When Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs, the founders of cooking site Food52, moved into a new midtown Manhattan office space, they built a test kitchen that's both photogenic and functional (not to mention economical). With the help of designer Brad Sherman, they created a space that allows them to stage photo shoots and cook lunch for staff and friends, all with a healthy dose of style.

It's not the only thing the duo has up their sleeves: they've also spent the last 18 months testing and planning for Provisions, which they describe as "the first kitchen-and-home shop to offer the very best rolling pin along with a great peach pie recipe, or a handsome butter dish with a how-to on making your own butter. It's the shop of our dreams." N.B. Join Provisions now and get $10 off your first purchase and a chance to win a Wüstof Ikon eight-piece knife block set.

Photographs by Nicole Franzen for Remodelista.

Above: The marble counter is Calacatta Gold and the matte white subway tiles are from Daltile (Arctic White 0790 Matte). Undercounter storage is provided via Shaker-style Benson Cabinets by Diamond Cabinetry; "we chose them because they are clean and simple," Sherman says.

Above: Similar vintage Blue Ball jars will be available on Provisions in limited quantities.

Above: Amanda and Merrill sourced Le Creuset cookware in a cream-colored shade called Dune.

Above: "For the shelving, I used reclaimed wood milled from a 100-year-old beam salvaged from a barn in Kentucky," Sherman says. "I had them milled in varying thicknesses because I didn't want the shelving to look too uniform, and the varying thicknesses along with rough condition of the boards give a modern kitchen character."  Sherman used an inexpensive Elfa shelving support system from the Container Store: "We went this route because we needed the flexibility to adjust the height depending on the cookware we'll be displaying and storing, including antique mixing bowls from Sage Street Antiques in Sag Harbor," Amanda says.

Above: The stackable enamel canisters with airtight beech lids designed for Riess of Austria by the Vienna design group Dottings are from Ancient Industries and will be available on Provisions.

Above: The wall-mount Faucet with Curved Spout by Strom Plumbing is $378.99 from Vintage Tub & Bath. On the center island, the team used Restoration Hardware paint in Stone. “We wanted a warm gray, as opposed to a cool gray, because it helps invoke hunger. Blues are appetite suppressants.”

Above: Knife storage slots are built into the John Boos oiled walnut kitchen island countertop.

Ever since we posted on this minimal farmhouse kitchen in Sonoma, we've been admiring the white globe lights hanging above the dining table.

Here are two options (at opposite ends of the pricing spectrum) to achieve a diffused glow.

Above: Two white globe lights hang in the kitchen of Sonoma Farmhouse by Houseplans.

Above: The Globe Pendant by B.Lux is made of mold-blown Murano glass; $1,032 from Y Lighting.

Above: The more affordable Rondo Pendant is made of frosted opal glass; $74 from Lumens.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on April 18, 2012.

When we packed up and moved to London a few years ago, I was thrilled with our new kitchen. It was perfectly equipped and included a deep stainless sink partnered with a lovely Vola faucet. It wasn't until my inaugural meal preparation that I noticed it. No disposal. 

Now that we live in California, we have a disposal that sits mostly unused. The habits I established while living in a disposal-free kitchen keep our food waste to a minumum; that, plus our city's compost collection efforts.

So this has us wondering: is it time to reconsider the garbage disposal? What is an environmentally-conscious home renovator to do? 

Above: Pros: Garbage disposals are convenient and keep rotting food smells out of the trash bin. Depending on where you live, disposals can have the environmental benefit of keeping food waste out of the landfill (and gas-guzzling, carbon-producing trucks), and be used productively if waste at your water treatment center is put to secondary uses (i.e. as fertilizer). Image by Janet Hall.

Above: Cons: Garbage disposals are water guzzlers, use electricity, and put a strain on waste-water systems. And there are many issues related to what ends up in the water at the end of the process that may harm the environment.  Then there is the noise. Image by Steve Johnson via Flickr.

THE IDEAL COMPOSTING SETUP

Above: While there is debate about what is least harmful—food waste in landfills or water systems—there is no arguing that keeping food out of the waste cycle by composting is best. If you don't have municipal compost collection, maybe it's time to consider creating your own garden compost. Gathering compost sink-side is easy with a Kitchen Compost Pail, like the Brushed Stainless Steel Compost Pail; $39.95 at Williams-Sonoma.

Above: Here's an idea we like: an In-Counter Compost Solution that allows you to sweep vegetable trimmings, etc., directly into the composting bin. Image via Cultivate.

A QUIET GARBAGE DISPOSAL CHOICE

Above: The best solution is to minimize food waste in the first place. But if you fall into the pro-garbage disposal camp, here's one that will address the noise issue. InSinkErator's Evolution Excel Garbage Disposal features SoundSeal Plus noise-reduction technology, which translates to a 60 percent quieter unit; $315.87 at Amazon.

Garbage disposal or no garbage disposal? Where do you stand on this issue? Gardenista Editor Michelle offers her Take on Composting. 

When we learned that Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs, the founders of Food52, were about to launch Provisions, an online kitchen-and-home shop offering their take on the best that's out there, we wanted to know more. What's their go-to kitchen tool? What's in their pantry cupboards at home? What do they whip up at the last minute for dinner? Here's what they had to say:

Photography by Nicole Franzen for Remodelista (except where noted).

Remodelista: Kitchen pantry staples you are never without?
Merrill Stubbs:  Lentils, Worcestershire sauce and Pomi chopped tomatoes.foods.
Amanda Hesser:  Anchovies, capers, Hellmann's mayo, Pomi chopped tomatoes, chocolate, parmesan cheese.

RM: An easy dinner fix you've been trying of late?
MS: We've been doing a lot of grilling as the weather has slowly gotten warmer, and I've been making guacamole as a sauce/side for everything from fish tacos to veal chops. I find it complements a lot of different kinds of foods.
AH: I've been making this Crispy Lentils with Ground Lamb dish.

Above: Kitchen knife storage in the Food52 kitchen office.

RM: Three kitchen tools you can't live without?
MS: Mini Whisk, mesh strainer, and my favorite wooden spoon.
AH: A sandwich spreader, Microplane Grater, and thin-tined carbon steel fork.

Above: Le Creuset Cookware on display at the Food52 office kitchen.

RM: Favorite pan/pot?
MS: Amanda and I both have the same shallow braiser (in Dune) from Le Creuset—and we now have one in the office kitchen too! It's great for braised dishes, and just as handy on top of the stove for making risotto.

RM: Your go-to dinner party dish?
MS: In the summer, I make a version of Lobster Diavolo inspired by a dish served at 'Esca in New York—spaghetti with tomato, chilis, and fresh mint, topped with big chunks of steamed lobster. I'm looking forward to tomato season!
AH: I like making braised dishes that I can cook a day in advance and reheat. This time of year, I like to serve braised lamb with lots of herbs and garlic.

RM: Salt of choice?
MS: Kosher for cooking, Maldon for serving.
AH: Same as Merrill!

Above: Stackable enamel storage canisters by Riess of Austria.

RM: Easy child snack?
MS: Homemade pita chips, sliced veggies or fruit, granola bars.
AH: I take sliced Serrano ham or prosciutto, lay it atop a lettuce leaf, and roll it up. Our kids love the salty meat with the sweet, leafy green.

RM: An under-appreciated ingredient, we should know about?
AH: Anchovies make the world go round.

Above: Merrill and Amanda.

RM: Go to wine or cocktail?
MS: Rose! Preferably from Provence.
AH: Lillet on ice with a slice of citrus.

RM: Guilty pleasure?
MS: Oreos.
AH: Fritos.

If you missed it, check out our Steal This Look on the new Food 52 office that we featured earlier this week.

Noticed lately: unapologetically minimal kitchens in wedding cake ornate spaces.

Above: In a Boston brownstone kitchen, architects Katarina Edlund and Scott Slarsky (of designLAB Architects) paired marble-topped work stations with a Poul Henningsen artichoke lamp suspended from an ornate plaster medallion.

Above: An arched mahogany cabinet in a kitchen by Caden Design Group.

Above: An ornate kitchen via Style Files.

Above: In a Brooklyn kitchen, Elizabeth Roberts adapted an old wardrobe to house the kitchen appliances and tableware.

Above: A kitchen in Belgium by Minus Interier Architecten.

Above: A loft kitchen by NYC designer Magdalena Keck (a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory).

Above: A reader reminded us that we'd forgotten to include Pilar Guzman's Brooklyn kitchen; see the full house tour at Martha Stewart.

Above: An ornate space with a cantilevered workstation by Italian firm Weiss Cucine Bianchi.

Above: A minimalist kitchen in a Chelsea townhouse by Julian King of Julian King Architect (a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory.

Above: Sara Ruffin Costello writes of Jasper Conran's kitchen in the WSJ: "The ratio of modern stainless counter to old-lady molding in this kitchen makes a formidable statement."

This post is sponsored by Sico Evolution® Interior Paint:

Take a simple kitchen: maybe it's an awkward space, lacking natural light, or just requires a little something extra. With a few bold stripes of color painted across kitchen walls and cabinets, that simple kitchen is instantly transformed.

Lately, we've been focused on color zoning with paint seen in the bedroom, on fabric, in the children's room, and now, in the kitchen. But a high functioning, high-traffic kitchen requires a durable paint resource. Canadian-based DIYers are in luck with Sico's latest innovation: Sico Evolution® Interior Paint with an unprecedented DurabiliT™ technology providing a protective shield that is ulta-washable and ultra-scrubbable (no matter what the finish). The paint and primer is VOC-free and is available directly from Sico.

 Above: An unexpected pairing of red and gray in a kitchen by French designer Marianne Evennou. For another example of how Evennou incorporates unexpected colors in her interiors, see Steal This Look: Offbeat Colors in a Bathroom in France.

Above: An orange, blue, and white kitchen in a Neutra house photographed by Nikolas Koenig, via Desire to Inspire.

Above: Paris-based architect and designer Philippe Harden has a highly refined color sense, as shown in this pale blue and olive kitchen with dashes of orange.

Above: Tara Mangini and Percy Bright of Jersey Ice Cream Company renovated an Upstate New York kitchen in graphic black and white.

Above: A visually arresting kitchen by British Standard with a bright blue and taupe gray palette.

In her renovation of a parlor floor in a 19th century Park Slope townhouse in Brooklyn, New York architect Alta Indelman shows that a little color can go a long way.

Working within the constraints of a 15 1/2-foot-wide house, Indelman responded to her clients' brief for an open loft-like kitchen, dining room, and living room by making two strategic structural openings; one at the stair hall and the other between the kitchen and dining room. A random sprinkling of bright colors and newly installed reclaimed flooring throughout weave the new with the old in an unexpected but cohesive way.

Photography by Elizabeth Felicella.

Above: Indelman achieved her color accents by using different color cabinet faces, which she sourced from Abet Laminati.

Above: The subway tiled backsplash and white marble island countertop provide a classic backdrop to the color accents.

Above: "We conducted many color studies to the get the 'random' brights just right," Indelman says.

Above: A full-sized washer and dryer were accommodated under a kitchen counter.

Above: Indelman created two strategic structural openings to enhance the loft-like feel on this level. The first is between the kitchen and the dining room and the second is between the dining room and the stair hall.

 Above: A painted blue wall continues the color theme that began in the kitchen.

Above: Reclaimed wood flooring throughout this level unifies the spaces.

Above: A "before" image of the kitchen.

Above: Indelman was able to fit a kitchen island into the the space.

"Before" and "After" images are compelling to say the least; see Rehab Diaries for more.

From Gowanus Brooklyn, design duo Alexandra Burr and Allen Slamic of AlexAllen Studio have been working on small architecture projects while designing and manufacturing lighting, furniture, and objects. Their latest release is the LightBracket, a shelf bracket and under-shelf light combined into one unit. The light/bracket in stark white is complimented by braided nylon cords in eight vibrant colors.

Above: Made to support a shelf above a counter, desk, or bed to illuminate the space below. The Lightbracket, available in AlexAllen's shop for $150, comes in a selection of colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white, and black.

Above: The light is made from powder-coated steel, an LED strip light, a plexiglass lens, a 9-foot braided, a nylon cord, and an inline cord switch.

Above: The same design is available as a standalone Sconce for $150.

Looking for more LED lighting solutions? Take a look at our Design Sleuth of Norm Architect's LED light strip in the kitchen and one of our other favorite LED lights made from two planks of wood in A Low Tech/High Tech Light.

One of our favorite kitchen outfitters, Plain English, has teamed up with Accidental Decorator Adam Bray to develop a collection of “colors for cupboards,” which are bolder and a departure from the muted colors we have come to associate with the company’s understated Georgian-inspired designs. “This is a palette of 12 diverse but inherently English colors, taking inspiration from the now almost forgotten, everyday shades of the 20th century,” says Katie Fontanta, the creative director and founder of Plain English. For more information, contact Plain English.

Above: The island is painted in "Dripping Tap."

Above: "Draughty Passage" is used as a background color on the cabinets and on the walls.

Above: "Pretty Pickle" is used on the trim to contrast with "Scullery Latch."

Above: The palette of 12 colors on display in the Marylebone showroom.

Above: Brightly colored aprons hang against a background of "Scullery Latch."

N.B. if you enjoyed these colors, see House Call: London's Accidental Decorator to see how Adam Bray uses color in his own home.

Selecting colors is never easy, but doing research is part of the fun. See Palette & Paints for many more options.

With their Leis kitchen tools, Slovenia-based GigoDesign aims to revive a long-established Slovenian woodcraft tradition called "suha roba." 

Above: A Three-Piece Set includes a spoon, fork, and spatula and is €49 from Leis.

Above: The tools include an integrated magnet so they can be stored on any metallic surface.

Above: The tools come packaged as a trio.

What is it with the Brits and bespoke kitchens?  We've just come across deVOL Kitchens, an East Midland outfit founded in 1989 by two design graduates from Loughborough University, Philip deVries and Paul O’Leary (the name is an amalgamation of their initials).  We're taken with their kitchen cabinetry and laundry offerings inspired by simple Georgian and Victorian furniture from Ireland, England, and Wales with a dash of Quaker and Scandinavian influence added for good measure. Here's a roundup of some of their offerings.

Above: deVOL's Shaker Kitchen line is a modular version of the company's classic line.

Above: The Classic Work Table made from oak.

Above: Garlic Chopping Board in oak: £25.

Above: Classic Kitchen Cupboards available in any size and finish.

Above: Towel Rack in ash for £120.

Above: A Shaker cabinet with tea towel from Thornback & Peel.

Above: Fruit Picking Ladders available in custom color painted rungs for £170.

Above: A full height Shaker Cupboard.

Above: A selection of cabinet knobs and bin pulls.

Above: The Cotes Mill showroom located on the river Soar sits on the site of the original mill built over 1,000 years ago.

California-based potter Kelly Farley handmakes ceramic tumblers based on the shape of the classic French bistro glass—good for espresso or wine, depending on the time of day.

Above: The Large Faceted Tumbler is 3 1/4 inches tall and is $15. The Small Faceted Tumbler is 2 3/4 inches tall and is $10.

Read more about Farley at The Sorcerer's Apprentice: A Ceramicist Discovers His Calling.

Living the urban life but hankering for the rural idyll? Italian designer Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba has designed a set working farm animals that will continue to make themselves useful in your kitchen. 

Above: From working farm to organized kitchen.

Above: Malerba's set of Sending Animals is made from reclaimed plywood.

Above: Sending Animals are produced by Seletti; €3,500 for Convenient Cow and €949 for Convenient Pig. 

Looking for other ways to incorporate plywood into your decor? See 231 images of Plywood in our Gallery of rooms and spaces. 

Today marks the summer solstice, so we thought we'd round up the 10 best drinks dispensers for keeping yourself or dinner party guests properly hydrated all season long. For ideas on how to fill your dispenser, see our post on Gardenista: Herbal Essence: Just Add Water.

Above: The Mason Jar Drink Dispenser is made of molded glass with a metal spout and galvanized metal lid for $69 from Pottery Barn.

Above: The Stainless Steel Fustis (traditionally used to store olive oil) is $125 from Reform School in Los Angeles. Photograph by John Lawson for Real Simple. See the fustis incorporated into a picnic in our post on Gardenista: Steal This Look: Late Spring Picnic.

Above: The powder-coated Outdoor Metal Drink Dispenser includes rope handles for $29 from West Elm.

Above: CB2's Glass Beverage Dispenser has a polished cut rim and cork lid for $49.95.

Above: The Rivington Glass and Steel Drink Dispenser has a stainless steel pedestal and spigot with a nickel finish for $342.50 NZD from Dunlin in New Zealand.

Above: The Pioneer Glass Drinks Dispenser is made from glass and cork for £45 from John Lewis in the UK.

Above: The Bubbled Glass Dispenser is made of handmade glass and comes with a sheesham wood lid and a stainless steel spigot; $298 from Anthropologie.

Above: Exclusive to Williams-Sonoma, the Glass Beverage Dispenser is made from handblown glass with a removable lid and stainless steel spigot that is both rust and drip-proof. Made for cold beverages only and holds up to 5 gallons for $99.95 from Williams-Sonoma.

Above: The 7-Liter Glass Teardrop Tank is made of glass with a beechwood lid and plastic spigot for $19.99 from World Market.

Above: Pair the Glass Drink Dispenser ($59 for the small and $79 for the large) with the Galvanized Metal Drink Dispenser Stand for $24.50, both from Pottery Barn.

We first wrote about drink dispensers last summer when we compared High/Low Dispensers; for more High/Low visit our Archives.

People were starting to notice. Each time I would slyly pull the plastic bottle of cashew-vanilla-cinnamon-agave juice out of my bag I could feel the judgmental vibe. What kind of person pays more than $10 for a half meal? Hasn't she had one of those three times this week already? But I didn't matter; I was completely hooked, and I even dragged a few friends down with me, telling them that a little experimentation couldn't hurt. It wasn't until I took a long hard look at my grocery bills over a two-month period that I realized this had to stop . . . or I had to start making my own.

Which led me to do some heavy research on juicers—which kind would give me the closest result to my beloved cashew drink? What I've come to understand is that when it comes to juicers, you've got two basic schools of thought: there are those who cold press, and those who go for the high motor (centrifugal) juicers. A cold press, or masticating juicer, processes ingredients with a low motor and at a low speed, which retains more enzymes, nutrients, and cuts down on the oxidation of the juice so it lasts longer in the refrigerator. A centrifugal juicer has a high power motor and whips the ingredients around so fast that it eliminates pulp and tough fibers. The main drawback here is that the high power motor produces heat, resulting in the loss of some of the raw-form nutrients (if you're using the juice to cook with, the centrifugal is ideal, and they're often more affordable).

Below we've looked into the best juicers in each category; if you've had any experience with the appliances below or have one to add, let us know about it in the comments section.

Centrifugal Juicers

Above: Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks recently inherited a Waring PJE101 Quite White Juice Extractor. The extractor features an industrial strength, 550-watt motor with a stainless steel blade and centrifugal force and can be used with a citrus attachment that is sold separately; $149 from Factory Direct. Its newer model, the PJC44 Juicing Center, expands upon the first design with more stainless steel incorporated for easier cleaning, cellulose filters for juicing softer fruits, and the citrus attachment included for $199 from Amazon. Photograph by Heidi Swanson from A Lesson in Juicing on 101 Cookbooks.

Above: Breville's 800JEXL Juice Fountain Elite 1000-Watt Juice Extractor has two speed controls of 6,500rpm for soft fruit to 13,000rpm for tougher fruit. The stainless-steel micromesh filter and titanium-plated cutting disk, along with other parts,  are all dishwasher safe and housed in die-cast steel. The 800JEXL is $299 from Amazon.

Above: Cuisinart's CJE-1000-Watt 5-Speed Juice Extractor uses its 1000 watts of power to process soft to tough fruits and vegetables at variable speeds. It has a large 3-inch feeding unit for larger ingredients, a foam management filter disk, and anti-drip adjustable flow spout; parts are dishwasher safe; $149 directly from Cuisinart.

Above: Omega's O2 Compact Pulp Ejector is a stripped down, simple centrifugal juicer. Capable of 6,200rpm with a 1/3 horsepower motor, the pulp ejector/juicer is $99.99 from The Vitamin Shoppe.

Above: The Kuvings NJ-9700U Centrifugal Juice Extractor in Chrome has a 350-watt motor with dual speed options: a low 9,500rpm up to a turbo 11,000rpm to juice anything from a soft orange to a fibrous piece of ginger. The Kuvings extractor also has a fine mesh stainless steel juicing screen and extra large feed tube to cut down on prep work; $179 from Amazon.

Cold Press Juicers

Above: The classic masticating juicer is the Omega J8004 Nutrition Center Commercial Masticating Juicer that processes at a low 80rpm speed to maintain enzymes, prevent oxidation, and allow for juice storage for up to 72 hours without degradation. The juicer claims to process everything from fruit and leafy green juice to nut butters and baby food and to grind garlic, herbs, coffee, and spices; $269.99 from Overstock.

Above: The Breville BJS600XL Fountain Crush Masticating Juicer Slow Juicer processes fruits and vegetables with a 240-watt motor at 80rpm. The result is a thicker juice and more juice from leafy greens than centrifugal juicers, which process them at a higher speed; $299.95 from Williams-Sonoma.

Above: Add the Champion Household 200+ Juicer to that list of classics, powered with 1/3 horsepower General Electric. It does operate at a much higher speed than most masticating juicers (540 watts), but does claim to maintain nutrient levels in the juice it produces and among juicing communities, it is somewhat of a cult classic. The juicer is $269 from Live Super Foods. Made in the USA.

Above: Named the Best New Kitchen Appliance by Bon Appétit, the Hurom Black Slow Juicer operates at 80rpm, uses 150 watts of energy, and weighs just 12 pounds. As with the other cold press juicers, the Hurom breaks up phytonutrients for rich-colored juice, retaining vitamins and minerals. Available for $359.95 from Sur La Table.

Above: Named the "Rolls-Royce of juicers" in many user review threads, the Super Angel All Stainless Steel Twin Gear Juicer 5500 has a twin gear impeller press system that rotates at a low 86rpm, an ideal speed for keeping enzymes and nutrients alive in the juice. The Super Angel is $1,184 from Amazon.

Ready to get electric in the kitchen? Shop food processors, induction ranges, and more Kitchen Appliances in our Shop section.

 Considered Design Awards: Vote for Your Favorites in Each Category Once a Day 

My family lives in Northern California wine country, and my two children go to school with both the offspring of vineyard workers and winery owners. Guess what the most popular item is at the local school auction: It's not the fancy magnums of wine, but rather a seat to the Fiesta dinner thrown by a group of local mothers. Why? The food is handmade and delicious and like nothing else out there. Part of the popularity lies with their fresh, puffy, handmade corn tortillas.  Here's what you need to make your own:

Corn tortillas are made from masa, a mix of corn and water. You can get fresh masa from Mexican stores (our local mercado carries it), but you can also buy masa flour at stores like Whole Foods. Making the dough is all about the mix of masa flour and water—that's all you need. For advice on water-to-flour ratio and preparation instructions, consult Kelsey Brown of Happyolks on Food 52.

Above: Masa Harina Corn Flour is available online from Bob's Red Mill; $11.03.

The truly ambitious can make their own corn masa from scratch following this recipe from Mexico in my Kitchen. 

Above: The Tortilla Press; $19.95 from Crate & Barrel. You can also find a Tortilla Press; $19.95 from Williams-Sonoma.

Once you have created your dough and rolled it into balls, they need to be pressed into shape before you put them on the griddle or in a hot iron pan. A tortilla press is not essential but is useful. Placing the dough between wax paper (or a plastic baggie cut in half) is recommended for easy removal. Some people prefer a traditional wooden press; they are easily sourced on Etsy (ike this vintage Tortilla Press from Mexico for $25).

Above: Use a heavy pan like this Lodge Cast Iron Round Griddle for grilling your tortillas; $23.95 from Williams-Sonoma.

Above: Keep tortillas warm in a clay pot; the porous clay prevents the tortillas from drying out quickly. Pomaireware Clay Tortilla Warmer; $32.95 from Amazon.

Above: Before you embark on the journey, you may want to arm yourself with a copy of The Essential Cuisines of Mexico, by food authority Diana Kennedy; $15.43 from Amazon.

 Considered Design Awards: Vote for Your Favorites in Each Category Once a Day

There’s little you can’t make (or bake) with a 10-inch cast iron skillet, and if you look after it properly (season it regularly), cast iron cookware will last you a lifetime and beyond. Here are five favorites.

Above: A row of variously sized cast iron skillets; a chef's dream. Image via Brook Farm General Store.

Above: Vintage Griswold or Wagner cast iron skillets (the Rolls Royce of the cast iron world) can be found on eBay from $80 to $250.

Above: The 10-inch Lodge Logic Skillet is available through Amazon; $15.92.

Above: The 10-inch Camp Chef Cast Iron Skillet is available through Amazon; $17.99.

Above: The one drawback to the cast iron skillet is that the handle gets very hot. The Lodge Signature 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Stainless Steel Handles offers a cooler handle option; available through Amazon, $57.39.

Above: At FeLion Studios, you can even have a cast iron skillet made in the shape of your homestate. See FeLion for more details. 

Looking for cookware? See 41 backposts of Cookware.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on October 18, 2012.

 Vote for Your Favorites in Each Category Once a Day

Many of us work hard to buy our food and other products from local sources. Why not our large investment items, like appliances? In the US, unless you live in Wisconsin or North Carolina, truly local appliance purchases are tough.  But, sourcing your big home purchases from your home continent can be done.

There are companies that were born in the USA and never left, and there are those who are bucking the trend to move to cheaper labor available overseas and are working to bring manufacturing back to the US. Will you pay more? In some cases, but consider the ramifications of buying appliances made overseas with cheap labor and long transport. Will you have a longer-lasting higher quality product?  Will you feel better about your purchase? Here's a collection of American-made appliances to consider.  

(NB: We cannot vouch for country of origin of all the parts used in the appliances.)

Cooking Appliances

Above: BlueStar appliances are made in a factory in Reading, PA, where Prizer-Painter Stove Works Inc. has made ranges since 1880. Family-owned BlueStar has stayed true to its focus on specialty cooking products with a line of ranges, ovens, and cooktops that are still hand built. BlueStar's RNB Series Freestanding Ranges come in five sizes ranging from 24 to 60 inches (a 48-inch range is shown above) and an ultra-powerful 22,000 BTU burner. They are available in over 190 colors (from the RAL color chart), including new metallic finishes. Contact BlueStar for dealer near you. N.B. Big Chill creates their retro-style cooking appliances using BlueStar appliances that they cover with faces of their own design in Boulder, Colorado (their refrigerators are from Whirlpool and made in Mexico).

Above: Wolf (owned by Sub-Zero) cooking appliances are manufactured in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.  The Wolf 36-inch Dual Fuel Stainless Steel Range (df366) with six dual-stacked burners (other configurations available) featuring 15,000 BTU and 9,200 BTU sizes, all with simmer capabilities, and a large dual convection oven. Available with red or black knobs; $9,200 at Abt Electronics. Wolf also recently introduced a New Line of Feature-Loaded Gas Ranges. 

Above: Capital was started in 2007 by a cooking appliance veteran. All of the company's products are designed, engineered, and manufactured in California (in Santa Fe Springs, just south of Los Angeles, to be exact). Capital offers highly rated professional-strength cooking for the residential kitchen; the company's Culinarian series offers great flexibility, with powerful open burners (all six are rated at 23,000 BTUs) featuring a simmer capability. Available in several configurations and with either a natural gas or liquid propane fuel option. The Capital Culinarian CGMR366 36-inch Pro-Style Gas Range with six burners and convection oven is $5,925 at AJ Madison. 

Above: Viking manufactures its professional-style kitchen appliances in Greenwood, Mississippi. One of the first to bring professional performance cooking to the residential kitchen, Viking ranges are classic, sturdy, and reliable. The Viking 36-inch Pro-Style Dual Fuel Range (#VDSC5366Bx) with six sealed burners in stainless steel is available at AJ Madison or an authorized dealer near you. 

Above: Both Thermador (part of the BSH Bosch group) and Dacor manufacture their cooking appliances in the United States - Thermador in LaFollette, Tennessee, and Dacor (a family-owned company) in City of Industry, California. The Thermador Pro Grand PRG366JG 36-Inch Range is among the highest-rated ranges ($7,299 at AJ Madison) and the Dacor Epicure 36-Inch Dual-Fuel Range is favored for its clean look and performance ($8,399 at abt Electronics).

Refrigeration

Above: Sub-Zero is not only the industry standard-bearer but also an American flag-waving company. Their products (including their Wolf ranges) are made in Wisconsin. High performance features standard in Sub-Zero refrigerators include an air purification system, water filtration, adjustable glass shelving, and a dual-compressor operating system that separately controls the temperature and the humidity of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. On a personal note, my own Sub-Zero was installed in 1996 and is still going strong. The classic Sub-Zero BI-36U 36-Inch Built-In Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator is available through approved dealers. N.B.: Last year Sub-Zero introduced a Space Saving French Door Refrigerator.

Above: General Electric is an example of a global company that is working to bring production back to the US. GE's highly rated, Energy Star–qualified Monogram Line of Refrigerators is manufactured in the Selmer, Tennessee. The GE Monogram ZICS36NXRH has excellent shelving and sealed drawers for food storage. Available at US Appliance.

While they are known for their cooking appliances, Viking manufactures it's professional-style kitchen appliances, including refrigerators (to match their other iconic ranges) in Greenwood, Mississippi.  

Above: In the undercounter refrigeration category, Perlick is a highly regarded manufacturer, according to our sources at BSC Appliances in San Francisco. It is a Sub-Zero neighbor; both are made in Wisconsin. The company offers a 24-inch-wide (same as a standard dishwasher) stainless steel two-drawer undercounter refrigerator: the Perlick Signature Series HP24RO5. With a 5.3-cubic-foot capacity and full-extension adjustable shelving, it retails for $3,649 at AJ Madison. 

Above: U-Line is another Wisconsin designed, engineered, and manufactured line of undercounter refrigerators, ice maker, and wine coolers. The U-Line 3000 Modular Series 36-Inch Beverage Refrigerator is $3,549 at AJ Madison.

Dishwashing

Above: Part of the BHS Home Appliances Corporation, Bosch manufactures their 300-, 500- and 800-series of dishwashers in New Bern, North Carolina. The heritage of German engineering crossed with American manufacturing (not to mention their highly rated performance) make Bosch an attractive option for many US consumers. The Bosch 800 Series Fully Integrated Dishwasher (SHX68T5) is $894.60 at AJ Madison.

Washers/Dryers

Above: Whirlpool manufactures washers and dryers under the brand names Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana (and for Ikea and other manufacturers). The products are made in a variety of locations in and outside of the US, but we have confirmed that the highly-rated Whirlpool Duet washer and dryers are manufactured in Clyde, Ohio. The Whirlpool Duet Steam Washer (WFW9750WW) is $895 at AJ Madison. It gets excellent ratings and is quiet, stackable, and spacious. The matching Whirlpool Duet Steam Electric Dryer (WFW9750W) is $895 at AJ Madison. 

Two of our editors offer their own experience in earlier post The Ideal Washer and Dryer.

An American Kitchen Counter Icon

Above: The iconic KitchenAid Stand Mixer (owned by Whirlpool Corporation) is made in Greenville, Ohio.  And, it is reported that KitchenAid moved the production of its handmixers from China to the US in 2012. 

We've also rounded up 7 Sources for American-made Hardware. 

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What better way to flip burgers on the fourth than with a Star Spangled Spatula? Made by Lamson & Goodnow; the oldest manufacturer of cutlery in the US, the Star Spangled Spatula was designed by Jacob Riley-Wasserman for Areaware and is available for $65 from Gretel Home.

Above: The spatula handle is made from walnut.

 Above: The spatula comes with a leather tie for hanging.

Above: Lamson & Goodnow is not only the oldest manufacturer of cutlery in the US, they still use a mill to power energy harvested from the Deerfield River, which they has been in use since the early 1800s.

Need a skillet for your burgers?  Try one of these Cast Iron USA Made Favorites.

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Jacob Bromwell's eponymous company has been manufacturing kitchenware since this country was a mere 22 states, making it the thirty-fourth oldest owner and operated company in USA.  Fulfilling the demands and needs of his fellow pioneers with well made, cutting-edge designs, Bromwell's products are still relevant today.

Above: Banish another countertop appliance with the Pyramid Toaster. Lightweight, non-electric, and easy to store, it's an ingenious way to cook toast over a gas stove top with a time-tested design that disperses heat evenly through slots on either side; $44.99.

Above: In its 190th year of production, the Original Popcorn Maker is simple and easy to use; $74.99. 

Above: Invented by Jacob Bromwell in 1819, the versatile Morgan's Famous Grater features fine, medium, and coarse grating surfaces as well as a slicing surface; $34.99.

Above: One of the most useful items items in your kitchen, the Legendary Colander will last forever; $74.99.

Above: The Bromwell Classic Tin Cup is handcrafted without welds, soldering, or rivets; $44.99.

Many of Jacob Bromwell's products were designed for cooking over campfires of the frontier.  See 10 Easy Pieces: Portable Grills and channel your inner pioneer.  

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