David Watsky

New York

Senior Editor at CNET

Senior Writer, @CNET Kitchen & Home Tips? Toasters? Probably still on mute

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Articles

Factor Meals Review: Hits, Misses and the Must-Try Dishes

5 days ago | cnet.com | Corin Cesaric |David Watsky

CNET's resident meal kit expert David Watsky tested 25 meal kits, including Factor, a few years ago to find the best of the best. David found Factor to be mostly tasty and healthy with just a few duds in the bunch. But the way we tested meal kits a few years ago didn't account for varying taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Since then, I've joined CNET covering home tech armed with a fresh focus on wellness and health.
The Key to Crispy Bacon? Your Air Fryer

6 days ago | cnet.com | David Watsky |Dan Avery

Those who love bacon, really love bacon. I put myself in that category. Whether you prefer a chewy or crispy crunch with yours, there's one unexpected appliance that makes it perfect every time: The air fryer. Although some swear by traditional stovetop cooking while others vouch for oven baking, using those methods can result in quite the mess and inconsistent results. According to TikTok chef Skyler Paladino (@cookswithskye), you can make perfect bacon in your air fryer in 8 to 10 minutes.
HelloFresh Meal Kits: Taste-Tested and Reviewed by 3 CNET Editors

6 days ago | yahoo.com | David Watsky

Out of the dozens of meal delivery services, HelloFresh consistently ranks as one of the most popular. With its vast menu of weekly recipes -- usually offering as many as 100 options -- and market items, it might be the service to beat. It also has competitive prices, with plans that start at around $9 a serving -- EveryPlate and Dinnerly are the only cheaper meal kit services -- but stats don't mean much if the food isn't tasty.
Ninja's FlexFlame Grill Can Smoke, Griddle and Cook Pizza. Is It Worth $1,000?

6 days ago | cnet.com | David Watsky

Ninja is on a roll. Not only has the brand given us our new favorite air fryer with a genius glass cooking chamber, but the next-gen version of its viral ice cream maker also had our New York office swooning. Ninja, famous for smart spins on classic kitchen tools and appliances, has entered the full-size grill chat with its monster, multipurpose FlexFlame grill. As we roll into May and outdoor cooking season, Ninja's timing is no accident.
Home Chef Review: 3 CNET Editors Gave the Popular Meal Kit a Try

6 days ago | yahoo.com | David Watsky

Home Chef is among the most popular meal kit services in 2025, joining the likes of Blue Apron, Sunbasket, EveryPlate and HelloFresh. With dozens of meal kits and prepared meal subscription services vying for your dinnertime dollars, Home Chef looks to distinguish itself with the most customizable recipes of any of them, allowing you to swap out one protein for another or replace meat with a plant-based alternative.
Don't Even Think About Putting These 4 Foods In Your Cast-Iron Skillet

1 week ago | cnet.com | David Watsky

Cooking with cast-iron pans is a labor of love -- a well-season skillet can last your entire life, and maybe even longer. That's why the last thing you want to do is ruin the glossy, nonstick patina on your cast-iron pan by cooking the wrong foods in it. While cast iron is known for being durable, it has its weaknesses. Certain ingredients can cause serious damage when left to simmer, bubble or soak for too long.
Is Your Nonstick Pan Safe? Here’s How You Can Tell

1 week ago | cnet.com | David Watsky

Nonstick cookware, which are teflon-coated, are appreciated for how easy they are to use and clean. However, some question the safety of the chemical-coated dishes. More specifically, the PTFE and PFAS (used in the coating) that are said to mix with your food during use earn them a bad rep. Last year, the US saw an increase in reported cases of "Teflon flu" -- if that raises questions in your mind, you're not alone.
Starting a Compost Pile? Avoid These 10 Foods and Household Items

1 week ago | cnet.com | David Watsky

Not everything can be added to a compost pile. Composting requires a delicate balance of dry brown material and wet, nutrient-rich green. The latter usually consists of kitchen waste but adding the wrong leftover or discarded foods can ruin your carefully curated compost. If you want to compost meat and dairy -- both of which tend to attract pests -- I recommend a countertop food waste processor such as the Mill Bin or Lomi, which dry and grind food down to a dirt-like substance.
Best Pool Vacuums of 2025: Tested for Every Type of Pool

1 week ago | cnet.com | David Watsky

The worst feature of pool ownership is vacuuming it using a manual system. The good news is -- for the first time ever -- CNET is testing pool robot cleaners. Pool vacuums are more advanced, reliable, and affordable than ever. Most pool owners, including this one, will tell you that having a robot cleaner is about as necessary to enjoying a pool as filling it with water.
Keep These 7 Foods Off Your Grill

1 week ago | cnet.com | David Watsky

Barbecue season is here. There are hundreds of things you can make on a gas or charcoal grill, but there are a few foods that just aren't meant to be cooked over a grill's grates. Most grills feature slats or grates which can send certain foods spiraling to a fiery death. Outdoor griddles have become popular, and these provide more stability for cooking flaky fish and flimsy vegetables, but you won't get that same flame-kissed effect or coveted char.