Showing posts with label cooks cookware website. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cooks cookware website. Show all posts

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Buy Victorio 16-Ounce Shaved Ice/Snow Cone Syrup, Lime

Victorio 16-Ounce Shaved Ice/Snow Cone Syrup, Lime
Customer Ratings: 4 stars
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This syrup tastes good! But I'm only giving it 4 stars because you only get about 4 or 5 snow cones out of this much syrup! I was surprised by how much you need and how small these bottles really are. I thought the price was pretty good! But you really need more than this if you are going to make a lot of snow cones.

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Yum. I love using this to make my own snow cones and slusheies . This arrived before it was due to come in.

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I love this product, it gives the perfect flavor and anazing color, and it is so easy to pour. A++++ product with crazy fast shipping

Honest reviews on Victorio 16-Ounce Shaved Ice/Snow Cone Syrup, Lime

My husband LOVES the Dairy Queen lemon-lime Mister Misty. And this syrup enables him to have a similarly "tasty" icy treat at home. He says "GREAT STUFF. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK." My kids are also big fans.

If you are a natural products fan or on a low/no sugar diet, this is not the item for you. But, if you love the sugary lemon-lime Mister Misty, you'll probably love this too.

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The other reviewer said lifesaver lime. Yeah, I can agree with that. The only problem I have is the stuff isn't very strong. I practically need to use 1/4 a bottle to even taste the stuff. Considering the price, I wasn't expecting too much. Just hoping. I'll probably go for another brand next time around.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Buy Winco PIZZA SCREEN, 14" D, SEAMLESS RIM, HEAVY DUTY, 3003 ALUMINUM

Winco PIZZA SCREEN, 14' D, SEAMLESS RIM, HEAVY DUTY, 3003 ALUMINUM
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
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folks, be careful here. I bought the item and didn't check out the s&h until checkout time! fully twice the price of the individual item! I expected a couple dollars, but that was sooo much!

But more than that was how the item was shipped! It was sent in a box the size of a huge Laser Player or amplifier... FILLED with the horrid styrafoam peanuts... (a personal pet peeve of mine... I much prefer the air-filled bags... easier on the environment)... anyway, here's this HUGE box filled with this junk, and this skinny little item on the inside.

Granted, I know you have to have a box to ship the item in. But with the item's size, you can ship it in a PIZZA type box, or even a cardboard box flattened and taped over it.

CERTAINLY not worth the price of $8.95 of shipping!

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Friday, December 12, 2014

Cuisinart EM-100 1000-Watt 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel Reviews

Cuisinart EM-100 1000-Watt 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel
Customer Ratings: 3.5 stars
List Price: $325.00
Sale Price: $178.95
Today's Bonus: 45% Off
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I purchased this machine at a Kohl's for roughly $220. I think it's of an exceptional quality for the price.

Positives: #1 Well built (it's actually quite heavy)

#2 easy to use, filters allow for a single or double shot to be made also comes with a pod filter but I've never used it

#3 large water reservoir that has allowed me to make 4 or 5 espressos and steam milk too

#4 comes with a DVD that teaches you how to use it (much easier than reading the booklet) this is especially helpeful if you're new at making your own drinks

#5 easy to clean

#6 has a warming plate on top (good if you need to make more than one double shot cups or two single shot cups

#7 espresso has a good taste (although I think this has as much to do with the quality of the coffee you're using) The machine actually does produce a good amount of crema for the price you pay

#8 Stainless steel frothing picture is just the right size for one latte or two cappucinos

#9 15 bar pump allows for more than enough pressure and for great taste.

#10 has a feature that allows you to get plain old hot water too if someone isn't interested in the espresso and wants tea/cocoa/whatever

Negatives: #1 the steam nozzle is too long you kind of have to tilt the pitcher to get the nozzle out this isn't a problem so long as you know so you can use less milk or you can place the machine so the nozzle can be used on a non-countered space. The nozzle has a good range of movement so this does help counteract.

#2 the distance between the portafilter (where the coffee comes out) and the drip tray is not very tall I've found that I have to use a smaller cup to brew and then dump it into a larger cup if I'm going to make a latte and want to fit in a decent amount of frothed milk.

#3 you have to be really careful to not overtamp your grounds or you'll end out with coffee everywhere this machine is a little pickier than I expected (and pickier than the really cheap machine this replaced). But, with that said, the taste is 100x better. You can catch it if you overtamp too so long as you closely monitor and make sure the water is coming out of the portafilter at a decent rate. If you overtamp, barely anything drips out. After a while you figure out how much is too much.

#4 my biggest complaint, and this one is quite dangerous There's not a great way of knowing that pressure has been released this means that once your espresso is made and you're ready to clean out the coffee grounds you have to be really really careful or it'll explode the hot coffee grinds all over you and your kitchen. I've been seriously burned a couple of times. It might not be a problem if you're used to espresso machines (I wasn't when I first bought this one) or you learn to be super extra careful always.

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We had a Krups combo coffee pot/espresso machine and after several espresso calamities in a row, I gave up and got this Cuisinart. So far it has been great! It seems that there used to be only basic espresso makers or extremely expensive ones on the market, with nothing in between. But the Cuisinart satisfies the coffee connoisseur on a budget by making truly wonderful espresso and more.

One of my frustrations with our last model was the "perfect froth" tip, which was disastrous to say the least. I just need a basic steam wand and I can take it from there, and the Cuisinart fits the bill it steamed and frothed my milk easily and quickly. Just be careful to use less milk than you might think, because the volume doubles in no time. I'll probably switch to a larger pitcher than the one that comes with the Cuisinart, though it's fine to start out.

A couple tips to get started: the instructions say the heating light should come on right away, but it didn't for me until I switched the small knob to the droplet icon (as opposed to the middle neutral position). I figured this out by watching the video, which I recommend as the instruction manual is pretty bare. It's also good to see how much pressure one should use to tamp the grounds.

The only negative thing I can say is that the warming tray doesn't seem to get very warm, but I do like being able to store my cups on top anyway (more space in the cabinets now, plus a certain café aesthetic is always nice), so I don't mind. Positives are that it's fast, it's quiet, everything is sturdy and well designed (and clicks or locks solidly in place so you know things are seated correctly), and the espresso is truly café quality an enormous difference from the more basic espresso machines on the market.

UPDATE: Since this review I have had some experiences with clogging. Cuisinart customer service was totally unhelpful, but here's what I do to remedy the situation:

1. As soon as you notice espresso isn't coming out, turn off the machine, take off the basket (you may have to wait for the pressure to subside), rinse it out well, and fill the machine with water.

2. Scrub the underside of the metal grid that the filter basket attaches to with a damp cloth.

3. Reattach just the basket with no filter. Heat water and run that through to get any clogs in the upper part of the machine. I fill up a milk pitcher. Then turn the big black dial to neutral, add the empty filter to the basket, and repeat. As long as water starts running through that ok it should be all right. I hope it works for you!

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I like my coffee. In fact, I freely admit to being a coffee addict. And before I say anything else, let me say that this machine makes great coffee. With the right beans and a bit of practice, you can beat the taste of any coffee shop with this.

That said, I am glad, I still have my french press, because sometimes this machine decides to be difficult. It usually starts if you tamp your coffee too hard. The coffee maker is then unable to pass water through and ceases up completely. Make sure you watch what you are doing, so you can stop it from trying if necessary. Now, the real problem with this is, that you will have a very hard time removing the basket, as long as there is still pressure inside. It takes somewhere between 5-10 minutes at least, before the pressure has gone down enough, that you can pry the basket off (watch for exploding coffeegrounds, if you didn't wait long enough).

To make matters worse, the machine seems to have a hard time recovering after an incident such as this. It seems to get even pickier, with what it will accept, and it will be easier to resort to the backup plan, and let the espresso machine recover.

I would rate the EM-100 a 5/5, if it weren't for this problem. I hardly apply any strength, when I tamp my coffee, and I still run into trouble from time to time. In fact, the first one I had got so picky, that I took it back to the store and exchanged it.

To minimize my risk, I take great care to clean every bit of the coffee maker after each use. If you can live with this issue, the coffee that comes out of this machine really is to die for.

Honest reviews on Cuisinart EM-100 1000-Watt 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

Use it at least twice daily with both ESE pods and ground espresso. It really is a nice machine. If you are like some other reviewers and have problems with coffee grounds blowing out over the kitchen after you are done then you are likely tamping them too hard or using a grind that's too fine. Easiest way for a first time user is to buy some coffee in ESE (easy serve espresso) pods from the internet and feel it to see how hard the coffee is tamped in the pod. Cut it open and see how finely it is ground. Go to the grocery store and grind a pound of your favorite roast to about the same grind. At my grocery store the second or the third finest setting works fine. You can use your own grinder but a good burr type grinder costs some money and the less expensive blade grinders are useless for espresso. Tamp it to about the same hardness as the pod was. It makes wonderful espresso with lots of crema on top. I've never had an issue with grounds or steam blowing out after I release the pot--even with the machine on and waiting just until the coffee stops dripping to detatch it. I don't see how you could go wrong, but some obviously do.

This one looks nice. It works well. Has a self-priming pump (a good feature that alot don't include). It comes with a tamper, a stainless-steel frothing cup, filter holders for pods, single, and double shots. It also includes 2 tolls to clean the little holes the espresso is pumped through. It comes with pretty much everything you would end up buying for it in the first year. I have a water softener so scale will never be a problem but you would want to descale it once in a while if you don't use distilled water. The only thing I wish it had was a dial thermometer so I could watch the water temp more closely. I believe that it has an aluminum boiler. I would prefer brass but you just can't get it at this price. The pump makes some noise but not more than any other I've used. Steam espresso machines are cheaper, much quieter but burn the coffee and it doesn't taste nearly as good.

Overall, very good product, easy to use and the best value by far at this price.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Cuisinart EM-100 1000-Watt 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

The Cuisinart EM 100 is a true bargain and a great espresso maker. Over the past 15 years I've purchased two Krups and one Capresso in the $250 range. Neither brand was capable of processing an espresso grind. They usually blocked up and let no water past the grinds. I had to resort to using drip grind coffee. The Cuisinart does a great job processing an espresso ground coffee, leaves a fine crema, steamer works perfectly and is a breeze to clean up. Its built like a tank, looks cool and I'm totally surprised and satisfied with its performance.

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Saturday, November 22, 2014

Buy Bodum Chambord Enameled Cast Iron Wok With Glass Lid

Bodum Chambord Enameled 37cm 14-1/2-Inch Cast Iron Wok with Glass Lid, Red
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
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I purchased a cookbook the Steamy Kitchen Cookbook by Jaden Hair. In this book she reviews the various types of woks and how to select the correct design for your stove. She highly recommended a cast iron wok and when I was looking through Amazon's options this wok stood out because it is not only functional, but the enameled outside, makes it a stunning piece of cookware. I've never cooked with cast iron and found that this wok is perfect for the Asian cooking I am learning. Heat distribution is even. The lid actually works for steaming and there is a rack that can be used to keep the food warm, while cooking other items. The wok is very heavy just be aware of that fact and you will love your new wok.

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I cook Chinese food everyday so wok is my most important cookware. Had purchase many nonstick wok through the year but always end up buying different wok the next time because the nonstick surface either peel or scratch later. I decided to give this one a try. I just love it! It is very heavy so it's kind of hard to wash but it balance good when I stir fry, I don't need to hold the handle as I cook or pour the food in the plate, and it works very good for stir fry. I'm not good with word in English, but I can say this is the BEST wok I've ever own.

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I've had this (or maybe an earlier version) for around 10 years(?), and it's fantastic. It's solid, very heavy (doesn't move even with vigorous use on a smoothtop), cleans up well (avoid soap!), even looks nice. The mass of cast iron is a big win when stir-frying; the temp won't drop as much when new food is added. The flat bottom works great with electric ranges/smoothtops, and also with induction.

Honest reviews on Bodum Chambord Enameled Cast Iron Wok With Glass Lid

For those of us who are fans of Chinese food, we know that most dishes are done in a wok. Steaming, searing, stir frying, deep frying, braising, and even soups are made in the wok. The wok itself, is simple enough. Either carbon steel or cast iron. But as Danny Kaye found out, any reputable Chinese restaurant has a special kitchen built around the wok; and that wok, and it's own special kitchen, comes from Robert Yick in San Francisco. These woks are up to 30" in diameter and the burners can fire up to 150,000 BTU.

The secret to wok cooking is high temperature. The problem with most homes is that most gas ranges go up to maybe 20,000 BTU, with some high end ranges going a little bit higher. Electric ranges putting out 1500 watts really aren't that great either. Higher price point home ranges such as Viking, Wolf, Kenmore Pro, and KitchenAid all offer ranges with higher BTU gas burners that could work very well if you want to spend that kind of money. The Wok Shop in San Francisco sells a Hurricane Portable Stove which can be hooked up to propane tanks or natural gas, and puts out 35,000 BTU.

What has worked for me is to pair a cast iron wok with an induction cooktop. My basic set-up is a camping type cast iron wok with a round bowl on the inside and a flat bottom. Lodge Pro Logic 14" Cast Iron Wok, Black, Bayou Classic 7437 12-1/2-Inch Cast Iron Wok, Mr. Bar-B-Q Cast-Iron Wok, and Stansport Cast Iron Wok or Stir Fry Skillet will all work fine. I have the Stansport model. You can even try the Joyce Chen 23-0001, 14 inch Lightweight Cast Iron Wok. Mine is paired with a Max Burton 6000 1800-Watt Portable Induction Cooktop, Black, but any of induction cooktop will do.

The secret here is that the cast iron gets very hot, very fast with induction. The only thing that is better is to use a cast iron wok over an open flame; like on a campfire when you're actually camping, a UniFlame WAD820SP 34-Inch Slate & Marble Firepit with Copper Accents in your yard, or a couple of logs lit in your Weber 751001 Gold One-Touch 22-1/2-Inch Kettle Grill, Black. It will get hot enough that you will see smoke rising from the wok, and your fried rice will actually sizzle, pop, and jump in the wok. That is "wok hei". Wok Hei is the flavour, tastes, and "essence" imparted by a hot wok on food during stir frying. To impart wok hei, the food must be cooked in a seasoned wok over a high flame while being stirred and tossed quickly. This is the secret to a good dry-fried beef chow fun or fried rice that doesn't stick and clump. With good wok hei, you could pop corn.

This wok has a ceramic glazed exterior much like you would find on very expensive La Creuset items. The exterior is extremely easy to clean, and should not require much beyond wiping with a wet sponge. As for cleaning the inside, do not use soap. In Chinese restaurants, the woks don't leave the range. The cook simply adds hot water, turns the flame up, and brushes the inside with a Paderno World Cuisine Traditional Bamboo Wok Brush, 10-Inch. The excess water is brushed out towards the backsplash where it runs into a gutter. The wok heats up again, and is wiped with a clean towel. Now it's ready to make the next dish. It is simply not practical to fling water against the wall and let it pool up under and behind your stove at home. So carry the wok over to the sink, wipe it up with a sponge or brush under running water, wipe with a clean dry towel, and return it to the stovetop. When the wok heats up again, add a thin layer of oil and let it cool off.

Now why did I buy this if I've already got a regular cast iron wok? Because I'm stupid. My girlfriend liked the pretty color, and I couldn't say no. But I've got to say that this is not all fluff. It may come in pretty colors, but cooks just as well as my other woks. Just don't take it out to the back yard, build a fire, and cook over an open flame. It's just too pretty for that.

Real Chinese cooks will want a Joyce Chen 31-0066, Nonstick Steel Dome Lid for 14-Inch Wok, Joyce Chen 26-0012, 3-Piece Bamboo Steamer, 12-Inch, and a Weber Smokey Joe charcoal grate (approximately 10"). The bamboo steamer is self explanatory. You can put the charcoal grate into the wok, fill with water to within an inch of it, then place plates of food on the grate, cover with the dome lid, and steam.

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Just got this last week. The black color one for $61, very good price. You need to check Amazon constantly for price update. The wok is good quality, and relatively lighter than other cast iron wok(like lodge). Use it once on a smooth top, good result. In order to get the "wok hay" you need to preheat at least 5 minutes. I use hot water and pad to clean before next dishes.

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Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Discount WMF Perfect Plus Sealing Ring, Small

WMF Perfect Plus Sealing Ring, Small
Customer Ratings: 3 stars
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I liked WMF pressure cooker, but after two years, it started leaking the steam between the lid and pan, so I bought the gasket.

I don't know why, but it didn't work. I don't see the steam, but just my pressure cooker didn't work.

I have Fagor stainless steel pressure cooker. Some steam is away between the lid and pot, but it does work as a pressure cooker.

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It doesn't work for my cooker either. Too bad. I guess it's MADE IN CHINA.

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Can't see any difference between this and the one that came with the cooker.

This fits the very small wmf cooker (1.5L I think) that only comes in one height, not the other larger models.

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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Best Calphalon Small Nonstick Roast Rack Deals

Calphalon Small Nonstick Roast Rack
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
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A sturdier, better designed rack would be hard to find. It sits comfortably in the roaster, offers large handles for ease in lifting even the heaviest roasts, and is non-stick! Unfortunately once it's out of its element, it's unwieldy. Cooking meat spatters, so almost every inch of this rack is covered with grease. The metal can scratch your sink. This isn't fun. My best advice is to find someplace where you can let it soak in hot, soapy water for a few minutes. Then use a nylon pad, and keep turning the rack to make sure you've got all the surfaces clean. It's easy to miss something when you're dealing with this sort of design. Let's face it, at this price, this rack is a bargain any way you look at it. Just expect to spend a little extra time and effort on the cleaning.

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If you don't want to spring for a roasting pan, no problem the disposables do just as well. There is no question, however, that your bird needs a lift out of its own juices. There is no better way than with this rack. Large, sturdy and truly non stick, this rack will ensure even cooking by exposing all sides equally.

When you find a high quality kitchen essential at such a low price, I can see no reason to let it go. Buy it. Now.

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I've had this rack for over a year now and I've used it many, many times. It's a roasting necessity for a beautiful holiday turkey, everyday chicken, or fabulous sirloin roast (gives you uniform roasting by allowing heat to circulate around the meat and preventing the lower portion of your roast or bird from boiling in it's own juices at the bottom of the roasting pan). This particular rack is offered in a larger size, but when I bought it last year, this was the only choice available. I'm very happy with it -I've cooked a few 20+lb turkeys in it and don't see the need for the larger rack. Granted, my 22lb turkey did look like a size 18 woman in a pair of size 6 jeans, but it still worked quite well! I've never had a problem with clean-up that a little soaking in soapy water didn't fix. The rack doesn't look as lovely as the day I got it, but geez... it's been roasted a couple dozen times and it's still going strong. I highly recommend this rack.

Honest reviews on Calphalon Small Nonstick Roast Rack

This would be a wonderful addition to any cook's kitchen. It holds almost any size meat or poultry... large or small. It will probably fit most roasting pans, although the Calphalon pan is the easiest to clean up. The best part... all the fat drips off the meat while it's roasting. Other roasting racks that I've used only sit a half inch or less off the bottom of the pan and sometimes that's just not enough to keep the meat out of the drippings. If you can love a roasting rack... I do!

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If you don't want to spring for a roasting pan, no problem the disposables do just as well. There is no question, however, that your bird needs a lift out of its own juices. There is no better way than with this rack. Large, sturdy and truly non stick, this rack will ensure even cooking by exposing all sides equally.

When you find a high quality kitchen essential at such a low price, I can see no reason to let it go. Buy it. Now.

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Sunday, November 9, 2014

T-fal Simply Delicioso Express Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe Review

T-fal Simply Delicioso YS2H3964 Express Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe Pressure Cooker, Silver
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
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This is a nice pressure cooker, but it only reaches 12 PSI. If you are new to pressure cooking, all recipes you will find will follow a default PSI of 15 PSI for High Pressure. So if you use a T-FAL Pressure Cooker you will need to increase the time by 20%. This obviously defeats the purpose of saving time and in turn you run the risk of burning meat on the bottom and loosing flavor and energy because of the extra cooking time. Try and go for a cooker that reaches 15 PSI.

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I have always used a pressure cooker as did my Mom before me but I had always had an aluminum one. I have decided to upgrade all my cookware to stainless steel to avoid any issue that cooking with aluminum may cause. I was pleased to find a steel pressure cooker made by Tfal since it is a brand that I knew as a quality brand. I have used it several times since I purchased it and have been very pleased with the way it works. I like that it has two settings, basically a high and low that other pressure cookers don't have. It is quieter than other pressure cookers since it does not have a weight that jiggles while it is cooking. I would definitely recommend it as a quality product.

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This is the first pressure cooker I ever used and I was a bit nervous at first. I read the instructions over and over and when I did the initial water boil, I realized how easy it was going to be and man was it ever. The pot roast and vegetables turned out great too. Great buy and really super easy to use and clean. I will say that it is a bit on the heavy side and I bought the small one. If you are cooking for a family, get a larger size. Perfect for two.

Honest reviews on T-fal Simply Delicioso Express Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe

I was surprised at how heavy and well built this cooker was. Easy to use and does a great job. Clean-up is a snap too. I would recommend this product. The quality and price makes this mid-size pressure cooker a good buy. I'm sure you will like it.

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program The Package

One of the Product Features for this item is, "Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging." What this means is they take the box containing the pressure cooker off the shelf, slap a mailing label on it, and stick it in the mail. My box came looking like they played football with it, but the contents were fine. If yours comes this way and the pot is dented DO NOT use it. Exchange it. Note: I only mention the packaging because it is listed as a "feature" in the product description.

The Pressure Cooker

There is little to distinguish this pressure cooker from most of the others on the market, and that's not a bad thing. It has heavy stainless steel construction with a thick disc bottom which is induction capable. The handle is comfortable and the helper handle is conveniently placed. As with many other units, a steamer basket and trivet are provided. Though I would never buy cookware on style, I must say the maroon plastic bits on this unit are nice looking.

I compared this cooker with my Fagor UCook which I have had for four years. Like the T-Fal, the Fagor is dual pressure. Unlike the Fagor, which is 8/15 psi, the T-Fal is 7/12 psi. Most pressure cooker recipes are written for 15 psi cookers, so in theory the T-Fal should take a bit longer to cook things. In reality, not so much.

The lid on the Fagor locks automatically when you rotate it into place. The T-Fal lid must be locked manually. I thought this would be a safety concern, allowing the pot to operate with the lid unlocked. I discovered, however, the pot will not pressurize with the lid unlocked. When there is pressure in the pot, a small pin pops up to let you know. On the Fagor, this pin is a contrasting yellow and extends above the surrounding plastic so it is easily seen. On my T-Fal this pin is the same color as all the other plastic bits, and even when the pot is under pressure this pin is below the surface of the surrounding parts. You really have to look for it.

The safety valve comes out for easy cleaning, but requires a bit of fiddling to get it in and out. The Fagor's goes in and out smoothly.

The food I prepared in this pressure cooker came out just fine...the same as with my other ones.

Recipe Booklet

While it comes with over 50 included recipes, only 5 are Ingrid Hoffman's secret recipes.

Celebrity Endorsed

With few exceptions, celebrity endorsed products tend to have a short shelf life, making parts hard to come by in the future. J&R already appears to be closing out the line. Also, part of the price of the unit goes back to the celebrity, so it is not as good a value as a non-endorsed brand.

I don't know who Ingrid Hoffman is. So much for being impressed with her endorsement.

Bottom Line

There isn't anything that really sets this pressure cooker apart from any other one on the market today. It cooks as well as any other and has the same basic features. Overall, though, I would not recommend you or anyone else buy this brand. Why?

Warranty. While the pot is warranted for 10 years, the rest of the parts are only one. Even a Presto for about half the price is fully warranted for five. Others in this price range are 10 or more.

Warranty service. T-fal doesn't list this or any other pressure cooker on its Web site, so I wonder about service and the availability of parts.

Replacement Parts. T-fal recommends replacing the gasket yearly. I was unable to find anyone on line who carries replacement parts for this unit.

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Monday, August 25, 2014

Cheap Japan Sushi Roll Mold /Maker (Small)

Japan Sushi Roll Mold /Maker
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
List Price: $7.99
Sale Price: $2.67
Today's Bonus: 67% Off
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The Japan Sushi Roll Mold /Maker (Small) is a must for a beginner sushi maker like me. This makes it so easy to make those perfect looking sushi rolls. I line mine with plastic wrap, and that makes cleaning easy as well. Definitely recommend using this product for a beginner, it will make sushi making a lot easier, quicker, and uniform.

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This is the greatest little sushi roller. It makes a single serving that does not allow you to consume too many calories and it is easy to use. LOVE IT! It also came quickly and in perfect condition. Thanks

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I like this product but its small, really small to me. But its an appropriate size for the traditional single ingredient roll, easy to clean.

Honest reviews on Japan Sushi Roll Mold /Maker (Small)

This mold is OK but too small,in my opinion.It produces tiny rolls that can only fit one ingredient.I also purchased large mold and find that one actually is too large.I wish there was size in between because it would have been perfect.

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This mold is great for making small rolls; it's easy to use and makes perfect rolls every time. I wet the inside with cold water before using and the rolls slide right out without sticking. Highly recommended!

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Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Rachael Ray Cast Iron 1-1/2-Quart Fondue Set, Blue Reviews

Rachael Ray Cast Iron 1-1/2-Quart Fondue Set, Blue
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
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I love this fondue set! It is the perfect size for our small family of three. It retains heat well, uses less oil than larger ones do (only 3 cups), melts chocolate like a dream (and without scorching), is less expensive to operate because you can use liquid fuel instead of the costlier gel (which doesn't get as hot), and is made well in general. I like the way the handles are made of enameled cast iron and can endure the same temperature as the whole fondue pot and won't deteriorate before the pot will. Plus, the handles extend from the fondue pot adequately to allow you to carry it securely from oven/stove to burner. They do get hot though so be sure to use potholders. The base plate is made of grooved cast iron and helps to stabilize the rechaud. It is not dishwasher safe, nor are the edges around the top of the pot sealed with enamel, which means you'll have to handwash and dry the set when you're through, but it cleans up well and shouldn't rust if you care for it properly. I initially ordered a Swissmar Montblanc (selling for more through Amazon and substantially more through other Amazon stores) and feel this product is superior in workmanship. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this again and I think you'll be pleased too (especially if you're looking for value for your dollar).

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Man that lady gets on my last nerve but the fondue pot is OUTSTANDING!! We did a lot of fondue in my house growing up and we had one of the old Swiss copper ones which meant my mom had to make the fondue in a sauce pot THEN transfer the finished product to the copper pot. This one from Ms. Ray goes from stove to table all in one!!! I have used it about 15 or so times since I got it a year ago and it's great fun every time!! Do purchase this pot... trust me. I'm a fondue expert.

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I would recomend the Rachel Ray fondue pot to anyone interested in revivng a fun dining experience doing fondue! It is very stable, easy to fill the fuel burner(fuel IS easy to find at any hardware store or big box store), and a breeze to clean up. The cast iron pot holds heat evenly and well. It is a great value-I bought two!

Honest reviews on Rachael Ray Cast Iron 1-1/2-Quart Fondue Set, Blue

I love this fondue set. Very sturdy and well made. Easy to clean.

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my wife and i put this on our registry and the both times we used it, it was a huge let down.

the first time didn't get hot enough. and the second time it did get hot enough be we had to down the cheese as fast as possible. Even with how fast we consumed the cheese fondue, it wasn't fast enough because there was a good 1/4 inch of burnt cheese at the bottom. spend the little bit extra to get a good one.

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Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Nordic Ware Bakers Half and Quarter Sheet Combo Pack with Lids Review

Nordic Ware 4 Piece Bakers Half and Quarter Sheet Combo Pack with Lids
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
List Price: $30.00
Sale Price: $24.29
Today's Bonus: 19% Off
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In my twenties I bought no less than three non-stick cookie sheets while my Grandmother (an avid baker) was still using her aluminum bakeware from the 40's. I later inherited a few of her aluminum pans and I couldn't believe the difference. My cookies were no longer crispy and brown on the outside and soft in the middle...they were baked evenly. I was also able to scub the sheet and place it in the dishwasher, something you can't do with non-stick varieties. Additionally, there is no danger of having teflon flake into your baked goods. Aluminum is tried and tested and provides professional results. Buy the right cookie sheet and buy it once! I have both the half and quarter sheets by Nordic as well as the 13x9 pan. I'm a devoted fan!

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I cook roasted veggies multiple times per week all year round. I cook at 400-450. I cook sticky, oozy, yummy sweet potatoes that caramelize and leave sticky baked on drippings all over the place. These are the first and ONLY baking sheets I have purchased that hold up to the high heat (NEVER once have they buckled, popped or warped), and are insanely easy to clean up.

My inaugural use was to fill both of the half sheets with assorted root veggies, tossed in olive oil and balsamic. I knew the balsamic would discolor the baking sheets so was prepared for that. After serving the veggies I was left with caked on blackened bits and drippings all over the place. I dreaded the clean up. Imagine my SHOCK when I put the pan in the sink, ran hot water over it and about 90% of the mess ran down the drain before I touched the pan with soap or wash rag!!! I was IN LOVE.

I am IN LOVE with these pans! I had to use a scrubby sponge on my prior cruddy pans. All I had to use with these was a soapy rag, no scrubbing, very quick clean. On to the next wonderful bit of news. I left the remaining veggies on the other pan, popped on the well made, sturdy, snug fitting lid and threw it in the frig. From dinner to DONE in just a couple of minutes!

I bought two sets of these initially with the 4-3 promotion. I am buying two more sets today along with the two cake pans. I am keeping one set to use just for baking so they aren't discolored by the vinegars and acidic foods I cook in the others.

If you do any kind of roasting or high temp cooking you will love these. If you are just looking for a great baking sheet you will love these (as will your cinnamon rolls that you will just leave in the pan and keep nice and moist and fresh with their own lid.

I have always loved my nordicware bundt pans and never thought to try the rest of their line. They have my loyalty!

UPDATE: Well over one year after purchasing these pans I am perhaps even more enamored of them than ever. The ones I use just for baking are pristine. The ones I use for roasting may be discolored from the balsamic vinegar I use, but they are just as straight and true as ever and just as easy to clean. I still have never had one of these pans buckle, pop or warp and I've gone up to 500 degrees in my convection oven.

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This is a great set. I didn't realize I would also be getting a shallow pan that I could make jelly rolls and HUGE cookies on. Great buy great product!

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Perfect results when baking and cleans up easier than non-stick. Doesn't darken or warp in the oven.

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I already owned each of these baking sheets, and loved them so much I ordered the combo pack. I especially like the quarter size sheet and am amazed at how many things I can use this for instead of the larger traditional baking sheets. Easy to clean and the lids are a nice bonus for traveling or storing things on the counter instead of transferring to another container.

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Friday, August 1, 2014

Cheap Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 1-Quart Round French Oven

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Round French Oven, 1-Quart, Soleil
Customer Ratings: 4 stars
List Price: $140.00
Sale Price: $104.95
Today's Bonus: 25% Off
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Do not listen to the other review! This is cast iron its the best cookware there is because it is LEAST TOXIC and the tiny size is perfect for tiny jobs. If you want bigger you need to buy a bigger Le Creuset and do not buy this one! It is all heavy if you get cast iron. I love this and all my other le creuset. I get most of them at outlets much cheaper but some pieces not available else where I get on Amazon. Love this cookware!

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I thought I was ordering the next larger size. What would that be? But I have found this to be extremely useful in our family of two adults. It is a pleasure to use. It cooks foods well, there are no hot spots, cleans up easily. It's attractive and shows off food to good advantage.

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Be careful when ordering the 1 quart French Oven. It is really, really, really small. I wanted a small French Oven to boil 1 cup of rice in. I am now ordering the 2 quart.

Honest reviews on Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 1-Quart Round French Oven

The pot is too small for its weight. It is too heavy to use as a pot for sauce while too small to use for anything else than sauce. I returned the pot for these reasons.

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Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Review of Progressive International 12 Inch Silicone Gripper Tongs, Colors

Progressive International 12 Inch Silicone Gripper Tongs, Colors may Vary
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
List Price: $12.95
Sale Price: $12.50
Today's Bonus: 3% Off
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Originally I purchased these tongs to be used with my Breville Gourmet Wok which has a non-stick finish. I primarily use them for dishing out food from the wok and they work nicely. Mine were lime green, btw..

But I found a better use for them. I have this greenhouse window over the sink with two shelves. The upper shelf has 8 orchids in 3 and 4 inch pots. In order to water those plants, I had to go into the garage and get the step stool, climb on the stool and bring down all of the plants to the counter, water and drain, climb back on the stool and put the plants back on the shelf. I have to admit the uppershelf was not watered as frequently as it should.

After seeing how well the gripper tongs worked at actually gripping things other than food, I tried them on the pots on the upper shelf. Grabbed a pot, watered, drained, and put each one back up on the shelf with just the gripper tongs. So easy breezy... !! I still have to tippy toe, so I'm thinking of getting the 16" version of these tongs eventually.

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I purchased these at a local store after trying them out. They are so impressive I want to let everybody know about them.

These are the best soft-tip tongs I've ever used. Nice wide tips that work well on many foods. Like another reviewer suggested, these are great for spaghetti.

There is a negative review here claiming these are thin and poorly made. I'm completely baffled by that review as these are made of VERY thick, well-formed stainless steel with firm silicone grips and tips. Very well designed and made!

The locking mechanism is simple and easy to use. The end of the lock is covered in silicone so it wont slip or scratch if you press it on a surface to unlock them. Nice touch! The round silicone loop fits comfortably in the palm of your hand when holding the tongs near the end. The hole is actually much larger than on the Ekco tongs I own. Loops any bigger than these just get in the way. (Like my Weber BBQ tongs.)

I like these so well I'm buying another for backup in case they discontinue this model. I'd hate to be without 'em! (I'm going to buy the 9 inch too.)

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I have owned many sets of tongs and tossed most of them out because they created such a mess in my utensil drawer and were the type that didn't close...These are great and I really like the silicone ends that are so high heat tolerant....I use them for just about everything including "dishing out" spaghettti and they close easily and stay that way in the drawer...I bought a set for my niece and she loves them, too....

Honest reviews on Progressive International 12 Inch Silicone Gripper Tongs, Colors

Removing dishes from a hot water bath after baking in the oven used to be a real challenge.

They would slip and slide with regular tongs, often causing me a few burned fingers.

Using potholders was even more of an adventure, often resulting in a very hot and wet potholder, burned fingers and a corner of the pot holder dipping into one of my dishes and spoiling the result.

I don't know how I survived without these tongs. I stir with them, flip and retrieve.

They are very versatile in the kitchen. I am very happy with the purchase.

I have seen similar ones in the stores since, but they do not have the gripper feature. The gripper feature is what saves my fingers from boiling water burns. I like it.

This is a very useful tool. I plan to order two more so I can give them to my mother and my daughter.

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These are exactly what I was looking for. The work for pretty much all of the cooking in the kitchen. I even use them to help me grab the coffee mugs on the top level.

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Monday, July 7, 2014

Circulon Contempo Stainless Steel Nonstick 7.5-Qt. Covered Wide Reviews

Circulon Contempo Stainless Steel Nonstick 7.5-Qt. Covered Wide Stockpot
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
List Price: $70.00
Sale Price: $62.13
Today's Bonus: 11% Off
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I like Circulon better than any other brand non-stick (except for the very old 'red dot' T-Fal, which lasted longer than every other non-stick, period).

But there are 2 negatives that make me NOT love them:

The shapes of the pots. The saucepots are tall and narrow. The stewpots are wide and shallow. I really prefer Calphalon's pot shapes, but their non-stick is the worst around, simply terrible quality.

What is with the 'high-rise" handles on the lids of this line? 99.9% of kitchens don't have sufficient storage space. Why is Circulon/Meyer making lids that take up twice as much depth as they should?

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I have a GE Profile induction cooktop, and the Circulon Contempo Stainless Steel pots and pans work wonderfully! And Circulon has the best non-stick surface in my opinion some of my Circulon pans are ten years old and the nonstick surface still works great. I always hand-wash my non-stick cookware, so even though the newer Circulon cookware is supposed to be dishwasher safe, I would still recommend washing them by hand. I like this low, wide pot for stews and rice dishes. The handle on the lid of the Contempo series does make lids difficult to stack, but I love how the handles do not get hot unlike the Circulon Genesis lid handles!

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