2/29/2012

Emile Henry 614553 Flame Top 5-1/2-Quart Round Stewpot, Red Review

Emile Henry 614553 Flame Top 5-1/2-Quart Round Stewpot, Red
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I researched Dutch Ovens on-line and in several cookware shops. Looked at Le Crueset, Staub, and Emile Henry. With some hesitation I ordered this one from Amazon. I did not believe that a ceramic one would really brown ingredients well the way that braises require. Believe me, it does an excellent job on meat, poultry, and vegetables. I have made Beef Bourguignon and Coq a Vin so far. The pot is a joy to use, the shape and size is perfect, food does not stick or burn as it is cooking, and after cooling and a brief soaking it cleans beautifully. This Dutch Oven is not light weight but is is much lighter than the cast iron ones and I do not need to worry potential rusting or enamel chipping in the future. I expect that you do need to be more careful to avoid sudden temperature changes such as putting a really hot pot on a cold counter. Note that the first one I ordered was not packed well and arrived broken in many pieces. Amazon promptly and courteously sent a new one and a postage free label to send back the broken one. I am sorry to see that Amazon no longer offers this item directly.
Cathleen

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2/28/2012

Portmeirion Botanic Garden Salad Plates 8-1/2-Inch, Set of 6 Review

Portmeirion Botanic Garden Salad Plates 8-1/2-Inch, Set of 6
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I saw this dinnerware at a friends home and had to get a set. It is very sophisticated, but study and works great as an everyday set. The condition and quality are first rate. These are made in Britain (not like some I've read reviews, which say they can come from China. These plates have some heft to them, too!! The price was very competitive. Bon appetit!!

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Over 30 years ago, Susan Williams-Ellis created the world-renowned Botanic Garden Pattern. Today it is one of the top-selling patterns of all time.With over thirty flowers gracing the large array of items available, this pattern has truly become a collectible treasure and a bright and beautiful way to decorate your table and home. Assorted flower motifs change as a gardener might change a garden landscape. The constant flow of new items will help you make your Portmeirion garden grow.

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2/27/2012

Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife Review

Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife
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This knife was part of a gift, and I am pleased to say that it exceeded all expectations. There may be other brands with equal utility, but I have not had the pleasure of using them. I am not shy about blasting Wusthof or Henckels for charging obscene prices when another brand offers the same quality for less, but like several specialty knives in the line, this one is a winner. Put your electric whiz bang in the closet, and amaze your guests with this useful (and large) gem.

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A company with a rich heritage%2C it%27s one of the World%27s leading manufacturers of precision forged cutlery%2E This amazing company remains family owned and under the management of the seventh generation of ownership%2C and bring nothing but the best into your homes%2E

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2/26/2012

Kyocera Kyotop Damascus Pakka Handle 6.0-Inch Chef Knife Review

Kyocera Kyotop Damascus Pakka Handle 6.0-Inch Chef Knife
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I got this knife about four months ago and have been slowly putting it through it's paces.
The knife has a good balance and when I use it, it feels like a natural extension of my hand.
It is not a very heavy knife but it's edge is definitely first rate. During the last four months I've put it through all of its paces. It moves effortlessly through just about everything I've tried.
For example, I was recently butchering a chicken. The knife glided effortlessly through the meat. I didn't realize it until I started to put the pieces away; it also glided effortlessly through the ends of the chicken bones and made very thin clean slices of the bones as well.
I've also learned that I can't chop with this knife on my flexible cutting boards. The knife is incredibly fast on this surface; the only problem is that it cuts through the boards.
This is definitely the sharpest knife in my drawer and it is the first knife I reach for whenever I have to do any knife work in the kitchen.

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2/25/2012

Proteak Teak Cutting Board Rectangle 20-by-14-by-2-1/2-Inch Hand Grip and Juice Canal, End Grain Review

Proteak Teak Cutting Board Rectangle 20-by-14-by-2-1/2-Inch Hand Grip and Juice Canal, End Grain
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Almost too beautiful to actually use, but this board in tough! After two years of use it is still holding up great and looks better than ever. It's a pleasure to use, and it makes an elegant serving platter as well. The channels on the side let meat juices flow away from the work area without risking a stain to your tablecloth. And it has a great story too: cut from a renewable teak farm in the Mexican jungle, not from some ancient forrest in Malayasia that has been illegally clear cut.

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2/24/2012

Dualit Classic 4-Slice Toaster Review

Dualit Classic 4-Slice Toaster
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I have mixed feelings about this item. So much so that I put off reviewing it for a long time. I've owned mine over a year now, and it is time to speak up.
On the one hand, I really want to like it. And not just because I spent a good sized hunk of cash on it. I like the idea of an industrial, commercial-grade toaster that makes great toast, is indestructible, and looks great doing it.
On the other hand, I kind of don't like it. It takes up a lot of space, the slots aren't wide enough for a bagel, or deep enough for a wide piece of bread. I had to buy the optional sandwich cages to allow me to stuff bread into the slots that wouldn't otherwise fit. It needs to be preheated, and even after it is, the toast is inconsistent and uneven.
It does look great on the counter, and feels very heavy-duty. But, it just isn't very good at making toast, and that is supposed to be the point.
Sadly, I don't think I would buy this again.

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The Dualit toaster is outstanding in the field, not just for its industrial retro good looks, but also for its performance. It has ProHeat elements and wide slots capable of handling very thick slices, yet the adjustable wire guards will accommodate themselves to thinner bread too. The timer knob allows you to select light, medium, or dark toast and at the end of the cycle the toast remains in the slots until you eject it with the knob - this keeps the toast warm, but because the unit shuts off at the end of the cycle your toast won't be burnt. Sturdy metal housing and heating elements made from the finest quality clear mica and 80/20 nickel chrome are good indicators that this is a toaster that will stand the test of time. In fact the Dualit toaster was designed for commercial use in English hotels and restaurants where the toaster may be in continual use for 8 hours, mandating that the heating elements be of heavy construction.

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2/23/2012

J.A. Henckels International Forged Synergy 13-Piece Knife Set Review

J.A. Henckels International Forged Synergy 13-Piece Knife Set
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My wife and I have been using this 13-piece set of Forged Synergy knives for about 8 months, and we couldn't be happier with them. They are well made, well-balanced, have beautiful handles, a nice finish, and hold a very sharp edge--we've sliced tomatoes with all of them. If you're buying your first set of fine knives, these WILL hold up to the Henckels reputation for quality.
Now regarding what some others have said, I'll just add my two cents. There is a "Forged Synergy" and a "Fine Edge Synergy" series, and the main kitchen knives in those sets are NOT the same (though the steak knives appear to be so). The forged series has a metal tine that runs all the way through the handle with the black grips riveted on. The J.A. Henckels International Fine Edge Synergy 13-Piece Block Set is totally different--see the Amazon photos and descriptions for yourself. Yes, this Forged Synergy set is also made in China (not Spain or Germany like some of the more expensive Henckels sets), but the quality is still excellent and should far surpass most users' expectations.
Regarding rust spots, we've had none. However, there are two main types of stainless steel: one is harder and slightly less stain resistant; the other is more stain resistant but slightly softer. That means that you give up a little stain resistance to have a knife that holds a sharper edge longer. I think that's much more important than having to clean an occasional rust spot off if it were to occur.
There are only two minor faults I find with this set (that didn't stop me from buying it, however). The kitchen shears are excellent quality and cut great, but the two parts should be easily separable for cleaning purposes. You'll see this in newer shear designs, and it's not a feature that would add to the cost. Also, the black finished knife block will eventually show wear and tear from missing when inserting knives into the slots. I'd have prefered a standard maple block. Lastly, for a few dollars more, I'd recommend the 16-piece version of this set which includes three more knives for about the price of one more (J.A. Henckels International Forged Synergy 16-Piece Knife Set).

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2/22/2012

Cuisinart DFP-7BC 7 Cup Food Processor Review

Cuisinart DFP-7BC 7 Cup Food Processor
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I use my Cuisinart primarily for chopping veggies or making my own ground beef. I can use more flavorful cuts than the leftover bits usually made into ground beef and control the texture to my preference.
The Cuisinart 7 Cup performs great for my needs. It's both powerful and very quiet. Cheap proccessors with side mounted, belt driven motors are usually so noisy that you don't want to bother with them.
Others may disagree, but I find Cuisinart's safety interlocks only a minor hassle. The small center feed tube isn't interlocked and is useful for adding ingredients while processing.
I looked at other food processors in stores before I bought the Cuisinart, and found I prefer the ergonomic feel and control of the old-fashioned Cuisinart paddle switch. Whether it be the new Cuisinarts or KitchenAids, I don't like to have to search around for the little sealed-dome lumps on modern control panels. The first time you use the Cuisinart up-for-on / down-for-pulse lever switch, it's so easy and intuitive, you don't have to look to use it ever again. I've never regretted my choice - I love the paddle!
When your fingers are wet or messy, you can press the lever down to pulse with a knuckle much more easily than trying to find the right tiny plastic bump on a typical control panel.
If you actually like membrane switches, the KitchenAid food processors are good choices, too, but the Cuisinart classic paddle / lever switch is the trump card for me.


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The name Cuisinart is synonymous with food processors and this 7-cup unit is the perfect size for daily food prep for an average family of four. This versatile appliance comes with two blades and two discs that perform a variety of kitchen tasks in a short time. The main stainless-steel blade chops or purées raw or cooked fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, and nuts. A switch on the motor base flips up for mincing or puréeing and flips down for the pulse option, which offers better control when chopping food into larger chunks. The included plastic blade kneads up to two pounds of perfectly textured bread, pastry, or pizza dough in less than two minutes. Other attachments include a slicer disc for slicing or julienning luncheon meats, cheeses, and various vegetables, and a shredding disc for vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, or iceberg lettuce. Foods to be sliced or shredded are inserted through an extra-large plastic feed tube above the processor's bowl and helped through with a pusher.
For convenience, the bowl, feed tube, and pusher are all dishwasher-safe, reducing cleanup as well as prep time. The sleek base gives this processor a commercial-kitchen look and its weight and rubber feet make it immovable during use. This Cuisinart food processor comes with a spatula and a colorful instruction and recipe book as well as a full five-year warranty on the motor.

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2/21/2012

KitchenAid PRO 500 Series 5-Quart Mixers Review

KitchenAid PRO 500 Series 5-Quart Mixers
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This mixer is absolutely fantastic! The lift mixer is so much better than the stand style mixers in that the stand mixers get worn out and the bowl tends to jump around. I used to work with a stand style mixer and I would have to put all of my weight on the bowl while I was mixing stuff to keep the bowl from flying out into the kitchen! The motor is super powerful and I am very pleased with it. Since I started making everything we eat from scratch it is nice to have this great mixer to save me the labor of hand mixing stiff doughs and such. I noticed other people had problems with it. One person wrote that the bowl didn't stay in place at all, it needs to be snapped in, if you look at the back on the mixer you'll see a strip of metal where the bowl slides into, on the bowl where it meets the mixer is a metal nub, that's where it is supposed to snap in. They also said that they put the attachments in the dishwasher and they changed color. The instructions say to hand wash them ONLY!!!
It was an absolute pleasure just opening the box up that it came in. It came just as the seller described, brand new and shiny red. I look forward to years of use and everyday I admire it in my kitchen!

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Attractively housed in durable, die-cast metal, this stand mixer features a high-performance 325-watt motor that produces enough power to handle the heaviest mixtures and mix large batches easily. The unit's 10 speeds range from a very fast whip to a very slow stir, allowing for everything from whipping egg whites to slow churning bread dough, while its Soft Start function helps prevent ingredient splatter and flour clouds by gently accelerating to the selected speed after start-up. To ensure even blending, the appliance creates a unique mixing action that spins the beater clockwise while the shift spins counter clockwise. The mixer provides a 5-quart-capacity brushed-stainless-steel mixing bowl with a contoured handle, as well as a burnished flat beater, a burnished dough hook, a wire whip, and a one-piece pouring shield. Other highlights include a 9-cup flour capacity, direct-drive transmission with all-metal gears, automatic safety shut-off in the event of an obstruction or overloading, and a sturdy lifting mechanism that uses a metal arm and steel lever to effortlessly raise the ingredient-filled mixing bowl. Available in a variety of fashionable colors, the stand mixer measures 13-2/7 by 10-2/5 by 16-2/5 inches and carries a one-year hassle-free replacement warranty.

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2/20/2012

KitchenAid Pro Line Waffle Maker KPWB100 Review

KitchenAid Pro Line Waffle Maker KPWB100
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Ever since our trip to Belgium this summer, my husband has been craving Belgian waffles. This Waffle maker is the one!. It does the job fast and if you have the correct mix, the waffle will be perfect every time! Cooking two waffles at a time also helps feed those hungry children..Clean-up seems to be a snap too. I love it! Thank you, HP.

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2/19/2012

Sanyo EM-C6786V 1-Cubic-Foot Microwave Oven with Convection and Grill Review

Sanyo EM-C6786V 1-Cubic-Foot Microwave Oven with Convection and Grill
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We have owned our Sanyo Microwave Oven with convection and grill for almost two months, and have attempted to test all functions in order to write a complete review. We rely heavily on reviews to help us decide what to buy, so we did our best to evaluate this oven. At almost $180.00 it is not a trivial purchase.
The design is sleek, and the controls easy to use -- but as other reviewers cautioned, keep the booklet handy!
The microwave functions -- cook, auto menu cooking (limited to microwave), auto reheat all work as well as our last microwave -- a G/E over the range.
However, the conbined functions -- micro plus grill, convection plus grill, leave much to be desired.
The roast chicken function -- a combination of micro and grilling is neat and works well -- but does not save time, although it probably saves energy and kitchen heat compared to cooking chicken in a standard oven. When the chicken was taste-tested our family concluded that it was pretty good chicken and assumed that the time to cook was materially reduced -- which it was not. It was agreed that in a "time-bind" they would eat this chicken, but preferred standard oven baked. Given that the chicken took about ten minutes longer than it would have in the oven, the saving was a hot kitchen in the summer, and probably many BTUs.
Combo 1(Micro and Convection) works well -- but it is not fast! Nor are there timing guides. (More on this later)
We have not used Combo 2 (Microwave and Grill) for anything but hot dogs. Too slow by half! Steak is a treat for us, so we cook it with much ceremony outside -- but my experience with grilling hot dogs fo lunch caused me to turn on the broiler in our "real"stove to finish them.
Combo 4 (grill and convection) is rather a joke. Today, in anticipation of putting our review on paper, I took two defrosted quarter pound hamburgs and put them on the grill rack. Dialed in 20 minutes on Combo 4 and walked away. At 20 minutes, the hamburgs registered about 100 degrees F. internal -- as in not cooked. I added another 5 minutes and temped them and got to 120 degrees. Another 6 minutes got them to an edible internal temperature of 140. Thirty minutes to "grill?" two hamburgers?
The convection function alone works well for small quantities of food. But, it is important to note that this is not a convection oven -- in other words an oven that cooks more rapidly than a "standard" oven.
So, what is this neat little oven good for? As a micro it's great. In the same space as a micro you can heat dinner rolls on convection when your main oven is tied up, or bake appetizers while the roast is roasting in the main oven.
What's missing? A recipe book would have helped. The first time I cooked hamburgs using Combo 4 I figured they would cook faster than the time to heat my T-Fal Compact Multi-Grill (rather a waste for two burgers!) and I was dead wrong! (The reason for today's test.) If there had been a booklet or time sheet that indicated 30 minutes to cook two thawed burgers -- well T-Fal would have had the whole job rather than finishing it up!
For people who live in dorm rooms (I was once one of those!) who want all the functions of an oven and a micro in one box -- I would have been glad to have this Sanyo. But -- a recipe book that might indicate time to cook various things -- would really help.
Are we glad we bought this oven? Well, yes. But, and this is important, it is not a Micro/Convection Oven -- nor does it claim to be one.
This oven is a great microwave -- we are very happy with the micro functions. It is also a nice "auxilliary" oven for entertaining -- as long as you can work out the times. It probably saves energy over heating up our main gas oven for small things and will likely keep heat out of our kitchen in the summer.

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More than just a 1000-watt microwave oven, this versatile appliance also functions as a 1000-watt grill and a 1400-watt convection oven. With convection cooking, hot air circulates throughout the oven cavity to brown and crisp foods quickly and evenly--great for baking cakes, cookies, and muffins, or even for browning meats. The 10 convection temperature settings range from 285 to 400 degrees F. A grill rack comes included for during the grill function, which cooks and heats items such as fish, nachos, hot dogs, and sausages. When microwave cooking, choose from five power levels: 10 percent, 30 percent, 50 percent, 80 percent, or 100 percent. The unit also provides four combination settings: combination one (microwave and convection) for frozen entrees and casseroles, combination two (microwave and grill) for steaks, combination three (grill and microwave) for chicken, and combination four (grill and convection) for hamburgers.
For added convenience, nine direct-access push-button menu keys make it easy to cook popular items. Menu keys include popcorn, beverage, pizza, potato, frozen vegetable, meat, fish, and roast chicken, as well as auto reheat. Open the door to access the hidden keypad and to use the digital encoder for setting the time, power, and weight input. Other highlights include a 1-cubic-foot stainless-steel interior, a large 12-3/8-inch rotating glass turntable, multi-stage cooking options, a 95-minute cooking timer, defrost by weight or time, a child lock-out function, and an interior light. To clean, simply wipe the inside and outside with a soft cloth and mild detergent solution, then rinse and wipe dry. The stylish and contemporary-looking microwave/convection/grill oven measures 18-4/5 by 20-1/2 by 13-1/4 inches and carries a one-year parts-and-labor warranty.

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2/18/2012

Wallace Continental Bead Stainless-Steel 65-Piece Boxed Flatware Set, Service for 12 Review

Wallace Continental Bead Stainless-Steel 65-Piece Boxed Flatware Set, Service for 12
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This is a beautiful set, but the knives get rust marks on the blades.

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The detailed beaded edge gives emphasis to the pleasingly rounded, amply proportioned handle. While this design has a long pedigree, reaching back to the 18th century, its simplicity makes it an easy fit with today's lifestyle. Substantial weight and Continental sizing lend this flatware an added air of authenticity.

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2/17/2012

KitchenAid Ultra Power Stand Mixer Review

KitchenAid Ultra Power Stand Mixer
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Currently all the reviews on Amazon are for the Artisan series mixers, probably because of the extra 25 watts of power over the Ultra series. I got my beloved Empire Red Ultra from my sister, in brand new condition, because she got tired of my constant admiration (actually, covetousness)of it every time I came to visit her. She happens to be a very busy working mom who doesn't cook and bake as much as I do, so she sold it to me at her cost, and I think she now regrets it! At any rate, on to my review...
First off, let me say this baby is HEAVY...at nearly 25 lbs. I don't move it around very much. It stays in its designated space on my counter, and I don't even TRY to store it. I'm disabled, and just don't have the physical strength to tackle that. However, its weight is one of the many advantages of the machine, when mixing heavier items such as bread and cookie doughs. It obviously saves me a lot of hand and arm fatigue; a hand-held mixer is out of the question for me. It has plenty of power, and easily mixes 2 loaves' worth of bread dough with minimal bogging. The only thing that I would improve upon is I would add a way to store the cord neatly; but that is a small thing compared to how much I rely on it to help me cook.
From whipped potatoes to buttercream icing, this mixer does all that I require of it, and probably much, much more...I hope to be able to buy some of the attachments for it soon. At about $50 less than the Artisan series, don't pass it up thinking that the extra 25 watts of power is the only way to go.

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2/16/2012

Sanyo ECJ-E35S 3.5-Cup Micro-Computerized Rice Cooker/Steamer Review

Sanyo ECJ-E35S 3.5-Cup Micro-Computerized Rice Cooker/Steamer
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This was a Christmas present to myself as I have been wanting a micom rice cooker for some time now. I chose this one because of the price, the 3 cup size, the Sanyo reputation, and the features. And a very wise choice it was!! My first impression as I pulled it out of the box was that it was extremely attractive and modern looking; the web site picture does not do it justice. The body is white with stainless steel accents in a very up-to-date style. It is small and easily tucked away if need be, the cord is retractable. The buttons are large and easy to read and access. The menu features a setting for white, brown, porridge, quick cook and a Korean dish called Dol sot bi bim bab. The instruction book is easy to follow, although you really almost would not need it as the controls are very self-explanatory. Included in the guide are some simple recipes, including one for the dol sot bi bim bab.
The main stand out for this model is a bowl that is built like a tank and is titanium nonstick. It is 5 mm. thick--by far the thickest I have seen on any micom rice cooker. It distributes the heat consistently all around the circumference of the bowl. Another plus is that it has separate markings for brown and sweet rice, showing the necessary higher water level needed for those types of rice. Since I mainly cook brown rice, the separate menu selection for brown and separate bowl markings for brown win this cooker very high marks with me. The bowl is a three cup size, but two cups fill it very full. This is the perfect size for a single person or maybe a couple, but a larger group might want to go up to the 5 cup size. (I might get one of those myself....I like this cooker that much!) I believe the 5 cup also has a steam and slow cook function that the smaller unit does not have. Not a big deal for me but for some might be a selling point.
I have cooked brown, japanese white, jasmine, brown basamati, and even Uncle Ben in this and basically had perfect rice each time. I have also used the timer to have it ready when I come home from work! My only gripe is that it takes 1 1/2 hours to cook brown rice, so if I don't use the timer, I have to wait on it. However, the results ARE worth the wait.
Oh, a couple quirks. The condensation cup is on the top of the cooker--empty it each time, or else if you move the unit, it could spash water down the front of it. I learned the hard way. Also, the clock will read 0.00 at noon instead of 12:00--the 0.00 does NOT mean the rice is ready if you happen to be cooking around that time. Also learned the hard way. Clean up is simple, the pieces come off and reassemble without any brain work. More work than a traditional glass lid cooker perhaps, but again, worth it.
Amazon seemed to have the best price and included free shipping for this model Wal-mart and Best Buy also carry it, but they were not in stock (in my area anyway) and had to be ordered--and you pay shipping. The unit has a one year warranty. It is made in China.
In short, this is a very attractive, well-built, well-designed little unit that turns out perfect rice at an incredible price. If you have any thoughts about getting a micom rice cooker, get this one!!

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2/15/2012

Shun Ken Onion Chef's Knife Review

Shun Ken Onion Chef's Knife
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I got this knife as a kind of impulsive indulgence, I think it looked cool in its own holder and I had heard good things about Shun knives. However, all those good things are true. It is by far the sharpest knife I've owned, and I've got Henckel Zwillings (not the cheapo kind you get at Target) that have been sharpened to what I USED to think was the sharpest blade around.
I'm not dissing the Henckels - if I had not indulged in the Shun I would have been very happy with their performance. But I did get a chance to make some observations on how the Shun shone (no, it's not the same "u" as in "Sun" but it's a borderline pun):
- Ripe tomato: The Shun needed no sawing action whatsoever. It cut the initial waxy and soft skin like it was being dipped in water. All my other knives need to break the skin either with pressure, angle, or a teensy bit of sawing motion
- Dish brush: While cleaning the blade side with a circular motion in sudsy water (safe for sharp knives) I found bits of the brush bristles in the water. Anything that touched the sharp edge was cut, and that has never happened with the best knife I'd had prior to that. I can normally touch a sharp blade without cutting myself, I am not going to try that with the Shun.
- Tortilla stack: I make chips out of 8" flour tortillas by taking a thick stack and chopping it into diamonds or strips, then frying. I've always had to get over the knife and press it in because the multiple layers (20) would slow down the blade. Or I'd work in batches of 6-8. With this knife, I cut the whole 20-thick stack with less pressure than I've used for half that many.
- Potato - while hardly a test for a knife (anything cuts potato) the slicing was awesome. After cutting into the potato, it felt like the Shun DREW the potato into itself and the potato came apart like it was already sliced. If you've ever held a potato in your hand and expected to re-position your hand after you're halfway through, DON'T do it with this knife. It will be cutting into your hand before you even realize it.
If anything got close to cutting like a lightsaber, this would be it. I kid you not. I wonder how long the sharpness lasts, but I'm enjoying it while it's there.
About the Ken Onion design - those used to the generous handle on Henckels might find the handle appearing to be a bit short (I have big hands) but that's until you find the thumb and forefinger position that fits almost over the blade. However, once you hold it, you realize it gives you an added cutting advantage. My only complaint is that the advantage is wasted. You'd have to wait till the blade goes blunt before the handle's design can actually help you cut better.
Did I mention I'm extremely happy with it? Happy indulging.

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Gorgeous Style Meets Perfect Function. It began with a single knife, the Shun Ken Onion Chef's Knife. But our customers demanded more. So we've expanded the series to include all the most-wanted styles from the can't-live-without-it paring knife to our versatile bread knife. The Ken Onion series features the clad VG-10 blade made famous in our Shun line. But then the handsome, non-stick blade is combined with Ken Onion's signature ergonomic handle design and the unique blade sweep found only in a Ken Onion knife. The result is a series of knives that are not only beautiful to look at, but a pleasure to use. Features: VG-10 cutting core clad with 32 layers of SUS410 stainless Ergonomic ambidextrous ebony PakkaWood

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2/14/2012

Victorinox 8-Piece Knife Block Set Review

Victorinox 8-Piece Knife Block Set
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To a professional chef, no kitchen tool rivals a great set of knives. When learning my trade in Paris, France, I used only the finest Sabatier knives. Later in life, I was fortunate to make a Swiss Miss a Mrs. Typically frugal and practical... and from a family that has had the same Restaurant Bauernhof for centuries... so, when my prized Sabatiers were lost in transit, she replaced them with a more economical (stamped not forged) Swiss brand, R. H. Forschner by Victorinox.
Suddenly, this 70 year old retired chef cut through decades of knife prejudice... the sharpness, balance, thin blade and heft brought joy to my kitchen again... and for a fraction of what I would usually pay! It has been several years since my first Forschner and it is just as good as the one I just purchased.
Last fall we visited Oberlunkhofen, Switzerland, where my mother-in-law continues as chef of the family restaurant at 82 years of age and her 86 year old sister-in-law is the waitress. Her wooden handled knives were of excellent quality but could no longer pass the NSF rules. I purchased a set of H. R. Forschners for her at a Swiss wholesale restaurant supply house... at a price higher than we could have gotten them on Amazon.com! Not only is she a cutlery pro, but she values price and practicality even in gifts. Now she thinks kindly of me as she cheerfully slices through each day.

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The R H Forschner by Victorinox 8-piece Block Set includes: 4-inch Paring Knife, 6-inch Boning Knife, 8-inch Chef's Knive, 8-inch Bread Knive, 10-inch Slicing Knife, 10-inch Sharpening Steel, Kitchen Shears and Slant Hardwood Block.All knives feature high carbon, stainless steel blades, hand finished at Victorinox in Switzerland by skilled craftsmen.A special tempering process is used to produce an edge that can be resharpened over and over again, so the knife can keep its original sharpness throughout the entire life of the blade.Victorinox handles are ergonomically designed to minimize wrist tension.They provide a natural fit.A good heft and comfortable, positive grip are indications of a well-made knife.A sure-grip handle with a finger guard is valuable feature since the handle inevitably gets greasy, wet, or both.Although cutlery steel is naturally sanitary, materials and construction details of the handle minimize crevices what would offer hospitality to bacteria.

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2/13/2012

iittala Collective Tools Collection Review

iittala Collective Tools Collection
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We have had several now, the manufacturer replaced after the ceramic disk broke....and then the second one broke.
The feel and design is fantastic but has not been robust for us.

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