Showing posts with label frying pans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label frying pans. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Global GSF-4023 - 4 Piece Steak Knife Set Review

Global GSF-4023 - 4 Piece Steak Knife Set
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
List Price: $220.00
Sale Price: $188.05
Today's Bonus: 15% Off
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These knives are quite sharp. They are heavier than most steak knives. They have a nice feel to them.

However, they have these fine serrations. I contacted Global and asked about the serrations and sharpening.... they replied.

"It is quite typical to have it to have it with the steak knife to cut the stringy meat. However, it is not available to sharpen the edge."

I love my Global knives, but I am not so sure how I feel about not being able to sharpen the knives, as I would expect to keep knives of this nature forever. I am contemplating purchasing an electric sharpener that can sharpen knives with serrations.....

I gave 4 stars because of my ambivalence about the serrations. The knives are more than capable of cutting steak.

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I have about 20 global knives and love them all, these are high quality knives...When it comes to steak knives to be honest you probably can cut a steak equally well with $5 knives, but when you want all your knives to match you gotta pony up the cash!

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These are the best steak knives we have ever owned. All of our "good knives" are Global Knives. You can't beat them.

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Monday, December 29, 2014

Cheap Set of 4 Rustic Cazuela Clay Pans - 6 inch/ 15 cm

Set of 4 Rustic Cazuela Clay Pans - 6 inch/ 15 cm
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
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The cazuelas are perfect. We use them to cook on the stove top, and they are just like the ones I used when I lived in Spain.

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These little pottery dishes are just like the Spanish ones I broke years ago and have been longing to replace. This is nice, because you can have four! Also, the fact that the glaze goes all the way around instead of just the inside is practical as it doesn't scratch surfaces the way a more rustic one might. They are great for putting out appetizers at parties or baking that extra bit of batter when your cake or pie pan won't fit it.

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Friday, November 21, 2014

Cheap Creative Home Cobra 2.7-Quart Stainless Steel Tea Kettle

Creative Home Cobra 2.7-Quart Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
Customer Ratings: 4 stars
List Price: $23.00
Sale Price: $20.01
Today's Bonus: 13% Off
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The tea kettle was delivered a couple of weeks ago, but I just started using it this week. I like the size and design, except I thought that the handle would be made of rubber, not plastic, so I fear that there is a possibility that it might melt if I accidently forget about it. Once the water boiled, the handle was not too hot for me to touch without using a pot holder. The whistle is loud enough; it's not startling nor does it have a high shrieking sound. So far, so good.

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This is a well constructed kettle and works very well. Well worth the investment and considered a good economical buy

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Cheap Paderno World Cuisine .5 Inch Baker's Blade

Paderno World Cuisine .5 Inch Baker's Blade
Customer Ratings: 3.5 stars
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I have been baking professionally for five years and although these sorts of lames may be useful for someone who wants to experiment with a loaf of bread a night for one week and then never bake again, one blade does not last half a shift in front of my oven before getting dull. A much better solution is to buy a package of double-sided razor-blades. We use Dorco brand which are 12 dollars for a hundred on amazon, although I'm pretty sure all brands are identical. They can be very easily fitted onto just about any rigid stick, such as a popsicle stick cut in half length-wise. Just thread the stick through the two larger holes in the middle of the razor blade so that it forms a convenient curve between them. Voila!

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Several years ago when I began baking artisan breads, I purchased one of these baker's blades. I fell into the novice baker's trap and purchased almost every item the professionals recommended in their books. This is one of the few that I wish I had not.

As a number of other reviewers have said, I would have been better off saving the money and purchasing packs of double-edged razor blades. Not only is this item cheaply made, but the blade I received was not particularly sharp. Even with a light touch, the cutting edge drags and I rarely get a nice, clean cut. Occasionally, I do manage to get a clean cut which is the only reason I gave this product two stars.

I definitely do not recommend purchasing this baker's blade. Even if it goes on sale or is offered as a 4 for 3 item, it isn't worth adding to your Amazon shopping cart.

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This is a very cheaply made gizmo the size and quality of a plastic fork you'd find at a fast-food restaurant.

It's got a double-edged razor blade in it with a little cover, just like the photo.

If I wasn't crazy for the idea of having one for my bread-making, I'd send it back.

It looks like it might have cost about 10 cents to make .. good business for the seller .. a ripoff for those of us foolish enough to think we need one.

You'll be better off with a good sharp knife (like a Kuhn-Rikon paring knife) which you can use for other purposes as well as scoring your bread.

We Live and Learn.

Honest reviews on Paderno World Cuisine .5 Inch Baker's Blade

I have tried everything for slashing my artisan loaves...including but not limited to: double edged razor blades (hand held with care!), a double edged razor blade held on a coffee stirrer, a sharp serrated knife, a sharp straight edge knife, an exacto blade (various types), and even scissors (for boules). I read the lack luster reviews, but decided to go ahead and give it try. I have made many unsatisfactory purchases that have cost me much more, so I didn't figure I had too much to lose. I am glad I gave it a shot. Yes, it probably cost the manufacturer ten cents to make. No, the blade is not replaceable. BUT...the blade is curved on the end, which gives you the ability to slash the loaves without having to work around the blunt end of a razor blade. A lot more control than a flimsy coffee stirrer. I usually have to let the loaves dry out a bit before slashing to get any kind of "ear", but this sliced through my wet loaves with ease and precision! The loaves were absolutely beautiful, with no learning curve (pardon my pun!). I agree that if you are looking for a straight cut, this is probably not the tool you will want to use, but for baguettes and other curved slashing, it worked like a charm. I would have saved myself many years of aggravation if I had invested $10 in this product long ago...

The blade is not replaceable. So what? Let's face it, a blade is not going to get a lot of wear and tear slicing through wet dough. I produce about 75 pounds of artisan bread per week in a commercial venue. I figure this will last a good 6 months, and for the average home baker it should last a year or two. If you keep it clean, keep it dry, and keep the cover on it you should be good to go for a long time. Of course it may fall apart in a month, in which case I will be back to revise my review. But for now I am pleased. I couldn't even buy three lattes for the amount this item costs...I give it a thumbs up!

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This item is good for baguettes; but for round, rectangular,

or oval loaves, a straight blade should be used. The curved blade will

have your cuts curving instead of going straight.

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Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Cheap Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Nonstick 6-Quart Covered Chef Pan

Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Nonstick 6-Quart Covered Chef Pan
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
List Price: $140.00
Sale Price: $79.95
Today's Bonus: 43% Off
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This pan is a big improvement over the original Circulon pot I have with the deep circular grooves. This pan has shallow bumps on the pan bottom that are extremely easy to clean. This particular chefs pan is a great size for meals for 4. I love the high straight sides. The pan is heavy for me so I cannot easily lift it or toss ingredients using one hand. The heaviness is the biggest negative for me over the wok I had that this replaces. The reason for the weight is a layer of stainless steel on the bottom of the pan, which is very flat. The lid is also stainless steel and tight fitting. I cook over a budget electric range and the pan is reasonably even heating. I have not noticed the handle getting hot at all, but I have not used very high heat on this pan because it so far does not seem to need it. The non-stick performance has been great, and the pan cleans up very easily. I always hand wash and have not tried in the dishwasher. The pan with the handle seems a little big to fit efficiently in a dishwasher. I like this pan so much that I am going to buy more of the Circulon Infinite cookware.

UPDATE: I have had this pan over a year now and it continues to perform well. I only use wood or nylon utensils with the pan, never metal. The "non-stick" has held up very well, but I always wipe a small amount of oil onto the pan with a paper towel. Just enough to coat the bottom there should be no visible oil. Just a sheen. I have moved to a gas burner, and the pan still cooks very evenly. The bottom is still dead flat. This pan gets used at least 3 times a week for everything from braising, frying, sauteing, and stir frying. I still highly recommend this pan.

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I have a 10 piece set of Infinite Circulon, but this extra pan is the most useful of all. You can brown meat right in the pan, add liquids and veggies (it is 6 quart size), and put it all right into the oven. It heats evenly with a Stainless Steel bottom, and never sticks on top of the stove or in the oven (safe up to 500 degrees). Clean up takes just minutes, or these pans can even go into the dishwasher.

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Yes, this chef's pan works so perfectly on an induction cooktop. For those wanting to know, yes, the base will comfortably fit within your induction cooktop's 12-inch maximum diameter requirement, if you have one.

After more than five months of cooking with thisCirculon Infinite Circulon 6-Quart Covered Chef Pan with Helper Handle wonderful piece of cookware, I must agree wholeheartedly with others here. It is terrific!

First, I was thrilled to be able to use it on the induction cooktop I had purchased earlier. Still amazed at how very fast this combination of tools will produce tasty, quality results.

As others have attested, cut way down on any oils or fats you use. Am still cutting down. I like extra virgin olive oil for flavor in my cooking. I probably only need 1/2 teaspoon or less now. You cannot believe how you don't need any oils at all for browning in this pan.

Yes, it's an "everything pan". Perfect size for family stovetop casseroles, super for hearty soups and stews, and more. I haven't used it in the oven yet, but would feel confident about its performance there.

This pan heats more evenly than any I have owned. It is a fine, handsome, solid piece of construction. It does have weight, but it feels good and has a thoughtfully sculptured elongated handle, plus a helper handle to make lifting the pan nearly effortless for most members of the family.

Those handles do stay cool on top of the stove. The lid is a nice weight, as well. It provides a tight fit and is made of quality stainless steel, like the handles. Haven't had to use a potholder on the lid yet, either.

Best money I have spent on any piece of cookware. Cleanup involves a swish or two with hot, soapy water and rinse. Though you can put this in the dishwasher, why waste all that hot water and energy?

Highly recommend.

Honest reviews on Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Nonstick 6-Quart Covered Chef Pan

I'm trying to replace my 12 inch covered saute pan. Every one I get warps and doesn't sit flat on my glass-top stove. My current pan has developed a crack in the Teflon and is starting to stick, so it's got to go. The reviews of this pan lead me to give it a try, and I'm glad I did.

The stats are just plain off on this listing. "6 x 16 x 5 inches; 11 pounds; 9 lb shipping weight" ?! Apparently its some sort of chimney tube that gets lighter when you ship it!

The reality is: the pan is about 11 inches (28cm) in diameter, plus a little bit for the flare at the top. The box label calls it a 6qt/5.5L/28cm pan. It's just over 4 inches deep. The long handle adds 9 inches of length, and the helper handle another 2-1/2 or so. The steel/aluminum disk on the bottom is dead flat, 1/4 inch thick and 9 inches in diameter. There is no way a stove is going to warp it. It is heavy at over 4-1/2 lbs for the pan plus about 1-1/2 lbs for the lid. The box says it was made in Thailand.

Circulon includes a "Lifetime Customer Satisfaction Guarantee" and suggests you visit their website or call their customer relations number 800-326-3933 if you have any problems. The use and care instructions warn against leaving an empty pan over too high heat, which can burn the nonstick coating and release toxic fumes (a known issue common to all non-stick cookware; never cook over 500F with non-stick surfaces!) It doesn't otherwise say not to use oils in the pan, just not to overheat them. Keep in mind that most cooking oils will smoke above 375-400F, so you have an easy way to tell when its getting too hot.

I'll have to use it before I can speak to the longevity. There are plenty of good reviews for that here anyway. I expect to be pleased enough to look for the 10-piece set and replace all of my old, mismatched cookware in the near future.

May 2011 update 8 months and I still love the pan. I did get the 10-piece set as a Christmas gift. Have not managed to damage the non-stick on any of them. They can be washed in the dish washer without harm. Always come out clean as new. Great pan, and a great set.

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I got this pan when I got my Circulon Infinite Induction Cooker. The conductivity of the aluminum with the induction capability of the stainless disk make a great cook pan! I deep fry, stir fry, saute before braising, braise, boil for pasta, etc., etc., etc! Clean up is a snap! It quickly became my favorite cook pan because I don't have the "hot spot" problem with it that I have with some other pans using and induction burner. I use primarily All-Clad, but I now intend to buy other Circulon Infinite cookware. And guess what, I used to hate Circulon cookware!

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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Best Calphalon Commercial Hard Anodized 12-Quart Stock Pot and Cover Deals

Calphalon Commercial Hard Anodized 12-Quart Stock Pot and Cover
Customer Ratings: 4 stars
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I would give this a zero if I could. Although it appears to be well made and performed wonderfully at first, I wound up with a batch of chowder (cooked at med-low heat) burned/melded to the bottom of a two-month-old pot. It was impossible to remove. After trying a number of cleaning products, I contacted the manufacturer. They told me "some" of these were defective. Right. As if they didn't know this when they made it available at a greatly reduced price. Not surprisingly, Caphalon has shifted manufacturing to China. Yet another crappy, potentially dangerous product by a formerly reputable company. I won't be buying from Caphalon again.

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This is a really great price for a 12 quart Stock pot. I have an original one made here in the USA. It is much heavier and better quality than the new ones made in China

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This is a terrific stock pot for making large quantities of chicken stock. No hot spots,and easy to clean.Great for families that love soup.

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Friday, October 10, 2014

Best Staub Mini Frying Pan, 4oz, 4 _ ", Graphite Grey Deals

Staub Mini Frying Pan, 4oz, 4 _ ', Graphite Grey
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
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I have used this little pan daily for five months

and would highly recommend it. The cast iron

heats evenly and quickly and the quality of any

food being prepared will benefit from this method of cooking. Easy to clean and nice to look at you will be pleased with it. I recently ordered another to use as a serving piece right

at the table for individual servings. This is my

sixth Staub product and worth it.

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I loved the pan itself, because I think Staub is a great product. But I hadn't stopped to calculate how small a 4 ounce pan really is. It's teeny tiny. So I did send it back for size but please know that you can't go wrong with the Staub product line. It's probably one of the best. Giving it 5 stars based on quality, not size.

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Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Best Farberware Chicken Rotisserie Deals

Farberware Chicken Rotisserie
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
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I've been looking for a long time for a simple gadget that can enter my standard oven and produce a decent rotisserie. I love this grilled skin... This device produces excellent chicken. Juicy. Crisp. Place some potato or other vegetable below the chicken so they can benefit from the dripping fat and you have a great meal. Cleaning is also fairly easy. Thanks Farberware for finally addressing the need.

A few comments (I'd rate the product 4.5 if this was possible): 1. Storage is a bit cumbersome due to the back handle. 2. After some cooking time, the device doesn't hold the chicken at a certain angle. I guess the chicken becomes too heavy. 3. No instruction were given regarding putting the device under the grill. I was concerned the knob could melt, but it held fine.

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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Discount Jiminox 10 Pcs Cookware Set - 5-ply with 18/10 Stainless Steel

Jiminox 10 Pcs Cookware Set - 5-ply with 18/10 Stainless Steel
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
List Price: $450.00
Sale Price: $199.00
Today's Bonus: 56% Off
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This set is not only beautiful, it's sturdily made and well-performing! Though I haven't owned it for long, I'm completely satisfied with it's functionality. I find it heats evenly, and 2 of the lids fit the omelette pans as well. It's stated to be dishwasher safe but I haven't tried that, preferring to hand-wash. They're just so beautiful!:) Anybody looking to acquire a decent stainless steel set would be hard-pressed to find a better value in my opinion!

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Quick delivery. Excellent cookware. Exceptional quality. Cooks evenly, cleans easily, and seller service great!

Best Deals for Jiminox 10 Pcs Cookware Set - 5-ply with 18/10 Stainless Steel

Pros: Able to make omlet on saute pan. thats good.

looked good. light weight.

Cons: Made in China, not made in Germany. I was under impression that these are made in germany

Total weight is advertised as 34 lbs,at the time of my purchase. But actual box weight is 25 lbs( 25 lbs for only inside box not entire shipment weight)

I doubt if they are 5 ply , they are not thick. ( when i compare them to calphalon or analon 5ply). i havenot used all the pieces yet, hopefully its worth the price

instead of 8'' , 9 '' pans they should have designed 8'', 12'' pans. same with 3,4 qt sauce pans

I am a keeping them. though i am disappointed with wrong information on this product.

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Monday, September 22, 2014

Reviews of OXO Good Grips Flip and Fold Omelet Turner

OXO Good Grips Flip and Fold Omelet Turner
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program This is so much more than a spatula. It has a semi-clear soft edge that lets you flip things, but it is heat resistant. That way, if you're using it with a wok or a fry pan you can get get into the curve of the pan to stir and flip, but it is also firm enough to pick up pieces with. It works like a spatula, but also like a stirring rod, and also like a turner for omlets, pancakes and stuff I was able to fry tofu and flip this without breaking it, but it was solid enough to break apart onions for stir frting. The rounded edge is strong enough to scrape stuff off the inside of a pan before it burns but it is soft enough to let you get under things in the bottom of the pan. The handle is insulated. I left it on the rim of the pan with the head inside with the heat going, and the handle was only mildly warm to the touch. This is a very useful tool. I love this thing.

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program When I saw this online, the photo wasn't very clear and I thought the spatula was just the yellow part. I use a smallish omelet pan and was actually looking for a small, delicate spatula. When I got it, I found this very large clear area and I was skeptical it could slip into and under the eggs. I was really surprised. The edge is very flexible and it slips under the thinnest edges in my small pan. It easily releases the bottom of the omelet, and then the stiffer, yellow part keeps it sturdy enough to fold or roll the egg without losing control. Other uses must be limited to things of texture, as the soft edge is too flexible for things like scraping down the sides of batter in a bowl. However, anything where you need some support after slipping under material should work well.

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program I wasn't sure I really needed yet ONE more kitchen gadget, but since I make crepes about once a month (and have had trouble using my standard spatula to cook/flip them), I thought I'd give this a try. The flexible edge really does help in turning something as thin and delicate as a crepe, and after using it, I discovered that it is actually pretty useful. I also have a small pan that cooks pancakes in a Mickey Mouse shape, and standard spatulas tend to tear up the image on the pancake. This tool was thin enough and flexible enough to turn the pancakes without messing up the image. My kids were VERY pleased, and this was an unexpected benefit of getting this turner.

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program What makes this spatula different from other heat-proof silicone spatulas on the market is the design:

1. The handle is longer and stiffer than most, giving you quite a bit of leverage to work with. There is almost no give until you get to the clear part.

2. The business side of the spatula is all to one side (not half on each side of the center.)

3. The spatula part has a back-bone to one side making one side rigid and one side (and all of the top) soft and flexible. Other spatulas are firm in the middle (where the handle is) and soft to either side.

4. There is much more `spatula' surface, offering more support to the omelet as you handle it and preventing tearing.

These differences work well when making omelets. You can approach the omelet from the side of the spatula and push under the omelet, lifting gently and allowing the uncooked egg mixture to seep down. It can lift one whole half of the omelet over onto the other half much more easily than other metal or silicone spatulas. Once ready, it helps you manipulate the plating process.

I've tried the spatula on a typical frying pan with sloped sides and it worked considerably better than my old spatula. I've tried it on one of those omelet pans that folds down the middle to form two half circles and it worked fine (or at least as well as anything can work in that awful and messy pan design!); and I've used it on the two-piece omelet maker pan set that I got at Williams-Sonoma for which, technically, I shouldn't need a spatula buy always do. Regardless of whether you're making a small or large omelet, this spatula comes in handy, is comfortable to use, and gives you good control of the cooking process.

But, where it well surpasses what you can accomplish with any other spatula is when cooking omelets that are heavy and with lots of filling ingredients, such as tortilla espanola (potato omelet). I love these but have always had problems keeping one together and having them come out in one intact piece that is going to be attractive enough to cut into squares and serve as appetizers. Today, I made three in a row and they all turned out beautifully. I could get under it without problem; I could manipulate it securely; and when the time came to slide it out of the pan, I got the extra support I needed to keep the whole thing together and on a plate in one piece. All the design elements worked together for me: the overall length which gives me good leverage, the soft and firm sides which help me provide either lift or support, the spatula surface all to one side of the center which helps me approach from whatever angle I need, and the strong and firm handle which gives support where it's needed.

For most omelets, you can get away with using whatever you've got on hand--even though this is more comfortable. But when your filling is heavy or your omelet is large, this new type of spatula is absolutely essential. (I haven't tried it, but I bet it would come in equally handy when making potato galettes--yet another dish which I have trouble keeping together sometimes).

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program To be honest, I have not tried this with an omelet. Instead, I have used this to turn fried eggs, pancakes, and delicate fish. This is just the ticket for turning delicate items in the fry pan. It is slick enough to slide under the food to be flipped and firm enough to allow me to flip (or retrieve, for that matter) what I am frying. I am impressed with this item. For years I have tried to find a spatula that will slide up under food while being supportive enough. This does the trick. If I find that this company makes a spatula like this, I will buy it.

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Monday, August 18, 2014

Review of Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 7-1/4-Quart Round French Oven, Flame

Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 7-1/4-Quart Round French Oven, Flame
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
List Price: $370.00
Sale Price: $289.95
Today's Bonus: 22% Off
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My wife and I purchased a LeCruset pot three years ago and use it frequently. It truly creates an oven-like amosphers right on the stove top. Our range has settings from 1 through 8 and we never set the element under this pot above a four. It heats up quickly and holds its heat seemingly forever. Yes, it was rather pricey, but we feel it was worth the investment. The best of any product is always pricey. The interior enamel is slightly stained from use, but I'd guess that's to be expected. We wouldn't hesitate to make the investment all over again.

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I remember my grandma using the LeCreuset dutch/french ovens. She had them for some 30+ years before she passed away (LeCreuset survived her). I have always been impressed by the longevity of LeCreuset products. Of course, while they last, they may get chipped, or get dull, but I don't care about that. I don't need shiny, brand new looking cooking utensils. I care about the results, and there I think LeCreuset can not be beat. If you are into "slow-food" LeCreuset is your choice.

So yes, as one of the reviewers pointed out, LeCreuset might outlive your kitchen design, or it may not look as fancy as All-Clad and whatever else show-off cooking ware is out there, but you have to think about what you are looking for in your pots and pans.

I am aware that the prices are rather steep, but like most things, in the long run you spend less. I bought cheap pots and pans before which I then had to throw away because they became uneven and just would not conduct the heat evenly on an electric stove. I will gladly invest some more money into a LeCreuset and keep it for the next decades to come.

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First, I couldn't disagree more with the person who claimed getting one of these "sets" of the same line of cookware is a desirable thing. They tend to be overpriced and feature things you rarely use. (Notice they never feature a 5 qt sauté pan but you can always count on some useless little 8 or 10-inch "omelette pan.")

If you do any serious cooking, you know that certain cookware types are great for some tasks but not others. This goes for Le Creuset, copper, All-Clad Yuppieware, or whatever else. With that in mind, Le Creuset is made for and best at braising, stews, and other slow cooking. It's fabulous for things that go into the oven after starting on the stovetop (osso buco etc.). Yes, you should take care to use wooden spoons instead of metal on the enamel. And no, it doesn't fire up quickly. Then again, neither does All-Clad, it's much touted "inner layer " of aluminum notwithstanding. If you need to quickly sear things, black'n'blue steaks, etc. get yourself copper or Calphalon Pro Hard-anodized, both of which are much better heat conductors than steel.

If you want to make Coq au Vin, curries, and other things that simmer gently or need to be finished in the oven, this is your guy.

Honest reviews on Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 7-1/4-Quart Round French Oven, Flame

I have this in the "citrus" color. This one time, I left it on the stove pre-heating before I add oil and forgot about it. It got pretty hot and now the bottom has all these little tiny hairline cracks in them. The pot is still fine, but now it stains a lot easier. I have to put bleach and water in it every once in a while to get rid of the stains.

The lesson here is: Don't forget about your $250 dutch oven on the stove.

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My wife and I use this all the time to make stews, curries, etc. The bottom is wide so there's room to brown a lot of meat at once. The heat seems to be very even. The coating is durable and really easy to clean. Highly recommended!

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Monday, August 11, 2014

Pyrex No Leak Lids Rectangle Baking Dishes Review

Pyrex No Leak Lids 6 Cup Rectangle Baking Dish with Plastic Lid
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
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Like many people these days I was looking to replace my old, barely-functioning plastic storage containers and upgrade to glass for health reasons. In my quest for the best product I bought and ultimately returned Snapware Glasslock, Kinetic Glasslock, and Anchor Hocking TrueSeal. The Anchor Hocking TrueSeal leaked like a sieve so that was an immediate no. The Snapware Glasslock and Kinetic Glasslock both were leakproof, but I decided against them because I like the look of Pyrex No Leak better, and it has additional benefits such as a microwaveable lid and oven proof glass.

What I love about Pyrex No Leak: First and foremost it is 100% leakproof. I was a little worried about buying Pyrex because their Basic Glass Containers (blue lids) and Glass Lids Containers (red lids) are definitely not leakproof. I tested the Pyrex No Leak out of the box by filling them with water and shaking them upside down, not one drop came out. Yesterday, I packed soup for lunch and my lunch bag turned upside down in the car. The No Leak performed great and not a drop was spilled. The round and rectangular shapes are equally waterproof.

Next I feel that Pyrex No Leak has the best overall features of any glass containers on the market. The lids are BPA-free, and the containers are freezer, microwave, and dishwasher (top rack) safe. While these features are pretty standard, Pyrex No Leak containers are also oven-safe (glass containers only) and the lids are microwaveable. All the competing lids must be removed for microwave use, and while I am trying to get away from using plastic, the reality is there are times when I don't have or don't want to use a paper towel and isn't it nice that I can simply use the lid if I want? Also the clean up is easy. To wash in the dishwasher I remove the inner rubber seal from the lid and place the seal, lid, and container in the top rack. I haven't had any issues with the lid warping or the glass containers breaking or anything like that. I've also washed the containers by hand and that is quick and easy as well.

Finally, the Pyrex No Leak containers look fantastic. The grey lids are a nice neutral color that will go with any decor. At first I was looking for clear lids. I have a few Rubbermaid Stainshield containers and I love being able to see the food through the top of the container. So I thought I would love the locking lids from Snapware and Kinetic. My personal feeling is that, sitting atop a clear glass container, the clear plastic lids look cloudy by comparison. Also I really like that the No Leak lids are traditionally styled (no lock down tabs on the sides). It looks very streamlined and modern.

Overall I am very happy with my Pyrex No Leak containers and I've ordered a bunch more. My only complaints are the following: The glass containers are hot to the touch after microwaving. This will of course be true of any glass containers, not just these. Pyrex, if you are listening I would love to see you offer a removable rubber sleeve that can go over the glass containers for microwave use (much like the cardboard sleeves that coffee shops use). Of course if I'm at home I can just use an oven mitt to remove the container, but the rubber sleeve would be great for work and travel. Another disappointment was actually the microwave vent in the lid. With my old plastic containers I would just loosen the lid and place it on top to microwave. Pyrex No Leak has a specially designed vent, and I excited to try this new feature. I reheated split pea soup in the microwave with the lid on and the microwave vent opened and after 1:30 I had split pea explosion all over the microwave. I reheated the same soup, but this time left the microwave vent closed and placed the lid loosely on top, and it heated beautifully, no mess. So I'm still giving the product five stars because it works great using the alternate method. As a side note, I was initially worried that Pyrex No Leak containers do not nest. You must put the lids on and stack them for storage. I have a LOT of containers, but this has not been an issue for me. Glass containers are going to take up more space than plastic anyway so I don't think you save too much room by having containers that nest.

I currently own the 2-cup round, 4-cup round, 3-cup rectangular, and 6-cup rectangular containers. I have since ordered more of these plus the 7-cup round and 11-cup rectangular. I wish they offered a 1 cup size, but they do not. The 2, 3, and 4-cup sizes are great for lunches. I'm looking forward to getting the 7-cup and 11-cup for large batches of leftovers.

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These are a perfect size to take a lunch to work or to store some small items in your fridge. The glass is heavy duty and the lid seals tightly. The reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is they don't stack very well. I have some other rectangular pyrex containers that have a small slope to the sides so that they can stack; they don't go nest the way down but at least partway, and they are easy to remove from each other. These get stuck together if you stack them; you'll need to put a piece of paper to keep them separated if you stack them.

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I have 2 of these pyrex containers and they worked great at the beginning. Unfortunately, The lid and the seal eventually lost their shape and the containers started leaking. This happened after less than 6 months.

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These are leak-proof because each container come with a 3rd piece; a gasket that snaps into the lid. Now you have a gasket AND a corresponding groove in the lid (narrow) to clean after each use. I hate hate, hate, hate cleaning those gaskets, after bringing my lunch to work.

The gasket is a nuisance.

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I own the 3-cup and 6-cup containers. They look nice and can be used in the freezer, refrigerator, oven, and microwave. The lids are BPA-free and, so far, have worked well in the microwave. The vent on the lids, for microwaving, is very useful. I also like the fact that the glass and the lids are both made in the USA.

Amazon is my favorite place to shop but this item is overpriced at the moment. The 3-cup container is being sold for almost $10. I purchased a set of 3 containers, two 6-cup and one 3-cup, for $14 and change at my local Target.

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Saturday, July 26, 2014

Review of Excelsteel Stainless Steel 13-Inch Round Splatter Screen

Excelsteel Stainless Steel 13-Inch Round Splatter Screen
Customer Ratings: 3 stars
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Had more splatter on my stainless steel range than if I had used no splatter guard. You get what you pay for.

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I also purchased this splatter screen in the square and they are both perfect for stove-top grilling steaks, chops, fish...anything. Especially good because the dome top allows for food that is higher than the flat screen type will cover. And they are sturdy and clean up well.

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