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If you are looking for a cookware product that helps you make soft, fluffy and uniformly cooked idlis, then an idli maker is an answer to it. Being on the affordable side, an idli maker is becoming a commonly used cookware product in homes. An idli maker provides multipurpose functionality and is easy to use. While buying an idli maker, one should look for its material, number of plates and size. To help you choose the <keyword id="12633466" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="best-idli-maker" source="Orion">best idli maker</keyword>, we have curated a list from Amazon.<br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B00NL18CT6" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B00NL18CT6_head">  <div type="image" title="Thick Gauge" msid="88719324" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb>B00NL18CT6</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B00NL18CT6_body"><bulletContentRow name="B00NL18CT6_7591760236344720"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Pigeon Stainless Steel Idli Maker, 6 Plates</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Made from stainless steel material, this idli maker from Pigeon is suitable to prepare 24 idlis at one time. Its thick gauge and rust-proof material make it durable. It features a high-grade whistle, which ensures to maintain the pressure level. Also, it is easy to clean and come with a warranty of 6 months.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B00NL18CT6_6473962371440497"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It is made from a rust-proof and durable material.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B078RLWVFY" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B078RLWVFY_head">  <div type="image" title="Manual Operation" msid="87982810" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb>B078RLWVFY</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B078RLWVFY_body"><bulletContentRow name="B078RLWVFY_6256367248744215"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">IBELL Stainless Steel Idli Cooker, 4 Plates</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This strong and sturdy build idli cooker from IBELL works on manual operation with a push-button controller. To provide durability, it is made from a rustproof body and features a thick gauge. With the cool-touch handle, it ensures convenient holding. The cooker is compatible with both induction and gas stove. Also, for easy cleaning, it is dishwasher safe.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B078RLWVFY_8669918740771171"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It comes with a high-grade whistle.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07D3G5ZDH" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07D3G5ZDH_head">  <div type="image" title="Adjustable Knob" msid="87982846" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb>B07D3G5ZDH</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07D3G5ZDH_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07D3G5ZDH_6573199110639594"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Butterfly Stainless Steel Idli Cooker, Idli Maker, 6 Plates</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">With induction compatibility, this idli cooker from Butterfly comes with 6 plates, each having 4 curved spaces for idlis. To balance pressure, it features an adjustable knob to release steam. Made from food-grade material, it is safe to use. The sturdy build with a heavy gauge and rust-proof material makes the cooker long-lasting and durable.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07D3G5ZDH_9929317563158408"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It is suitable to cook 24 idlis at one time.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07P6S73N5" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07P6S73N5_head">  <div type="image" title="Durable Build" msid="87982885" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb>B07P6S73N5</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07P6S73N5_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07P6S73N5_1062020393107501"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Amazon Brand - Solimo Stainless Steel Idli Cum Modak Maker with Glass lid</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This 2-tier stainless steel idli maker from Amazon Brand-Solimo is suitable to prepare other steam delicacies with idlis effectively. Made from food-grade stainless steel material, it is safe and durable. Being compatible with both induction and gas stove, it provides easy functionality in the kitchen. It comes with a toughened glass lid and is easy to clean.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07P6S73N5_7809518805646731"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The toughened glass lid locks in the moisture for fast cooking.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07CVZWR6C" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07CVZWR6C_head">  <div type="image" title="Compact Design" msid="87982909" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb>B07CVZWR6C</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07CVZWR6C_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07CVZWR6C_0288638882410596"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">BMS LIFESTYLE Stainless Steel Idli Maker, 4 Plates</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This idli maker from BMS LIFESTYLE utilizes minimum space in the kitchen with its compact design. It comes with two handles to ensure comfortable and safe lifting. It makes you cook fresh and soft idlis with no hassle. Suitable with multi-space cooking, this should be considered a good option to consider. It comes with 4 idli plates.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07CVZWR6C_6595118633799030"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">With 4 idli plates, it prepares 16 idlis in one go.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B01FQ9I27W" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B01FQ9I27W_head">  <div type="image" title="Induction Base" msid="87982926" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb>B01FQ9I27W</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B01FQ9I27W_body"><bulletContentRow name="B01FQ9I27W_2927974184622201"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Tallboy Classic Idli Cooker, 6 Plates</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This idli maker from Tallboy is made from food-grade material to make it safe to use. It comes with 6 plates for multiple and convenient cooking. Its high polish and silver colour gives it an authentic look. Also, it is compatible to be used on induction.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B01FQ9I27W_9624370806515255"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It is made from stainless steel material and is safe to use.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br />

Best idli maker for kitchen in India

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Scott Olson/Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">Plan meals before you head to the grocery store.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Sean, who goes by<span> </span><a href="https://mymoneywizard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"The Money Wizard,"</a><span> </span>is a 28-year-old blogger and financial analyst.</strong></li><li><strong>He grew his net worth by<span> </span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/money-advice-to-grow-net-worth-early-retirement-2018-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than $100,000 in two years</a><span> </span>and is on track for an<span> </span><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/category/early-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">early retirement</a>.</strong></li><li>Sean and his girlfriend spend less than $150 a month on groceries and eat home-cooked meals for most lunches and dinners during the week.</li><li>They plan meals ahead of time and eat leftovers to make the most of their groceries.</li></ul><p>Have you ever done something that you thought was totally normal, only to be met with shock when you shared it with the rest of the world?</p><p>The first time this happened to me was when I went to college, and realized everyone thought I was nuts for safety pinning my socks together in the wash. ROLLING THEM UP JUST ISN'T THE SAME.</p><p>And the most recent time this happened to me was when I shared my monthly grocery bill on <a href="https://mymoneywizard.com/">my blog</a>. I quickly realized my grocery spending must not be all that normal, especially after getting comment after comment from<span> </span><a href="https://pages.convertkit.com/6c458397df/870799ca79">MyMoneyWizard.com email subscribers</a> like this:</p><p>Ask and you shall receive!</p><h2>A look inside a week of the Money Wizard's grocery shopping</h2><p>I'm writing this a few minutes after getting back from the usual once-a-week grocery store trip, and I snapped a pic of this week's haul before I put everything up. </p><p>Here's what a typical week's worth of groceries looks like for Lady Money Wizard and I:</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>The Money Wizard</span></p><p class="caption">Typical week of groceries for the two of us. [Not pictured: a head of broccoli, a can of Chickpeas, a three pound value pack of chicken breasts, rice, and some BBQ and Soy Sauce which were bought during a separate trip.]</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><span>Total cost? $69.37</span></p><p>That cost is for two people. So, we're looking at an overall cost of less than $35 per person, or less than $150 a month.</p><p>Considering the<span> </span><a href="https://www.cnpp.usda.gov/USDAFoodPlansCostofFood/reports">USDA's most recent cost of food report</a> pegs even the cheapest grocery budget around $190 per person a month (and goes all the way up to $370 a month!) apparently my shopping habits are a big outlier after all.</p><p>Let's run through the process start to finish, and see if we can uncover any secrets.</p><h2>Step 1. The meal plan</h2><p>I've found if I don't get a head start on meal planning over the weekend, all the wheels tend to come off during the week. And before I know it, I'll have defaulted to ordering takeout<span> </span>for the third night in a row. </p><p>To avoid this costly fate, my typical routine now involves throwing together a weekly meal plan Sunday morning, and then going grocery shopping sometime during the day.</p><p>To be fair, "meal planning" makes it sound pretty fancy. The reality is, I'll just turn to Lady Money Wizard and say, "Hey, what do you feel like eating this week?"</p><p>To help jog the memory, I keep a running note of all my favorite meals on my phone. Any time we try a new recipe that's a keeper, I'll add it to the ever-growing list.</p><p>If I'm feeling really adventurous, I'll spend a few minutes browsing my go-to food blogs for new meals to try. Some of my favorites include:</p><ul><li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/">AllRecipes.com</a> - No surprise here, this is probably the biggest recipe website on the internet.</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRIZtPl9nb9RiXc9btSTQNw">Foodwishes YouTube Channel</a> - Chef John has an insanely popular youtube channel, and his recipes are pretty easy and always delicious.</li><li><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/">BudgetBytes.com</a> - Beth has tons of simple and tasty recipes with an emphasis on saving cash. I especially like that she breaks down the exact cost of each recipe.</li><li><a href="https://www.seriouseats.com/">SeriousEats.com</a> - Their "Food Lab" section is legendary for their super in-depth recipes. If I'm looking to do some serious cheffing to make the best of the best, no corners cut, I'll go here.</li></ul><p>Typically, we try to plan for five full dinners at home. For us, this is a nice balance, and it usually leaves Friday and Saturday to treat ourselves to dinner out as a reward for staying on track all week.</p><h3>Dinner plan</h3><p>This week, we settled on these five meals:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/recipe-best-pulled-pork-crock-pot/">Crock Pot Pulled Pork</a> - A classic. Slow cookers are great, because you can set them early in the morning and come home from work to a nice warm meal, ready to go.</li><li><a href="https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/slow-cooker-broccoli-beef/">Slow Cooker Beef and Broccol</a><a href="https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/slow-cooker-broccoli-beef/">i</a> - We've made this one several times, and it's always a hit.</li><li><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/roasted-cauliflower-salad-lemon-tahini-dressing/">Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing</a> - I need to up my salad game, but this recipe is a great start. It's one of the few salads I've enjoyed enough to make a full meal out of.</li><li><a href="https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/cider-dijon-pork-chops-with-roasted-sweet-potatoes-and-apples-51163600">Apple Cider Dijon Pork Chops, with a side of sweet potatoes and apples</a> - Another one that makes a regular appearance in the Money Wizard kitchen. We always like to include at least one simple "meat with a side of veggies" type of meal per week.</li><li><a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/26317/chicken-pot-pie-ix/">Chicken Pot Pies</a> - Never made this one before, but Lady Money Wizard felt like doing some baking. Excited to see how it turns out!</li></ul><h3>Lunch plan</h3><p>My usual go-to lunch is some cooked chicken with hot sauce, and a side of yogurt, fruits, and maybe some cheese sticks. Usually I cheat and just pick up a rotisserie chicken, which I can turn into about four portions for $5-$7 total. Simple and healthy, and comes out to about $3 a meal.</p><p>This week I didn't grab any rotisserie chicken, so I'll probably just bring in leftovers from dinner. Most times, dinner leftovers make for a full lunch on their own, but if I'm looking for sides I'll just grab whatever fruits and veggies are on sale.</p><h3>Breakfast plan</h3><p>I stopped eating breakfast a while ago. It turns out, all that B.S. about it being the most important meal of the day is based on research funded by… Kellogg's Cereal.</p><p>On the other hand, there's tons of legitimate, unbiased research showing the fat loss and lean body mass benefits of intermittent fasting, which is another fancy term to explain going 12-16 hours per day without eating. Which sounds really brutal, until you realize that if you just skip breakfast, you're already at 12+ hours.</p><p>I've found my body adjusts to this quickly, and after two to three days I'm no longer hungry in the mornings.</p><p>This is a pretty awesome hack, because:</p><ol><li>I can now eat pretty much whatever I want during the rest of the day and stay at a healthy weight, because I'm not going over my daily calorie limit.</li><li>I only have to fund two meals per day, instead of three.</li></ol><p>The second point might be overblown, because breakfast food is crazy cheap, but I'll count it anyway.</p><p>(For the record, Lady Money Wizard thinks I'm nuts for skipping breakfast, and she typically makes a quick morning smoothie with a banana, frozen fruit, and a little bit of milk and yogurt.)</p><h2>Step 2. Grocery shopping</h2><p>Meal plan in hand, the shopping excursion started at Aldi and finished at Cub Foods, where I picked up the last few straggler ingredients. Start to finish, the whole process took me about an hour.</p><p>Earlier in the article, I already spoiled the total cost ($69.37) but what does $69 of well-planned groceries buy you?</p><p>(Full confession: The reason this article is getting published this week is because I <em>finally </em>remembered to save my receipt…)</p><h2><strong>Money Wizard's grocery receipt</strong></h2><p>Milk (half gallon)<span> - </span><strong>$1.29</strong></p><p>Greek Yogurt (5 packages @ $0.69 ea)<span> - </span><strong>$3.45</strong></p><p>Butter package (4 sticks)<span> - </span><strong>$2.49</strong></p><p>Bananas (1.8 lbs)<span> - </span><strong>$0.83</strong></p><p>Chickpeas (One 15 oz can)<span> - </span><strong>$0.79</strong></p><p>Sweet Potatoes (2 lbs)<span> - </span><strong>$1.72</strong></p><p>Shredded Carrots<span> - </span><strong>$1.69</strong></p><p>Cilantro<span> - </span><strong>$0.69</strong></p><p>Green Onions<span> - </span><strong>$0.69</strong></p><p>Red Onions<span> - </span><strong>$1.69</strong></p><p>Organic Spring Mix - <strong>$3.99</strong></p><p>Apples (Fuji)<span> - </span><strong>$3.39</strong></p><p>Raspberries<span> - </span><strong>$2.29</strong></p><p>Cauliflower (1 large head)<span> - <strong>$1.89</strong></span></p><p>Broccoli (1 large head)<span> - </span><strong>$1.89</strong></p><p>Beef Stock<span> - </span><strong>$1.49</strong></p><p>Chicken Stock<span> - </span><strong>$1.29</strong></p><p>BBQ Sauce<span> - </span><strong>$1.99</strong></p><p>Basmati Rice (2 lbs)<span> - </span><strong>$2.99</strong></p><p>Wheat Hamburger Buns (8 pack) -<span> </span><strong>$2.50</strong></p><p>Pie Crust Mix<span> - </span><strong>$2.49</strong></p><p>Soy Sauce<span> - </span><strong>$1.89</strong></p><p>Porkchops (2.01 lbs @ $2.89)<span> - </span><strong>$5.81</strong></p><p>Pork Loin (3.12 lbs @ 1.89)<span> - </span><strong>$5.90</strong></p><p>Angus Sirloin Tip Steak (1.79 lbs @ $4.79) -<span> </span><strong>$8.57</strong></p><p>Chicken Breast (3 lbs @ 1.89) -<span> </span><strong>$5.67</strong></p><p>Total cost: <strong>$69.37</strong></p><p>Overall, this is a pretty standard trip, if not a little on the high end. I'd say $50-$60 is more typical, which makes sense since this receipt was a little meat heavy.</p><p>And by a little, I mean there's absolutely no way the two of us will eat 12-and-a-half pounds of meat in one week. I'm guessing we'll stash quite a bit of frozen leftovers, which should push the monthly price down even further.</p><h2>Step 3. Cheffin' it up</h2><p>To the kitchen we go!</p><p>With a little bit of creativity (read: blind following of online recipes) we transformed our raw ingredients to these gems.</p><p><strong>Apple cider dijon pork chops, with a failed attempt at that cool sauce swirl the chefs always do: </strong></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>The Money Wizard</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><strong>Chickpea salad with lemon tahini dressing: </strong></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>The Money Wizard</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><strong>DELICIOUS homemade chicken pot pie: </strong></p><p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>The Money Wizard</span></p><p class="caption">PS - that's a GIANT serving spoon, not a tiny pie. This pie made about 3 full meals.</p></div><p></p></div></div></strong></p><p><strong>Slow cooker pulled pork, getting reheated in the saute pan for BBQ sandwiches: </strong></p><p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>The Money Wizard</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></strong></p><p>I never did grab a pic of the beef and broccoli, but I promise that it looked (and tasted!) really, really good.</p><p>This was A TON of food. So much so, that I spent the whole workweek eating leftovers for lunch. Which reminds me…</p><h2>Don't forget about the leftovers!</h2><p>If I'm trying to show exactly what "one week's worth of groceries" cost, this has to be the worst example of that. (I know, great planning, Money Wiz…)</p><p>Because even after all was said and done, we had enough leftovers to freeze two full servings of pulled pork and two pounds of unused chicken breasts. We also had two leftover onions, at least a pound of unused rice, a few yogurts, a whole bunch of barbeque sauce, and even a couple of hamburger buns.</p><p>Realistically, that equals nearly another week of meals for one person. Which is enough to bring down the true grocery cost per person to<span> </span>about $25 per week.</p><h2>Conclusion - Shop cheap, live healthy, and save cash.</h2><p>So there you have it. An affordable way to pack your pantry with real, nutritious food that's healthy AND cheap.</p><p>Obviously, this is just one week, picked randomly based on my availability to type out a whole post, and more importantly, finally remembering to save a receipt for once in my life.</p><p>But I think it's a pretty solid glimpse into my typical routine. And hopefully it gives you some tips for saving money and cutting the waste (i.e. snacks and pre-made meals) from your grocery cart.</p><p>At the same time, we're not exactly going rice-and-beans for every meal either.</p><p>Instead, this sort of approach is relaxed enough that if you want to go even cheaper, there's definite wiggle room to do that. And if someone tells you how expensive it is to eat healthy, you can laugh them right out of the kitchen as you chomp down your fifth delicious meal of the week.</p><p>PS - If you're interested in easily tracking your grocery spending, check out <a href="https://mymoneywizard.com/personal-capital-vs-mint/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mymoneywizard.com/personal-capital-vs-mint/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1550779611625000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE-h5-6g5q9jn6IZzdIFf4Ppny8og">my cage match between the most popular budgeting apps</a>. They'll help you monitor your spending, avoid getting overcharged on fees, and are what I personally use to <a href="https://mymoneywizard.com/net-worth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mymoneywizard.com/net-worth/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1550779611625000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEfYwRd2C-vb-T06bJ9jfBOMRhZuA">track my net worth every month</a>.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/top-15-presidents-historians-survey-abraham-lincoln-george-washington-lyndon-johnson-barack-obama-ronald-reagan-2017-2">The top 15 presidents according to historians</a></h3>        <div>                    </div>    </div>

My girlfriend and I spend less than $150 a month on groceries and eat at home 5 nights a week - here's exactly what we buy

<p><a href="https://www.insider.com/category/es-capone-holiday"></a></p><div type="image" title="side by side photos of kitchen towels and a bowl of melted chocolate" height="900" width="1200" msid="87803900" hostid="261"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>Insider asked 10 professional <keyword id="11899381" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="chefs" source="Orion">chefs</keyword> what kind of gifts they'd get <a href="https://www.insider.com/chef-aaron-sanchez-talks-judging-secrets-and-home-cooking-tips">home cooks</a> for the <keyword id="12030581" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="holidays" source="Orion">holidays</keyword>. </li><li>They recommended <keyword id="11898849" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="chef" source="Orion">chef</keyword>'s knives, Dutch ovens, a gift basket of pantry staples, fancy chocolate, and more.</li></ul><p>When it comes to buying gifts for <a href="https://www.insider.com/guy-fieri-best-cooking-tips-for-beginners">home cooks</a>, it can be hard to think of things they don't already have. </p><p>So, Insider asked several chefs for their advice on the best <keyword id="12568472" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="gift-ideas" source="Orion">gift ideas</keyword> for every level, from beginners to professionals.</p><h2><strong>A good Dutch oven can become an heirloom</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="dutch oven pot on stove" height="2304" width="3071" msid="87803902" hostid="261"></div><p>Luigi Fineo, Michelin-starred executive chef of <a href="https://tatelrestaurants.com/">TATEL Beverly Hills</a>, said Dutch ovens are great for home cooks who you want to impress. </p><p>"My favorites are from Le Creuset," he said. "They are very versatile as they can be used for stew, soups, and risottos. They are easy to clean and very sturdy — they literally last forever."</p><h2><strong>Make spice mixes for stocking stuffers or group gifts</strong></h2><p>If you're opting for homemade gifts or trying to stick to a tighter budget this year, Michelin-starred chef Shaun Hergatt of <a href="https://www.vestrynyc.com/">Vestry</a> in New York City suggested putting together a <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-spices-chefs-2019-2">spice mix</a>.</p><p>"Just combine nice salt with another spice you enjoy and pour it into a beautiful jar or vessel," he told Insider.</p><p>You can personalize it to each recipient's taste or share flavors you love.</p><h2><strong>Pressure cookers are great for making comforting winter stews</strong></h2><p>Fancy new multi-cooker appliances have been dominating wish lists for several years, but they might not hold up as well as a standard pressure cooker.</p><p>"These days, people typically go for an <a href="https://www.insider.com/instant-pot-mistakes-2019-5">Instant Pot</a>, but all my favorite, most comforting stews are made in a pressure cooker," Hergatt said. "It's a classic and a great thing to have in your kitchen."</p><h2><strong>One of the top suggestions from chefs was a high-quality wood cutting board</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Picanha steak sliced on a cutting board" height="1414" width="1885" msid="87803904" hostid="261"></div><p>Multiple chefs told Insider that a <a href="https://www.insider.com/right-and-wrong-way-to-clean-everything-in-your-house-2020-2">wood cutting board</a> would make any <keyword id="12568473" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="home-cook" source="Orion">home cook</keyword> happy.</p><p>You can find some inexpensive options, but it's best to get one that will last a long time. A high-quality board is something home cooks may not be prepared to invest in themselves, making it a special present.</p><p>Chef <a href="https://www.brianmalarkey.com/">Brian Malarkey</a>, a judge on "Guy's Grocery Games" and a former "Top Chef" finalist, suggested supporting "local wood craftspeople by buying local cutting boards."</p><h2><strong>Help the home cooks in your life upgrade their meals with a truffle shaver</strong></h2><p>Gianpiero Ceppaglia, executive chef of <a href="https://www.angelinirestaurantgroup.com/">Angelini Osteria</a> in Los Angeles, suggested gifting home cooks a truffle shaver.</p><p>"You can elevate any dish by topping it with freshly shaved truffle," he said.</p><p>For an extra special touch, you can also include some fresh truffles.</p><h2><strong>Kitchen towels make for an endlessly useful gift</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="kitchen utensils and towels hanging on a bar" height="2667" width="3556" msid="87803906" hostid="261"></div><p>Home cooks use a lot of kitchen towels, whether they're drying their hands, wiping down the counter, or grabbing a hot pan.</p><p>Chef Chris Siversen, owner of <a href="https://www.maritimeparc.com/">Maritime Parc</a> in Jersey City, told Insider you can never have enough towels, making them a foolproof gift. They can even be used for wrapping additional presents. </p><p>He said to go for "good quality, like those sold at Williams Sonoma."</p><h2><strong>Inspire home cooks to try new recipes by building their library of cookbooks</strong></h2><p>There's no shortage of incredible <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-recipes-anthony-bourdain-appetites-cookbook-review-2021-7">cookbooks</a> for gifting, but these chef-recommended options offer plenty of meal ideas for all experience levels.</p><p>Gabriel Lopez, executive chef of <a href="https://www.willastampa.com/">Willa's</a> in Tampa, loves gifting "Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner … Life" by Missy Robbins.</p><p>"It covers all the basics from getting started grocery shopping and choosing ingredients to navigating a small kitchen," he said. "The 'best-roasted chicken' recipe is a go-to for me at home where I don't have a rotisserie oven. Missy makes cooking whole chickens approachable for the average home cook, and I love gifting this book for this reason."</p><p>Howard Kalachnikoff, chef and partner at <a href="http://rolosnyc.com/">Rolo's</a> in Ridgewood, Queens, suggested "Where Cooking Begins" by Carla Lalli Music, "Charred and Scruffed" by Adam Perry Lang (which is required reading for chefs at Rolo's), and "River Café Cookbooks" by Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers.</p><p><a href="https://www.chefmikedecamp.com/">Chef Mike DeCamp</a> of <a href="https://www.jesterconcepts.com/">Jester Concepts</a> in Minneapolis recommended Jacques Pépin's "La Technique" or Julia Child, Simone Beck, Louisette Bertholle's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," which "are great for getting the basics down and making delicious food."</p><p>He added, "For more contemporary and relevant cookbook gifts, I'd suggest  'Momofuku' by David Chang — there's nothing too extremely complicated and most dishes can be done with minimal experience."</p><h2><strong>A chef's knife is perfect for any experience level</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="A pair of hands using a knife to cup the top third off an artichoke" height="980" width="1307" msid="87803908" hostid="261"></div><p>Whether the recipient is a <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-cook-and-bake-better-at-home">novice or professional chef</a>, a <a href="https://www.insider.com/foods-that-you-dont-know-how-to-slice-or-cut-2020-3">good knife</a> is crucial. </p><p>"A chef's knife is a perfect all-purpose tool in the kitchen, and Korin are experts in knife-making," Hergatt told Insider. "Can't go wrong."</p><p>Siversen also recommended combining the knife with a high-quality sharpening stone, which he also said you can find at Korin. </p><h2><strong>A mandolin is essential for finely slicing vegetables</strong></h2><p>Siversen recommended gifting home cooks a mandolin, which finely slices things.</p><p>It's perfect for making gratins or shaved vegetables, and it's versatile and can really cut down on prep work.</p><p>There are many options for every budget, and Siversen noted that even the inexpensive plastic mandolins work great for slicing fruits and vegetables.</p><h2><strong>A mortar and pestle is a handy tool that looks nice on the counter</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="mortar and pestle muddler" height="2137" width="2850" msid="87803909" hostid="261"></div><p>For the cook who loves making their own flavorful mixtures by hand, a mortar and pestle is a great gift.</p><p><a href="http://chefmichaeljohnson.com/">Michael Johnson</a>, a private chef and former development chef for British Airways, suggested this gift for cooks who enjoy "crushing spice blends, making pastes, and marinades." </p><p>The tool makes it easy to whip up homemade <a href="https://www.insider.com/trying-different-guacamole-recipes-from-favorite-chefs">guacamole</a>, pesto, chimichurri, and more.</p><h2><strong>Create gift baskets of pantry staples for a personal touch</strong></h2><p>For the home cook who has just about everything, Nancy Lee, chef and founder of <a href="https://www.cookymom.com">Cooky Mom</a>, suggested putting together a practical gift basket with high-quality, hand-selected pantry items.</p><p>"Make sure to include stuff with a <a href="https://www.insider.com/pantry-items-that-dont-last-long-2019-1">long shelf life</a> and can be refrigerated for future use because you don't have an idea when the receiver will use them," she said. "Some of the items you can place in the gift basket are salt and pepper, canned anchovy paste, flour, pasta, canned veggies, pickled vegetables, sherry vinegar, and olive oil."</p><h2><strong>Home cook or not, luxe chocolate is a thoughtful gift</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Melted chocolate in a bowl." height="1491" width="2010" msid="87803910" hostid="261"></div><p>Gourmet chocolates from a chocolatier make for an incredibly indulgent gift.</p><p>Johnson recommended <a href="https://www.eatcandid.com/">Candid Noons</a> because the brand is "sustainable and delicious."</p><p>Consider finding a local chocolate shop and go for anything from chocolate bars to truffles. For <a href="https://www.insider.com/tips-holiday-baking-save-time-money-2018-12">serious home bakers</a>, you could also find some high-quality melting chocolate or chocolate chips.</p>

Professional chefs share 12 gifts every home cook will love

<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>For quick and easy baked <keyword id="6399610" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Potatoes">potatoes</keyword> with fluffy interiors, use your <keyword id="7041054" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="instant-pot">Instant Pot</keyword>.</strong></li><li><strong>The potatoes cook on a trivet over water to ensure they don't burn or become mushy.</strong></li><li><strong>Choose russet potatoes that are the same size to ensure they cook evenly.</strong></li></ul><p>The Instant Pot is an electric multi-cooker that promises to shrink cook times while requiring less energy and effort. It's a popular choice for making beans, soups, grains, and tough cuts of meat, but what about baked potatoes? With the word "baked" in the name of the dish you might not think to use a pressure cooker, but there's plenty of reasons to turn to the device for the classic side dish.</p><ul><li><strong>It's quick.</strong> Baking potatoes in the oven can take an hour. Pressure <keyword id="27178" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="cooking">cooking</keyword> spuds takes about 15 minutes, and with pressure build and release time, they're done in around 30 minutes. Plus, the pot won't heat up your kitchen like an oven, making it a nice summertime option.</li><li><strong>It's easy.</strong> Once you program the Instant Pot and lock on the lid you can walk away knowing the device will take care of everything.</li><li><strong>It's good for meal prep.</strong> Most Instant Pots have a delay start feature, allowing you to prep the potatoes, arrange everything in the pot, lock the lid, and set it to start cooking whenever you like to ensure you'll have piping hot baked potatoes when you want them.</li><li><strong>They'll cook perfectly.</strong> The high-pressure steam environment helps keep the potatoes nice and moist. <a href="https://ivymanning.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ivy Manning</a>, author of multiple Instant Pot cookbooks including "Instant Pot Family Meals," likes the "very fluffy interiors" you get from pressure cooking. </li></ul><p><strong>Quick tip: </strong>Our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/insider-reviews-expertise-in-product-reviews" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insider Reviews team</a> tested 10 different multicookers to determine <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-pressure-cooker-instant-pot" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the best one you can buy</a>.</p><h2><strong>Picking your potato</strong></h2><p>While you can cook any kind of potato in the Instant Pot, there's one winning choice for baked potatoes no matter how you cook them. </p><p>"If you're looking for the classic, fluffy baked potato, choose russet potatoes," says Manning. Sometimes labeled Idaho potatoes, <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-store-potatoes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">look for potatoes</a> that are firm with no soft or dark spots and give them a good scrub before using. If you're cooking multiple potatoes, choose the same size so they cook at the same rate.</p><p>Smaller or medium-sized potatoes are best, but any size will do as long as they fit on the trivet - the stainless steel rack that comes standard with every Instant Pot - in a single layer. </p><p>"Steam circulation won't be able to cook evenly when they're stacked up. I'd recommend four or fewer, depending on the size," explains Manning.</p><h2><strong>How to make baked potatoes in an Instant Pot</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Baked potato in a bowl with butter on top." height="1412" width="1883" msid="85109673" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>The only equipment you'll need when making baked potatoes in your electric pressure cooker is the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot. Alternatively, you can use your own metal steamer basket.<br /><br /></p><ol><li><strong>Clean the potatoes.</strong> Scrub the potatoes under cool running water and pat them dry.</li><li><strong>Prick with a fork.</strong> Working your way around each potato, poke each one a few times with the tines of a fork to make small, shallow holes. This will help a little steam escape and keep the potatoes from bursting while cooking.</li><li><strong>Prepare the Instant Pot.</strong> Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of water to the inner pot of the cooker. Top with the metal trivet that comes with your Instant Pot or your own steamer basket. The water should come close to the bottom of the trivet without touching the potatoes.</li><li><strong>Add the potatoes.</strong> Place one to four small (6- to 8-ounce) cleaned and pricked potatoes on the trivet in a single layer. </li><li><strong>Cook the potatoes.</strong> Lock the lid, turn the valve to sealing, and program the Instant Pot to cook at high pressure for 12 minutes. For medium potatoes (8 to 10-ounce) and large potatoes (10- to 12-ounce), Manning recommends 15 minutes and 18 minutes, respectively.</li><li><strong>Use a natural release.</strong> Let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid. Open the lid away from you to deflect any steam.</li><li><strong>Test for doneness.</strong> Use a sharp paring knife or fork to poke each potato and make sure they are done. If not, return them to pressure for up to five minutes.</li></ol><p><strong>Quick tip: </strong>Want crispy skin? "Once [pressure] cooked, you can rub the potatoes with oil or (my favorite) bacon fat and pop them in a toaster oven set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit until crispy, [for] about 8 minutes," says Manning.</p><h2><strong>What about sweet potatoes?</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Sweet potatoes sitting on top of burlap." height="1412" width="1883" msid="85109676" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>While sweet potatoes can also be cooked in the Instant Pot, they have different cook times. Sweet potatoes are from a different botanical family and don't cook the same as russet potatoes.</p><p>Depending on their size, sweet potatoes can take a range of time to pressure cook - anywhere from 15 minutes for especially small ones (6-inch or less circumference) to 45 minutes for really thick ones (10- or 12-inch circumference).</p><h2><strong>Tips for the best Instant Pot baked potatoes</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Make sure your spuds match up.</strong> For consistent results, Manning recommends "choosing potatoes that are roughly of equal size so they cook evenly." Otherwise, you may end up removing a potato or two and returning the rest to pressure, which takes extra time and effort.</li><li><strong>Don't forget the trivet.</strong> This simple piece of equipment "helps keep the spuds from burning on the bottom of the pot," says Manning.</li><li><strong>Add enough water… but not too much.</strong> You'll need at least a cup for the Instant Pot to work properly, but add too much and you'll end up with soggy, mushy potatoes. When you place the potatoes on the trivet, double-check that they are not touching the water. </li><li><strong>Don't overcrowd the pot. </strong>If you're making medium or large russet potatoes, chances are you'll only be able to fit two or three max in a single layer.</li><li><strong>Leftover baked potatoes</strong> can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or use to make hash, twice-baked potatoes, and more. You can also freeze baked potatoes for up to a month.</li></ul><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h2><p>While the Instant Pot doesn't technically "bake" potatoes, it does cook them quickly and easily and yields fluffy interiors. Make sure to choose russet potatoes of the same size and don't overcrowd the pot. If you like crispy skin, simply coat the cooked potatoes in butter or oil and bake for a few minutes.</p><a data-type="60fb1425f1315a085968f36f">How to make foolproof rice in an Instant Pot</a><a data-type="59920009b0e0b5da098b4c57">The best Instant Pots and electric pressure cookers we tested in 2021</a><a data-type="60e89c850d5b7579330380ff">How to make baked potatoes in the oven with crispy skin and a fluffy middle</a><a data-type="60f1e61def8e790a4f01d733">How to make baked potatoes in the microwave</a>

How to make baked potatoes in an Instant Pot

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><a href="https://amzn.to/2XvvpjN" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></div></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Sous vide is a popular cooking technique because it's low maintenance, precise, and turns plain meats and vegetables into something truly special.</li><li>Anova just released its most powerful sous vide device yet, the <a href="https://amzn.to/2XvvpjN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anova Precision Cooker Pro ($399)</a>. It's a durable piece of machinery that rivals some of the sous vide devices you'd find in a commercial kitchen. </li><li>I had never used a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-sous-vide-machine?r=UK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sous vide</a> before, but I recently got to try the Anova pro. I was impressed with how easy it was to use and how delicious the chicken I made with it tasted. You can read my full review below.</li><li>I'd quickly recommend <a href="https://amzn.to/2XvvpjN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this device</a> to anyone because it works for small and large batches, but if you're looking for more affordable option, check out our <a href="https://amzn.to/2XvvpjN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">guide to the best sous vides</a>.</li></ul><p>Cooking dinner is always a lot more glamorous in my head than it is in reality. I sear a steak and the inside is still exceptionally juicy. I roast vegetables until they're crisp, but never mushy. I set my timers, turn on some music, and not once do I forget about what's cooking in the oven, the pot, or what have you. </p><p>My dreamy vision of dinnertime couldn't be further from what really happens. I often forget that I put vegetables in the oven, or I pull them out before they're ready. I would never even <em>attempt</em> to cook a steak on my stovetop. My bare-bones kitchen equipment plus a small space keeps me from trying anything too creative or labor intensive. While I've always loved to cook and eat, I've pretty much limited myself to one-pan dinners, salads, and simple <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/instant-pot-cookbook-recipes-2018-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instant Pot creations</a>. That is, until now. </p><p>Enter: The <a href="https://amzn.to/2XvvpjN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anova Precision Cooker Pro</a> - my new favorite gadget, kitchen or otherwise. </p><p>The Anova Pro is the latest and greatest sous vide machine from <a href="https://amzn.to/2X8Zczn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anova</a>. If you're not familiar, sous vide is a cooking method that involves placing food in a sealed container, then dropping said container into a hot water bath for a long time. The sous vide device heats the water and circulates it around your food so you get evenly cooked results every time.</p><p>This low-and-slow method yields deliciously juicy, tender results. While the name (which means "under vacuum") may sound fancy, sous vide is probably one of the easiest cooking techniques to master at home, if you have the right tools. A sous vide machine does almost all of the work for you, which makes it really, really hard to mess up the recipes. </p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><a href="https://amzn.to/2XvvpjN" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></div></div></div></p><h2>Precision Cooker Pro details and specs</h2><p>The <a href="https://amzn.to/2XvvpjN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Precision Cooker Pro</a> is designed to be the most powerful, durable, and precise sous vide in the <a href="https://amzn.to/2X8Zczn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anova lineup</a>. It's also the most expensive, priced at $399 - significantly more than the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/anova-nano-sous-vide-review-2018-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$99 Nano</a> and the $129 Precision Cooker. </p><p>So, why is it this expensive? With 1,200 watts and a flow rate of 12 liters per minutes - for reference, the Nano (Anova's cheapest model) only has 750 watts and the Precision Cooker (the mid-level option) can only circulate eight liters of water per minute - the Pro rivals <a href="https://amzn.to/2Xymwpr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sous vides</a> that you'd find in a commercial kitchen in terms of power. It can heat up to 100 liters of water and run for 10,000 hours straight without shutting down. </p><p>And, the Pro is extremely precise. Let's face it, when it comes to getting the perfect cook on a steak or piece of fish, the difference between overcooked and just-right is defined by mere seconds. The Pro has a temperature probe that's accurate to 0.05<span>°C</span> (or 32.09 <span>°F), so you'll get perfect results every time. <br /></span></p><p><span>While all of this technical talk may seem intimidating, especially for sous vide beginners, the device is extremely user friendly. An adjustable and detachable clamp make it easy to set up, and keep <a href="https://amzn.to/2XvvpjN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Pro</a> stable. A removable skirt covers the heater, making it particularly easy to clean. The sensitive touch-screen allows you to manually set time and temperature controls in seconds, and the high-quality sound will denote that you've done everything right. Eventually, you'll be able to control the device through the Anova app, but as of now you can only control the machine manually. </span><span></span></p><p><span><strong>The best part is that the device couldn't be easier to use.</strong> Plug it in, prep your food, quickly click your settings into place, and cook away </span>- the only thing you really need is a good chunk of time. </p><h2>My Experience</h2><p>I have heard the praises of sous vide sung by my colleagues who say that the device helps them make <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/anova-nano-sous-vide-review-2018-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">restaurant-quality meals at home,</a> and with little effort. <strong>The idea that I could make juicy meat and tender veggies every time without having to check on them even once was exciting.</strong></p><p>To see just how good this device was, I chose to use one of the easiest foods to mess up: plain chicken breast. I happened to have a few frozen chicken breasts, which I hadn't cooked in fear they'd become overly dry, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity. </p><p>After defrosting, I scanned the Anova app for a <a href="https://recipes.anovaculinary.com/recipe/simplest-no-sear-necessary-sous-vide-chicken-breast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">simple chicken breast recipe</a>. I filled the inner pot from my <a href="https://amzn.to/2IQoWrn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instant Pot</a> (any large pot will work) with water and clamped the <a href="https://amzn.to/2XvvpjN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anova Pro</a> to the side, a simple and effective setup. I plugged in the Anova Pro and the touch screen immediately turned on. The interface on the Pro uses very distinct icons, making the process almost intuitive. I tapped the "temperature" icon and then tapped the "plus" icon a few times to get the temperature up to 150<span>°F. </span>I set the temperature by tapping the "start" icon. </p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><a href="https://amzn.to/2XvvpjN" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></div></div></div></p><p>Then, I followed what the recipe said and seasoned my chicken breast with salt and pepper. I placed the seasoned chicken in a large Ziploc bag and drizzled a little olive in as well - this wasn't in the recipe, but I saw it on a YouTube video and it seemed like a good move. I popped the Ziploc bag into the water bath. Once half-submerged in the water, almost all of the air was gone and the Ziploc created a vacuum-sealed effect over the chicken. I zipped up the top, then, I clicked the "clock" icon and used the adjustment toggle to set the time to 1.5 hours. </p><p>I stood around for a bit, thinking there <em>had</em> to be something else I had to do, but I realized I was done. So, I went on to do some work on my computer. I checked on it a few times out of pure curiosity, not necessity, but I didn't even touch anything - I just peered over the pot to see if anything had changed. </p><p>Soon enough, time was up. I pulled the bag out of the water bath and poured my creation onto a plate. To be honest it wasn't the prettiest sight (poached chicken looks pretty bland), but eager to try, I sliced right in and took a bite. I actually couldn't believe that I had made this chicken - it was juicy, tender, and so flavorful, even though all I had put on was salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil. </p><p>I ate some plain, seared some in a pan, and shredded some to turn into a chicken salad. All iterations were equally delicious. I used <a href="https://amzn.to/2XvvpjN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this device</a> twice within the first week of having it, which I think speaks to how much I love it. Next on my list is experimenting with <a href="https://recipes.anovaculinary.com/recipe/recipe-sous-vide-medium-rare-strip-steak" target="_blank" rel="noopener">steak</a> - because if I can ace that, I'll know I've made it. </p><h2>Bottom line</h2><p><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2XvvpjN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Anova Pro</a> will make delicious food with ease and efficiency - something novices and experts alike can appreciate. If you've never tried using a sous vide before, or just find $399 to be too steep, there are plenty <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-sous-vide-machine?r=UK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more affordable options</a> that will still give you the same high-quality home-cooked meals. If you're a professional chef, a kitchen gadget aficionado, or want to cook large quantities of food at one time, the price is worth it. </span></p><h3><a href="https://amzn.to/2XvvpjN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get the Anova Precision Cooker Pro, $399, at Amazon</a></h3><h3><a href="https://amzn.to/2X8Zczn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shop all Anova sous vide devices at Amazon</a> or learn more about <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-sous-vide-machine?r=UK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the best sous vide machines you can buy</a></h3><p class="tagline"><p><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p></p>

This $399 sous vide helps amateur cooks like me make restaurant-quality meals with little effort - here's why it's worth the expense

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M8MMLBI?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Facebook/ChefSteps</span></p><p class="caption">The ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide is on sale during Prime Day festivities.</p></div><p></p></div></div></span></a></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><span><strong>Whether it's a perfectly tender steak or a </strong><a href="https://www.chefsteps.com/activities/your-favorite-sous-vide-egg-bites-at-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>homemade version of Starbucks' egg bites</strong></a><strong>, the ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide makes cooking gourmet dishes effortless.</strong></span></li><li><span></span><span><strong>During </strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/when-is-amazon-prime-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Amazon Prime Day this year (July 15-16)</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/tryprimefree?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1427739975520&amp;_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=pf4&amp;tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkId=85a62d9707fe3b6f50665f1300b48494" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Prime members</strong></a><strong> can save 30% on the </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727R431B?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide</strong></a><strong>.</strong></span></li><li><span></span><span><strong>You can find all </strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/prime-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Prime Day 2019 coverage from Insider Picks here</strong></a><strong>, and a one-stop master list of </strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-prime-day-best-deals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>all the best Prime Day 2019 deals here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></span></li></ul><p><span>If you've heard of sous vide - the process of cooking vacuum-sealed food in a water bath at a precise temperature - and have always wanted to give it a try, Prime Day is your lucky day. July 15 and 16 this year you can pick up one of the best sous vide immersion circulators for 30% off.</span></p><p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727R431B?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide</a> is on sale during Prime Day festivities. The model with a white body and a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M8MMLBI?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stainless-steel cap and base is marked down from $199 to $139 (you save $60)</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727R431B?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the all-white model is $125</a>, which is down from its usual $179 (you save $54.)</p><p><span>Below, we will look at why you don't want to let this <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-prime-day-best-deals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prime Day 2019</a> deal pass you by.</span></p><h2><span>Why you need the ChefSteps Joule?</span></h2><p><span>Sous vide cooking has exploded in popularity in recent years. French for "under vacuum," sous vide involves putting your food in an airtight pouch and cooking it at a consistent temperature for long periods of time. One way to keep the water at a consistent temperature is to use a high-quality immersion circulator.</span></p><p><span>In the world of immersion circulators, there are two big names and dozens of also-rans. The <a href="https://amzn.to/2lqnfb1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anova</a> and the Joule are the top dogs. Both are excellent, but we think the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727R431B?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ChefSteps Joule</a> is better because of its smaller size and powerful motor.</span></p><p><span>Thanks to its 1.3-pound weight and 11-inch-tall size, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727R431B?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joule</a> is easy to store. And, the 1100-watt motor brings the water up to temp faster than the competition. </span></p><p><span>The Joule is one of my colleague's favorite kitchen tools. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chefsteps-joule-sous-vide-review-2017-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insider Picks' Brandt Ranj</a> was impressed with how it performed in his tests. He especially liked that it allowed him to cook perfect, professional-quality steaks.</span></p><p><span>The Joule app is constantly being improved and features over 100 cooking guides and a "Visual Doneness" indicator that estimates what your food looks like as it cooks. To operate the circulator, you need a tablet or smartphone with Android 4.4 or later or iOS 8.0 or later, and it works over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. </span></p><p><span>ChefSteps offers a full refund if you are not satisfied with the Joule in the first 90 days. And, it's backed by a one-year limited warranty.</span></p><p><span>Also, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727R431B?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all-white</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M8MMLBI?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">white with stainless steel</a> models are functionally the same. The only difference is their appearance. </span></p><h2><span>Why sous vide?</span></h2><p><span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-sous-vide-machine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I have used a variety of sous vide immersion circulators over the years</a>. And, my favorite part about it is that a novice home chef can easily make restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort. For instance, prior to the sous vide, I had very little experience cooking barbecue ribs. I'd typically throw the ribs in a slow cooker with some barbecue sauce and call it good. Or, if I had the time and patience, they'd go in the smoker.</span></p><p><span>The immersion circulator changed that. Now, it takes me five minutes to prepare the ribs for their 24-hour-plus water bath at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. After the sous vide, I slather on the barbecue sauce and grill the ribs or put them under the broiler. Guests always comment that they are the best ribs they've ever had.</span></p><p><span>I've also made ultra-tender steak, beautifully seasoned salmon, delicious vegetables, <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/271024/sous-vide-dulce-de-leche/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">super-simple dulce de leche</a>, and even the Starbucks egg bites. </span></p><p><span>Amazon Prime Day 2019 makes it extra affordable to sous-vide cook with one of the best immersion circulators. We strongly recommend giving the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727R431B?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide</a> a try.</span></p><h3><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727R431B?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy the all-white ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide from Amazon for $125 (you save $54)</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M8MMLBI?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the white and stainless steel model for $139 (you save $60)</a></h3><p class="tagline"><p><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p></p>

ChefSteps is offering 30% off its top-rated Joule sous vide on Prime Day 2019

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>When my husband and I lived in China, we were restaurant addicts. We could eat out constantly, since a meal often cost us about $5.</strong></li><li><strong>When I moved to the US, however, I was a foodie who couldn't afford her hobby. I had to find a way to try new meals I loved without spending a fortune eating out.</strong></li><li><strong> We found creative ways to curb our habit of our daily eating out, like creating our own supper club, trying new recipes, and using the crockpot (which I'd completely underestimated).</strong></li><li><strong>I've since learned to love cooking - it's now become a hobby.</strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/yourmoney?utm_source=bullet">Read more personal finance coverage.</a></strong></li></ul><p>Before my husband and I had our son, we ate out constantly. Part of it was that we lived in a great neighborhood in China - we're total foodies and the excitement of trying out a new place was too much to pass up. The other was that it was super cheap to live in China and most restaurant meals are really inexpensive (we're talking around $5 per person).</p><p>To say we were restaurant junkies is an understatement. In fact, both my husband and I mourned our dining out habit after our son was born and we moved back to the US. No longer were we able to walk down the street to try out the new place in town or find meals that cost as little as they did in China.</p><p>Sure, we could have totally busted our budget and eaten out, but we had other financial goals we wanted to pursue - like saving up for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/when-can-i-retire">retirement</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-save-down-payment-house">a house</a>. I realized that my love of restaurants boiled down to trying delicious creations, the convenience of it and hanging out with friends over a great meal.</p><p>Instead of feeling like I was depriving myself, I set out to manage my restaurant addiction by figuring out how to recreate what I loved about them.</p><h2>1. I created our own supper club</h2><p>Supper clubs are typically places where people come in their finest attire and socialize while enjoying a delicious meal. I'm pretty casual when it comes to dressing up, so that part didn't matter to me when it came to enjoying a meal at a restaurant.</p><p>Like I mentioned earlier, I also loved going out to hang out with friends. In China it was normal to make last-minute plans to the restaurant down the street because we typically lived near each other and even the most frugal of folks can spare $5 or so for a meal with friends. </p><p>Now that I'm in the US I still want to go out to socialize. Instead of spending tons at a restaurant, a group of us coordinate meals at each other's houses. It's not a traditional supper club per se, but it has many of the same aspects - a place where people gather for a great meal and the ability to socialize.</p><p>We typically set a time every two weeks where we plan out a menu - we take turns cooking a meal so it works out evenly. Or we do meals potluck-style where we coordinate dishes so that everyone contributes to the meal. That way we get a chance to try different dishes, hang out with friends, and not have to cook as much. </p><h2>2. I learned how to use a Crock-Pot</h2><p>When my husband insisted that we purchase a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-crock-pot">Crock-Pot</a> when we first moved to the US, I wasn't convinced. Sure, I've seen recipes on Pinterest but always thought that meals cooked in a Crock-Pot can't be delicious.</p><p>Boy, was I wrong.</p><p>It took some experimenting, but I've been able to find some recipes I've been using on repeat since my family loves them so much. These include buffalo wings, chili, and mac and cheese. The best part is that I can just dump in the ingredients and let it do the rest - perfect when my schedule gets a bit intense.</p><p><em><strong>Read more</strong>: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-crock-pot">The best Crock-Pot slow cookers you can buy</a></em></p><h2>3. I challenge myself to recreate restaurant meals at home </h2><p>To say I was obsessed with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-cookbook-for-beginners">cookbooks</a> and Youtube during this phase is an understatement.</p><p>I missed trying new dishes so I decided to set out to recreate some of my favorite meals and find new recipes my family might be interested in. Turns out, cooking doesn't have to be difficult - I like to cook but for some reason thought that cooking restaurant-quality meals was hard. </p><p>First I went on Youtube to look at cuisines that looked interesting and started making what was considered quintessential dishes from certain regions. For example, I love Korean food so decided to try my hand at making different kinds of kimchi. Turns out, it was super easy to do (though it does require a bit of time) and I had so much fun while learning about the different ingredients and history of kimchi. </p><p><em><strong>Read more</strong>: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-cookbook-for-beginners">The best cookbooks for beginners</a></em></p><p>I also went to the local library and borrowed cookbooks from restaurant chefs to learn what their secrets are. Turns out many of them have staple ingredients and sauces they use for most of their recipes. I'd learn different cooking techniques like grilling and sauteing and experiment with marinades. </p><p>Cooking has turned into a fun hobby of mine. It's also saved me and my family hundreds of dollars each month. </p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>More <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/credit-cards">credit card</a> coverage</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-airline-credit-card-comparison-delta-united-american">What's the best airline credit card?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-cash-back-credit-cards">The best cash-back credit cards</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/southwest-credit-card-comparison-which-to-get">Southwest credit card review</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-rewards-credit-cards">Best rewards credit cards</a></li></ul>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/behind-scenes-fox-news-star-shepard-smith-donald-trump-politics-2017-12">Behind the scenes with Shepard Smith - the Fox News star who just announced his resignation from the network</a></h3>        <div>                    </div>    </div>

When I moved from China to the US, eating out became so much more expensive I had to break the habit. Here's how I did it.

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://amzn.to/2NXAVGO" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>@eatbanza Instagram/@bluehousekitchendc</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Banza, the startup behind the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/banza-chickpea-pasta-review-2018-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">now-famous chickpea pasta</a>, recently released a chickpea-based rice alternative.</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2NXAVGO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Banza Rice is available in a six-pack on Amazon for $24</a>, and comes in two varieties: Chickpea and "Tricolor Legume" (both gluten-free). </li><li>Compared to white rice, Banza rice has fewer calories, sodium, and carbs. It also has considerably more protein and fiber.</li><li>Below, you'll find a full rundown. But, here's a tiny review upfront: Banza rice is close to rice but closest to orzo, and it's a delicious, protein-packed alternative I'd recommend trying. </li></ul><p>In the future, when humans have harnessed the full powers of science and rendered franchise pizza calorie-less, we may finally experience completely healthy pasta and white rice. But, until then (or, even now), we have the cheat code of Banza.</p><p>If you're familiar with the startup, it's probably because you've heard of Banza's chickpea pasta. It tastes much like the original but has 25 grams of protein, 13 grams of fiber, and 40% fewer net carbs than traditional noodles. Unsurprisingly, the pasta has become very successful - launching Banza into the number one spot for the fastest-selling pasta in Whole Foods.</p><p><strong>Now, the company has expanded with Banza Rice, a healthy alternative also made out of 90% chickpeas.</strong></p><p>Banza Rice is currently on Amazon in a <a href="https://amzn.to/2NXAVGO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$24 six-pack</a>. It's the Darwinian result of rigorous research and testing, including a month-long in-store test in Whole Foods that cut through four different product concepts and two different packaging styles to contribute to the final offer.</p><p>According to Banza's CEO &amp; Co-Founder, Brian Rudolph, the Banza mission is simple: "[any new product] needs to be genuinely nutritious and disruptive to the grocery aisle, but not disruptive to the dinner table. It should be easy, versatile, and familiar." Ultimately, it's about bringing legumes,the primary protein source found in the "Blue Zones" (a term for where people live the longest), to as many people as possible.</p><p>You can pick up Banza's rice alternative in two varieties: regular Chickpea and "Tricolor Legume," which mixes chickpeas, red lentils, and green peas. This review will focus on the classic Chickpea. </p><h2>What Banza Rice is:</h2><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2NXAVGO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Banza Rice</a> is rice made from chickpeas, potato starch, xantham gum, and sea salt - but 90% of it is chickpeas. It has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/banza-vs-rightrice-low-carb-rice" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fewer calories</a>, sodium, and carbs than white rice, as well as more fiber and more protein. It has three-times the protein, two-times the fiber, and nearly 30% fewer net carbs than brown rice, according to the company. It also has more protein and fiber than quinoa.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://amzn.to/2NXAVGO" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>@eatbanza Instagram/ @kaileycarpenterwellness</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2>What it's like to cook:</h2><p>In short: it's pretty easy, but you may have to babysit it with a few stirs.</p><p>Banza rice should be prepared over the stovetop rather than in a rice cooker. Pour six cups of salted water into a pot, bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, and pour in your Banza rice. Cook and stir it for five to six minutes, and then drain using a fine mesh strainer. After that, rinse it with water and return rice to your pot to fluff with a fork. If you're adding ingredients, finish in a sauté pan with your veggies, etc.<span style="color: #ff0000;"></span></p><h2>What it's like to eat:</h2><p>Once prepared, Banza's rice tastes impressively like white rice, though it's perhaps the closest in consistency and shape to orzo. It's not as chewy as rice, but its consistency comes very close - you probably won't detect any difference in dishes like grain bowls. In paella and risotto-style dishes, you'll probably find it blends beautifully. You'll probably still notice that you're using an alternative - though that's not bad if you're willing to bend slightly on texture. It's also filling, unlike other healthy alternatives like cauliflower, which can sometimes have the aura of plant-based shaved ice.</p><p>Strictly in terms of taste, Banza rice has a faintly nutty, savory taste that gives it a lot more body than traditional rices - but in my opinion, it wasn't overwhelmingly present.</p><h2>Cons to consider:</h2><p>This chickpea alternative is more expensive than white rice, and depending on your budget, it may not be a comfortable ongoing purchase. If you're just trying to eat a bit healthier, you could compromise with picking up a six-pack for $23.94 and phasing this in a couple of times per week.</p><h2>The bottom line:</h2><p>Overall, Banza Rice is delicious, low-maintenance, still relatively accessible at about $4 per bag, and packed with more fiber and protein as well as fewer calories and sodium. If you're on the fence, I recommend trying it.</p><p>If you're still hunting for alternatives, you also may want to check out Insider Picks' reporter Connie Chen's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/banza-vs-rightrice-low-carb-rice" target="_blank" rel="noopener">comparison review between Banza and RightRice here</a>.</p><h3><a href="https://amzn.to/2NXAVGO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shop the Banza Rice 6-pack available on Amazon for $23.94</a></h3> <p class="tagline"><p><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p></p>

I tried Banza's Chickpea Rice and found it to be an easy, healthy substitute for the rice you already know

I tried the KitchenAid's top-of-the-line $500 stand mixer, and now I get what all the hype is about

<p><em>The<span> </span><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insider Picks</a><span> </span>team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.</em></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>Roomba</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>A high-quality robotic vacuum does an excellent job of cleaning with minimal maintenance, doesn't get caught up on obstacles along the way, and is supported by a user-friendly app.</strong></li><li>I like the <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">iRobot Roomba i7+</a> because it's the first robot vacuum to empty its own dustbin so you can essentially set it and forget it for up to 30 cleanings.</li><li><strong>Though</strong><strong> it is one of the most expensive units around (</strong><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>currently $1,099.99 on iRobot</strong></a><strong>), it's backed by an incredible app, has the most cutting-edge features, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and one-year limited warranty.</strong></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Much like Kleenex is synonymous with facial tissue and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-pressure-cooker-instant-pot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instant Pot</a> is used to refer to all electric pressure cookers, Roomba is<em> the</em> name in robot vacuums. In the 17 years since Roomba was first released, iRobot has continued to set trends and remain at the top of the industry. Recently, they took another giant leap in robotic vacuum innovation with the i7+ - a vacuum that empties its own dustbin and cleans specific rooms based on voice commands. <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">iRobot sent me the i7+</a> to test. Here are my experiences with it.</span></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>Roomba</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2><strong>My first experiences with the Roomba i7+:</strong></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Roomba i7+</a> comes with the vacuum, the Clean Base, two dirt disposal bags, a virtual wall barrier, an extra high-efficiency filter, and an extra side brush. Due to normal wear and tear, you will need to replace the filters, side brushes, and rubber brushes over time. Fortunately, iRobot makes it easy to pick up replacement parts for your specific model through the </span><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/parts-and-accessories/roomba-accessories/i-series/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">iRobot store</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which is accessible through the iRobot app and your browser.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When I opened the box, I found <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the i7+</a> looked a lot like </span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/irobot-roomba-980-robot-vacuum-review-2018-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">the 980</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, my now second-favorite robot vacuum. The vacuum measures about 13 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches high, which was low enough to fit under my couches and other furniture. The Clean Base is a bit big at 19 inches tall by 14.5 inches deep by 13 inches wide. I found I could keep the base anywhere I would normally put one of the smaller, more traditional robot vacuum charging stations.</span></p><h2><strong>How the Roomba i7+ performed:</strong></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best part about the <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roomba i7+</a> is that you don't have to empty the dustbin. The Clean Base automatically sucks all of the debris out of the vacuum when it's docked and stores it in a disposable dirt bag. It took about 50 cleaning cycles before I finally had to replace the disposable dirt bag located within the base. I love the Clean Base because I can go weeks without having to worry about emptying or maintaining the Roomba. It's as fully-automated as it gets.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the coolest parts about owning a Roomba is the iRobot app. They clearly put a lot of work into making sure it's as user-friendly as possible. IRobot has the best robotic vacuum app I've ever used. With <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the i7+</a>, they take things to the next level with "smart mapping." The unit can actually map each level of your house as it cleans. You can then adjust the boundaries of each room, label the rooms, and tell the vacuum to only clean certain rooms. If you have Alexa or Google Assistant, you can also use voice commands to tell the Roomba to clean a room.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In practice, I found the smart mapping worked well. Even after rearranging our living room and placing the Clean Base on the other side of the room, it was still able to get its bearings immediately and only clean where I asked it to.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scheduling <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the i7+</a> on the app is a breeze. You can even tell it to clean specific rooms at certain times of the day. I preferred to just have it clean everything at the same time every day, and scheduling that is effortless as well.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another great app feature is the cleaning history. The app keeps a log of every cleaning and how long it lasted. As of this writing, <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my i7+</a> has completed 93 jobs in 82 hours and cleaned up 300 dirt events.</span></p><p><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>iRobot</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></span></a></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you prefer not to have another app on your smart device, you can also operate <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the i7+</a> the old-fashioned way by simply pressing the big "Clean" button on top of the vacuum.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to performance, <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the i7+</a> runs relatively quiet. A sound meter placed about 12 inches from the unit during operation registered 63 decibels, which is a little bit louder than a normal conversation and quieter than other robotic vacuums I've tested. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To test the cleaning ability of <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the i7+</a>, I poured a bunch of flour, kitty litter, and coffee grounds on hardwood and carpeting. I then put the i7+ to work on it for one cleaning cycle. I'd estimate the Roomba picked up 95% of the kitty litter and coffee grounds on both the carpet and hardwood. It then got 90% of the flour on the carpet and 75% on the hardwood. I also tested to see how close the vacuum could get to corners by sprinkling flour in the corners on both surfaces. In both cases, it came within about an inch of the corner.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to pet hair, <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the i7+</a> does an excellent job. Thanks to its daily cleanings, I can't remember the last time I've noticed hair from our two cats on the floor. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I also liked that <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the i7+</a> almost never got stuck on cords or other items so I didn't have to take time freeing it.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cleaning <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the i7+</a> was easy. The app let me know when to clean the bin, debris extractors, and core robot elements. And, it provides step-by-step instructions for doing so.</span></p><p><em><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-robot-vacuum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best robot vacuums you can buy</a></strong></em></p><h2><strong>Some concerns about the robot vacuum:</strong></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">About half the time I ran the <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roomba i7+</a>, it would end its cycle stuck in our kitchen. It was able to get over the lip to enter the kitchen, but it couldn't get back out again. Of course, I could use the mapping function to have it stay out of the kitchen or have it clean the kitchen separately. But, I prefer to have it do one cleaning for my first floor per day, rather than multiple for different sections. So, I have to live with occasionally rescuing the vacuum from the kitchen.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal is a game changer, but I think it could still use some tweaking. There were a few times when the Roomba and base would have trouble communicating. This wasn't a big deal. Most of the time, I would just clean the elements, and it would be back to normal. Other times, though, the app would tell me that there was a clog in the Clean Base's vacuum system when there wasn't. At one point, the app directed me to undo five screws to check the debris evacuation tubing. This was a pain, and there wasn't actually a clog.</span></p><h2><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>iRobot</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></span></a><strong>The bottom line:</strong></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Overall, this is the best robotic vacuum I've ever used. There's nothing else like it available, and it's what other manufacturers will be trying to copy in the coming months and years. The Clean Base works as advertised. The smart mapping allows you to clean the rooms you want while avoiding others. And, the vacuum itself has excellent suction. The biggest downside is the high price. But, if you are looking for a set-it-and-forget-it robot vacuum and have a large budget, it doesn't get any better than <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Roomba i7+</a>.</span></p><h3><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3861930/type/dlg/sid/biip_020519_iRobot-roomba-i7-product-review/https://store.irobot.com/default/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-i7-plus/i755020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy the Roomba i7+ from iRobot for $1,099.99 here</a></h3><p class="tagline"><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p>

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