I Write About Kitchen Deals for a Living, and These Are the Top-Tested Items I’m Snagging for Black Friday

Black Friday is here, and many of my favorite cookware brands are slashing prices on efficient, durable products that aced all of our toughest tests. To help you navigate through the many, many kitchen deals swirling across the internet, we’ve pared it down to eight standout picks that have won our reviews (and hearts) over years of testing. From our favorite bowls to the Ferrari of sauce pans, these are the deals to snag today, with discounts up to 41% off.

Le Creuset 9-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

I use my cast iron skillet almost daily, and my favorite colorful enameled one from Le Creuset promises to stand the test of time. Great for achieving a perfect sear on steaks, crisping up sunny-side up eggs, and so much more, this pan doesn’t need to be seasoned or develop a patina over time to evade stuck-on bits. Best of all, its enameled coating makes it easy to clean compared to typical cast iron cookware, which can require lots of care. In fact, it can be scrubbed and soaked just like any other piece of cookware.

All-Clad D3 3-Quart Stainless Steel Sauce Pan

In our rigorous tests, All-Clad cookware almost never disappoints when it comes to quality, durability, and heat distribution. While this saucepan is a bit more expensive than some of our other winners, I’m finally splurging for mine while it’s 33% off. Senior culinary director Daniel Gritzer has also been eyeing this 3-quart one for years in the hopes of finally replacing his 25-year-old model from college. “The plastic handle is always coming loose thanks to the rusting screw barely holding it in place, and the sides, which are not fully clad, have traces of meals burned past," he says. “I have a lot of nostalgia for this saucepan, but maybe this is the year I'll finally upgrade it.” 

Staub 10-Inch Round Enameled Cast Iron Double Handle Grill Pan

When we tested grill pans, Staub’s square enameled model stood out for creating the perfect grill marks and a mouthwatering caramelization on burgers and grilled zucchini. Distributing heat evenly, it produced crispy exteriors and was additionally a pleasure to clean—requiring just a sponge and mild soap. This rounded version features the same 10-in cooking surface as the model we tested, and right now the cherry-red and matte black colors are on sale for 41% off.

Made In Entrée Bowls, Set of 4

When we tested dinnerware sets, the rimmed Tabletop Set from Made In stood out for its elegant look and outstanding durability. While the full set is great, I’ve been especially coveting the pasta bowls, which offer the perfect depth and surface area for rice dishes, salads, and so much more. Now that they’re 12% off, I’m adding an extra set of bowls to my collection. Senior commerce editor Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm loves her red-rimmed set so much, she’s even picking up a serving bowl, currently 14% off, to match.

Le Creuset 3.5-Quart Dutch Oven

There’s almost nothing I don’t like about my Le Creuset Dutch oven. I love how pretty it looks on my stovetop, how evenly it heats and browns my favorite foods, how easy it is to clean, and how long it keeps food warm. I use my 5.5-quart Dutch oven nearly every day—and it continues to beat the competition in our toughest tests—so I’m planning to add its 3.5-quart sibling to my rotation this year. The perfect size for side dishes and nights when I’m cooking for two, this versatile piece has never failed over us years of testing and recipe development. I’m snagging mine while it’s over 30% off in three colors: oyster (deep gray), flame (classic orange), and Marseille (royal blue).

Cuisinart 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker

My love of freshly-churned ice cream has begun to burn a hole in my wallet (plus, I’ve been slightly ashamed to show my face at my neighborhood scoop shop since they began greeting me by name). This year, I’m finally investing in an at-home ice cream maker so I can experiment with my own flavors from the comfort of my kitchen—especially since our favorite one is 29% off. When we tested a dozen ice cream makers, this simple, affordable machine impressed us with its ability to quickly churn out beautifully-textured ice cream every time.

Prime Home Direct Bamboo Steamer Basket Set

From dumplings and bao buns to broccoli, fish, and more, I use my steamer basket to make all kinds of steamed foods. We tested all the top models on the market, and the Prime Home Direct Bamboo Steamer was our favorite one that features useful accessories. The two-tiered steamer comes with chopsticks, a ceramic ramekin for sauces, and paper liners that make for easy cleanup. Right now, it’s 32% off, so I may even pick up a second one.

Great Jones Saucy

While kitchens can function just fine without them, sauciers come in handy for so many meals—especially around the holidays. Our team loves the shallow, flared pots for making gravy, risotto, pasta dishes, and more—and right now, our favorite design-forward saucier from Great Jones is $30 off. It has a great responsiveness to heat and is easy to clean, even after the messiest, stickiest projects. It also scored bonus points for clever added features like etched measure markings and a spigot for easy pouring.