In general; how do you rate America’s Test Kitchen gear reviews?

Question

I like the show. Quit watching years ago when we quit cable. Found them on YouTube! Kind of a refreshing new show (for me) since it’s just the two ladies as main players. They have a great vibe between them. 

I had forgotten about their gear reviews. 

Just recently I walked my crappy (free) bread knife to the donation box and hurled it in. I found their recommendation. It’s on the way for a paltry $16 from Amazon. I eat a lot of sandwiches in the summer, lots of fresh baked bread, etc. (I’m making a sesame green onion pancake right now! It was thus exact dish that made me toss the junk knife. 

I don’t buy a lot on their suggestions, but the 2-3 times they have nailed it for me. I hope it’s true for the 4th. 

Btw; Mercer 10” serrated wide bread knife. Can’t wait to get it. Bread just won’t cut itself. :)

Answer

Half the time I agree with them, half the time I think they're shills.

That said, other than the All Clad recommendations, I don't think the average person can go wrong with their picks.

Wirecutter is another gear review site to checkout to cross check with ATK.

Of course, you can dig deep on these forums and cheftalk and reddit.

Answer

I both watch the show and subscribe to the magazine. 

I often buy based on their recommendations, either because I did not know the product existed, or because because of their recommendation. Thanks to Amazon, purchases are easy.

I have not been disappointed with their equipment recommendations.

Ethnic Food brands, I rely on personal recommendations, I buy the brands the neighbor ethnic families use. Sometimes, New England may not have the brands available in the SF Bay Area.

Answer

Their reviews seem ok, but they very rarely toss in anything the least bit out of the mainstream that would contend with the AC/OXO/VF model. For someone interested in a no holds barred best or a ridiculously good but high maintenance approach, ATK is not the source. I’d be fine with them having more winners than just their favorite and their best bargain pick. For example saucepans...AC with the handle caveat may be their pick, Cuisinart clad may be the best deal, and Brooklyn copper may be the ultimate but with certain cost, upkeep, and ergonomic disclaimers. For chef knives they might love Wusthof, label VF as the best deal, and toss in a high end CS gyuto, again with disclaimers like rusting and risk of chipping if not used and cared for properly. Just a thought. If I’m actually looking for feedback on an item I’d be more inclined to post here.

Answer

I just bought the Mercer bread knife and love it! Such a clean cut! And I can cut thin enough slices to make crackers 

So far no bad apples from their reviews.. I got pots, knives, peelers, and small electronics.

Answer

The Mercer bread knife is ridiculous. It’s great. 

I too can make crackers. Haha. It blazes thru crusty bread.

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In general; how do you rate America’s Test Kitchen gear reviews?

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