Here’s how it works: In advance of the Giveaway, each member of the staff is emailed a randomly assigned 15-minute round. On the big day, each person is allowed to choose from sections that have been carefully categorized by the Tasting and Testing team. This year, we had our choice of one large item (think ice cream makers and stand mixers), two medium items (such as skillets and cold-brew coffee makers), or three small items (like tongs, spider skimmers, and vegetable peelers). Some employees do extensive research ahead of time, studying our equipment reviews and memorizing the winners or writing lists of our favorites to bring with them when it's their turn. In many cases, that preparation pays off—even the items we don't recommend make it into the Giveaway, so it's best to know which products to avoid!
This year, more than 500 items were up for grabs. Here are a couple shots of the action, plus some ATK employees' new additions to their kitchens.