Bistro Bounty

Restaurant-grade cooking, at home

In-depth guides to the gear serious home cooks use to eat like they're at their favorite bistro: espresso, pizza, knives, cookware, baking and wine.

Espresso & Coffee Pizza Ovens & Tools Knives & Cookware Baking Wine & Home Bar

Strawberry cocktail packed with ice and mint, the kind of tall drink that suits nugget ice

Featured guide

Nugget Ice vs Cubed Ice for Cocktails: Which Wins?

Nugget ice vs cubed ice for cocktails: nugget suits juleps, tiki and tall drinks; solid cubes suit stirred, spirit-forward drinks. Ice for every cocktail.

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Espresso & CoffeeEspresso machines, grinders and the accessories that actually improve the shot.Coming soon →

Pizza Ovens & ToolsIndoor and outdoor pizza ovens, steels, peels and dough gear for pizzeria-level pies.Coming soon →

Knives & CookwareChef knives, carbon steel, copper and cast iron: what's worth it and what isn't.Coming soon →

BakingStand mixers, bread gear and pastry tools for bakery-quality results.3 guides →

Wine & Home BarWine fridges, preservation systems, decanters and home bar equipment.5 guides →

Latest guides

Two wine bottles with a glass in a rustic setting, ideal for showing wine storage temperature.

Wine & Home Bar

Wine Fridge Temperature for Red and White Wine

Wine fridge temperature for red and white wine: store both near 55°F (13°C), then serve reds at 60-65°F and whites at 45-50°F. Zones, garage limits, humidity.

Close-up of a rustic loaf of bread on a kitchen counter with a red Dutch oven nearby.

Baking

Best Bread Machine: 4 Picks for Every Kitchen

The KBS Pro is the best bread machine for most bakers; the Cuisinart CBK-110 is the simple first pick. Four picks compared by capacity, pan and owner reports.

Overhead shot of mojito cocktails with ice and mint leaves, the kind of drinks a nugget ice maker is bought for.

Wine & Home Bar

Best Nugget Ice Maker: 4 Countertop Picks Compared

The GoveeLife H8120 is the best nugget ice maker overall; the Euhomy IM013 is the value pick. Four countertop makers compared on output, noise and reliability.

Elegant modern kitchen featuring built-in ovens and a wine cooler with stylish cabinetry.

Wine & Home Bar

Best Wine Fridge: 4 Freestanding Picks Compared

The Ca'Lefort 24-inch is the best wine fridge for a growing collection; the Euhomy 25-bottle is the value pick. Four compressor wine fridges compared.

Close-up of hands holding a freshly baked crusty bread loaf on a wooden board.

Baking

Why Is My Bread Machine Bread Dense? Causes and Fixes

Why is my bread machine bread dense? Usually too much flour, weak yeast or the wrong flour. Here are the causes, a fix table and a ratio that works.

Close-up of a chilled iced coffee with frothy milk and ice cubes in a glass against a muted background.

Wine & Home Bar

What Is Nugget Ice? The Soft, Chewable Ice Explained

What is nugget ice? Soft, chewable pellets of compacted ice flakes that chill fast and soak up flavor. How it forms, how it differs from cubes, who it suits.

Close-up of hands kneading dough on a wooden surface with flour.

Baking

How to Make Pizza Dough in a Bread Machine (Easy Recipe)

How to make pizza dough in a bread machine: add water, oil, flour and yeast, run the dough cycle, then shape and bake. Ratios, timing and fixes inside.