Chef Austin Merath is Everything Kitchen's Culinary Wizard, Kitchen-Gadget Reviewer, and New-Product Tester. It's his job to make sure you choose the kitchen tools that are right for you by testing the best we have to offer. Whether you’re shopping for a high-powered blender or the right pan for paella, Chef Austin shares everything you need to know to make an informed buying decision.

 

Chef Austin tests products and recipes in the test kitchen. We'll help you find the right addition to your kitchen.

  

Along with a degree in Culinary Arts from College of the Ozarks, Chef Austin brought his passion for good food and cooking to Everything Kitchens.

College of the Ozarks is a unique institution of higher education. Instead of paying tuition, students pay for their schooling by working 15 hours a week on campus while also taking classes and graduate debt free. Chef Austin studied and worked at the college's lodge and restaurant, the Keeter Center, for four years to earn his degree in Culinary Arts. He cooked alongside and learned from Chef Robert Stricklin. From courses focusing on classical French cuisine to a class dedicated to ice cream, Chef Austin studied and learned numerous cooking techniques and how to create flavor profiles. 

After working in a commercial kitchen for four years, he knew that was not the path he wanted to take. Working at a restaurant means you're married to that restaurant. It means long hours, stressful cooking conditions, and creativity can be stifled. Austin has a passion for good food and sharing it with the world, but felt that a commercial kitchen was not the place for that. That's why he joined the Everything Kitchens team - to bring restaurant-quality techniques, knowledge, and recipes to your home kitchen.

 

 

Chef Austin and his wife Amy are personal chefs on the weekend. They've cooked for esteemed guests such as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Ben Carson.

 

With the help of his wife Amy, Austin continues to cater high-end dinners and parties as a private chef. From making gold-plated brownies for Branson vacationers to beignets for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson, Austin and Amy are always cooking up unforgettable cuisine and meeting inspirational people through their love of cooking. They also love to share locally sourced ingredients and make lasting memories for their dinner guests.

Cooking and service to others is in his family's blood: both his Grandma Jean and his momma Ruth owned truck-stop diners popular for amazing home-style cooking, and his dad could be counted on to whip up a big ol' pot of jambalaya for the family. Chef Austin continues the family tradition of service; whether by making cotton candy for the church fundraiser or simply helping Grandma Jean take out the trash, serving others is his passion. That’s why he joined Everything Kitchens, so he can use his expertise and dedication to help our customers understand our products and how they work, as well as share his innovative and delicious recipes, so that you can have the ultimate culinary experience in the comfort of your own kitchen.

When he's not cooking up his next culinary adventure or trying out the latest kitchen accessories, Austin enjoys floating on Table Rock Lake or exploring the many caves of the Ozarks with Amy. 

 

Chef Austin Says:

Making tasty food starts with high-quality ingredients, but it doesn't end there. You also need the right tools to transform those ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. I'm a big believer in investing in your kitchen. You never retire from eating; you have to eat for the rest of your life. That is why for my own kitchen, I choose quality tools that I know will last.

He cooks, he reviews - but most importantly - he finds what’s right for you

To help you make an informed decision, I scout and rigorously test dozens of products to determine my Top Picks. Chef Austin's Top Picks are the best of the best, they are top-quality appliances, tools and utensils that flawlessly do the job they are designed for. Let me try the tools before you buy, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality product. Read our in-depth review articles and watch our comparison videos so you can make the purchase that best suits your needs.

 

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Chef Austin's Featured Recipes

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Everything Kitchens and Chef Austin have partnered with multiple companies to create amazing recipes. Check them out here:

 

Askinosie White Chocolate Risotto

See the recipe for savory white chocolate risotto.

 

Askinosie Savory Pumpkin & Ricotta Filled Cocoa Ravioli

See the recipe for pumpkin & ricotta cocoa ravioli. 

 

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Chef Austin compares the differences between models of blenders, pressure cookers, and more. Invest in your kitchen with chef recommended tools!