5 essential gadgets for hosting brunch

Editor's note: Every week The Week's editors survey product reviews and articles in websites, newspapers, and magazines, to find cool and useful new items we think you'll like. We're now making it easier to purchase these selections through affiliate partnerships with certain retailers. The Week may get a share of the revenue from these purchases.

1. Lodge Pro-Grid Grill/Griddle ($40)

"You 10,000,000 percent need a cast-iron griddle," said Amiel Stanek at Bon Appétit. This two-burner griddle can be used on any stove, including a smooth-top, and it doesn't mind campfires either. Warm it up, and it's ready to take on "all manner of eggs, pancakes, and pork products." Buy it at Amazon.

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2. Cuisinart Touch to Toast 4-Slice Toaster ($90)

Consumer Reports' top-rated four-slice toaster offers multiple settings — so it can handle bagels, bread, defrosting, and rewarming. It "delivers evenly browned toast almost every time," said Kimberly Janeway. Buy it at Amazon.

3. Calphalon Unison Pan and Egg Poacher Insert ($160)

A 10-inch nonstick Calphalon pan is great for omelets, and the nonstick poacher insert "will help you turn out perfectly formed, firm yet gooey eggs for perching atop a tart salad or smothering with rich hollandaise," said Maggie Pearson at Sauce Magazine. Buy it at Amazon.

4. Proctor Silex Alex's Lemonade Stand Juicer ($24)

"Nothing beats fresh-squeezed juice, whether sipped straight or added to mimosas," said Eve O'neill at The Sweethome. This affordable juicer "gets the job done quickly and effectively" and "performs equally well on oranges, lemons, and grapefruit." Buy it at Amazon.

5. Waring Pro Belgian Waffle Maker ($95)

This waffle maker "quickly and consistently" turns out two waffles at a time, said Cook's Illustrated. Indicator lights and an audible alert let you know when waffles are done, and a six-point dial lets you fine-tune the cooking times. Buy it at Amazon.