Showing posts with label stainless steel cookware set. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stainless steel cookware set. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Presto Pressure Canner Steam Gauge Review

Presto Pressure Canner Steam Gauge
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
List Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $17.43
Today's Bonus: 13% Off
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I was rehabing an older 21qt cooker and wanted to make sure I had a good working gauge. Worked and fit like a charm. Nice high quality piece.

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I ordered a guage replacement for my pressure cooker and it did not come with the nut to attach it to my canner. The nut for my old one does nto fit due to years of use and a different thread. I still can't use my canner!

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Too bad this company did not send a simple thing like a nut that would fit the threads on the gauge. Even better Presto could make all of their gauges universal so replacing it would be easy instead of frustrating. Who knows if I can find a nut to fit, but if not that means I have to make a trip, and could just as well have bought the gauge at a hardware store. Next time!

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I installed this on an old, 1930's National pressure canner, model 7..Had it tested at the Extension Office for correct pressure, to find it was 1/2 pound off...I can live with that...

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The pressure gauge was what came with this mid range canner...so it was what I expected. However I must admit I did expect it to arrive with the nut and washer to attach it to the lid. Had to send my husband out to the hardware store before I could start canning! Best to read the description of your purchase more carefully. I know I will be!

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Monday, December 8, 2014

Cheap Calphalon Nonstick Unison Nonstick Grill Pan and Press

Calphalon Nonstick Unison Nonstick Grill Pan and Press
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
List Price: $200.00
Sale Price: $99.99
Today's Bonus: 50% Off
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It is much bigger than I expected but not unhappy. I love the way steaks look and cook as well has a good old fashioned grilled cheese sandwich.

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Love it love it love it !!! Spacious , can put more than 1 sandwich at the time , very convenient.

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This pan was a gift for my daughter. She has asked for the rest of the set. It arrived on time and in good shape.

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Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Review of Kuhn Rikon Kochblume Spill Stopper

Kuhn Rikon Kochblume Spill Stopper, Large, 12-Inch, Red
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
List Price: $29.95
Sale Price: $20.79
Today's Bonus: 31% Off
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I really love this spill stopper, but while it works very well in certain conditions, it doesn't work in others and there are problems with its usage even working perfectly.

Yesterday I boiled a pot of kluski noodles that was filled nearly to the brim, and the spill stopper prevented it from boiling over, so it really does do what it says. The problem lies in when you go to test one of your noodles, or to otherwise view the contents of your pot. First of all, if you have your pot really full, it will sometimes boil over immediately when you remove the spill stopper. This can be remedied by perfecting the amount of heat you're using on the pot. Typically, my pots only boil over once and then settle down, but whatever temperature I was using the one time this happened to me must have been too high because the water was apparently in a constant state of boiling over. So that's one problem be aware that it may sometimes happen if the heat is too high.

The next is just getting the thing off the pot to test a noodle or when you're done cooking it's holding back lots of hot steam, so you have to be very careful when you remove it or you'll burn yourself. One reviewer mentioned using tongs, which to me is too fiddly. I usually grab both little handles with my hands and quickly bring them up to the center and pull it off. That way my hands are mostly protected by the silicone. It's worked so far, but be aware that you need to come up with some safe, easy method of removing it from your pot.

Additionally, it does not work on pots that have pouring spouts. This only makes sense as the pouring spout will allow boil over beneath the spill stopper, but it's something to be aware of if you haven't considered that possibility, as I had not. I only have one pot with a spout and I hate it anyway, so I'll just avoid using it with this. If your entire set of pots has spouts, though, this won't be a good buy for you.

The final issue I have with this spill stopper is that it's hard to clean. All the starch wants to stick to the silicone and you have to scrub pretty hard to get it off. The starch also wants to get stuck in the little ridges that form the pretty textured design on the top. There is also a ridge running down the center of the bottom of the supports that keep the little removable flower from wilting into the pot. This is the part that really bugs me because I can't understand why that ridge is even there. It seems to me like they could have just designed the supports to be flat, which would make them much easier to clean. Perhaps these cleaning issues are not a problem if you use a dishwasher to clean it, but I don't have a dishwasher, so I can only tell you how annoying it is to hand wash it.

Overall, I would definitely buy this again and would recommend it to others just as long as they're aware of the issues described above. To me, none of those issues are deal breakers, and they're worth it to have a product that does work at its intended purpose very well preventing boil over.

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I tried this lid for the first time tonight on potatoes. I was able to cook them on a little higher temperature than normally used with no boil over. Everything contained on the lid. It does spit a little on the stove, but very minimal and not a problem Really happy with it and can't wait to try pasta next. Just be careful lifting the lid, use both handles and lift the whole lid. If you just peek under one side, steam burns, ouch!

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I am so happy with both the small and large one. These are the best products for my pans. I had so so many spillovers and they really do work. You just leave the center in there when boiling things etc.

I have also used it for splatter guards (frying things) in which I remove the inside flower looking thing so now I can get rid of my old splatter guard I have now with the handle.

They store right on top of the pots so they do not even take up any extra space. I know they are little pricey but worth every penny.

Honest reviews on Kuhn Rikon Kochblume Spill Stopper

I purchased these from a different retailer. My mistake, I should have looked on Amazon first. Since I'm a Prime member I could've gotten it cheaper AND shipped for free. I'll cut to the chase, the Kuhn Rikon Spill Stopper just works. Check out YouTube.com to see a video of how it works & how it is constructed.

I got ours just in time. We prepare pasta salad quite often during the summer months to bring for pot luck or as a quick meal. The worst part about it is having to clean up my cooktop from the inevitable boil over mess. It takes longer to clean-up than to prepare a batch or two of pasta salad. Who wants to clean if you don't have to? I have tried vented lids, putting the lid on with a wide gap over the pot but NOTHING prevented a mess. Who actually stands at a pot and waits for it to boil? I don't and I doubt you do either. It only takes a few seconds to go from just boiling to boiling mess. If you boil water or cook soups & stews on the stovetop, buy these. You will never have to clean-up a boil over mess again. Since it is silicone, you can fold it up and store it in the pot you use it in. I haven't done it yet, but I plan to use it in the microwave when reheating food. It stores easily folded/rolled up in any drawer even in the pot you use it on. It also has little handles you can use to hang it on a pot rack.

I have other silicone products and they vary in quality and thickness. These Spill Stoppers are well-constructed and sturdy. The center portion (looks like a flower petal shape) is thinner gauge than the rest of the product, but it has to be able to flip up to let the boiling water through & prevent the boil over.

As a previous reviewer has mentioned, be careful removing it from the pot. I use tongs to lift it off and have a plate within reach so I have somewhere to place the Spill Stopper when I remove it.

I will update after a more extended period of use to report on its longevity but so far, I'm completely satisfied. I've already ordered a set as a gift & plan to order more for upcoming birthdays and Christmas gifts.

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Item is more or less useless because it makes a mess every time you remove it to check your food items for doneness. If you remove it to look you end up with water and foam all over the stove top.

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Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Best Berndes EcoFit Pearl Ceramic Coated Cast Aluminun 8-1/2-Inch Open Deals

Berndes EcoFit Pearl Ceramic Coated Cast Aluminun 8-1/2-Inch Open Fry Pan/Skillet
Customer Ratings: 4 stars
List Price: $124.99
Sale Price: $86.39
Today's Bonus: 31% Off
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I paid $75 on sale for this pan, and given that I wanted to be able to just make eggs without added fat, I took a chance as 2 chefs recommended this pan.

What a bust after washing, and even seasoning the pan with a few drops of oil, the eggs stuck like mortar.

Round 2 tried with a healthy 1/2 TB of olive oil, and a hot pan. Stuck AGAIN!

Trying to send it back...I'd rather go less eco friendly with a cheap Target teflon pan than waste money on a pan making claims that don't come through.

Buyer, BEWARE!

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I purchased three of these Berndes Pearl Ceramic coated cast aluminum open fry pans -an 8.5, 10, and 11.5 inch pan. The instructions that came with the pans say to use a small amount of oil before adding the food. A very small amount suffices as nothing adheres to the surfaces during cooking.

I routinely cook breakfast in a single pan, with the 8.5 inch pan being a favorite. A typical breakfast might be pork sausage, sauteed fresh mushrooms with scallions, two sunny side up Eggland's Best, and a cheese sauce all cooked successively in the same pan one after the other as I am on a low carb diet. Nothing sticks. Everything slides out, even the eggs and most of all the cheese sauce.

As they are made from rather substantial thickness of aluminum, they heat fast and evenly. These are neither light weight nor thin, but are substantial pans made to serve for many years of use. The 8" pan weighs 1 lb 7.2 oz clean, empty, and dry; the 10" pan weighs 1 lb 14.2 oz; and the 11.5" pan weighs 2 lbs 1.9 oz. I do use plastic spatulas or wooden spoons when cooking with them as recommended by the manufacturer.

The pans are a snap to clean, just wipe them out, soap, and rinse and you're done. Though I have put them in the dishwasher a time or two, dishwasher cleaning is not recommended.

Though I cook at home, these would be ideal for someone cooking in say a college dorm owing to their easy clean, nonstick and rugged construction. Ramen noodle omelets anyone?

I have heated canned chili in these pans with the same good results. No stains, no sticking, no red color left behind. I have been using these pans daily for two months, and they look like they just came out of the packing material as when I received them.

The pans are claimed to be oven proof up to 450°F, but I have not used them as yet in an oven.

My only complaint is that I do not have lids for them. Normally, when I cook my sunny side up eggs, I just put the eggs in the pan and turn the heat to low, cover the pan to hold in the steam, and set a timer for 4 minutes. This results in two perfectly cooked eggs with runny yolks but filmed over slightly and with tender not lacy or browned whites just as I like them. No turning the eggs is required for cooking the tops as the trapped steam cooks the tops of the eggs.

I have improvised lids from a variety of things, but find that an old aluminum pie pan works well for the 8.5" pan. I have checked the Berndes website but did not see lids offered specifically for these pans. I do plan to take a couple of them with me the next time I visit a Goodwill store to see if I can find something that will serve. Lids do not have to be fancy or match, as I am interested in function not form. The 8.5" pan has an 8" inside dimension and 8.5 outside dimension. The 10 inch (24 cm Bratpfanne) is 9.5" in/10" out and the 11.5" is 11" in and 11.5" out.

I highly recommend these pans as they beat the heck out of every previous nonstick pan I have ever owned. Unlike the nonstick pans in which the linings eventually come off and are invariably consumed in the cooked food, these do not seem to have that issue, nor will they ever have it.

A terrific investment for those who cook and want to avoid the PTFE non-stick coating contamination issue altogether.

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We bought this pan, is wonderful . We also bought it for eggs and slides around and tipped it and eggs slid out into plate.. Very pleased.. :)

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Saturday, November 8, 2014

Discount Cuisinox Heavy Duty Nut and Seafood Cracker

Cuisinox Heavy Duty Nut and Seafood Cracker
Customer Ratings: 3.5 stars
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This nut cracker is sturdy and will crack walnuts and smaller nuts with no problem. It is well built and I expect it to last.

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I was really disappointed that the claw cracker was so small and wimpy. I eat BIG lobsters and I needed a BIG claw cracker.This is not a "heavy duty" claw cracker and should not be advertised as such.

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Too small, my wife can't do much with it, and it takes a lot of effort for me to use it. Won't buy again.

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A must have for the shellfish eater and nut fanatic in the house. I got one to try and now we have to get more, far better than the vintage ones we've been using.

Highly recommended

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I bought this tool just for cracking lobster shells open. It has served this purpose well. However it also works well as a wrench to open the lid on a pickle jar or other hard to open lids.

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Monday, November 3, 2014

Rachael Ray Porcelain Enamel II Nonstick 7-1/2-Inch, 9-1/4-Inch Reviews

Rachael Ray Porcelain Enamel II Nonstick 7-1/2-Inch, 9-1/4-Inch and 11-Inch Skillets Triple Pack, Green Gradient
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
List Price: $64.99
Sale Price: $44.99
Today's Bonus: 31% Off
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This is our third brand we have tried in 3 years. Our Calphalon worked great after one year and the non-stick surface stopped working so we tried the Earth Pan, that was a mistake for it started chipping a couple of days into using it. This brand works great so far and we even put it inside the oven to broil and it worked great. We did not have to use oil to cook omelette.

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already had some of these and like them so much that when my son moved out i bought these for him. love the handles and non stick

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they were even nicer than I thought they would be.I like the heavy rubber handles and you will buy them

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My friend LOVED her set. She had been wanting one for a long time. You ask for too many words in the review space.

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Monday, October 20, 2014

Cheap Berghoff Scala Non-Stick Fry Pan

BergHOFF 11-Inch Scala Frying Pan with Ceramic Coating
Customer Ratings: 3 stars
List Price: $85.00
Sale Price: $64.99
Today's Bonus: 24% Off
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I wanted to try a pan with ceramic coating so selected this one because it was a good size and was on sale. I love this pan. It is perfect. Food doesn't stick and it washes very easily. I would recommend this pan to others.

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The non-stick coating seems much less likely to become damaged in normal use than is the case with standard 'Teflon' non-stick pans . The ceramic non-stick is very effective and the pan always cleans easily. The metal base to the handle becomes very hot in use but, other than that, this pan is perfect.

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I have used this skillet daily for about 3 weeks and I have followed use and care instructions carefully. It worked beautifully at first, but it has gotten gradually less non-stick so that now I have a skillet that sticks and reqires just as much oil as any other for cooking. Big disappointment and a waster of money.

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I got this to compliment the 5 piece Scala set and it's amazing cookware. See my review on the 5-piece Scala set for more info.

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Purchased this one, and after a month of good use with no apparent problems bought a set. 4 months later junk. simple scrumbled eggs turn into cooking nightmare as it sticks all over the surface and if you think it's easy to clean...do not kid yourself, soaked in water for hours, even overnight ...couldn't even scrub it off. Oh, and for those who thinks I do not know I do know how to take care of them, maintain them, clean all according to the book ( after all, when you spend that much, you should take a good care of it). Too bad I didn't take a pic or video. Their support was ridiculous as the say they are not responsible for the food sticking to it.

I'm gonna turn 3-4 eggs into garbage, but I'll do it again, make a video and will put it on youtube for everyone to see. But that'll be the last, as I will not spend my valuable time anymore trying to clean this garbage.

Going to try SanPan next. and if that will not deliver, will go back to old school iron.

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Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Fagor Futuro Pressure Cooker 5 Piece Set Reviews

Fagor Futuro 5-Piece Pressure-Cooker Set
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
List Price: $189.99
Sale Price: $189.95
Today's Bonus: $0.04 Off
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I just received my Fagor Futuro 5-Piece Pressure-Cooker Set, today 07/01/2011, having ordered it two days ago, Amazon Prime, with next day delivery. I had previously purchased a programmable Cuisinart pressure cooker from Amazon.com, and was quite satisfied with it (note, the 5 Star review rating I gave it); however, the other day, as I noticed the "non-sick" surface of the Cuisinart Pressure Cooker had started to peel/chip, this was it, for me. During the past six years, I had already replaced every piece of "non-stick" cookware in my home with tri-ply stainless-steel/aluminum clad, and Lodge Logic Cast-iron cookware, and so wasn't about to put up with a peeling/chipped "non-stick" cook surface, not even in my pressure cooker.

After some subsequent online research of current pressure cookers available, I determined that this "Fagor Futuro 5-Piece Pressure-Cooker Set", is just what I want/need in a no-nonsense, modern, durable, and easy to use and maintain pressure cooker. It's a bit more expensive than some others I reviewed, but I tend to purchase for the long haul. I like everything about the quality of this 5-Piece-Set Fagor Pressure Cooker, it's made in Spain, has a ten year warranty, and parts/accessories should they be needed or wanted, can be easily seen and ordered from the Fagor USA online web site. This set, also, with the two cook pans doubles as either regular 4-qt or 6-qt pressure cookers or regular cook pans with the included glass cover usable with either cook pan. These two pans, also stack, one in the other, and along with the unique short handles of this set, make for easy/convenient storage, in little space. The Fagor stove top pressure cookers are now my choice, when it comes to pressure cookers, and I'll never again purchase anymore "non-stick coated" cooking surfaces, for my use, not even in a pressure cooker.

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The quality of this cookware is impressive. Nice heavy heavy bottom with an aluminum core, gorgeous shiny stainless steel finish on the outside, etc. I also love that the pots nest for storage. The whole set does not take up much cabinet space, and since this set includes a non-pressure glass lid and steamer basket, I was able to get rid of my vegetable steamer pot.

I've only made 1 batch of risotto in it, but it turned out delicious, and was cooked so quickly! The pressure lid was very easy to lock into place, the indicator rod is bright yellow, so it's very easy to see, and the quick release valve worked perfectly. I can't wait to try some other dishes in my new pressure cooker!

One thing to note: the packing materials in the manufacturer's box are not substantial. The first set I was shipped (by another retailer) had a broken handle on the 4 quart pot. The replacement set I received was perfect.

Also good to know: Fagor's website sells replacement parts for just about anything that could break or wear out on thishandles, valves, gaskets, etc.

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I've bought several Fagor pressure cookers through the years and they always work fine. In fact they work great! This pressure cooker is no different. The only thing that's kind of tricky is getting the lid lined up so the pressure cooker is sealed. The Splendid and Duo models are a bit easier to line up but it's not a problem.

I do love the short handles used to make this pressure cooker set which is why I bought them. You can store the pots using less space.

As always I highly recommend the Fagor pressure cookers. They work well and are our far cheaper than their pricier counterparts.

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I am new to this type of cooking. I decided to give it a try because, as a vegetarian, I cook a lot of beans and grains. A few weeks ago, I made a bean dish that took 4 hours to cook and I finally broke down and bought this cooker after reading the reviews. I just made the same dish and it took only 40 minutes (and it could have perhaps taken less, I don't know). The cooker was really easy to use and easy to clean, although I did read the instructions and watch some youtube videos first. At first I didn't have the top on quite right (I hadn't locked it fully) and I figured that out and then it worked great. I would really recommend reading the instructions if you have never used one of these. Since the pieces all fit together, it doesn't take up too much space in my tiny kitchen. It wasn't silent, but it wasn't overly loud, which is a complaint I have heard about the old cookers. I think i will get a lot of use out of this.

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I bought this pressure cooker almost a year ago and from day one I have been using it almost everyday. Being an Indian, I have used pressure cookers for a while now, so I am not new to the pressure cooking world.

I like the open pot model of this pressure cooker, it makes stirring meat much easier. It does have both 8 psi and 15 psi setting, I have hardly ever used the 8 psi setting, may be someday. We are a two people family, me and hubby, so 99% of my cooking is done in the 4 quart model. I only use the 6 quart when I cook for a bigger gathering.

This model is made in Spain. Cleaning is breeze, took sometime to adjust with the pressure cooker lid but overall I am very satisfied with the product. If I had to do it again, I might just buy the 4 quart model only, since that's what I use for majority of my cooking.

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Saturday, August 30, 2014

Discount Paula Deen 15-pc. Nonstick Signature Porcelain Cookware Set, Pear

Paula Deen 15-pc. Nonstick Signature Porcelain Cookware Set, Pear
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
List Price: $180.00
Sale Price: $119.95
Today's Bonus: 33% Off
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I just washed a pot that I had burned. Boiled all of the water out, and the pot was black. I just knew I had ruined it I was shocked!it came out just like new! I have been so pleased with these pots,but now even more so. I would never have any other pots than these.

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Loved the cookware. Great color true to the picture. And yes I would and have told everyone I know about it .

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Gave this as a Christmas gift and she loved it. She was surprised that they were as lightweight as they are. Loves using them

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We love the cookware set. The pear was unavailable in our area so thankfully we were able to get them.

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Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Best Joyce Chen 22-0060, Pro Chef 14-Inch Flat Bottom Wok uncoated Deals

Joyce Chen 22-0060, Pro Chef 14-Inch Flat Bottom Wok uncoated Carbon Steel
Customer Ratings: 4 stars
List Price: $39.99
Sale Price: $30.88
Today's Bonus: 23% Off
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A few years ago I tried stir frying and liked it, except that I used a Joyce Chen nonstick wok that peeled after two uses. After that I got a Lodge cast iron wok that was way too heavy and got discouraged and gave it away. Then I tried I a no-name carbon steel wok but was very ignorant about how to season it and could not understand why it kept rusting. Recently I have had the urge to try stir frying again and this time did my homework. I chose this wok because it was carbon steel, and this time learned ahead of time how to season it properly. This wok is also very sturdily made; you cannot easily bend the wok if you push on it; the handles are not loose; it is 2 mm thick; it has phenolic plastic handles that stay cool.

I have properly seasoned and been using the wok with no rust or stickiness. Learning how to season and clean made all the difference. A good education and a well-made wok are an unbeatable combination!!

See some of ther other wok posts for good seasoning tips. I followed the directions that came with the wok and had good results.

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I bought one of these over a year ago and have been very pleased with it. I had a tough time seasoning it. Only the bottom of the wok was turning dark, probably because my wimpy electric stove was unable to produce enough heat. I finally took the advice of a friend and turned it upside down over the burner, and that got the sides hot enough. (Be sure to turn on the fan and open windows when you do this; I set off the smoke alarm, not realizing how much peanut oil smokes when it gets that hot.) I'm not crazy about the plastic handles -I think wood looks much better -but they function fine. 14" is a great size, allowing you to cook enough food for 4-5 people, but still fitting well on a typical burner. The flat bottom of this wok ensures good contact with an electric burner, allowing the wok to actually get hot enough for stir-frying. This is the wok I'd recommend to friends, although I'd look harder for wooden handles next time.

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I've owned a 12-inch version of this wok for years and years, after going through a lot of other stir-fry pans/woks, and I love it. It's just the thing for cooking Chinese-style in an American kitchen.

The 2mm thickness is way heavy, so it's better to use a spatula-stir than to try to jerk-and-flip the food. However, that same weight lets the pan hold a good amount of heat on a wimpy western-style stove. Let the pan get hot before putting the food in for best results (for a stir-fry, the oil should look "shimmery" but not be smoking). Food will stick to a cold pan.

The stick handle (phenolic, square profile) isn't traditional looking, but it's very solidly attached, with two horizontal bolts at the base, and a screw-eye at the end. Because the handle is square, you get a better grip when tipping out the pan. I do have to tighten up the screw eye from time to time, but it's not a big deal. I tried the round wooden handle version (attached with two vertical bolts) and it never felt quite as solid.

The metal is very smoothly finished, and will season well as long as you don't over-oil it (lots of light coats is better than one heavy one). Cooking something starchy like cabbage the first few times will help. Don't bother with the non-stick versions if you really want to do stir-frying they can't be heated hot enough to sear, and every one I've seen has eventually started to peel.

The flat bottom lets the pan heat well on a flat-top stove, with no need for a wok ring.

People say you can't use soap on seasoned bare iron, that you should just use hot water and a brush. I actually use veggie wash this takes off any loose oil left in the pan that might get rancid, but doesn't damage the seasoning. You do need to dry the pan well after washing (inside and out).

Favorite recipe Thaw a package of frozen string beans in the microwave. In the meantime, put about three tablespoons of sesame oil in the pan, add two smashed cloves of garlic, about the same amount of pounded ginger, and a hot chili pepper. Carefully TILT the pan by pushing down on the handle this will make a deep pool of oil on one inside edge. Heat the oil and spices in the deep oil this way until the garlic and ginger start to bubble you now have flavored oil. Drain the string beans VERY well and put them in the pan (yes, it will hiss and spit), now sitting flat. Mix the oil in with the veggies, lower the heat, and cover the pan for minute or so as everything finishes cooking. Once the beans are tender (to your taste), sprinkle them with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, stir around again, and serve. (For a simpler recipe, use a couple of shakes of garlic and ginger powder, and a few drops of tabasco, and put them in at the same time as the veggies. For a more complicated recipe, toast some sesame seeds in the pan before putting the veggies in).

Honest reviews on Joyce Chen 22-0060, Pro Chef 14-Inch Flat Bottom Wok uncoated

There is a good method for seasoning a carbon steel wok by putting it into a 425 degree oven for 20 min. each time for 3 times. To use this method your wok's handles must be protected or removable. Good news! The plastice handles on this wok are easily removed. I coated the wok(removed the handles) with peanut oil both inside and out and placed it in the 425 degree oven for 20 min. I repeated this process 2 more times for a total of 60min. I got a nice seasoning all around and inside the wok. This wok is nice and heavy and sits stable on my electric stove. I highly recommend this quality wok. I have been frying beacon in my wok and the patina is becoming darker and the bacon is great! At least my dogs seemed to think so. As a diabetic,I believe I can improve my diet by eating fresh vegetables, chicken, and fish prepared in my wok. I would also suggest that you get a good wok cookbook. I purchased Stir-Frying to the Sky's Edge by Grace Young here on Amazon. I think you will like this book also. It has everything you need to know about wok cooking including how to season your new wok. Many good recepies are included. Bon Appetite'.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Joyce Chen 22-0060, Pro Chef 14-Inch Flat Bottom Wok uncoated

I bought this in August 2006 and have given it a pretty good workout. So far it has performed very well much better than I expected given the price paid for it.

As with any carbon steel wok seasoning is critical. A well-seasoned pan is as stick-free as teflon, but you don't need to worry about the coating peeling off due to the high heat, or have to use plastic/nylon tools so you don't scratch it. Seasoning is not tough to do there are clear instructions provided with the wok, and you can find tips galore on the web.

Keeping it seasoned is also important. Don't use soap to wash the wok just use plain water and a scrub brush, and clean it when the wok is still fairly hot. Once clean, put it back on the stove and fire it up until all the water has evaporated. Every once in a while swab the hot wok with an oiled paper towel.

The handles are strong no wobbles whatsoever as of yet, and I tend to be a bit spirited when it comes to stir-frying.

Highly recommend!

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Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Review of Rachael Ray Oven Lovin' Cups Nonstick Bakeware 6-Cup Muffin

Rachael Ray Oven Lovin' Cups Nonstick Bakeware 6-Cup Muffin and Cupcake Pan, Orange Grip
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
List Price: $26.00
Sale Price: $12.95
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My wife bakes a lot and she asked me to get her a non stick muffin pan. The price was fair and the product is very good, no sticking.

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Nothing sticks to this pan. We love it. I'll probably buy another one when another one of my old pans bites the dust.

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Thanks Rachel for making a great product. Very well made, I stopped buying the Martha Stewart products because of the poor quality.

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Great tin, batter does not stick to it and dishwasher safe. I plan to purchase more I have used it a lot

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Rachael Ray Oven Lovin' Cups Nonstick Bakeware 6-Cup Muffin

I searched for a 6ct pan for awhile,so glad i found this one.and i love it.the handles help when you pick up the pan so it won't slip out of your hand

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Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Wusthof 8pcsteak 8-Piece Stainless-Steel Steak Knife Set Review

Wusthof 8pcsteak 8-Piece Stainless-Steel Steak Knife Set with Wooden Gift Box
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
List Price: $120.00
Sale Price: $49.95
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First off, let me say that we don't eat much steak any more (cholesterol problems). We're not steak knife experts who insist on some particular type of blade edge. We do NOT like big ugly steak-house-restaurant type knives on our table. And finally, we don't care a fig about how good or bad a storage box looks. Our knives are rarely stored for long because whenever we serve any meat or fowl, we've always put steak knives out with the flatware. And OH MY, this Wusthof set is *phenomenally* nicer than the equally simple but hysterically expensive black-handled ones from Germany that we've been using for decades. This is solid, sleek, hefty-feeling stuff. The design goes wonderfully with our other flatware ranging from fancy to plain (in fact, the steak knife is actually heavier than some of the flatware pieces sitting next to it on the table). And YES it DOES cut very well indeed -which is all hub & I ask from any knife!

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I have been looking for quality steak knives for a while now and when I saw these I thought they were not only beautiful to look at, but well made. We have been grilling a lot more now that we have them! They feel great in your hand and you can't beat the price. They wash well in the dishwasher too.

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Since I've gotten married recently, I've been introduced to "nicer" things that one normally wouldn't buy on their own. For example, silverware/flatware... who figured that once you get married it's awesome you get to have silverware/flatware that's priced at $150? For pretty much my entire life, I've always used hand me downs or that cheap stuff you get at Walmart ($20-range) and even my parents didn't have a nice set of silverware/flatware.

But the sad thing is that aside from my own collection of Wusthof kitchen knives and the nice Mikasa set I got for the wedding, I was still using my college days steak knives. The kind that really didn't cut well and was rusting in some places. After realizing how embarrassing it was, I decided to go on a quest to find new steak knives... Specifically with the following criteria:

1. The knives had to match the finish/color of my new Mikasa silverware/flatware.

2. The knives had to be less than $100 on Amazon.

3. Serration didn't matter.

With those 3 criteria, Amazon gave me a nice list and I narrowed it down based on appearance. In the end, it came down to the Wusthof I'm reviewing and the J.A. Henckels S.O.S. 8-Piece Stainless-Steel Steak Knife Set in Wood Gift Box. Both J.A. Henckels and Wusthof are considered top of the line European knives and in comparison, they perform nearly identical. I double-checked my research and made sure the J.A. Henckles were of the Zwilling variety and NOT the J.A. Henckles International variety. For those of you that didn't know, the "International" is the lower grade category of knives made by J.A. Henckles. The differentiation of the two can easily be identified by their logo, as International has "1 man" and the Zwilling has "2 men".

But in the end, I chose the Wusthof because I already own: Wusthof Le Cordon Bleu 6 inch Cooks Chef Knife, Wusthof Le Cordon Bleu 8 inch Carving Knife, Wusthof Le Cordon Bleu 6 inch Utility Knife, and the 8" Le Cordon Bleu Chef's Knife. Consider it partial brand loyalty.

Upon receiving the knives I noticed that they were genuine Wusthof knives and came in a nicely sized box. I noticed that the box itself looked nothing like the Amazon photo. It appears Wusthof has updated the "package" for the steak knives because the box is very similar to the one you would get at Williams-Sonoma (). The box is has a nice cherry finish and the emblem in the bottom right is that of the Wusthof logo. The one Amazon pictures is some kind of circular logo. Another difference is that instead of a latch for closing, the one I received had no latch and was closed via magnets inside the lid of the box.

On the inside, gone was the black felt that covered the top with the colored Wusthof logo. Instead, it was bare wood with the Wusthof name & logo stamped in black ink. The individual slots where the knives were held seemed much different than the original picture. There isn't as much wood and the black felt isn't laid out on the bottom either. Overall, the external aspect of the box seems to have improved but the inside of the box lacked the quality of the original picture.

As for the knives, they all came individually wrapped in plastic and have slight differences than the original pictured ones on Amazon. First and foremost, these knives are gorgeous and the nicest knives I've seen/used so far. They have a very nice polished appearance and yes, fingerprints will be left on them. I don't mind that because my Mikasa flatware have the same kind of finish and I got these primarily to match them. Trust me if you have these, people will likely compliment you.

The tip of the knife is slightly rounded rather than a sharp point. I'm not sure why they made the change, but you can still stab meat & other food items with it. I suppose they did it so it wouldn't break skin if it accidentally fell on your foot or something.

The opposite end of the knife (the handle) is a squared off edge vs the rounded one of the Amazon original picture. Again, not sure why the change but if you have the older set, just know these aren't going to match.

The serration is slightly different than that of the picture. Amazon's picture clearly shows the serration on each side, but these knives only have the serration on 1 side. The other side has no evidence of serration. However, don't let the 1-sided serration fool you. These knives definitely do cut through cooked meats like steak & chicken much better than my $20 Walmart knives. Even compared to steakhouse knives, these perform the job and that's all we really want when cutting into our meat, right?

Last but not least, the stamp on the knives clearly say Wusthof on it in capital letters with the Wusthof logo on one side of the knife. The original Amazon picture had "Wusthof Trident" in generic font with an older version of the Wusthof logo.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with these knives. They look and perform great and that's mainly the goal. The carrying case is improved on the exterior but slightly downgraded in the interior. I personally like the case and use it to store my knives, but others may just through it in the garbage. Highly recommended.

Oh and don't forget I posted pictures of the new knives so you could see the difference between Amazon's and mine.

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These are very good knives. Well balanced and easy to use. I would highly recommend them.

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I received these fantastic knives as a wedding gift in 2008. I love the knives as they are really beautiful I want to wear white cloth gloves with them when I use them because they are so shiney and perfect and I don't want to get my fingerprints on them! They aren't large and aren't clunky, but I always get compliments on them when I have company over. I use them in the dishwasher all the time and they have not lost their finish and beautiful shine at all.

5 stars for the knives themselves, but the box they came in is not nice at all and is falling apart after a year and a half of sparce usage. The box is of very low quality so don't expect a nice quality box. But thats probably why this set is so affordable. All in all, 4/5 stars I think is very fair, especially since you get some really nice knives for under a hundred bucks.

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Friday, July 25, 2014

Reviews of All-Clad Panini Pan with Press

All-Clad Panini Pan with Press
Customer Ratings: 4 stars
List Price: $125.00
Sale Price: $99.95
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I have nothing but praise for this pan. I have been using it 4-5 times per week since I purchased it.

The pan heats quickly and evenly and gives that perfect grilled crust to everything I have tried. It did take some practice to get the temperature and timing down I heat the press on another burner at 9/10 and the pan at about a 4/10. That gives me the perfect browning to both sides while also allowing enough time for the sandwich to get hot throughout. All Clad gives some advice on timing and procedure, but I think my system works better. Be aware, the handle of the pan stays cool but the press handle can get hot.

The listing does not say, but the press is cast iron and quite heavy. Cleanup of the press and pan is easy. The non-stick of the pan works well and the cast iron cleans up easily (I always butter or oil what I am grilling, so ymmv).

I now get perfect sandwiches every time, and never have to worry about all the things that can go wrong with an electric panini press. I am sure this pan will give me many years of great service.

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This pan will not disappoint; it's the real thing! The press weighs as least twice as much as the pan--which is hard to find these days. I originally purchased to grill sliced panini rolls, but now use this wonderful pan to grill almost everything from steaks to vegetables. The press is heavy and works; only draw back to this is when it's hot, it's sometimes difficult to hold on to in the air or locate the right spot to rest the press when you have to flip, garnish and/or move around what ever you're grilling.

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I asked for, and received the All-Clad Panini Pan with Press as a gift. I was so excited and couldn't wait to use it; however, bad news arrived before I ever got the chance while reading the Instructions I found that it is not recommended for flat top stoves. Since I have a flat glass cooktop, I decided to call All-Clad to find out why it is not recommended and they told me it is because of the way the pan and press are constructed, the heat will not distribute evenly and I would not get good results and they definitely recommended against using the pan. Just want to pass this along in case you are considering I'm returning mine . . . unused.

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I am so excited to use this grill. So easy to use and clean and is very well made. Try a grilled sandwich or grilled vegetables, shrimp or fish. I really love it. Fast and makes everything really tasty.

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i bought this pan for like 59 dollars on a promotional special price. i would not pay more for it. the pan is well constructed in true all clad fashion. i think i would rather have higher sides, b/c when a fat sandwich is in the pan and the press is on top, the press wobbles and i don't feel safe leaving it unattended. also, it says to preheat the press, which is nice and heavy, on another burner and after trying several temps and times of preheating, it never seemed to give the crust that desireable golden brown. its easier to flip the sandwich after pressing it.

i think i would like the mario batali one better, because the enamel is more pleasing to the eye than the black nonstick look of the all clad, and also b/c the sides are higher.

all in all, it does the job; but for all clad, i expected perfection, i suppose.

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