Our Staffers’ Favorite Splurge-Worthy Kitchen Tools to Welcome You Back to Cooking This Fall

After a summer full of outdoor dining, barbecues, and lots of takeout, it’s like clockwork: The cooler temps seem to blow in an appetite for home cooking. The only issue? The transition back to the kitchen can feel a bit daunting.

Whether you’ve been avoiding the heat of the kitchen or simply taking a break from meal prep recently, it might just take a few new and splurge-worthy kitchen tools to inspire you to roll up your sleeves and create some deliciousness this fall. With the right essentials on hand, you can turn every chop, stir, and sauté into a memory-making, Ina-worthy experience that rekindles your love for cooking.

If that all sounds great, but you need a bit of guidance restocking your kitchen, we’ve got you. Well+Good’s food-loving staffers are feeling all the “yes, chef” vibes as fall comes knocking—and we're leaning in by investing in (and recommending) a few tools that can help elevate your culinary game *and* make the whole cooking process joyful from start to finish. The best part? You can snag them all (and save up to 25 percent on select items) at QVC during its Kitchen Spotlight now through the entire month of September.

Ready to fall back in love with cooking this season? Stock up on the splurge-worthy kitchen tools our staffers swear by, slip on your favorite apron, and preheat the oven.

Vitamix Pro Series 750 64-oz Blender w/ 5 Presets & Cookbook Suite — $566.00

Originally $629, now $566

As someone who is always striving to minimize clutter, I’m constantly on the lookout for gadgets that can do it all—and that’s why I’m in *love* with my Vitamix. This powerhouse blender effortlessly breaks down any ingredient, saving me from the frustration of dealing with annoying chunks in my smoothies. I use it for everything from blending simple salad dressings and puréeing perfect-for-fall soups to whipping up homemade pizza dough. Plus, the self-cleaning feature means one less thing to worry about when it’s time to do the dishes. — Gracie Willett, Talent Manager

Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven & Smoker with Pizza Peel & Cover — $270.00

Originally $399, now $270

I snagged this do-everything outdoor oven a few months back to lean into grilling season, and it quickly became my biggest flex for summer gatherings. But the real reason I sprung for it? I dreamt of chilly evenings spent dreaming up simple meals, slipping on a beanie to tend to the oven, and warming up inside with dishes that’ll have the table wanting seconds. I’m fired up to finally try the Greek flatbread, smoked ribs, crispy sweet potato fries, and pear cobbler recipes (with next-to-zero skill or effort required) I’ve bookmarked for fall. Salivating yet? Join me in campaigning for outdoor cooking, all year round. — Helen Johnson, Branded Content Editor

KitchenAid 5-qt Artisan Stand Mixer w/ Pastry Beater and Flex Edge — $330.00

Originally $449, now $330

When I was growing up, I told everyone who’d listen that I wanted to be a professional baker. That dream is still on the horizon—but in the meantime, this KitchenAid five-quart stand mixer helps me feel like a pro whenever I make my signature coffee chocolate chip cookies. Its tools make it easy to knead, mix, and whip, and it looks *so* chic on my kitchen counter. — Meredith Babb, Branded Video Producer + Strategist

Le Creuset 6.75 qt. Signature Oval Dutch Oven — $445.00

When I got married seven years ago, the first thing I added to my registry was this Le Creuset Dutch Oven. It’s iconic for a reason: It’s gorgeously designed, extra deep to hold the heartiest stews and fluffiest Dutch babies, and resilient enough to handle dish after dish with a cast-iron interior covered with protective enamel coating (mine has been the MVP of my kitchen for nearly a decade now, with no signs of slowing down). Throw it in the freezer, the stovetop (it’s compatible with all types), or the oven (up to 500°F), and unlock a whole new level of home cooking. — Eva Rohan, Senior Director, Content + Strategy

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine — $1,000.00

As a self-proclaimed takeout queen, I may not spend as much time in the kitchen as some of my peers—but coffee is the exception. If you’re as particular about your coffee as I am, why waste time explaining your order to a barista when you can have a top-notch, made-to-order espresso at home? This one lets you customize everything (from coffee strength, to milk texture, to temperature) with the push of a button. Trust me: Once you’ve experienced these barista-level brews from your own kitchen, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. — Maeve McCormick, Assistant Branded Content Editor

Note: Prices taken at the time of publication and are subject to change.