Showing posts with label kitchen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kitchen. Show all posts

6/03/2012

Farberware FAC850SS 6-Slice Stainless-Steel Convection Toaster Oven Review

Farberware FAC850SS 6-Slice Stainless-Steel Convection Toaster Oven
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Very nice. Great design. So far Im happy. I used to have an older Farberware convection oven and it was a bit larger. I liked it better than the new design. Im not all that crazy with the "pizza" design trend with the round exposed "pizza" area in the back of the unit. Its not insulated like the rest of the oven and its hot, and loosing energy thru heat loss. But it seems most ovens now are not concerned with effeciancy.
This company had a great oven about 8 years ago, and now I cant find it.
This is the best for its price though, and it does what its says, but the older unit was better. A bit larger, but much better! I found some used units of the old oven on ebay but they were pretty " used " so I got this one.
My last Faberware lasted 10 years. Im hoping for the same with this one.
Im sure you will be quite happy with this model. I like the crumb tray. and it comes with a broiler pan. Nice touch!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Farberware FAC850SS 6-Slice Stainless-Steel Convection Toaster Oven

Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon snack, this versatile six-slice toaster oven features an extra-large capacity and convection technology for baking, broiling, toasting, and defrosting a variety of foods--even a full 12-inch pizza. The unit's full-range temperature control allows for precise cooking with consistent results, while its keep-warm function keeps food items warm until they're ready to be served. Other highlights include a see-through door for quick viewing, a two-hour timer with a stay-on option, a power indicator light, and an audible ready signal. For added convenience, the unit cleans up easily thanks to its nonstick interior and slide-out crumb tray. Accessories include a wire rack, bake pan, and broil insert. Attractively housed in stainless steel, the toaster oven measures approximately 22 by 13 by 17 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

Buy NowGet 51% OFF

Click here for more information about Farberware FAC850SS 6-Slice Stainless-Steel Convection Toaster Oven

Read More...

5/30/2012

Casa Moda Smokeless Tabletop Grill with Ceramic Tray Review

Casa Moda Smokeless Tabletop Grill with Ceramic Tray
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
At less than six bucks, and free delivery I couldn't pass it up. I tested it out on some thin strips of steak and it cooked them up wonderfully. I can think of only a few uses for this, but at the price I figure that I could buy a few and have a "make your own fajita" party or something and then throw them away if they aren't worth storing.
The overall manufacturing seems good, though I would have expected/hoped that the grilling surface was a little more substantial (cast iron) rather than pie-tin-thin.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Casa Moda Smokeless Tabletop Grill with Ceramic Tray

Impress your guests with this smokeless tabletop grill that comes with4 grilling forks ceramic tray and nonstick grill top. Hand wash.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Casa Moda Smokeless Tabletop Grill with Ceramic Tray

Read More...

5/28/2012

Corning Amber Vision Visions Double Boiler Insert with Lid Review

Corning Amber Vision Visions Double Boiler Insert with Lid
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I love Corning Visions cookware because it is very versatile. It can be used in all of the places in your kitchen - you don't need to keep using extra dishes. They can be use on the stove top, in the oven, in the microwave, in the refrigerator or in the freezer. You can cook your meals in them and actually see them cooking in without having to open a lid to check. This is great because you can see all the way to the bottom to make sure the food is cooking evenly and not burning or scorching, etc..
And this cookware is so beautiful you can serve it in them, and then put any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer right in the pot or pan!
This is because they are not just made out of glass, but a unique glass/ceramic mixture that is highly heat resistant. You can't do that with other glassware and you can't use metal pots in the microwave or oven.
Another awesome thing about them is that since they are glassware, you don't have to worry about metallic compounds leeching into your food like from metallic pots. Also, it never stains. And because it's glassware, it transmits the heat more efficiently, so you can cook at about 25 degrees less than you would in metal.
A neat and interesting fact: In the original commercial for Corning Visions, they took an aluminum saucepan and melted it in a Corning Visions Saucepan at over 1560 degrees F to show the incredible temperatures this cookware can withstand! Pretty awesome (though I wouldn't recommend trying this at home!) :)
Even though this glass is highly resistant to thermal shock, there exists a possibility that it can break or shatter if it is handled improperly. There are some simple things you can do to help make sure your Corning Visions last. Some of them are:
1). When you use a Visions pot/pan on the stove, make sure to place it
on the cold burner and turn on the burner - don't put a cold
visions pot/pan on a hot burner. This allows the glass to expand
slowly as the burner heats-up instead of [too] rapidly.
2). When you use them in the oven, make sure you allow your oven to
preheat to the desired temperature first and then place it in the
oven. The reason for this is that the if you put the visions on
a rack that too close to the heating element, the potential for
thermal shock and damage to the glass exists.
3). When you take a Hot Visions pot/pan off of the stove or out of the
oven, place it on a dry towel or pot holders - avoid placing it
directly on a cold surface like cold burners or the kitchen
counter - this could cause the glass to contract too rapidly.
4). If you chip or crack a Visions item, you should not use it anymore.
A chip or crack is a weak spot and could break/expand when heated
and/or cooled.

** These are simple rules that make sense, and are not hard to follow. And once you get into these habits, it's completely second-nature.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Corning Amber Vision Visions Double Boiler Insert with Lid



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Corning Amber Vision Visions Double Boiler Insert with Lid

Read More...

5/20/2012

DeLonghi EO1251 6-Slice 1/2-Cubic-Foot Convection Oven, Black and Stainless Steel Review

DeLonghi EO1251 6-Slice 1/2-Cubic-Foot Convection Oven, Black and Stainless Steel
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This appliance works quite well both as an oven as well as a toaster but does not really cut cooking times by 40%. For example, the manual states 50 minutes for a baked potato. In actual experience that's about how long it took but it's also about the same amount of time as it takes in my conventional oven. That option uses more electricity, however, so it's a better value to use this one for small meals. The same thing goes for taquitos, pies, and similar snacks. They take a little less time than a conventional oven but nowhere near 40% less, though the convection cooking does make things a bit crisper when you're looking for that feature.
The smaller oven gets up to heat much faster than a full size one does, of course, saving some electricity that way too. It seems to have a cold spot near the glass door which is particularly noticable when cooking pies (which, by the way, are the only thing that seems to cook ~30% faster than normal). Rotating them about halfway through the cooking process resolves that problem for the most part.
The advertising states that it comes with a non-stick bake pan and a non-stick broil tray. The pan and tray are included but they are not non-stick. The interior coating, however, is except for the crumb tray. The variable temperature goes up to 450 which is sufficient for most applications. It broils well, toasts okay, and has a very quite and efficient convection motor.
The dial controls are cheap plastic so I'm not sure how long they'll last. I've only had it for a few weeks at this point and they're doing okay but I'm conscious about delicacy in handling them. It comes with two racks yet it's so small inside I've yet to find a combination of anything other than toast that allows me to use both of them. The advertising/picture makes it look much larger than it really is.
All in all I'm happy with the unit and at the Amazon discount/free shipping with the price too. There's no way I'd pay full "retail" price though... I'm also a little disappointed about the accuracy of the product descrition and the overall speed of cooking however. It is, without a doubt, a huge improvement over a conventional toaster oven.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DeLonghi EO1251 6-Slice 1/2-Cubic-Foot Convection Oven, Black and Stainless Steel



Buy NowGet 67% OFF

Click here for more information about DeLonghi EO1251 6-Slice 1/2-Cubic-Foot Convection Oven, Black and Stainless Steel

Read More...

5/19/2012

Calphalon Contemporary Stainless-Steel Lasagna Pan Review

Calphalon Contemporary Stainless-Steel Lasagna Pan
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Bottom of pan is stamped 10 x 14 inches.
About the same size as the glass baking dish which is 9 x 12.
Pan is very light...no where near the 7 pounds in the description.
Definitely less than 3 pounds.
Finish is the worst I have seen in stainless steel ( dries with water spots )
The selling price should have been less than $29.
I am a fan of Calphalon but this item looks more like counterfeit.
I will keep it and use it, but would NOT recommend it or give it away as a gift. Would not buy again if this one got lost or stolen

Click Here to see more reviews about: Calphalon Contemporary Stainless-Steel Lasagna Pan

Crafted from brushed stainless steel and featuring clean lines and curvaceous silhouettes, Calphalon's Contemporary Stainless line of cookware is designed for modern style and performance. This lasagna pan is crafted with layers of brushed stainless steel around a heavy-gauge aluminum core. The aluminum core is designed to conduct heat evenly throughout cooking. Two sculpted handles are riveted onto each side of the pan for comfort, strength, and durability. The pan is dishwasher-, oven-, and broiler-safe, as well as safe to use with metal utensils. Suited for lasagnas, meat loaf, or casseroles, the pan can go from oven to table without compromising decor. The pan comes backed by Calphalon's lifetime warranty.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Calphalon Contemporary Stainless-Steel Lasagna Pan

Read More...

5/07/2012

Calphalon One Infused Anodized 12-Inch Fry Pan Review

Calphalon One Infused Anodized 12-Inch Fry Pan
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
In response to the "chef" who has praised this product though the disparagement of the other reviewers and amateur cooks.
As a former professional chef, cookware retailer, and loyal Calphalon user for the past 20 years, I would like to say that I have rated this product only 3 stars due to the fact that Calphalon has grossly oversold this pan's capabilities. As you can imagine I have quite an assortment of pans ranging from French copper, steel, cast iron, and of course anodized aluminum non-stick.
This pan is expensive and does not come through on the promises that Calphalon has made to the buyers. It doesn't offer me enough advantages to warrant its usurping the place of copper-used where temp control and browning are important, cast iron-for high heat,or the traditional non-stick-used for just about everything else.
I have used Calphalon non-stick for the past 15 years as it is heavier gauge aluminum and the non-stick takes more abuse and doesn't degrade under higher temperatures like competing brands (it also browns pretty darn good). I replaced the first set after 7 years when the non-stick became slow to release and the outside "paint" scraped off with constant use. The second set has lasted 8 years and it too is ready to enter the non-stick graveyard. I was looking for a new non-stick set and had hoped that Calphalon One would offer the easy clean-up and easy release capabilities it advertised.
The pans do not release the food like a non-stick pan and they should not say it does. The exterior is only marginally easier to clean than the professional and commercial series (copper is easier and looks better when cleaned). But-the new handle is easier to grip and better balanced. We can only see how long this new finish lasts when "accidentally" overheated as invariably occurs.
Clean up is easy when you follow the instructions and use Barkeeper's Friend (which I have used for over 8 years) inside and out. Permanent discoloration often occurs when the oil film outside the pan is not removed carefully after each use. Also, extra fine steel wool (0000) is great for removing stubborn stains obtained over time.
If you are looking for a traditional non-stick finish do not purchase this pan. If you would like an easier clean up than stainless, less weight than copper or cast iron, and a sturdy finish then this pan is a good choice.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Calphalon One Infused Anodized 12-Inch Fry Pan

This exciting hybrid combines qualities of both traditional metal and non-stick cooking surfaces. Now not only can you brown, sear, and reduce sauces as the recipe intended, but you can also breathe a sigh of relief as you won't have a battle removing food and stains from the pan following use. How did this happen you ask? CALPHALON ONE INFUSED ANODIZED is manufactured with a revolutionary anodization process. Both interior and exterior surfaces are infused with an advanced release polymer which actually penetrates below the surface of the metal, into its very pores, offering superb durability and versatility. The intrinsic properties of aluminum ensure fast and even heating, as you've come to expect from Calphalon. The 12" fry pan can handle everything from Sunday breakfasts to burgers on a Friday night, or a fish steak. You'll appreciate being able to use metal utensils, and you'll especially appreciate the easy food release and speedy clean up.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Calphalon One Infused Anodized 12-Inch Fry Pan

Read More...

4/26/2012

HIC Porcelain 13 x 9 x 2.5 Inch Lasagna Pan Review

HIC Porcelain 13 x 9 x 2.5 Inch Lasagna Pan
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this because another reviewer complained as the description uses external dimensions vice the 11" x 7.75" internal base dimension. The sides flare out slightly and the 0.25" thick material creates the advertised dimensions.
Two cons: The bottom underside is not glazed. My wife supposed this would be an anti-slip benefit. Since my glass casseroles do not have rough undersides, I dispute the merits of such a conclusion. Porcelain is more delicate than glass or corning white glass and requires attention when transporting and stowing.
Since this is the first pan I have found with proper sizing for my brand of lasagna, I am exceedingly happy to stop filling in the empty one-inch space on each end of my former lasagna pans. When pasta companies make 100% durum semolina lasagna noodles 13" long I may reintroduce my old lasagna pans into service. Since the noodles I buy are 11" long, this scratches one of my itches.
Good luck finding another lasagna pan whose base is 11" x 8".

Click Here to see more reviews about: HIC Porcelain 13 x 9 x 2.5 Inch Lasagna Pan



Buy NowGet 43% OFF

Click here for more information about HIC Porcelain 13 x 9 x 2.5 Inch Lasagna Pan

Read More...

4/06/2012

Calphalon Classic Bakeware 9-by-13-Inch Rectangular Nonstick Bake Pan Review

Calphalon Classic Bakeware 9-by-13-Inch Rectangular Nonstick Bake Pan
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have always baked my brownies and blondies in a Pyrex. But since I bought this pan, I can't believe how I ever did without it. Brownies and blondies cook evenly and to perfect consistency, and don't take as long as they do in the glass. And the best part is that you always have even, straight edges that look pretty when you cut up the treats. Also great for making birthday cakes and the likes. This pan should be one of your kitchen staples!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Calphalon Classic Bakeware 9-by-13-Inch Rectangular Nonstick Bake Pan



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Calphalon Classic Bakeware 9-by-13-Inch Rectangular Nonstick Bake Pan

Read More...

4/05/2012

Calphalon D1382PB Commercial Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid Review

Calphalon D1382PB Commercial Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've owned this pan for about two years ... it's simply wonderful. The Calphalon Commercial line is the top of the line, just like the Professional, but with stay-cool handles. The thick, sturdy aluminum heats up quickly and evenly, and goes from the stovetop to the oven up to any temperature.
My favorite dish to make with this pan is a large omelette for two to four people. You saute the onions, etc., until carmelized, then add the whipped eggs, top it with diced tomatoes, basil, oregano and cheeses, then broil at about 450 for a couple minutes until browned. Simply wonderful!
I also cook stir frys, poach fish, bake casseroles, and brown meats in this truly Everyday Pan.
Now, for the issues: As with all true Calphalon products, you can not put hard-anodized aluminum into the dishwasher. It will damage the surface, leading to pits and discolorations, and void the lifetime warranty to boot!
Second, this is not a nonstick pan. If you want nonstick, buy Calphalon Commercial Nonstick, the best ever made (The Commercial nonstick line has the more advanced LRS3 coating versus the much less effective LRS coating on the cheaper Professional Nonstick II line).
To clean, simply buy a Dobie pad or its equivalent. For the tough stuff, I find a little Bon Ami or Dormond cleaner does the trick without too much effort.
Enjoy!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Calphalon D1382PB Commercial Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid

The 12-in. Everyday Pan is an all-purpose pan. Use it for searing, browning and sauteing vegetables and meats. It also works well for making paella, jambalaya and all-in-one meals that you can bring right to the table to serve. The 2 loop handles make for easier lifting.Backed by a lifetime warranty, Calphalon's Commercial Hard-Anodized Cookware is made to professional standards, offering the home chef unsurpassed cooking performance, superior construction and lasting durability. Each piece in the Commercial Hard-Anodized line is made of a heavy-gauge aluminum, all-metal construction with the advanced technology of the Cool V stainless handles. The aluminum construction provides superior cooking performance by distributing the heat evenly so there are no hot spots as you cook. And because it's made entirely of metal, each pan can be used in the oven and under the broiler. The hard-anodizing seals the cooking surface, making it stick-resistant and non-reactive to the foods being cooked. The Cool V handles are designed to stay cool on the stovetop, and are balanced with such precision that the pans feel lighter when you pick them up.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Calphalon D1382PB Commercial Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid

Read More...

3/24/2012

All Clad Porcelain Double Boiler Review

All Clad Porcelain Double Boiler
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Not only do you get a useful 2-qt pan, but the porcelain insert can be used separately in the oven (not stove top)--although I'm not sure why you'd want to. The insert is thick and heavy and (most important) is smooth inside with no ridges; the support is a stainless steel band on the outside. The insert is big enough to accommodate most pudding/custard recipes. True, the insert is made in China for All-Clad, but the quality appears to be up to snuff.

Click Here to see more reviews about: All Clad Porcelain Double Boiler



Buy Now

Click here for more information about All Clad Porcelain Double Boiler

Read More...

3/14/2012

Panasonic NB-G100P 7.2-Quart 1300-Watt Infrared Toaster Oven Review

Panasonic NB-G100P 7.2-Quart 1300-Watt Infrared Toaster Oven
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
First I must say that this toaster oven makes better toast than any other toaster oven I have used. That said, there are a few things that disappointed me.
1. There is an on/off button. It would be better if using the other buttons turned it on automatically and it should turn off automatically when the cycle ends.
2. That light is bright! Very strange to have space-alien lighting emanating from the toaster over. A tinted door would be nice.
3. Not good for baking. This oven does a great job of heating the surface, but not so great heating the center of things. Even cookies did not fare well.
4. The oven is hotter in back and cooler in front. It even mentions this in the instructions. Large items such as pizza need to be rotated partway through heating.
5. The temperature increments are weird and won't match most recipes.
It does, however, make great toast. Even Pepperidge Farm's Texas Toast worked well. Any other toaster oven I have used has always toasted the top and bottom unevenly, leaving a crunchy top and soggy bottom. Grilled cheese sandwiches work great too. I love the Frozen Toast button - the button I use most. Hopefully Panasonic will correct the annoyances with the next model, but I'm still keeping this one.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic NB-G100P 7.2-Quart 1300-Watt Infrared Toaster Oven

Here's a toaster oven that cooks up to 40% faster than conventional toaster ovens for toast and frozen pizza. This super-speedy ability is the result of original technology which uses near-infrared and far-infrared lighting for quick cooking with no preheating. Its square design may work better for your space, and it accommodates a 9" pizza easily. Operation is very easy thanks to the illustrated preset buttons and digital timer and temperature settings.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Panasonic NB-G100P 7.2-Quart 1300-Watt Infrared Toaster Oven

Read More...

3/07/2012

Cuisinart Classic 2-Slice Toaster Review

Cuisinart Classic 2-Slice Toaster
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I was reluctant to spend this much for a toaster, but after trying a less expensive one (a Krups, no less) and finding that it made extremely uneven toast, I decided to spend a little more. I exchanged it for this one, and so far, this one makes perfect toast; in fact, I've never seen toast so evenly browned. The defrost works great, too -- I tried it on frozen bread, without changing the 'brown' setting, and it came out looking just like the toast from regular/thawed bread. (Sorry, I don't toast my bagels, so I can't comment on that feature.) In short, this is the best toaster I've ever used, and well worth the money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart Classic 2-Slice Toaster



Buy NowGet 55% OFF

Click here for more information about Cuisinart Classic 2-Slice Toaster

Read More...

2/28/2012

Chicago Metallic Professional 3-Piece Value Pack with 2 Cookie/Jelly Roll Pans and Cooling Grid Review

Chicago Metallic Professional 3-Piece Value Pack with 2 Cookie/Jelly Roll Pans and Cooling Grid
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this on the Friday sale for a real bargain price ($20) and that is quite deal.
This is the real stuff - heavy duty, quality construction. I have used them with and without a silpat for baking cookies, finishing satueed fish fillets, oven roasting vegetables and many other purposes.
They are easy to clean and substantial. There do not seem to be any hot spots or other problems.
The only complaint I have, and I make it with reservations, is that they ARE heavy. Do not try to lift a loaded sheet out of the oven with one hand. The weight is also a good thing (see "substantial" above) but it easy to forget just how heavy it is going to be when you reach for that hot pad!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Chicago Metallic Professional 3-Piece Value Pack with 2 Cookie/Jelly Roll Pans and Cooling Grid



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Chicago Metallic Professional 3-Piece Value Pack with 2 Cookie/Jelly Roll Pans and Cooling Grid

Read More...

2/23/2012

Anolon Advanced 12-Inch Shallow Round Grill Pan Review

Anolon Advanced 12-Inch Shallow Round Grill Pan
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Anolon 'Advanced' is the much higher quality, and, for some quirky reason, is priced $15 less than the Calphalon! I pan-grilled some filet mignon steaks (am savoring them now) and was impressed at the signature 'sear marks'. Cleanup is a breeze and reviewers should note that the Anolon 'Advanced' line has not been plagued with the shedding of the non-stick coating (as both the 'Commercial' and 'Simply Calphalon' lines have been).
This will not take the place of an outdoor grill, but it does bring a taste of summer into the cold winter months. 'Cook's Illustrated' also gave the Anolon 'Advanced' 12" Deep Covered Grill Pan high marks, but this shallower, non-covered grill pan is $25 less and besides, who covers a grill pan when it is grilling anyway?
PS: I'm glad I 'recycled' my 10+ pound Lodge, cast-iron grill to my weight-lifting son for Christmas! :o)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Anolon Advanced 12-Inch Shallow Round Grill Pan



Buy NowGet 55% OFF

Click here for more information about Anolon Advanced 12-Inch Shallow Round Grill Pan

Read More...

2/13/2012

Calphalon DS9DC Commercial 9-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set Review

Calphalon DS9DC Commercial 9-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I got this set for what I consider a steal. The price has been fluctuating a bit, and if you hit it at the right time you can get them for an outstanding price. Just like all the other hard annodized cookware I have bought from amazon, I LOVE these pans! I have now converted nearly all of my cookware to this line, and highly reccommend it to anyone who wants to become a better cook. If you read other reviews, people complain about sticking. YES, food does adhere to the pans while cooking, but when it is done, the food releases from the surface. If you burn the food, do like Emeril says, and use the knobs on your stove. It does take some time and patience to rid yourself of the habits of teflon pans, but the food is so much tastier - I have never made better gravy in my life than since I switched cookware. This is a great starter set, and has most of the pans that you'll need. I would say that the average cook could get around 75% of their cooking done with this set. Have some patience, and I am sure you'll be pleased with the results.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Calphalon DS9DC Commercial 9-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set

Set includes:8" omelette, 10" omelette, and 12" omelette, 3qt chefs casserole with cover, 7qt chefs casserole with cover, and 2.5qt shallow saucepan with cover. Heavy-gauge aluminum is responsive to temperature changes.These pans feature the original Calphalon hard anodized surface, which is stick resistant, meaning that it sticks when you want it (when your searing, browning) and releases when you need it to(when your food is ready). If you know how cast iron cooks, you know how the hard anodized cooks, but hard anodized has many beneifts that make it better choice- aluminum is a better conductor than iron, you never season your pan(so you dont have flavor transfer from dish to dish), and it doesn't rust!All pans are spun or drawn into shape, which makes the entire pan (sides as well as bottom) the same thickness, which guarantees even heating throughout.If you enjoy cooking and want the best and most versatile surface for performing a variety of techniques- this is the surface for you! Metal utensil and broiler safe. Lifetime Warranty.

Buy NowGet 44% OFF

Click here for more information about Calphalon DS9DC Commercial 9-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set

Read More...

2/09/2012

T-Fal OT8065002 Avante Elite Toaster Oven Review

T-Fal OT8065002 Avante Elite Toaster Oven
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've had the Avante Elite Toaster Oven for about 6 months now and have used it almost every day since I bought it. I originally bought it thinking I'd mainly use it for toast but after experimenting with different items I found that it can serve as a pretty adequate oven/stove top. I'm far from a gourmet chef so this review is from the perspective of someone who can follow a recipe to make a tasty treat but who has never broasted or flambayed and who doesn't yet know what parboiled means.
As a toaster: Just about excellent. It does the "Toast" function very well. Toast was just the right amount of crunchy. The "Toast" setting also adjusts its toasting time pretty accurately so that if the oven is still hot from having used it to cook something, it will set itself to toast for less time. However I have noticed that if I've used the oven on the "Broil" setting (which gets it VERY hot) I need to remove the items from the oven a little earlier than when it actually thinks it will be done. If I left them in there until the timer went off they wouldn't get burnt or even overly dark, just darker than I personally like. I've also made toasty sandwhiches with the Toast feature. I make my sandwhich on buns or french bread and stick them in the oven, set it to Toast, and they come out toasty and melty like you would get at Quiznos.
As an oven: Excellent. The oven part of the Avante Elite cooks meat thoroughly and fairly evenly. I've cooked chicken, beef, hot dogs, breaded eggplant patties, and frozen entrees. I've also baked pizzas and banana bread. All came out pretty delicious. I usually rotate the pizzas once during cooking because the back end of the oven tends to cook things faster than the front end. The oven itself is larger than it looks. I've been able to fit all the frozen pizzas I've tried (including the fairly large Digiorno pizzas).
As a stove top: Great! I don't know if the manufacturers intended for the top "warmer" to be used as a makeshift stove top but that's what I've used it for many many times. I set the oven to the "Broil" setting (caution, it gets the whole oven very hot, but that's the very reason I use this setting) and place a stove-top safe dish on top and then fry, boil, saute or cook *almost* as I would on a normal stove top. I've fried bacon (using the included baking sheet although the bacon can be cooked inside the oven with the included broil pan) and eggs, cooked spaghetti, sauteed vegetables and tofu and have even tried cooking corn and rice up there. The corn and rice are a bit harder because the water doesn't come to a fast boil as it would on a real stove top so unless you have a lot of time, the corn and rice will have to be cooked elsewhere. The top warmer also is somewhat warped (probably from all the extreme temperature changes it undergoes) and so I had to buy a tiny egg-frying pan (it's so cute! if I'm able to add my pictures to this page, you'll see it) so that the egg would cook evenly. That is, I tried to put the baking sheet down first and then fry the egg on that but the egg just slid to one corner of the sheet and I had to make scrambled eggs that day instead. Those came out pretty good though!
So if you want a great toaster that also does justice to the "oven" part of its name AND works great as a makeshift stove top, this toaster oven is worth the money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: T-Fal OT8065002 Avante Elite Toaster Oven



Buy Now

Click here for more information about T-Fal OT8065002 Avante Elite Toaster Oven

Read More...

1/27/2012

Trudeau 0823004 Electric 11-Piece 3-in-1 Fondue Set Review

Trudeau 0823004 Electric 11-Piece 3-in-1 Fondue Set
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Trudeau electric fondue pot is a triumph of form following function. Being electric it is very convenient to use and arguably safer than "sterno" units. It is versatile and can be used with cheese, meat or dessert fondues. Compared to others presently on the market, it has the distinct advantage of being the only one truly designed for all three types of fondue.
I tested the Rival and the Cuisinart. Both use direct heat technology, which is fine for oil or broth based fondue which require high heat. However, when you cook cheese or dessert you have use a low heat setting. Both units cycle between "on" and "off" at various intervals trying to keep a steady temperature. This creates either rapid boiling or fast cooling. Making a cheese or chocolate fondue with the Rival and Cuisinart is doable, but be prepared to be stirring the pot a lot to prevent scorching the food. The Westinghouse seems to be the same design as the other two, but I have not tried it.
As for the Trudeau it has several nice features. First, the pot is separate from the heating base. This means you can heat the pot in the kitchen and bring it to the table when ready. The heating surface is teflon coated for easy clean up. The unit is also more "upright" than the other electrics which takes up less space on your table, while looking darn good too. IMHO.
However, what gives the Trudeau its distinct advantage is the unique double boiler system where, when making cheese or dessert fondue, you fill the chrome pot with 20 ounces of water and insert a stoneware crock into the pot. The arrangement allows for even heating at lower temperatures which is essential for cheese and chocolate fondues.
For oil or broth fondues, the chrome pot sit atop the direct heat of the heating base as you would expect. Six better than average fondue forks are included along with a fork holder for the chrome pot to keep the forks from sliding around. Another nice feature is the patented electric plug which eliminates the guesswork of knowing which way to insert the plug into the base.
If you want one fondue pot to serve all your needs, this is the one to buy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Trudeau 0823004 Electric 11-Piece 3-in-1 Fondue Set

Turn any potluck night with friends into an extra-special occasion with the help of this electric fondue pot. The 56-ounce unit can be used for hot broth or oil-based fondue when dipping pieces of meat and seafood, or slip its stoneware double-boiler insert into place for serving cheese or chocolate fondue. The mirror-finish 18/10-stainless-steel pot sits securely on top of the electric warming base, which features a nonstick warming plate and offers a simple control dial on the front for easily adjusting the heat from low to high. The stainless-steel pot can also be used directly on the stovetop, making it possible to cook a favorite fondue recipe in the kitchen before transporting it to the warming base, situated neatly on the buffet or dining-room table--no need to dirty a second pot. Six stainless-steel forks come included, each with a brightly colored dot on the end for quickly distinguishing one from the other. For added convenience, a stainless-steel fork guide around the rim of the pot helps keep each fork in position. Other highlights include two loop side handles on the stainless-steel pot, an "on" indicator light on the warming base, and a quick-release magnetic power cord for safety. The 500-watt, UL-approved electric fondue pot measures approximately 9-2/7 by 9 by 9-2/7 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

Buy NowGet 15% OFF

Click here for more information about Trudeau 0823004 Electric 11-Piece 3-in-1 Fondue Set

Read More...