Learn Stovetop

How each part of the app works

This guide walks through every main section of Stovetop so users can understand where recipes live, how Inventory and Lists differ, how AI recipe generation works, and how to use import, source links, categories, and merge features.

Recipes Tab

Recipes

The Recipes tab is the main home for saved recipes. Users can browse, search, filter by category, favorite recipes, and open a full recipe view with ingredients, cooking steps, and source attribution.

  • Add recipes manually with title, category, ingredients, instructions, and optional image.
  • Import recipes from a website by pasting a URL and fetching structured recipe data.
  • Filter recipes by category with the category bar and use sort/filter controls for faster browsing.
  • Mark recipes as favorites and view cooking progress step by step.
  • Open source attribution links when the recipe came from a website.
  • Merge multiple saved recipes into one coordinated recipe flow.
Inventory Tab

Inventory

Inventory tracks what the user already has on hand. This helps Stovetop determine what recipes are possible and what items still need to be added to a shopping list.

  • Add pantry items quickly with a name and quantity.
  • Search stored items and remove inventory entries you no longer have.
  • Use inventory quantities to estimate whether recipe ingredients are already covered.
  • Support quantity-aware recipe suggestions and smarter shopping list generation.
Lists Tab

Lists

Lists are for shopping and planning. Users can keep multiple lists, quickly add items, complete items, move items between lists, and send recipe ingredients to the main list.

  • Create multiple lists and switch between them.
  • Add items with quick entry at the bottom of the list.
  • Mark items complete, clear completed items, or clear a whole list.
  • Move completed shopping items into Inventory when appropriate.
  • Add missing recipe ingredients directly from a recipe page.
AI Recipes Tab

AI Recipes

The AI Recipes tab lets users ask for meal ideas, substitutions, and fully structured recipes. AI-generated recipes can be added directly into the main recipe collection.

  • Use OpenAI or Claude from the AI settings screen.
  • Pick a model, paste an API key, and start chatting with the built-in recipe assistant.
  • Generate recipe ideas from available pantry items or general prompts.
  • Review AI-generated recipe cards and save them directly into Recipes.
  • Saved AI recipes keep their own source attribution so users know they were AI generated.
Import & Organization

Importing, categories, and source tracking

Stovetop supports both manual recipe entry and website imports. It also lets users manage categories so the recipe library stays organized in a way that matches how they cook.

  • Paste and fetch a recipe URL directly from the add recipe screen.
  • Imported website recipes store both the site name and the original link.
  • Create, remove, and manage custom recipe categories from the Recipes screen.
  • See a recipe's source discreetly in the recipe header.
  • Edit saved recipes later to update ingredients, instructions, category, or source metadata.
Tips

Helpful ways to use the app

  • Keep Inventory up to date so recipe availability and shopping suggestions stay accurate.
  • Use categories to group recipes by meal type or however the user naturally organizes cooking.
  • Use Favorites for repeat meals and best-performing recipes.
  • Import recipes from websites when possible so source links remain available later.
  • Use AI to brainstorm, then save only the recipes worth keeping in the main library.