Recipe Keeper deserves credit. It runs on basically everything, including Windows, and it's a one-time purchase rather than a subscription. For a lot of people that's already a better deal than the big names.
Two things still grate. The Pro upgrade is charged per platform, and cross-device sync runs through a Recipe Keeper account and cloud. Gratin keeps the cross-platform, no-subscription strengths while making the whole thing free and local-first.
Gratin vs Recipe Keeper, side by side
Based on how each product generally works today. Product names belong to their owners. Visit Recipe Keeper ↗
Recipe Keeper's one-time Pro looks cheaper until you count the per-platform re-buys; Gratin is one free app across every device. For sync, Recipe Keeper leans on its own cloud account, while Gratin charges a small, honest fee, $12 a year or a one-time $39, for a relay you could also run yourself if you're technical.
See how Gratin is priced, and why →What Recipe Keeper gets right, and where it grates
Where Recipe Keeper shines
- Truly cross-platform, including Windows
- No subscription, a one-time upgrade
- Web import plus OCR scanning of printed recipes
Where it can frustrate
- The interface is basic
- You re-buy the Pro upgrade on each platform
- Sync runs through their cloud account
Why people move to Gratin
Free, and no per-platform upgrade
Recipe Keeper's Pro unlock is bought again on each platform. Gratin is free everywhere, full stop.
Local-first with open data
Your recipes live on your device, and you can export them to open standards. Sync is optional and encrypted, not a cloud account you have to trust.
A more modern feel
Recipe Keeper is functional but plain. Gratin is designed to be a pleasure to browse and cook from.
The verdict
Recipe Keeper and Gratin share a philosophy: cross-platform, no subscription. Gratin takes it the last mile, with free everywhere, data you own, and sync you control.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gratin really free on every platform?
Yes. No per-platform charges, no Pro tier. Optional hosted sync is $12/year or a one-time $39, or self-host the relay yourself if you're technically inclined.
Can Gratin import my recipes from the web like Recipe Keeper?
Yes. Add recipes by pasting a URL or using the browser clipper. And you can export your data to open, standard formats any time.
How does Gratin sync compare?
Recipe Keeper syncs through its own cloud account. Gratin syncs over an end-to-end encrypted relay you can self-host or have us run for $12/year or a one-time $39, with no account required.