While Chris Kimball irritated me when I first started watching ATK, I've really come to enjoy him on the show. At first he seemed like a hovering, critical presence - until I realized his outlook towards food and life are so similar to my own Yankee soul. And he's not just a host, he's a bona fide cooking expert. Without him now starting with the 17th season, it's lacking some seasoning. A steak without salt, you might say.
7 Reviews
Great cooking show
megcov1 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
America's Test Kitchen is a great cooking show that is practical and entertaining. While not quite as fun as watching Alton Brown on Good Eats, the test kitchen chefs give you tried and tested tips for cooking and baking American classics and explain the science of food and cooking along the way so that you understand why they're doing what they're doing.
I enjoy that the recipes and instructions are geared towards the average home cook, someone without a lot of fancy gadgets and who doesn't have hours to spend in the kitchen. The segments where they rate kitchen gadgets they've tested and food they've taste-tested are very valuable to someone who's still a novice at cooking.
Overall this is a great show for someone who enjoys food shows or is learning how to cook or how to improve their favorite meals.
I enjoy that the recipes and instructions are geared towards the average home cook, someone without a lot of fancy gadgets and who doesn't have hours to spend in the kitchen. The segments where they rate kitchen gadgets they've tested and food they've taste-tested are very valuable to someone who's still a novice at cooking.
Overall this is a great show for someone who enjoys food shows or is learning how to cook or how to improve their favorite meals.
An enjoyable show.
wkozak2212 October 2021
This is my opinion. I have always liked this show. It is fun, informative, and enjoyable. However, I never liked Mr. Kimball. He always seemed pompous, he always wanted to be right. The other cast members are fun and they have a sense of humor.
A must watch for every foodie!
tiffanie_says_stay_in_your_lane10 August 2023
I'm one of those people who enjoys food... Maybe a little too much. I'm not a picky eater, and I'm a huge fan of all meals, especially breakfast. Throughout the years, I've had a hard time finding someone else who feels the same way I do. I think it's so weird how a lot of people dislike breakfast. I don't even have a preference for waffles or pancakes - I love both. Now to be honest, cooking doesn't excite me, but I found myself enthralled with this show. Super informational and humorous, thanks to the cooks' wittiness, America's Test Kitchen walks the audience step by step through recipes for every dish imaginable. They also test out (hence the name in the title) various cooking and food products, like spatulas, mixers, bottled cold brew, potato chips, etc. For me it's educational and enjoyable, because I learn a great deal, plus I get to look at all kinds of delicious food. It'll grab my attention at the most random of times. Not too long ago I was using my laptop a little after 12:30am, and I became hypnotized by watching them make fudge. Cooking might seem daunting to you, but you'll be surprised by how much you learn, and it might inspire you to experiment in your own kitchen. It's a cool show, and a lovely oasis from all of the garbage on network TV (I am so thankful for PBS!).
Why are they wrecking a perfectly good show?
rayresnyc10 June 2022
ATK used to be for serious cooks. I don't know - are ratings down? Is it an improvement to have everyone congratulating themselves all the time. To me the bits that they seem to think are an improvement (literally everything they are including in the ads) is the very worst of the changes and serve fror me as annoying filler.
I Miss....
gshunw2429 October 2022
I greatly miss Christopher Kimball. He was the main reason that I watched and everyone else was just a wonderful bonus. He had such a chill presence. Always cool, calm, and unflappable. He was also an incredible treasure trove of general knowledge and steered the show perfectly! I admired his confidence. Since he has left the show I cannot seem to take a consistent interest in the revised version. It still has many of the same great chefs/personalities and the recipes seem good. Julia and Bridget are still wonderful co-hosts and are very witty! I have tried, but regardless, I think it's still a great show and I hope it continues on successfully. I'm thrilled Christopher has returned to television on the Roku Channel.
It would be enjoyable for those who like these types of shows
tonilsams18 December 2022
This is my first watch. I am not a reality show of any type person, but I stumbled onto this late one night and watched. It wasn't bad. I hate to be critical ,but some of the judges seem to have an over inflated ego. A little power goes to the head. I was appalled that some of the women cooking didn't pull their hair up. I felt sorry for some of the contestants because they seem to try so hard to appease the cooking judge gods ,but it is the way these shows go.
I did enjoy seeing the variety of dishes. I find these types of shows judgmental since taste depends on the person. What I would find delicious, someone else may not.
The kitchen is nice and I like the fact that it is a.working test kitchen. The show does try to keep a sense of humor which keeps the atmosphere light.
I did enjoy seeing the variety of dishes. I find these types of shows judgmental since taste depends on the person. What I would find delicious, someone else may not.
The kitchen is nice and I like the fact that it is a.working test kitchen. The show does try to keep a sense of humor which keeps the atmosphere light.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
