Detailed Review
Delish by Hearst Communications enters the competitive food app space as a mobile extension of its well-known media brand, targeting users seeking reliable recipes and cooking content. With a 3.2-star rating, it sits in the mid-tier of food applications, appealing to those who prefer curated content over user-generated options. The app aggregates thousands of recipes from Delish's editorial team, emphasizing approachable meals for various skill levels and occasions, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Core functionality centers on a searchable recipe database with filters for dietary preferences, cooking time, and ingredients. Users can browse categories like '30-Minute Meals' or 'Comfort Food,' with each recipe including ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, and serving sizes. Additional features such as a built-in shopping list generator allow ingredients to be compiled for grocery trips, while saved favorites enable quick access to go-to dishes. Video tutorials for select recipes provide visual guidance, though not all entries include this element, which can be inconsistent for learners.
In real-world scenarios, the app performs adequately for meal planning and execution. During testing, navigation through recipes is straightforward, with a clean layout that minimizes clutter. However, users might encounter occasional lag when loading high-resolution images or videos, particularly on older devices. The shopping list feature integrates smoothly, allowing items to be checked off during store visits, but it lacks synchronization with other apps or services, limiting cross-platform utility. For cooks in a hurry, the timer and note-taking functions prove useful, though they don't standout compared to dedicated kitchen apps.
User feedback, though limited, highlights mixed experiences. Reviews indicate appreciation for the recipe variety and trustworthy sources, with one user noting, 'The chicken parmesan recipe was a hit with my family.' Conversely, criticisms often point to intrusive ads that disrupt the cooking flow and sporadic crashes when switching between app sections. Some reports mention that the search function could be more intuitive, as it sometimes fails to yield relevant results for niche ingredients.
Overall, Delish offers a solid resource for home cooks who value brand-backed content and straightforward tools. Its strengths lie in a well-organized recipe collection and practical features like the shopping list, but limitations such as ad density and occasional performance issues prevent it from excelling. For those willing to overlook minor flaws, it provides dependable meal ideas, though power users might seek more advanced customization elsewhere.
Perfect for: Home cooks seeking quick, vetted recipes from a familiar media brand.