Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The 9 Best Skillets of 2019

Welcome to Cookware Week! We’re sharing our favorite cookware sets, accessories, and kitchen appliances, plus intel on how to care for all of it, the best recipes to make with every piece, and exclusive sales for Chowhound readers.

A high-quality skillet is a must-have in the kitchen. This core piece of cookware will allow you to whip up a wide range of dishes, from scrambled eggs to seared steak and everything in between. However, because they’re such a popular piece of equipment, there are hundreds of skillets to choose from, ranging in price from less than $20 to more than $100.

If you’re wondering which skillet will suit your needs, here’s our list of the best skillets you can buy today:

What to Consider When Buying a Skillet

There are a few key factors you’ll want to consider when purchasing a new skillet—also called a fry pan or frying pan. Perhaps most importantly, skillets are made from a number of materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum. They also come with various finishes, including nonstick Teflon or porcelain enamel.

Naturally, there are pros and cons to each of these materials: Aluminum is inexpensive and conducts heat well, but it warps easily. Stainless steel is more durable, but isn’t as good of a heat conductor. Cast iron has unbeatable heat retention, but it’s quite heavy and can be tricky to maintain. You’ll want to weigh these factors and decide which material is best for your lifestyle and cooking needs.

Additionally, you’ll need to choose a skillet size—8- and 10-inch models are the most popular, but you can find larger and smaller ones, too. Finally, don’t forget to look for a skillet with a lid if you regularly cook recipes that need to be covered.

We took all these factors into account as we scoured the internet, looking for the best possible skillets. The following list was created using info from professional tests, product specs, and hundreds of user reviews. With that in mind, here are the best skillets to add to your cookware arsenal.

Related Reading: Get Huge Discounts on All-Clad Plus an Extra 10% Off for Cookware Week

Best Overall: All-Clad Stainless Steel Fry Pan with Lid, $99.95 from Amazon

Amazon

Without a doubt, one of the best skillets you can buy right now is this stainless steel model from All-Clad. The 12-inch fry pan is made from triple-ply stainless steel, and it has a thick-gauge aluminum core to improve its conductivity. This pan is ideal for searing, browning, pan-frying, and more, and it even comes with a lid to help lock in moisture.

This stainless steel skillet has a flat bottom and flared sides, making it easy to toss foods or flip them with a spatula. The polished cooking surface has a starburst finish that’s stick-resistant and easy to clean, and the skillet is oven- and broiler-safe up to 600 degrees. All-Clad offers a limited lifetime warranty on this pan, which reviewers call an unbeatable investment and a workhorse in the kitchen.

Buy Now

Best Budget: T-fal Heatmaster Nonstick Fry Pan, $15.90 from Amazon

Amazon

You don’t necessarily have to shell out big bucks to get a high-quality skillet. A prime example: this budget-friendly fry pan from T-fal gets consistently high marks from reviewers thanks to its long-lasting nonstick finish, impressive performance, and unbeatable low price.

The 10-inch pan is made from aluminum but has a stainless steel base that makes it induction-compatible. It’s finished with a scratch-resistant nonstick coating that’s even safe to use with metal utensils—that’s how durable it is! Plus, the fry pan boasts T-fal’s unique Thermo-Spot technology: a red circle in the middle of the pan that changes color when the cookware is perfectly preheated.

The T-fal skillet can be washed in the dishwasher, and it’s oven-safe up to 350 degrees. Overall, it’s one of the best budget picks for both novice and experienced home chefs.

Buy Now

Best Cast Iron: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 10-¼ in, $14.88 from Amazon

Amazon

Cast iron is a popular material among chefs because of its unbeatable heat retention, which makes it ideal for tasks like searing steak or evenly browning meats. If you’re in the market for a new cast iron skillet, the obvious choice is this product from Lodge, which boasts more than 12,000 5-star reviews. It comes in a wide range of sizes, starting as small as 3.5 inches and going all the way up to 15 inches, and the prices are quite affordable—a 10-¼ inch skillet is just $15, for example.

Lodge, a company that’s been around since the 1800s, makes its traditional cast iron in the U.S., and the pans comes pre-seasoned with 100 percent vegetable oil—not synthetic coatings or chemicals. Its cast iron skillets can be used on any heat source, including induction cooktops and open grills, and when cared for properly, these pans will last for decades. Reviewers can’t say enough good things about these skillets, writing that they can be used for a wide range of kitchen tasks and you won’t regret purchasing one.

Buy Now

Best Nonstick: Tramontina Commercial 10″ Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan, $24.21 at Walmart

Tramontina

If you’re looking to expand your collection of nonstick fry pans, one of the best out there is the Tramontina Commercial model, which comes in 8-, 10-, 12-, and 14-inch sizes. This fry pan is made from an aluminum alloy and reinforced with a nonstick coating, ensuring that cleanup will be effortless, no matter what you’re cooking.

This heavy-gauge skillet has a rivet stainless steel handle and a removable silicone sleeve, and it’s oven-safe up to 400 degrees without the silicone grip. The pan can be washed in the dishwasher, but you can also wash it quickly by hand, thanks to the efficiency of its nonstick finish. Reviewers say it heats up quickly and cooks food evenly, but several warn not to use metal utensils on the delicate finish, as it scratches easily.

Buy Now

Best Carbon Steel: Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan, $69 from Made In

Made In

Carbon steel is a hybrid of cast iron and stainless steel that delivers the best of both materials. It’s light and cooks quickly like stainless steel, yet it has cast iron’s heat retention and natural seasoning. This Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan from Made In will quickly become your go-to pan in the kitchen thanks to its unmatched performance—just check out the hundreds of positive reviews!

This skillet is made from 2mm blue carbon steel, and it has exceptional heat capacity, warming up quickly and maintaining the proper temperature. It’s oven-safe up to 1,200 degrees (and we doubt you’ll be cooking that high), and there are no synthetic coatings—just a natural heat treatment to help prevent rust.

Buy Now

Best Design: Le Creuset Signature Cast-Iron Skillet, $169.95 from Sur La Table

Sur La Table

It’s hard to beat the classic design and high-end performance of Le Creuset cookware, including its Signature Cast-Iron Skillet. Not only will these pans help you sear steak and brown meat flawlessly, but they also come in a beautiful array of colors that will look simply stunning on your kitchen counter.

These 10-¼ inch skillets are made from cast iron and have a durable enamel construction to protect both the inside and outside of the pan. They have sloped sides to make it easier to pour off fat, and the matte-enamel interior is easier to care for than traditional cast iron—there’s no seasoning needed, and it’s even dishwasher safe. Plus, the pan comes in a rainbow of hues, from orange to purple and every color in between.

Buy Now

Best with Lid: Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 12-Inch Skillet with Glass Cover, $30.10 from Amazon

Amazon

Many recipes call for you to cover your skillet while the food cooks, which is why a lid often comes in handy. The Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Skillet comes with a matching glass cover, letting you seal in moisture as you cook while still monitoring your food.

This skillet is 12 inches in diameter, and it’s made of hard-anodized aluminum, which is harder than stainless steel and incredibly durable. The interior is coated with a nonstick finish, and the sloped sides maximize your cooking surface while allowing for easy flipping. The pan is oven-safe to 500 degrees, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, to boot. Reviewers say this pan is heavy-duty and a breeze to clean, and several say their pans have lasted for several years with proper care.

Buy Now

Best Set: All-Clad Nonstick 8- and 10-Inch Fry Pan Cookware Set, $42.65 from Amazon

Amazon

Can’t decide which size skillet to get? Why not get two? This fry pan set from All-Clad comes with 8- and 10-inch models, giving you two popular sizes for one affordable price. They’re made from thick hard-anodized aluminum that heats quickly and resists warping, and the nonstick coating ensures cleanup will be quick and easy every time.

The two pans have wide, flat bases and a low-profile shape, and they can be used on all types of heat sources. The stainless steel handles are contoured so they fit comfortably in your hand, and the skillets are oven-safe up to 500 degrees. All-Clad protects their pans with a limited lifetime warranty, and reviewers call them the best nonstick pans they’ve ever used, writing that they’re easy to clean and impressively durable.

Buy Now

Best Electric: De’Longhi Electric Skillet with Glass Lid, $42.65 from Amazon

Amazon

Electric skillets are more like a small appliance than traditional cookware. Products like the De’Longhi Electric Skillet plug into an electrical outlet, allowing you to cook in them without a heating element. This can be extremely helpful if you need an additional cooking surface or don’t have a stove available.

This electric skillet sports an extra-large nonstick cooking surface, as well as a tempered glass lid. The base distributes heat evenly to avoid hot spots, and it includes a detachable thermostat to help cook your food to exact temperatures. Reviewers love that this skillet is large enough to cook several pieces of meat at once, and many love how well it regulates temperature and how easy it is to clean.

Buy Now

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Which Utensil to Use with Every Piece of Cookware

Welcome to Cookware Week! We’re sharing our favorite cookware sets, accessories, and kitchen appliances, plus intel on how to care for all of it, the best recipes to make with every piece, and exclusive sales for Chowhound readers.

Using the wrong utensil with certain types of cookware can damage the finish, so learn which pieces work best together—and which should never be combined.

Occasionally I’ll be cooking and ask my boyfriend to get me a spoon from the drawer. He’ll hand me a metal one, only for me to say, “Oh no, not that one!” Because I’m using a nonstick pan, obviously.

He finds the whole multiple-utensil situation confusing, and he’s certainly not alone. Do you really need a metal spatula and a silicone one? Why are there so many cooking spoons made of different materials? If you’ve ever had these same questions, here’s the breakdown of when and how to use nine essential kitchen utensils.

Related Reading: 8 Cardinal Sins of Cookware You Don’t Realize You’re Committing

So Many Spoons

Cooking spoons come in many shapes, sizes, and materials, and it’s important to know which one to use so you don’t damage your cookware.

Wooden Spoons

Use with: Anything, including nonstick, glass, and porcelain

Amazon

Spoons made from wood are arguably the most popular and versatile of kitchen spoons. They’re typically made from hard, lightweight materials like beech, maple, walnut, or oak, and you can find them at any cooking store.

Why are wooden spoons so great? First off, they don’t get hot to the touch like metal spoons might, even when you’re cooking at high temperature. Further, wood is a soft enough material that you can use them to stir or scrape nonstick finishes, glass, or porcelain. Wood spoons also won’t react with acidic ingredients like aluminum would.

Related Reading: Get $20 Off This Bestselling Nonstick Pan & Chef’s Knife Combo at Material Kitchen

The bottom line is that you absolutely need a wooden spoon in your kitchen, as it can be used in all types of cookware and for all types of dishes. The only downside of wooden spoons is that they shouldn’t be put in the dishwasher, as they can crack from the high heat.

Eddington Italian Olive Wood Cooking Spoon, $7.98 on Amazon

Scrape with confidence using this lightweight yet durable spoon.
Buy Now

Metal Spoons

Use with: Uncoated metal and cast iron

Amazon

Stainless steel spoons are also quite popular, but they aren’t as versatile as wooden ones. Metal spoons are stronger and easier to clean than their wood counterparts, and they also do a better job scraping baked-on food off cookware. Many people also prefer metal spoons when serving, thanks to their sturdy nature.

However, metal spoons can scratch delicate surfaces, so you don’t want to use them in nonstick or glass pans. Instead, use them when cooking in uncoated metal or cast iron pans, and make sure to rest the utensil well away from the heating element—otherwise, the metal may heat up and burn you.

Related Reading: Le Creuset’s New Truffle Color Is Perfect for Fall

OXO Good Grips Brushed Stainless Steel Spoon, $9.99 on Amazon

OXO's non-slip grip is ideal for rigorous stirring.
Buy Now

Silicone Spoons

Use with: Anything, including nonstick, glass, and porcelain

Sur La Table

More and more people are bringing silicone kitchen utensils into their homes, and it’s easy to see why! Food-grade silicone is heat- and stain-resistant, non-corrosive and non-reactive, and gentle on delicate surfaces. This makes silicone spoons safe to use on all sorts of cookware, and you can usually wash these utensils in the dishwasher, too.

The issue with silicone is that low-quality options are made with fillers that may compromise the material’s performance and longevity. To see if silicone contains fillers, many people recommend twisting or pinching the material—if white shows through, it’s made with filler.

Sur La Table Silicone Ultimate Spoon, $9.95 from Sur La Table

You won't find filler in this high-quality spoon that's dishwasher-safe and heat-resistant up to 446 degrees.
Buy Now

A Note on Slotted Spoons…

In addition to all the different spoon materials, there are also spoons with slots or holes (also called perforations). These spoons are typically used to remove solid food from liquid, as the holes let the liquid drain out. For instance, you might use a slotted spoon to remove onion rings from frying oil or vegetables from gravy. You’ll want to take the pros and cons of each material into consideration when choosing a slotted spoon.

KitchenAid Black Silicone Slotted Spoon, $9.95 from Crate and Barrel

Scoop up your food without transferring any unwanted liquid.
Buy Now

The Skinny on Spatulas

Here’s a real question: Why are there so many very different kitchen tools that are all called spatulas? Silicone scrapers, metal flippers, and icing spreaders—all spatulas!

Metal Spatulas, aka Flippers or Turners

Use with: Uncoated metal and cast iron

Amazon

Flippers—or the type of spatula you use when flipping burgers—are usually made from metal. This makes them strong and allows them to have a thin edge, and you can find both solid and slotted designs. These tools are best for flipping and lifting large, flat items like burgers, pancakes, and even sugar cookies, and most come with wooden or rubber handles to minimize heat transfer.

Related Reading: 7 Tips & Tricks for Juicy Grilled Burgers

OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Turner, $9.99 on Amazon

You'll flip out over this slick spatula.
Buy Now

Plastic Spatulas, aka Flippers or Turners

Use with: Nonstick

Amazon

There are plastic flippers available, as well, but they can melt or warp if exposed to high heat, so it’s generally better to stick with metal ones. Plastic spatulas are really only beneficial if you’re cooking on a nonstick surface.

Norpro Nylon Nonstick Spatula, $5.72 on Amazon

Your best bet when flipping and folding on nonstick surfaces.
Buy Now

Silicone Spatulas, aka Scrapers

Use with: Anything, including nonstick, glass, and porcelain

Amazon

Then there are silicone spatulas, which are also referred to (perhaps more accurately) as scrapers. These tools aren’t going to be useful when it comes to flipping burgers, but they’re ideal when you need to scrape (every last drop of) brownie batter out of a bowl.

The rubbery head of these spatulas forms a seal with the side of your bowl or pan, helping to ensure all the food gets scraped out. They’re also handy for folding together baking ingredients. The material is suitable for all finishes, from sturdy cast iron to vintage mixing bowls.

Related Reading: 5 Foolproof Tips for the Best, Fudgiest Brownies Every Time

Wilton Easy Flex Silicone Spatula Set, $8.76 on Amazon

You won't have to sacrifice a drop of batter thanks to this spatula trio.
Buy Now

Icing Spatulas

Use with: Cake frosting!

Amazon

Finally, there are icing spatulas, sometimes called offset spatulas. These are really only necessary for frequent bakers who want a more precise way to spread icing and are available in metal, silicone, and plastic versions. If you’re just making a birthday cake once a year, you can use a regular knife instead.

Related Reading: How to take Boxed Cake Mix from Basic to Baller

Wilton Icing Spatula, 13-Inch, $3.84 from Amazon

Want to achieve cake boss status? You're gonna need an icing spatula.
Buy Now

Miscellaneous Utensils 

There are plenty of other kitchen utensils you might have hanging around, and here are a few more instances when material is important.

Metal vs. Silicone Whisks

Whisks come in a variety of styles and sizes, but you’ll generally either find them made from metal or silicone. Silicone whisks are actually just metal whisks with a silicone coating, and while they’re gentler on nonstick finishes, they’re typically not as effective at tasks like beating egg whites.

OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Better Balloon Whisk, $9.99 from Amazon

Get that perfect whisk and a great arm workout.
Buy Now

Anything Made From Copper

If you have copper accents in your kitchen, you might want matching copper utensils. While undeniably prettier, copper utensils have the same pros and cons as stainless steel ones. The only real difference is you shouldn’t put them in the dishwasher, as copper can tarnish.

Copper Utensils, Set of 4, $24.99 from Williams Sonoma

This shiny set will add some pop to your cooking routine. Just remember to keep it away from the dishwasher.
Buy Now
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The Best Instant Pot Accessories for Healthy Eating

Instant Pot silicone roasting rack

Welcome to Cookware Week! We’re sharing our favorite cookware sets, accessories, and kitchen appliances, plus intel on how to care for all of it, the best recipes to make with every piece, and exclusive sales for Chowhound readers.

The Instant Pot is one of our must-have kitchen devices and especially with the right Instant Pot accessories the miracle machine can be a great tool for health and wellness, too.

As it’s a combination pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, rice cooker, warmer, and more, you can make thousands of satiating meals in your programmable Instant Pot (with the added benefit of fewer dirty dishes). From flavorful meat stews and fall-off-the-bone short ribs to summer shrimp boils and nutrient-packed soups, most healthy Instant Pot recipes are done in minutes and require minimal prep.

Related Reading: Whole30 Instant Pot Recipes to Help You Eat Healthier

One reason an Instant Pot is perfect for preparing dishes for healthy eating is how fast it cooks tender meats, perfect beans, creamy Greek yogurt, eggs, and other proteins integral to a balanced diet. With the help of a few smart, healthy Instant Pot accessories like cups for cooking eggs, steamed vegetable baskets, and a few Instant Pot cookbooks with healthy Instant Pot recipes in mind, you can stay committed to your Whole30 or keto plan or maintain a more balanced diet with loads of protein and nutrient-packed vegetables.

Below are nine of the best Instant Pot accessories to have around for eating healthy all week (and year) long.

Hatrigo Steamer Basket, $17.99 on Amazon

Instant Pot steamer basket

Amazon

This Instant Pot steamer basket will make cooking veggies or boiling eggs even easier, and any dietician will tell you steaming adds the least amount of fat to foods while best maintaining their nutritional integrity. This steamer basket Instant Pot accessory is available in three different sizes (3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart) so there’s a size that will fit perfectly for any Instant Pot model, and they work with the Ninja Foodi and some other multicookers too. The stainless-steel steamer basket features a silicone-covered handle to keep it from getting too hot and burning your fingers when you lift it out.Buy Now

Instant Pot Official Silicone Steamer Basket, $12.47 at Walmart

Instant Pot silicone steamer basket

Walmart

Serving a similar function as the basket above, this BPA-free silicone steamer has the added bonus of folding up flat for easy storage, so it’s a great choice for smaller spaces. It also cleans up more easily than metal since it’s naturally nonstick. It can be used with 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pots.Buy Now

Instant Pot Official Silicone Roasting Rack, $10.49 at Walmart

Instant Pot silicone roasting rack

Walmart

The Instant Pot does come with a metal rack, but this BPA-free silicone version is far easier to clean since it’s nonstick. It elevates your food from the liquid in the pot, while the vented bottom promotes better airflow for even cooking and also allows any rendered fat to drain. Use with 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pots. When not in use, it works as a heat-safe trivet too.Buy Now

“The Keto Instant Pot Cookbook” by Maria Emmerich, $22.49 on Amazon

keto Instant Pot cookbook

Amazon

This healthy Instant Pot cookbook contains over 130 easy recipes for dishes you’ll love, all of which were developed specifically for a low-carb, high-protein keto diet. An Instant Pot is one of the best tools for a high-protein, low-carb lifestyle, cooking savory dishes like fall-off-the-bone red meats, quick chicken and fish, and fresh vegetables in a fraction of the time it takes in an oven. This book covers all of them and then some, with recipes like Amazing Asian Pulled Pork, Chicken and Bacon Lasagna Roll-Ups, Buffalo Meatballs, Easy Baked Eggs, Chocolate Almond Fudge, and Pumpkin Coffee Cake (all still keto, of course). It also includes helpful info on using your Instant Pot if you’re just getting started, plus great meal prep tips.Buy Now

Egg Steamer Rack with Heat Resistant Handles, $6.99 on Amazon

Instant Pot egg steamer rack

Amazon

Make perfect soft- or hard-boiled eggs in your multicooker with this handy Instant Pot egg steamer rack. It has indents to hold nine eggs, making this steam tool ideal for healthy meal prep. Make a batch (or two) on Sunday, then chop up some hard-boiled eggs for your salad for more protein to fuel your afternoon, or add a soft-boiled egg on top of avocado toast for an easy, healthy weekday breakfast. This comes in sizes suitable for 5-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart Instant Pot models.Buy Now

Silicone Egg Bite Molds with Steamer Rack, $17.99 on Amazon

silicone egg bite molds Instant Pot

Amazon

If you love Starbucks‘ sous vide egg bites, you need these silicone Instant Pot egg molds that let you make your own at home. Packed with protein, they’re yet another meal prepper’s dream (and a nice change from plain old hard-boiled eggs). Customize them with any additions you want, make a double batch on Sunday, and grab them for healthy breakfasts and lunch all week long. This set of two silicone molds (each makes 7 egg bites at once) also comes with silicone spoons and a steamer rack, but if you don’t need all the extras, you can buy a single egg bite mold with lid by itself.Buy Now

“The Fresh & Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook: 75 Easy Recipes for Light Meals” by Megan Gilmore, $10.95 on Amazon

Fresh and Healthy Instant Pot cookbook

Amazon

Whip up some light, healthy meals in your Instant Pot with this great healthy multicooker cookbook, which includes 75 simple recipes all suited for the miracle machine. Each healthy Instant Pot recipe includes a gluten-free option and they are all free of refined sugars. The healthy and delicious dishes range from savory (Instant Pot Eggplant Parmesan Bake, Spicy Lentil Burgers, and Asparagus & Leek Frittata) to sweet (Flourless Banana Oat Bread and One-Pot Chocolate Cake and Frosting—yum). Plus, there are tips on what to keep in your pantry so you’re always ready to whip up something good (and good for you too).Buy Now

Silva Stackable Instant Pot Inserts with Lids, 2 for $28.99 at Walmart

Instant Pot stackable inserts

Walmart

Make your Instant Pot even more convenient with these stackable stainless-steel Instant Pot inserts for cooking multiple things at once, like a protein and sides (pressure cooking pros call this “PIP” or “pot in pot” cooking). They also serve as layer pans for cooking lasagna or cheesecake on cheat day, but we recommend them as one of the best Instant Pot accessories for anyone looking to increase efficiency and make more than one dish at a time. You can even cook multiple proteins to keep meal prep interesting, easy, and fast!Buy Now

Instant Pot Yogurt Cups and Rack, $9.95 at Walmart

Instant Pot yogurt cups and rack

Walmart

You can make your own yogurt easily at home with this nifty Instant Pot yogurt maker accessory. We love that it’s easy to use and easy to clean—and saves a lot of money compared to buying tubs of yogurt at the store (plus, it cuts down on food waste to boot). Try creating different flavors and varieties such as Greek yogurt—and don’t worry about hidden sugar since you’ll know exactly what goes into your batch. Incorporate unique add-ins to shake up your healthy breakfast routine too, but don’t forget yogurt recipes that embrace its savory side!Buy Now

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The Must-Attend American Beer Fests of 2019

Best American beer fests 2019 (craft beer festival guide)

Taking a cue from the world of music, the craft beer industry is currently in a festival frenzy. No matter where you live or the style of beer you prefer, there are a number of sudsy gatherings scheduled throughout 2019 that give enthusiasts the chance to try a variety of unfamiliar offerings, old favorites, and rare specialties in a single day or weekend. Here’s a rundown of the nation’s most anticipated beer festivals—updated to note which ones have ended, but never fear: summer (and fall) still promise some good times for beer lovers.

NORTHEAST

[ENDED] Extreme Beer Fest

Where: Boston, Mass.

When: February 1-2 — but keep this one on your radar for 2020!

BeerAdvocate’s annual celebration of boundary-pushing brews is bigger and better than ever this year. The weekend-long event features over 120 different breweries showing off their boldest beers that utilize unusual ingredients, unconventional techniques, or some combination of the two.

[ENDED] Pastrytown

Where: Brooklyn, N.Y.

When: March 16 — but keep this one on your radar for 2020!

If you dream about adjunct-heavy beers, pro wrestling, and mouthwatering food stalls, then Pastrytown just might be your Valhalla. Hosted by one of New York’s finest breweries, Other Half, this sweet affair will feature a veritable buffet of pastry-inspired beers—not to mention non-stop brawling from the good (and bad) folks at the New York Wrestling Connection. Since the event is being held at Brooklyn’s Industry City, attendees will have easy access the adjacent Food Hall which serves up plenty of delicious eats.

[ENDED] Festival of Farmhouse Ales

Where: Greensboro, Vt.

When: August 3 — but keep this one on your radar for 2020!

Hill Farmstead is one of the world’s most celebrated breweries, so it’s no surprise that their Festival of Farmhouse Ales is a tough ticket. The event takes place on Hill Farmstead’s remote yet bucolic grounds but is certainly worth the trip considering it’s the only opportunity of the year to sample such a wide variety of the brewery’s deservedly coveted saisons and sour beers. Keep in mind a designated driver is required for entry, so if there’s ever a time to cash in a friend or family member’s I.O.U., this is it.

SOUTH

Funk N’ Sour Fest

Where: Austin, Texas

When: October 24

It’s a treat to visit Jester King’s expansive farmhouse brewery grounds on any occasion but making the trip to the outskirts of Austin for the Funk N’ Sour Fest is particularly special. This is an intimate affair—only 250 tickets were released last year—that is highlighted by an expertly curated beer (specifically of the funky sour and saison varieties) and food pairing experience.

[ENDED] Wakefest

Where: Miami, Fla.

When: February 2 — but keep this one on your radar for 2020!

Wakefield is going all out for this year’s Wakefest, assembling 120 breweries, including eight of the 10 top brewers in the world as determined by Rate Beer. Of course, don’t neglect the host brewery’s tap list, which will include 30 of their own selections, some of which you won’t be able to find anywhere else. When you’re not busy pounding pours, pump your fists to the live DJ—this is Miami, after all.

[ENDED] Hunahpu’s Day

Where: Tampa, Fla.

When: March 9 — but keep this one on your radar for 2020!

Hunahpu’s is Cigar City’s Mayan-influenced imperial stout aged on cacao nibs, Madagascar vanilla beans, ancho chiles, pasilla chiles, and cinnamon. Its annual release is certainly worthy of a celebration, and this year, which marks the beer’s tenth anniversary, will be particularly special. Each ticket will include unlimited samples courtesy of 150 breweries across the globe, tapas-style bites from local food vendors, and last, but certainly not least, bottles of Hunahpu’s. Festival-goers will also be able to attend the following day’s Gasparilla Music Festival (which just so happens to be sponsored by Cigar City) at no cost.

MIDWEST

Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beers

Where: Chicago, Ill.

When: November 8-9

The Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beers (or F.O.B.A.B. for those in the know) is not for the faint of heart. As its name suggests, the focus of this always-popular fundraiser and competition is a celebration of beers that spend time—often years—aging in barrels, many of which previously held spirits. Over 200 breweries will be in attendance offering pours of rare, high-octane beers that will vie for the coveted Best of Show prize.

[ENDED] Dark Lord Day

Three Floyds Brewing Dark Lord Day beer release

Three Floyds Brewing

Where: Munster, Ind.

When: May 18 — but keep this one on your radar for 2020!

Dark Lord Day marks the only opportunity to bring home the brewery’s iconic motor oil-thick coffee and vanilla imperial stout as well as the beer’s ultra-limited barrel-aged variants. But this isn’t merely a bottle release. The event, which attracts an arena’s worth of fans to the brewery, features popular standards and limited brews from Three Floyds, plenty of guest taps, and live performances from a bunch of metal bands that will never appear on your mother’s Spotify.

[ENDED] Great Taste of the Midwest

Where: Madison, Wis.

When: August 10 — but keep this one on your radar for 2020!

Billed as the second-longest-running craft beer fest in the United States, the Great Taste of the Midwest has been around for over three decades, long before the industry’s current boom. The popular summer fest, which takes place in Madison’s Olin Park, offers stunning scenery and plenty of beer from over 190 craft brewers that reside in the Midwest.

NORTHWEST

[ENDED] Fremont Oktoberfest

Where: Seattle, Wash.

When: September 20-22 — but keep this one on your radar for 2020!

It’s never too early to celebrate Oktoberfest, especially when the folks at Seattle’s beloved Fremont Brewing are running the show. Expect great food, a stein hoisting contest, “Texas chainsaw” pumpkin carving, and of course, plenty of—as the Germans call it—bier. This is one of the few beer festivals that keeps the party going until midnight, so be sure to pace yourself.

[ENDED] Great American Beer Festival

Where: Denver, Colo.

When: October 3-5 — but keep this one on your radar for 2020!

Part competition, part tasting extravaganza, the Great American Beer Festival attracts over 60,000 attendees (that’s not a typo) and 800 breweries (also not a typo) from across the country, including all the heavy-hitters as well as a number of under-the-radar gems. It’s like the Super Bowl and Woodstock rolled into one monumental weekend and should be on every beer lovers’ bucket list.

PACIFIC

[ENDED] Horus Hootenanny

Where: Escondido, Calif.

When: January 26 — but keep this one on your radar for 2020!

Beer publication Hop Culture is no stranger to putting on incredible fests, and this collaboration with Kyle Harrop and his red-hot Oceanside-based brewery Horus Aged Ales should be no exception. Attendees will be able to sample tastings provided by over 70 other highly-touted breweries, many of which never make there way to the West Coast. The Hootenanny might be your only opportunity to try holy grail brews such as More’s Marshmallow Henna, Voodoo’s Black Magik aged in Willett bourbon barrels, and several other impossible-to-find gems, including several of Harrop’s own stellar sour and stout offerings.

[ENDED] Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest

Where: Paso Robles, Calif.

When: June 1 — but keep this one on your radar for 2020!

Paso Robles may be a wine town but on June 1 beer shall reign supreme.  Acclaimed hometown brewery Firestone Walker will be hosting another installment of their wildly popular Invitational Beer Fest, which brings together several of their equally notable peers for some revelry on the Central Coast. Tickets sell out instantly, so be sure to keep any eye out for the event’s on-sale date.

[ENDED] Portland Craft Beer Festival

Where: Portland, Ore.

When: July 4-7 — but keep this one on your radar for 2020!

Toast our nation’s independence with some independent craft brews at this annual celebration of Portland’s dynamic beer scene. Over 70 breweries currently call Portland home—there’s a reason it’s often dubbed “the best beer city in the world”—and many of them will be setting up shop at the fest. Sunday will be all ages so bring the family and enjoy the festival’s numerous food trucks and vendors who will be selling local artisanal goods.

[ENDED] Festival of Dankness

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His and hers at the festival of dankness @moderntimesbeer

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Where: San Diego, Calif.

When: August 24 — but keep this one on your radar for 2020!

San Diego Waterfront Park will become the hoppiest place on Earth once again when it plays host to Modern Times Beer’s fifth annual Festival of Dankness. Expect IPAs of the West Coast, hazy, brut, and milkshake varieties, plus plenty of other hopped-up brews from Modern Times and dozens of other breweries based locally and beyond.

Missed out? You can always bring the party home—check out some of the best beer subscription services. And see some of our favorite beer-infused products (’cause it’s not just for drinking anymore).

Related Video: The Difference Between Ale and Lager



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