Kitchen picks worth the money

Machines and cookware that pay you back every single day.

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Breville Barista Pro

An espresso machine with a built-in grinder that heats up in seconds, not minutes.

Worth it if

You buy café drinks a few times a week and want to learn real espresso.

Skip it if

You want one button and no learning curve.

A top-tier espresso machine that grinds, doses, tamps and textures milk automatically.

Worth it if

You want café-level drinks every morning without learning barista skills.

Skip it if

You mostly drink drip coffee.

A high-powered blender with preset programs, a built-in timer and a long warranty.

Worth it if

You blend almost daily, from smoothies to soups to nut butters.

Skip it if

You make a smoothie twice a month.

A tilt-head stand mixer with a 5-quart bowl and a hub for add-on attachments.

Worth it if

You bake a couple of times a month or want pasta and ice-cream attachments later.

Skip it if

You bake one birthday cake a year.

Enameled cast iron that goes from stovetop to oven to table.

Worth it if

You braise, bake bread or cook one-pot meals.

Skip it if

You mostly cook quick stir-fries, where a wok does better.