Quality kitchen gear can last a lifetime–but not every pot, pan, or knife is made to last. This week, we discuss how to invest in durable cookware and tools.

Guest: Wirecutter kitchen staff writer, Michael Sullivan 

Additional Reading: 

• How to Clean and Season Cast-Iron Cookware
• How to Clean and Care for Wood Cutting Boards
• The Best Flatware of 2024 
• The 2 Best Toasters of 2024

Products We Recommend: 

• Best Cast Iron: Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
• Best Dutch Oven: Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
• Dutch Oven upgrade pick:Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven (5.5 quarts) 
• Aluminum Cake Pans: USA Pan Rectangle 9x13 Non-Stick Cake Pan
• Tri-Ply Pots & Pans: All-Clad D3 Stainless 12″ Fry Pan with Lid
• Tempered glassware: Duralex Le Picardie Tumbler, Kähler Hammershøi Tumbler and Kinto Hibi Tumbler
• Wood Cutting Board: Teakhaus Medium Professional Carving Board with Juice Canal 109
• Toasters We Like: Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toasterand Breville BTA720XL Bit More Toaster

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Follow us on instagram @wirecutter

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast