Shelby Deering, Author at Taste Recipes https://www.tasteofhome.com Find Recipes, Appetizers, Desserts, Holiday Recipes & Healthy Cooking Tips Tue, 21 Jan 2025 18:17:40 +0000 en-US hourly 6 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/TOH_Pinterest_ProfilePhoto_RedBkg.png?resize=32,32 Shelby Deering, Author at Taste Recipes https://www.tasteofhome.com 32 32 The Pioneer Woman’s Expandable Cutlery Tray Is the Ideal Storage Solution https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/expandable-cutlery-tray/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/expandable-cutlery-tray/#respond Thu, 16 Feb 2023 01:27:59 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1853724 Organize your kitchen The Pioneer Woman way! This expandable cutlery tray is a pretty and practical storage solution to your drawer.

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I’m a big believer in the life-changing capabilities of drawer organizers, especially when it comes to kitchen storage. All those little tools and gizmos can get lost in a hurry without a designated home!

If you’re currently craving a more organized kitchen, you’ll need to level up your storage game. A pots and pans organizer, a KitchenAid attachments holder, a lid corral—you’ll need every organizer you can think of to achieve the tidy kitchen of your dreams. And for utensils, there’s nothing better than The Pioneer Woman’s expandable cutlery tray. Here’s everything you need to know about this pretty (and practical!) organizer.

What is The Pioneer Woman expandable cutlery tray?

We’ve all experienced the frustration of ordering something online that doesn’t *quite* fit. An expandable cutlery tray solves that problem. It adjusts flawlessly to fit your drawer—no measuring required! The Pioneer Woman expandable silverware organizer lets you achieve a custom fit without breaking the bank. At under $30, it’s a steal (and cute to boot) just like the rest of Ree Drummond’s kitchen and decor items.

Containing five separate sections and rendered in hefty acacia wood, this organizer features multiple compartments for categorizing all your cutlery, including forks, spoons, knives and small kitchen tools. Plus, it’s decorated in Ree’s signature floral pattern for an added visual bonus. It almost looks vintage!

While the pros are substantial, there are a few small cons to keep in mind. If you have a larger or smaller-than-average drawer, it might not fit perfectly since it’s sized with standard drawer dimensions in mind. Or, if you’re someone who likes to keep multiple sets of utensils on hand, the compartments may feel a bit limiting.

The Pioneer Woman Expandable Cutlery Tray Features

  • Keeps cutlery neat and tidy with five compartments
  • Expandable to fit most drawer sizes
  • Aesthetically pleasing floral pattern
  • 17.75 inches by 13 inches by 2 inches, and expands to 17.75 inches by 19.5 inches by 2 inches

How to Use an Expandable Cutlery Tray

With a size that fits most standard drawers and cutlery at 17.75 inches by 13 inches by 2 inches (and expandable to 17.75 inches by 19.5 inches by 2 inches), all you need to do is expand the sides of the tray until it fits your drawer—and presto! You have a silverware organizer that looks like it was made for your kitchen.

There’s been some buzz about this particular expandable cutlery tray. It recently made our list of the best utensil organizers. People love this tray, which is evidenced by over 100 reviews that are nearly all positive with a rating of 4.8 out of five stars. (Don’t sleep on these genius kitchen wrap organizers, as well!)

Why You Should Trust Us

Shelby Deering has over 18 years of experience writing on everything from home decor, to travel, to design and even health and wellness. She has cultivated her experience at Taste Recipes, Midwest Living, Good Housekeeping, The Pioneer Woman, Martha Stewart Living, and HGTV Magazine, with a passion for cultivating a well-run and warm home. With all of her experience in the lifestyle and home sphere, she is an ideal candidate to review The Pioneer Woman expandable cutlery tray.

Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Taste Recipes, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.

FAQ

Is a cutlery tray better than a basket?

Cutlery trays and baskets both have their own pros and cons. While both are great for organizing cutlery, baskets are meant for drying cutlery after they are washed, whereas trays are better for keeping them organized in drawers.

What is the standard size for a cutlery tray?

A standard cutlery tray is 19 to 20 inches long, one to two inches thick and 17 to 35 inches wide, depending on the size of your drawer. However, an expandable cutlery drawer can accommodate multiple drawer sizes meaning it can adjust with you as you move, and last for years to come.

What can I use instead of a cutlery drawer?

You can use jars, magnetic knife racks, caddies, baskets, hanging shelves and even Mason jars to keep cutlery organized. Small vases and planters are also a great way to keep kitchen utensils in their place.

What is the best material for aa cutlery tray?

There are many materials used for cutlery holders, but the most beloved trays are made of wood, plastic or PVC. Each is capable of withstanding everyday use and can catch stray drips and crumbs. However, wooden cutlery trays can absorb moisture much better than plastic and PVC.

Where is the best place to put cutlery drawers in the kitchen?

The cutlery drawer should be placed near the dishwasher or kitchen sink, or between the two. This makes it easier to grab cutlery when needed and put it back when you’re done.

The Best Walmart User Reviews

Walmart reviewers can’t get enough of the organization that The Pioneer Woman expandable cutlery tray provides.

Buyer, Wunkin, can’t believe that they finally found a utensil tray that actually fits the drawer in their 1964 home, adding, “This one covers our entire drawer side to side and front to back. Absolutely love it.”

Another purchaser, Sharon, says that this organizer actually changed her life: “This changed my kitchen life from a mess to organized. Everyone needs this.”

HeyitsBri, who snagged the tray, enjoys how this silverware organizer is easy on the eyes, saying, “Upon unboxing, I was just in awe, it is so pretty! The wood is beautiful and the blues and reds look so good together inside on the bottom.”

Final Verdict

The Pioneer Woman Expandable Cutlery Tray is an excellent tool for organizing both small and large cutlery, and we think its worth the buy. This little organizer has five compartments when retracted, and seven when expanded for organizing small and large pieces of cutlery. We also love that this option has a fun design and pattern to brighten up your kitchen drawer.

Where to Buy The Pioneer Woman Expandable Cutlery Tray

Since The Pioneer Woman line is exclusively sold at Walmart, that’s where you’ll find this handy-dandy expandable cutlery tray. It retails for $23.89, which is a small price to pay for smart kitchen storage!

Shop on Walmart

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The FoodSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer Keeps Food Fresh and Reduces Waste https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/foodsaver-handheld-vacuum-sealer/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/foodsaver-handheld-vacuum-sealer/#respond Thu, 02 Feb 2023 18:46:38 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1849289 Got leftovers? Working on meal prep? Or need a better way to marinate meats? The FoodSaver handheld vacuum sealer is your new best friend.

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We love leftovers in our house. Since it’s just the two of us, we tend to make way too much food, resulting in microwavable meals that can last at least a day or two. And although we use our trusty set of food storage containers, there are still foods that are no match against air.

You see, leftovers go bad after a few days due to oxygen, which can slip right into storage containers and plastic bags. The air oxidizes the food, breaking it down and making it more prone to bacterial growth (yuck!). That’s why that leftover half of that fresh, green avocado looks brown and past its prime the next day, even when it’s placed into a storage container. (To solve this problem, check out the Guac Lock.)

Leftovers that go bad before their time, unfortunately, meet an untimely end in the landfill. Food waste is a bigger problem than you might think. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an estimated 30 to 40% of the U.S. food supply goes to waste each year. That’s not great news for the planet, and isn’t ideal for your wallet, either.

Luckily, the FoodSaver handheld vacuum sealer is a superhero that’s arrived to fight food waste and remove all that oxidizing air in just the nick of time. It’s made by the top-selling brand of home vacuum sealers with over 5,400 ratings on Amazon, resulting in an impressive average of four out of five stars. It also does more than keep leftovers fresh—it aids in freezer-ready meal prep and even marinating, making this a multi-use small wonder. Here’s how this tiny gizmo can level up your kitchen game.

Foodsaver Fs2160 Multi Use Handheld Vacuum Sealer And Marinatorvia merchant

We Tried It

FoodSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer

Need to keep snacks fresh, extend the life of produce, or pack food for travel? The FoodSaver handheld vacuum sealer has you covered.

What is the FoodSaver handheld vacuum sealer?

Unlike traditional food vacuum sealers that tend to look like small printers, this one is handheld, making it super easy and convenient to seal up your food. It comes with a rechargeable dock that fits seamlessly onto even the smallest of kitchen counters, and contains a reservoir that can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

The FoodSaver handheld vacuum sealer has two different functions. There’s one “vacuum” button that seals food, but then there’s another “marinate” button that greatly speeds up the marinating process (when compared to non-vacuum methods, it can marinate a meal in just 12 minutes).

When you buy this FoodSaver, it comes as a starter set, complete with the handheld vacuum sealer itself, a charging dock, two quart-size reusable zipper bags and a 10-cup container.

Portability: We love the compact and cordless design, allowing for easy storage and use in small kitchens. It’s also lightweight and portable, so it’s ideal for quick vacuum sealing tasks without needing to set up a larger countertop sealer.

Battery life: The handheld model has a long battery life. Some users even report that it can handle around 100 seals per charge. This makes it convenient for light, frequent use without needing constant recharging.

FoodSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer specs:

  • Easy to use
  • Preserves food for the refrigerator and the pantry
  • Saves marinating time
  • Dishwasher-safe reservoir
  • Helps with meal prep
  • Cordless
  • Comes with a charging dock
  • Easily fits on small countertops
  • Lightweight

Looking for more food preservation gear? We love this mini bag sealer, herb saver and Bluapple produce preserver. Add ’em to your Amazon cart ASAP!

How to Use the FoodSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer

This little contraption truly is a cinch to use. The FoodSaver handheld vacuum sealer matches up to easy-to-spot circles seen on the bags and containers. All you have to do is press it against the circle, push the desired button and then it does its vacuum-sealing thing. When you want to access your food, they open just like traditional zip-style bags. Plus, there’s an included label spot, which is a perk for meal preppers.

Want to see it in action? While people have winning things to say about FoodSaver’s larger-scale vacuum sealers (the ones that look a bit like printers), all you have to do is head to the company’s official TikTok page to witness the differences between these machines. Through a video that introduces the handheld vacuum sealer, it’s plain to see that it’s lightweight, small and convenient when compared to its large-scale predecessors.

@foodsaverbrand Forgot to start a marinade ahead of time? Use our Handheld Vacuum Sealer with the Preserve & Marinate Containers to marinate in minutes! #tiptuesday ♬ original sound – foodsaverbrand

One thing to note is that while the handheld model works well for most sealing tasks, some users note that it performs best with dry foods and that bags should not be overpacked to ensure a proper seal. Also, it’s important to be aware that while the containers are freezer-safe, the zipper bags are not, which can limit their functionality for long-term food storage.

The bags and containers are reusable, though, which is great. Although the bags may wear out after multiple uses, especially if exposed to liquids or moisture. To maximize bag life, try pre-freezing items before sealing, as well as avoiding liquid-heavy foods unless you’re using specific accessories like the liquid tray.

FAQ

How does the FoodSaver handheld vacuum sealer work?

The FoodSaver vacuum removes air from specially designed bags or containers, creating a vacuum seal to keep food fresh longer.

How long does it take to charge a FoodSaver handheld vacuum sealer?

It typically takes about 24 hours for a full charge. Many users report it can last around 100 vacuum seals per charge.

Can regular Ziploc bags be used with FoodSaver?

No, regular Ziploc bags aren’t designed for vacuum sealing and won’t work effectively with the FoodSaver.

The Best Amazon User Reviews

Amazon shoppers are singing the praises of the FoodSaver handheld vacuum sealer.

For instance, Sandy, who says that she “flirted with food vacuum sealers for a long time,” finally bought one, but unfortunately, it didn’t work, so she had to donate it. But then she discovered the FoodSaver handheld model, and says, “Then I found this version: compact, rechargeable, bags already made for me—perfect for someone…who wants to stretch the life of hard cheeses, cabbages, bell peppers and blackberries.”

Many reviewers love how much this device combats food waste, like Victoria Baker who says, “Seriously worth the money if you are into cutting back heavily on food waste and food storage.”

In the face of inflation and incredibly expensive groceries, one shopper, named Hina, shares a top reason for giving this handheld vacuum sealer five stars. “I always use this to freeze my meat since food is so expensive these days,” she writes.

Where to Buy the FoodSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer

Foodsaver Fs2160 Multi Use Handheld Vacuum Sealer And Marinatorvia merchant

We Tried It

FoodSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer

You can purchase the handheld vacuum sealer on Amazon and newer models on the FoodSaver website. Oh and, if you’re looking for something to help you store liquids, consider a chamber vacuum sealer for minimal mess. Now, get ready to enjoy leftovers again!

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This Genius Pizza Storage Container Expands to Stack Leftover Slices https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/pizza-storage-container/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/pizza-storage-container/#respond Mon, 21 Nov 2022 20:38:11 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1823793 This humble pizza storage container is taking TikTok by storm, creating much-needed fridge space and keeping pizza fresh.

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In my house, pizza is pretty much its own food group. Although we have all the accouterments that pizza enthusiasts should own, like pizza cutters and other must-have pizza tools, we’ve always been a little lacking in the “storing the leftover pizza” department. We often smoosh slices into too-small plastic storage containers or—gasp—place the entire box in the fridge and hope for the best.

When the next day arrives, the pizza is soggy, dry or altogether inedible at times, which is a huge bummer if the leftovers are from a beloved pizza brand. But thanks to Pizza Pack’s brilliant pizza storage container—which was featured on Shark Tank and is rapidly making the rounds on social media—our pizza woes can finally come to an end.

What is a pizza storage container?

Simply put? It’s an expandable storage container that’s specially designed to stack slices so that pesky pizza box won’t take up room in your refrigerator. (I don’t have any experience with that, *wink*).

Completely adjustable with five convenient microwavable serving trays, this super-handy reusable pizza storage container features an airtight lid with a vacuum seal, perfect for keeping your slices fresh—something that tin foil or a pizza box can’t achieve. Stash up to five slices in a condensation-free environment, thanks to an optional air vent. And those divider trays are oh-so helpful if you can’t stand facing those stuck-together slices the next day.

Also, it accommodates pizza sizes up to 18 inches—so, as the brand recommends, if your slices come in larger than that, simply trim them down a bit for a perfect fit. Plus, if color choices are your thing, you should know that this pizza storage container comes in six different hues, and you can purchase a pack of up to five.

The only downside? Well, if you buy just one pizza storage container and you have more than five slices, you may have to resort to your old ways of storing pizza for the additional pieces. And, as mentioned, if you’re big on XL, New York style-slices, trimming them down can be a hassle.

Pizza Pack specs: 

  • Saves fridge space
  • Adjustable and fits up to five slices
  • Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
  • BPA-free, food-grade silicone
  • Airtight lid with vacuum seal for maximum freshness
  • Optional air vent to prevent soggy slices
  • Includes five pizza plates

How to Use a Pizza Storage Container

Using the reusable pizza storage container is as easy as using any other food storage container. Simply remove the lid, extend the container and start stacking! If desired, layer a pizza plate in between each slice to prevent the toppings from sticking together.

If you’re more of a visual learner, head over to TikTok. In a video with millions of views, HeatherCoxzzz demonstrates how she packs up leftover slices using the pizza storage container. She adds that each divider can be used as a plate, since they’re microwaveable, and that packing up a pizza lunch for her husband is so much easier.

@heathercoxzzz Husband’s Lunch Pizza: @Pizza Hut #theperfectpizzapack #worklunch #lunchtime #lunchformyhusband #lunch #leftoverpizza #husbandlunch #husbandlunche ♬ Pizza – Mention Taylor Jackson

The Best Amazon User Reviews

Now that this surprisingly ingenious pizza storage container has started to go viral on social media, it’s no wonder that it currently has nearly 1,000 ratings on Amazon. At 4.4 stars, people are loving it, and the reviews prove it.

Amazon reviewer Rebecca Collins loves it for its eco-friendly qualities and prefers it over tin foil. “I’ve been on a mission to reduce single-use products in my kitchen,” she says. “We eat pizza a couple times a month, and previously stored the leftovers wrapped in foil. I know that aluminum foil is recyclable, so it’s not the biggest win in that regard. But I like everyday reminders of reducing waste, and I think the best product swaps are the ones that feel like upgrades.”

S.D. Bower describes this product as “a lot of storage in a small space,” saying, “I like this a lot, it takes up less room (whether in the refrigerator or in cabinet) and works nicely. Those old containers will go out with recycling next week!”

And danielle r. sums it up perfectly: “If you eat a lot of pizza in your house, like we do, it’s a necessity.”

Where to Buy a Pizza Storage Container

Ordering a reusable pizza storage container is just as easy as dialing in for your favorite ‘za. Pick one up on Amazon or Walmart.

So, what’s on my pizza to-do list these days? First: Learn how to properly reheat it. Second: Bite the bullet on the fancy pizza ovens I’ve been eyeing, like the fan favorite Ooni pizza oven. And third: Immediately buy a reusable pizza storage container. Leftovers have never looked so good!

$24.99 at Amazon

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