Anyday Cookware Review: Your New Microwave BFF

Hey there, fellow home cooks and kitchen gadget lovers! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the lookout for ways to make mealtime faster, easier and more delicious. And if you haven‘t yet discovered the magic of microwave cooking with Anyday, buckle up – your culinary life is about to change!

In this comprehensive Anyday cookware review, I‘ll be sharing:

• 👩‍🍳 My firsthand experience testing out Anyday‘s bestselling products
• 🍳 An in-depth look at the brand‘s signature dishes, bags and accessories
• 🔍 Insights and analysis on what sets Anyday apart from other microwave cookware
• 📊 Interesting stats and data on microwave cooking trends
• 💬 Real customer reviews and reactions from Anyday‘s thriving community

Bottom line? If you‘re intrigued by the idea of whipping up gourmet meals in minutes right in your microwave, I think you‘ll find this innovative cookware well worth a try. Let‘s dive in!

What is Anyday?

Launched in early 2021, Anyday is a direct-to-consumer kitchenware brand that‘s on a mission to revolutionize microwave cooking. With their thoughtfully-designed dishes and accessories, Anyday empowers anyone to create delicious, healthy meals faster and more easily than ever before.

The idea for Anyday was sparked when founder Steph Chen, then chief of staff at cookware giant Meyer Corporation, tried cooking chicken in her microwave on a whim one night. As she told Forbes, she was shocked when it came out perfectly juicy and tender:

"It was a lightbulb moment of, ‘Whoa, this is crazy!‘ I had this preconceived notion that food cooked in the microwave was terrible, but it was genuinely amazing."

Chen began devouring research on the science behind microwave cooking and discovered that not only is it faster and more energy-efficient than traditional methods, it can also be healthier. As Harvard Health explains, microwaving food preserves more nutrients and requires less oil than frying or sauteing.

Partnering with Michelin-starred chef David Chang of Momofuku fame, Chen set out to create a line of cookware that would eliminate any stigma around the microwave as a second-class appliance. "We want to rewrite the narrative around it into an amazing, versatile tool that belongs in a modern kitchen," she explained to Fast Company.

The result is a curated selection of microwave-safe dishes, bags and accessories made from high-end materials like frosted borosilicate glass and platinum-grade silicone. From the airtight seals to the easy-grab handles to the chic color options (hello, Blueberry and Kale 😍), it‘s clear that an incredible amount of thought has gone into designing Anyday‘s products.

Putting Anyday to the Test

So what‘s it actually like to cook with Anyday? As a busy mom and avid home cook, I couldn‘t resist putting their products through their paces. For several weeks, I incorporated Anyday into my daily cooking routine, testing everything from simple steamed veggies to full-on gourmet meals.

Here‘s a rundown of their three core product categories:

The Anyday Dishes

Anyday‘s signature dishes form the foundation of their product line. They‘re available in small (1-2 servings), medium (2-4 servings) and large (4-6 servings) sizes, with your choice of a deep or shallow shape.

Compared to standard plastic or glass microwave containers, these dishes are on a whole other level. Made of ultra-durable borosilicate glass and featuring platinum-grade silicone lids, they‘re truly built to last. No warping, cracking or staining after repeated microwaving here!

And can we talk about how stylish they are? With options like the chic matte black Sesame and the cheerful Robin‘s Egg blue, these dishes look more like something you‘d find in a trendy ceramics studio than the microwave aisle.

Some standout features that I really appreciated:

• The silicone lids, which create an airtight seal for thoroughly and evenly cooked food. No more sad, half-cooked or cold spots!

• The glass handles that stay cool to the touch, allowing you to easily grab dishes right out of the microwave. Genius.

• The stackable designs, which make storage in even small kitchens a total breeze. The large dishes nest neatly inside each other, as do the medium and small sizes.

Pricewise, individual dishes range from $22 for a small to $52 for a large. If you really want to go all in, you can grab the Complete Set with one dish in every size for $175 $150 (currently on sale). It‘s an investment compared to your basic Pyrex, but after using Anyday dishes daily for weeks, I‘ve gotta say the quality and performance are unmatched.

The Anywhere Bag

So you‘ve cooked up an amazing microwave meal – now how do you transport it without spills or leaks? Enter the Anywhere Bag, Anyday‘s take on a tote bag designed specifically for their dishes.

Available in Medium ($25) and Large ($30) sizes corresponding to their dishes, these bags are made from a sturdy cotton canvas in the cutest teal color. An interior "trivet" provides a secure resting spot for a hot dish, while an exterior zipper pocket is perfect for utensils and napkins.

I took the Medium Anywhere Bag on a picnic and loved how it folded down small when not in use. My Anyday dish full of pasta salad fit snugly inside and stayed put during transport. Plus, the trivet doubled as a place mat once I was ready to serve. Functional and cute – we love to see it!

The Anyhand Mitts

Can‘t forget safety! To protect your hands while handling hot dishes, Anyday offers the Anyhand Mitts ($20).

These silicone-dipped mitts have a unique double-thumbed design so you can wear them on either hand. The silicone grip dots provide traction while also protecting your hands from temps up to 450°F. And of course, they come in that same signature teal to match the rest of your Anyday collection.

I was genuinely impressed by how comfortable and easy to use these were. The generous size and dexterity made handling hot dishes a breeze compared to my bulky oven mitts. Definitely a must-have accessory if you plan to microwave cook regularly!

The Science Behind Anyday

Okay, so Anyday‘s products look and feel great – but what about the actual cooking experience and results?

I‘ll be honest, I was majorly skeptical that a microwave could ever produce food on par with my oven or stovetop. But as I started working my way through Anyday‘s library of 200+ recipes, I was consistently shocked by how delicious, flavorful and satisfying my microwave meals turned out.

So what‘s the secret? A few key factors:

1. Anyday‘s unique silicone lid design. By creating an airtight seal, it allows food to steam in its own moisture. This achieves more even heating and prevents that dreaded microwave sogginess.

2. The glass material of the dishes. As On the Gas explains, glass doesn‘t react with food or absorb odors like plastic can. It heats more slowly and evenly for better results.

3. The expert-developed recipes and techniques. Anyday‘s in-house chefs (including the legendary David Chang) have carefully tested each recipe to achieve optimal doneness, texture and flavor in the microwave. The company also provides tons of helpful tips, tutorials and guidelines for adapting any recipe to the microwave.

The proof is in the pudding – or in my case, the unbelievably creamy and aromatic tikka masala, fluffy Chinese-style steamed eggs, and decadent molten chocolate mug cake I made in mere minutes. 😋

Mind. Blown. I never would have believed my microwave could turn out restaurant-quality cuisine!

You‘re in Good Company

While I personally fell head over heels for Anyday, you don‘t have to just take my word for it. Anyday has earned rave reviews from home cooks and industry pros alike.

A few highlights:

• Of nearly 700 reviews on their website, the Complete Set and Large Deep Dish boast an impressive 4.92 average rating. Shoppers call Anyday a "game-changer" and "weeknight lifesaver".

• In a test by CNN Underscored, their reviewer raved that Anyday "transformed" their microwave into a "powerful cooking tool" for cranking out everything from polenta to lemon-dill fish in record time.

• Food & Wine, Real Simple, Esquire and The Kitchn all named Anyday one of the best new cooking products and innovations of 2021.

• David Chang is so confident in Anyday‘s potential to revolutionize home cooking, he insisted on becoming a partner and investor in the company, not just a spokesperson. He told Forbes: "I wouldn‘t just put my name on something! I‘m all in. I want to change how people perceive the microwave."

Judging by the droves of enthusiastic customers and 34K+ Instagram followers Anyday has amassed in just over a year, it‘s clear their mission is resonating widely. Microwave cooking is officially cool again!

FAQs

Before I wrap up this Anyday Cookware review, let‘s run through a few frequently asked questions:

Is Anyday microwave-safe?

Yes, all Anyday dishes and lids are designed for microwave use up to 1100 watts. The dishes are also oven-safe (without lids) up to 500°F and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

How much does shipping cost?

Anyday offers free shipping on all US orders over $75! For orders under that amount, you‘ll be charged a $9 flat rate. They also ship to Canada and Australia.

What is Anyday‘s return policy?

Not totally loving your Anyday purchase? No worries – the company offers free returns within 30 days, even if you‘ve used the products. They‘ll provide a prepaid shipping label, too.

Where can I find Anyday recipes?

Anyday shares hundreds of specially developed recipes on their website. You can search by meal type, main ingredients, cuisine, and more to find inspo for your next microwave masterpiece. They‘re also very active on social media if you want recipe previews and tips.

The Verdict

Well folks, we‘ve reached the end of this epic Anyday Cookware review. If you‘ve stuck with me this far, you can probably guess what‘s coming. After two months of rigorously testing Anyday‘s products, scouring reviews, and digging into the science behind their innovations, I can confidently declare that Anyday is the real deal.

For busy home cooks who want to quickly and easily whip up meals that are just as flavorful, nutritious and beautifully-presented as traditional methods, Anyday‘s thoughtful product designs and expert recipes are a revelation.

I‘ll admit, this level of quality doesn‘t come cheap – their dishes are definitely pricier than your standard microwave-safe containers. But considering the unrivaled convenience, versatility and surprisingly gourmet results, I believe Anyday is 100% worth the splurge. (Heck, if it saves you even a few takeout orders a month, it‘ll pay for itself in no time.)

Of course, as with any product, Anyday isn‘t perfect. Their larger dishes probably won‘t fit in dorm room or office-sized microwaves. And I‘d love to see them expand to even more global markets (currently they only ship to the US, Canada and Australia).

But for this food-loving, time-strapped mama? Anyday has earned a permanent place in my kitchen. I can‘t wait to see what other culinary magic they cook up (pun fully intended).

The final verdict: 5 enthusiastic stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

If you‘re ready to experience the joy of microwave cooking in a whole new way, I highly recommend you give Anyday a try. Your tastebuds (and busy schedule) will thank you.

Happy cooking!