The 50 Products You HAVE to Try in 2019
Updated: Jun. 20, 2022Whether it's kitchen gear, appliances or groceries, some brands are better than others. These items won our Test Kitchen's latest tests. Now check them out for yourself.
The Ninja Coffee Brewer with Auto iQ
This sleek machine won the hearts of our Test Kitchen with its drip/no-drip setting, adjustable size settings (you can make anywhere between a cup of coffee and a full carafe!) and different brew options.
Rao’s Homemade Pasta Sauce
Sure, we’d love to make Grandma’s secret spaghetti sauce every time. But on a hectic weeknight, you just can’t beat the convenience of the jarred stuff. This sauce from Rao’s beat out several other brands because it combines the best of both worlds. It featured a bright, tomato-y flavor and the perfect balance of Italian spices.
Available at grocers nationwide and on Amazon.
GIR Silicone Spatula
Every home cook needs a trusty spatula. Whether it’s used to scrape down dry ingredients or ensure every last bit of brownie batter gets out of the bowl, this silicone tool from GIR gets the job done. Heat-resistant, stain-proof and available in 13 colors, the Ultimate Spatula is sturdy and stylish.
Trader Joe’s Vanilla Ice Cream
Vanilla ice cream is pretty hard to mess up, but we wanted to find the BEST brand in the freezer aisle. That’s why we tested 10 popular brands based on appearance, flavor and texture. This carton from Trader Joe’s won out because of its exceptionally creamy texture and over-the-top vanilla flavor.
Available exclusively at Trader Joe’s.
Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor
A food processor is a kitchen workhorse. The right brand should be able to chop, slice, shred and dice with ease. This extra-large processor from Cuisinart does all that and more. In our food processor test, this gadget’s simple controls, enormous capacity and trio of blades really stood out.
OXO Cookie Scoop
Achieve cookie perfection with this OXO cookie scoop. A soft, easy-to-grip handle makes scooping dough a breeze, while the rounded cavity ensures identical treats.
Nueske’s Bacon
Midwesterners love their bacon, so it’s no surprise that this niche Wisconsin brand took top honors in our blind taste test. This thick-cut bacon fried up beautifully and carried a perfectly smoky flavor.
Available at select grocers or online.
KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer
No one in our Test Kitchen was surprised when KitchenAid was named the best stand mixer brand. We loved the iconic mixer’s powerful motor, versatile attachments and eye-popping colors.
Nature’s Rancher Frozen Meatballs
This Whole Foods brand of frozen meatballs earned top marks in our meatball taste test. Each bite had great texture and a nice blend of spices.
Available exclusively at Whole Foods.
OXO Flexible Turner
Guarantee straight edges on brownies or dessert bars with this flexible turner from OXO. The gadget’s thin head slides under food while a soft, non-slip handle keeps your hand comfortable.
Ghost Scream Hot Sauce
If you ask for hot sauce, Ghost Scream delivers. This condiment impressed our testers with heat, flavor and spice. Plus, it had a nice consistency, perfect for shaking on top of eggs or adding to a fried chicken batter.
Available at select grocers nationwide and online.
Instant Pot DUO 6-Quart Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker
When it comes to pressure cookers, Instant Pot is king. We were impressed with the brand’s large capacity and easy to use (plus easy to clean!) design. Our testers also liked that the Instant Pot has a ton of accessories, making it a versatile appliance for anything from stew to cheesecake.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme Premium Brownie Mix
Uh-oh. You forgot the bake sale was tomorrow! Luckily, this brownie mix from Ghirardelli is super easy to bake and it tastes homemade. This brand offered a super moist and gooey brownie that had fudge fans raving.
Available at grocers nationwide and online.
Newman’s Own Organics Breakfast Blend Coffee
The best coffee can be a bit subjective, so we ranked our top picks on flavor, aroma, bitterness and acidity. This bag of beans from Newman’s Own performed in all categories, and we couldn’t get enough of the coffee’s smooth sips.
Available at select grocers and on Amazon.
Tovolo Mini Tongs
Tongs are a kitchen must, and this mini pair from Tovolo is easy to use for nearly any task. We love how the heat-resistant silicone makes it easy to grab slippery pieces of bacon or slices of fresh fruit, and the short length gives you greater proximity and control over the food.
Kirkland Organic Hummus
Costco’s signature brand took home the gold in our best hummus test. We adored the brand’s smooth consistency, balanced flavor and easy-to-eat texture. It’s the perfect companion to a big bag of pita chips.
Available exclusively at Costco.
Oster 7-Speed Clean Start Hand Mixer
If you don’t have a stand mixer (or you don’t want to haul it out just to make a single batch of cookies) the trusty hand mixer is a great substitute. This model from Oster wowed our testers with its seven speeds, versatile attachments and low price tag.
Prepara Juicer
If you’re tired of juicing an entire lemon just to use one teaspoon, then this gadget is for you. The Prepara juicer helps you squeeze out every last drop of juice from your favorite citrus fruits. As you squeeze, the juice trickles down into a glass reamer (complete with pouring spout!) that holds the liquid until you’re ready to use it.
You’ll need a quality juicer to make these fresh citrus recipes.
Orca Bay Frozen Fish Fillets
If you’re trying to eat a little healthier, frozen fish fillets are a great way to start. Our testers loved that these cod fillets from Orca Bay have a flaky texture and an almost-fresh flavor.
Available at select grocers nationwide.
OXO Mini Cutting Board
If you’ve ever cut an apple on the same cutting board used to prep onions and garlic, you’ll understand the importance of a small, extra cutting board. This slim pick from OXO is perfect for keeping delicate (or pungent) flavors separate.
Berryhill Strawberry Jam
As if you needed more reasons to love Aldi. This exclusive brand of strawberry jam was our testers’ favorite. After all, it featured a spreadable consistency, authentic flavor and a mouthwatering aroma.
Available exclusively at Aldi.
Chef’s Choice Trizor XV Knife Sharpener
A quality knife is a chef’s best friend, but even the best brands require regular sharpening. A countertop knife sharpener makes the task a breeze. This gadget from Chef’s Choice was our Test Kitchen’s obvious winner. Three-staged sharpening, manual settings and 15-degree sharpening pushed this brand over the edge.
Market Pantry Mozzarella Cheese
Finish off your favorite recipe with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. This block from the Target-exclusive brand, Market Pantry, took home our top prize with its tangy flavor and springy consistency.
Available exclusively at Target.
Thermapen Thermometer
Ensure a perfect cook with the Thermapen digital thermometer. This easy-to-use gadget obtains accurate readings in mere seconds, and it automatically rotates the display so you can view from any angle. Available in 10 colors, the Thermapen is our Test Kitchen’s secret weapon for tender, juicy meat and golden-brown baked goods.
Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender
An immersion blender isn’t just for professional chefs. This handy gadget has a place in your home kitchen. This top-performer from Cuisinart wowed us with its variable speed dial and multiple attachments.
Clancy’s Potato Chips
Move over, brand names. There’s a new chip in town. This bag of chips from Aldi-exclusive brand Clancy’s hit all of our marks. We adored the chips’ flavor, saltiness and crunch, plus you can’t beat the low price!
Available exclusively at Aldi.
Architec Mini Sifter
Want professional-quality desserts? Reach for this adorable mini sifter. The durable gadget from Architec is perfect for dusting powdered sugar, cocoa powder and spices atop baked goods.
365 Everyday Value Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
The right chocolate chip can make or break your cookies, and these little morsels from the Whole Foods brand 365 Everyday Value were top-notch. We loved how the chips tasted and melted in our favorite cookie recipes.
Available exclusively at Whole Foods and on Amazon.
Chefman Slow Cooker with Stoneware Crock
We were surprised that the most iconic slow cooker didn’t take the top prize, but our Test Kitchen was impressed with this smaller brand. We loved the gadget’s stoneware (and dishwasher-safe!) crock, beautiful aesthetics and small price tag.
Newman’s Own Salsa
Tortilla chips have met their match in this delicious salsa from Newman’s Own. The salsa’s dippable consistency and complex flavor made it taste fresh.
Available at grocers nationwide and on Amazon.
OXO Spiralizer
If you’re trying to eat low-carb or just want a few more veggies in your diet, a spiralizer is a must-have kitchen tool. This gadget from OXO makes turning produce into thin “noodles” a snap. Super-sharp stainless steel blades and a rotating handle make quick work of any vegetables you clamp in.
Not sure what to make with your new spiralizer? These are our favorite recipes to serve with zoodles.
Philips Avance TurboStar Air Fryer
Air fryers have taken over as the latest and greatest gadget. They’re designed to cook foods with less oil, while still maintaining a crisp, crunchy texture. This air fryer from Philips was our favorite because it cooked food evenly and featured intuitive controls.
Pillsbury Yellow Cake Mix
Short on time? Reach for a cake mix. We recommend this classic mix from Pillsbury because it yields a delicious, flavorful cake that (almost!) tastes homemade.
Available at grocers nationwide and on Amazon.
Tovolo Lid Lifters
If you’ve ever scraped over-flow from a soup pot off of your burners, you need these lid lifters from Tovolo. Shaped like adorable farm animals, the silicone gadgets put a little distance between your pot and its lid to achieve perfect air flow. When the steam can escape, your pot contents stay put.
Norpro Dough Scraper
Whether you’re an avid baker or not, a dough scraper is a useful tool to have in the kitchen. This one from Norpro makes it easy to divide dough, chop veggies or cut fresh pasta. A rounded handle makes it easy to hold, while the rectangular blade effortlessly slices through ingredients.
Immaculate Baking Company Biscuits
Homemade biscuits take a lot of work, so it’s no surprise that refrigerated biscuits have become so popular. According to our Test Kitchen, this poppin’ package from Immaculate Baking Company is everything you could ever want in a biscuit: flaky, tender and golden brown.
Available at select grocers nationwide.
Vitamix Explorian Blender
We’re not going to lie, our best-loved blender brand is an investment. However, it’s the absolute best when it comes to crushing ice, making smoothies and more. This Vitamix model impressed our Test Kitchen with its variety of speed controls, super strong blades and self-cleaning feature.
GIR Jar Spatula
Get every last scoop of peanut butter out of the jar with this skinny spatula from GIR. It’s the perfect tool for reducing waste and mess.
Aunt Jemima Original Pancake Mix
For those mornings when you need a little extra help, reach for a classic. Aunt Jemima’s pancake mix makes it so easy to put a hot meal on the breakfast table. We loved this iconic brand because it produced perfectly fluffy pancakes with a golden brown exterior. Yum!
Available at grocers nationwide and from Amazon.
Kuhn Rikon Peeler
Peeling fruits and vegetables is often a dreaded task, but you can make the job a little easier with a Swiss peeler from Kuhn Rikon. The lightweight gadget features a super-sharp blade, and little grooves on the side of the handle makes it easy to hold. We also love that the peeler comes in several fun colors and features a hole at the bottom of the handle for easy storage.
Put that peeler to work with one of these mashed potato recipes.
Chobani Vanilla Yogurt
Whether you eat it plain or incorporate it into a recipe, yogurt is a breakfast staple. Our testers loved the Chobani brand for its pristine color, texture and taste.
Available at grocers nationwide and on Amazon.
Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Baker’s Sheet
There’s a good chance you use your sheet pan every week. After all, it’s the perfect tool for baking a batch of cookies, roasting veggies or meal-prepping for the week. Nordic Ware won us over with its large size, durability and easy-to-clean surface.
Wilton Offset Spatula
If you’ve ever wondered how professional bakers get that super-smooth finish on cakes and other baked goods, listen up. An offset spatula is our Test Kitchen’s go-to tool for evenly spreading batter and frosting. You’ll get a smooth finish without having to touch the treats with your hands.
365 Everyday Value Barbecue Sauce
No picnic is complete without a big bottle of barbecue sauce to slather on ribs, chicken and more. This sauce from Whole Foods impressed our Test Kitchen with its balanced flavors and perfect texture.
Available exclusively at Whole Foods and on Amazon.
Fox Run Cookie Spatula
Did you accidentally place your cookies a little too close together? Don’t sweat. This cookie spatula from Fox Run makes it easy to slide under individual treats—even when they’re mere inches apart.
Roundy’s Crinkle Cut Fries
The perfect French fry doesn’t have to come from a restaurant. These crisp, golden brown beauties from Roundy’s are worth the search, according to our testers!
Available at Copps, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pick ‘n Save and Roundy’s stores.
OXO Digital Kitchen Scale
Don’t let inaccurate measurements ruin your recipe. This digital scale from OXO makes it easy to measure the perfect amount every time. A backlight and large display make the scale easy to read
Buy our best-loved kitchen scale here.
Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
