Reviews of Calphalon 7-Piece Cookware Mixed Utensil Set

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List Price: $50.00
Sale Price: $27.00
Today's Bonus: 46% Off

I love Calphalon products because the quality is usually top notch. These lived up to that expectation. All the tools are very strong and I think will last for years. The wooden spoons are some of the strongest I've ever seen. My favorite part is that the stainless container can hold another 6-10 items so you could fit the remainder of your tools in it as well.

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Just upgraded to the Calphalon cookware and purchased this as well. GREAT starter set! We love it so much, we purchased one for my husband's son who just returned from Iraq and loves to cook. This set is especially durable when using gas cooktops...handles the extra heat-source better than our other utensils. Highly recommend. Just wish it came with more options!

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The edges of the spatulas melt and deform with little use and medium heat levels. The wooden one cracked. I've tossed out all the spatulas within weeks. Still have the spoons but I've hardly used them. Cheap but expensive as disposables!

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The product is okay as long as you don't use the plastic pieces to mix something a bit firmer (like a thick spaghetti bolognaise sauce) in which case the center pieces "pop" out. The fact that the center gray-colored pieces aren't "joined" to the main section is a bit worrisome as well as food pieces could get behind them even if they don't pop out which isn't very sanitary.

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We received this utensil set with the purchase of a cookware set. The nylon spatula started peeling and deforming after only two uses--both times it was with medium heat and short usage time (grilled cheese sandwich and patty melt). I've already thrown it out. If you get them free, use them while you can, but I would not recommend paying for them.

Buy Nordic Ware Quilted Heart Pan

Customer Ratings:

I've only used my pan once so far, but my cake was absolutely beautiful and impressive. This design, in addition to being a lovely heart, and who doesn't love that, is intricate and classy...much detail.. Kids love it because it's a heart and adults seem to be impressed. It makes a gorgeous presentation.

I made a strawberry cake....used a glaze that didn't conceal the design and decorated it with fresh strawberries.

One caution, actually with any of the Nordic Ware "intricate design" pans, be sure and follow their suggestions for pan prep. You can check their web site. In addition to their instructions, I take a silicon basting brush and go over the entire pan, before turning it upside down to drain. Cake comes out with no sticking and cleanup in soapy water is a breeze.

I own several of Nordic Ware's bundt pans, and a general complaint that I have is that many recipes are geared to a 12 cup capacity and so many of theirs only accommodate 10 cups. I always wind up with a few cupcakes also, so just another caution.....don't overfill this pan. It's capacity may be a bit less that ultimately desirable.

I won't take any points away because it's a bit smaller than most cake recipes. I just wish Nordic Ware would make their gorgeous pans a bit larger.

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This pan's shape is lovely, much cuter than Nordic Ware Decorative Heart Pan! There was no recipe included with the pan, so I just tried Lemon Pound cake () which turned out great. It is a heavyweight, nonstick pan that bakes evenly. Not a Platinum collection pan, so it comes with a 10-year (not lifetime) Warranty. The exterior is silver colored not dark grey as pictured here. IMPORTANT: Please note this is a 8-CUP CAPACITY (not 10-cup as indicated on the pan itself) pan.

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I've made several cakes in this pan and they've always cook beautifully (at 325 f). Coat it with butter and a little flour, let the cake cool, about 20 min., and flip it out. I don't use much baking powder or soda anymore and my cakes come out without the hump, which I love. For a loved one any time of the year, this shape will be highly appreciated. You must decide on the cake no recipe. Anyhow, Enjoy! :)

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My cakes baked in this pan look great ,it doesn't stick and bakes excellent. Cleans easy.I love my heart pan! It has my approval for sure.

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Nordic Ware was a brand I happened upon several years ago when I spotted rust in my ( inherited from grandma) baking tin. I decided to shop online and saw the most stunning yet most expensive cake tin/pan I had ever seen. £30 for a cake tin (back then was an awful lot of money for a cake tin which here in the UK tend to be made up of dark thin metal or thin Aluminium and cost at the time around a couple of quid a fiver (£5), I grew up loving american retro design and remember wanting to bake cakes with my grandma's copper fish or jelly mould (though was never allowed) after plenty of oooing, uummming,and ahhhhing. I gave in and purchased that and the nordic ware book. As soon as they arrived I read the book, run out to asda (walmart) and bought some cups and spoons. I baked the carrot cake in it and from that moment on a Minimalist hoarder was born.

I have:

The Sunflower,

Holiday,

kugelhopf

cathedral

original

quilted heart: 8 cup pan though it does say 10cup bakes beautifully in an hour and doesn't stick as long as you grease n flour and stick to the 10min turning out rule. Perfect results every time. Though this pan is smaller in quantity it has a large footprint. I have an Anchor Hocking 4in1 cake stand and this at a squash will fit on the base with the lid on, but does not fit in the lid of my Kitchen Craft cake stand.

Angel food pan

elegant heart

giant cupcake

heritage

fleur de lis

shortcake basket

2 x gingerbread kids

gingerbread 1lb loaf pan

When it comes to great quality cake pans (platinum) Nordic ware have it in the bag. Can't big them up enough. I don't buy any other brand of bundt pan They are all absolutely fantastic, all really great quality far better than I have seen anywhere else. (though the inside non stick of the angel pan is not as good a quality as the others in looks but had not problems turning out a cake)

Review of Le Creuset Stoneware Rectangular Casserole, Fennel

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List Price: $70.00
Sale Price: $54.95
Today's Bonus: 22% Off

Devotees of the revered French brand 'Le Creuset' relish the early origins of this fine cookware made in France for over 85 years. A pedigree unsurpassed, made by dedicated experienced craftsmen, passionate about quality.

There is a romantic notion when creating meals using cookware stamped `Made in France'.

The two items I have just received are now stamped 'Made in Thailand' doesn't quite have the same ring to it somehow.

***EDIT***

Upon using this casserole for the first time, it made a loud cracking sound when I gradually added a room-temperature liquid when it was hot. On closer inspection, a hair-line crack has appeared running across the width of the casserole on both sides. I am not surprised given that the item is now manufactured in Thailand and feels half the weight of my existing French made Le Creuset cookware.

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So far this product has been great....we have made a couple of lasagne and used it as a roasting dish for veggies. The only gripe I have is that when we purchased it we thought we were getting a 10x15 dish. Wrong!! This dish is advertised by every other vendor selling it, as well as being labeled by Le Creuset, as a 9" x 13" dish. The reason Amazon gets away with this is that 10" x 15" is the outside dimension from tip of handle to tip of handle. The inside dimensions are 9" x 13"

Very misleading labeling by Amazon!! You have been warned!!

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I bought this roaster about a year ago and we have used it for so many meals! It was great for roasting duck and one-pot roast chicken dinners. I say was, because after the Mother's Day roast duck, I discovered two cracks in the pan from one side to the other essentially splitting it in thirds. I kept the lid, thinking I could replace the pan and about two weeks ago, the knob popped off the lid. I am truly on the fence about replacing this well used (but not abused!) roaster -it worked so well and was so easy to clean. Part of me is saying this is a one-off and to just replace it, which I will probably do. Since the pan hasn't broken yet, I'm using it to store placemats on our outdoor table. (NOTE: I did not buy this roaster from Amazon, so I am have hope that it was a "second").

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This cost just under $100 and was a gift from my husband for Mother's Day. Amazon repackaged this item with no cushioning which, of course, arrived in pieces. Since I am not the first person who has had this problem you would think that they would have fixed this issue. I say if you want this buy it somewhere else.

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This dish has done a wonderful job with several different casserole dishes that I have tried in it. It is VERY heavy-duty, and when loaded with a casserole can be VERY heavy... and very hot! So be careful. But it does its job extremely well. Love the different color options with Le Creuset too.

Discount World Cuisine Black Steel Frying Pans

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As a general rule I would say a pan is just a pan, but this is the best pan for browning I have ever purchased. Properly seasoned it is very stick resistant, heats evenly and cooks a burger or an egg like it came off a flat griddle in a restaurant. On a Gas stove it browns without burning. Its easy cleanup and much lighter than cast iron, and it appears very durable. I will never purchase another teflon pan again. I originally purchased this pan for my camper but i don't think its going to leave my kitchen. I will likely purchase another shortly.

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I purchased both an 8" and 10" black steel pan but they sent me a heavy duty carbon steel pan for the 8" pan, which I have no problem with.

The bigger the pan, the heavier it gets and more difficult to toss food but if you are a man it shouldn't be a problem. I used it for quick, high heat stir-fry, pan fry and searing meat and it worked well.

If you have never use or season carbon steel pan before make sure you educate yourself first. I learned the hard way and had to scour, scour and scour to remove the bad seasoning and redo the seasoning. The idea of seasoning is to add layer/s of carbon onto the surface of the pan to protect it from rust and achieve that nonstick characteristic. With good professional cooking skills and knowledge, even without the nonstick seasoning on you can still cook up a variety of dishes with 'sticky' ingredients such as eggs, fish, meat, potatoes and etc.

The only setback is that it takes daily maintenance with daily use at the beginning. Make sure the pan is cleaned correctly with hot water, nonabrasive material and NO DISH DETERGENT. Try not to cook anything acidic such a tomatoes, citrus fruits juice or vinegar or you will have to do the seasoning over again. That is exactly what I mean when I mention think twice before you commit. It takes discipline to care for your pan. My wife complained that I cared for the pan more than her. LOL!

I like the design and look of french style pans and it lasts a long time. Its a good investment if you are willing to commit to maintaining the condition of the pan.

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I bought these in different sizes for my vacation home. I have the Mauviel and DeBuyer french ones at home. I can't find the french ones in the smaller sizes anywhere anymore. The french ones have thicker gauge steel and the rivets for the handles aren't sticking out as much. I have those for over ten years and don't remember anymore how expensive those were, but they were expensive. These are somewhat less expensive though not inexpensive either. Since I have gas at home and electric at my cottage, cooking is different just because of that and I can't really compare them. All in all I am happy with this purchase, these aren't bad pans. I gave them 3 stars because the french ones are probably a star up at 4 and due to the high price I wouldn't want to give them 5 either. At the end this is just a piece of plain steel. In that regards, the review complaining about rust, well, this is a steel plan, you need to keep it oiled, no automatic dishwasher, actually you probably don't want to wash them with soap even by hand, the soap removes the oil film on the surface. just rinse them out and wipe them clean and dry and if you do soap it because it is really messy, you have to dry it up on the heated stove. If you do that they will develop that none stick surface seasoning and last forever my french ones have done so and these have started already to do so too.

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Decent quality carbon steel fry pans--what restaurants use. A little bit thin (1.5ml ?), but they heat up fast and then cool quickly when removed from the heat--BIG pluses in the restaurant world. Thin steel fry pans like this often warp, also common in restaurant kitchens, so be aware of that. They season well and work just fine. If you want something thicker and more upscale for the home kitchen, consider deBuyer's Mineral pans...

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Black steel cookery is fine for stove top, particularly recipes that call for continuing attention. It is less reliable for use in the oven,as the black steel here is considerably thinner than either cast iron or carbon steel. Carbon steel pans are better for cooking those stove top dishes that should have no hot spots, cook evenly, and are easiest to season properly.

The World Cuisine Black Steel is okay it does quick jobs (shrimp, sautés, stir fry) fairly well, but heavier meats are problematic. It heats unevenly with hot spots and feels flimsier. It's a large pan, inexpensive, and so makes a good addition when you cook for larger dinner parties that need multiple pans for different jobs. The carbon steel is best for stove top (with huge price variances here) and the cast iron works well both on stove top (although very heavy) and best for recipes that start stove top and then go in the oven. Paderno is the lesser of the expensive evils for carbon steel pans, and very good. Lodge cast iron pots and pans should be re-seasoned once purchased and then they are likewise very good and considerably less expensive than all carbon steel pans.

Reviews of Polder Digital In-Oven Thermometer/Timer, Graphite

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List Price: $25.00
Sale Price: $23.49
Today's Bonus: 6% Off

A common problem with previous Polder thermometers I have owned is that if you get the bare, metal probe cord wet, water can get into the probe itself and ruin it by throwing off the temperature readings. I have thrown away several probes because of this, especially since I use these thermometers for beer making.

Some reviewers complained that the cord was rubber and not metal like in the picture, when in fact this is a HUGE improvement over the old probes and that it appears to still be the metal, braided cable only it's now covered in the watertight rubber seal. Us home brewers used to go to great lengths to try and waterproof these cables ourselves. Thankfully now Polder has done it for us.

I can assure you that the temperature reads accurately since I used it in conjunction with a candy thermometer the first couple times I used it. The alarm and timer functions are invaluable. The pan clip is what prompted me to get this in the first place; the watertight probe was just a pleasant surprise.

Although you cannot technically turn it off, the amount of power this thing uses from a single AAA battery (included) is negligible and single AAA batteries are not going to break the bank. Overall, this is the best Polder thermometer I have owned yet, mainly thanks to its new watertight probe cable. Thanks Polder.

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This is a good product for the price . Easy to use intuitive controls , display easy to read , temperature is accurate . There is no on/off button but this isn't a big deal as the battery will probably still last for years even with it always on .

You can set the alarm to go off when it reaches whatever temperature you set it for and the alarm is nice and loud . The reason I got this was for yogurt making . I wanted to have an alarm to let me know when the milk had cooled to the proper temperature instead of having to check it every 15 minutes . One problem though : You can only use the temperature alarm feature when going *UP TO* a temperature . If you have the milk at 180 degrees and set the temperature alarm to go off at 115 degrees the alarm goes off immediately because the temp has already reached or surpassed 115 degrees . In other words this thermometer is worthless for what I had hoped to use it for . You cannot set the temperature alarm to *GO DOWN TO* a given temperature which is too bad . Still, this is a well built easy to use thermometer ... just not what I had hoped for.

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I got this for Christmas (it was on my wishlist) and I was delighted. It preformed well the first couple of times I used it. The third time, it put up an error code (Hi). When I looked at the instructions, I found that this means the cable has been damaged and needs to be replaced. What the &@%#??? I used the thing THREE times. Sent an e-mail to the company about it and, of course, got no response. My advice? Look elsewhere. Disappointed...

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I have had one of these for 10 years and needed a replacement. I do not know what I would do without it. I use the timer part at every meal and the probe for roasts and turkeys and it has been perfect every time. I bought one for my Mother who complains she never knows when the meat is ready she can not believe she has gone all these years guessing.

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The photo in the ad clearly shows that the wire is coated in steel mesh, not plastic. The thermometer I received was plastic coated, not as advertised. I have found that the plastic coated wires do not hold up and soon melt, needing to be replaced.

Cheap All-Clad Brushed Stainless D5 Non-Stick 8-Inch Fry Pan

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List Price: $135.00
Sale Price: $134.95
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We have a set of All-Clad cookware and needed to add a small non-stick fry pan, now that we have an induction cooktop. The skillet is pretty and works very well. My only complaint is that the price is high.

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This All-Clad 8" non-stick was a great upgrade from my Calphalon pan. I've been slowly replacing my cookware with All-Clad, and this one will likely get the most use. Great pan! (great eggs!)

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Great pan. I have been mainly using it for eggs and they slide out well with only a tiny bit of butter greasing the pan. Nice, heavy weight and even cooking just like the rest of the series. Expensive, but worth it.

Discount Amco Dial-A-Slice Adjustable Apple Corer and Slicer

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List Price: $21.99
Sale Price: $15.06
Today's Bonus: 32% Off

This is a superb product!

A. You have the choice of 8 or 16 slices (ya hoo!)

B. It has a large diameter core.

C. The Core Blade is serrated, making it very secure (safe)... it "holds on to" the apple!

D. Once you've completed the core/slice stroke, you place the corer in its "lid", push down once more, and the slices POP OUT of the unit.

Regarding the one star reviews: With all due respect, this is one of those products that won't work well if you don't use it right. Contrary to what one reviewer said, the blades are not "too thin." (He or she stated that the blades were bent after only six uses.) YOU MUST PUSH DOWN STRAIGHT, FIRMLY AND SWIFTLY. This is precisely the same concept as in using a mandolin slicer. That is, no matter how much you spend on one, you can't slice things if you go too slowly. And just as with this corer/slicer, no matter how expensive the mandolin you can count on seeing several one-star reviews, almost assuredly blaming "dull" and/or "thin" blades.

There is NOTHING wrong with this unit: You simply have to LET IT KNOW WHO THE BOSS IS just as with many kitchen tools and gadgets.

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Expensive but works great. Actual blades with a sharp edge help it work on solid apples such a Granny Smith. Slicing the bottom of the apple first for a flat surface helps tremendeously in getting the slicer completely thru the apple.

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I received the item quickly. I used to have the regular size slicer/corer. It was ok, but this is great, it not only slices pieces the regular size but it also can slice them smaller which is a great option. The other thing i liked about this one is it comes with a plastic bottom cover which acts as a release for the apples....so u don't have 2 pull them out of the slicer all u do is set it on the plastic cover/plate (provided) and it conveniently pushes the slices/core out of the slicer. Would definitely recommend!

Honest reviews on Amco Dial-A-Slice Adjustable Apple Corer and Slicer

I eat one or two apples a day and finally got tired of slicing them by hand. After reading the reviews on various apple corers and slicers I chose this product and am happy that I did (after using it in the office, I ordered another one for home). Here is what I like:

1. I specifically bought this because of its ability to create 16 slices instead of 8. If you are not going to use this feature, then you might want to look at other products that cost about half the price that create only 8 slices.

2. Like many other slicing products for fruit and vegetables, this requires a good amount of "elbow grease", especially if you want 16 slices rather than 8. However, if you push down firmly and swiftly, this will work fine. The outer edges of each handle are rubber for greater comfort.

3. Unlike one of the negative reviews, I had no problem changing the setting from 8 slices to 16 slices and vice versa, which is accomplished with a plastic dial.

4. This has a cover that you can place on the bottom after you are done slicing. Push the slicer all the way down into the cover and voila!--the slices easily get pushed up for removal. The core is also easy to remove.

5. There are two sets of blades, which line up on top of each other if you choose the setting for 8 pieces. However, this alignment is not perfect (nor would I expect it to be be at this price), so that some small pieces of apple get caught between the two blades when you set this for 8 pieces. I found that I could easily remove them if I changed the setting to 16 blades after I was done slicing (so now all the blades are separated). This takes just seconds and is not a big deal. Cleaning tip for 16 blade setting: Unlock the blades as if you were going to change from 16 to 8, but don't actually move the setting. Unlocking the blades creates more space between them, and makes cleaning easier. When finished, just lock the blades.

6. This is well constructed, sturdy, and also is not hard to clean as one of the negative reviews suggests. I don't use any brushes for cleaning--I just rinse it under the faucet and if there is a stubborn little piece of apple or skin I use a fork to dislodge it (keep your fingers far away from the sharp blades).

7. I have used this on various size apples without any problem, though really large apples of course require more "elbow grease." I have also not found it difficult to line this up so that the whole core is removed (which can be an issue on inferior quality apple corers and slicers). Another review suggests cutting off the bottom of the apple so that the apple is level when you slice it; while this probably makes slicing a little easier, I have not found it necessary to do that.

8. Another negative review says that this product does not easily fit in a kitchen drawer, but I have no problem fitting it into mine.

Bottom line: This works just fine if used properly, and literally takes just seconds to have some nice apple slices.

Update June 13, 2011: This also works really well on peaches, nectarines, and plums so long as they are not too soft.

Update October 22, 2011: A simple toothpick works well to get rid of small pieces of apple on this unit.

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Since I wake up earliest I pack the lunches of our 3 school age kids. The boys like apples, sliced, and to save precious time in the morning I felt that buying a slicer would be a wise choice.

Heck, who am I trying to fool? I like kitchen gadgets and slicing apples for lunches gave me an excuse to buy another kitchen toy.

America's Test Kitchen (Cooks Illustrated magazine) rated a Williams-Sonoma slicer as their top pick that slicer is exactly the same as this one, just re-branded. Overall I'm happy with it, though it's not perfect.

Pros:

Sharp blades, cuts through apples with ease.

Easy to switch from 8 to 16 wedges.

Removes entire core

Snap-on lid makes it safe to store in a drawer.

Cons:

When set for 8 slices, blades don't align perfectly so apple can get stuck in between them.

Locking mechanism can be a little fussy, sometimes it's hard to get the slicer to lock in one position.

At Williams-Sonoma they say to hand wash this slicer but I've been running it through the dishwasher without any ill effect. Other reviewers complained the slicer removed an excessively large core but I haven't found that to be the case. Prior to buying this slicer I was using the OXO Good Grips Corer (coincidentally ATK's top apple corer). I usually had to run the corer through the apple 2 or 3 times to get all the core removed this slicer gets it all the first time through.

It's a handy little slicer. It's not perfect but it gets the job done. The kids like the thinner wedges I get from the 16 slice setting most slicers cut 8 or maybe 12 slices. The thin wedges are ideal for apple pie as well.

Buy Catamount Glassware Classic Design Microwave Popcorn Popper, 2.5

Customer Ratings:

My Mom got one for me, and I was skeptical of a metal basket in a microwave, especially since my research online kept turning up pictures of several kinds of plastic lids. But I see here that the mesh one doesn't cause sparks, but just melts butter efficiently.

As for people's problems , I recommend readers just chalk them up to people who don't understand microwaves or anything that is not totally automatic. Microwaves have different output in watts. 900W will take longer than 1100W.

My popcorn button is geared to commercial microwave popcorn packets with the foil against the kernels, and lasts 2.5 minutes. Using the Catamount the first time, I found the popping started later than with packets, and that I had to add one more minute to complete the popping. The corn (inexpensive store brand) was fluffier than any of the expensive microwave packets I've used, including Orville, Pops-Rite, the guy with the cowboy hat, and Kroger.

The bottom line: for one minute longer cooking time, the Catamount makes better popcorn, saves 80% of the cost, and allows me to control the quality of oils I use. No trans-fats from hydrogenated oil, artificial flavors, or chemicals. I can add oil with pepper, herbs, or spices in extra virgin olive oil right there with the kernels, and add organic butter to boot.

This is a great way to beat the ripoff microwave popcorn racket and return popcorn to the realm of inexpensive treats. Controlling the quality of embellishments is a bonus.

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My first Catamount popper broke when I cleaned it by hand (and I thought gently) and held it by the handle. Then I bought a second one, ran it through the dishwasher, and as I was putting it away, noticed that I seemed to be spreading red on everything I touched. Turns out that the paint on the popper was smearing off on my hands. If this weren't such a good popper and I were not so fond of popcorn, this popper would be on its way back to the manufacturer. I'm willing to give it a second chance, even if I have to wipe the paint off with a rag, but if a newer, better popper comes along, I'm dumping this Catamount without pity.

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For the life of me, I don't understand the negative reviews, because this is the best, the easiest, and most efficient popper I've ever owned. I have to admit that my first attempts failed but I soon realized it was the fault of the "premium" and costly popcorn I was trying. Put that in the trash and started using Orville or even store brand and I have popcorn perfection. Microwaves vary as we all know, so I guess that would be the reason for the learning curve, but here's what works for me--

I add either 1/4 or 1/3 cup of popcorn to the popper and then I add salt. Into the mesh top, I put a bit of butter to suit my taste, about 1-2 T, but it isn't necessary. I set my microwave for 4 to 4-1/2 minutes and then watch it carefully. It takes a good 2 minutes or more before anything happens, and then it pops quickly. Normally It is finished before the time is up. Occasionally I will have up to 5 to 10 unpopped kernels, but that is rare--it is usually under 5. For fun changes, you can add different seasonings instead of or in addition to the salt, such as sweetener for a kettle corn

I wash it by hand because it is just easy to do, so I haven't tried the dishwasher, but the red on mine looks the same as it did when I bought it a tear and many popping ago

Before you give up on this popper, please try different corn. I'm ordering another one just so I won't be without in case something happens to this one.

Honest reviews on Catamount Glassware Classic Design Microwave Popcorn Popper, 2.5

I saw one of these in a catalog last year and wondered if it would be worth trying. I received one for my birthday and it works great. There is no need for oil or even butter to pop the corn, and it does replace bagged microwave popcorn and is obviously more healthful. We can eat popcorn every day now if we want to.

I'd like to add that over the past year I have been buying organic microwave popcorn. With the switch to this glass popper, I realized that the bagged organic corn even had a strange taste from the oils required to pop. I suppose I had gotten used to it over time, it still tasted better than the usual brands of not-so-healthy bagged popcorn.

This popper is a breeze to clean. The only thing I was concerned about was the internal height of my microwave, but this fits on top of the built-in glass turntable with plenty of room above. The butter melting capability works just fine, but popped plain the steam alone can be a good substitute for butter.

I would recommend this to any popcorn lover, it pops nicer corn than a hot air popper, and is convenient to use and clean.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Catamount Glassware Classic Design Microwave Popcorn Popper, 2.5

We got one 6 months ago and have used it at least once per day. We wore off the pretty red label months ago, probably because we put it in the dishwasher every day. You don't even need to wash this thing after every use, just wipe it out with a paper towel and your ready to go again. I saw that another reviewer has had popcorn stick to the inside. I've never had that happen. However, we don't make popcorn without oil. We like to use olive oil (canola oil works too). We use 2 tbsp of oil and 1/3 cup of popcorn then put 1 tbsp of butter in the dripper on top and 4 1/2 minutes in the microwave (your mileage may vary). I do have to use a spoon occasionally to get the popcorn to come out of the opening at the top. But, that is a good thing because the popcorn has filled the popper so full that it gets jammed tight. It is a glass jar so it will break. But, no orange dye or space-age polymers to get stuck in your food (unless you're into that, of course). AND, our kids can make popcorn without using the stove and potentially burning down the house. The handle has an important function, it doesn't get hot. The jar, however, does get hot. If you make another batch without letting the jar cool down you will have to adjust your timing on the microwave... but that makes sense, right?

Reviews of Lodge CBSF A Skillet Full of Traditional Southern Lodge Cast Iron

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List Price: $20.00
Sale Price: $14.33
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I have been an avid user of cast iron for two decades and have used a variety of pots/skillets/dutch ovens/griddles for cooking darn near everything. I've used them for everything from cooking trout over a camp fire to making gourmet sauces for special occasions.

This is the first book I have seen devoted to the wonder of cast iron. But that's not what makes it such a great cook book.

The recipes are simple, filling and very good. Everything I have made so far has been a hit with my kids and hasn't left a huge mess of my kitchen. The skillet comes full from the oven or stove, goes straight to the table, and leaves empty. Many recipes can be finished easily in the short amount of time most of us have between arrriving home from work and when kids start howling with hunger. For those recipes that don't, I have made them one night and heated them through the next with great results.

I highly recommend this book for anyone wishing to serve good food easily. That it comes from cast iron is an extra benefit!

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This cookbook is awesome. I needed to replace my old non-stick cookware and decided to buy cast iron cookware. AND of course I needed a cookbook for cast iron cooking. This cookbook has so many great receipes, everyone of the receipes sounds mouth watering delicious. I have already tried several recipes from this cookbook, and my family loves them. I'm so glad I switched to cast irson, everything tastes great in cast iron.

Best Deals for Lodge CBSF A Skillet Full of Traditional Southern Lodge Cast Iron

I purposely chose this book for the history it offered. Since recently returning to cast iron cookware, I wanted to know what other cooks have learned. Kind of like looking over Grandma's shoulders...soaking up her wisdom and experiences. Well this book offeres lots of Grandmothers AND Grandfathers who are experienced cooks!

I noticed one of the previous reviewers called the recipes "quirky." I personally have to disagree. The example the reviewer used was "Strawberry Pizza," pg 178. It's baked on a pizza pan as any fruit pizza would be. I did not find anything I'd call bizare. All the recipes I've seen are what I am used to seeing and preparing, plus a few unexpected surprises...

For instance, page 39 starts a section just for cornbread recipes. 26 different recipes for cornbread...I grew up on just one recipe. I really can't wait to try "Ultimate Cornbread" (pg 48) which has sour cream and cheddar cheese listed as ingredients.

This book also offers all the other chapters you would expect to find; breads, veggies, eggs/cheese, poultry, fish, meat, etc.

All the recipes offer us a suggested pan to use, the names of the author(s) and sometimes a little story to go with the recipe.

I've truly enjoyed reading this cookbook. All in all, a delightfull, fun cookbook to use whether or not you are a fan of cast iron cookware!

I do hope this review helps you...

Honest reviews on Lodge CBSF A Skillet Full of Traditional Southern Lodge Cast Iron

Very good cookbook, I like that it provides very clear instruction on what types/size f pot to use. As someone who is learning to use cast iron for cooking I found this to be one of the best books avaliable.

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This is the most useful cookbook I have ever purchased. Good, homecooked recipes. My country husband loves the fact that his city wife is picking up on country cooking. I never knew there were so many ways to make biscuits!

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List Price: $55.00
Sale Price: $31.30
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Excellent knives with a reasonable price. I bought five of the same type (Forged Premio) bread, 8-inch chef, 6-inch utility, 3-inch, and 5-inch santoku. Every one of them is amazing, very sharp, a pleasure to work with. A 3-inch may be a little heavy to do a lot of peeling.

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I bought this knife to replace it's relative, one that was just in the price range below this one. The difference is obvious in the heft and balance. A good weight for some serious chopping time without wearing out your arm. Durable blade, has survived the dishwasher, cutting through smallish bones (chicken, rabbit) and it still sharp as ever.

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You can't go wrong with a JA Henckels knife. This is my second knife from them (I have a smaller chef knife) and the quality is superb. Keeps a good edge, weighted well and is very substantial.

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It was a Christmas gift for my boyfriend who has been using a cheap knife. He is in love. Sharp, good weight. Totally recommend it for the price.

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I recently ordered this knife in lieu of purchasing the J.A. Henkels knife block set that runs about $169. Boy, am I glad I did. This knife is sturdy, SHARP, and definitely forged, not pressed like the knives in the block set. The balance is very nice and you will notice the difference in the amount of force needed to slice vegetables. I will be purchasing the other knives from this line over time.

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This is totally not at all what I expected. The large end is a 3" "blade" which is extremely flexible -totally unable to actually scrape anything. Not even usable for actually scraping out just 2 beaten eggs from a small metal container. Total waste of money.

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I had a Chef'n Switchit which broke after a decade of hard use. I could not find the same shape, but this one is a close second. Happy so far!!

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I have a previous wider spatula from this company and though this might work well also which it does. Great for eggs and being able to get to something easily on a pan. Only drawback I wish it was some pretty color and not black.

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Used only for 2 months, because the metal insert came out of the silicone. I have also ordered another spatula from Chef'n which is still working and is in a good condition(Chef'n Switchit Spreader Silicone Spatula -color aragula)

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I got this to replace the older model of the Chef'n long dual end spatula because the shape is similar. This spatula is flimsy feeling and doesn't bend to conform to the edge of my mixing bowls very well. This is an average spatula at best.

Cheap Vandor 93051 Bruce Lee Plastic Travel Mug, Multicolored, 16-Ounce

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List Price: $9.99
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I love this item. I used it to place coffee in! It is made out of a hard plastic material. It seems hard for it to crack, because I have accidentally dropped this item many of times by accident. It is a great item to own. I received many compliments for this item. Shipping was very fast! I recommend this item for Bruce Lee fans!

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My boyfriend loves it. Sometimes it steams the inside, but that is to be expected in travel mugs.

Bruce Lee makes it classy?

Review of Even Bake Strips, Large

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I ordered this product because I make large cakes and thought bigger strips would be extremely helpful. I had actually bought a set of bake strips once that were attached by velcro and LOVED THEM! When searching for these I used the keywords VELCRO EVEN BAKE STRIPS. It pulled up the large strips as an option. The description was a little confusing and I was very disappointed when I received my large bake stips and they had to be pinned together. The strips work fine but the pinning is very cumbersome and time consuming. I did see a suggestion on another post that said to used large safety pins instead of the straight pins. Helpful.....but not as helpful as velcro!!!

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