Tips & Techniques

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  Can You Boil Water Faster?

  Waiting for water to boil is a whole lot like waiting for paint to dry. There are a whole lot of tricks that people use to speed up the process. But do any of them actually work?

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  Proper Pan Temperature

  How do you know when your pan is hot enough for sautéing and searing? And what's the best pan to use when you want to make a pan sauce afterward? We've done the tests to find the answers.

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  Proofing Bread

  The draft-free, well-insulated environment of the oven makes it the ideal place for proofing bread or pizza dough. Here are some Test Kitchen tips for a successful rise.

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  Freezer 101

  You can use your freezer for more than just storing ice cream or freezing meat. In fact, you can store many of your pantry items in the freezer and help preserve their freshness.

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  The Importance of Pan Size

  Pan size is critical for properly seared food or perfectly sautéed vegetables. We reveal the test kitchen's top techniques for searing chops, steaks, and poultry, as well as some useful advice for cooking your vegetables evenly.

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  Broiling Tips

  Broiling is best for times when you want to expose the top of your food to intense heat without overcooking the bottom. We explain the best methods to broil such as how far your food should be from the broiling element.

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  Choosing the Right Pan for the Job

  Stainless steel and non-stick pans both have key roles in the test kitchen. But they are best suited for very different tasks. Learn our tips for when to use either type of pan.

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  How to Best Test the Doneness of a Roast

  Taking a piece of meat's temperature is the only true, foolproof way to determine its doneness. But you'll need to take the temperature the correct way and at the correct time.

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  Using a Dutch Oven

  The thick bottom and walls of a Dutch oven are excellent for a wide range of cooking techniques. The pot promotes even cooking and works on the range and in the oven. Here are some tips for how best to use your Dutch oven.

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  Searing on the Grill

  Excellent grilled foods have an evenly cooked interior with a nicely charred crust. To achieve perfect results every time, our go-to method is to create a two-level fire. Here's how we do it.

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  Properly Applying Glazes

  Many barbecue or grilling recipes involve finishing a piece of meat with a sweet, sticky glaze. In order to prevent that glaze from sticking or burning, make sure that you apply it at the right time and with the correct type of brush. Here are our recommendations.

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  Caring for Your Grill

  The secret to non-stick grilling is planning ahead. We share the techniques you'll need to clean and prepare your grill every time you barbecue.

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