As the late Barbara Johnson once said: "A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand." And, if you ask us, there is no wrong time to enjoy a cookie! With the holiday season approaching, you can bet that cookies will be a popular sight and smell. However, not all cookies are created equal. While most cookies turn out all right, not all reach the elusive heights of cookie perfection: firm enough not to fall apart, but with a soft, slightly gooey center, and certainly not dry and crumbly (though preferences vary). But, there is hope. With the best baking tools, you wield your greatest secret weapon in the unofficial Best Homemade Cookie Challenge. If cookie making is baked into your very soul, give these must-have baking tools a try.

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1. Best Cookie Dough Hand Mixer: FUANRTK Danish Dough Mixing Whisk

$8.99 on Amazon

If you've ever struggled to get butter, flour and milk to combine properly, this traditional Danish-style mixing utensil makes mixing dough by hand so much easier. Its unique design mixes dough three times faster than a traditional spoon or spatula. You get not one, but two mixing whisks—one with a single-eyed hook and another with a double-eyed hook. Both mix the wet and dry ingredients in your dough much better than a regular spoon can. Hand-mixing is also great if you don't want to over-mix the dough, especially for cookies. They're also much easier to clean than a traditional whisk since you can easily reach both sides. Each whisk features a handle made of oak wood and an eye hook made of stainless steel.

Not only can you use this tool for mixing cookie dough; it works equally well for making bread, brownies and pizza, too. Poor souls without this gem may sadly be left with dry dough that falls apart. That's just the way the cookie crumbles—but your cookies don't have to.

Tip

You can use this tool to get a nice, even cookie dough mix, but be careful not to overdo it—the more you mix the dough, the more you activate the gluten, which is good for chewy breads, but not the best for cookies and cakes. So it depends on what you’re making.

2. Best Cookie Dough Scooper: HOMURE H 3-Piece Cookie Dough Scoop Set

$20.98 on Amazon

Once you're satisfied with your dough, it's time to scoop it. This cookie dough scoop set from HOMURE H features three different sizes for scooping one, two or three tablespoons. Made of stainless steel, the ergonomic design and spring trigger system relieve pressure on your wrist and hand, and it squeezes easily to release the dough in a perfect little ball. Each scoop is also stain-resistant and dishwasher-safe. Though this scoop set is perfect for cookie dough, you can also use it for scooping ice cream, melon balls, and muffin or cupcake dough just as effectively. You can get the perfect scoop each time.

Tip

Keep in mind that the bigger the scoop, the bigger the cookie, so you may need to space your cookies out farther apart to allow for room as they bake and expand in the oven.

3. Best Round Cookie Cutter: Ultra Cuisine 11-Piece Round Cookie Cutter Set

$16.98 on Amazon

If you'd prefer to make flatter, perfectly round cookies made from rolled-out dough (which this stainless steel rolling pin is perfect for), this 11-piece cookie cutter set from Ultra Cuisine is for you. Made of stainless steel, the set comes with 11 cookie cutter rings ranging from 1 inch to 3 inches in diameter and approximately 1 inch to 3 1/3 inches in depth, allowing you not only to cut cookie dough to a variety of thicknesses, but also shape dough for scones, biscuits, fondants, miniature pies and more. You can even place a smaller cutter inside of a larger one to make donut rings. Each piece is dishwasher-safe and BPA-free.

As a bonus, you get three ornate cookie stencils, including a snowflake pattern—well-suited for the holiday season, and excellent for designs using powdered sugar, cocoa or a mix of both.

4. Best Baking Sheet: Nordic Ware Cookie Slider Aluminum Sheet

$25.50 at Wayfair

Nordic Ware created this baking sheet specifically with cookies in mind. Featuring a cushion of air between two layers of aluminum, it provides added insulation as protection against over-browned cookie bottoms (or burnt pizza crusts). It measures 16 1/4 inches long and 14 1/4 inches wide, and unlike other baking sheets with a raised rim forming the edges, the majority of the cookie sheet lies flat, offering ample baking room. It also makes cookie removal a cinch, as you can simply slide the cookies onto a wire rack to cool and avoid over-baking.

The only caveat is that it's not non-stick. If your recipe necessitates it, you may want to line the sheet with parchment paper or spray it with oil, but in general, this won't be an issue for cookies.

Honorable Mention: Nordic Ware Commercial Baker’s Natural Aluminum Half Sheet (2-Pack)

$27.50 on Amazon

However, if you do want a non-stick baking sheet, this commercial baker's half sheet (actually, you get two) from Nordic Ware is another of our picks. Made from pure aluminum that will never rust, each sheet has a baking interior of just over 12 inches by 17 inches. Due to the aluminum's superior heat conductivity, cookies (and other foods) will bake and brown evenly, and the reinforced steel rim prevents warping in high temperatures. It's one tough cookie (but your own cookies won't be). Though it's already non-stick, it's also compatible with parchment paper and silicone baking mats.

5. Best Baking Mat: Silpat Perfect Cookie Non-Stick Baking Mat

$22.25 on Amazon

This reusable, non-stick baking mat is your secret weapon against burnt cookie bottoms. Plus, it's ideal for those looking to reduce one-time use items in their kitchen, such as parchment paper. Made in France using food-grade silicone, each mat features outlined spots to make a baker's dozen (13) of cookies: The smaller, interior circle serves as guide for placing the right-sized ball of dough, while the outer ring gives each ball of dough just enough space to bake perfectly without melding into neighboring cookies.

Measuring 11 5/8 inches wide and 16 1/2 inches long, it's intended for use on 13-by-18-inch pans. It's also safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, making it oven-, microwave- and freezer-friendly. It's really built to last—unlike your cookies, which will surely disappear quickly once you offer them to friends and family! This mat is your secret weapon to baking consistent and superior cookies.

Honorable Mention: Silpat Nonstick Silicone Baking Mat

Half Sheet – $23.49 on Amazon

Full Sheet – $37.75 at Food52

We also like this other silicone baking mat from Silpat. You can certainly bake cookies on it, but it doesn't come with the outlines of the other mat, in case you find them distracting when baking other items. Other than that, the half sheet is virtually identical to the Perfect Cookie Baking Mat. However, if you want a full sheet, it measures 16 1/2 inches wide and 24 1/2 inches long. The more, the merrier! Cookies, we mean.

If you're familiar with traditional composting, you know that it's a slow process. It also takes up space in your yard and tends to smell bad. Even if you get a composting bin that keeps the worst odors at bay, the composting process still can take anywhere from four weeks to as much as a year. Fortunately, an electric composter (also known as a food recycler) solves some or even all of those problems.

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The Advantages of Electric Composters

Nearly all electric composters use a three-part process of drying, grinding and cooling to make compost, which is highly effective and requires much less effort on your part. Electric composters offer several advantages over conventional composting methods:

1. ​They're fast:​ Instead of taking weeks, most electric composters turn your food scraps into nutrient-rich compost in a matter of hours—often in half a day or less. Some slower-working models may take two weeks, but that's still much faster than traditional composting methods.
2. ​They're compact:​ Electric composters usually have a pretty small footprint, typically taking up less than three square feet of space on your kitchen counter. Using an electric composter instead of a traditional compost pile can help you save space in your yard and keep it neat and clean.
3. ​They're versatile:​ Electric composters aren't also known as food recyclers for nothing! They'll take pretty much anything—fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, processed foods, egg shells and even some bones. Conversely, traditional compost piles or composting bins aren't as all-encompassing. Food recyclers are a great way to reduce food waste in your home.
4. ​They reduce or eliminate odors:​ Electric composters largely eliminate odors using activated carbon filters. They also eliminate methane. While pure methane has no odor of its own, when combined with the sulfur compounds present in many of the foods you're probably composting, it can reek.
5. ​They eliminate methane:​ Methane emissions also drive climate change. Compost piles and composting bins release methane into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming. Electric composters, however, eliminate methane through their aeration process.
6. ​They reduce food waste:​ Instead of throwing away food scraps that will eventually take up space in landfills (which are already overflowing), you can repurpose your food waste by turning it into fertilizer. The drying and grinding process of an electric composter already shrinks your food waste considerably, so even if you do end up occasionally throwing out a batch of compost, it makes a difference.

Whether you're experienced with composting or new to the concept, if you've got a home garden, investing in an electric composter can help your green thumb thrive. Have you botany new plants lately?

What to Consider When Purchasing an Electric Composter

​Size:​ While most electric composters are designed to be compact, if you plan on setting it on your kitchen countertop, how much space it takes up is worth considering. Many electric composters take up about as much space as an air fryer and have a footprint of less than 2.5 square feet, but some high-capacity models can be larger.

​Amount of Time It Takes:​ All electric composters will be considerably faster than a traditional compost pile or compost bin, but there is still some range in how quickly they work. Some models produce compost in as little as three hours, but some may take a couple of hours longer. A matter of hours likely won't affect your gardening plans, but keep in mind that some electric composters make noise while in operation, so being able to work quickly is a plus.

​Capacity:​ Most electric composters can process between 2 pounds and 5 pounds of food waste at a time, with an average of around 3 pounds. The ideal capacity mostly depends on how much food waste you produce and how much you want to compost at once.

​Aeration System:​ Look for an electric composter with an excellent aeration structure. It should provide sufficient room for your food scraps to turn and break down while releasing the gases.

​Costs:​ Electric food composters typically fall within the $300 to $700 price range, with some models even exceeding $700. More expensive doesn't necessarily mean better. Another thing to keep in mind is the potential cost of buying enzymes or additives, if needed.

With these considerations in mind, we've rounded up some of the best electric composters in 2022.

The Best Overall Electric Composter

Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50

$299.95 at Amazon

The FoodCycler FC-50 is our top choice for its unbeatable mixture of convenience, versatility and value. Measuring just over 12 1/2 inches long, 11 inches wide and 14 1/5 inches tall, it takes up less than one square foot of your kitchen countertop. Despite its compact size, it boasts a 2-liter capacity (approximately 4.4 pounds) and cuts down the volume of food waste by up to 90%. It accepts all types of food waste, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy and bones so it will be easy to cut down on what goes into the trash.

It's also extremely easy to use. Simply pour in your food scraps, close the lid and press the power button—no enzymes or additives required. Plus, it's virtually odorless and noiseless, thanks to its carbon filter lid and quiet cycle. Its removable waste bucket and bucket lid are dishwasher-safe. Each composting cycle takes between 4 to 8 hours, so it may be a good idea to let it run overnight. Overall, the FoodCycler sets a high benchmark for its ease of use and affordability.

Other Great Electric Composters

beyondGREEN Electric Tumbler Composter

$429.99 at beyondGREEN

Another excellent choice is the beyondGREEN electric composter. It's a bit larger than the FoodCycler model, measuring 19 inches long, 11 inches wide and 19 inches tall, but still occupies less than 1.5 square feet. It takes considerably longer to produce compost than the FoodCycler (two weeks), but still produces results much more quickly than a compost pile or traditional compost bin, which can take months. One benefit you get in exchange for the longer processing time is that it's very quiet. How? Its motor turns on for only 15 minutes. The rest of the time, the composter uses heat to cure your food waste and turn it into compost.

The beyondGREEN electric composter is also versatile in that you're not limited to using traditional composting scraps like fruits and vegetables; it also composts meat, dairy, pet waste, biodegradable bags and yard waste. It can process up to 5 pounds of food and pet waste per day. It's constructed from waterproof polypropylene (PP), so you can even leave it outside after the motor turns off. For home gardeners who want to speed up their composting process but don't need the extremely quick results of the FoodCycler, this is a great option.

Compostology GG-02 Automated Composter

$999.00 at Compostology

For those willing to splurge, Compostology's GG-02 model is sleek, modern and offers a high output of compost. You can input up to 8 pounds of food waste per day (up to 240 pounds a month and 2 tons a year), thanks to its larger size. While it's not exactly countertop-friendly, it still occupies relatively little space, measuring approximately 18 inches square and 30 inches tall, or roughly the size of a kitchen trash can. It produces compost in 24 hours and reduces food waste volume by up to 90%.

The GG-02 is very easy to use. All you have to do is open the lid and pour food scraps inside. Once the lid is closed, Compostology's proprietary Acidulo® microbes, combined with heat and rotation, begin composting food waste immediately—you don't even have to press a button. It comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty.

Pela Lomi Kitchen Composer

$499.99 at Poosh

The Lomi kitchen composter uses new technology to not only break down food waste, but bioplastics as well. Whereas some electric composters mainly just dehydrate food waste, the Lomi composter offers several composting cycle lengths that create a nutrient-rich compost.

The shortest cycle, called Eco-Express Mode, takes just four hours and reduces waste volume by up to 80%. It's perfect for when you simply want to get rid of food waste quickly. The mid-length cycle, called Lomi Approved Mode, takes 10 hours and breaks down Lomi-approved bioplastics. The longest cycle, called Grow Mode, takes approximately 20 to 24 hours and produces nutrient-rich compost that is ready for gardening.

The Lomi composter accepts all types of food waste, including fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy, as well as Lomi-approved biodegradable products and yard waste. It can hold up to 3 liters (6.6 pounds) of food waste at a time and measures 16 inches long, 13 inches wide and 12 inches tall—small enough to sit on your kitchen counter. It's made from recycled plastics and metal and the waste bucket is dishwasher-safe.

Boiling eggs may be simple in theory, but the truth is, unless you're some kind of egg wizard, they often come out overdone, forming those unappetizing-looking green rings around the yolks that indicate they're overcooked. Not to mention, boiling them on the stove can take what feels like ages while requiring your close attention, making it difficult to multitask. This is where an egg cooker can be an egg-cellent investment.

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Egg cookers (for the most part) are electric countertop appliances that use steam to rapidly cook eggs, while some egg cookers are designed for use in the microwave. The most basic egg cookers will allow you to quickly make hard- or soft-boiled eggs, but some fancier electric egg cookers are capable of making eggs in a variety of styles, including poached, scrambled, over-easy and even omelets. And if you hate peeling eggs boiled on the stove, many egg cookers cook eggs in such a way that their shells easily slide off—so you no longer have to worry about tiny little fragments remaining or making a mess. Whether you're an egg lover or a casual egg eater, an egg cooker will make your life in the kitchen easier.

What to Consider When Purchasing an Egg Cooker

​Egg Capacity:​ Virtually all egg cookers can cook multiple eggs at once, so it depends on your needs. Compact egg cookers can usually cook four eggs at once, while larger egg cookers can cook up to a dozen or more. However, keep in mind that hard-boiled eggs spoil more quickly than raw eggs, so if you're not planning on eating tons of eggs within a relatively short period, the ability to cook large quantities at once may not be as important.

​Size:​ Generally, egg capacity and egg cooker size are directly related. If you've got a gourmet kitchen with ample space, a larger egg cooker capable of cooking large batches of eggs may not be a bad idea, but if you're tight on counter space or cupboard space, a compact option probably makes more sense. You don't have to pay more for what you don't need.

​Microwaveable Versus Electric:​ Most egg cookers are electric appliances that will sit on your countertop, but some don't need to be plugged in—but do require a microwave. Microwaveable egg cookers tend to be less fancy than electric egg cookers, but usually take up less space. While it may be difficult or impossible to make an omelet using a microwavable egg cooker, most are usually capable of making scrambled eggs.

​Controls and Features:​ Many egg cookers, especially the most compact ones, have very simple and basic controls to get the job done, but more advanced cookers may include features such as lights and audible alerts to let you know when your eggs are done cooking. If you're a busy bee in the kitchen, these extra features may help you keep your rhythm.

​Automatic Shutoff:​ Some egg cookers will shut off automatically once the job is done as a helpful safety feature and to ensure your eggs don't overcook.

​Other Cooking Options:​ The more basic egg cookers will enable you to cook hard-boiled, soft-boiled and poached eggs, but more advanced egg cookers may come with accessories for cooking a wide variety of egg styles, including scrambled eggs, fried eggs and even omelets. If you love all kinds of egg styles or simply value versatility in an appliance, it's something to consider.

With these factors and criteria in mind, here's our list of the best egg cookers in 2022.

The Best Overall Egg Cooker

Cuisinart Egg Central Egg Cooker

$39.95 at Amazon

Cuinsart's high-end egg cooker can cook up to 10 eggs at once using two different tiers enclosed within its egg-shaped dome. It's perfect for steaming eggs in their shell to make hard-, medium- and soft-boiled eggs, but that's not all it can do. It also comes with a removable tray that lets you poach four eggs at once or make a two-egg omelet. The egg cooker includes a 180-milliliter measuring cup for measuring water (the amount of water used determines the cooking time) and the cooker features a simple on-off switch, a blue LED light, an audible alert when the eggs are finished and a standby mode that prevents the eggs from overcooking. The measuring cup also includes a piercing pin to make it easier to remove the egg shells. Cuisinart's egg cooker combines speed, capacity, versatility and thoughtful design, making it hard to beat.

Runner-Up Best Overall Egg Cooker

Dash Rapid Egg Cooker

$19.99 at Amazon

This next-best egg cooker includes nearly everything we love about Cuisinart's egg cooker, except that it can't cook as many eggs at once. Dash's egg cooker can cook up to six eggs at a time, but in spite of its middling capacity, it has a lot to offer. It covers the basics, like cooking hard-, medium- or soft-boiled eggs, but also allows you to make poached eggs, scrambled eggs and individual omelets all in a matter of minutes, thanks to a separate poaching tray. The cooker features automatic shutoff to prevent overcooking and a loud alarm to alert you when your eggs are ready. Plus, it comes with a long cord to make it easier to reach your kitchen outlets. The non-electrical pieces are dishwasher-safe and the egg cooker comes in a variety of colors.

The Best Large-Capacity Electric Egg Cooker

Bear Egg Cooker

$17.99 at Amazon

If you're a bona-fide egg lover or simply want to meal prep in large batches, the Bear Egg Cooker is your friend. It can boil up to 14 eggs at once, making it ideal for putting together party platters (devilled eggs, anyone?) and saving you time. It features a double-tier rack that holds seven eggs on each tier. The egg cooker shuts off when your eggs are ready to prevent overcooking and the indicator light also turns off to let you know your eggs are finished. In addition to boiling eggs, it also handles poached eggs and small omelets via a separate omelet tray. You can even use the omelet tray to steam other items such as vegetables and seafood, if you're willing to experiment. The egg cooker comes with a measuring cup that includes a piercer to make it easy to remove egg shells. The only caveats are that the cooker is a bit difficult to store, owing to its tall dome shape, and there's no sound to alert you when your eggs are ready.

The Best Microwavable Egg Cooker

Nordic Ware Microwave Egg Boiler

$13.00 at Amazon

Instead of plugging into a kitchen outlet, this egg boiler goes straight into the microwave and steam-cooks hard-, medium- and soft-boiled eggs in ten minutes or less. Thanks to its design that shields the eggs from the microwave, you don't have to pierce the egg shells before putting the eggs inside. The microwave heats the water, allowing your eggs to steam-cook without direct contact with the microwave, eliminating any worry that they may explode while producing evenly-cooked eggs without hotspots. You can cook only four eggs at once, but the upside is that the cooker is non-electric and dishwasher-safe—although it usually creates little mess anyway, so a quick hand-wash will usually suffice. Since microwaves vary in size and power, it may take some experimenting, but once you figure out what works best with your microwave, you'll get consistent results each time.

The Best Budget-Friendly Electric Egg Cooker

Copper Chef Electric Egg Maker

$19.99 at Amazon

This budget-friendly egg cooker is ideal for those who don't want to, ahem, shell out a lot of cash, but don't be fooled by the low price tag—this egg cooker is no yolk. It's compact and clocks in at under 2 pounds, and yet, it cooks up to 14 eggs at once, thanks to its two-tier design. With the touch of a button, you can make perfect hard-, medium- and soft-boiled eggs, but that's not all; the egg cooker also comes with a poaching insert and omelet ring to make up to four poached eggs or two omelets at once. It also includes a measuring cup. Other points in its favor include automatic shutoff to prevent overcooking and dishwasher-safe parts. There's no audible alarm to let you know when your eggs are finished cooking, though.

The Best Egg Cooker for Egg Bites

Hamilton Beach Egg Bite Cooker and Poacher

$24.00 at Amazon

For anyone who loves the delicious, savory egg bites you can get from coffee shops like Starbucks, you can save money by making them at home with the Hamilton Beach Egg Bite Cooker and Poacher. It uses the sous vide method to make two English muffin-shaped egg bites at a time, right on your countertop. The tray molds the shape for you and allows you to customize your egg bites with cheese, sausage, bacon crumbles, spinach or whatever you desire. In addition to making egg bites, the egg bite cooker can also make poached eggs. It's easy to use and features a power light that indicates when the cooker is turned on and another light that turns on when your egg bites are done cooking. The non-stick tray is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup and there aren't a lot of pieces to keep track of, making this the easiest way to make egg bites at home.