8 Expert-Tested Cookware Finds on Sale at Williams Sonoma This Month

Why we like it: When it comes to splurge-worthy investment pieces for your kitchen, few items top the iconic Le Creuset Dutch oven. Our experts' best overall dutch oven pick continues to impress with its even heating capabilities and superior heat retention — thanks to an enameled cast iron surface. What's more, it's extremely durable: "I’ve had mine for over five years, and it still looks and performs as good as new. No scratching, chipping or damage — despite heavy repeated use," says registered dietitian Stefani Sassos, Nutrition & Fitness Lab Director.

What you should know: This oval-shaped version of our best overall Dutch oven is on sale in more than 10 colors. Only the 8-quart size is on sale.

RELATED: Le Creuset Dutch Oven Review: Is It Worth the Money?

Why we like it: For a high-quality chef's knife that won't break the bank, this stylish option from Global was named our pros' best value Japanese knife for its thin, sharp blade and slip-resistant handle. Our experts appreciate the weighted handle, which gives you better control while slicing and dicing.

What you should know: Some users might find the rectangular handle of this knife uncomfortable. It should be hand-washed to maintain its sharpness.

Why we like it: Cook for a crowd this summer by adding this grill pan to cart, which was dubbed our experts' best pick for entertaining. Its large surface area is ideal for hosting since it allows you to cook several large steaks or burgers at once. Plus, it comes in more than 10 attractive colors to impress your guests.

What you should know: This grill pan weighs around 7 pounds, making it light for its size. It can be used on induction cooktops.

Why we like it: Between backyard barbecues and summer potlucks, there's a good chance you'll need to serve a crowd this season. Our experts' best overall serving platter is great for dishing out grilled corn, chopped salads, tortilla chips and more. “These are some of my favorite serving dishes because they're sleek, versatile, easy to use and easy to wash,” says Kitchen Appliances Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou.

What you should know: This platter is only on sale in the extra-large size. It's dishwasher and microwave-safe but should not be used in the oven.

Why we like it: All-Clad is one of our experts' top-tested cookware brands, and this saucepan is our best overall pick for its even heat distribution and a tight-fitting lid that helped produce fluffy rice in our tests. Its straight sides and rounded edges make it easier to stir and scrape down sauces. Our pros like the versatility of the 3-quart size, and it's marked down by $50 right now.

What you should know: Shoppers should note that the handle rivets of this pan are not flush on the inside, which could lead to food getting stuck over time. Per the brand, this saucepan is dishwasher-safe, but we recommend hand washing for best results. Finally, it is oven-safe up to 500˚F.

RELATED: The Best All-Clad Cookware Sets You Can Buy, According to Testing

Why we like it: These baking dishes from Staub double as attractive serving platters, earning them a spot among our experts' top-tested picks. They feature an enamel coating, which allows you to take them straight from the fridge or freezer to the oven without cracking. This set comes with two different sizes, so you can cook both large-batch dishes and single-serve meals.

What you should know: These baking dishes are dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven-safe. They're on sale in four colors.

Why we like it: Paring knives are a handy tool for more detailed kitchen tasks like peeling garlic, deveining shrimp and coring vegetables. This pick from Shun was among the sharpest tested by our experts, with a lightweight design that's comfortable to hold. Our pros love its longer blade, which gives you more control when peeling and cutting ingredients.

What you should know: Some of our testers noted that this knife feels fragile compared to others we tested. It comes in 3.5 and 4-inch blade lengths and two colors.

Why we like it: Whether you're lacking the outdoor space for a full grill setup or you want a portable option for tailgates, this tabletop grill is a smart investment. Traeger is the brand behind our experts' best overall pellet grill, and this compact model allows you to smoke, bake, roast, braise, grill and barbecue from just about anywhere.

What you should know: This portable grill has an 84 square inch surface that's designed to fit six burgers, one rack of ribs or 10 hot dogs. It requires a plug-in outlet.