Serious Eats Editors Are Getting Ready for Spring With These 8 Kitchen Tools

While temperatures remain frigid, spring is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. (That’s what we’re telling ourselves, anyway.) Ahead of warmer weather and more sunshine, we asked Serious Eats editors to share the kitchen tool upgrades they’re making to welcome the new season. Their answers were delightfully nerdy, from Swedish dishcloths to a cooking oil solidifier. You can grab some of their picks on sale, like this tested favorite Instant Vortex air fryer or a set of Rubbermaid glass food containers.

Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer

During fall and winter, I don't mind heating my whole kitchen by roasting vegetables and meats, but during the spring and summer, I like to keep the oven off as much as possible. That's where the air fryer comes in handy! I've used air fryers at work and borrowed a friend’s but I think it's time to get my very own. The Instant Vortex Plus is large enough for cooking a whole meal, such as air-fried salmon and crispy Caesar broccoli. This model was top-rated in our tests, so it's my pick to treat myself as we head into spring. — Megan O. Steintrager, associate editorial director 

Rubbermaid Brilliance 3.2-Cup Glass Food Storage Containers, 4-Pack

Look, I know myself well enough to know that I will not be making many major life improvements at the start of the year. Me and winter? We're not on good terms. The moment spring rolls around, though, I'm ready to be a new person. This year's spring refresh goal is more meal prep and more leftovers as office lunches. I have a few of these glass food containers from Rubbermaid already, but I'm ordering more to avoid purchasing sad office salads for all of March. — Amanda Suarez, associate visuals director

Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle

I put off upgrading my water bottle for years and held onto a few Nalgene bottles far longer than I should have. I recently upgraded to our top water bottle pick, the Owala FreeSip, and my hydration routine has never been better. The sip or chug mouthpiece is smooth to drink from, and I'm especially looking forward to having ice-cold water during the summer thanks to its insulation—no more lukewarm water on hot days! I love it so much I'm going to grab another one with a fun color combination to welcome spring. — An Uong, writer

FryAway Deep Fry Cooking Oil Solidifier

I have a jug of used fry oil that sits despondently on my kitchen floor—and it's time to say goodbye. So, I will be buying these (currently on sale) packets of FryAway to rid myself of its uncanny presence for good. — Grace Kelly, editor

OXO Good Grips 10-Piece Pop Container Set

Spring always inspires a flurry of cleaning and organizing in my house. I'll definitely be tackling my pantry as part of that. I own a set of these OXO dry food storage containers and need another. It’s perfect for housing flour, sugar, beans, pasta, grains, and much more. — Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm, associate editorial director

Swedish Wholesale Swedish Dishcloths, 10-Pack

I've used my set of Swedish dishcloths for so long and have put them through the washing machine so many times that they’re getting worn out. Time for a new bunch—and I have no doubt these will last me a long time, too! — Genevieve Yam, culinary editor

Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester

A Microplane is one of those tools so ubiquitous that its brand name has become synonymous with the product itself—just like Band-Aid. But to avoid actually needing a bandage in the kitchen, remember to replace your rasp-style grater every so often. Dull tools result in accidents! — Kelli Solomon, senior social media editor

OXO Good Grips 8-Inch Double Rod Strainer

For some reason, I still don't own a fine mesh strainer. But with spring weather comes spring vegetables that want to be blanched and shocked or steamed. I've finally put this mesh strainer in my online shopping cart. I can't wait for spring peas! — Rochelle Bilow, editor

Why We’re the Experts

• An Uong is a writer for Serious Eats.
• An has been testing kitchen gear for Serious Eats for over two years.
• This spring, she’s looking forward to making more citrus-forward baked goods, like this bright lemon tart.