Memorial Day Entertaining

In the inexpensive-thermometer department, the ThermoPop is the new kid on the block, but it comes in an impressive package. An easy-to-read display rotates at the touch of a button, so you don't have to twist your head to see it. It takes a few seconds longer to read temperatures than its big brother, the Thermapen, but it's every bit as accurate.

This is an incredible little oven with simple, reliable operation, whether you're using gas, wood, or charcoal to fire it. It consistently hits wood-fired-oven temperatures and maintains them for as long as you are cooking, with no fussing or babysitting, which means you can spend more time enjoying pizza with your friends and family and less time coddling a temperamental flame. It's attractive, solidly built, weatherproof, and portable.

With solid stainless steel construction on all of its parts, the Broil King Baron is a big leap up in quality from the discount grills at your local home center, and is made to last you for many seasons to come. It has four dual-tube burners, designed to even out gas pressure from front to back and provide a consistent temperature across the cook surface, plus a decent side burner for sauce or sides. I fire this guy up several times a week during the summer, especially on weekdays, when I don’t have the time or energy to wait for my coal grill to heat up.

This is the holy grail of inexpensive chef's knives: incredible quality and design, high-end materials, perfect balance, and a razor-sharp edge.