Best KitchenAid KPS2CL Pouring Shield for 4-1/2 and 5-Quart Stand Mixers Deals

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List Price: $24.99
Sale Price: $14.37
Today's Bonus: 42% Off

The pouring shield is a definite convenience on my mixer, making it easy to add both wet and dry ingredients without stopping the mixing process and raising the beater, whisk, or dough hook. It removes extremely easily from the bowl once you figure the trick of getting it on an off, and it cleans quickly with a swipe of hot, soapy water or a run through the dishwasher, much like all Kitchen Aid mixer attachments.

I'm a little torn on the rating. I'd like to give it four stars, but I've only given the shield three stars because of a few inconveniences listed below. I'm happy it came free of charge with my mixer and I would probably buy another if mine ever became damaged. For someone without the pouring shield, I would certainly recommend they consider buying it, but with the following things kept in mind...

I've found that when making anything, be it bread or cookies or whathaveyou, you really should consider adding absolutely no more than 1/2 cup (dry US measure) of ingredients at a time to the bowl. Best if you add less to the bowl a few more times. Every time I've made bread, if I try adding 1/2 cup flour or more during the last mixing stage, even the low speed of 2 results in ingredients splattered up onto and under the pouring shield.

In addition, the convenient separability of the pouring shield can fast become an inconvenience if you're not careful. If anything splashes, I've found that it splashes right into the little hinges that make the pouring shield separateable from itself. Once your ingredients are in the hinges, they're down the side of the bowl, onto your countertop, and probably onto you.

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I've gotta say, I really think this thing is more trouble than its worth. My mom bought this for me, and it rarely got used. Somewhere along the line, she forgot she gave me the first one, and bought me another one. So the older one sits in the cupboard looking very lonely keeping the second one company still in its box. Here's why: first off, the shield comes in two sections, and they aren't all that easy to attach to one another. Now you would think that if they don't go together easily, at least they'd STAY together, right? Nope. Mine keep coming apart. Now, if you get the bowl pretty full, say with a double batch of chocolate chip cookie dough, forget it the thing is utterly useless. Once the dough rides up in the bowl, the shield becomes dislodged, making you want to chuck it out the nearest window. I like that it keeps the flour out of the entire kitchen if you add it while the mixer is going but it gets stuck in the little "ramp" anyway, making you shove it all down with a rubber scraper. It would also be nice for something liquid and particularly sloppy. But all in all, I find it a waste of time and money. Fortunately it was my mom's money, not mine. (By the way, she has one and loves it. Can't figure out WHY exactly, because she has the same complaints I do. She just must like washing a couple more dishes...) If you want to spend money on a USEFUL Kitchenaid accesory, buy an extra bowl one with a handle, and a set of lids.

Best Deals for KitchenAid KPS2CL Pouring Shield for 4-1/2 and 5-Quart Stand Mixers

This is a cool feature for this mixer.

I use it with mashed potatoes and chocolate chip cookies. It is essential, if you want to whip mashed potatoes and keep them in the bowl. With chocolate chip cookies the batter is so thick if you didn't have this on when you were adding the chips, they would wind up in orbit.

I find this guard easy to put on and easy to use.

The ramp for ingredients makes it handy to add stuff on the fly. It would be nicer if this feature had a wider opening and was steeper angled. I find I often had to push stuff down it. Also, when adding flour from another bowl, it was tricky to narrow the flow down enough to meet the width of this chute opening.

My pouring shield did not come with the mixer, I bought it separate, at that time for $14.00, which I thought was pretty pricey for a piece of plastic. However, when you use a mixer of this capability, you really need it.

Occassionally, if you over fill the bowl, it will lift this guard right off. It is held on by gravity alone, which generally is enough. It is a guard, not something that makes the mixer idiot proof and sometimes I'm that idiot that pushes the limit.

UPDATE:

I posted this review over 10 years ago...Yikes. But, I stand corrected. Technically the shield does not stay in place by gravity alone. If you have the right and left sections properly assembled, there is a snug fit with the top of the bowl. However, this is only that; a snug fit and gravity keeping this shield in place. Heavy batter or a fuller bowl can relatively easily lift this shield up. I find the shield mostly keeps in just added flour which has a tendency to fly up. The chute on the shield is most helpful when gradually adding ingredients. You need to use a spatula, to get that last bit in the bowl though. Since this addition is so much later than my previous review, I would like to point out, both shield and mixer are still going strong.

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Got this item for my mixer but it doesn't work as well as I thought it would. Of course, as my husband says, I can't boil water without destroying the kitchen so it could be just me...

I like that the shield comes apart in two pieces; I can store it inside the mixer bowls when not in use, I sometimes forget the shield before I start but can hook it on without having to remove the beater and, in two pieces, it fits in the dishwasher better for clean up.

However, it is tricky to hook it together if don't put it on 'before' you start mixing -taking it off is a breeze though. For me, the opening is still on the narrow side so that I usually spill down at least one side (especially flour) although not nearly as much as before. And often you have to push the ingredients off the spout into the bowl with a spatula.

If you are a super messy cook like me then this item may be good for you. If you're not then I wouldn't bother with it at all.

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I used this "Pouring Shield" before my sister (who owned the kitchenAid mixer) moved out, and now I'm deciding whether to buy a KA mixer of my own, but in any case, I don't think I will purchase this "Pouring Shield". I ran into two problems with this product: 1, It comes apart too easily, which can be a nuisance when trying to lift it temporarily so as to reach in with a spatula to scrape down any unmixed ingredients from the sides of the bowl. And 2, it has an inexplicable gap in the lip at the back of the shield which allows stuff to spray out the back onto the mixer, the surrounding counter and the bottom of the cabinets over the mixer. (The gap seems inexplicable to me because it's not as if the edge of the bowl is anywhere near to touching the post of the mixer).

Now, my mother has had a KA mixer since I was in high school and it had a "Pouring Shield" that was in one piece (thus eliminating the falling apart problem) and it didn't have that gap in the lip at the rear, so it worked very well for our purposes. I wish the KitchenAid company would start making the old ones again.

Claire

Cheap Emile Henry Flame Top Round Oven

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List Price: $180.00
Sale Price: $89.95
Today's Bonus: 50% Off

I had put off buying a dutch oven for quite some time, just because they are always SO heavy and SO expensive (the good ones, anyway).

I was at Sur la Table looking at dutch ovens when I lifted the lid off a Emile Henry Flame Top and very nearly threw the lid backwards over my shoulder because I expected it to be about twice as heavy as it actually was. I was dubious; a ceramic dutch oven? It was on sale so I bought it, thinking that I could return it if I didn't like it.

I don't like it. I LOVE it. So far everything has cooked absolutely perfectly in it. The ceramic retains and radiates heat better then metal, excellently searing pot roasts and then simmering evenly on the very lowest gas heat setting. If my Flame Top went missing today I'd buy another one without hesitation. This is 100% heirloom cookware: it's going to be in your family, being used, for a long time.

To address the complaint that the Flame Top retains odors, all I can say is that I never had this problem, but with two caveats. The first is that the reviewer didn't state if she seasoned her Flame Top as recommended by the manufacturer (instructions are both in the box and on the website). The ceramic glaze needs to be "set" by simmering either milk or water with dry rice in it before it's first real use. If this step is skipped and the pot is instead seasoned with tomato sauce, then I imagine there would be a problem. The second issue is that of tomato sauce in general. Highly acidic foods cooked in any lightly porous cookware are going to leave an odor behind, at least for a little while, that's why tomato-based sauces should always be cooked in steel. Like I said, I've cooked a range of stinky, odorous foods in my Henry pot and it doesn't smell at all.

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I've used a lot of different types of cookware through the years---cast iron, clad cast iron, aluminum clad, teflon coated, etc (both lower and higher priced). The FLAME TOP series are the only ones that can go in the oven, on the stove top, in the fridge, microwave, etc. Fantastic heat distribution with no hot spots or burning. Extremely easy to keep clean. Due to higher cost, I've accumulated a set over the recent past and have donated all of my other cookware! Buy one and try it, you WILL be amazed!

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I am completely satisfied with this product. I find that I am using it everyday for all of my cooking needs. I even cook rice in it! Fantastic for browning meat, draining and popping in the oven with other ingredients.

It keeps food warm through the whole meal, so going back for seconds is great.

Cleaning is a breeze. If anything sticks, just soak and it comes right out.

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I have prepared 2 dishes using this oven and I must say that I am thoroughly impressed. I prepared a swiss steak recipe by Alton Brown using some venison steaks and some sweet smoked paprika that I also ordered from Amazon. I also prepared a variation of chicken cacciatore by imitating a recipe by Rachel Ray using pine nuts as the coating. This oven cooks great and cleans up with no problem.

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I love this pot. I can't use the enameled cast iron pieces because they are too heavy, but this pot has great features that meet those needs for me. The red is a deep rich shade that is inviting to look at and to serve from. I found it more attractive than it appears in the picture, more old-worldly, as though you'd had it in your Tuscan Kitchen for a hundred years. The finish is smooth, but with a bit of texture which I find more appealing than the slick enamel finish of the cast iron pieces.

It's an ideal size for a pot roast, family sized casserole, chicken stew or even baking a large loaf of bread, all of which I've done so far. I've found it cleans easily when I first spray it with olive oil. It does get really hot so good pot holders are essential for handling it, but the side handles and the top handle are a good size and I've never felt insecure taking it out of the oven.

It is sturdier than I expected and after using it several times and running it through the dishwasher I no longer worry about it being fragile. I followed directions to 'season' it by boiling some milk in it before first use and have not had an issue with retained odor.

If, like me, you can't deal with the heavy cast iron pieces, you may find this is the perfect alternative. Highly recommended.

Best CorningWare French White 1-1/2-Quart Round Dish Deals

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The original "French White" Corningware was made of Corning's famous pyroceramic glass, which could be used on the gas stove, put directly in the freezer, put under the broiler right from the freezer, and oh yes, also used in a microwave. And it was very unlikely to shatter if dropped. If you pounded on it with a hammer and nail you might have gotten it to break.

When World Kitchens bought the license from Corningback in the 90's, they decided to halt production of a line of cookware that would take anything and last forever, and dupe customers, especially brides, into thinking the stoneware "French White" was the same thing as the wonderful French White pyroceramic cookware previously available to their mothers and sisters.

The pattern is very attractive and can be used with any decor, and they do offer many sizes, but this stuff is not, repeat, really not, what people mean when they say "Corningware."

Le Creuset can do most of the above mentioned, but it being metal you cannot use it in the microwave. Stoneware cannot go on top of the stove, and repeated trips from the freezer to the oven will eventually cause it to craze and crack. And stoneware will also chip, and break if dropped, etc. Pyrex glassware cannot go on the gas stove although you can take it from the freezer to the oven, and also microwave it.

The only product which could do anything was pyroceramic, and World Kitchens has chosen to remove it from the market because it is "too good."

They have recently brought back a few of the old square shapes, with the Cornflower, or plain white, calling it "vintage," but the French White shape is not making a reappearance yet. If you want it, email them and ask for it!

Meanwhile, don't buy this stuff. Get Le Creuset for cooking and roasting (yes it is expensive but it lasts forever and cooks beautifully), and reheat things in Pyrex in the microwave.

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My wife needed a larger Corning Ware dish after she broke hers. As it turned out, after measuring the holder, I order this size, then had to order the next size up. Today's product isn't made of the same material as those in the past and the bottom is a bit rough. However, since we used a holder for a hot dish anyway, the rough bottom wasn't a problem. Just realize that "they don't make 'em like they used to." Seems to hold up as well as the previous ones, but only time will tell.

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Fine product but Amazon packaging was poor and the original and its replacement arrived cracked. Save yourself the time and hassle and get it elsewhere.

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I use this all the time. They're good for microwaving. The grooves on the outside keep it from slipping from your hands. Highly recommend.

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This item was exactly as described, and was actually a newer version of the dish I replaced. No complaints here! :-)

POT WATCHER, GLASS (77258) Review

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This is my second one. My first one cracked after a few years. Even so, I recommend getting a pot watcher. I am a multitasker and this along with an egg timer keep me on track when boiling stuff in the kitchen.

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If you agree with "a watched pot never boils" and wander away while waiting for water to get hot enough to cook, then this is what you need! My last boiling disc broke after many years. I have a short attention span and I burned a pot by forgetting I had water on the stove, so I bought this glass "pot watcher" and again I am reminded when my water finally boils. It rattles and makes enough noise to be heard over our TV when the pot starts boiling. In use, I use a pair of tongs to remove it before adding food to the water, but when I forget, the glass disk does not affect the food and is as easy to clean as a small plate.

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What can I say? It works very well by clattering before the milk boils over. I'm happy to have it!

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I am a person who multitasks. Needless to say a boiling pot usually boils over. I had a Pot Watcher several years ago and used it on numerous occasions. Being glass, the item naturally broke when I dropped it. I have looked and looked for a Pot Watcher again. Even some of the "elegant" kitchen gadget stores do not carry them. A Pot Watcher is a must in every kitchen and a super gift for a new bride. Thank you, Amazon!

Cuisinart 77-412 Chef's Classic Stainless 4-Piece 12-Quart Reviews

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List Price: $150.00
Sale Price: $67.99
Today's Bonus: 55% Off

This was the 2nd choice of America's Test Kitchen. The first choice was about $350. I am very pleased with this steamer. I have used it to cook mustard greens, boil corn on the cob, and cook down apples for apple butter. It is well-made with a heavy bottom. It stays shiny like new, cleans up easily, and is so useful for larger cooking needs. Since buying this I have also purchased a complete set of pots by Cuisinart. Very good quality cookware.

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We decided on the pot after wanting either All Clad or Le Cruset for a long time. But the cost for those brands is so high we decided to look at other brands. We looked at Calphalon, Analon, Cuisinart and JC Penny's house brand. After weighing all the prices and quality the decision to buy this pot seemed like a good one. Now we have used this pot 15-20 times we think it is an even better value. It is a great product. Heating is even and fast, things stay warm for a long time and cleanup is a snap. Of course if you want something you can throw in the dishwasher buy something else other than stainless. To keep these in tip shop shape they need to be hand washed, but it is definitely worth it.

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I bought this to replace an older smaller pasta cooker. I have about 20 pieces of the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro cookware but couldn't justify spending over $100 for a large stockpot. The only notable difference is that the Multiclad has the sandwiched aluminum all the way up the sides of the pot. Not really necessary I thought for something I would use mostly for boiling water. Besides, the heat source is only really from below and that extra multiclad surface only adds to the weight.

I love the shiney exterior and the large capacity compared to my previous pasta pot. The steamer insert is a nice little extra but I'm not sure I'd want to haul out this enormous pot just to steam a few veggies. The lid is more domed than Cuisinart's standard lids and has a more sculpted handle. Cleanup is easy but only if you have a very large sink. The handles on both the pot and insert are solid and appear to be very securely attached.

So what's not to like?

This pot was a lot bigger than I anticipated. So large in fact that it doesn't fit in my normal cookware drawer. I ended up having to divide the pot from the insert just so it would fit in the cabinets. And that domed lid just adds to the height. The insert didn't need to stick out of the pot as far as it does and the handles on the insert come out further than those on the pot itself. Where the pot will barely fit, the insert won't just because of the handles. The other problem with the height of this pot comes when you try to use it on your stove. I nearly have to stick my head under the fan hood to see inside it!

The inside of both the pasta insert and the steamer basket won't drain completely. There are no drain holes along the bottom outer edges so the water continues to drip after removing it from the pot whenever it's tilted. I'm also not sure why they made the outsides of the insert and steam basket so shiny but made the insides brushed. This is almost the opposite of their fry pans. A shiny smooth inside would have made cleanup easier without the use of Teflon.

It would have received 5 stars except for these minor issues.

Honest reviews on Cuisinart 77-412 Chef's Classic Stainless 4-Piece 12-Quart

Amazon's size specs are off, so I took out my ruler and this is what I discovered:

The cladded base of the pot is 9.5 inches diameter, the interior space on the pot is about 10 or 10.5 inches diameter, and then the lips flare out a little bit near the stop (for easier pouring without drips) to 11 inches diameter.

The pot is about 9 inches tall, plus another 2 inches or so for the pasta insert, plus another few millimeters for the steamer insert lip, and then the lid and lid's handle adds another 1.5-2 inches or so. The total height is thus roughly 13 inches.

I own a lot of Cuisinart MultiClad Pro and Tramontina TriPlyClad, among other pieces, and I like this stockpot. For boiling water, you don't really need the extra weight and expense of cladded aluminum running up the sides, as the water itself will be the thermal conduit, through convection.

Big thumbs up for having holes on both the bottom AND the sides of the steamer insert. This design is harder to clog up than steamer inserts with only bottom holes.

Yes the size is inconvenient (would be better if it were shorter and fatter), but if you can deal with it, this is a great multi-pot.

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I got this pot because I was tired of using 5 different dishes to make stock. With this pan, it couldn't be easier. Throw the insert in, put in all your goods and boil. When finished, you pull the insert out and run the stock through a fine mesh strainer and that's it. Yes, it's big; it holds 12 quarts so I kind of expected that. My range has a vent/hood above it that is lower than most of my friends, and this manages ok. I'd rather have the pan be deep than wide, as the depth makes it handy for lobsters as well.

If I had an extra 400 bucks kicking around I might have gone with All Clad because I'm a snob but as it is, this does the job just fine and I wouldn't trade up now that I have it. It boils in a totally acceptable amount of time for the volume and is a cinch to clean upI've had no discoloration like one reviewer complained of. My equally snobby cooking buddy borrows mine constantly and is currently waiting for her own to arrive.

This pan has seriously lowered the barrier for making stock for me. No more "I don't feel like dealing with a million pans, dishes, strainers, etc" Love, love, love it and I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

Buy Wusthof Silverpoint II 2-1/4-Inch Bird Beak Peeling Knife

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This knife is just what I needed. It is well balanced and engineered to fit in the hand offering exceptional control. I highly recommend it. Price was excellent and the seller shipped it out promptly.

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Wusthof Silverpoint II 2 1/4" Bird's Beak Paring Knife 4033

I have a lot of fruit trees, and a lot of processing to do. This knife is nicely sharp, and fits my hands well for long sessions. It facilitates cutting out bad areas of my organically grown fruit, too. Reasonable price, good quality.

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Just as all my Silverpoint ll knives its a great value. At under $10 nobody should expect it to be similar to Wustof"s high end series which are way more expensive. Yes its thin and light with a small handle but its also very sharp and nimble and it gets the job done and after all that's what its all about. I started with the 10 piece block set and have been adding to it since and use them daily and they all perform very well. I also have heavier forged knives but really prefer these now since its almost effortless to use them. Happy cooking!

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I've had two of these knives about 1 1/2 years now. I use them almost every day for peeling and trimming produce. They're still sharp and have never yet needed sharpening. I'm an average-size woman, and I love the size and curvature of the blade and the handle size and shape. I find it very comfortable to use, with great control and very little fatigue. Handwashing is recommended but I put mine in the dishwasher with no ill effects.

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high quality steel. good handle. i liked it!

Recommended!

If anyone has any questions about this please don't be afraid to ask me. I'd be more than happy to answer any and all of them.

Buy Magma 7 Piece Gourmet Nesting Stainless Steel Cookware Set

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List Price: $164.98
Sale Price: $130.62
Today's Bonus: 21% Off

I ordered these to use while traveling in our Class B Rv. In a Class B, space is limited and needs to be utilized very efficiently. These nesting cookware products take up very little space. The part that is most impressive however is the quality of the steel. At home I use AllClad cookware. This product is not quite as thick and heavy as AllClad, but very close. This is not lightweight campware, but quality home style cookware that happens to nest. Highly recommended.

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Bought the Magma for use on my sailboat, after looking at Cuisinart and Fagor, which are also good products it seems. I have been very happy with the Magma set. It is well-constructed, heavy and polished. It heats up quickly on my stove, and fits in the sink for cleanup. This set is basic, but really all I can see needing on a small boat. The handle is very solid and doesn't flop around when attached. And it all stores together in a nice stack 7-1/4 inches tall. Thought I might use this camping too, but it is too heavy to backpack would be fine for car camping though. Very satisfied.

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The first thing you notice when these arrive is the heft of the box with only a stock pot, frying pan, small pot, and a couple lids inside. Magma cookware is made of very heavy gauge stainless steel, which is great for heat transfer, easy clean up, and also makes them impervious to metal cooking utensils too. These are primarily designed with boating, RV's, or camping, in mind. But the quality of construction they possess could just as easily be used in a regular kitchen and would last a lifetime.

There's really no downside or cons to Magma cookware. They're great for cooking, they're bullet proof, they're easy to clean, and the fact that they can be nested together to save space is a great thing if you're storing them in a boat or an RV were space is limited.

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This is the best quality cookware I have seen. Simply outstanding. We bought this for our VW California and will have great pleasure using it. Also the service and packaging from Amazon is 100%. We ordered the set on November 27th and received it on Thursday 01.12. USA to New Zealand 4 days, not bad. Thanks a lot.

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Well made. A bit larger than I had wished for for use on my sailboat for two people. Handle works well and can be stowed.

Best Magefesa Vesta Stainless Steel 10 Piece Cookware Set Deals

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List Price: $117.99
Sale Price: $97.29
Today's Bonus: 18% Off

I received my order in excellent shape except the two quart pot's handle was broken off and laying in the bottom of the inner box. Neither of the two boxes were damaged that contained the cookware. I have contacted CSN three times by phone once and e-mail twice. They say they are checking into the replacement pot, but it has been about a month since I placed the order and I still have not received the replacement pot or an estimate when I will receive it. I would rate CSN stores service as less than 1 star.

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To our surprise, the steamer had rust stains. To further our surprise, the pan came used. The bottom had burn marks and inside the pan it had yellow stains. The very large pot had a series of scratches that appear to have been made during processing. This set is so cheap and frail, but to have it arrive used just floored us!

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This is a quality set of cookware, looks great, heats up evenly, cooks perfectly, and easy to clean. We are very pleased with our purchase.

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We purchased this set of pots for our daugther after searching for weeks. My husband and I wanted to purchase a set of pots that she would be able to pass down to her children if she so desired. The design, manufacture and description is everyting you would want in a pot to last you for years to come. What an excellent product. She used it within 24 hours and is very pleased.

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excelent product i like ... . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . .

Buy Calphalon Simply Calphalon Enamel Cast Iron Panini Pan, Red

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Tried the same prime rib eye from Costco at two different friends houses. Once was grilled on an outdoor grill, and once on a pan. Both tasted bad and looked bad. I decided to try the same steak myself so I went out and got this pan. Unbelievable pan. Followed the instruction to heat up the pan by letting it sit on medium heat for few minutes, then laid down the steak. The wonderful sound of sizzling started to pop. After 5 minutes, I turned the steak. OMG!! Beautiful grill mark, and the steak looked unbelievably tasty. I grilled the steak for about 20 minutes. 5 minutes on each side, then 2 minutes each side twice. Sat it for another two minutes. It was a perfect medium well, and it was my first time grilling!! Never realized the prime rib eye from Costco can taste this good.

The couple down side for this pan is the weight and cleaning. It must weigh at least 15 lb. Cleaning is quite a hassle, but it helps if soak in water.

Over all, I am very satisfy with the pan.

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Updated 5/21/2013

After owning this pan for more than a month, I learned few more things about iron cast pans. Apparently, it's not wise to soak the pan in water so I wash it in running warm water and use a scrub to wash it after it's cooled now. The pan does seem to require seasoning after use. I noticed few rust spot after first few uses without proper caring. Grilling with this pan is fun, but the caring part is not so fun.

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This grill pan is fabulous. Heavy cast iron, beautiful color, and easy to clean. Grilled fish, burgers, and steak all perfect.

Tamago Non-Stick Pan, Japanese Sushi Omelette rectangle skillet Review

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I'm VERY REGRET that i got this pan.

Egg sticks very badly and doesn't come out. Nobody can make TAMAGO YAKI with pan.

I usually don't have any problem making TAMAGO YAKI, but with this pan, impossible.

It looks like regular Japanese TAMAGO YAKI pan, but it is just the shape.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYBODY TO BUY THIS.

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It took me awhile to find this product and purchased it. I am glad I did because it performed excellent. I could make all kinds of omelets in the pan and it was personal siz as well. Easy to clean up as it was teflon finish

Discount Lodge L8DSK3 Pre-Seasoned Deep Skillet, 10.25-inch

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List Price: $37.00
Sale Price: $29.19
Today's Bonus: 21% Off

I'll keep this short and sweet; this is Lodge Logic's 3-qt. chicken fryer, without the lid. (Amazon says the chicken fryer is 4" deep, but Lodge's web site confirms both are 3" deep).

So... if you already have a 10" lid, don't need another one and want this style pot, this is a good value.

It has all the great traits you expect of Lodge Logic excellent, even heat transmission, natural non-stick seasoning, and complete invulnerability to anything your burners can dish out. The size is very handy for things like chili for one or two, where the additional depth is welcome but a Dutch oven would be overkill, and the 10" skillet/chicken fryer/Dutch oven lid fits this pot. I'm very pleased with this deep skillet and already had a lid.

So... if you have a Lodge lid and/or have a 5-qt Dutch oven in the same order, go for this pan! If you want to get a lid with it, get the Lodge Logic chicken fryer; it's much cheaper than buying the deep skillet and lid separately.

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This is a great pan. I have several frying pans, and am saving up for a certain style Dutch oven and double-burner griddle. Cast iron, like anything, has its pros and cons. It is heavy, making it hard to lift and carry; but it also doesn't move if you bump the handle or are using both hands to hold another vessel that you're pouring from into the pan. It comes preseasoned, eliminating that step that should be repeated several times on a non-preseasoned pan prior to use. Things DON'T stick to this pan, as is always the misconception, precisely because of the preseasoning. It imparts a small amount of iron into the food, which is good, as most people are deficient in iron. Cleanup is a bit tedious (no soap or detergent, hot water with a stiff brush, no dishwasher, dry immediately); a small amount of extra time for the care and upkeep, but time well spent in the scheme of things. If it were to rust for whatever reason (you found grandma's pan in the leaky basement; she put it in storage twenty years ago when she moved and forgot about it), it is easily scoured, seasoned, and ready to go. Rarely, except under extreme circumstances, would you ever have to replace a cast-iron pan.

I started making the switch to cast iron about six months ago. My husband cooks, I don't; he didn't want cast iron, I did. The deal that we had before the cast iron continued--he cooks, I clean. He has no complaints (other than the weight, from time to time), and that he sometimes forgets to put the insulated handle on before grabbing the handle of the pan. But that's "operator error", nothing to do with the pan itself. I switched to cast iron because of the toxicity of nonstick coatings, such as Teflon. Cast iron is better for your health, it will last generations with proper care, it does not offgas toxic fumes, and it does not flake like nonstick coatings which, it is recommended, have to be discarded.

My 11-year-old has taken a great interest in cooking and watches cooking shows a lot, namely on the Food Network. He is very aware of tools used and techniques employed, and noted that many of the chefs and cooks use cast iron, and the ease and sometimes importance of being able to leave the food in the pan but transferring the pan from the stove to the oven. Only with cast iron can you do this safely.

Self-basting lids (when lids are used) help to evenly distribute "condensation", keeping the food uniformly moist. I researched pans vs. Dutch ovens, skillets vs. frying pans, handle vs. tab, and am very happy with all my purchases. If you are thinking about purchasing cast iron, of course consider your needs, but also look carefully at product descriptions as to size of pan (diameter and depth), and try different search terms as this will sometimes yield different results. The terms 'skillet', 'frying pan', 'deep fryer', and 'chicken fryer' will give you a bigger variety of similar pans from which to choose. I would also recommend paying a little more for an American-made product (I prefer Lodge; it has a long history to look at); they are heavier (better quality, more evenly distribute the heat); and American products from a reputable company will more than likely follow governmental guidelines for safety. What you're cooking in the pan will go in your body; be cognizant about what can leach from the pan into the food.

Best Deals for Lodge L8DSK3 Pre-Seasoned Deep Skillet, 10.25-inch

EXACTLY what I wanted and needed. You can't beat Lodge cast iron for the most even and best cooking. The 4" side is between a skillet and my Dutch oven and has already become my most used cooking tool.

Honest reviews on Lodge L8DSK3 Pre-Seasoned Deep Skillet, 10.25-inch

I have used cast iron for years and love it. I decided to get this deep skillet because I have made a mess quite a few times while frying in my regular skillet and thought this would be a good idea for me. I do like having the extra depth, but wasn't quite prepared for the extra weight that this couple of inches of depth adds. It is a good thing that they added a "helper handle" opposite the regular handle, or I wouldn't be able to lift it while it is filled. I have also baked bread in this pan and it turned out beautifully. My Dutch oven lid fits this pan, but if I had known that the 3 qt. chicken fryer was the same size as this pan and included the lid, I would have purchase that item since there was only a few dollars difference in the price.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Lodge L8DSK3 Pre-Seasoned Deep Skillet, 10.25-inch

I bought this pan about a year ago, and I use it every single day. It's a great for pan roasted potatoes, and sauteed vegetables and greens. Stir-fried vegetables are easy to make with this pan. So are fried rice dishes. I also use it to make large omelettes. The lid that comes with the 5 quart dutch oven fits this pan.

It's easy to clean. I've used cast iron pans for over twenty five years. I do scrub it with a little soap once in a while to remove the rancid fat odor. However, I wipe it dry, oil it, and heat it on the stove on low heat for 5 minutes or so after that. With a little maintenance, these pans will last forever and are a must in every kitchen. It's so easy to eliminate nonstick pans if you use cast iron ones.

Cheap T-fal A9108294 Specialty Nonstick 5-Quart Jumbo Cooker with Glass

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $26.99
Sale Price: $17.99
Today's Bonus: 33% Off

Can't speak to durability as of yet since we haven't had it a long while, but it is of good quality and can't be beat for versatility. Everything from hamburgers and roasts to a family serving of eggs has turned out beautifully. No problems with the lid that was mentioned in previous posts. Can't beat Amazon's service.

***Update 10/08

Still one of the best skillets I've owned. It's proven itself over and over. Cooks evenly, cleans up easily, and after being used 3-4 times every week, not a hint of wear and tear so far. Great purchase.

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I was a bit skeptical about buying cookware that I can not hold and inspect first. But the price was good and I decided to go out on a limb and try it. I have a family of 6 and am always using countless pots and pans to cook a meal large enough to feed the whole family. Well let me tell you this, this thing is big, and I mean big. The cooking area on this is amazing. You read about the size, but don't realize how big this is until you have in your hand. I can finally cook a meal all in one piece of cookware...I love it. I cook over gas and it cooks and heats evenly throught the whole pan, no hot or cold spots. I was able to brown and cook 6 breasts of chicken at one time, with room to spare. Yes the item is made in China, yes there is no Thermospot (however if you know how to cook not a big deal), but the construction seems good and the pan does have some good weight to it. This is definately a piece of cookware to have in you household if you need to cook large portion meals for a big family.

Best Deals for T-fal A9108294 Specialty Nonstick 5-Quart Jumbo Cooker with Glass

My T-Fal set of pots & pans didn't include this jumbo cooker, but right away I saw we needed this. It's great for big batch cooking like chili or stovetop meals. I like to cook up enough in one batch to save cooking later in the week.

This has most of the features I wanted: extra handle so you can use two hands to lift it when full, non-stick interior, even heat base, glass lid so I can see the progress of the cooking. I do wish it had the red dot in the center to tell me when the pan is properly preheated. You need to use plastic or wooden spoons or stirers with this surface.

Honest reviews on T-fal A9108294 Specialty Nonstick 5-Quart Jumbo Cooker with Glass

This is a great pan for those of us who are not cookware snobs. If you go in with high expectations you might be disappointed; this is not a $100 pan and it shouldn't be compared to one. Yes, it is a little thinner and lighter than a top-of-the line cookware product, but so what. It works great and is perfect for everyday use. It is very versatile from frying eggs to cooking several pieces of chicken at the same time. It is very roomy in diameter and depth. The lighter weight of the pan makes it not too heavy to lift when food is in it. It cooks surprisingly evenly and because it is lighter weight, you can cook at a lower temperature = less electricity or gas = saving $$. The lid is a great addition to keep things warm and having two handles makes lifting very easy. There have been absolutely no problems with this nothing broken, nothing coming loose. The handles are riveted so there is nothing to come unscrewed. My only recommendation is to follow the instructions that come with it. Don't use metal or hard plastic utensils that will scratch, don't use scouring pads, and don't soak it with dishwasher detergent, which eats at the coating. I ordered this off Amazon because I had a gift card and got free shipping, but this pan is available in stores too. If you live in the Midwest, Meijer sells it for $25 and a couple weeks ago I noticed it on sale for $20. 4/30/2011

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for T-fal A9108294 Specialty Nonstick 5-Quart Jumbo Cooker with Glass

We purchased this 5 quart cooker based on it's size and the fact that it shipped with a lid. This pan has not disappointed us. It is quite large, in fact we had to clear out a special spot in our cabinets for it. Over the last three months it has worked as expected. The non-stick surface is functioning well and we have not had any issues with scratches or sticky food.

I don't miss the red dot that is on most of the T-Fal products mainly because I know how to cook and I know when a pan is at the correct temperature for what I am making.

I would have preferred a metal lid because I am fearful one day I will either drop the glass lid or it will break being banged around in the cabinets. Being able to see what is covered isn't a necessity because I know when my recipes are done. I don't lift the lid except when I am stirring.

If you are like me and prefer buying inexpensive cookware and replacing it more often (every 3-4 years) rather than over paying for expensive equipment and hope it lasts then this is a great pan for you. Granted this doesn't beat a comparably sized cast iron pan, but it is a nice addition when you want a non-stick surface.

Discount Norpro 9.5 inch Nonstick Breakfast/Crepe Pan

Customer Ratings:

From the day this pan is shipped, i have never left using it for making breakfast. It is the best for the pancakes. I just clean it with the wipe or a tissue. Because of the non-stick feature, i do not even put oil on the pan. I would definetly recommend this product. For a price of $9.00, i think it is the best buy for me.

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I love crepes and plan on making several types of crepes using different flours. I made a batch a few days ago and they are already gone. The pan is easy to use and easy to clean up also much more reasonable than similar pans!

Best Deals for Norpro 9.5 inch Nonstick Breakfast/Crepe Pan

I bought this pan as a "back-up" to my old trusty t-fal crepe pan that I use to make 2 egg omelettes. Sometimes we host brunches and one pan is not enough to keep up with hungry guests. Well, I received the pan, seasoned it with a little oil as suggested, and made my first omelette with it. Let's just say the t-fal has now moved to the back-up position and I may just pick up another Norpro for good measure. The anti-stick is great, the pan is light and heats evenly, ergonomics are good and it is the perfect size for 2-egg omelettes. Cleans up great in the sink and all I can't speak to yet is durability. However, it looks solid and well made, like most other Norpro stuff I own.

Now if you're curious about those omelettes, they're simple. Dice up whatever filler you want: ham, sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, greens, whatever, and cheese of course. Saute to your liking in saute pan. Heat the Norpro pan on medium low. Quickly while the pan is heating, fork whisk 2 eggs, some water (for fluffiness), and seasoning to taste (you can also wait to season afterwards). A little olive oil in pan but I use the corner of a paper towel to spread it about and then leave no puddles. Plop the eggs in and cook until almost dry, with a soft or slightly runny skin on the inside. You can carefully work the egg a bit with the edge of your spatula to make sure the runny egg gets to the cooking surface, just make sure it all ends up one cooked piece, with no holes. Add your fillers to one half of the omelette, and then fold the other half over with one of these Kitchenaid Classic Silicone Mixer Spatula, Black. The long, wide, and slippery spatula is perfect to prevent the omelette from breaking when you flip. I like to have a slightly golden brown on my omelettes. Enjoy!

UPDATE: After using this pan about half dozen times, the coating on the BOTTOM of the pan is starting to come off. The non stick seems to be OK and it still cooks fine. I'm starting to get a little suspicious on the durability, so I deducted one star and will update more as time goes on. I stil think it's a bargain at what they are asking but if you want a pan that you'll still be using years later (like my t-fal), this might not be it.

Honest reviews on Norpro 9.5 inch Nonstick Breakfast/Crepe Pan

OVEN CLEANER is dangerous. Unbeknownst to me, when I cleaned the oven with oven cleaner, it seeped into the pan drawer below, luckily the crepe pan was the only casualty, it ripped the nonstick right off. The pan was great, slick and the right size when I used it the only and only time. I am buying another to replace the destroyed one, would recommend to all for making crepes.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Norpro 9.5 inch Nonstick Breakfast/Crepe Pan

I have used it 5 times so far. Works great. However, I'd love to review such items after 1 year the ultimate test for reliability and durability.