If you’ve beendebating whether to spend money onKing of Christmas or Balsam Hill, these low prices may decide for you. And if you’re not in the market for a new tree, there are still plenty of holiday picks on deep discount. Perhaps a new ornament storage box or a stocking holder will make spirits bright. Here’s everything you need to know about this flash sale.

What is the Balsam Hill Black Friday sale?

If you’re pining (get it?) to upgrade your old, dusty artificial tree, now is the time. Today only, customers save up to 50% on the Balsam Hill website. Sale items include both lit and unlit artificial Christmas treesand decor. Additionally, shoppers receive free shipping on any order made before the sale ends. Pick up a Balsam Hill wreath or Balsam Hill garland to zhuzh up your holiday decorboth of our favorite options are available at a deep discount!

The Best Balsam Hill Trees on Sale

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Best Smart Tree

BH Fraser Fir Tree with Twinkly Light Show

If your a colored lights lover, don't sleep on the Balsam Hill Twinkly tree. The 7.5-foot option is on sale for $1199, which saves you $700!

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In our Balsam Hill smart tree review, wediscuss this charmingFraser Fir and its capabilities. Choose the Twinkly light option, which is compatible with a user-friendly app. The smart Christmas tree comes with five preset light functions that the included control box turns on. The functions are Rainbow, Snow, UpDown, Fireworks and Glow. You can also display countless more effects on your tree with help from the app. It’s well worth the full priceand now you can snag the 7.5-foot version for $700 off!

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Best Flip Tree

BH Balsam Fir Flip Tree

Ready, set, flip! If easy setup is a must, the Balsam Hill flip tree makes decorating prep a breeze. Bring home a 6.5-foot flip tree with clear lights for $999and save $400 in the process!

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We’ve covered the benefits of this Balsam Fir in our flip tree review, but for those who haven’t heard, this Balsam Fir flip tree offers just about the easiest setup possible. The tree smartly sits on caster wheels and effortlessly rolls into place. Then, to set it up, all you need to do is press the foot pedal, pull the tree stem toward you and voila! Gravity does the rest. No struggle, no fuss, just fluff and go. If you’ve been on the fence, now is the time to grab a 6.5-foot flip tree at a whopping $400 discount.

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Most Realistic

Classic Blue Spruce

Go back to the basics with a realistic Blue Spruce. The 6.5-foot tree with clear lights is on sale for just $349; that's a 50% savings!

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Not all Balsam Hill trees have excessive bells and whistles. For those seeking a tried and true classic, this Blue Spruce brings buckets of merriment to any holiday celebration. We love it so much that it even earned a place as the most realistic option we’ve tested! If you looked up Christmas tree in the dictionary, theres a chance youd find an image of the Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce. And now, you can score this 6.5-foot cheery tree at a 50% markdown!

How We Tested Balsam Hill

To find the best Balsam Hill Christmas trees, we spent countless hours researching and reading reviews. We evaluated specs, light options, shape and branch structure. We then called in three of our front-runners for thorough, in-person testing, split between our Milwaukee studio and editors homes. Our testing involved timing setup and fluffing, hanging ornaments of different weights, measuring and packing the tree away. We also read up on the brands trusty warrantyand even contacted customer service for troubleshooting support.

Then, to see what else the brand has to offer, we called in a garland, wreath, ornament set and ornament storage option. Just like the trees, we were impressed by the quality and realism. Across the board, we find Balsam Hill products live up to the hype.

How to Shop the Balsam Hill Cyber Monday Sale

Visit the Balsam Hill website to shop the Cyber Monday deals. As a reminder, the sale runs December 2 and only lasts while products are in stock.

Today only, get an extra $50 off orders over $350 using code CYBERSLEIGH.

Through December 31, you can save even more with promo codes, depending on how much you spend:

• $15 off $350: Use codeBALSAMHILL15
• $20 off $500: Use codeBALSAMHILL20
• $25 off $600: Use codeBALSAM25OFF
• $30 off $730: Use codeBALSAMHILL30
• $40 off $1100: Use codeBALSAMHILL40
• $50 off $1500: Use code50BALSAMHILL
• $90 off $2100: Use codeBALSAMHILL90

The post The Balsam Hill Cyber Monday Sale Is Your Excuse to Get a Lifelike Christmas Tree for Less appeared first on Taste of Home.

While the differences between some meal services like Home Chef and HelloFresh are rather minimal, Factor vs. HelloFresh is a much broader comparison. Sure, both services offer fresh, filling meals in under an hour. However, one focuses on ready-made meals, whereas the other is something more akin to a meal prep kit that requires cooking, cutting and stirring. We tried both services to get the full experienceand we realized that these are two different animals entirely.

Whats the difference between Factor vs. HelloFresh?

While both meal delivery services put dinner on the table, they are far from the same. Whereas HelloFresh has a number of cooking kits available that require prep with step-by-step instructions, Factor75 falls more into the “heat-and-eat” category. While the meals aren’t frozen, they arrive prepped, cooked and chilled ahead of time. This means that making dinner is as simple as popping them in the oven or microwave.

Cost and Plan

HelloFresh focuses on filling their customer’s carts with anywhere from two to six meals per week, each with two, four or six servings. You can also add additional meals for an extra charge. Because these meals offer multiple servings, this is a good meal service for families. The price of each week’s box depends on many different factors, including the number of meals, servings, customizations and add-ons chosen.

Factor75 offers as few as four meals per week or as many as 36, which is great if you want to substitute both lunches and dinners. All meals are single-serving and arrive in their own oven- and microwave-safe tray, so there’s no need to dirty any dishes. Factor’s meal kits also cost a bit less per meal than HelloFresh, though keep in mind that servings are smaller.

Recipe Variety and Dietary Options

HelloFresh offers around 60 meals each week in its rotating menu, including a few gluten-free meal kits. It also offers the following labels for meals: Calorie Smart, Carb Smart, Protein Smart, Easy Prep, Veggie, Family Friendly, Easy Clean-up, Quick and New. While its dietary menu isn’t expansive, it has a comparable number of options to a service like Gobble. With HelloFresh, customers can also alter most recipes by swapping out or adding proteins and doubling up servings, if desired.

Factor doesn’t offer recipe customizations like HelloFresh since the meals are already prepped. However, its keto meal kits are some of our favorites. Factor sorts its meals into the following categories: Calorie Smart, Protein Plus, Keto, Carb Conscious and Vegan & Veggie. While it doesn’thave as many meat-free options as a fully plant-based service like Purple Carrot, there are still plenty of picks to satisfy the vegan palate.

Unique Add-Ons and Product Lines

HelloFresh offers lots of add-ons and upgrades. These include lunch items (e.g., Caesar salad, Cajun wings, soups, mac & cheese, etc.), and proteins including meat boxes. Subscribers also get access to the HelloFresh Market, which is like an online grocery store. Inside, shoppers can add apps or sides, desserts, breakfasts and brunch, lunches, snacks or drinks, pizza or pasta, proteins and even healthy dog food. They also offer Beyond the Box, which provides food to community members in need.

In a similar vein, Factor75 has its own grocery page. Add-ons include breakfast bundles (e.g., pancakes, scrambles, egg bites), cold-pressed juices, protein shakes, desserts (e.g., cheesecake, macaroons), keto cookies, plain proteins, snacks (e.g., wellness shots, nuts, PB bites), frozen foods (e.g., empanadas, smoothies), protein powder, basic sides and no-heat lunches. These are offered to you after building a box of meals.

Delivery and Packaging

HelloFresh meals come in a sturdy, branded, insulated cardboard box. Each meal is packed in its own bag, except the meat, which arrives separated on the bottom and is laid on top of an ice pack. There’s also a shiny, metallic bubble wrap insulation sleeve on all sides. HelloFresh uses Veho for delivery. Customers can track each week’s box via a confirmation text or the HelloFresh or Veho app. Deliveries take place seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Factor also uses Veho for delivery. However, you cannot track the box through the Factor app, so you need to download the Veho app or use the text confirmations. Factor meals arrive in a pretty compact branded box with a thick layer of fluffy, paper-sided insulation and two large ice packs. Deliveries take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Factor sends an estimated delivery time, which depends on the location.

All About HelloFresh

HelloFresh is one of the most well-known meal delivery services, and for good reason. The meals are creative, come in a variety of dietary options and offer step-by-step instructions that make them easy to prepare and cook. Whether you’re a working professional or looking for a waste-free way to cook for the whole family, HelloFresh is an excellent option.

Curious how HelloFresh compares to other meal prep services? Read our EveryPlate vs. HelloFresh and Blue Apron vs. HelloFresh comparisons.

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HelloFresh

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All About Factor75

Factor75 meals are perfect for busy students or singles. These healthful meals are nutrient-rich without taking any more than a few minutes from tray to table. The directions for each meal are very clear: put the oven rack in the middle rung, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the sleeve and film, place on a baking sheet and bake for seven minutes, adding additional minutes as needed. These directions are pretty inflexible from meal to meal, meaning that prep is quick and routine.

Similar services include CookUnity and Tovala, which both require minimal prep prior to cooking.

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Factor 75

Factor shops, preps, cooks and delivers fresh meals to your doorjust heat and eat!

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The Bottom Line

Both services impressed us with their meal variety, ease of ordering and transparency with pricing. No matter which you choose, you’ll enjoy fresh, filling meals in less time than traditional cooking takes. That said, these are definitely geared towards different types of consumers. HelloFresh is an excellent meal kit for families that offers flexible servings, customization and lots of add-ons. In contrast, Factor75 is geared towards singles who want to eat healthy meals without spending time on prep. If you’re still on the fence, consider trying Marley Spoon. After testing more than 10 options, it was our favorite overall meal kit.

The post Factor vs. HelloFresh: How Do the Heat-and-Eat Meals Compare to Meal Kits? appeared first on Taste of Home.

When we heard about Factor75, we knew we had to try it. Fresh, non-frozen meals that put chef-created dinners on the table in less than 10 minutes? Count us in! After a week of testing for this Factor75 review, here’s what we thought of these near-instant dishes. Hint: These nutrient-rich meals beat the drive-through any day.

What is Factor75?

Factor75 isn’t your average meal delivery service like Home Chef or HelloFresh. Instead of shipping ingredients and a recipe card, each delivery consists of fresh meals made and conceptualized by real chefs. And, unlike a service like Tovala, Factor75’s heat-and-eat meals require no prep. Each meal arrives chilled (never frozen) and ready for your refrigerator. Just reheat the meal and enjoythat’s it!

Factor75 focuses on healthful dishes that suit a variety of dietary lifestyles, including keto and plant-based. This sets them apart from similar services and makes them ideal for those who want a healthy lifestyle but don’t have the time to meal prep.

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Factor75

Factor shops, preps, cooks and delivers fresh meals to your doorjust heat and eat!

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Our Factor75 Review

Product Testing ManagerAnnamarie Higley enjoyed a week of meals for the purposes of this Factor75 review. Overall, she was impressed not just by the speed of each meal but also by the delicious flavors and quality ingredients. She tried five filling recipes: Loaded Bacon and Spinach Shredded Chicken, Indian-Style Butter Chicken, Stroganoff-Style Beef Burger, Nonna’s Sunday Beef Bolognese and a Vegetarian Tamale Bowl.

While we experienced a few issues right off the bat, they were nothing a quick call to customer service couldn’t solve. Annamarie was not able to adjust her initial delivery date as soon as she signed up, forcing her to receive the box a few weeks later than expected. It seemed like that first order was locked in, even if she fully deactivated her account.

However, when she called customer service, the rep was super easy to reach and accommodating. She was able to quickly shift the delivery back two weeks, and the updates were reflected instantaneously in the account.

Menu

While the menu boasts around 35 rotating meals each week, Annamarie notes that there is definitely a “formula” for the meals. This means they’re not as exciting as, say, CookUnity’s offerings. The meals remind her of an average “healthy” meal, containing a cut of meat, vegetables and grains. While unsurprising when considering Factor75’s focus on healthful food, the lack of menu creativity is worth noting.

However, when it comes to add-ons, prepare for tons of choices. These include breakfast bundles (e.g., pancakes, scrambles, egg bites), cold-pressed juices, protein shakes, desserts (e.g., cheesecake, macaroons), keto cookies, plain proteins, snacks (e.g., wellness shots, nuts, PB bites), frozen foods (e.g., empanadas, smoothies), protein powder, basic sides and no-heat lunches. These are offered to you after you’ve made all your main meal selections.

Filters and Dietary Options

Factor75 offers two rows of filters. Up top, you can sort by All Meals, Top Rated, New, Stay Balanced, Fuel Your Fitness, Fiber Support and Global Flavors. Beneath it, filter by Calorie Smart, Protein Plus, Keto, Carb Conscious and Vegan & Veggie. There are lots of specialty diets represented, making this a good plant-based or keto meal delivery kit option. Recipes are then individually labeled with buttons that coincide with most of the aforementioned filters. Spicy recipes and surcharged recipes are flagged, with each recipe’s calories and carbs listed.

Website and App

Our experience with the website wasn’t great. First, it’s “gamified,” which is kind of gimmickysomething we didn’t expect from a HelloFresh brand. It feels a little duplicitous, intentionally overwhelming and confusing. Annamarie notes that meals were automatically added to her cart. She’d choose one, and the cart would show that there were five meals in there, the other four of which she never clicked. She recommends double-checking the cart prior to checkout.

That said, the app is much more user-friendly. Some of the displays are a bit busy, but it doesn’t feel quite as confusing or distracting as the website. There’s pretty standard functionality, like editing and adding to orders in the “Deliveries” tab or rating and reviewing recipes in the “Cookbook” tab. There’s also a bit of a social aspect, allowing subscribers to invite people in the “Feed Friends” tab or unlock and track rewards in the “Achievements” tab. Additionally, the “Settings” tab is for changing profile information.

Delivery

Meals arrive in a pretty compact, branded box. It has a thick layer of fluffy, paper-sided insulation and two large ice packs that sandwich the stack of meals. The meals come in cardboard sleeves and plastic trays with plastic sleevesnot great for those trying to limit their plastic waste.

One thing to note is that you can’t track deliveries through the Factor75 website. Subscribers instead use the automated texts and website from the courier, Veho. Additionally, while Annamarie indicated on her account that she wanted her box left at my back door, they did not do this.

Loaded Bacon & Spinach Shredded Chicken

Annamarie particularly enjoyed her Loaded Bacon & Spinach Shredded Chicken, which can be prepped in the microwave or the oven, depending on preference. It takes only two minutes to cook in the microwave, or around 11 minutes for oven prep.

“The bacon on top was thick and high quality, and it got pretty crispy (thats why I opted for oven prep!),” she says. “It also served as a nice textural contrast. The ranch was super yummynot sure if its made in-house, but its certainly better than store-bought ranchand it added another layer of dilly flavor. Ill gladly eat this whole pile o food.”

Vegetarian Tamale Bowl

Additionally, Annamarie even enjoyed the recipes reheated in the microwave. “I opted to microwave this one,” she says of her Vegetarian Tamale Bowl. “My only complaint is that they tell you not to take the plastic film off until the very end of cooking, yet it’s hard to tell if the food is warmed through fully without taking it off. So, say, if I were to temp it, then put the food back in the microwave, the film would be off for that last portion of microwaving.”

“This has quite a bit of spice to it, to the point that some users might not be able to eat this,” she notes. “The corn ‘mash’that’s what I would call itdoes a nice job of offsetting the heat, though, because it has that subtle sweetness to it. The beans make this feel pretty filling despite the lack of meat, though I’m not the biggest fan of kidney beans. Overall, this has absolutely no shortage of flavor and could definitely pass as homemade.”

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Factor75

Factor shops, preps, cooks and delivers fresh meals to your doorjust heat and eat!

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FAQ

How much is Factor75?

Factor75 meal kit deliveries cost as little as $80 or as much as $450, depending on the number of meals.

How do you cancel Factor75?

Click on “Settings” in the drop-down under the account name. Then, scroll to the bottom of the “Plan Settings” tab, where there’s a button that says “Deactivate My Plan.” There’s a pop-up that allows you to change your box size instead, where you get the option to click “No Thanks.” Finally, that takes you to the cancelation questionnaire. Click “Deactivate Now.” From there, you can opt to provide further feedback. Canceling sends a confirmation email.

To skip a week of meals, go to the menu for the corresponding week. The skip button is right at the top, positioned pretty prominently next to the “Edit Meals” button.

Can you freeze Factor75 meals?

Factor 75 meals can be frozen, but this affects the cooking time. Some ingredients, especially creamy sauces, may not freeze well.

The post Factor75 Review: We Tried the Healthy Two-Minute Meal Service appeared first on Taste of Home.

Unlike many other meal kits for families that offer a range of dietary types, Purple Carrot is a completely plant-based meal service. It focuses on fresh, filling vegan meals that cook up quickly for parents and professionals. Of course, we had to see how it compared to our other favorite options (I’m looking at you, Gobble and HungryRoot).

Alongside testing for this Purple Carrot review, we also tried over a dozen other meal delivery services to truly compare each option’s strengths and setbacks. These range from all-encompassing meal delivery services like Marley Spoon to heat-and-eat meals a la CookUnity. Here’s what we thought after enjoying a week of Purple Carrot meals.

What is Purple Carrot?

Before writing this Purple Carrot review, I thought the best a vegan could hope for in the realm of plant-based meal services was something like Green Chef. While this organic and health-focused service offers many excellent plant-based options, it still focuses mostly on omnivore or flexitarian diets. However, this changed when I heard about Purple Carrot.

Purple Carrot is 100% plant-based, meaning that the entire menu (around 16 options per week) is vegan-friendly. Within these selections, the brand also offers a range of options that cater to other diets, like gluten-free. Apart from full-on meal kits containing ingredients and recipe cards, there are also ready-made meals that simply require a quick reheat in the microwave or oven. We love how accessible this makes plant-based eating, even for those tight on time.

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Best Overall

Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot offers plant-based meal kits containing fresh ingredients, surprising flavors and filling portions.

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Our Purple Carrot Review

Purple Carrot’s menu consists of around 16 options per week. These are divided into self-made meal kits that contain two to four servings and single-serve, pre-made meals. Each week, customers can choose either three or four self-made meals or 6, 8 or 10 pre-made meals. Extra meals are also available for an additional cost. The meals themselves are creative and appealing, with recipe names like One-Pot Buffalo Mac & Cheese and Chick’n and Dumplings with Oyster Mushrooms & Green Beans.

Purple Carrot meals are divided into the following categories on the website: High-protein, less prep, soy-free, nut-free, chef’s choice, gluten-free, healthy carbs, <600 calories, low sodium, breakfast, lunch, dinner, pantry, less prep, ready to eat, meal kits and grocery. Now, let's dive into this Purple Carrot reviewthere's a lot to go over!

Delivery

Deliveries take place on Saturdays. Customers can skip a week if they’re out of town or plan on making their own meals for a week. For the purposes of this Purple Carrot review, we attempted to both skip a week and cancel our subscription. Both were easy to accomplish after navigating to our account settings.

Menu

Editorial Coordinator Sydney Manning volunteered her time and stomach to sample the menu for a week. After some consideration, she settled on a menu of Crunchy Cabbage Salads, Cacio e Pepe, Elote Tacos, Black Bean Crunchadillas and Creamy Peanut Noodles.

While Purple Carrot offers several tabs that let you sort through popular modifiers (e.g., gluten-free or nut-free), it’s worth noting that not all diets are supported on the platform. For instance, if you’re on a keto diet, we recommend checking out our list of keto meal kits insteadthere just simply aren’t enough options on Purple Carrot.

Recipes and Prep

For this Purple Carrot review, we chose a diverse range of meals, including items from the heat-and-eat menu. While Purple Carrot offers around 16 meals per week, many of those are “fan favorites,” so expect to see a few repeats each week. Aside from meal kits, Purple Carrot also has a grocery section with plant-based items such as desserts, pantry meals, meat substitutes, tofu, cereal, drinks, dips, protein bars, soups, fries, coffee beans and other various snacks and sides.

Prep depends on the type of meal. The heat-and-eat meals are simplejust pop them in the oven or microwave to reheat. For the meal prep kits, the time each recipe takes depends on its components. Sydney notes that she was supposed to get a physical recipe booklet, but she never received it (and customer service wouldn’t resend it). That said, she was able to refer to the digital recipes, though she found those rather vague. If you have limited cooking knowledge, we recommend sticking to the ready-to-eat options.

Elote Tacos with Lime Rice & Jalapeos

Overall, Sydney found this recipe very easy to make. There wasn’t much to it besides the simple prep, like cutting the radishes and cilantro, stirring the sauce, microwaving the rice, charring the canned corn and then assembling the tacos. The instructions were pretty generic, but since it’s such an easy recipe, she didn’t run into any issues with being confused or hung up on a certain step.

“I love corn, so this was a favorite for me,” she says. “One thing I wish about this recipe is that there was some more crunch to it. There are radishes in this, but I felt like it still needed more oomph.”

Creamy Peanut Noodles with Tofu & Mango Slaw

This was very easy to prepare as a mealjust pull back an inch of the film and microwave for two minutes. Voila! Sydney notes that the meal does have a “frozen” quality to it, but with the tofu and noodles, she found it very filling.

Pros

• Creative meals
• Fully vegan and plant-based
• Fresh ingredients
• Add-ons available

Cons

• Strictly vegan, so may not be appealing to vegetarians
• Non-flexible delivery schedule
• Lack of price transparency

Why You Should Trust Us

All meal delivery reviewsincluding this Purple Carrot revieware backed by testing from different Taste of Hometeam members with varying degrees of cooking expertise. Our testers needs, wants and budgets reflect those of the average shopper.We arent new to testing this product category, either. In addition to over a dozen meal kits, our team has reviewedmeatandchicken deliveryservices likeButcherBox,Snake River FarmsandGood Chop. Our testing extends to grocery services, likeMisfits MarketandThrive Market, as well.

Product Tester and former editorAnnamarie Higleyoversees Taste of Homes product testing team and daily operations in our testing lab. She and her team assess online trends, search traffic and audience engagement to determine which items warrant testing firsthand in our dedicated office space or our homes. This includes everything from kitchen appliances to beauty products to power tools. Knowing we sourced, saw and tested these products ourselves, readers can feel confident in our recommendations and, ultimately, secure in their purchases.

Where To Buy Purple Carrot

If this Purple Carrot review made your mouth water, you can sign up for the plant-based meal service on Purple Carrot’s website. Plans start at $50, though the cost of each plan will differ depending on the meals chosen. Purple Carrot also offers regular discounts and deals, so head over to the site for the most up-to-date prices and promotions.

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Best Overall

Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot offers plant-based meal kits containing fresh ingredients, surprising flavors and filling portions.

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FAQ

Is Purple Carrot organic?

While Purple Carrot sources some organic ingredients, the service doesn’t call itself organic. For a truly organic meal delivery service, try Green Chef.

How to cancel Purple Carrot?

Log into your account and visit the “My Account” page. From there, select “Account Settings,” then “Update Subscription.” Below the option to pause is a button called “Cancel Your Subscription.”

The post Purple Carrot Review: We Tried the Plant-Based Meal Service—Here Are Our Thoughts appeared first on Taste of Home.

What is Cook Unity?

Unlike most meal kits for families, CookUnity focuses on single-serve meals that arrive ready to enjoy. These are typically known as “heat and eat meals.” However, there’s a twist: Each dish arrives freshly prepared by one of CookUnity’s expert chefs. As a result, these meals are much tastier (and classier) than anything you’d find in the frozen food section.

As we learned while testing this service for our CookUnity review, there aremany flexitarian dishes available on the menu. These include keto meal kits and vegetarian options, among dozens of other diet-specific meals. A number of limited-time, seasonal dishes are also released each year, such as turkey and stuffing for Thanksgiving or ham and mashed potatoes for the holidays. Additionally, CookUnity often offers deals like significant discounts, free meals and other savings.

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We Tried It

CookUnity

CookUnity is a meal delivery service that employs real, skilled chefs who prepare each meal. All it takes is a few minutes in the microwave or oven for a delicious, home-cooked dish!

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Our CookUnity Review

Product Testing Manager and former editor Annamarie Higley tested the service for this CookUnity review. She notes that the menu (created and prepared by professional chefs) is incredibly tantalizing. There are also a number of dietary filters, sorting dishes by Seafood, Vegetarian, Beef, Poultry, Vegan, less than 600 Calories, Low Carbs, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low Sodium, Keto Diet, Paleo, High Protein and Low Fat. As customers scroll the menu, they get a preview of the star ratings of each meal as well as a spiciness indicator and calorie count. The menu is very expansive, offering over 200 different dish options in total, with the choice of up to 16 meals per shipment.

The cuisines in each dietary category are diverse, and the meals are creative. “I’m so impressed by the optionsI had a really hard time choosing,” Annamarie says. Eventually, she settled on a menu featuring the following dishes: Falafel-Crusted Artichokes, Caramelized Mushroom Quesadilla, Chicken Cacciatore, Southern Fried Chicken, Chili-Roasted Shrimp and Miso-Glazed Salmon Bowl.

Website and App

The CookUnity website is slick and easy to use, albeit a bit unwieldy in that it offers almost too much information. It’s a little slow when it comes to loading, but it looks modern with cool graphics and nice photos. We love that customers can create a pretty robust, built-out favorites library.

The app looks quite a bit like the website and offers four tabs: Orders, History, Invite and Account. “Orders” is where you edit upcoming orders, including menu selections and delivery details. You can also add an extra order and rate meals within this tab. The “History” tab is where you view previous orders and transactions. “Invite” is where you refer friends. The “Account” tab is where you adjust meal preferences, plan settings, payment methods, favorites, account settings, notifications and other account modifications.

The best feature is under “Meal Preferences,” where you can add other profiles. Annamarie created a profile for her boyfriend so he could detail his own list of preferred cuisines, along with proteins and foods to avoid.

Delivery

CookUnity has a Zero Waste goal, so nearly all the packaging is recyclable, compostable or reusable. Meals arrive stacked up inside a little zippered tote bag with a reflective foil interior. Each meal has a sleeve, plastic film and cardboard tray. These are refrigerated, not frozen, so the insulation is a little lighter. I also think they pack the meals the day of, so they don’t need to be kept chilled overnight. In our bag, there was just one thick ice pack laid right over the top of the stack of meals.

“It was a tracking experience like I’ve never had,” says Annamarie of the delivery experience. “I was able to access minute-by-minute updates on my order and was given details regarding how many stops the delivery person had to make before mine. Once my delivery was next up, I could track what street the delivery person was on, like you would with an Uber or Lyft driver. I also was able to call or message the person if needed.”

Recipes and Prep

Each meal provides two sets of instructions: the “Chef Instructions” and the “Fast Instructions.” The former is the oven-baked version, and the latter is the microwaved version. The instructions are super clear and concise. They describe what to do with the packaging and how long to heat for each respective cooking method. As with most reheated meals, the cooking time depends on your appliances. Annamarie notes that while making these meals is not more complicated than making a frozen pizza, there’s no guarantee that the listed cook time will be accurate, so you might need to adjust accordingly.

The use-by dates of these meals, especially the seafood ones, aren’t very far out because they’re refrigerated rather than frozen. For example, the shrimp dish needed to be eaten by Friday, and Annamarie received it on Tuesday. CookUnity notes that you can freeze the meals to preserve them longer if needed.

Chili-Roasted Shrimp

We baked our first meal in the oven, opting for the “chef” instructions over the “fast” instructions. “I was worried these would be a little overcooked because of how curled up they were, but they were nice and succulent,” reports Annamarie of the shrimp. “Some of the shrimp still even had a nice crust from the roasting, which was then kept intact by baking in the oven, I assume. This really tasted like a reheated home-cooked meal (in a good way).”

However, the real star was the grits. “These grits were just out of this world. I’m not a grits expert, but these were so rich and luscious, and I loved the inclusion of the corn kernels for a bit of textural contrast, so it wasn’t just mush,” says Annamarie. “I couldn’t stop eating them! The best thing in the whole box I got.”

Chicken Cacciatore with Braised Tomato-Olive Sauce

Annamarie microwaved this gluten-free meal kit to get both sides of the CookUnity experience, noting that preparing meals this way is simple. After three minutes in the microwave, she cut into the center of the biggest breast, which was a good eating temperature. It doesn’t get much more foolproof than a fully microwaved mealand a tasty one, to boot!

“I’m a bit biased against chicken breast, but this was cooked pretty well,” says Annamarie. “There was also tons of itit was a sizable piece of meat that would satiate even big appetites. The braised tomato-olive sauce was what really shined, though. It was super savory with the mushrooms and olives. The sauteed onions were left large, so they provided a bit of bite, and the herbs made this flavorful to boot. Yum, yum, yum.”

Caramelized Mushroom Quesadilla

We wanted to give CookUnity’s plant-based meal kits a fair shake, so Annamarie settled on this mushroom-forward dish made in the oven. The results? Delicious!

“The char on the tortilla was so promising! And its edges really crisped up in the ovenlove! Very glad I baked this,” says Annamarie. “There was a dreamy cheesy pull right when I pulled the pieces apart. The mushrooms were perfectly tender, but you definitely need to love mushrooms to enjoy this meal. Their intense umami flavor really shined through.”

While she didn’t see anything about poblano peppers in the description, their earthy zip was a lovely addition. The cheese was mild but delicious and rich. Overall, Annamarie calls this a super satisfying meat-free meal.

Pros

• Great packaging
• Flexible, easy-to-track delivery
• Creative and varied menu
• Lots of dietary-focused dishes
• Fair pricing
• Meals crafted by notable chefs

Cons

• Less health-focused
• Not quite available nationwide

Why You Should Trust Us

All meal delivery reviewsincluding this CookUnity revieware backed by testing from different Taste of Home team members with varying degrees of cooking expertise. Our testers’ needs, wants and budgets reflect those of the average shopper.We aren’t new to testing this product category, either. In addition to over a dozen meal kits, our team has reviewed meat and chicken delivery services like ButcherBox, Snake River Farms and Good Chop. Our testing extends to grocery services, like Misfits Market and Thrive Market, as well.

Product Tester and former editor Annamarieoversees Taste of Home’s product testing team and daily operations in our testing lab. She and her team assess online trends, search traffic and audience engagement to determine which items warrant testing firsthand in our dedicated office space or our homes. This includes everything from kitchen appliances to beauty products to power tools. Knowing we sourced, saw and tested these products ourselves, readers can feel confident in our recommendations and, ultimately, secure in their purchases.

Where To Buy CookUnity Meals

If you’re smitten by the significant number of recipes and delicious endorsements after reading this rave CookUnity review, it’s easy to secure a subscription to CookUnity. Just head over to the website and start building your cart. Fuss-free dishes and chef-created flavors await!

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CookUnity

CookUnity is a meal delivery service that employs real, skilled chefs who prepare each meal. All it takes is a few minutes in the microwave or oven for a delicious, home-cooked dish!

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FAQ

How much is CookUnity?

CookUnity costs as little as $75 for six meals or as much as $178 for 16 meals. Costs also depend on several factors, including whether or not you choose any “premium” meals with pricier proteins. For this CookUnity review, we stuck to the regular menu.

How do you cancel CookUnity?

Navigate to “Settings” and find the “Cancel Subscription ” button. Next, select a reason from the dropdown, leave a comment (optional), check a terms box, and then click “Cancel my subscription.” CookUnity then sends out a confirmation email.

While canceling the subscription after writing our CookUnity review, we noticed that there’s also an option to pause a week. To pause the subscription, toggle through any upcoming delivery weeks and look for a button that says “manage order.” Within the pop-up, there is an option to skip weeks of service.

The post CookUnity Review: We Tried the Heat and Eat Meal Service That Promises Chef Quality Results appeared first on Taste of Home.

While both meal services offer their own benefits, there are some key differences between them. So, which is the best option for your family? To settle the EveryPlate vs. HelloFresh debate for good, our in-house product testing team independently reviewed and researched both over a two-year period. Here’s what you need to know about each of the servicesincluding how they stack up against each other.

Whats the difference between EveryPlate and HelloFresh?

To accurately discuss the differences between the two meal kit services, it’s useful to first look at their similarities. Both services fall into the “meal prep kit” category. This contrasts services like Tovala, which offers heat-and-eat meals that ship almost fully prepped.

Additionally, while not quite as quick as services like Gobble (which promises 15-minute prep), HelloFresh and EveryPlate are relatively beginner-friendly. You don’t need to know fancy techniques or have expensive pans to prepare these meals, which makes them readily accessible for families, college students and working professionals.

Cost and Plan Differences

One key aspect of the EveryPlate vs. HelloFresh debate is the cost of each service, especially as it pertains to cost per serving. Both HelloFresh and EveryPlate are some of the most affordable meal delivery services out there, earning them spots on our list of the best meal kits for families.

That said, EveryPlate is demonstrably more affordable, which is why we chose it as our favorite budget meal kit service. Choose from two, four or six servings per meal, with the option to enjoy anywhere from three to five meals per week. The cost of the service ranges from roughly $36 for three two-serving meals to around $108 for five six-serving meals weekly.

In contrast, HelloFresh offers a similar rotation of two, four or six servings per meal, with the option to add two to six meals in each weekly box. You can also add additional meals for an extra cost. A box filled with two two-serving meals per week rings up at around $57, while six six-serving meals cost around $371.

Recipe Variety

EveryPlate’s weekly menu typically offers around 30 choices. While the menu is smaller than HelloFresh’s, this is part of what keeps EveryPlate’s prices low. Meals are organized into the following categories: Quick & Easy, Veggie and Calorie Smart (plus a few seasonal categories such as “Fall Favorites”). Overall, the menu focuses on simple, easy-to-cook meals.

HelloFresh offers a substantial library of around 70 meals per week. Categories include Calorie Smart, Carb Smart, Protein Smart, Easy Prep, Veggie, Family Friendly, Easy Clean-up, Quick and New. Just like EveryPlate, HelloFresh offers nutritional information for each recipe. Additionally, the recipes are a bit more gourmet than EveryPlate’s, so they may appeal more to foodies.

Dietary Options

With the influx of keto and gluten-free meal kits, it’s important to evaluate the dietary options available for HelloFresh vs. EveryPlate. Both options offer some meals that adhere to dietary constraints. However, folks seeking the best plant-based meal kits will find a more robust selection of options elsewhere. Instead, try a service like Purple Carrot, which only serves plant-based meals.

EveryPlate’s Quick & Easy category boasts the most selections on their menunearly half of the dishes fall into this category. By contrast, our tester, Dylan Fischer, notes that the Veggie and Calorie Smart categories contain significantly fewer meals, topping out at around seven options each. While there’s a full nutritional value label when you open the recipe, there’s no option to sort meals by specific diets aside from vegetarian.

There are a lot of choices available for HelloFresh, including many premium dishes that cost around $9.99 more per serving. However, tester Sheri Kaz notes that in the “Fit & Wholesome” category, she only spied around 24 meal choices for the week. These include meals targeted towards the Calorie Smart, Carb Smart or Protein Smart categories. Out of these, only four of the 70 meals fell under all three tags.

Unique Add-Ons and Product Lines

Unlike Hungryroot, which offersready-made mealsand meals requiring prep, HelloFresh and EveryPlate only offer self-prep options. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t offer additional add-ons. In fact, add-ons are one area where both deliver similar options.

Every meal at EveryPlate offers sides that pair well with the recipe for an additional upcharge. Think: garlic bread, mac and cheese or veggies. The EveryPlate Grocery Store is the brand’s ingredient storefront, offering additional proteins, veggies and sides. Customers are also given the option to add Bundle Boxes to their orders. These are boxes full of crackers, cookies, chips and other snacks.

Subscribers to HelloFresh gain access to the HelloFresh Market, which offers items like proteins, breakfasts, quick meals, condiments, produce and sides for those who want to replace their weekly grocery runs. Similarly to EveryPlate, you can also upgrade most dishes with more proteins or sides for an upcharge.

Sustainability and Packaging

There are a few significant differences in packaging between EveryPlate vs. HelloFresh. Notably, EveryPlate’s ingredients arrive packed into one cardboard box. The proteins sit underneath the other ingredients, directly against the ice pack. The ingredients also don’t arrive packaged by meal, meaning that it’s necessary to parse through them when it’s actually time to cook. Deliveries take place any day of the week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Similarly, HelloFresh also packages its meat separately from other ingredients. Proteins sit right next to the ice pack at the bottom of the box. Unlike EveryPlate, each meal arrives in its own bag, making it much easier for home cooks to see which ingredient belongs to which recipe. Like with EveryPlate, customers can schedule deliveries on any day of the week. They arrive sometime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Customer Experience and App Usability

On the topic of EveryPlate vs. HelloFresh’s websites and apps, both offer fairly user-friendly technology. EveryPlate’s app is relatively stripped down, with just a few tabs at the bottom containing links to Home, My Menu, Feed Friends, Notifications and Profile. The website is similar, with photos of each dish acting as the main focus.

HelloFresh’s website is equally easy to navigate. Its sidebar lists this week’s menu categories with 20+ recipes per category. Additionally, the app shows current and upcoming orders and the buttons to “Change Meals” or “Edit Delivery.” All nutrition information, ingredients, items not included in the delivery, utensils needed and cooking steps with photos live there, too.

All About HelloFresh

HelloFresh won our hearts as the best meal delivery service for families, and for good reason. Based in Germany, it’s one of the most popular meal delivery kits in the U.S. Launched in the summer of 2021, HelloFresh Market elevated the company from a beloved meal-prep service and suppertime helper into a full-blown online grocery. The brand offers frequent deals and sales, oftentimes including free sides and desserts. Additionally, they have a robust referral program in place for those who recommend the service to others.

Read more about the service in our full HelloFresh review. Learn about how HelloFresh compares to other services by taking a look at our HelloFresh vs. Home Chef andBlue Apron vs. HelloFresh comparisons.

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HelloFresh transforms your weekly meal prep by shipping everything you need for dinners (and beyond) straight to your door.

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All About EveryPlate

EveryPlate is owned by HelloFresh and was established back in 2018 as a lower-cost alternative to HelloFresh. It won us over as the best budget meal delivery service of all the options we’ve tested. EveryPlate follows the same formula as most other meal kit delivery services on the market, offering several tiered subscription options and additional add-ons. That said, in contrast to other services that offer a broad selection of meals, it focuses on utilizing packaging adjustments and condensed menu options to give it an edge on pricing. Read more about the service in our full EveryPlate review.

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EveryPlate meal kits are an affordable way to have delicious recipes and all their ingredients delivered straight to your door.

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The Bottom Line

When you look at all the data, there are a lot of similarities between EveryPlate vs. HelloFresh. This is unsurprising since HelloFresh owns EveryPlate. Therefore, they both use many of the same ingredients and have similar recipes. However, HelloFresh is geared more towards foodies, with gourmet menu options like Pecan Crusted Chicken and Polenta with Zucchini & Carrot Ragu.

On the flip side, EveryPlate is a budget-friendly alternative with less complex meals and flavors. Its menu offers recipes like a Shawarma Chickpeas and Feta Bowl and Crispy Chicken Honey Biscuits, which are a bit easier to prep than HelloFresh’s offerings. Our tests show that both services have yummy meals, great customer service and flexible deliveries. Rest assured that whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy each menu’s offering of delicious weekly meals.

Why You Should Trust Us

These meal delivery services were tested by various Taste of Home team members, all with varying degrees of cooking expertise. Our testers’ needs, wants and budgets reflect those of the average shopper. Plus, since many factors can affect delivery, we tested most services several times to ensure the experience was consistent for multiple testers.

We also aren’t new to testing this product category. In addition to several meal kits, our team has reviewed meat and chicken delivery services like ButcherBox, Snake River Farms and Good Chop. Our testing extends to grocery services, like Misfits Market and Thrive Market, as well.

The post EveryPlate vs. HelloFresh: Which Meal Delivery Service Is Right for You? appeared first on Taste of Home.

Enter Tovala, which ships out meals that are as close to fully prepared as you can get without freezing. The secret is the companion smart oven, which reads each meal and automatically calibrates the oven accordingly. No more pushing buttons or setting timers? Count us in! Of course, our interest was immediately piqued. After trying it out, here’s our full Tovala review.

What is Tovala?

Established in 2015 by David Rabie and Bryan Wilcox, Tovala was born from David’s desire to reduce the number of appliances required to make a delicious, healthful meal. Formerly called Maestro, Tovala (headquartered in Chicago) won the Edward L. Kaplan 71 New Venture Challenge (NVC) in May2015. Since then, Tovala has built up a customer base comprised mainly of young working parents without the time or energy to spend on meal prep.

Tovala’s meal delivery service doesn’t send boxes of loose ingredients or detailed recipe cards like Blue Apron or HelloFresh. Instead, it focuses on ready-made meals a laFactor 75. Unlike your average pre-made meal kit, though, each dish requires just one minute of prep before popping it into Tovala’s proprietary smart oven. This gives the meals a home-cooked quality you won’t find in other heat-and-eat services.

Tovala’s in-house chefs prepare each dish and program each meal’s cooking time and required cooking modes into the smart oven. From there, they ship out the meals fresh to customers. Simply scan the QR code of any Tovala meal using the app and sit back for a low-fuss dinner.

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Our Tovala Review

What really sets Tovala apart from other meal delivery services is the companion smart oven. There are two versions available, including the basic smart oven and a “pro” version with steaming capabilities. The best part about these appliances is that they’re fully functional air fryer toaster ovens, meaning that you can use them for non-Tovala meals as well.

Menu

The menu offers a library of around 50 meals per week. Most meals are single serving, though there are a few two-serving meals available each week. When filling your cart, you can filter the meals by various dietary preferences, including low sodium, carb-conscious, calorie-smart, and gluten-friendly. You have a choice of anywhere from 4 to 16 meals per week.

Some breakfasts are available in addition to traditional entrees. A few meals offer sides like egg rolls and garlic bread for an extra charge. Once you choose all your meals and proceed to the next page, you can add the previously listed add-ons, as well as desserts such as a brownie, cookie or single-serve pineapple upside-down cake and small breakfast items. When choosing meals, pay extra attention to price, as some of the premium meals come with an upcharge.

Website and App

Both the website and app are easy to use and bright and clean-looking without an overwhelming amount of text, tabs or buttons. The app lets subscribers quickly manage upcoming menu selections and deliveries. Users can also access support and cooking instructions for the Tovala oven, including basic instructions for recipes like air-fried chicken or more detailed recipes like pear walnut crisp.

There’s a list of brands with items that cook well in the smart oven, as well as cooking instructions for those specific items. You can also connect the smart oven to WiFi and pair it with the app. Just like other family meal delivery services, it’s easy to skip a week or cancel at any time.

Delivery

Deliveries are flexible, with a choice of either the beginning or end of each week. The meals arrive in a mid-size, branded Tovala cardboard box. The whole interior is lined with fluffy insulation, and the contents are fresh. Each meal’s ingredients come packaged together in dedicated cardboard boxes, along with their ingredient list and any directions. Beneath those ingredient boxes is the meat. Tester Annamarie Higley received sausages, a chicken breast and a turkey patty, which arrived layered between the ingredient boxes and two large frozen gel packs. Note: All the food needs to be refrigerated open receipt.

Recipes

Annamarie chose a menu consisting of the following meals during her week of testing: Cheddar Cheese Turkey Burger, Pulled Pork Carnitas Bowl, Roasted Mushroom Gnocchi Alfredo, Crispy Chicken Potstickers and Sweet Soy Noodles, Italian Sausage in Marinara and a Pesto Chicken Melt.

Roasted Mushroom Gnocchi Alfredo

Each recipe’s instructions are divided into three sections: prep, scan and enjoy. The prep section includes any pre-work. For this recipe, Annamarie had to wash, slice and season the provided mushrooms. She also needed to add cream and water to the gnocchi tray. Then, she scanned the QR code on the recipe card with the app and pressed “start” on the oventhat’s it! After cooking, she followed the “enjoy” instructions, which entailed stirring in the parmesan, letting the food rest, plating it and pouring over the basil vinaigrette.

“The gnocchi themselves were cooked to perfection,” notes Annamarie. “They were pillowy and tender. The alfredo was ingeniousI mean, cream, water and grated Parm mixed together to create this thick, luscious sauce? Amazing. The mushrooms, which initially looked like too much, cooked down a ton, so the ratio was just right. I loved the texture they added to the dish. Lastly, I was dubious of the basil vinaigrette. This seemed overboard to me initially, but I really did enjoy the bright, herbaceous complement to this super indulgent, dairy-laden meal. I used about half the pouch.”

Crispy Chicken Potstickers and Sweet Soy Noodles

For this recipe, Annamarie had to line (and spray!) the sheet pan with foil and oil, transfer the potstickers to the pan and then place the noodles, cabbage, sweet soy broth base and water in a disposable tray. She put the tray in the oven, scanned the QR code and let it cook. Afterward, it was the standard process of letting everything sit for two minutes, then transferring it to a serving bowl and dressing it with sauce.

Pesto Chicken Melt

The prep for this recipe took just under three minutes, and the oven automatically set itself to 20 minutes. When all was said and done, it took just under 25 minutes of cooking to enjoy this meal. This meal uses the same “dump-and-go” method as the others. First, Annamarie put the broccoli in a foil tray, then put the chicken in the other foil tray and topped it with pesto and mozzarella. Afterward, she let the food rest, then tossed the broccoli with the vinaigrette.

“The pesto was super delicious and actually fresh-tasting! I was expecting this to taste like yucky shelf-stable pesto from the supermarket, which I loathe, but this tasted much brighter and more homemade,” says Annamarie. “This entree reminded me of a meal my mom used to make growing up. She’d serve pesto- and mozzarella-topped chicken over marinara-coated spaghetti, so it was kind of nostalgic.”

After testing it for a week, Annamarie is totally taken with Tovala’s premise and meal quality.

Cons:

• Pricey
• Somewhat limited menu

Why You Should Trust Us

All meal delivery reviews are backed by testing from different Taste of Home team members with varying degrees of cooking expertise. Our testers’ needs, wants and budgets reflect those of the average shopper.We aren’t new to testing this product category, either. In addition to over a dozen meal kits, our team has reviewed meat and chicken delivery services like ButcherBox, Snake River Farms and Good Chop. Our testing extends to grocery services, like Misfits Market and Thrive Market, as well.

Tester and former editor Annamarieoversees Taste of Home’s product testing team and daily operations in our testing lab. She and her team assess online trends, search traffic and audience engagement to determine which items warrant testing firsthand in our dedicated office space or our homes. This includes everything from kitchen appliances to beauty products to power tools. Knowing we sourced, saw and tested these products ourselves, readers can feel confident in our recommendations and, ultimately, secure in their purchases.

Where To Buy Tovala Meals

Customers interested in trying Tovala will find their meal kits on the Tovala website. Choose as few as four meals per week for around $60 or as many as 16 meals for around $218. If bought alone, the Tovala smart oven costs $300 for the regular modeland $350 for the pricierpro model. Alternatively, it costs $50 (or $99 for the pro model) if you buy six meals to accompany the oven and subscribe to the service.

While testing the service for our Tovala review, we were totally blown away by the ease and freshness of the meals. While pricey, the addition of the Tovala Smart Oven, coupled with the minimal prep, makes this service a promising option for home cooks operating on limited time.

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The post Tovala Review: The Meal Delivery Service That Promises One-Minute Prep Time appeared first on Taste of Home.

As an eager learner and history lover, I had to try it out. After a few months, I can confirm that it’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever given myself. Here’s everything you need to know about this surprising present.

What is a Recipes by Mail subscription?

A Recipes by Mail subscription is the ultimate gift for foodies who already have everything. The service sends a reprint of a handwritten recipe from historical figures like George Washington, Emily Dickinson and Rosa Parks each month. These arrive alongside a transcribed copy of the recipe, ensuring each step is easy to read. It’s the perfect marriage of history and food, making it a fun gift for anyone interested in historical cooking.

Each recipe is vegetarian, making it perfect for nearly every home cook to enjoy. Context pages containing the author’s history and the story behind the recipe accompany each shipment, and the reprints themselves arrive on premium thick paper. Pair this gift with a recipe book folder or a frame, and each recipe becomes a beloved keepsake.

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Recipes by Mail Subscription

Read through replicas of handwritten historical recipe documents, like Emily Dickinson's chocolate cake recipe.

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How We Tested It

When I heard about a Recipes by Mail subscriptionespecially as a history lover and food subscription box fanI just had to subscribe. After all, how else will I learn Emily Dickinson’s black cake recipe (and in her very own handwriting, to boot)? My first document containing the aforementioned black cake recipe arrived a week after placing the order. After the first month, recipients receive subsequent Recipes by Mail subscription envelopes on the 15th of each month. The number of deliveries depends on whether you opt for a six- or 12-month gift subscription.

When my envelope arrived, I was impressed with the reproduction print’s qualityit felt like I was holding a piece of history! Given Emily Dickinson’s gorgeous, exaggerated handwriting, I was grateful that they included a recipe transcription. This came printed on the back of a document detailing an explanation of the recipe’s history as related to Emily, clarifications on measurements and a few other details about where the recipe originated.

Overall, I’m extremely impressed with the serviceespecially as someone who loves reading about my favorite historical figures. There’s just something so personal about a handwritten recipe, and learning the context behind it adds a lot of extra flavor to the experience.

Where to Buy Recipes by Mail

Snag your loved ones (or yourself) a subscription to this history-rich service on the Uncommon Goods website. We all have a relative whos impossible to shop for, and a Recipes by Mail subscription takes the guesswork out of gifting.

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Recipes by Mail Subscription

Need a gift for a history buff? This subscription sends vintage recipes and information about the people behind them.

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The post This Historic Recipe Subscription Is the Perfect Gift for Cooks Who Have Everything appeared first on Taste of Home.

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For the over-the-top Goldelly cakes fan, you can’t do much better than a PieCaken. It features pecan pie on the bottom, pumpkin pie in the middle and spice cake on top. It’s layered together with cinnamon buttercream and topped with apple pie filling.

“My two favorite layers were the pumpkin pie and cinnamon buttercream, so eating them together was a true treat,” says Senior Editor Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, who wrote our review of the cake. “The PieCaken allowed me to make my own special bites of different desserts I wouldnt have normally put together on the same utensil.” There’s also a Christmas version!

The post 10 Famous Goldbelly Cakes You Can Order Right Now appeared first on Taste of Home.

And now, just in time for the holiday baking season, fans can snag a new Pioneer Woman stand mixer that is pretty and practicalwith a low price tag to boot! Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Pioneer Woman stand mixer?

This is not a drill: Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman collection officially has its own stand mixerand it’s absolutely beautiful! Choose from one of two designsa minty green with floral motifs or a speckled cream color. The Pioneer Woman stand mixer also features a powerful 600-watt motor, comparable to a KitchenAid mixer.

This five-quart mixer offers six different speed settings, perfect for whipping up everything from smooth cake batter to light and fluffy meringue. Use the built-in pulse settingfor delicate pastries and graham cracker crusts. A handy set of function feet keep it from scooting around on the counter, even while mixing dense cookie dough. It also comes with a host of useful attachments, including a dough hook, paddle, whisk and splash guard. The best part? Each attachment is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

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Pioneer Woman Stand Mixer in Painted Meadow

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Pioneer Woman Stand Mixer in Linen Speckle

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Why We Love the Pioneer Woman Walmart Collection

Our editors at Taste of Home have tried a handful of items from the Pioneer Woman collection, including a knife block set and a beautiful set of boho-chic bedding. Overall, we’re impressed by the quality compared to the price. While the Pioneer Woman collection firmly sits at a budget price point, it’s nothing like your typical inexpensive kitchenware. These picks make gorgeous gifts, and thatgoes doubly so for the timeless Christmas collection.

Nothing warms my little rural heart like the Pioneer Woman Walmart collection. Packed with pretty pastels and floral motifs, this country-inspired collection of cookware and cute dishes delivers a dose of colorful joy to any kitchen. Ree’s inspiration for these fun prints comes from her love of boho-chic designs and textured fabrics. Her collection draws inspiration from her life in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, with her husband Ladd and adorable basset hounds.

Where to Buy a Pioneer Woman Stand Mixer

ThePioneer Woman stand mixer in both Painted Meadow and Linen Speckle colorways is available at Walmart. It retails for around $130 and is expected to sell out quickly.

The post A Pioneer Woman Stand Mixer Just Dropped—And It’s a Budget-Friendly Beauty appeared first on Taste of Home.

That’s right! Through November 18 (or while supplies last), you can score your own 10- to 14-pound bird, five pounds of turkey breast or a stunning holiday ham with a new subscription to ButcherBox. And these aren’t just any turkeys, eitherthey’re free-range, antibiotic- and hormone-free and 100% organic, just like BucherBox’s other meaty offerings.

What is ButcherBox?

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ButcherBox

ButcherBox provides high-quality, humanely raised meat and seafood delivered straight to your door.

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ButcherBox is a mail-order subscription service like Good Chop or Snake River Farms. Like many meat subscriptions, they offer a variety of prime cuts, from chicken thighs to beef and Italian sausage. Unlike other services, however, the quality of the cuts isn’t the only focus. Instead, ButcherBox uses high-quality, humanely raised meat and seafood for its plentiful offerings.

All of ButcherBoxs meat comes from farms committed to sustainable agriculture and fair labor practices. This means that each piece of meat is free from hormones or antibiotics. The cuts are shipped directly to your door, ready to be thawed, cooked and enjoyed. Because they’re frozen solid prior to shipping, they arrive just as fresh and delicious as the day they ship.

There are three standard ButcherBoxes to choose frombeef and pork, beef and chicken, and mixed (with beef, chicken and pork). Apart from their myriad subscription offeringsincluding custom boxesButcherBox also offers an assortment ofone-time gift boxes that you can ship to loved ones or use to stock your freezer.

How We Tested ButcherBox

In 2024, Taste of Home contributor, former chef and James-Beard award nominee Allison Robicelli reviewed ButcherBox. Her custom ButcherBox included two filet mignons, four boneless pork chops, a flank steak, a whole chicken and a bag of individually frozen salmon filets.

“ButcherBoxs grass-fed filet mignons deliver plenty of big, beefy flavor while also being impossibly tender. Theyre cut on the thinner side, so they cook quickly and go from rare to well-done in a matter of seconds,” says Allison. She was equally impressed with her salmon, noting that the filets she received were “stellar, rich and buttery.” As for the pork? Well, let’s just say she was smitten at first bite.

“Its easy to make boneless pork chops that are dry and underwhelming, and thats due to the quality of factory-farmed pork,” she notes. “ButcherBoxs humanely raised pork is (literally) an entirely different animalone that remains juicy and succulent during cooking. With so much flavor, it isnt necessary to marinate or slather with strongly flavored sauce.”

How to Get a Free ButcherBox Turkey in 2024

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Want a free holiday turkeyand delicious meats delivered right to your door? Sign up today for ButcherBox.

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To get a free Thanksgiving turkey from ButcherBox, just head to ButcherBox’s website and sign up for your first subscription box. That’s it! Not a big fan of turkey, or don’t feel like carving up a whole bird? No worries. Upon signup, the site prompts you to choose from either a 10- to 14-pound turkey, eight-pound spiral ham or five pounds of boneless turkey breasts.

But hurrythis deal only lasts through November 18 or as long as supplies last. It’s also limited to new members only. We expect these to sell out fast, so don’t delay!

The post You Can Get a FREE ButcherBox Turkey for Thanksgiving—Here’s How appeared first on Taste of Home.

Not only does Murray’s offer some of the best cheese of the month clubs out there (including a mac and cheese club that’s perfect for fall), but they also have some of the best charcuterie meats we’ve tried. That’s why, when I heard about the Sarah Jessica Parker Wine and Murray’s Cheese collection, I just had to see what all the fuss was about. After all, we love a good charcuterie gift here atTaste of Home.

What is the Sarah Jessica Parker Wine and Murray’s Cheese collection?

The Sarah Jessica Parker Wine and Murray’s Cheese partnership brings two new, delicious products to the tasting table. First is a cave-aged cobblestone cheese infused with Invivo X, SJP’s Sauvignon Blanc. It boasts lime and passion fruit notes and a delicate, wrinkled rind that envelopes the soft cheese.

The second release is an entire curated collection that comes in a gorgeous gift boxperfect for entertaining or as a hostess gift. The limited-edition collection comes with an assortment of cheeses and accouterments handpicked by SJP and assembled by the expert cheesemongers at Murray’s. Indulge in rich gouda, fudgy Taleggio and nutty Manchego, along with sea salt crackers, pitted Greek olives and a mini sampler of fruit preserves.

Pair each with a bottle of SJP’s Invivo X Sauvignon Blanc for a bright and fruity tasting experience.

Where to Buy the Sarah Jessica Parker Wine and Murray’s Cheese Collection

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SJP x Murray's: The Curated Collection

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Interested in trying this limited-edition collection before it sells out? You can snag both the limited cobblestone cheese and the curated collection on Murray’s website. The collection retails for $110, while the limited-edition cheese rings up at $17 for 6.5 ounces. Hurry, thoughonce these cheeses sell out, there’s no guarantee they’ll return!

The post Wine and Cheese Pairings Go to the Next Level with This Celebrity Collab appeared first on Taste of Home.

We’re no strangers to these impressive trees. In fact, another Grandin Road pick made our best artificial tree list as the best slim pick. But when we discovered the realistic 9-foot Woodside Christmas Tree, we just had to try it. Between the lifelike evergreen appearance and mammoth size, we wanted to see how it lookedand performedin the average living room. Is it as unwieldy as it seems? Our Product Testing Team took the plunge and ordered one to find out.

What is the Grandin Road Christmas tree?

The Grandin Road Woodside Christmas tree is realistic and boasts down-swept tips, a broad profile and warm, white lights. While its lifelike pine needles are a serious draw (and part of the reason it’s on the pricey side), the most intriguing aspect of this traditional tree is its size. It’s available in either the usual 7.5-foot size or a colossal 9-foot option that looks straight out of a Dickensian novel.

Extra-full needles eliminate the need for hours of fluffing, and the tree comes readily strung with up to 1,200 mini-lights. Additionally, the electrical cord is a generous 60 inches long, so it’s easy to plug it in several feet from the base. The best part? Once the tree is assembled, all you have to do is plug it in, and the lights come onno fussing or connections necessary.

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We Tried It

Woodside Christmas Tree

Realistic and enormous, the Woodside Christmas Tree is our favorite option for true Christmas fanatics.

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Testing Team Evaluation

This behemoth tree measures in at exactly 9 feet, just as advertised. It comes in a single large box containing four pieces, along with a stand, bag with fluffing gloves, extra fuses and setup instructions. The tree is rather heavy, so we recommend securing two people (and a stepladder) for setup.

Two different types of needles add to the realism. Fluffing the tree doesn’t produce much fallout, but our team noted they lost three sprigs of the tree in the process. The fluffing process is also pretty straightforwardif you were feeling lazy, you wouldn’t need to fluff this for more than a few minutes. Our testers were impressed with its shape after around 13 minutes of maneuvering branches.

Connecting the pieces is so simple that the tree’s setup rivals our beloved Balsam Hill Flip Tree. Most Grandin Road Christmas trees use a quick-connect pole setup. This configuration allows each piece to snap together easily and eliminates the need to search for light connections since the lights connect via the central pole. Replacement lights are available in case any burn out, which is something we appreciate.

The tree’s branches are strong and sturdy enough for various ornaments, including everything from heavy heirloom angels to clip-on floating candles. It’s a very full tree, and the branches and needles err on the dense side. Fitting longer ornaments may be tough because of this, though the branches are flexible enough to rearrange with ease. As for the bottom, opt for a tree skirt over a collarwe predict a regular-sized collar may be a tight squeeze.

Storage is as simple as arranging the pieces back in the box. While the box stretches a bit, everything fits fairly well considering the size of the tree.

Long-Term Testing Update

Senior Set Stylist Melissa Franco has owned the Grandin Road Christmas tree for one year. Overall, she’s impressed with its performance, size and beauty.

“Last year, whenever people walked in the door, I received a lot of compliments,” she says. “Its an impressive size, standing at 9 feet tall. The quality of branches and needles is good, and I can hang heavier ornaments on the branches without worrying about them falling off.”

She notes that the setup is really plug and play, especially with the quick-connect pole configuration. “The lights already on the tree are bright and plentiful (and replaceable, if needed). I come from the days when I had trees that I needed to snap in each branch individually and string my own lights, so this tree is awesome! I look forward to setting up my tree even earlier in the season now.”

Despite loving her Grandin Road Christmas tree, Melissa notes a few cons. First, though the setup is easy, it takes quite a while for her to fluff the branches to her likingsomething expected, given the size. She also cautions the large size means she had to purchase an extra-large Christmas tree storage bag. Those looking for a slightly smaller size should consider this Frontgate tree, which comes in heights as small as 6.5 feet tall.

“My tree may be the exception, but the bottom two branches on one side hang lower than the rest, creating a bare spot in the tree,” says Melissa. “Ive tried fluffing the branches to fill the space, but the bare spot is noticeable. Also, since the tree is larger widthwise, it is a little difficult to reach the outlet and plug it in. A power foot button or a remote wouldve been a nice addition to make this tree even better.”

Pros

• Quick light setup via center pole
• Doesn’t require much fluffing
• Impressive 9-foot size
• Comes with extra bulbs and gloves
• Little fallout
• Flexible branches

Cons

• Heavy
• Pricey

Why You Should Trust Us

Our Product Testing team is home to shopping enthusiasts with a combined decade of experience recommending and testing products. We try out each product in our Product Testing Lab alongside similar options. Operating this way allows us to easily compare products and test them under strictly controlled conditions. We’ve tried a variety of Christmas trees in order to find the best options, from Balsam Hill options to alternative Christmas trees.

Once we finish our initial testing, team members test top performers long-term. This process lets us see how they perform after extended use and in our own homes.

Where To Buy Grandin Road Christmas Trees

Grandin Road Christmas treesincluding the Woodside Christmas Treeare available for purchase on the Grandin Road website. Say goodbye to allergy-inducing pine needles and lengthy cleanup without losing out on the Christmas spirit with these realistic options!

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We Tried It

Woodside Christmas Tree

Realistic and enormous, the Woodside Christmas Tree is our favorite option for true Christmas fanatics.

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The post Grandin Road Christmas Trees Review: Our Product Testing Team Loves This Realistic Option appeared first on Taste of Home.

But for those of us with tiny kitchens, finding glamorous andspace-saving kitchenware is still a substantial challenge. That’s why I’m so excited about bella Kitchen Appliances’ newest launch, which promises to be a “first-of-its-kindkitchenware system that saves up to 50% more space.”

What Are Bella Kitchen Appliances?

Bella’s newest collection comes from the minds behind the ever-popular Beautiful by Drew line at Walmart. We’re already big fans of budget-friendly Beautiful by Drew appliances. In fact, this sleek and affordable brand makes our favorite toaster and some of the prettiest cookware we’ve tried (just take a look at our Hero Pan review).

The new bella kitchen appliances are smaller than the average kitchen appliance, with some offering additional space-saving features like a “fold-and-store” construction. Despite the slimmer profiles and shrunken-down sizes, they’re still functional enough for everyday use.

Bella’s newest collection includes a stackable cookware set, four-quart air fryer,ultra-slimtwo-slice toaster,folding griddle,flip and store blender, waffle maker, espresso machine, foldable warming tray andtwo-in-one coffee maker. Each of the nine pieces offers the perfect balance between space-saving and sleek. They also come in several stylish colors, including neutral “oat milk,” baby pink “blossom,” rich purple “plum,” and a pleasant blue shade called “surf.”

Our Favorite Bella Products

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4-Quart Slim Air Fryer

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Featuring a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating and gorgeous matte finish, this four-quart air fryer measures just over eight inches wide. Its longer basket means that it can fit more than comparable air fryers, and the quick digital controls make it easy to air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat or dehydrate dinners in minutes. Plus, its similar in style to the Beautiful by Drew air fryer, which won us over as the best air fryer on a budget in our tests. The best part? It’s completely budget friendly at under $50!

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Ceramic Fold-n-Store Griddle

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Sure, this mini griddle is adorable with its little handle and fluted details. But its also a kitchen workhorse, boasting two individually controlled ceramic temperature zones that reach up to 400F. A dishwasher-safe drip tray catches any dribbles, and we love that it folds in half when were finished cooking for easy storage. At only 5.5 inches wide once folded, its easy to stash away in a cupboard.

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Two-Slice Slim Toaster

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This two-slice slim toaster is one of my favorite bella kitchen appliances, and not just because it reminds me of the editor-loved Beautiful toaster. Thanks to its ultra-slim profile (taking under four inches of room), it slides into the teeniest cracks and crevices of the kitchen. The secret is its single extra-long slot rather than the typical side-by-side slots. This not only gives it a long-yet-slender appearance, but also ensures that it fits big slices of sourdough. But the biggest win? It’s available for only $20. Score!

Where to Buy bella Kitchen Appliances

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bella Kitchen Appliances

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Bella kitchen appliances are available on Amazon, Target and at Macys. Prices range from $20 to $80, making each pick a budget-friendly (and eye-friendly) option for home cooks.

The post This Foldable, Streamlined Kitchenware Collection Is a Space-Saving Dream for Small Kitchens appeared first on Taste of Home.

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$13.95 at Amazon

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The best white elephant gifts are memorable and funny, but thiscrab spoon rest is also useful. It sits on the side of a pot or on the counter, and its claws securely stow stirrers, spoons and spatulas. I received mine as a white elephant gift a few years ago, but it’s become my designated sous chef for almost every meal.

The post 30 Best White Elephant Gifts Under $30, According to Our Editors appeared first on Taste of Home.

The challenge, however, is finding the right one. When it comes to realistic Christmas trees, the Frontgate Classic Fraser Fir is officially one of our favorites. This Frontgate Christmas tree is full and fluffy, surpassing our existing faux tree presumptions. But is it worth the splurge? Our expert Product Testing Team tested this stunning tree and discovered everything there is to know about this popular pick.

What is the Frontgate Christmas Tree?

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We Tried It

Frontgate Classic Fraser Fir Christmas Tree

The Frongate Christmas tree looks just like the real dealand there are no pesky light cords lurking inside its fluffy branches.

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As someone who loves the holidays but can’t enjoy a real treedue to my partner’s allergies, I know the importance of realistic-looking Christmas trees. Plastic-y pine needles and wimpy branches simply won’t do, especially for those of us with heavy heirloom ornaments or a mountain of Christmas tree candles.

The Classic Fraser Fir Frontgate Christmas tree is a faux Christmas tree that mimics the classic, home-cut feel of a real one. While the realistic trunk and fluffy branches offer a showstopping look, its gorgeous glowing lights are the real standout feature. It’s also surprisingly stronger than what you’d find in a forest. Each branch tip comes reinforced with heavy-gauge steelno more broken bulbs!

Frontgate Christmas TreeProduct Features

The Frontgate Classic Fraser Fir tree comes in 6.5-, 7.5-, 9- and 10-foot sizes. A powder-coated steel tree stand securely holds the realistic trunk in place without wobbling. The tree comes with either white lights or multicolored lights, which look lovely coupled with prismatic Christmas decor. A handy controller sets a timer or offers a choice between a number of light modes: steady, fade, flash out (twinkle), flash warm white, flash opal and chase.

Unlike many other pre-lit Christmas trees, there are no complicated hookups or tangle-prone wires. Instead, just assemble each section by inserting the pole into the top of the previous section. This automatically connects the lights to one another. Then, plug in the end of the cord, and you’re ready to celebrate!

How We Tested It

We tested this tree in our Product Testing Lab against 10 other options hailing from Balsam Hill, Grandin Road and other well-loved brands.The tree arrived in two slightly beat-up boxes, but we chalk that up to a rough shipping trip. Luckily, none of the contents came damaged or missing. Inside the boxes are the stand, five tree pieces, a storage bag with gloves, lights, fuses, a remote, arm protectors and instructions for setup.

Setup

Setup is a two-person job, especially for larger sizes like the 9-foot option. That said, it assembles rather quickly. Two of our Product Testing team members put together all five sections in roughly 13 minutes. The quick light setup really helps with speed since there’s no need to hunt down connectors hidden inside the branches.

Despite its height, the tree is surprisingly sturdy. The base juts out about 3 feet to ensure a wobble-free trunk, which means that some tree collars may be a bit too small to cover it. Those opting for the 9-foot version will also need a ladder for setup.

Decorating and Fluffing

The tree has brown branch areas, adding to its realism. The trunk is also brown, which looks much more high-end than some of the others we tested. As mentioned above, each branch tip comes with reinforced steel for additional strength. Additionally, there’s no skimping on needlesthe number of tips ranges from 3,000 for the 6.5-foot option to a whopping 8,488 tips for the largest tree. This gives the entire tree a fluffy, full look without any unsightly gaps.

Speaking of fluffing, it only took 16 minutes for it to look really nice. It’s one of the easier trees to set up since the branches are maneuverable. Given that the lights connect via the center pole, there aren’t any light cords in the way. We also noticed very few needles falling out as we fluffed. Despite its fullness, the tree still holds ornaments in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Lights

The light cords and push button feel a little cheap, and the white lights glow a bit cooler than the soft incandescent we’d prefer for a Christmas tree. However, we love the addition of remote-controlled light effects. The lights sit deeper in the branches than the other trees we tested, which gave the entire tree a nice, soft glow. The tree hosts up to 1,700 lights, depending on the size and light color chosen.

Pros

• Holds heavy ornaments
• Trunk and branches look real
• Minimal shedding
• Available in 6.5-, 7.5-, 9- and 10-foot sizes
• Full; no gaps between branches

Cons

• Pricey
• Undertones are very blue

FAQ

Where are Frontgate Christmas trees made?

According to our inquiries to Frontgate’s customer service, the Classic Fraser Fir is manufactured in China. That said, other trees on the website may be manufactured elsewhere.

Are Frontgate Christmas trees worth the money?

While it’s hard to justify a $1,000 price tag, Frontgate Christmas trees are well worth the splurge. If you’re seeking a Christmas tree that lasts season after season and is strong enough to hold heavy heirloom ornaments, we highly recommend the Frontgate Fraser Fir. Despite its fluffiness, there’s still plenty of room underneath to hold gifts for him and her.

Frontgate vs. Balsam Hill

Both Frontgate and Balsam Hill make high-quality Christmas trees and alternative Christmas trees. That said, their product catalogs vary wildly from one another. While we love the fullness and realistic look of the Frontgate Christmas trees we’ve tested, Balsam Hill offers a few smart tree options that appeal to speed decorators or those who prefer to customize their lights.

The Balsam Hill Flip Tree is especially enticing because it sets up in just a few minutes. Instead of manually adjusting the tree’s branches, you can just flip them downeasy!

Whether you choose a Balsam Hill tree or a Frontgate tree, expect stunning quality and realistic details abound.

Why You Should Trust Us

AtTaste of Home, we’re big fans of the holidays. That includes everything from baking Christmas cookies to shopping for the best Christmas gift baskets. Our expert Product Testing team has a combined decade of experience testing and recommending the best products to readers. All testing is done under controlled conditions in our Product Testing Lab.

Where To Buy the Frontgate Christmas Tree

The Frontgate Christmas tree is available for purchase on the Frontgate website.. Snag it for $1,049.25 to $2,924.25, depending on the size. While it’s pricey, we expect this tree to last season after season, making it a true holiday heirloom you can break out every year.

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We Tried It

Frontgate Classic Fraser Fir Christmas Tree

The Frongate Christmas tree looks just like the real dealand there are no pesky light cords lurking inside its fluffy branches.

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The post Frontgate Christmas Tree Review: This Classic Fraser Fir Tree Is Better Than the Real Deal appeared first on Taste of Home.

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A good coffee grinder should be pleasurable to use and yield amazingly consistent results. That’s what makes the Timemore Manual Coffee Grinder our pick for the best manual coffee grinder overall, whether this is your first step in your coffee journey or you’re a java aficionado. It comes with everything you need to get started: a measuring cup and brush, a user guide with grinding charts and illustrations and a carrying bag for traveling.

The Timemore has a sleek and slim design that’s very modern and travel-friendly. It rings up at a fair price point of well under $100. It offers 36 grind size settings, making it a fitting option whether you’re going coarse for French press coffee, medium for single-serve coffee makers or extra fine for espresso. A small, ergonomic handle helps make the manual grinding process more comfortable. For the most part, it offers consistent results thanks to the conical burrs.

This one doesn’t offer ticks or markers to determine grind size, which makes it a bit less intuitive than others we tried. The adjustment knob on the bottom shows which way to turn for coarser and finer grinds, as well as the recommended click ranges for espressos and pour-overs. Crank it all the way to the lowest setting to “reset” it, and then count up the clicks from there when changing the setting. While it’s not complicated, it’s helpful to know this before purchasing the unitotherwise, it can be confusing.

Additionally, the manual warns not to disassemble the unit for cleaning, which makes brushing out all the coffee dust rather tricky. While it has its flaws, the overall performance of the unit impressesespecially for the price.

The post We Tried 5 of the Best Manual Coffee Grinders—These Are the 3 We Recommend appeared first on Taste of Home.

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A snack subscription box is the most quintessential option of all food subscription boxes. Gift your loved ones a trip worldwide with Universal Yums, a box of snacksthat’s anything but snore-worthy. Universal Yums is a subscription service for foodies that brings tried-and-true international treats straight to you. In our Universal Yums review, Product Testing Manager Annamarie Higley notes that trying these global snacks is her number one trick for curbing her wanderlust.

“I received theYum Yum Belgium Boxwith 10 snacks. Once it arrived, I got straight to snacking! Thesubscription box was stuffed to the top with treatsI didnt feel skimped at all,” she says. It’s such a fun idea for both snackers and travelers who need a little inspiration for their next trip.

Each monthly box is dedicated to a country (some past examples include Brazil, India, Italy and Thailand). The package comes crammed with snacks, yes, but also interactive, kid-friendly educational materials about the country in question. Annamarie enjoyed a playlist of Belgian music, a game calledkoekhappen, a crossword puzzle and a meatball recipe, along with lots of informative tidbits about the featured country.

Subscribe to the global snack box starting at $15, and take your tastebuds on a jet-setting tour of the worldno ticket or passport required.

The post 10 Best Food Subscription Boxes To Give as Gifts (Or Enjoy Yourself!) appeared first on Taste of Home.

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According to our testing, the best air fryer toaster oven overall is the KitchenAid Dual Convection Countertop Oven. As expected with KitchenAid, this air fryer toaster oven combo holds up just as well as the brand’s classic stand mixerand it’s good-looking to boot. The tinted door looks sophisticated and sleek, though it slightly obscures the interior, which some may not prefer. That said, this luxe machine makes some seriously good chow if you take the time to learn the ins and outs.

Apart from making near perfect toast, it’s also capable of above-average rise, caramelization and evenness when baking a cake. When it comes to chicken, this oven is one of our top picks in terms of performance. An onboard meat probe offers additional flexibility when roasting a whole hen. The probe is short, so we oriented the chicken with the breast facing the probe jack. There’s no guessing when it comes to cooking timejust set a desired target temperature for the probe, and the oven will beep once it hits that mark. Easy peasy!

Lots of settings come baked in, including preheat, proof and dehydrate. The machine combines an LCD screen with buttons and one knob, making the overall learning curve manageable for the average home cook. While the buzzer is a bit quiet, we consider the consistent performance and easy-to-master controls well worth the tradeoff. Whether you need a second oven for family functions or just want a quicker way to cook, the KitchenAid countertop oven is our top pick.

Max Temperature: 450F | Dimensions: 16-2/5″D x 13″H x 13″W| Settings: Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Air Fry, Dehydrate, Meat Probe, Convection Bake, Roast, Keep Warm, Preheat, Proof| Dishwasher Safe:Multipurpose pan, air fry basket, broiling rack

The post We Tested 10 Air Fryer Toaster Ovens—These Six Are the Best appeared first on Taste of Home.

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Great Clubs has some seriously enticing snack subscriptions, including options that rival our beloved Goldbelly box. But for casual beer fans, there’s no better box than the brand’s beer of the month club. Each box arrives with 12 beers from bespoke breweries across the nation. Subscribers can also upgrade their box to include a 24-pack for bigger crowds. Tester and Content Director Nicole Doster notes that the box contains a good amount of variety, ranging from a super light summer ale to a heavier, hoppier mountain ale.

Her box included three bottles of each of the following: Geary’s Brewery Original Pale Ale, Geary’s Brewery Maine’s Summer Ale, The Shed Brewery Co. Mountain Ale and The UFO Beer Company White Ale. It also came with a copy of the beer club’s monthly publication, “Beer Expeditions,” detailing information about all of the breweries featured within the box. It’s one of the better newsletters we’ve seen, complete with a charming article and prompt to mail in your beer ratings.

“The 12-pack was perfect for entertaining. I invited some friends over to help taste test. The group enjoyed the UFO White Ale the best as it tasted like a fancier Blue Moonlight with hints of orange peel. It was perfect for a summer afternoon,” she says. “I was definitely tickled by the old-school printed newsletter that came with the box. It was full of tasting notes, descriptions of the breweries and interesting facts about beer. It was really fun to read as we drank through the box. It even had a place to rate the beer on color, clarity, head, smell, taste and aftertaste, which helped us pick apart why we liked each beer.”

That said, the box arrived with two beers from the same brewery, so expect to see a few familiar brands here and there on your tasting journey. However, given that this is one of the better value boxes on the list, we don’t mind. In fact, that’s part of what makes this box so intriguing. It’s like taking a beer tour without leaving the couch!

The post Raise a Glass for the 5 Best Beer of the Month Clubs appeared first on Taste of Home.

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The best coffee brands deserve a chance to release all the flavors and aromas hiding in each and every ground. That’s why, when it comes to brewing the perfect cup, Origami’s Pour-Over Brewer is your best bet. Apart from its appealing fluted design and attractive look, our pick for the best pour-over coffee maker also produced one of the smoothest cups of coffee we enjoyed throughout the testing process.

“Our team voted this little little ray of sunshine as the cutest of the bunch,” says Sheri Kaz, who tested each pour-over. The lampshade-like Origami comes in over six pretty shades, ranging from cheery canary yellow to classic white. It yields seven ounces of coffee, which is the perfect amount for a single cup in the morning. While it doesn’t boast a built-in filter, it’s compatible with many paper filters. Its sturdy ceramic construction means it’ll stay intact for years to come, and despite not coming with a holder, it sat sturdily on our cups.

The only issue is that this one doesn’t come with instructions, so we just used the standard 12 grams of coffee and eight ounces of water. The results? We actually wanted to sit down and enjoy the coffee this pour-over coffee maker brewed. It was the smoothest of all, and the bitterness was ever so slight, disappearing completely when we added cream.

While it’s pricey, it’s worth the splurge if you want to get the most out of your coffee or espresso beans. Given the simplicity of the unit, it’s also near-foolproof. As an added bonus, we love that cleanup is as simple as giving it a quick rinse or tossing it in the dishwasher. Plus, it looks lovely sitting on a coffee cart when not in useand the cute appearance adds a little joy to the morning hustle and bustle.

The post We Tried 13 of the Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers—These Are the 7 Worth Buying appeared first on Taste of Home.

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As we mentioned, the best coffee grinder for espresso must offer consistency, and that’s where the Baratza Encore ESP really shines. It’s an improvement on the original Encore (which we also tested) but with a more focused approach for espresso grinds. While it’s ideal for super-fine grounds, it also doesn’t compromise on quality for other brew types.

Whether you’re making a traditional shot, an espresso martini or a tiramisu, you’ll get exactly the right consistency per the setting you chooseand there are 40 different grind settings to choose from! At only 13 inches high, it’s compact but sturdydefinitely on the smaller end of the burr grinder spectrum. This makes it ideal for either stowing away or keeping on a coffee cart when not in use.

It doesn’t have a self-timer or automation when grinding like other models we’re testing, so you must be mindful of the amount of beans you put in the hopper. It took us around 25 seconds to grind 20 grams of beans on the finest setting. That said, like any other espresso grinder, it requires some experimentation to achieve the right consistency.

“The first time, I did a fine grind, and it pulled too long and was very bitter. It didn’t output as much as I wanted it to either (only one of the two spouts of the espresso machine dispensed liquid),” says Sydney. “The second time, I ground the beans coarser, and the shot took a better amount of time to pull (closer to 25 seconds), but it still wasn’t consistently pulling from that second spout.”

Additionally, you can purchase and replace around 34 grinder components in the online store, ranging from the hopper containers to the power boards. This ensures that the machine will last throughout the years, even with daily use. It’s also super easy to clean, as the hopper and grounds containers are removable for washing. You can also remove and wipe down the burrs with a dry cloth.

Grinder type: Electric burr | Burr type: Conical|Dishwasher safe: No

The post 3 Best Coffee Grinders for Espresso, Tested by a Former Barista appeared first on Taste of Home.

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The Recteq Flagship 1100 pellet grill perfected the art of smoking and searing. Plan on serving up a sizable pork roast or cooking for a family get-together? With 1,109 square inches of cooking area, there’s plenty of space for a party’s worth of food on our overall best pellet grill pick.

The shelf under the unit is roomy and wide, and the big side shelf works well for storing prepped patties and hot dog dressings. An electrical outlet on the back offers a spot to charge phones or plug in a blender for margaritasviva la summer!

A gigantic hopper fits about 40 pounds of pellets (compared to the standard 20 or so pounds for most pellet grills). Of the three grills Annamarie seasoned, this grill was the easiest to operate. That said, it gets very hot, so be careful while cooking.

There’s also no need to invest in a pricey meat thermometer. Instead, use the two built-in meat probes to penetrate your proteins and record the interior temperature in seconds. While we wish there were a few more probes provided (especially since there’s plenty of space), we appreciate the ingenuity of this inclusion.

In terms of performance, the Recteq produced the best color and moistness in our salmon test. The fish came out fairly smoky with some nice, dark edges. Similarly, the corn came out a little smoky and brown on both the top and bottom. While the sear wasn’t super pronounced on the pork chops, we appreciated the color it creates.

The pork roast fared better. It had a pink smoke ring, dark bark and a tender and moist interior that easily shredded. This was easily the best pork roast out of all the options we tested, skyrocketing this pick to best pellet grill status. Similarly, the chicken breasts were juicy and came off the grill with some nice caramelization.

Our biggest gripe with this grill is that we were not able to soak and wash the grates in the sink. Because the grate is one piece, it’s far too large. You’d need a tub or you could spray it off with a hose. We resorted to just scraping off excess debris with a metal scraper rather than using a soapy sponge and water, which didn’t get the grill as sanitized as we’d like.

Additionally, while the grill has four wheels for easy mobility, they’re on the small side and get stuck on some terrain types. However, these issues are a small price to pay for this overachieving pellet grill.

Grate materials: 304 stainless steel | Weight: 204 pounds | Cooking area: 1,109 square inches | WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity?: Yes | Special Features: Two meat probes; large capacity hopper; towel bar; prep shelf|Warranty: 6 years

The post We Tested the 7 Best Pellet Grills for Every Pit Boss appeared first on Taste of Home.

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Looking for the overall best Traeger grill for smoking, searing and serving a crowd? After testing the Traeger Ironwood XL for over a year, Prep Kitchen Manager and grilling expert Catherine Ward calls this pellet grill the best for a serious smoker. It boasts a behemoth 924-square-inch cooking area and two tiers of porcelain grates, offering enough room for flank steaks, fish or a bevy of burgers. In addition, a touchscreen control center makes this pick user-friendly for pellet grill newbies.

Two included probes read the temperature of onboard meats, eliminating the need for separate meat thermometers. That saves room on the generous side table for hot dog dressings or your favorite Traeger accessories. This Traeger also has some of the most comprehensive WiFi and app features of the bunch. It offers a pellet level gauge, temperature control and a timer. Cooks can also shut the grill down via the app or employ special cooking modes like “Super Smoke” and “Keep Warm.”

Four locking wheels make moving the grill around the yard a no-sweat procedure. It also comes with courtesy lights for late-night cooks. That said, the XL doesn’t include disposable drip pan liners, making cleanup a bit of a chore. This machine also emits a lot of smoke at times, but its a rockstar with consistent, even heat. This helped it fare well in our pork chop and corn tests, where it imparted a light smoky flavor.

Like other Traegers, this one requires assembly and some seasoning before it’s ready to start smoking. Assembly takes quite a few hours since there are a lot of little parts. However, we found the instructions were pretty straightforward. Overall, the lengthy assembly is well worth it, especially given the smoky, pleasantly charred chicken it gave us in around an hour and a half of hands-off cooking. This pick was also one of the top performers in our pork shoulder test, providing us with a moist roast boasting the coveted red smoke ring.

In our review of the Traeger Ironwood XL, Catherine notes that whether you’re a newbie barbecuer or a seasoned pit boss, this model offers the best bang for your buck. “If youre serious about smoking, dont be put off by the imposing footprint. The Ironwood XL creates shockingly little mess, so it can go on a patio, deck or even grass,” she says after testing it for a year. Catherine is pretty impressed that it still looks this good after a year of solid use.

“If you want this stunner, youll find the space for it! As for those just starting out with this smoky pastime, the Traeger XL is great for you, too, albeit a splurge. Its intuitive and multi-functional, and it doesnt require what I like to call ‘babysitting.'”

Grate materials: Porcelain| Weight: 199 pounds | Cooking area: 924 square inches | WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity?: Yes | Special Features: Accessory shelving; locking wheels; courtesy lighting|Warranty: 10-year limited warranty

The post We Tested 4 of the Best Traeger Grills—Here Are Our Thoughts appeared first on Taste of Home.

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There’s a lot to love about BloomsyBox’s plant subscription, which is our pick for best overall plant of the month club. It’s easy to start and cancel, it sends out a variety of carefully packed shipments and it offers free shipping. While best known for its flower subscription, BloomsyBox also offers its own gift of the month club for budding gardeners. While a bit on the pricey side, you get what you pay for with this luxe option.

“The plant came securely wrapped in super heavy-duty bubble wrap, similar to the kind you’d get to wrap a wine bottle when packing for a flight,” says Content Director Nicole Doster. “Since my plant was tall, there was also a stake to help it stay upright. The package had lots of indicators on which way was ‘up,’ which was nice as there was little soil spillage.”

Subscribers get the option to skip, pause or cancel at any time with this month-to-month club, and canceling is as easy as hitting a button on your account page. There’s no need to email, call or navigate confusing prompts if you go on vacation or decide that you have enough plants. Plus, each plant comes in its own decorative plantersomething some of the other options lack.

In addition, each plant arrives with a QR code linked to detailed care instructions and a bit of background about the plant itself, making it ideal for plant newbies. Upon ordering the first shipment, subscribers can also choose their preferred delivery date. This is a clever option for folks who have busy schedulesyou don’t want your new plant to wilt while waiting on your stoop.

“I was delighted by the choice of plant as it was low maintenance, only requiring water once a week, making it the perfect indoor plant for our sunny kitchen,” says Nicole. “The bromeliad is bright green and has a striking yellow and orange tropical bloom, which brightens up our indoor space.”

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Thermos’s brand is typically associated with travel soup containers, but our tests prove it’s time to stop sleeping on their travel mugs. The Thermos Stainless King ranks as our overall best coffee tumbler out of the 21 options we tested. It takes the threat of cold coffee away with a sweat-proof exterior and durable stainless steel interior. Whether you prefer drinks that are icy or toasty, this vacuum-insulated tumbler takes heat retention to a new level. It also offers two lid positions for any type of sipper.

An innovative tapered design makes it especially handy for traveling since it fits in both narrow and wide cup holders. Plus, the ergonomic concave middle offers extra grip. In terms of temperature retention, it’s a top performer. After six hours, our cold drinks came in at 37.2 degrees Fahrenheit, while hot drinks stayed at an anything-but-tepid 107.9 degrees Fahrenheit. As a bonus, the Stainless King boasts zero leaks, even after shaking it upside down. We attribute this to the handy Drinklock sealing lid, which keeps dribbles at bay.

“I’ve had one of these for several years and I trust the leak-free features,” says Product Tester Sheri Kaz. “It keeps my hot or iced coffee at a nice temperature, and I was surprised to learn that tea lovers can brew tea with the handy teabag hook on the lid.”

Washing up is a painless process, too. While the smaller capacity makes it tough to reach the bottom during hand-washing, it’s completely dishwasher safe. We recommend taking advantage of thatgrooves in the screw-on lid and rubber seal collect their fair share of gunk, which can be a bit of a pain to scrub away.

Sure, the Thermos travel mug doesn’t come in a collection of flashy colorsjust blue, red, green and traditional stainless steelbut it offers top-tier performance at a very reasonable price point. We’re willing to forgo any aesthetic extras for the peace of mind this leakproof option offers.

The post We Tested More Than 20 Coffee Tumblers—These Are the 8 Best Options for Hot and Iced Drinks appeared first on Taste of Home.

Nothing turns around a sluggish morning like a fresh cup of coffee, whether it’s from a pour-over or a single-serve coffee maker. A hit of caffeine makes even the longest day more bearable. But if you’re sipping your java on the go, a standard coffee cup won’t do. Whether you’re commuting to the office or heading downstairs to work from home, the best coffee tumbler will help keep your beverage hot or cold for hours.

Erin Doern, coffee expert and Head of Product Development at Free Rein Coffee, notes that choosing a coffee tumbler isn’t as simple as it may seem. There are lots of different features and details that determine the right option for each person. But in her opinion, one aspect is non-negotiable. When choosing a tumbler, look for one with a vacuum-insulated double-wall exterior to maintain your coffees temperature longer, she says.

You may also want to consider how you’ll transport your beverage. If you plan on carrying it in a backpack or riding on a bumpy bus, you’ll want an option that’s resistant to drips and dribbles. A spill-proof design is a great bonus,” says Erin. “No one wants to spill coffee on their way to work, and the convenience of being able to throw it in a bag while traveling is always a plus.

Of all the coffee tumblers on the market, there are two brands that consistently come up as the best: Hydro Flask and Stanley. Both boast great reputations and similar price points. But the Hydro Flask vs. Stanley debate goes quite a bit deeper than that. To determine the winner, we tapped our expert Product Testing Team to put each brand through 11 different tests. Over 50 hours and more than 730 data points later, we feel comfortable answering the question: Which is better, Hydro Flask or Stanley?

Whats the difference between Hydro Flask and Stanley?

When it comes to the Hydro Flask vs. Stanley debate, it’s easy to see why the brands are often compared. Both Hydro Flask and Stanley offer a wide array of temperature-controlled, vacuum-sealed beverage containers, from coffee tumblers and water bottles to wine tumblers and camp flasks. The drinkware comes in various sizes to accommodate almost any need. Both Hydro Flask and Stanley also offertumbler accessories, including carrying bags, straw lids, and even rubber “feet” for better grip.

However, while the brands have similar products, they also have a few key differences. The first big difference is price. While many of Hydro Flask’s offerings cost about the same as their Stanley counterparts, some productslike the coffee tumblersring up at around $10 less than the Stanley equivalents. Hydro Flask also touts itself as being more rugged and outdoor ready. Stanley, on the other hand, has become more focused on aesthetics and stylea slight deviation from its outdoorsy roots. While these differences may not affect your stance in the Hydro Flask vs. Stanley debate, they’re vital pieces of information worth noting.

All About Stanley

Stanley is best known forits viralStanley Quencher, often referred to as the “internet’s favorite water bottle.” Although Stanley launched the Quencher in 2016, the brand has been around for much, much longer. Since 1913, Stanley has been creating vacuum-insulated stainless steel water bottles. In fact, they claim to be one of the first to do so. According to the brand, inventor William Stanley Jr. pioneered the first bottle of its kind.

From there, Stanley branched out to create all kinds of outdoor gear, like camping cookware, food storage containers and an assortment of different drinkware. Stanley claims that its gear will last a lifetime and as such, most of it comes backed by a generous lifetime warranty.

How We Tested Stanley

Our expert Product Testing Team tested 20 coffee tumblers using the same 11 tests. They collected over 730 data points and spent an estimated 50 hours on the tests, including the time it took to research, source, intake and test the products. To keep things fair for the Hydro Flask vs. Stanley comparison, we compared the two most closely related products from each brand for this piece. For Stanley, we conducted tests on the Stanley AeroLight Transit Bottle.

Criteria

• Temperature Retention: Testers place 140-degree Fahrenheit water in each tumbler, then measure the temperature after four hours to see how much it fell. All tumblers are left in the refrigerator to simulate a near-freezing day. Testers then fill each tumbler halfway with ice and add 60-degree Fahrenheit water until full. After four hours, they measure the temperature to see how much it rose and if any ice remains. All tumblers are left outside in the sun.
• Drinking Experience: Testers drink liquid from the tumbler to evaluate the pleasantness and ease of the drinking experience, monitoring things like lip thickness, opening placement and flow.
• Ergonomics and Handling: Testers attempt to place the tumbler in a standard car cupholder to see if it fits. If the tumbler has a pop top, testers open the lid five times in rapid succession to gauge how cumbersome it is to open and close and how tiring it is on the hand. Testers then carry each filled tumbler around for five minutes to assess its weight and circumference and how comfortable it is to hold.
• Leak-proof Capabilities:Testers shake each tumbler upside down for 15 seconds to see if and how much the cup leaks.
• Durability:Testers push the tumbler from a hip-height ledge onto the pavement to see if it scratches, spills, dents or pops open.
• Specs:Testers weigh each empty tumbler and note any additional features.
• Cleaning:Testers wash each tumbler in the dishwasher up to three times, noting its appearance and cleanliness after the fact. They turn off the heat for all cycles to preserve the silicone and plastic parts.
• Lead Detection: Testers swab the inside of each tumbler and test for the presence of lead with a rapid lead test kit.

Temperature Retention

As Erin mentioned, temperature retention is a top concern for most tumbler shoppers. To test the tumblers, we filled them with the average hot coffee temperature and popped them into the fridge for four to six hours. For the second temperature test, we filled the cups with ice water and left them in the sun, simulating a hot day.

The Stanley was the top performer in both categories, ranking number one out of 20 different options. After six hours in a cold fridge, the temperature barely budged at 115.7 degrees Fahrenheit. In the second test, after six hours, the water’s temperature measured in at 34.7 degrees Fahrenheit with some ice still remaining. That’s by far the best performance of the bunch.

Drinking Experience

Despite having a sturdy and travel-ready lid, the overall drinking experience is one area where Stanley didn’t excel. The spout is narrow and the mechanism has a lot of 90-degree angles rather than a curved design. Because of this, the hinge hits your top lip. According to testers, the Stanley was not the best experience, but it wasn’t the worst, either.

Ergonomics and Handling

The slim design gives this tumbler enough room to fit in a larger cupholder. However, the secure lid (more on that in a minute) means it can also sit in the passenger seat without fear of leakage if your car’s cupholders are too tiny. Additionally, our testers love the slim design that works well for smaller hands. The exterior has a slight texture (almost like a hammered finish), so the grip is effective. The lid screws on, then flips open for drinking. It’s fairly easy to use, and the mechanism is strong and durable with an audible “snap.”

Leak-proof Capabilities

This tumbler is a top performer in leak resistance. The secure lid, coupled with the strong drink spout, ensures it won’t drip or dribble if you toss it into a bag. That makes it a solid pick for both hiking and commuting.

Durability

In line with Stanley’s rugged roots, the tumbler is durable enough to withstand some abuse on the trail. After dropping from a few feet, the exterior and lid had a few scratches, but the cup didn’t break or dent.

Cleaning

The lid has many little crevices that may collect gunk and potentially make cleaning tricky. It’s definitely not a “wash and go” cup. Apart from those crevices, however, the tumbler is pretty straightforward when it comes to cleaning. While it’s a bit slimmer than the others (which means you need either a brush or small hands to get inside), it’s dishwasher safe for those who don’t want to bother.

Lead Detection

For this test, our testers used an at-home lead testing kit and swabbed the interior and exterior of the cup. The test came back completely clear, meaning there’s no lead on the parts of the cup that come into contact with the human body. That said, Stanley confirmed that there is a lead ball present in the interior of the cup’s bottom. While it doesn’t affect the health of the owner, it has caused some scrutiny on social media. This is one vital aspect that may sway some in the Hydro Flask vs. Stanley debate.

Pros

• Completely leak proof
• Superior temperature retention
• Space-saving design
• Lifetime warranty
• Lots of fun colors and collaborations

Cons

• Pricey
• Lead present inside tumbler

Our Favorite Stanley Products

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Stanley AeroLight Transit Bottle

The Stanley AeroLight Transit Bottle is a well-insulated option that offers easy travel and a secure, leak-free lid.

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Stanley Quencher H20 FlowState Tumbler

The Stanley Quencher H20 FlowState Tumbler offers a straw lid and a handle, making it a top pick for outdoor adventurers or commuters.

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FAQ

Why is the Stanley tumbler so popular?

Stanley tumblerslike the classic Legendary bottlehave been around for more than 100 years. They’re a trustworthy brand with a reputation for rugged, attractive outdoor gear.

Are Stanley cups as good as Yeti?

Stanley is a trusted name in the outdoor equipment space, which it shares with other big name brands like Yeti. According to our tests, the Stanley coffee tumbler actually outperformed the Yeti tumbler in a number of our tests, including thermal retention, ergonomics and leak resistance.

Why are Stanley cups so expensive?

With years of development backing each and every product, it’s no wonder that Stanley cups are so much pricier than the competition. While you can opt for a more budget-friendly pick, Stanley’s lifetime warranty and buy-it-for-life mentality make it an excellent investment for folks who plan on using their coffee tumbler for years to come.

All About Hydro Flask

Dissatisfied with commercial water bottles, Travis Rosbach and Cindy Weber established Steel Technology, LLC in 2009, which later became Hydro Flask. Originally based in the mountainous and lush region of Bend, Oregon, Hydro Flask spent the early days of their modest roots selling bottles at local farmers markets, where they quickly grew a following in the outdoor community.

In 2012, the company was sold and began producing a wider variety of products in Europe as well as the United States. Now, Hydro Flask sells over 100 different products, including drinkware, coolers, kitchenware and outdoorsy accessories. Its current success is due in large part to its cult following on TikTok and Instagram, where it became a central fixture in the “vsco girl” subculture.

How We Tested Hydro Flask

To keep things fair for the Hydro Flask vs. Stanley comparison, we subjected the Hydro Flask coffee tumbler to the same 11 tests as the Stanley tumbler. The Product Testing Team conducted tests on the All Around Tumbler from Hydro Flask.

Temperature Retention

Stanley definitely won this contest, as Hydro Flask’s hot coffee rocketed all the way down to 94.6 degrees Fahrenheit after spending six hours in the fridge. That’s 20 degrees Fahrenheit colder than Stanley’s toasty 115.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, the cold test didn’t impress. After four hours in the sun, the water was just shy of 40.1 degrees Fahrenheit and had no ice left.

If you’re not planning on taking your tumbler out into extreme temperatures, you might not need an option that insulates as well as the Stanley. Those who plan on sipping their beverages in a temperature-controlled room environment may find that the Hydro Flask does a good enough job.

Drinking Experience

The Hydro Flask has a very smooth overall drinking experience. Unlike other tumblers we tested, there are no rough or squared-off edges. The rim is stainless, which feels nice on the lips. This is definitely a top option for someone who wants the comfort of a classic mug but with additional thermal retention.

Ergonomics and Handling

One area where the Hydro Flask tumbler faltered was in the cupholder test. Our tester’s vintage vehicle offers both a large cupholder and a smaller, more compact cupholder. The Hydro Flask was too large for the small option. Because of this, we’d recommend opting for a cupholder expander or similar insert for this cup.

Unlike the Stanley, this tumbler boasts a BPA-free plastic, push-on lid. The tab is very small and harder to push up and down than some others, but the lid has a convenient sliding spout, which lends to the overall drinking experience. The exterior has a little texture, and it’s not as wide or slick as options like the Yeti, so it feels more comfortable to hold. That said, it’s a bit wider than the Stanley and thus not as comfortable to hold.

Leak-proof Capabilities

The Hydro Flask patently failed our leak resistance tests. Unlike Stanley’s liquid fortress, the lid on the Hydro Flask tumbler is a simple push-on lid. Thus, it’s very, very leaky. A consistent stream spills out when it is held upside down. To Hydro Flask’s credit, however, the lid doesn’t pop off when up against the pressure of the liquid.

Durability

After a hip-height drop, the Hydro Flask received a small dent near the bottom and the stainless ridge on the top. There were no other visible scratches, and the lid stayed onpretty impressive.

Cleaning

A wide mouth makes for an easy interior cleaning. For those who prefer to have their appliances do all the work, it’s also dishwasher safe and it doesn’t visibly deteriorate after a few cycles.

Lead Detection

Just like the Stanley lead test, our testers used an at-home lead testing kit to check for traces of lead on both the interior and exterior of the cup. Not only is the Hydro Flask tumbler completely lead-free on the exterior, it’s also one of the only vacuum-insulated tumblers with zero lead present inside the cup. This may appeal to customers who are wary of the presence of lead in Stanley’s cups.

Pros

• Dishwasher safe
• Lifetime warranty
• Budget friendly
• Pleasant drinking experience
• Lots of fun colors and shades
• Free of any lead

Cons

• Leaky
• Not cupholder compatible
• Subpar thermal capabilities

Our Favorite Hydro Flask Products

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Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler

Boasting a stainless steel rim and dozens of color options, the Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler is a stylish alternative to boring tumblers.

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Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler

Like the popular Stanley Quencher, the Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler has a straw lid and handle, making it a great option for outdoor excursions.

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FAQ

What is so special about Hydro Flask?

Hydro Flask coffee tumblers come in a variety of sizes and vibrant shades. Most impressively, these vacuum-insulated tumblers do not use lead in their vacuum sealing process. This is a deviation from the industry standard that makes them an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals.

Does bacteria grow in Hydro Flask?

Like most water bottles and coffee tumblers, Hydro Flask drinkware will collect bacteria if not properly cleaned. Luckily, products like Bottle Brighttablets make cleaning these cups incredibly simple. For more stubborn grime, simply pop them into the dishwasherthey’re completely safe on the top rack.

Should I put ice in my Hydro Flask?

You can definitely put ice in your Hydro Flask. Given that they’re a bit less insulated than Stanley bottles, we encourage it. The wide mouth opening should fit most standard ice cubes. However, you can also get special ice cube trays that make thinner, longer cubes that slide easily into most narrow bottles.

The Bottom Line: Hydro Flask vs. Stanley

In the Hydroflask vs. Stanley debate, which brand comes out on top? Both offer high-quality coffee tumblers that are attractive and dishwasher safe, and both boast generous lifetime warranties.

If you want to save a few bucks and aren’t planning to toss your tumbler in a bag, you might prefer the wallet-friendly Hydro Flask All Around stainless steel tumbler. It’s a bit leaky thanks to the rather basic plastic push-in lid and it doesn’t keep temperatures as consistent as the Stanley tumbler. But it still looks lovely and provides a pleasant drinking experience. This is our pick for those who aren’t venturing into chilly weather with their tumbler and just want a slightly insulated cup for at-home use.

Conversely, folks who want to ensure their drinkware is truly leakproof should opt for the pricey but impressive Stanley AeroLight Transit bottle. Its thermal capabilities, space-saving design and leakproof lid make it our favorite option for travelers. Additionally, it flawlessly fits into a cupholder and can bounce around in a backpack without spilling a single drop. Speaking of drops, it’s also tough enough to take on the trail and easy to carry, making it just as effective as a commuter tumbler. This is the perfect adventuring cup, whether you’re venturing out in the woods or the city.

Whatever side you land on in the Hydro Flask vs. Stanley debate, know that both brands offer their own pros and cons. Rest assured, you won’t end up with a bad product either way. It really just comes down to your preferences.

The post Hydro Flask vs. Stanley: Which Coffee Tumbler Brand Is Better? appeared first on Taste of Home.

The Stanley Quencher isubiquitously known as the “internet’s favorite tumbler.” While we still love our beloved 40-ounce behemoth bottle, our Product Testing Team found that the best coffee tumbler for travel is actually a total dark horse. Enter: the Stanley Aerolight coffee tumbler. This highly underrated tumbler considers everything the discerning commuter needs. Here’s what you need to know about the travel-friendly Stanley coffee tumbler.

What Is the Stanley Aerolight Coffee Tumbler?

The Stanley Aerolight coffee tumbler is made for travel. It’s slim and compact, with a fold-down flip lid that seals tightly with an audible snap. It comes in 16- and 20-ounce sizes. It’s also just as pretty as its more popular cousin. Each size comes in an array of gorgeous hues, including grey, black, cream, fog, blue, navy, light pink and glimmer shades.

Made from 18/8 stainless steel and BPA-free materials, this small but mighty bottle offers Stanley’s famous double-wall vacuum insulation. While it works well for hot drinks like your favorite flavored coffees, it also keeps the chill inside if you’re more of an icedcoffee concentrate drinker.

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Stanley Aerolight Transit Bottle

The Stanley Aerolight Transit Bottle is our favorite option for commuters, thanks to its slim build and leakproof lid.

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How We Testedthe Stanley Aerolight Coffee Tumbler

Our expert Product Testing Team took their search for the best coffee tumblers seriously. They tried 20 tumblers from popular brands and more nichealbeit well-reviewedshops. Product Tester (and caffeine fiend) Sheri Kaz created rigid standards and subjected each travel coffee mug to the same 11 tests to see which performed the best overall. Over 730 data points and 50 hours later, we secured data in the following testing categories:

• Temperature Retention
• Drinking Experience
• Ergonomics/Handling
• Leakproof Capabilities
• Durability
• Specs
• Cleaning
• Lead Detection

The results informed pieces like our Hydro Flask vs. Yeti comparison and this Stanley Aerolight coffee tumbler review.

Testing Team Evaluation

The Stanley Aerolight is incredibly slim, with a 2.8-inch bottom diameter. Using Stanley’s proprietary featherweight technology, the 20-ounce size weighs in at a modest 0.65 pounds. That makes it very easy to haul around by hand or toss in a small bag or backpack. It also easily slides into most standard cupholdersno cupholder expander required.

Temperature Retention

Unlike the slightly disappointing Yeti Rambler, the Stanley Aerolight coffee tumbler meets our expectations for such a recognized brand. In particular, its thermal retention properties are incredibly impressive.

We filled the tumbler with 140-degree Fahrenheit water (i.e., the typical hottest serving/drinking temperature of hot coffee), then measured the temperature after four hours in a refrigerator to see how much it fell. The Stanley Aerolight beat out the 20 other competitors, measuring in at a still steamy 115.7 degrees Fahrenheit.

For the next test, our team filled the Stanley Aerolight tumbler halfway with ice and added 60-degree Fahrenheit water (the typical temperature of cold tap water), then set the tumbler in the sun. The Stanley again impressed our testers, crawling down to 34.7 degrees Fahrenheit after four hours and holding that temperature steady, even after six hours. It’s one of the only tumblers that retained ice for the entire experiment.

Experience and Handling

Sheri, our tester, loves the slim design of this travel tumbler. The exterior has a slight texturealmost like a hammered finish making it easy to grip without dropping. The lid screws on, then flips open for drinking. The flip mechanism isn’t finicky and glides smoothly while still remaining strong and durable. An audible “snap” occurs upon opening and closing the mechanism, which makes it easy to tell when the lid is tightly shut.

Our favorite aspect of the tumbler is that it’s completely leakproof when closed, meaning that it’s perfect for popping in a purse or bag while out and about. That said, the flip-up spout is narrow, and the mechanism boasts a 90-degree angle instead of the curved design found on some other tumblers. This means the hinge hits your top lip while you’re drinking. It isn’t the most comfortable design we tested, but we prefer this drinking experience to a tumbler with a leaky lid.

Cleaning and Durability

In terms of durability, the Stanley lives up to its rugged roots. After a hip-height drop on concrete, the exterior and lid had a few scratches, but it wasn’t broken. That’s pretty impressive! You can take this one on the trail without worrying about a drop.

The tumbler is dishwasher safe and relatively easy to clean. However, the lid has a lot of little crevices that could collect gunk, potentially making thorough cleaning tricky. Additionally, the slim design makes it hard to fit a hand during hand washing. However, the use of Bottle Bright tablets makes this process easier.

Pros

• Completely leakproof
• Retains temperature
• Space-saving design
• Lifetime warranty
• Good grip

Cons

• Pricey, but worth it

Final Verdict

The Stanley Aerolight coffee tumbler is our top pick for travelers and hikers. Not only does it offer a slim design that’s easy to carry along for miles, but it also boasts a totally leakproof lid. When you get tired of holding it, just throw it in a purse or backpack. It doesn’t take up too much room or drip coffee all over your precious cargo. While it doesn’t have a fleet of accessories like the coveted Stanley Quencher, it’s ideal for those who choose substance over style.

“The slim design of this tumbler will fit easily in a backpack, and the temperature retention is great for hikers or anyone who needs to keep their beverages hot or cold for extended periods,” says Sheri. Whether you plan on taking it on the trail or tucking it into a cupholder during your morning commute, trust that this trendy tumbler won’t turn your coffee lukewarm on the go.

Why You Should Trust Us

The Product Testing Team has a combined decade of experience testing and evaluating products, especially from popular brands like Yeti. We use fair and honest testing practices under controlled conditions for each test. Our team has thoroughly evaluated everything fromfood processorstoceramic cookwarein our dedicated Testing Lab. We also put every product through a thoroughtesting processthat ensures accurate, quality results.

FAQs

Why are Stanley cups so popular?

Whether it’s the classic Legendary bottle or the internet’s favorite Stanley Quencher, Stanley cups have been around for more than 100 years. The brand’s trusted legacy and lifetime warranty make these products excellent picks for those seeking peace of mind regarding longevity.

Do Stanley cups have lead?

One area where Stanley recently received some criticism is the vacuum sealing process for their insulated cups. While Stanley doesn’t manufacture cups with detectable lead on the outside (which we confirmed with our own swab tests), they each contain a small lead ball within the bottom of the cup as part of the sealing process. According to the brand, the lead inside the Stanley coffee tumbler will not cause any harm.

While most tumbler brands use lead in their sealing process, there are alternative brands that don’t contain any lead. One of those is the Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler, which may sway some in the Hydro Flask vs. Stanley debate. That said, according to our tests, the Hydro Flask tumbler doesn’t insulate as well as the Stanley.

Are Stanley cups dishwasher safe?

We ran the Stanley Aerolight coffee tumbler in the dishwasher three times. According to our tests, the Stanley cup is entirely dishwasher safe. Hooray for easy cleanup!

Where To Buy the Stanley Aerolight Coffee Tumbler

Snag the Stanley Aerolight coffee tumbler on the Stanley website for around $35. You can also find it at most outdoor gear retailers, including Amazon, Public Lands and Target. While it’s a bit pricey for a coffee tumbler, you can’t put a price on the peace of mind this leakproof option brings to the table.

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Stanley Aerolight Transit Bottle

The Stanley Aerolight Transit Bottle is our favorite option for commuters, thanks to its slim build and leakproof lid.

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The post We Tried the Underrated Stanley Aerolight Coffee Tumbler—And It’s Our New Favorite Stanley Cup appeared first on Taste of Home.

In today’s tech-savvy world, there’s no reason to drag along a lukewarm coffee on your morning commute. Drinkware has come a long way since the thermoses of yore. Many modern coffee tumblers opt for double-walled vacuum insulation and spill-proof lids, among dozens of other useful features. This type of coffee tumbler locks in temperatures for hours on end, keeping your cold coffee cold and your hot coffee hot throughout the day.

“Coffee tumblers are convenient for an on-the-go lifestyle,” says Erin Doern, coffee expert and Head of Product Development atFree Rein Coffee. “Tumblers offer many features that a standard ceramic mug does not, such as superior insulation to keep your coffee hot or cold for extended periods,”“If you like a lot of coffee, make sure the tumbler’s design is comfortable to hold and fits in your bag or cup holder when you’re on the go.”

Whether you care more about aesthetics or more about functionality, two popular tumblers offer both: the Stanley Aerolight travel tumbler and theYETI Rambler. If you’re trying to decide between Stanley vs. YETI, it’s a pretty tight race. Both YETI and Stanley offer similar products with impressive insulation, according to reviews.

If you’re looking for a new tumbler for your favorite coffee subscription, you may be wondering which brand is a better fit for you. Our expert Product Testing Team decided it was time to finally end the Stanley vs. YETI debate. We subjected both brands to a series of tests to determine which features are our favorites and which are flops. Over 50 hours later, we finally have the answers we’re looking for.

Whats the difference between Stanley and Yeti?

Stanley and YETI are both rugged brands that tout the durability of their products. While theStanley Aerolighttravel tumbler and theYETI Rambler have a similar look and feel, they also have some key differences. The first difference is their capacity. The Stanley tumbler comes in 16- and 20-ounce sizes, while YETI comes in 10-, 20- and 30-ounce sizes.

The second difference is the color options. Both brands have a fleet of fun shades that add a pop of personality to your coffee bar. They also both collaborate with other brands and creators to release new colors and patterns on a rolling basis. However, the Stanley Aerolight travel tumbler rarely comes out in new shades (something Stanley does with its cousin, the Quencher). The YETI Rambler, on the other hand, currently has a number of seasonal options available in addition to its core collection.

All About YETI

Brothers Roy and Ryan Seiders founded YETI Coolers, LLC, in 2006. YETI’s humble roots began with coolers, and eventually branched out into outdoor gear. The brothers’ main focus was meeting the demands of fishermen in the Texas heat.

The brand now offers a whole host of outdoor essentials, including coffee tumblers, outdoor blankets, pet items and even apparel. All of its offerings focus on durability and longevity. Additionally, its built a reputation as having some of the sleekest gear around.

How We Tested YETI

Our expert Product Testing Team tested 20 coffee tumblers using the same 11 tests for our best coffee tumbler piece. They collected over 730 data points and spent an estimated 50 hours on the tests, including the time it took to research, source, intake and test the products. The Product Testing Team conducted tests on the YETI Rambler 20-ounce tumbler.

Criteria

• Temperature Retention:Testers place 140-degree Fahrenheit water in each tumbler, then measure the temperature after four hours to see how much it fell. All tumblers are left in the refrigerator to simulate a near-freezing day. Testers then fill each tumbler halfway with ice and add 60-degree Fahrenheit water until full. After four hours, they measure the temperature to see how much it rose and if any ice remains. All tumblers are left outside in the sun.
• Drinking Experience:Testers drink liquid from the tumbler. They evaluate the pleasantness and ease of the drinking experience, monitoring things like lip thickness, opening placement and flow.
• Ergonomics and Handling: Testers attempt to place the tumbler in a standard car cupholder to see if it fits. If the tumbler has a pop top, testers open the lid five times in rapid succession to gauge how cumbersome it is to open and close and how tiring it is on the hand. Testers then carry each filled tumbler around for five minutes to assess its weight and circumference and how comfortable it is to hold.
• Leakproof Capabilities: Testers shake each tumbler upside down for 15 seconds to see if and how much the cup leaks.
• Durability:Testers push the tumbler from a hip-height ledge onto the pavement to see if it scratches, spills, dents or pops open.
• Specs:Testers weigh each empty tumbler and note any additional features.
• Cleaning:Testers wash each tumbler in the dishwasher up to three times, noting its appearance and cleanliness after the fact. They turn off the heat for all cycles to preserve the silicone and plastic parts.
• Lead Detection:Testers swab the inside of each tumbler and test for the presence of lead with a rapid lead test kit.

The results informed our best tumblers piece, our YETI Rambler review, the YETI vs. Hydro Flask analysis and this Stanley vs. YETI comparison.

Temperature Retention

The cold beverage test began with each tumbler filled halfway with 60-degree Fahrenheit water and halfway with ice. Each then sat in the sun to simulate a hot day. After four hours, the ice water in the YETI Rambler measured a chilly 39.5 degrees Fahrenheit. However, all the ice had melted. The six-hour results brought the YETIs temperature up to 44.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The YETI fared a bit better in the hot coffee test, clocking in at 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit after six hours in the fridge.

Drinking Experience

The cup has a stainless rim that meets the lips and round edges that don’t bump or poke the face while drinking. The lid is slim and comfortable to drink from, and it includes a sliding spout for sipping. A built-in tab helps lift the lid off the cup, and it’s sizable enough for easy access. The lid also glides on and off easily, as does the spout’s sliding mechanism. Overall, it’s a good drinking experience that feels more like an actual mug than a thermos.

Ergonomics and Handling

While visually appealing, we found the wide profile difficult to hold for extended periods of time. The exterior is very smooth, boasting no texture. It looks sleek, but we worry this makes it easier to dropespecially with sweaty hands on hot days or in the winter while wearing gloves. It’s also not at all suitable for small hands. Even more disappointingly, it doesn’t fit in large or small cupholders at all.

Leakproof Capabilities

Even though YETI doesn’t claim the tumbler is leakproof, it really disappointed us in this regard. It dribbles constantly when held upside down. While the lid stayed on as we shook the tumbler, the consistent spillage doesn’t bode well for bumpy car rides or long hikes.

Durability

While the lid popped off upon contact with concrete from a hip-height drop, the bottom rim only received minor damage. That’s reflective of the YETI’s reputation as a rugged, durable outdoor brand. That said, don’t expect your tumbler to keep its contents if it slips out of your grip.

Cleaning

The Rambler is dishwasher-safe with a wide mouth for easy hand washing. We didn’t notice any warping or chipping after washing it several times in cold water on the top rack.

Specs

TheYETI Rambler comes in 10-, 20-, and 30-ounce sizes. The team tested the 20-ounce version, which weighs around 0.85 pounds. It comes in a variety of core shades, including pink, navy, red, black, grey, white, teal and stainless. There are also quite a few seasonal shades, which include fuchsia, yellow, green, blue, green teal, orange, light pink, lilac and dark green.

YETI also offers additional drinkware accessories for its travel tumbler, like replacement mag sliders, straw lids, bottle slings and cocktail shaker attachments.

Lead Detection

While the risk of contamination is low, YETI confirms their vacuum-insulated tumblers contain a small amount of lead inside the bottom of the cup. That said, the lead doesnt come into contact with any exposed surfaces, and our at-home lead detection kit didn’t pick up any traces.

Pros

• Nice color options
• Pleasant drinking experience
• Made by a trusted brand
• Five-year warranty
• Dishwasher safe

Cons

• Leaky
• Not compatible with cupholders

Our Favorite YETI Products

TMB STUDIO

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$35 at Amazon

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YETI Rambler Coffee Tumbler

The YETI Rambler coffee tumbler is a colorful, attractive option for those who want to take their coffee with them in style.

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$35 at Amazon

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$300 at Amazon

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Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler

The Yeti cooler offers unparalleled ice retention and style. Use it as a camping ice chest for up to four folks or pop in drinks for a day on the water.

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$300 at Amazon

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FAQ

What should I not put in a YETI Rambler?

YETI recommends against adding carbonated beverages to the Rambler. These can cause gas buildup, making the lid difficult to open or, in the worst-case scenario, forceful ejection. We recommend sticking to your favorite coffee instead (we especially like Cometeer if you’re in a rush).

All About Stanley

Stanley has been creating vacuum-insulated stainless steel water bottles since 1913. Theyre one of the first brands to pioneer the technique, and the brand claims that inventor William Stanley Jr. actually created the first bottle of its kind.

Since then, Stanley has blossomed into a well-loved brand among outdoor enthusiasts. While it’s best known for the viral Stanley Quencher bottle, it also offers a range of other outdoor gear, including coolers, cookware and lunchboxes.

How We Tested Stanley

To keep things fair for the YETI vs. Stanley comparison, we subjected the Stanley coffee tumbler to the same 11 tests as the YETI tumbler. The Product Testing Team conducted tests on the Stanley Aerolight coffee tumbler.

Temperature Retention

The Stanley was the top performer in both the hot and cold tests. This isn’t just in comparison to YETI, eitherit outperformed all 20 tumblers we tested. After six hours in a cold fridge, the temperature barely budged at 115.7 degrees Fahrenheit. In the second test, after six hours, the waters temperature was still measured at 34.7 degrees Fahrenheit, with some ice still remaining. This is a great option for outings in extreme temperatures.

Drinking Experience

The spout is narrow, and the mechanism has a lot of 90-degree angles rather than a curved design. Because of this, the hinge hits your top lip when you take a sip. While it doesn’t feel as comfy as the YETI, it’s not uncomfortable, either. It just feels more like a classic tumbler experience.

Ergonomics and Handling

Our testers love the slim design that works well for smaller hands. Unlike the YETI, the Stanley has a slight texture (almost like a hammered finish), so it’s easy to hold for long periods of time. The lid is easy to remove and put back on, and the drinking spout snaps open and closed. It feels super secure, both in a cupholder and bouncing around in a backpack.

Leakproof Capabilities

Leak resistance is another area where the Stanley Aerolight excels. Even while shaking it upside down, the secure lid, coupled with the strong drink spout, never once leaked or dribbled. That makes it a solid pick for both hikes and commuting.

Durability

After dropping the tumbler from a few feet, the exterior and lid had a few scratches, but it didnt break or dent. We feel pretty comfortable recommending this option for hikes on rugged trails. It really holds up Stanley’s reputation for durability.

Cleaning

The lid has a lot of little crevices that may collect gunk and potentially make cleaning tricky. Its definitely not a wash and go cup. While its a bit slimmer than the others (which means you need either a brush or small hands to get inside), its dishwasher safe for those who dont want to bother.

Specs

TheStanley Aerolight comes in 16- and 20-ounce sizes. The team tested the 20-ounce version, which weighs around 0.65 poundsa little lighter than the YETI. It comes in many color options, including grey, black, cream, fog, blue, navy, light pink and a few glitter alternatives.

Unlike YETI, the Aerolight tumbler doesn’t have any additional accessories. Other Stanley cups, like the Quencher, have a few add-ons, like bottle bags and rubber boots.

Lead Detection

The at-home lead test came back completely clear, meaning theres no lead on the parts of the cup that come into contact with the human body. That said, Stanley confirmed there is a lead ball present in the interior of the cups bottom. While it doesnt affect the health of the user, it has caused some scrutiny on social media. This is one area in the Stanley vs. YETI debate where both options lose points.

Pros

• Completely leakproof
• Retains temperature
• Space-saving design
• Lifetime warranty
• Good grip

Cons

• Pricey, but worth it

Our Favorite Stanley Products

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$30 at Amazon

Stanley AeroLight Transit Bottle

The Stanley AeroLight Transit Bottle is a well-insulated option that offers easy travel and a secure, leak-free lid.

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$30 at Amazon

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$42 at Amazon

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Stanley Quencher H20 FlowState Tumbler

The Stanley Quencher H20 FlowState Tumbler offers a straw lid and a handle, making it a top pick for outdoor adventurers or commuters.

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FAQ

What is the most sought-after Stanley tumbler?

By far, the most sought-after Stanley tumbler is the viral (and enormous) 40-ounce Stanley Quencher, known as the “internet’s favorite tumbler.” The Quencher boasts a large capacity, cupholder compatibility and vacuum-sealed insulation that keeps drinks chilly even in extreme heat.

Can you put hot coffee in a Stanley tumbler?

While you can put hot coffee in a Stanley tumbler, the brand recommends only using its straw lids for cold drinks, so stick with cold coffee concentrates or water. Those seeking a tumbler that can accommodate hot beverages should either upgrade their lid or opt for a compatible tumbler like the Stanley Aerolight.

The Bottom Line: YETI vs. Stanley

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty of the YETI vs. Stanley debate, the best option is the one that checks all of your boxes. Both brands offer durable, attractive tumblers made to last through years of hikes, bus rides and other excursions.

Stanley offers better temperature retention for your hot and cold flavored coffee and boasts a leak-proof lid. This makes it our top choice for those who plan to pack their tumbler in a bag or who plan on traveling in extreme weather.

On the other hand, YETI’s wider array of colors and better drinking experience make it our favorite for at-home drinks. While it isn’t as insulated as the Stanley tumbler, it still protects hot and cold beverages from minor fluctuations. Overall, it’s a good option for those who want to keep their desk-side coffee at the ideal temperature throughout the day.

Whether you’re shopping for a coffee gift basket or want to find the perfect addition to your single-serve coffee station, neither brand will leave you longing for a different cup.

The post Stanley vs. YETI: Who Makes a Better Travel Coffee Tumbler? appeared first on Taste of Home.

Yeti coffee tumblers, like the Rambler, are double walled and vacuum insulated. This is a big win, according to Erin Doern, coffee expert and Head of Product Development at Free Rein Coffee. When choosing a coffee tumbler, look for one with a vacuum-insulated, double-wall exterior to maintain your coffees temperature longer,” she says. Because of the Rambler’s heavy-duty construction, it’s clear that it talks the talk when it comes to keeping beverages steamy. But does it walk the walk when compared to other best-loved coffee tumblers out there?

To determine whether this pricey pick is actually worth the splurge, our Product Testing Team tried the Yeti Rambler 20-ounce coffee tumbler alongside 20 other coffee tumblers. We evaluated factors like heat retention, leakproof capabilities and overall performance. After analyzing our results, here’s how Yeti stands up to the competition.

What Is the Yeti Rambler Coffee Tumbler?

Yeti offers dozens of different drinkware options for every type of beverage lover, from wine tumblers to water bottles. The Yeti Rambler is arguably their best seller. It touts itself as the quintessential coffee tumbler for on-the-go sipping. It’s such a hit that Yeti has come out with a number of add-ons and accessories for it, including a cocktail shaker lid, additional MagSlider magnetsfor the lid and a straw lid for cold drinks.

Available in 10 seasonal colors and eight core shades, the Yeti Rambler is a good-looking travel cup that’s worthy of the best organic coffees. Shoppers can even customize their tumbler with their own designs, monograms and text. They can also select one of the many pre-made designs available in the customization gallery for an additional fee. The Rambler comes in a wide strata of sizes, including modest 10-ounce, medium 20-ounce and oversized 30-ounce options.

Best of all, Yeti claims that its double-wall insulation works for more than just hot beverages. According to the website, even chilly drinks like iced coffee and water stay temperature regulated for several hours. Bring on the iced coffee concentrates! While Yeti doesn’t claim the Rambler drinkware to be leakproof, it does claim that it has “fallen off of trucks, down rocky hillsides and even been kicked by a horse and lived to tell the tale.” In short, these are some seriously durable tumblers.

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Yeti Rambler Coffee Tumbler

The Yeti Rambler coffee tumbler is stylish, insulated and rugged enough for every outdoor adventure.

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How We Testedthe Yeti Rambler Coffee Tumbler

Our search for the best coffee tumblers took our expert Product Testing Team into uncharted territory. We tested more than 20 tumblers from popular brands and more nichealbeit well-reviewedshops. Product Tester (and caffeine fiend) Sheri Kaz created rigid standards and subjected each travel coffee mug to the same 11 tests to see which performed the best overall. Sheri collected over 730 data points and spent an estimated 50 hours on the test. This includes the time it took to research, source, intake and test the products.

To thoroughly evaluate each option, Sheri conducted tests in the following categories:

• Temperature Retention
• Drinking Experience
• Ergonomics/Handling
• Leakproof Capabilities
• Durability
• Specs
• Cleaning
• Lead Detection

From there, we used this data to compare options and write this Yeti Rambler review.

Testing Team Evaluation

When it comes to drinking experience, the Yeti Rambler is one of our top picks. The tumbler is made of stainless steel with a double-walled, vacuum-insulated interior. The splash-resistant MagSlider lid is slim and comfortable for drinking. Our tester found the rounded edges don’t bump or poke your mouth during sips.

There is a sizable tab to help lift the clear plastic lid off the cup. It easily glides on and off without an issue, which is a plus in terms of user friendliness (yet a minus when it comes to securitymore on that in a minute). The sliding mechanism works better than expected. It’s always either open or closed without any chance of an accidental half-open mishap. While not leakproof (and it doesn’t tout itself to be), the lid stayed on surprisingly well when we shook the cup upside down.

That said, there are a few areas where the tumbler doesn’t meet our expectations. The biggest disappointment of the Rambler is its poor performance in the thermal retention tests. While it kept hot coffee fairly warm at around 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit after six hours, it measured in at 39.5 degrees Fahrenheit with no ice left after four hours during our cold water test. After six hours, it measured at 44.5 degrees Fahrenheitnot very impressive.

Despite touting itself as cupholder-friendly, the 20-ounce size is too large for small cupholders and doesn’t fit securely in Sheri’s large cupholder, either. Additionally, the smooth, wider profile doesn’t quite feel secure in hand and seems easy to drop. However, if you drop it, rest assured that it really only sustains minimal damage to the body. Trust uswe hurled the thing. That said, the top doesn’t screw on, so expect to lose your lid (and thus your latte) in case of a mishap.

Final Verdict

While it didn’t make the final cut in our list of the top eight coffee tumblers, the Yeti Rambler coffee tumbler still offers a solid sipping experience. It also by no means performed the worst out of the 21 options we tested. If you’re looking for a stylish tumbler to carry around your coveted Cometeer coffee and you’re not super concerned about drops, this pick will do the trick.

Thanks to its vast array of shades and sizes, it’s the quintessential cup if you want to look cool during your commute. It also boasts a five-year warranty, bolstering its slightly higher price point. It doesn’t retain the chill as well with iced or cold brew coffee as some of the other tumblers we tested. However, there’s no danger of it splashing everywhere as you walk around. Just don’t expect zero drips or dribbles if it bounces around in a backpack.

Tester Sheri sums it up well: “The Yeti was a bit of a disappointment compared to others, but ultimately, it works as a commuter tumbler.”

Pros

• Nice color options
• Pleasant drinking experience
• Made by a trusted brand
• Five-year warranty
• Dishwasher safe

Cons

• Leaky
• Not cupholder compatible

Why You Should Trust Us

The Product Testing Team has a combined decade of experience testing and evaluating products, especially from popular brands like Yeti. We use fair and honest testing practices under controlled conditions for each test. Our team has thoroughly evaluated everything from food processorstoceramic cookwarein our dedicated Testing Lab. We also put every product through a thoroughtesting processthat ensures accurate, quality results.

FAQ

Are Yetis dishwasher safe?

Not only do Yeti tumblers offer a wide mouth for easy access to the interior, they’re also dishwasher safe, making cleaning a breeze.

Do Yeti cups contain lead?

During our tests, we swabbed each tumbler with a home lead testing kit. According to our results, Yeti cups do not contain lead in any traceable amount that ever comes into contact with the body.

Where is Yeti made?

Though Yeti is based in Austin, Texas, it manufactures its products in facilities in Iowa, Wisconsin and the Philippines. Its tumblers are manufactured in a facility in China.

Where to Buy the Yeti Rambler Coffee Tumbler

Those looking to lug around the spoils from their coffee subscriptions or keep their coffee steamy on the go can find the Yeti Rambler at a number of retailers. These include the Yeti website, Amazon, REI and L.L.Bean. It retails for around $35. While this is a bit pricey compared to other coffee tumblers, it’s worth it for those who are seeking a solid option for both commuting and communing with nature.

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Yeti Rambler Coffee Tumbler

The Yeti Rambler coffee tumbler is stylish, insulated and rugged enough for every outdoor adventure.

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The post Yeti Rambler Coffee Tumbler Review: Does It Live Up to the Hype? appeared first on Taste of Home.