About the Author

Ashley Swartzendruber

Ashley Swartzendruber is a photographer, recipe editor, and new writer for Electronicsforward who specializes in all things kitchen and home related. Contact her at ashley@9to5mac.com.

Hands-on with Solo Stove’s Bonfire 2.0 and fire pit Popcorn Maker – the ultimate cool season accessories

Ashley Swartzendruber -
Home GoodsReviewsSolo Stove
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Popcorn Maker

The humid days and sweltering heat are coming to an end soon. For some, that’s a sad realization, but for the autumn lovers of the world, that means bonfire season is on its way. Solo Stove is a well-known and well-loved brand for all things FIRE. Their smokeless fire pits have become a cult classic, and additional accessories for these fire pits are released constantly. Ahead of bonfire season, I had the pleasure of taking the Bonfire 2.0 Smokeless Fire Pit and the Popcorn Maker accessory for a test run. Spoiler alert: I loved them both. Head below for a more detailed look at my days testing these two products. 

Continue Reading

MEATER’s elegant new Pro XL with four smart meat thermometer probes upgrades your home chef setup

Ashley Swartzendruber -
Home GoodsMEATER

As a global leader in wireless smart meat thermometers, I am unsurprised to see MEATER elevating the smart cooking market yet again. MEATER thermometers are famous for their advanced temperature monitoring, impressive wireless range, durable stainless steel probes, extended battery life, easy-to-use app, and sleek designs. The new MEATER Pro XL comes equipped with four probes that are seamlessly stored in one centralized digital charging hub. Each probe effortlessly monitors multiple dishes with different cooking methods to meet whatever multitude of needs your family and your guests may have. Head below for more details on this exciting launch. 

Continue Reading

Ask anything and cook anything with Brisk It’s new Vera AI virtual assistant

Ashley Swartzendruber -
Home GoodsNewsBrisk It

“Hey, Vera! Grill me a medium-rare rib-eye steak.” This is a simple question and an easy task for Brisk It’s new advanced virtual assistant, Vera. Brisk It, a leading innovator in AI grilling technologies, wowed consumers at the Consumer Electronics Show in January of 2024 with the news of this upcoming launch. Theoretically, you can ask anything, say anything, and cook anything with the help of the Vera AI assistant on any Brisk It grill. It almost sounds too good to be true. This may be the first time you have heard about this brand, but I have a suspicious feeling that this launch may change that. Head below for more details. 

Continue Reading

Father’s Day gift ideas – Cooking and grilling: Gear for chef Dads and foodie fathers

Ashley Swartzendruber -
Home GoodsMEATER
From $18

We know it can feel cliche to get Dad yet another grill accessory; however, there are some Dads out there who REALLY REALLY love grilling and cooking outside so we’ve compiled a list just for them. Whether they prefer cooking over the fire or the grill or just sitting on the porch with a smoked old-fashioned while their family cooks them dinner, this list has some pretty stellar ideas in a range of price points. Dive into our Father’s Day foodie gift ideas below.

Continue Reading

Review: Cool features and a cool breeze, the Shark FlexBreeze Fan goes with me everywhere

Ashley Swartzendruber -
Home GoodsNewsReviewsShark

Update: Shark has shared a special early $20 off coupon for readers using the code FAN20 at checkout on Shark’s website.

With summer officially here and the hot weather that always comes with it, consumers are constantly looking for ways to stay cool, myself included. Shark, a household name for vacuums, air purifiers, and hair care, has come out with its first fan, and I had the pleasure of taking it for a test run. The Shark FlexBreeze Fan is powerful and packed with some really cool features that set it apart from other fans on the market, it’s even blowing cool air on me as I write this! Head below for a detailed look at my days testing and enjoying the Shark FlexBreeze fan. 

Continue Reading
More than 200 companies already support passkeys in their apps and websites
Buying AirPods for someone? Here’s how to pick the right version
9to5Mac Daily: November 20, 2024 – iOS 18.1.1 update, next-gen Pro Display XDR rumors
macOS 15.2 and iPadOS 18.2 public beta 3 released, here’s what to expect
iOS 18.2 public beta 3 now available, here’s what’s new
Apple Music debuts new ‘The Best of 2024’ playlists
These are my favorite HomeKit accessories this holiday season
Threads now rolling out Custom Feeds in its mobile app globally
iOS 18.2 beta 4: Here’s what’s new
Final Fantasy XIV is coming to iPhone in new mobile app

Salsa or smoothies, the new magic bullet Combo Blender can handle it all while also saving space

Ashley Swartzendruber -
Home GoodsNewsMagic Bullet

Tis’ the season for cold smoothies for breakfast and refreshing frozen margaritas after dinner. Luckily for us, magic bullet just released its most versatile and powerful blender yet – the magic bullet Combo Blender. Designed to purée, emulsify, chop, and blend in any quantity, this Combo Blender is capable of handling a wide range of recipes and ingredients. Over the years, magic bullet has debuted a handful of personal-sized and full-sized blenders that have become fan favorites. This new Combo Blender combines those two products into one and is the ideal space-saving solution for consumers who want both. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this new blender so special. 

Continue Reading

WhistlePig and Solo Stove set fire to summer with limited edition CampStock Wheat Whiskey (and bonus credit!)

Ashley Swartzendruber -
Home GoodsNewsSolo Stove
Cookout! $75 credit

It’s always a fun time to see leading brands come together to create something special. Solo Stove, the outdoor lifestyle brand that pioneered smokeless fire pits, and WhistlePig Whiskey, a leading independent craft whiskey, have created a new limited-edition barrel-aged whiskey – CampStock Wheat Whiskey. To celebrate its release, special edition Solo Stove x WhistlePig Campfire Bundles are available on the SoloStove site – perfect for gifting or treating yourself this summer. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this collaboration unique. 

Continue Reading

You know John Boos? you should…it makes some of the best cutting boards, here’s the upcoming Memorial Day offers

Ashley Swartzendruber -
Home GoodsNewsJohn Boos

You don’t have to be a chef to know that the equipment we cook with and cook on matters. For almost 150 years since its inception, John Boos has been the go-to cutting board and butcher block brand for everyone from celebrity chefs to home chefs. Tis the season for backyard dinner parties, Father’s Day gift shopping, and more. Let’s take a closer look at the high-quality, performance-driven equipment John Boos is known for. 

Continue Reading

Review: The Ninja FrostVault with Dry Zone may be the coolest cooler I have ever used

Ashley Swartzendruber -
Home GoodsSports-FitnessReviewsNinja

Update: Ninja has shared an exclusive promo for readers – use the code COOLERS at checkout on Ninja’s website to get 20% off all FrostVault models now through the end of 2024.

The excitement surrounding Ninja’s brand-new line of coolers is hard to ignore. Ninja has made a name for itself in the kitchen gadget world, but this is its first line of coolers. Brands like Yeti and Igloo have dominated the cooler scene for years; does the Ninja FrostVault even stand a chance? I had the pleasure of taking the Ninja FrostVault 30qt Hard Cooler with Dry Zone for a test run, and I think you’ll want to keep reading to see how it went. 

Continue Reading

Ninja DoubleStacks with new extra large and yet, space-saving dual-basket air fryer

Ashley Swartzendruber -
Home GoodsNewsNinja

With so many air fryers on the market, major brands are stepping up with new and exciting ideas. Ninja, a household name in kitchen appliances, just released the first stacked 2-basket air fryer that can simultaneously cook up to four foods. Its space-saving design also has one of the highest capacities on the market, coming in at 10 quarts. The Ninja DoubleStack Air Fryer is the first of its kind and is sure to turn some heads. Let’s look at what sets this air fryer apart from the rest. 

Continue Reading
Starship Flight 6: SpaceX launches a banana into space
Starship Flight 6: How to watch today’s launch from Starbase
Starship Flight 6: SpaceX will still have a ‘human-in-the-loop’ decision before catching
Terminal Count: SpaceX is ready for Starship Flight 6
Starship Flight 6: SpaceX shifts launch to Tuesday
AST SpaceMobile to rely on Blue Origin to launch the bulk of its next-gen direct-to-cell satellites
Starship Flight 6: Ship 31 moves out to the launch site, banana for scale
Elon Musk tapped to lead new ‘DOGE’ department—despite the government already having one for efficiency
This Week In Space: Starship Flight 6 is likely one week away
What another Trump Presidency could mean for the US space program

Review: Traeger’s new ModiFIRE Sear Grate is the ultimate smoker accessory. 

Ashley Swartzendruber -
NewsReviewsTraeger

Traeger enthusiasts sold out the ModiFIRE Sear Grate in minutes when it debuted earlier this year. This is not the first cooking accessory that Traeger has added to its ModiFIRE lineup, and I’m sure it’s not going to be the last. As someone who does all the cooking and grilling in her family, I was eager to give the new Sear Grate a try on the Ironwood WiFi pellet grill as summer approaches. The team at Traeger sent over a ModiFIRE Sear Grate for me to try, and it did not disappoint. Keep reading to find out how my grilling and searing adventures turned out. 

Continue Reading

Solo Stove debuts new campfire popcorn maker, just in time for bonfire gatherings

Ashley Swartzendruber -
NewsSolo Stove
Buy now $50

Solo Stove has quickly created the world’s most popular smokeless fire pit. Since its inception in 2010, it has launched smokeless fire pits in all shapes and sizes, plus a ton of attachments and accessories for an exciting number of ways to enjoy these fire pits. The newest accessory that Solo Stove has added to its lineup comes at the perfect time; it’s officially campfire season here in the Midwest! You can now enjoy hot; buttery popcorn popped over an open fire with the all-new Solo Stove Popcorn Maker. 

Continue Reading

Traeger Grills and Louisville Slugger knock this limited-edition wood pellet collab out of the park

Ashley Swartzendruber -
NewsTraeger

Baseball fans who love to smoke their meals on Traeger wood-pellet grills, you are going to love this announcement! Traeger is proudly announcing a unique partnership with Louisville Slugger, the official bat of Major League Baseball, with the release of limited-edition Traeger Louisville Slugger Pellets just in time for the very first games of the 2024 season. These limited-edition maple pellets are crafted from the same maple hardwood that is used to create the iconic bats from Louisville Slugger. This partnership brings together barbecue enthusiasts and baseball fans to pay homage to baseball’s history and the togetherness that a classic tailgate barbeque at the ballpark provides. 

Continue Reading

Ninja’s new FrostVault cooler features a separate dry zone to chill more than just drinks

Ashley Swartzendruber -
NewsNinja
Shop now From $199

Ninja has released countless countertop appliances, kitchenware accessories, drink systems, and outdoor grills and ovens. Now, Ninja is placing itself in a whole new product category with the release of its brand-new FrostVault cooler. With premium ice retention and fridge-temp dry storage, thanks to FrostVault technology, this heavy-duty cooler – available now starting at $199 – has some pretty cool features that set it apart from other coolers on the market.

Continue Reading

Gozney releases the ‘world’s most advanced’ compact portable pizza ovens – Arc and Arc XL 

Ashley Swartzendruber -
NewsGozney
Buy now From $699

Gozney changed the game for pizza-making enthusiasts in 2016 when it created the world’s first and original stone-floored portable live-fire oven, the Roccbox. It was the first time home cooks could create restaurant-quality pizzas in 60 seconds without having to build a large, expensive, traditional wood-fired oven, which Gozney had a ton of experience already doing. Since then, it’s launched other portable models like the Dome, which debuted a dual-fuel concept, allowing users to swap between wood-fired cooking and a gas burner. Today, Gozney is launching its most advanced and compact pizza ovens, the Arc XL and Arc. Keep reading to find out what sets these new models apart. 

Continue Reading
Hyundai debuts Ioniq 9 with swivel seats to turn your 3-row SUV into a lounge
Honda unveils all-solid-state EV battery production line for the first time
AUSOM’s 41mph scooter: Faster than you’d need yet stable enough to go faster
Meet the updated 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70, now with more range and an NACS port
Minnesota’s largest coal plant goes solar: Sherco Solar comes online
Toyota unveils new bZ7 EV in China, a surprisingly stylish electric sedan
US EV industry set for boost as ExxonMobil and LG Chem strike lithium deal
10 things you should really know before buying an electric bike
ALLPOWERS Black Friday sale takes $1,800 off power stations, GE 2-in-1 washer/dryer $1,150 off, Leviton level 2 EV charger $559, more
BMW’s first Neue Klasse EV just rolled off the assembly line

Hands-on with Solo Stove’s new tabletop fire pit, Cinder

Ashley Swartzendruber -
NewsReviewsSolo Stove
Buy now $50

Solo Stove is most known for its line of popular smokeless fire pits; however, it also has an incredible lineup of tabletop fire bowls fueled by a Smokeless Gel Fuel. Solo Stove sent me their newest creation, the Cinder Tabletop Bowl. It can be used indoors or outdoors and claims to bring elegance and ambiance to any gathering while also being a quick and easy s’more-making machine. Keep reading to hear more about my hands-on experience with the Solo Stove Cinder Tabletop Bowl! 

Continue Reading

SodaStream finally launches new MTN DEW flavor in partnership with PepsiCo

Ashley Swartzendruber -
NewsSodaStream

SodaStream has secured its spot as the world’s most popular sparkling water brand, and its portfolio of drink mixes is extensive and unmatched. SodaStream has partnered with PepsiCo over the years to release popular flavors from the infamous brand alongside its own creations, and consumers have been begging for one flavor in particular – MTN DEW! Well, the fans don’t have to beg any longer because the SodaStream MTN DEW Drink Mix is officially here. 

Continue Reading

Dyson debuts new Supersonic r hair dryer at New York Fashion Week

Ashley Swartzendruber -
NewsDyson

Dyson has become a well-known name in most households ever since its hair dryers and vacuum cleaners took the internet by storm. Dyson launched the original high-tech Supersonic hairdryer back in 2016, borrowing technology from its line of vacuum cleaners. Then, only two years later, the viral Dyson Airwrap had the internet in a chokehold and became the most coveted hair tool on the market. Dyson engineers are not done raising the bar, unveiling an entirely new format hair dryer backstage at the 2024 New York Fashion Week, The Dyson Supersonic r. Let’s take a look at what we know so far. 

Continue Reading

Traeger launches new ModiFIRE grill Sear Grate, promising the perfect sear every time

Ashley Swartzendruber -
NewsTraeger

Traeger, famous for inventing the Original Wood-Fired Grill over 30 years ago, is adding a brand-new accessory to its lineup. The Traeger ModiFIRE Sear Grate, designed to let you master the perfect sear, sold out in less than 15 minutes in its first launch. Let’s take a look and see what Traeger fans are so excited about.  

Continue Reading

KitchenAid’s 2024 Color of the Year brings shimmery Blue Salt style to its iconic appliances

Ashley Swartzendruber -
Newskitchenaid

KitchenAid debuted its iconic stand mixer more than a century ago and has been redefining the industry ever since. For years, KitchenAid has added bold shades, like “scorched orange, “feather pink,” and “blue velvet” to its already impressive lineup of colors. On any given day, there are close to 30 colors to choose from for their vast selection of kitchen gear and gadgets. For the past six years, fans of the brand have highly anticipated the color of the year announcement and made their own guesses in the days leading up to the launch. Keep reading to find out more about the much-anticipated color of 2024, and if you guessed correctly.

Continue Reading
Starship Flight 6: SpaceX launches a banana into space
Starship Flight 6: How to watch today’s launch from Starbase
Starship Flight 6: SpaceX will still have a ‘human-in-the-loop’ decision before catching
Terminal Count: SpaceX is ready for Starship Flight 6
Starship Flight 6: SpaceX shifts launch to Tuesday
AST SpaceMobile to rely on Blue Origin to launch the bulk of its next-gen direct-to-cell satellites
Starship Flight 6: Ship 31 moves out to the launch site, banana for scale
Elon Musk tapped to lead new ‘DOGE’ department—despite the government already having one for efficiency
This Week In Space: Starship Flight 6 is likely one week away
What another Trump Presidency could mean for the US space program

Review: COSORI’s new ceramic air fryer oven can be cleaned with a simple wipe

Ashley Swartzendruber -
NewsReviewsCOSORI

COSORI has created an impressive lineup of smart ovens, air fryers, dehydrators, and more. They are on a mission to create more innovative products that make life easier and better, which is why they debuted the COSORI 26-Quart Ceramic Air Fryer Oven. It’s easy to cook with and easy to clean up, with an impressive range of cooking functions – 13 to be exact. These include Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Air Fry, Air Bake, Air Roast, Air Sous Vide, Proof, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Warm, and Reheat. This oven does way more than just air fry. I was able to get my hands on a unit and put it to the test.  

Continue Reading

L’Oréal’s new AirLight Pro isn’t your average hair dryer – it features infrared light and sustainable tech

Ashley Swartzendruber -
NewsL’Oréal

L’Oréal Groupe is already well known in the beauty industry for producing beloved hair, skin, and makeup products for consumers and professionals worldwide for over 110 years. In partnership with Zuvi, a startup company full of engineers and scientists, L’Oréal Groupe unveiled the AirLight Pro. The AirLight Pro uses a unique and award-winning infrared-light technology in combination with wind to create a visibly smoother and more hydrated result while also drying hair quicker and with less energy compared to other products on the market today. Keep reading to find out what we know so far.  

Continue Reading

GE Profile intros new ‘world’s first’ indoor smart smoker that lets you barbecue inside

Ashley Swartzendruber -
NewsCES 2024
Buy now $999

Traditional smokers require ample outdoor storage space and optimal weather, most consumers don’t have one or the other when the cravings for smoked brisket hit. The team at GE is debuting the world’s first indoor smoker at CES 2024 in the coming days, and they have our attention, we are listening! The GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker with Active Smoke Filtration is sure to be a hit, check out what we know so far below. 

Continue Reading

Hands-on: the new MEATER 2 Plus wireless smart thermometer delivers perfection in a few simple steps

Ashley Swartzendruber -

The folks at MEATER have changed the game with their line of wireless smart thermometers. MEATER thermometers use innovative wireless technology to monitor internal and external temperatures while alerting you every step of the way through their user-friendly app. They recently debuted their new MEATER 2 Plus, which features a higher temperature limit, more robust design, and longer range. Use this probe in any cooker and anywhere – grill, oven, deep fryer, air fryer, pan, smoker, or sous vide. They sent me one to try out, and I’m not going to lie, I’m incredibly impressed. 

Continue Reading

Electronicsforward Gift Guide: Ashley’s must-have dinner party accessories

Ashley Swartzendruber -
News

It’s that time of year when the holiday parties and family gatherings seem to never end. If you are like me, the hustle and bustle can make for a stressful time, but I’ve learned over the years that it doesn’t have to be that way. If you like to host parties or know someone who does, there are some simple products you can have on hand at all times or gift to your favorite party host that add fun and ease to pretty much any gathering. So head below for the best gift ideas for your favorite party host/hostess, or snag a few for yourself if that person is you! 

Continue Reading
More than 200 companies already support passkeys in their apps and websites
Buying AirPods for someone? Here’s how to pick the right version
9to5Mac Daily: November 20, 2024 – iOS 18.1.1 update, next-gen Pro Display XDR rumors
macOS 15.2 and iPadOS 18.2 public beta 3 released, here’s what to expect
iOS 18.2 public beta 3 now available, here’s what’s new
Apple Music debuts new ‘The Best of 2024’ playlists
These are my favorite HomeKit accessories this holiday season
Threads now rolling out Custom Feeds in its mobile app globally
iOS 18.2 beta 4: Here’s what’s new
Final Fantasy XIV is coming to iPhone in new mobile app

Hands-on: COSORI’s new TurboBlaze excites as one of the first air fryers with a DC motor

Ashley Swartzendruber -
NewsReviewsCOSORI

With hundreds of air fryers on the market today, it can be difficult to stand out in a saturated market. Air fryers have become a staple in most households, which motivates companies like COSORI to create premium products that are worth every penny. This fall, COSORI released the first air fryer powered by a DC motor, and I was able to get my hands on a unit to put it to the test. 

Continue Reading

MEATER’s new 2 Plus Bluetooth meat thermometer can withstand higher temperatures

Ashley Swartzendruber -
News

MEATER created the world’s first smart wireless meat thermometer and has sold to over 39 million customers since. MEATER thermometers are 100% wire-free, equipped with dual temperature sensors, stainless steel, water resistant, and easy to clean. Not to mention the innovative app that walks you through every stage of the cooking process, ensuring consistent and perfect results every time. The brand new MEATER 2 Plus joins their team of elite smart thermometers with enhanced features and functionality. Head below to find out more about this premium product. 

Continue Reading