As we plow ahead into 2025, the chance for a fresh start prompts us to look back at the previous year and consider what can be better. New Year's resolutions might not be everyone's game, but upgrading our own lives is a universal goal. When it comes to the domain of culinary masters and cooking enthusiasts, the Food & Wine crew is always on the hunt for better and more effective ways of working magic in the kitchen. As you would anticipate, most of us have already jettisoned worn out and obsolete kitchenware in favor of new and improved must-haves.

Wave goodbye to your plastic cutting boards and hefty air fryers, as we've identified several kitchen items to ditch in 2025, replaced by these popular items. Be ready to discover editor-endorsed tools and gadgets for 2025 - including a space-saving toaster oven, an impressively silent coffee grinder, and solutions to de-plasticize your kitchen.

Senior Editor Phoebe Sklansky pens, "In the final analysis, glass containers offer longevity and aren't much more expensive than plastic. They're robust, truly dishwasher compatible, and microwave safe. Hot food can be put directly into the containers, alleviating stress about melting or warping. My plan is to first start with Caraway's new containers for work lunches and small leftover portions, and eventually grab some Pyrex for freezing and meal prepping large quantities."

As Writer Adam Rothbarth explains, he too is taking steps to limit microplastics in his kitchen. "Goodbye, plastic deli containers! I've begun using Caraway's glass food storage set with a ceramic coat. Coupling ease of cleaning with an excellent seal, it keeps my food remarkably fresh. The smaller ones are perfect for whipping up a quick salad dressing."

Senior Editor Joe Morales gives the lowdown on pans with harmful chemical coatings, declaring that they're staying put in the past year. "I've never been a fan of nonstick pans because of their tendency to flake and peel after multiple uses. After testing Made In's ceramic pan, I can declare it phenomenal. Absolutely nothing sticks to it, and food slips right off, even when I cooked gyoza recently which released so effortlessly. And eggs? Watching them cook and slip out of the pan with just a smidgen of oil is a sight to behold," he lauds.

Associate Editorial Director, Chandra Ram, traded her plastic cutting boards for an Epicurean board comprised of durable paper composite material after discovering the health risks and deterioration associated with them. Senior Writer Jason Horn agrees, adding, "Other than the microplastics issue, plastic cutting boards just aren't good. They are easily gouged by sharp knives, warp in the dishwasher, and skid around on the countertop."

On the topic of cumbersome appliances, Writer Katie Brown had this to share, "Goodbye to my gigantic air fryer. My new go-to is the Ninja Flip air fryer toaster oven, a countertop saver that not only air roasts, dehydrates, bakes, and broils, but also cooks quicker than a conventional oven."

Danielle St. Pierre, Senior Editor, announces, "Farewell to my old and loud, high-pitched coffee grinder! After testing a few alternatives, I've discovered that achieving a good grind does not necessitate the racket of a lawnmower. I opted for Fellow's Opus Conical Burr Grinder. Compact, versatile, and above all, quiet."

Director Katie Macdonald is resolved to better maintain her knives in 2025 with the Tumbler’s innovative diamond abrasive wheel and foolproof magnetic base, while Writer Kristin Montemarano is ditching short-lived kitchenware for timeless products like her top pick, the Le Creuset braiser.

If you're grappling with bulky food containers or not yet ready to go plastic-free, Update Writer Dillon Evans highly recommends the nesting deli containers that are already making his life easier. "The two sizes adequately met the food storing needs of our two-person household. They're excellent for labeling, pre-measuring, and can be put straight in the dishwasher," he remarks.

Lastly, Joe Morales leaves behind the space-consuming electric can opener. "After going through three in the previous year that all failed for different reasons, I'm using the innovative Kitchen Mama Mini Plus. It’s rechargeable, portable, and removes lids at the push of a button, leaving behind a smooth edge so you don't accidentally cut yourself. When it's not being used, it neatly fits in the drawer, keeping the countertop clutter-free."