Our Editors’ Personal Favorite Amazon Prime Day Deals (We’re Picky)
This Amazon Prime Day, we’re going straight to the deals that pull their weight — meaning, 15 percent off and above, minimum — and only reaching for the best kitchen- and food-related sales that we know we’ll love. The mega savings event will run from July 8–11 (yep, it’s extra-long this year) and will be […]
This Amazon Prime Day, we’re going straight to the deals that pull their weight — meaning, 15 percent off and above, minimum — and only reaching for the best kitchen- and food-related sales that we know we’ll love. The mega savings event will run from July 8–11 (yep, it’s extra-long this year) and will be filled with deals on mid-century-modern-style dining chairs, cult-fave multivitamins, and a postmodern Italian moka pot that deserves an anthropomorphized bit on Pee-Wee’s Playhouse.
As food shopping writers, we’re always scouring the digital shelves for the best olive oils, helpful kitchen tech, and personality-forward kitchen appliances (see: Paris Hilton’s “That’s Hot” tea kettle, which is 33 percent off) that will make our lives run a little smoother and feel a little lighter. And while Prime Day can easily feel overwhelming, our goal is to cut the small talk and tell you exactly what we’re going to add to cart this week.
Arrange the beverage medley of your choice (may we suggest: Topo Chico, cold brew, and kombucha), and let’s shop.
This fancy olive oil set to stash away until gift season
Come December, it can be hard not to stress over all of the surprise gifting situations that arise. A friend might unexpectedly give you an expensive candle, only for you to realize you have nothing to offer back; the hunt for the right present for your mom might repeatedly prove fruitless. That’s why when you see a great gift at other times of year, it’s wise to buy it and stash it away like a squirrel and his walnut, and then when the holidays roll around, you’ll be well-prepared. Anyway, Heraclea makes silky, cold-pressed olive oil in beautiful bottles, and this set of four varieties — currently 20% off — is the ideal no-brainer gift for just about anyone in your life who enjoys cooking and food. —Hilary Pollack, senior commerce editor
This aesthetically pleasing blender that looks way more expensive than it is
I take umbrage with self-proclaimed countertop blenders, because why would I want to keep something that looks like the arm of a busted Transformer out on my serene and limited countertop space? Of course, I’m 99.99 percent kidding, but I also do find joy in a small appliance that can fit on a countertop while looking slightly more chic than your average budget pick, which is precisely why I fell for this Chefman blender. The 1380-watt motor can pummel everything from ice to nuts, but its the sleek design of the blender that makes it not only inoffensive, but covetable. Not bad for under $100. — Francky Knapp, commerce writer
A toaster that wants to give you the exact perfect toast
For months, my household was using our oven as a toaster. My partner had some mental block around toasters, but I finally put an end to it. What’s next, going to the coffee shop on a private jet? So I gave him an assignment: Find the best toaster, then buy that toaster. That’s how the Breville Bit More Toaster came into our lives. While I wanted something cuter, I accept the sleek sturdiness of this stainless steel appliance because it makes absolute perfect toast. It has an LED indicator where you can monitor the toastiness of your bread, as well as a “Lift & Look” feature where you can literally take a quick peek mid-toasting. But my favorite feature is the “A Bit More” button. If your toast pops up and you think “this can use a bit more,” guess what you push? Exactly. I’ve never had a bad piece of toast since, a privilege easily worth the sale price of $87.99. — Alex Zaragoza, deals writer
A kettle for those who want to be sliving
Paris Hilton is the culture’s leading expert on hotness. She can determine or affirm the hotness of anything from kitten heels and the glorious sapphic HBO series The L Word to more literal hot things like spicy chicken wings. So when it comes to the temperature of water, I know with zero doubts that the super multihyphenate (DJ/actress/reality star/perfumer//chef with a legit fun line of cookware) can be trusted, and it only makes sense that she has her own tea kettle. However, if you’re not as confident in knowing when water is truly hot, the “That’s Hot” kettle is here to help. I definitely need a kettle that either whistles or clicks; otherwise, I’ll completely forget I even put water in it to heat in the first place. Paris came through with not just a whistle, but one other defining feature true to the queen herself: a graphic with her iconic catchphrase (“That’s Hot,” duh) that changes color from black to pink, indicating when your water is, well, you know. For just $19.99, you can be saving and sliving. — AZ
This Fortessa glassware is giving Madonna Inn
Founded in 1993 by two brothers who were inspired by high-quality German ceramics, Fortessa now makes a wide array of beautifully designed, high-quality glassware, flatware, stoneware, knives, and more, and is used in more than 80% of four- and five-star hotels. Wild! Tons of Fortessa goods are on sale for Prime Day, but I’m especially obsessed with all of its Hobnail glass pieces, which offer retro-inspired, kitschy-but-classy, Madonna Inn-esque appeal. Wouldn’t you just love to sip a julep from these glasses on a hot day?
This stupid-cute Marimekko bowl
I was in Tokyo a few weeks ago and wandered into the Marimekko store in Ometosando, and it’s a miracle I didn’t walk out of there with just about everything. But it’s a good thing I didn’t, because now a bunch of Marimekko stuff is super on sale on Amazon, of all places, for Prime Day. —HP
The best pens ever and I stand by that
I have been devoted to these pens since middle school. The way I see it, Pilot dropped the G2 gel pen in 1997 and the world was never the same. I use them for everything. Open any drawer in my house and there’s a strong chance you will find a Pilot G2. In addition to being a shopping editor, a food writer, and an opinionated person, I also draw a lot, and the 0.38-millimeter ultra fine point on these particular pens is perfect for detailed work. Pilot G2 hive, rise up. —HP
This workhorse handheld kitchen vacuum
Sometimes, I spill a pile of pine nuts/coffee beans/flour on the floor and I just don’t feel like schlepping out my standing vacuum for the closet. Instead, I propose making this cordless Black+Decker vacuum your dedicated, handheld kitchen vacuum for peace of mind. Besides, think of how handy it will be for sucking up petals and foliage every time you arrange bouquets or babysit your friend’s tree frogs. — FK
A handsome, functional espresso machine for lazy people
It’s a long story, but I didn’t start drinking coffee until my mid-30s (i.e., a couple of years ago) and as a result, I never properly learned how to do all the grinding and shot-pulling and that type of stuff. I also am a pretentious food writer and I only drink espresso and its various forms involving additional water and milk. As a result, I am a Nespresso pod person but I want a beautiful-looking machine in my kitchen that can make me a perfect cortado. Big brat, I know. Anyway, the Breville Creatista Pro — which I own and use! — is the answer, and it’s on sale for 41% off for Prime Day. It has a touchscreen for picking your drink and the frothing wand makes perfect microfoam. I love mine! Also great for when you have houseguests and want to impress them by bringing them a latte in bed. —HP
This Alexa smart plug lets you command even your appliances
I was new to the world of smart plugs, but here’s how this works: the Alexa-compatible Amazon smart plug is simply a voice-activated outlet that allows you to command your plugged-in appliances — your toaster, your electric kettle, your little kitchen lamp — like a wizard from afar. As someone who has heard endless good things about it from peers with busy kitchens, I’m eager to try it while it’s 48% off. —FK
A Le Creuset braiser in a lesser-seen color
My colleage Rebecca Roland has been waxing poetic about how much she loooves her Le Creuset braiser, and while I certainly believed her, it took me making eye contact with this deep indigo version with a lid embossed with olive branches for me to understand the magic and the mystery of the Le Creuset braiser. What a babe. And it’s $140 off! Need. —HP
Le Creuset Olive Branch Collection Enameled Cast Iron Braiser, 3.5 Quart, Indigo
Where to Buy:
The ultimate sunscreen to keep your face glowing and sunburn-free
I’ve always had extremely sensitive skin. I had to bring aloe vera to school in case my skin got irritated, which was a very cool thing for a girl in fifth grade. Needless to say, I’ve spent decades devoted to research on which moisturizers work for me. Sunscreens, in particular, became my latest obsession when I began chemotherapy. The sun, while beautiful and a provider of warmth, is also now my nemesis, which has impacted my fave pastime of summertime grill ‘n’ chill. La Roche-Posay products have turned out to be some of the best for me, pre- and post- cancer, especially their Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen. It’s fragrance-free, leaves zero white cast, glides on super light, and has a touch of tint that also gives a healthy glow. I’ve been going through bottles like crazy, so I’m very happy it’s $10 off. — AZ
A German-made bread knife at a steal
I’ve been a fan of Imarku blade smiths for years. The company first earned my fealty with its affordable 8-inch chef’s knife, which can go head-to-head with knives three times its price when it comes to durability, sharpness, and handle control. This Prime Day, I will be bringing home a much-needed bread knife from the brand, because there’s nothing worse than trying to cut through a rotund, crusty sourdough loaf with a mediocre serrated knife. This high-carbon stainless steel blade is also 10 inches long (perfect for slicing longer loaves) and comes in a charming red velvet-lined box for storage or gift-giving. — FK
Imarku German High-Carbon Stainless Steel Bread Knife (10 Inch)
Where to Buy:
Wildly beautiful headphones
The main character energy of these headphones really wowed me, although frankly, I had a hard time picking between this set and this equally awe-inspiring Zildjian pair. Truth be told, at the gym or on public transportation, you will find me rocking $25 Tagry earbuds (also on sale for Prime Day, BTW), but in my dreams, I am a cherubic entity listening to Debussy in these Bang & Olufsen dreamboats. They’re still out of my budget even at 47% off, but a girl can stare at them longingly, can’t she? —HP
The Oura Ring, the wearable tech half my friends won’t shut up about
I’m personally an Apple Watch wearer — those are on sale for Prime Day, too, BTW — but my sister and several other people in my social network have gotten really into the cult (not literally… I don’t think) of Oura rings. These tiny rings chill on your finger passively observing all of your daily habits and provide incredibly detailed feedback on your sleep, exercise levels, and other biomarkers, and offer such a crazy amount of data that it’s spawned an entire subculture. They’re rarely on sale, so it’s kind of a big deal that they’re 15% off for Prime Day. —HP
Weather-resistant outdoor lights
Ambiance is all about lighting, and if you’re dining or sipping outdoors this summer, you should consider investing in a set of warm-glow, weather-resistant bulb lights that can deliver the kind of gauzy, Luca Guadagnino movie-esque atmosphere that your charcuterie board and XXL burrata deserve — especially for 37% off. — FK
Happy deal-hunting, and check out more of our Prime Day coverage here.
