Our Three-Tier Review System
Radical transparency about what I've personally tested, what I'm currently testing, and what I recommend based on professional experience.
Why Three Tiers?
After 45 years of cooking and 24 years in professional kitchens, I've learned one thing: honesty builds trust. Not every product on this site has survived 18 months in a 200-cover restaurant kitchen. Some are currently on my home counter being tested daily. Others I recommend based on professional knowledge and experience with similar equipment.
Rather than pretend everything has been exhaustively tested, I'm transparent about exactly what kind of experience backs each recommendation. That's why every review displays one of three tier badges.
Tier 1: Professional Kitchen Tested
The Gold Standard: 18+ months in demanding restaurant environments
What This Means:
- Tested for 18+ months in real restaurant kitchens serving 200+ covers nightly
- Survived daily commercial abuse from multiple kitchen staff across different shifts
- Every performance claim backed by documented restaurant experience
- I know exactly how it performs when equipment failure means lost revenue
Examples of Tier 1 Products:
- • KitchenAid Commercial Mixer - 18 months at Purple Cafe
- • Victorinox 8" Chef's Knife - 20 years of daily use
- • Le Creuset Dutch Oven - 10 years home use
This is the tier that separates marketing claims from reality. When a product earns Tier 1 status, it has proven itself where failure isn't an option.
Tier 2: Currently Testing
Active home testing with real-time updates as I learn
What This Means:
- Currently using this product in my home kitchen for 30-90+ days
- Review evolves and updates as I discover strengths and weaknesses
- Honest about what I know so far vs. what still needs long-term validation
- Testing includes comparing against restaurant equipment I've used professionally
Why Tier 2 Matters:
Not everything can be tested in a restaurant environment. Home appliances like blenders, Instant Pots, and air fryers need to be evaluated in home kitchens. Tier 2 reviews provide valuable insights during the testing period, with clear disclosure that the review is evolving.
Tier 2 reviews are updated regularly with new findings. Check the "Last Updated" date to see the most recent insights.
Examples of Tier 2 Products:
- • Ninja blender - Currently 45 days into home testing
- • Instant Pot Ultra - Active testing for meal prep workflows
- • New knife sets being evaluated for home cook recommendations
Tier 2 gives you the benefit of my professional perspective during the testing period, with honesty about what I haven't yet learned. As products graduate to longer testing periods, they may move to Tier 1.
Tier 3: Professional Recommendation
Informed opinions based on 45 years of cooking experience
What This Means:
- Not personally tested long-term, but recommended based on professional knowledge
- Understanding of what makes equipment work comes from decades in kitchens
- Clear disclosure that this is experience-based opinion, not long-term personal testing
- Often based on similarity to equipment I have used professionally
When Tier 3 Is Valuable:
After 45 years of cooking (starting at age 15) and 24 years in professional kitchens, I've used hundreds of tools and appliances. I understand what separates good equipment from marketing hype. While I haven't personally tested every product for 18+ months, my professional experience allows me to identify quality and performance indicators.
Tier 3 recommendations are honest about what they are: informed professional opinions, not exhaustive personal testing. If you want products I've tested extensively, look for Tier 1 or Tier 2 badges.
Examples of Tier 3 Products:
- • Commercial ranges (understanding specs from restaurant equipment experience)
- • Specialty tools (based on similar tools used professionally)
- • Budget alternatives (understanding what compromises are acceptable)
Tier 3 exists because honesty matters. Rather than pretend I've personally tested everything for years, I'm transparent about which recommendations come from experience and professional knowledge rather than hands-on long-term testing.
Who's Behind These Reviews?
Scott Bradley
Professional Chef • 45 Years Cooking Experience
- • 45 years cooking experience (started at age 15)
- • 24 years in professional kitchens
- • 7 years kitchen management (Mellow Mushroom, Purple Cafe)
- • Managed $80K+ monthly revenue operations
- • A.A.S. Culinary Arts - Seattle Central College
- • B.S. Business Administration - University of Montana
Why This Experience Matters:
Managing kitchens serving 200+ covers nightly means understanding what equipment performs when failure costs money. I've seen what breaks under pressure, what lasts through years of abuse, and what's worth the investment.
Every recommendation on this site is filtered through the lens of someone who's relied on equipment professionally, managed kitchen budgets, and understands the difference between marketing claims and real performance.
How to Use the Tier System
Looking for battle-tested equipment?
Focus on Tier 1 reviews - these products have survived the ultimate test: 18+ months in professional kitchens where equipment failure means lost revenue.
Want insights on newer products?
Check Tier 2 reviews - these provide real-time updates as products are actively tested. The reviews evolve as I learn more about strengths and weaknesses.
Need professional guidance on unfamiliar categories?
Tier 3 reviews leverage 45 years of cooking experience to provide informed recommendations, even for products I haven't personally tested long-term.
Our Commitment to Transparency
Every review on this site displays one of the three tier badges. We will never hide what kind of experience backs a recommendation. This tier system exists to build trust through radical honesty.
Affiliate Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. However, tier assignments and honest assessments are never influenced by affiliate revenue. A Tier 3 product that pays high commissions remains Tier 3. A Tier 1 product with low commissions remains Tier 1. Honesty over revenue, always.