heat and make sure to season before the first use and occasionally after if you notice sticking. When I charred some corn in the pan, I ended up with some burnt-on bits and darkened areas on the surface, but it was easier than expected to remove them. Cleaning with baking soda and white vinegar got rid of the stains within a couple of minutes and left the pan looking as good as new. You can also find the pans in a range of styles, including fry pans, sauté pans, and woks.

Small criticisms: The seasoning instructions weren’t immediately obvious when we opened the packaging. We only knew because we research and write about cookware maintenance. HexClad is also fairly pricey (unless you are shopping the sales), and I can't see myself passing it down to my grandkids like other heirloom brands, such as Le Creuset and Field Company.

Read more: HexClad Hybrid Fry Pan review

Best Non-Toxic Ceramic Cookware

What makes it non-toxic? Our Place uses its proprietary Thermakind® ceramic non-stick coating, designed without PFAS, PTFE, lead, and cadmium. As with many ceramic-coated pans, the coating is sand-derived, making it more durable than traditional non-stick while promoting faster, more even heating. It is also oven-safe, whereas traditional non-stick is not.

Why we recommend it: Reviewed by Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden, she found that Our Place pans are a dream to cook with, handling all of our standard tests from sautéing onions to frying an egg to simmering sauce seamlessly, and tackling traditional Persian cuisine head-on. Crispy 'tahdig' (the deliberately crispy base of rice) came out beautifully golden and crisp with no sticking, red meat seared wonderfully with no burning, and steamed, fried, and simmered vegetables cooked evenly without burning, even when she forgot to stir them. When testing the saucepan, Punteha even found that food (especially pasta and rice) boiled or cooked more quickly than in her usual pans, offering a 30% reduction in cooking time.

Small criticisms: The only criticism for the Our Place pans comes from the weight, making some of them a little more awkward for Punteha to handle as easily as her old non-stick pans, but they were not so cumbersome as to make cooking difficult. There was simply an adjustment period, and she quickly grew used to it. When cleaning, she had to place it in her sink for support. Also, during stovetop use, the long pan handles never got hot enough to be an issue, but during oven use, and when the stockpot with the short handles was on the stove for 40 minutes, both the handles on the side and on the lid were hot enough to need oven mitts.

Finally, the non-stick ceramic can be a bit fiddly to care for; you can't use metal utensils, you need to store and stack it with pan dividers or with the included pan organizer to avoid chipping, and it needs gentle cleaning by hand. Luckily, hand washing was very simple thanks to the dreamily non-stick surface, so this isn’t too much of a bother on a weeknight – Punteha noted that it took less than 30-seconds to clean each pan. Ceramic will never be as durable as stainless steel or cast iron, but it really is a lifesaver for those sticky tofu, cheese, or egg recipes.

After four months of daily use, Punteha has found two tiny chips in the ceramic surface of one of her pans, and this has been due to placing the item in the sink for washing later, and other members of her household having placed metal cutlery inside. If it wasn't for that, no marks would have appeared during regular cooking, cleaning, and usage.

Read more: Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set Review

Best Non-Toxic Versatile / Space-Saving Cookware

What makes it non-toxic? Enameled cast iron is considered non-toxic because it is coated in an inert (non-reactive) barrier made from porcelain-glass. This surface prevents chemical leeching and requires no seasoning to prevent sticking.

Why we recommend it: Not every kitchen has enough space for a sprawling cookware set – that is where this genius stacking design comes in. The Staub Enameled Cast Iron Stackable Cookware Set comes with a universal lid, and either three or four pans, a 24 cm cocotte, sauté pan, and frying pan – and you can add a griddle with the four-piece set. They stack perfectly together to save space in smaller kitchens and packed cabinets.

The frying pan is well-proportioned for two to three servings and handles everything from fried eggs to omelets to vegetables perfectly with no sticking. It is as good as normal non-stick pans with no risk of chipping or flaking.

The sauté pan is a little deeper, which works nicely for sauces, risottos, pastas, etc. The heat retention of the cast iron keeps cooking consistent, so sauces and braises bubble evenly from edge to edge. The large cocotte cooks just as evenly, and is perfect for moving from stove to oven, too.

Small criticisms: None of these pans are large enough to act as a wok, so if stir-frys are in your weekly rotation, you might need to add an extra pan to cover this base. Otherwise, these pans are recommended for hand washing only; luckily, they are easy enough to clean, and food comes right off. You also need to dry these pans thoroughly after use to avoid rust.

Read more: Staub Stackable Set Review

Best Non-Toxic Cast Iron Cookware

What makes it non-toxic? Field Company’s No. 8 skillet is made from cast iron. It arrives pre-seasoned with organic grapeseed oil, so all you need to do is clean it, heat it, and give it a light seasoning before first use. Over time, the seasoning layers build naturally, creating a non-stick surface without synthetic coatings.

Why we recommend it: The No. 8 skillet has a beautifully smooth surface that helps food release effortlessly. In my tests, oven-baked frittatas and fried eggs all slid out perfectly; the pan’s even heat gave crisp, golden bottoms every time.

At home, my partner immediately claimed it for campfire and fire pit cooking – something you’d never attempt with Teflon cookware, since overheating can damage it or release toxins. With cast iron, you don’t have that worry.

Yes, cast iron needs a little TLC – cleaning, drying, and re-seasoning after each use – but it’s absolutely worth it for this skillet. The non-stick performance actually improved over four months of testing. On my most recent test, my pancakes were seamless, golden, and delicious.

Small criticisms: Field Company is more expensive than some cast-iron brands we have tested, such as Lodge (the budget-friendly option on this list). But I preferred the Field by a long way. The surface is smoother, it is noticeably lighter, and it has a premium, vintage feel. It is heirloom quality.

Best Non-Toxic Titanium / Dishwasher-Safe Cookware

What makes it non-toxic? Our Place has created a coating-free pan made without forever chemicals. Instead, tiny titanium grooves provide a natural, non-stick effect. They call this 'NoCo™ technology.'

Why we recommend it: In our tests, the Always Pan Pro performed beautifully: It was easy to achieve nice browning without sticking on diced onions, pork mince, and even sticky paneer cheese. I love that the shape is so deep and versatile. The titanium surface is scratch-resistant and 300% harder than stainless steel. I used it every night for exactly three months, with no concerns about peeling or damage over time.

If you're a busy person, you'll love that this pan is dishwasher-safe. Even after multiple cycles in the dishwasher, the pan still works well. It also comes with a cleaning brush for hand-washing, which is very effective for scooping up leftover fond (the caramelized pieces on the pan after searing meat), but it does take a little elbow grease. Our Place recommends seasoning after cleaning to keep the pan at peak performance, so it is not entirely maintenance-free.

Small criticisms: My pan now has some stains on the exterior, which are unsightly. The pan is cumbersome, since it is made of tri-ply titanium and stainless steel. We found it way too heavy for tasks like tossing stir-fries or pastas. If you’ve got weak wrists or issues with grip, you might prefer something more lightweight, such as the Made In stainless steel pan (which is half the weight and cheaper).

Read more: Our Place Titanium Always Pro Pan Review

How to Choose the Best Non-Toxic Cookware

Choosing the best non-toxic cookware means understanding cookware labels and knowing what to avoid. Some traditional non-stick cookware uses coatings that may contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), sometimes called 'forever chemicals' because they persist in the environment and the body.

The FDA has noted that PFAS exposure has been associated with potential health concerns, including effects on cholesterol levels, blood pressure, immune response, and liver function.

Most non-toxic cookware options, on the other hand, rely on durable materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and newer PFAS-free technologies such as titanium. Which you pick depends on your cooking habits:

• Stainless steel: A top choice for chefs, stainless steel is durable, oven-safe, and non-reactive, making it ideal for acidic foods like tomato sauces. It excels at browning and developing flavour, but it does require a little technique (proper preheating and oiling are needed to prevent sticking); once mastered, it’s one of the most versatile cookware types available.
• Ceramic non-stick: Ceramic non-stick is best if you want familiar, low-effort cooking. It performs like traditional non-stick but without PFAS-based coatings. The trade-off is longevity. These pans tend to wear faster than metal alternatives and are best seen as a medium-term option rather than a lifetime investment.
• Cast iron: Cast iron is prized for its heat retention and natural non-stick surface when properly seasoned. It’s ideal for searing, roasting, and oven-to-table cooking. However, it is heavy and requires simple maintenance with oil after use. If neglected, it can rust or develop sticking issues.
• Enameled cast iron: Enameled cast iron offers the benefits of traditional cast iron without the maintenance. The enamel coating removes the need for seasoning and makes cleanup easier. It’s excellent for slow cooking, stews, and family-style oven dishes, though it is heavier and more expensive than other options.
• Titanium (no-coating): Titanium cookware offers a modern alternative to traditional non-stick. It uses a naturally slick surface instead of chemical coatings. It’s durable, metal-utensil safe, and generally dishwasher-safe, making it ideal for busy kitchens.
• HexClad Hybrid: These pans use a slightly raised 'honeycomb' grid of stainless steel over a ceramic-based coating. The lattice protects the ceramic from wear and allows for the perfect sear, while maintaining wonderful low-maintenance non-stick.

How We Test Cookware

The best non-toxic cookware has to check all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, brilliant cooking performance, ease of cleaning, and crucially, zero toxicity.

First, we research the market and speak to toxicologists and medical experts to find the brands you can rely on to be safe and healthy. To create this guide, we took 16 pans from recommended brands to the test kitchen to try them on the induction hob. Then, the winners from that initial round went home with me, a trained chef, food writer, product tester, and recipe editor, for long-term testing on a gas stove. I used each pan for a month to see how it fared over time.

When testing, we're looking for a pan that can handle everything: From frying an egg to searing a steak with a perfect crust. It should feel balanced in your hand – not so heavy it’s hard to lift, but substantial enough to retain heat evenly for consistent cooking.

We also like to test notoriously sticky or delicate recipes, including tofu and sticky cheese like halloumi or paneer, to assess how these work in the pan and the mess they leave afterwards – because no one wants to scrub endlessly after dinner.

Noteworthy Mentions

We are constantly refining this list as our experienced testing team puts new pans through their paces. Each one gets at least three to six months of use in a real kitchen to see if it truly performs day in and day out. We only recommend pans we’d actually cook with at home.

Below is an extended list of the brands that came close but didn’t quite knock our main picks from their top spot.

• Made In's Stainless Steel Pans were our former number one, but were knocked off the top spot by the All-Clad pans, which are better for more delicate tasks such as frying eggs.
• GreenPan's Premiere Pan is a good price and uses a PFAS-free Thermolon™ ceramic coating, which was very slippery and easy to use at first, but over time, my eggs and omelets began to stick – so it didn't make the final cut.
• Le Creuset's Round Dutch Oven is a stunning pan, offering heirloom quality and completely non-toxic construction. However, for the price, it is not as versatile as some of the other cookware on the top list. We love this pan and gave it five stars, and it missed out only to offer you a larger range of options up top.
• Lodge's 12" Cast Iron Skillet would be our budget pick. It delivers durability and performance for under $40 if you need to switch out to non-toxic cookware for less. It hasn't hit the top spot as the Feild Co. Cast Iron Skillet performed a little better on easy release. Otherwise, we can't fault it.
• The Hestan 11-inch CopperBond Fry Pan is a fantastic pick for those looking for quick, high-heat cooking. The copper heats quickly, while the stainless steel lining protects against metal contamination. It was knocked from the top lis in favour of more versatile pans, but this is a stylish pick.
• Hestan ProBond Luxe is a stunning, professional-level line – but the price point is extremely high, especially when compared with other more accessible stainless steel.
• Caraway's Ceramic Non-Stick Fry pan is very aesthetically pleasing, but it didn’t perform as well as the brands that made my top list, particularly when it came to achieving a proper golden sear.

Meet the Experts

FAQs

Is Ceramic Cookware Safe to Use?

Ceramic cookware is considered safe when used and maintained correctly. From our experience and research, most ceramic coatings are free of PFAS and PFOA; always look for brands that explicitly label their products as such, and check that they’re also free of heavy metals like lead or cadmium, too.

That said, the usual caution applies: ceramic coatings can wear down over time, so avoid heating an empty pan and stick to non-metal utensils that won't scratch or chip the surface. All in all, we've found ceramic cookware to be a reliable, safe option if you follow the care guidelines – and you remain aware that you are likely to replace it within a few years.

Is Aluminum Cookware Safe to Use?

Yes, aluminum cookware is safe when used correctly.

Dr. Ryan Marino, medical toxicologist at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, provides some clear and reassuring words of wisdom: 'Aluminum cookware is considered safe to use. The amount of aluminum that cookware may contribute to food is usually minimal, usually far less than is already present in all of the foods we eat, and should not pose any health risk for most people using it as intended.'

However, there are certain common ingredients – and a few easy-to-miss mistakes – you’ll want to avoid to keep aluminum exposure to a minimum. Dr. Marino explains that cooking acidic ingredients in bare aluminum pots and pans can accelerate leaching, increasing the amount of aluminum that ends up on your dinner plate. 'Foods and recipes high in salt can have a similar effect on the aluminum pan as well,' adds Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, food scientist and industry expert at Mendocino Food Consulting.

If you are keen to stick with your trusty aluminum pots and pans but want to avoid toxic exposure, simply avoid cooking those acidic ingredients in them and take good care of your pans. Dr. Brandon advises using newer aluminum pots (and discarding old pots that are damaged or in bad condition) and using gentle utensils, such as wooden spoons that won't scratch the aluminum surface.

How Can I Keep my Non-Toxic Cookware in Good Condition?

To keep your non-toxic cookware in top condition, start by choosing pieces that are durable and respond well to proper care. Maintaining them correctly will help them last longer and perform at their best. Here’s how to keep your cookware in peak condition:

1. Handwash and dry thoroughly to preserve any coatings or smooth surfaces. Experts advise using a soft sponge and mild dish soap and drying completely with a towel to prevent rust or water spots. The Homes & Gardens cleaning editors have written up some fantastically clear guides on how to clean stainless steel, how to clean enameled cast iron, and how to clean raw cast iron.

2. Seasoning raw cast iron regularly creates a natural non-stick surface and prevents rust. It sounds a little mysterious, but all you have to do is heat the pan after cleaning to get rid of moisture, then apply a thin layer of seasoning oil. Stainless steel and titanium also benefit from occasional seasoning to enhance non-stick performance.

3. Use pan dividers for storing enamel or ceramic cookware. This helps to avoid scratches and chips, preserving the non-stick surfaces. Even though they are non-toxic, you definitely don't want to ingest them, and the scratched surface won't be any good to cook on. Solved Editor, Chiana Dickson, recommends the Umbra 'Peggy' organizer from Amazon.

4. Avoid high heat. The best non-toxic cookware thrives on low to medium heat. Because they use materials with high heat retention, a low or medium setting is usually more than enough for a good sear. This helps maintain the coating or material and limits the cases of stuck-on food that needs scrubbing off.

5. Skip the metal utensils on ceramic or enamel, since they can scratch and damage non-stick ceramic or enamel surfaces. Opt for gentle wood or silicone utensils instead.

While switching out your cookware, consider picking up some of the best non-toxic kitchen utensils, too.

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Having one of the best Miele vacuums is a worthwhile investment for your home. The brand's classic, powerful canister designs made them a household name, but their modern lineup now includes high-tech bagless models and lightweight cordless sticks.

My product testing team and I have tested every Miele canister and cordless vacuum available in their current range, from the Classic C1 to the newer Guard and Triflex collections, to bring you the best ones suited to different budgets and homes.

I put their best vacuums through their paces in our test center and a local pet shelter to narrow down the four best Miele vacuums that offer effortless cleaning and the durability of the 'forever' machines Miele is famous for.

This is the definitive guide to finding the right Miele vacuum for your home and budget.

One-Minute Summary of Miele's Best Vacuums

In our tests across different debris types and in a fur-filled pet shelter, the Miele Guard L1 Cat & Dog outperformed all 87 vacuums we've reviewed at Homes & Gardens. This makes it not only the best bagged Miele vacuum, but the best vacuum cleaner ever, with consistently flawless performance in an easy-to-use design. It's quite expensive in the US (around $600 at Walmart outside of sales), but in the UK it costs a humble £299-£399 at Miele, which is an absolute steal considering the vacuum's outstanding performance. Ideal for: Every type of cleaning, pet owners, all floor types, convenience, large households, small households (thanks to easy storage), and those with limited mobility.

If you don't want to spend on replacement vacuum bags, the Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog is the best bagless Miele vacuum. Its suction power was incredible on every surface we tested, and it had no issues vacuuming large amounts of pet hair from thick carpets. It's not quite as powerful as the Guard L1, but its user-friendly design is similar across both models. You can find it for £399 at Miele UK, or in the US, a whopping $999.99 at Lowe's and Crate & Barrel. Ideal for: Pet owners, all floor types, convenience, large households, and those with limited mobility.

The Miele Duoflex HX1 is our pick for the best cordless Miele vacuum. It's the perfect balance of performance and convenience, deep cleaning carpets and hard floors. It performs similarly to many Dyson vacuums (which tend to top our lists) while costing hundreds less. You can find it for £249-£369 at Miele UK, or $799 at Amazon in the US. Ideal for: Lightweight cleaning, minimal storage space, pet owners, low-to-medium-pile carpets, hard floors, and cleaning tight spots such as stairs and cars.

The Miele Guard M1 Parquet XL is the best Miele vacuum for hard floor cleaning, with a giant (and satisfying) floorhead that covers lots of ground at once, and glides across floors smoothly. Paired with its super-strong suction, this means you can clean big, hard floors (such as hardwood, tile, and laminate) much more quickly than most other vacuums on the market. Ideal for: Hard floor cleaning, pet owners, convenience and those with limited mobility.

The Quick List

The Best Miele Vacuums: More Information

The Best Miele Bagged Canister Vacuum

I'll be honest, if you can afford the Miele Guard L1 Cat & Dog, then look no further. It isn't just the best bagged canister Miele, or even the best Miele vacuum – it's the best vacuum cleaner out of the 87 we've tested at Homes & Gardens.

I've spent more than 300 hours testing every kind of vacuum, and the Guard L1 Cat & Dog's cleaning performance surpasses anything I've seen. It's incredibly high suction picks up all debris instantly, and when I tested it in a cat and dog shelter, it proved to be one of the best vacuums for pet hair thanks to its effortless performance on fur.

The above video demonstrates its almost-perfect performance, and that was only the second lowest suction level.

I tested the airflow using an anemometer, and it reached an impressive 33.1mph – for comparison, our previous best-on-test, the Dyson V15 Detect, reaches only 23mph. This suction power is evident no matter what you're cleaning. Whether thick rug, low-pile carpet, hard floors, or furniture, the Guard L1 Cat & Dog has no issues picking up whatever is in its path.

It's also incredibly easy to use. With big buttons that can be hit with your feet, a quick cord wind-back, and built-in attachments, it's a breeze to use around the house, providing much more flexibility and maneuverability than one of the best upright vacuums.

The dusting brush is built into the handle, and as you can park the wand in the canister, it takes a few seconds to turn it into a handheld vacuum cleaner. There's also a two-in-one crevice and upholstery tool that lives inside the canister, meaning you don't have to carry anything around with you as you clean:

It's powerful, cleans instantly, and is an effortless breeze to use. The only downsides are that hair will wrap around the brushroll, meaning you'll have to rely on scissors or a $4 seam ripper to remove wrapped hair every once in a while. But to me, this is minor when compared to the performance on offer.

It costs £299 at Miele UK, which is an absolute steal considering that Miele vacuums are known to last longer than a decade, and are durability tested to last for 20+ years. In the US, you can find it for $899 at full price or as low as $600-700 at Walmart and Amazon. Even at this higher price compared to the UK, it's worth every cent as a long-term investment for effortless cleaning.

Read more in my five-star Miele Guard L1 Cat & Dog review.

The Best Miele Bagless Canister Vacuum

If you'd prefer not to keep up with recurring replacement vacuum bags, then the Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog is better suited for you. It's bagless, meaning you empty the dustbin just how you would with the best cordless vacuums.

One of the major advantages of the Cat & Dog model of the Miele Blizzard CX1 is the extra TurboTeQ floorhead. All Blizzard CX1 models come with the standard AllTeQ (or EcoTeQ if you're in the UK), but the TurboTeQ is designed specifically for carpets and hair – and it works like a dream on both. It's the same floorhead used in the Guard L1 Cat & Dog.

This vacuum cleaner has seriously high suction power. Even if it's not on the highest setting, when it's turned on, you can feel the pull of air surrounding the intake nozzle. And when vacuuming carpet, you can feel just how firmly it's suctioned to the floor.

The Blizzard CX1 is one of the best vacuums for carpet from our vacuum tests, pulling flour, sugar, dust, dirt, large debris, and hair out of different-pile carpets with complete ease.

The performance wasn't quite as seamless on hard floors, notably because the EcoTeQ floorhead isn't wide enough to deal with large amounts of mess. Instead of using it to vacuum large pieces or large volumes of flour and sugar, I found it worked better by removing the floorhead and relying on the strong suction power coming through the intake nozzle. This always did the trick.

If you're a pet owner, the Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog might be what you've been waiting for. I tested the canister vacuum in a local pet shelter, and it worked incredibly well vacuuming pet hair on every surface I used it on, whether low-pile carpet, thick rug, hard floors, upholstery, or entrance mats. On hard floors, I saw hair being pulled in from inches away from the floorhead.

It costs £399-£489 at Miele UK, which is more than reasonable considering it'll likely last up to 10-20 years. But in the US it costs $999 at full price from Lowe's and Crate & Barrel, making it even more expensive than the advanced Guard L1 Cat & Dog above. As you won't need to pay for replacement vacuum bags, this is still a solid investment, but still an out-of-reach price for many in comparison.

If that's too pricey, you can get the Miele Blizzard CX1 PureSuction for $599 at Amazon, but it doesn't come with the spinning floorhead that works so well on carpets and hair.

Read more in my full Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog review.

The Best Cordless Miele Vacuum

Despite being the cheaper option in Miele's cordless lineup, the Miele Duoflex HX1 is one of the best cordless vacuums thanks to its almost flawless cleaning performance and more accessible price point.

The Duoflex uses a universal floorhead that allows it to work as a great multi-surface vacuum without having to swap out the attachments each time you pass from one floor to another. I found it worked amazingly in our flour and sugar tests, which can bamboozle some of our most expensive and best robot vacuums. It didn't matter what surface I was vacuuming with the Miele; it excelled either way.

It also means that you don't have to worry about cleaning hardwood floors, as the brushroll is safe to use on the delicate surface. And surprisingly, the gentle brushes are still effective to deep clean carpets, as it easily vacuumed powders, large debris and pet hair from different-pile carpets in one or two passes, every time.

When I tested the Duoflex in a local pet shelter, it vacuumed up more hair than I could visibly see (as evident from the massive amounts in the dustbin), and more than the Miele Triflex HX2, which is the more expensive counterpart to the Duoflex.

Interestingly, the Miele Triflex HX2 is said to be the step-up from the Duoflex, and its cleaning performance is slightly improved compared to the Duoflex. But it costs hundreds more, and the Duoflex is lighter, more flexible to maneuver, and more effective when vacuuming pet hair. The Triflex did surpass the Duoflex when vacuuming dust, powders, and large crumbs, and it does have a more premium feel to it, but I recommend the Duoflex to save yourself some money.

The Duoflex did struggle a little to vacuum large pieces of debris on hard floors without flinging them around, but this can easily be avoided by removing the floorhead and using just the intake nozzle. The suction power is strong enough to clear messes in this way.

At Miele UK, you can find the Duoflex HX1 for £249-£369 (depending on sales), but in the US, it costs $799 at full price at Amazon. Luckily, it's often discounted to as low as $499.

Read more in my full Miele Duoflex HX1 review.

The Best Miele Vacuum for Hard Floors

Available at Amazon US and Miele UK, the Miele Guard M1 Parquet XL provides some of the most gentle, effortless hard floor cleaning that I've experienced with a vacuum cleaner, mostly owed to the Parquet Twister XL floorhead.

This 16-inch wide attachment covers a lot of ground at once, making it perfect for large rooms and big homes, while its soft-pad design means it glides smoothly across floors, similarly to pushing a mop pad around:

It swivels and maneuvers naturally, and I found it so satisfying how quickly I could vacuum up mounds of fine debris. It helps that the suction power is immense, too – reaching 41.1mph of airflow, one of the highest we've tested – so even though the vacuum has no spinning brushrolls, it doesn't struggle to pick up all kinds of mess.

As with all Miele canister vacuums, it's a breeze to use. The buttons can be pressed with your feet, including a cord pullback that quickly (and safely) brings the plug back without it smacking into your hand.

I tried using the Guard M1 Parquet XL on rugs and carpets, to find out whether homes with a small amount of soft flooring can still make use of it, and it was surprisingly effective. Every patch had no hair or debris leftover, but if you have a lot of carpet (and pets), I wouldn't recommend it as you'll find yourself pulling thread and fur out of the brushes after every clean.

Read more in my full Miele Guard M1 Parquet XL review.

• The Miele Guard M1 Parquet XL is available at its lowest prices at Amazon US and Miele UK.

More Options

We've also tested two more of Miele's offerings that are worthy in their own right.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

• The Miele Triflex HX2 Pro is the most advanced cordless vacuum in the Miele range. Its suction is incredible – one of the best we've ever tested in that regard – and its floorhead cleans itself as it vacuums, while suctioning itself to the floor for total coverage. You can also change its configuration by moving the vacuum unit close to the floor or near the handle to adjust maneuverability (near the floor is better for under furniture, near the handle is better for above-ground vacuuming). It's a high-tech, premium machine with strong specs, but as it costs around $1,000, I'd personally recommend the Dyson Gen5detect or Dyson V15 Detect – both vacuums perform better, cost less, and are easier to use. The Miele Triflex is available for $1,199 at Amazon, or £649 at Miele UK.
• The Miele Boost CX1 is a more basic model compared to the Miele Blizzard CX1 in this guide. This specific model doesn't include a rotating brushroll attachment, meaning it's almost useless on carpets, but for hard floors, this is a great pick with consistently strong suction that costs $100s less than the alternatives. The Miele Boost CX1 is available for $588.21 at Amazon, or £209 at Miele UK.

How to Choose the Best Miele Vacuum Cleaner for Your Home

We have a more general guide on how to choose a vacuum cleaner for your home's needs. But when it comes to Miele vacuums specifically, you need to consider the type of vacuum cleaner, the attachments included, and what exactly you're willing to pay extra for.

Miele only produces canister vacuums, cordless vacuums, and robot vacuums. Their cordless and robot ranges are relatively recent, launching in 2020 and 2014 respectively, while they've been making canister vacuums since 1931.

This is why Miele's lineup of canister vacuums is among the best, and also among the most expensive in the consumer market. Miele is known to be a premium appliance brand, and that means their products come with hefty price tags, so it's important to know what you're paying for.

Their vacuums have super-tight filtration, making them some of the best vacuums for allergies. They also have a wide range of attachments that you can buy individually across different Miele vacuums (these aren't cheap either), meaning you can pick and choose where to spend your money depending on the cleaning needs of your home.

If your home has pets and/or a lot of carpet, for example, you'll need the TurboTeQ floorhead. If your home is mostly hard floors, particularly delicate ones like wood or tile, the SwivelNeck parquet floorhead will be the best investment to protect the gentle surfaces.

When you browse all Miele vacuums, it can be confusing to understand the differences between the models. There actually aren't too many different vacuum cleaners available from Miele; the different versions represent a different set of attachments. For example:

• The Miele Boost CX1 is the standard edition, with the vacuum cleaner itself and only the essential attachments: Floorhead, crevice tool, upholstery tool and dusting brush. These same attachments are included in every Boost CX1 model but others have additional ones.
• The Miele Boost CX1 Parquet includes the Twister parquet brush for cleaning delicate hard floors.
• The Miele Boost CX1 Cat & Dog includes the TurboBrush for cleaning carpets and pet hair.

All Miele vacuums follow a similar design format, with the standard model including one floorhead and the basic attachments, and all other versions including additional attachments for more specialized cleaning. Once you've found the vacuum you want, compare the attachment sets of each model to see which is best suited to your home.

Miele currently only have three cordless vacuums: the Duoflex HX1, the Triflex HX1 and the Triflex HX2.

The Triflex HX2 is essentially an upgrade from the Triflex HX1, with increased suction power, a power boost mode, and a digital motor that makes it quieter. But otherwise, they're designed the same way in a 3-in-1 configuration (that I cover in more detail in my Triflex HX2 Pro review).

That's also the main difference between the Triflex vacuums and the Duoflex HX1. The Duoflex is more like what you'd expect from a cordless vacuum, with detachable parts, a slim, lightweight design and two suction modes. Like with the canister vacuums, these cordless vacs are available in a range of models that include varying sets of attachments.

We haven't tested their robot vacuum cleaner, the Miele Scout RX3, but the Miele team has let me know that it's being discontinued.

How We Test Miele Vacuums

You can learn more about how we test vacuums on our full review methodology page. When it comes to testing Miele vacuums in particular, we try to test as many of the lineup as we can get our hands on (presently, that's most of them).

I test Miele vacuums in our test center using standardized amounts of flour, sugar, cereal, and lentils to observe and compare how well each vacuum can handle different-sized particles and common household messes. Flour and sugar also work as a fantastic visual test to see where particles get stuck within the vacuum's parts and to see what it leaves behind, as well as working as a proxy for dust and dead skin.

I also test the vacuums in my own home, using the attachments in real-world environments to vacuum my baseboards, stairs, and furniture.

Then, I test the vacuums in a local pet shelter, Bristol ARC, to assess their performance on large amounts of pet hair and the mess found in a busy establishment with lots of foot traffic.

FAQs

Which Miele Vacuum Is the Most Powerful?

If you're looking at canister vacuums, the Miele Guard L1 is the most powerful Miele vacuum in their range. It uses 1200 watts to deliver massive suction power, so much that it had no trouble pulling mounds of pet hair from thick carpets.

The Miele Triflex HX2 Pro is the most powerful Miele vacuum in their cordless range, and I experienced this first-hand with some of the best cleaning performance I've ever seen in a vacuum. Despite this superior cleaning performance, our pick of the best cordless Miele in this guide is the Duoflex because of how similarly it cleans for a fraction of the cost.

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Miele Vacuum?

Miele appliances are widely praised for their durability. Their vacuums even have 'Tested to last' printed on the box, after durability testing them for 20 years. Online users frequently note how long they've owned their Miele vacuums for without running into problems.

Our own Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden has owned two Miele vacuums in her life, one for eight years and one for five years, with no issues ever developing in either. She swapped her first for a cheap cordless vacuum and regretted it massively, coming back to a Miele canister vacuum within three months.

Better yet, Miele's best vacuums come with warranties lasting up to five years (depending on the model) on parts and labor.

Why Are Miele Vacuum Prices So Varied?

In different countries, Miele vacuums sell for wildly different prices. You can see this with our current best-on-test, the Miele Guard L1 Cat & Dog, which costs around $899 in the US, yet as low as £299 in the UK.

This is likely because Miele is a German brand, so it costs less to ship to Europe than it does to the US. While Americans are paying a premium for these vacuums, I still confidently recommend them at the higher State-side prices. Miele vacuums are long-term investments, and if you know how to look after your vacuum, it could last you decades.

Also, even within each country, the prices can vary, as vacuum cleaners are one of many appliances with fluctuating prices. Use sites like Camel and Honey to see if you're finding a model at a good price.

For more affordable floorcare, check out our tried-and-tested guide of the best Dyson alternatives.

As a cook and recipe editor with some chronic health issues, I value the quality of my cookware just as much as the ingredients I eat. My culinary career has taken me from Mediterranean organic farms to the nutritionist's kitchen of Mindful Chef, and to my current role at Homes & Gardens, where I lead research and testing on the best non-toxic kitchen appliances.

When I talk about non-toxic cookware, I'm mainly referring to the absence of per-and-polyfluoroalkyl chemicals. First used in the 1940s, PFAS are man-made substances that resist oil and water. These chemicals are often found in products designed to be grease-proof and easy to clean (think: waffle makers and non-stick frying pans), but they can also last for centuries without biodegrading, which is why they’re nicknamed ‘forever chemicals.’ Health groups and bodies, such as the FDA, have raised concerns about the cumulative effects on the environment and the human body (more on this below).

When I spoke to Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a medical toxicologist, she explained that BPA plastic can pose a similar health risk when it's heated in appliances, such as coffee makers and kettles. And, since I started my research, I've also been warned about the risks of heavy metal leaching in kitchen appliances, too.

It's quite a minefield out there, which has led me to search for safer materials in the best non-toxic air fryers, plastic-free coffee makers, and more. This guide is your expert-approved starting point for doing just that. We'll explore what defines a non-toxic kitchen appliance, break down which materials and chemicals to avoid, and offer some recommendations for safer cooking.

The safest materials for non-toxic kitchen appliances

'Glass and stainless steel are some of the safest non-toxic materials, because they are chemically inert, meaning that they do not react with other substances or leach harmful chemicals,' explains Solved Content Editor and our resident queen of 'non-toxic' living at Homes & Gardens, Chiana Dickson. 'We always recommend them over plastic or non-stick products, which can contain phthalates and often leach 'forever chemicals' (PFAS), especially if you use them incorrectly.'

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is widely considered one of the safest materials for non-toxic kitchen appliances. Stainless steel is naturally free from the potentially harmful chemicals found in plastics or non-stick Teflon, and is safe for food contact with all types of hot and cold ingredients.

You still need to keep your wits about you though, as the quality of your product can make a difference. As non-toxic cookware brand, Caraway point out, 'Lower-grade stainless steel may leach small amounts of nickel or chromium into food, particularly when cooking acidic dishes at high temperatures.'

You should choose kitchen appliances and the best stainless steel pans with food-safe, 18/10 stainless steel for the highest quality and safety standards.

Borosilicate glass

Like stainless steel, glass is inert and free from the potentially harmful chemicals found in plastics or non-stick Teflon.

My colleague at Solved and author of our guide 'How to create a non-toxic home', Chiana Dickson, explains that: 'Glass is non-porous, meaning that it does not absorb bacteria or hold onto odors, making it a longer-lasting, more sanitary option for your kitchen, too.'

Borosilicate glass stands out as one of the top choices for kitchen appliances; the FDA recommends it for thermal shock resistance and chemical durability. It can withstand rapid temperature changes and acidic ingredients, like coffee, for example.

BPA-Free Tritan Plastic

You might have seen a 'Tritan plastic' label on the best blenders or soda makers. This material is a safer alternative to cheap plastics. Its manufacturer, Eastman, conducts extensive third-party testing to prove that Tritan is made without BPA, PFAS, or California Prop 65 carcinogens and chemicals. Tritan has been certified by various food safety agencies, including the FDA, EFSA, and Health Canada.

Tritan is also known for its strength. It is very unlikely to chip or shatter, and can withstand temperatures up to 212°F, making it suitable for a range of hot and cold beverages, although Eastman says you must avoid boiling water in it.

Materials that are safe but still require caution

The experts explained to me that these materials are also generally considered safe, but they require caution when cleaning or cooking with certain ingredients.

Ceramic coatings

Ceramic-coated appliances are considered safer choices than traditional Teflon, but you still need to treat them carefully. Professional chef and food expert, Maricel Gentile, explains: 'Ceramic-coated pans give you that non-stick surface without traditional chemicals, and the coating adds a layer of protection between your food and the metal. Just remember, ceramic coatings don’t like high heat or metal utensils, so be gentle and use medium heat with silicone or wooden tools.' The same goes for washing your ceramic-coated appliances with soft sponges and gentle detergents. You need to protect the coating for it to stay safe and healthy.

Aluminum

When I researched, 'Is aluminum cookware safe to use?' medical toxicologist at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Dr. Ryan Marino, explained: 'The amount of aluminum that cookware may contribute to food is usually minimal, usually far less than is already present in all of the foods we eat, and should not pose any health risk for most people using it as intended.'

However, Dr. Marino explains that cooking acidic ingredients in bare aluminum pots and pans can accelerate leaching, increasing the amount of aluminum that ends up on your dinner plate. 'Foods and recipes high in salt can have a similar effect as well,' adds Bryan Quoc Le PhD, food scientist and industry expert at Mendocino Food Consulting.

Carbon steel, copper & cast iron

These materials are also safe when used correctly, but you must avoid using them in conjunction with very acidic or salty dishes.

When I covered 'Is carbon steel cookware safe to use?', food scientist and industry consultant, Dr. Bryan Quoc Le, explained: 'The main risk to health is cooking acidic or highly salty foods in carbon steel cookware, which can lead to corrosion. While that can increase the iron content of the food, for most people that is not a problem.'

The same leaching effect happens when you combine unlined copper or unlined cast iron cookware with acidic ingredients. Nutritionist Lindsay Malone says, 'For individuals where excess iron may be an issue (such as hemochromatosis), another choice of cookware makes sense.'

Materials to avoid

Some materials commonly found in appliances can pose health risks, especially when exposed to high heat or wear over time.

PFAS and Teflon (PFTE) coatings

When I looked into 'What does non-toxic cookware really mean?' I learnt that the most famous toxin found in kitchen appliances is known as PFAS. This includes Teflon (PFTE). These chemicals are largely used in appliances that benefit from non-stick coatings, such as waffle and toastie makers, air fryers, and frying pans.

The first thing to note is that, according to the FDA, these chemicals are 'joined together in large molecules and are tightly bound to your cookware, so very little is capable of getting into food.'

However, they also acknowledge that exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health issues, such as 'increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, developmental effects, reduced immune response, and increased cancer risk.' The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA (a common PFAS chemical) as 'carcinogenic to humans', and a 2023 study by Mount Sinai's Department of Public Health found that elevated PFAS levels in the bloodstream could reduce fertility by up to 40%.

The idea of ingesting these chemicals is understandably concerning. When I consulted Dr. Bruce Jarnot, a board-certified toxicologist with over 30 years of experience in product safety and global materials compliance, he concluded: 'I’d recommend selecting appliances marketed as PFAS Free.'

Cheap BPA Plastics

When our in-house coffee expert, Laura Honey, was researching: 'Are coffee makers are toxic?, we spoke with Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a medical toxicology physician and interim executive director at National Capital Poison Center. She said that ‘plastics used in coffee makers can contain potentially dangerous chemicals, including BPA’. These plastics are often chosen as they're cheap, stain-resistant and waterproof. However, Kelly explained that BPA is associated with health issues, including endocrine disruption and impaired fertility.

I also spoke to a kitchen professional to get a food expert's point of view. Chef Frank Bonanno runs several professional kitchens and is an expert in evaluating appliance materials, safety certifications, and long-term durability. 'In the professional environment, we know that these 'cheaper' plastics not only leach chemicals but also don’t stand up to heat stress over time,' he says. 'You should be cautious of any appliance that contains an abundance of plastic materials that are in direct contact with hot food or liquids,' he concludes.

Lead & Cadmium

You may have seen brands like Our Place advertising their non-toxic kitchen appliances as 'free from lead and cadmium.' The FDA has classed these two heavy metals as human health risks and have imposed heavy regulations that ban 'cadmium for use as a color additive or food additive (including as a component of foodware, cookware, or food contact surfaces).'

The main cause for concern is around imported kitchen appliances, which may not be under such strict regulations. The expert advice is, if you're concerned, always look for certifications from the FDA indicating that the product has been tested and meets safety standards.

Our favorite non-toxic kitchen appliances: tried and tested

With insight from toxicologists like Dr. Jarnot and Dr. Johnson-Arbor, plus guidance from professional chefs, nutritional consultants, and our in-house product testers, I’ve handpicked the most reliable non-toxic appliances available. Whether you're setting up your first kitchen or detoxing an old one, I hope this list helps you build a space that’s as healthy and wholesome as it is beautiful.

An A-Z of brands we trust

• Aarke: glass / stainless steel kettles, coffee makers & soda makers
• Aeropress: glass and BPA-free single-serve coffee makers
• Caraway: PFAS-free bakeware, pans, kettles and glass storage
• Le Creuset: cast iron cookware with a protective enamel layer
• GreenPan: ceramic-coated slow-cookers, air fryers, pans, and more
• KitchenAid Mixers: stainless steel attachments, glass, and wooden bowls
• Made In: stainless steel and ceramic non-stick cookware
• Moccamaster: home to BPA-free and PFAS-free coffee makers
• Our Place: non-toxic toaster ovens, blenders, slow-cookers, and more
• Staub: Premium French cast iron cookare
• Vitamix: stainless steel and BPA-free Tritan pitchers

Meet the experts

FAQs

What are toxins in kitchenware?

When kitchenware brands talk about ‘toxins’, they’re usually referring to PFAS.

First used in the 1940s, PFAS are chemicals that resist grease, oil, water, and heat. These chemicals are super stubborn, so they’re often found in products designed to be stain-resistant, clean, and dry (like cookware, cleaning products, and carpets).

The FDA says, 'Exposure to certain PFAS types has been linked to significant health issues, such as increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, developmental effects, reduced immune response, altered liver function, and increased cancer risk.'

You can find more information in my guide to non-toxic cookware.

What is the best non-toxic toaster oven?

As a team of product testers, we trialled a range of the best toaster ovens and appreciated the KitchenAid Digital Toaster Oven for its stainless steel racks and spacious interiors. The toast took a while to brown, but the French fries and fried chicken we made in the KitchenAid were crispy and effortless. For a beautiful, safer toaster oven with air frying capabilities, look no further.

Is there a non-toxic food processor?

Often, it is a struggle to find fancy modern machines made from the safest materials like stainless steel and glass. I've been struggling to find a food processor that doesn't use plastic, although I believe BPA-free Tritan plastic to be safe in this case, since you are unlikely to use boiling hot ingredients in a food processor.

If you are concerned, I often go back to basics to avoid plastics in my kitchen; I like to use this marble pestle and mortar from Crate & Barrel for grinding herbs and mashing dips.

Few pieces of yard equipment are as crucial as shears. Pruning is essential for healthy plants. Without pruning, your yard will grow wild, with diseased plants and low flowers, fruits, and vegetable yields.

If you have a lot of plant material to remove, shears are the perfect tool. They can snip swathes of unruly hedges into shape, saving you from cutting them branch-by-branch with a set of pruners.

However, there are a lot of cheap, badly made pairs of shears on sale right now. They easily rust, chip, or break, and you can't even fix them with replacement parts. I've tested lots of pairs of garden shears and found the very best. These are the only shears you should ever buy - as tested by an expert.

The best hedge shears you can buy

I've tested plenty of hedge shears in my career, but the ARS KR-1000 stand out as the very best. They're incredibly sharp, lightweight, and comfortable, and every part of them can be maintained and replaced.

Firstly, these are easily the sharpest shears I've ever tested. Straight out of the box, these cut through leaves and stems like they're not even there. They're perfect for both topiary and general pruning. Every cut is incredibly clean with no tearing or mashing at leaves or branches. It's remarkable to watch - these shears prune so precisely that it's almost as if your hedges were laser-cut. With regular sharpening, these should make short work of almost any hedge in the garden.

Secondly, these shears are very lightweight, a few ounces lighter than the other shears I've tried. It was particularly noticeable on the day I put these to the test. After long, hard hours with the other shears on the test, these felt like a revelation. Lifting them up felt almost weightless and they're well-balanced, too. Holding them up at awkward angles was easy because they're so light.

On top of being lightweight, these shears are very comfortable. The rubber handles give a soft, effective grip, and the squishy bumpers reduce the impact on your hands and wrists. Don't get me wrong, after a few hours, your palms will start to rub a little, and your joints will be a little sore, but it's much more comfortable than other shears out there.

But the best feature of these shears is that every part is replaceable. There are a lot of shears out there that can't be fixed. Once you crack a handle or chip a blade so badly it can't be sharpened, that's it - your shears are broken. If any part of the AS KR-1000 breaks, you can fix it. With a little TLC, these are the last pruners you'll ever buy.

However, these shears aren't perfect. The most obvious drawback is that they're much more expensive than other shears. That said, well-oiled, these can last for life, so while it's a larger upfront cost, over the course of your gardening life it's a lower net spend.

A bigger issue is that they aren't great on hardwood. They're stronger than they appear – I found that they can cope with much larger branches than the 0.39" maximum suggested by ARS. However, they struggled a little with thicker branches of laurel. The cut was still clean, but it took a little oomph to get through tougher branches.

Other great options

The ARS KR-1000 are my favorite hedge shears, but the price and struggles with thick hardwood means it isn't always the best option. If the ARS shears aren't for you, consider these other pairs.

How do I find good hedge shears?

First of all, work out the length of blade you need. Short blades - around 6" - are best for close-up topiary; long blades of 12" are best for cutting big hedges in one go.

Gardening expert Thom Rutter says: 'I always found the shorter handled shears ideal to use for smaller, more intricate shaping, as the design gives you more control and makes it more manageable to create the shape you want.' For a mid-length that suits both tasks, look for blades of around 8-10".

Then, work out if you want straight or wavy blades. Wavy blades are best for cutting through larger branches, but they give slightly ragged cuts and they're hard to sharpen. Straight blades give the cleanest cut and are easy to sharpen, but can't always get through hardwood.

Keep an eye out for rubber blade bumpers. These stop the handles from knocking together harshly, reducing the strain on your hands. If possible, avoid bare wood handles, because these can rub uncomfortably on your hands.

Finally, whatever you do, try to buy shears with bright handles, either red or yellow. This color stands out against dark green shrubs and lawns, so if you drop your shears you'll always be able to find them.

Pruning is a delicate task, especially when it comes to trees, hedges, and shrubs. Learning when to prune shrubs and trees can make a huge difference to your plants.

If you’re tired of scrubbing your air fryer basket after every use, you’ve come to the right place. As a trained cook and air fryer obsessive, I’ve tested the best on the market, and now I’ve turned my attention to the accessories that make these handy small kitchen appliances easier to use and clean.

The right air fryer liners not only protect your best non-toxic air fryer and increase its longevity, but also catch residual oil and crumbs, making cleanup faster and less frustrating. In my testing, I tried the most common types of liners, silicone baskets, paper sheets, ceramic, and perforated options, using French fries and other notoriously messy dishes, such as sticky marinades and melted cheese.

Below is a quick list of the ones that performed best. You’ll find options to fit a variety of air fryer sizes, so you can choose the perfect fit for your cooking style and appliance.

The Best Air Fryer Liners at a Glance: My One-Minute Verdict

Of all the air fryer liners I tested, I loved the Pintaur Silicone Air Fryer Liners from Amazon the best for everyday cooking, offering quick and easy clean up and the crispiest results. They are available in rectangular, square, and circular shapes to fit most of the best air fryers on the market.

For single-serve dishes and baking, the Staub 6 Piece Macaron Cocotte Set cam our on top for perfect results and fryer-to-table presentation.

Finally, non-perforated paper liners such as the COSORI paper liners, from Amazon, are ideal for really messy dishes where you don't want to scrub sticky messes from reusable dishes and trays.

Best Silicone Air Fryer Liners (Top for Ninja and Cosori)

I was genuinely impressed with how much I enjoyed using silicone liners. I gravitated toward designs with raised grooves because they delivered ultra-crispy fries and made it effortless to drain away collected cooking oil.

The handles are very convenient, though they do get hot immediately after cooking, so you need to wait a couple of minutes to let them cool enough to handle safely. After lifting the liner, the crisper plate underneath was consistently spotless.

Cleaning is straightforward: They’re dishwasher-safe, and even by hand, it’s easy, though you’ll want to scrub between the grooves. For sticky marinades or melting chocolate, I still prefer paper liners, which handle those messes more effectively.

These silicone air fryer liners are ideal for fries, fish cakes, nuggets, or any crispy breaded foods. Just be sure to measure your appliance trays beforehand to select the correct size. Below, I’ve included my top recommended options:

Best Disposable Paper Air Fryer Liners

Paper air fryer basket liners are undeniably convenient because they’re disposable, making clean up almost effortless for foods like cheesy fries, air fryer s’mores, or cookies. I always opt for food-safe, unbleached paper, which you can simply discard after use.

That said, they do have limitations. Lifting them out when filled can be tricky, and they aren’t ideal for small portions, as lightweight baskets can float around in the hot air, potentially coming close to the heating element, which creates a fire hazard. They also lack perforations or raised grooves to enhance airflow and crispiness. In my tests, I noticed paper baskets underperformed for fries and breaded foods, though the texture difference wasn’t dramatic in every case.

If you want to reduce mess without sacrificing crispiness, here’s a useful hack: Place a paper basket underneath your crisper plate. You still get the benefit of the plate’s airflow, while the basket catches drips and crumbs, saving clean up on the tray itself. Otherwise, I usually reach for silicone liners for most air-frying tasks.

Finally, because paper baskets aren’t reusable, the costs can add up over time. My recommendation is to maintain a mixture of silicone liners, paper baskets, and small ramekin containers. Use paper only for particularly messy meals, and rely on silicone or ramekins for everyday cooking.

I reach for these for cookies, doughs, sticky marinades, and melting air fryer s’mores. Just be sure to measure your air fryer first, so you pick the correct size.

Best Air Fryer-Safe Ceramic Ramekins and Baking Molds

For single-serve desserts such as molten lava cakes, crème brûlée, baked eggs, or smaller portions of dishes such as mini casseroles or soufflés, a reliable set of air fryer–safe ramekins is essential. Their individual size makes portion control simple, and they’re also excellent for meal prep.

I tested porcelain, ceramic, and silicone options. Porcelain and ceramic ramekins handle high heat well and distribute it evenly, ensuring your dishes are air-baked to perfection. Just be sure to check each ramekin’s maximum temperature against your recipe to guarantee safe use, and don’t forget oven gloves when removing them from the fryer.

My personal favorite was the STAUB cocotte dishes from Zwilling. I used them to bake eggs, which made an elegant presentation for guests. I lightly oiled the dish, cracked in the eggs with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and parmesan, and they were perfectly cooked in under 10 minutes.

I also loved the OXO Good Grips Silicone Baking Cups from Amazon. They were ideal for egg bites and muffins, effortlessly releasing from their non-stick surfaces. I didn’t worry about fragility or breakage in the air fryer, and cleanup was a breeze thanks to its dishwasher-safe design.

Silicone vs. Paper vs. Ceramic: Which is Best for You?

The type of air fryer liner you choose ultimately comes down to personal preference and the foods you’re cooking. To make the decision easier, I’ve compared the key factors for each option:

Air Fryer Liners to Avoid

Perforated air fryer liners are often marketed as a way to maintain airflow and improve crispiness, but in my side-by-side tests, they didn’t perform anywhere near as well as the more considered silicone liners with raised grooves. In practice, I saw little difference in how evenly the food crisped, which made the disposable option feel unnecessary.

Any style of flat paper liners was also the most problematic in my testing. Because they’re so lightweight, they can easily shift during cooking if they aren’t anchored by heavier food. On a few occasions, I found them lifting toward the heating element or folding over the food itself, both of which reduce crisping and, in the worst case, pose a fire risk. They also did little to contain the mess. Marinades, crumbs, and oil frequently seeped through to the basket, which meant I still had to wash the air fryer after every use.

To be fair, paper liners do allow excess oil to drain away, which may appeal if you’re trying to reduce oil intake. That said, I’ve found a more reliable approach is to use a fine-mist oil sprayer, such as the Flairosol from Amazon, and cook directly on the air fryer’s crisper plate so any excess oil can collect beneath it. If clean up is the priority, lining the bottom of the basket with a simple paper liner to catch drips works far better than cooking directly on one.

All things considered, I don't believe they are worth the hassle. My top suggestion is to invest in a mixture of grooved silicone and paper baskets, using the hack I have suggested above to create crispy food and easy maintenance on all occasions.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Liners

Are Air Fryer Liners a Fire Hazard?

If used correctly, air fryer liners are safe to use. Parchment paper liners specifically designed for air fryers are made to handle high temperatures. To ensure safe use, always check that the paper liner’s heat resistance matches your air fryer’s maximum temperature – most are safe up to 425°F (218°C).

Since paper liners are lightweight, you need to place enough food on top to prevent the liner from flying up and contacting the heating element. Never use them while your air fryer is preheating, as this can pose a fire hazard.

Can You Use Aluminum Foil In An Air fryer?

For the most part, yes, you can use aluminum foil in an air fryer. Some air fryer manufacturers warn against it, however, so check your brand's manual first. When placed correctly at the bottom of the air fryer basket, foil can collect grease and breadcrumbs to be disposed of later. However, if not used correctly and placed too close to the heating element, it may pose a fire risk.

Where's The Best Place to Buy Air Fryer Liners?

Amazon, Target, and Walmart have some of the largest collections of air fryer liner types to choose from, making them some of our first ports of call. Plus, they have most of the air fryer accessories I wouldn't be without, such as tongs, spray bottles, and more to improve your cooking experience.

Even when using a liner, it is good practice to clean your air fryer regularly to keep it hygienic, cooking at its best, and to avoid fire risks from oil or debris buildup. When doing so, avoid the most common air fryer cleaning mistakes to get the most out of your machine.

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'Tis the season for gift-giving. Once you've bought presents for your nearest and dearest, it's time to find a little treat for yourself and your home this holiday season. If you're on the hunt for luxury Christmas decorations, or you just fancy window-shopping, you'll find plenty of ideas in the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Shop.

I turn to Saks Fifth Avenue to inspire my Christmas decor ideas on the grandest scale. I've found Jo Malone scented candles and L'Objet ornaments, along with the sweetest little snowflake from Swarovski.

Beyond the big names, there are some beautiful, handmade pieces from artisan craftspeople and smaller design houses. There are red berry wreaths, glittering garlands and ceramic serveware to set the table in style. If you want to have a quiet luxury Christmas, start shopping at Saks.

My 12 favorite finds from the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Shop

The secret to decorating tastefully for Christmas is to be selective. That's why I've spent hours scouring all 789 items in the Saks Seasonal Decor section, hand-picking the prettiest products with durable design and timeless appeal. These are heirloom-quality ornaments to enjoy season after season.

Ornaments

Serveware

Candles and candleholders

Wreaths and garlands

Saks aren't the only ones getting into the spirit of the season. Magnolia's 2024 Holiday Collection oozes old-school charm. Channel the Yuletides of yesteryear for a fraction of the price of Saks.

Pruners are essential gardening tools. Pruning is crucial to plant health, removing disease or damaged parts of plants and improving the yield of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

However, the market is saturated with cheap, badly-made pruners. While they save you a little money, even for those who know how to properly prune tree branches, these tools are uncomfortable, can tear your plants, and break in months. That said, there is still one set of pruners out there worth buying.

I have tested more than 30 sets of pruners, and gathered the views of three experts in the field - two yard care company founders and a professional gardener - and we all agree there is one pair that outdoes the rest: the Felco No. 2 pruners are the best pruners in the world. They excel at every pruning task, from delicate deadheading to tough hardwood pruning. They're incredibly comfortable, last for decades, and are easy to maintain and repair. Here is our mini-review of them, and why we believe they are worth every dime.

The best pruners you can buy

I've tried dozens of pruners in my time as a product tester and I'm still yet to find a better set of pruners than the Felco No. 2. Pro gardeners also agree.

Horticulturalist Michael Clarke puts it simply: 'The Felco No. 2 are by far the best pruners on the market.' Pro landscaper Ward Dilmore agrees, telling me 'Felco Pruners are the gold standard for quality pruners in the landscape industry.'

The main thing to know about the Felco No. 2 is that they're incredibly hard-wearing. It sounds like a marketing gimmick, but these pruners can genuinely last for years. Pro gardener and gardening writer at H&G Drew Swainston says 'I used a pair of Felcos throughout my professional gardening career - and still use the same pruning shears almost a decade later.' Well-oiled, these will last you for life.

The Felco No. 2 are also comfortable. The grips have ergonomic bumps to help you hold them, but the shock absorbers mean that you hardly notice you're using them. Unlike any other pruners I've used, you can spend hours using these pruners without your hands chafing or cramping. Drew agrees, and says 'The Felco F2 are easy to use and fit well in the hand, and, even after many hours of pruning, they are still reliable and comfortable as they absorb each impact and you don’t excessively feel each cut.'

I've also found that the Felco No. 2 give the cleanest cut of any pruners I've tested, and keep their sharpness for longer than other pruners I've tried. It's hard to quantify, but they rarely crush stems or rip the bark of the tree, which is crucial for preventing infection in your plants.

The best feature of these pruners is that every single part is replaceable. In a world where almost every product you buy cannot be repaired with spare parts or costs hundreds of dollars for a 'specialist' to fix, Felco sells spare parts for every inch of these pruners. 'The advantage of these Felco pruners is that all the parts of replaceable, so if anything does go wrong it does not mean the end for them,' says Drew. 'Each part can be replaced so you can carry on cutting for years with this dependable set of pruning shears.'

These are more expensive than lots of pruners out there, but not prohibitive. They're around the same price as the Niwaki Higurashi GR pruners below, so while they're more expensive than cheap plastic models, they aren't the priciest pruners around.

The only real drawback? Shorter gardeners have found that these are a little big for their hands. If you're shorter than average, consider the Okatsune 103 pruners below - they're much better for smaller hands.

That said, Ward Dilmore sums it up well. 'If one is looking for an all-around great pruner that is easy to maintain, will retain its sharpness, comfortable to use, and will last for years to come, one can’t go wrong with the No. 2 pruners.'

Other great options

While the Felco No. 2 are as good as it gets, there are some other durable options out there worth considering. These all have drawbacks compared to the Felco No. 2, but some are better suited for those with small hands or those with tighter budgets.

How do I find good pruners?