Bon Appétit is a solid cooking education channel that teaches real skills, but it's definitely not family entertainment. Think of it as a video cookbook for people who actually want to learn technique, not a fun activity to put on for kids.

The 2020 controversy around workplace culture and treatment of BIPOC staff was a significant blow to the brand's reputation, and many beloved hosts left. The channel has rebuilt somewhat, but it's worth knowing that history if you're diving into the back catalog.

For teens interested in cooking or young adults learning to feed themselves, there's genuine value here. The techniques are solid, the production quality is high, and you'll actually learn how to brown meat properly or make pasta from scratch. But for younger kids or casual family viewing? It's just too slow, too sophisticated, and frankly too boring. They'd be better off with something more interactive or age-appropriate.

The YouTube platform is also a consideration—even great channels can lead to endless autoplay and distraction. If you're using this for cooking education, treat it like a tool, not entertainment.