Comments for Kitchen Gadgets Guide http://kitchengadgetsguidebyhj.com Gadgets for your Kitchen Tue, 19 Oct 2010 01:13:31 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Comment on KitchenAid 75826 Gourmet Essentials 10-Piece Brushed Stainless Steel Cookware Set by jndkr http://kitchengadgetsguidebyhj.com/cookware/kitchenaid-75826-gourmet-essentials-10-piece-brushed-stainless-steel-cookware-set#comment-211 jndkr Tue, 19 Oct 2010 01:13:31 +0000 http://kitchengadgetsguide.info/?p=55#comment-211 This set came highly recommended by Consumers Report so I gave it a shot. So far, it is living up to expectations. I like the cooking quality, weight (very solid), appearance (sleek) and durability. I've had this set for a few months now and absolutely love it. <br /> <br />BTW, there appeared to be some tarnish after the first use of the frying pan so I initially rated this 4 stars, but it turned out to be a thin film of oil that came off on its own after the third wash. I'd change my rating to 5 stars, but the scale appears to be locked down. Rating: 4 / 5 This set came highly recommended by Consumers Report so I gave it a shot. So far, it is living up to expectations. I like the cooking quality, weight (very solid), appearance (sleek) and durability. I’ve had this set for a few months now and absolutely love it.

BTW, there appeared to be some tarnish after the first use of the frying pan so I initially rated this 4 stars, but it turned out to be a thin film of oil that came off on its own after the third wash. I’d change my rating to 5 stars, but the scale appears to be locked down.
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> Comment on T-Fal TT7461002 Avante Deluxe 4-Slice Toaster, Black by Cheryl A. Bulger http://kitchengadgetsguidebyhj.com/toasters/t-fal-tt7461002-avante-deluxe-4-slice-toaster-black#comment-342 Cheryl A. Bulger Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:50:48 +0000 http://kitchengadgetsguide.info/?p=82#comment-342 This is the nicest toaster that I have purchased to date. I like the style & features. Just a note - it is quite big. You will need ample counter space for this beauty. I keep mine in the corner of my counter & it is working very well for us. Rating: 5 / 5 This is the nicest toaster that I have purchased to date. I like the style & features. Just a note – it is quite big. You will need ample counter space for this beauty. I keep mine in the corner of my counter & it is working very well for us.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Haier TST120SS Stainless-Steel Long-Slot 2-Slice Digital Toaster by Toast Fan http://kitchengadgetsguidebyhj.com/toasters/haier-tst120ss-stainless-steel-long-slot-2-slice-digital-toaster#comment-197 Toast Fan Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:27:58 +0000 http://kitchengadgetsguide.info/?p=52#comment-197 Scrolling through the Amazon toaster listings, I noticed this model, which has one long slot instead of two--plenty of space for my Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Tuscane Pane, which I previously had to cut in half to fit into my old toaster. It also takes two waffles when my grandchildren spend the night, and has a unique and attractive look on the counter as well. It works fine and I highly recommend it. Rating: 5 / 5 Scrolling through the Amazon toaster listings, I noticed this model, which has one long slot instead of two–plenty of space for my Trader Joe’s Whole Wheat Tuscane Pane, which I previously had to cut in half to fit into my old toaster. It also takes two waffles when my grandchildren spend the night, and has a unique and attractive look on the counter as well. It works fine and I highly recommend it.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Crock-Pot SCRBC750-BS Trio Slow-Cooker Server by Careful Buyer http://kitchengadgetsguidebyhj.com/crockpots/crock-pot-scrbc750-bs-trio-slow-cooker-server#comment-361 Careful Buyer Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:14:18 +0000 http://kitchengadgetsguide.info/?p=86#comment-361 I have cooked with Crock-Pots for years. I use the Trio Cook and Serve mainly for keeping several items warm when the various side dishes for a meal aren't completed at the same time. This appliance is robust as well as good looking in the kitchen, all metal top and bottom. My oldest Crock-Pot (I have 3 plus the new Trio) is over 25 years old. A competitor brand "trio" type unit is currently for sale at an upscale major chain department store locally for the same price I paid for the Crock-Pot Trio. The competitor unit looks similar except for how the trim and knobs are detailed. When passing the store's display last week I closely examined the floor model -- two of the three pots (same color as the Crock-Pot's) had blemishes at the rim. Seemed like the glaze was applied over blemmed pots and missed by quality control. Far worse, I also noted that the bottom of the unit, except for three metal access plates for the heating elements, is quarter inch, or so, thick black plastic with small holes cut in it. The instruction book warns users to NOT set the unit directly on a counter top, but rather to place something (not flammable, I assume) between the unit and the counter. Per the warning, this is because heat generated by the unit will cause the plastic to emit "plasticizers" that could discolor a counter. This means that plasticizer molecules are no doubt being emitted into the surrounding air as well. According to the salesperson, this unit is flying off the shelves. You may say "how can they put something like that on the market"? Caveat emptor. Rating: 5 / 5 I have cooked with Crock-Pots for years. I use the Trio Cook and Serve mainly for keeping several items warm when the various side dishes for a meal aren’t completed at the same time. This appliance is robust as well as good looking in the kitchen, all metal top and bottom. My oldest Crock-Pot (I have 3 plus the new Trio) is over 25 years old. A competitor brand “trio” type unit is currently for sale at an upscale major chain department store locally for the same price I paid for the Crock-Pot Trio. The competitor unit looks similar except for how the trim and knobs are detailed. When passing the store’s display last week I closely examined the floor model — two of the three pots (same color as the Crock-Pot’s) had blemishes at the rim. Seemed like the glaze was applied over blemmed pots and missed by quality control. Far worse, I also noted that the bottom of the unit, except for three metal access plates for the heating elements, is quarter inch, or so, thick black plastic with small holes cut in it. The instruction book warns users to NOT set the unit directly on a counter top, but rather to place something (not flammable, I assume) between the unit and the counter. Per the warning, this is because heat generated by the unit will cause the plastic to emit “plasticizers” that could discolor a counter. This means that plasticizer molecules are no doubt being emitted into the surrounding air as well. According to the salesperson, this unit is flying off the shelves. You may say “how can they put something like that on the market”? Caveat emptor.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on J.A. Henckels 15707-000 Fine Edge Synergy 17-Piece Knife Block Set by K. Borowski http://kitchengadgetsguidebyhj.com/knives/j-a-henckels-15707-000-fine-edge-synergy-17-piece-knife-block-set#comment-111 K. Borowski Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:59:28 +0000 http://kitchengadgetsguide.info/?p=33#comment-111 Bought this set about 9 months ago and couldn't be more disappointed. The quality is poor, the knives are light and flimsy, and they began rusting almost immediately. Even with minimal use, the knives have dulled to the point that we don't even use them anymore. Not sure how they got the J.A. Henckels name on them, but they are crap and a complete waste of money. Rating: 1 / 5 Bought this set about 9 months ago and couldn’t be more disappointed. The quality is poor, the knives are light and flimsy, and they began rusting almost immediately. Even with minimal use, the knives have dulled to the point that we don’t even use them anymore. Not sure how they got the J.A. Henckels name on them, but they are crap and a complete waste of money.
Rating: 1 / 5

]]> Comment on Victorinox 46892 Fibrox 3-Piece Chef's Knife Set by M. Stranz http://kitchengadgetsguidebyhj.com/knives/victorinox-46892-fibrox-3-piece-chefs-knife-set#comment-281 M. Stranz Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:49:01 +0000 http://kitchengadgetsguide.info/?p=69#comment-281 R.H. Forschner by Victorinox 3-Piece Fibrox Chef's Set, Molded HandlesThe balance of the Henckels Professional is better, but overall, the knives are comfortable, sturdy, sharp, easy to use, and easy to maintain. Well worth the price. <br /> Rating: 5 / 5 R.H. Forschner by Victorinox 3-Piece Fibrox Chef’s Set, Molded HandlesThe balance of the Henckels Professional is better, but overall, the knives are comfortable, sturdy, sharp, easy to use, and easy to maintain. Well worth the price.

Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 10-Piece Cookware Set by Karla Arguello http://kitchengadgetsguidebyhj.com/cookware/cuisinart-chefs-classic-nonstick-hard-anodized-10-piece-cookware-set#comment-443 Karla Arguello Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:38:27 +0000 http://kitchengadgetsguide.info/?p=103#comment-443 I bought this set to replace my first set of cookware. These pots cook really fast so you have to be careful not to use too much heat. The only thing I don't like is that the lit handles get hot too and if you are boiling something with the lid on water usually spills. Other than that I can't complain. These pots are sooooooo easy to clean. Nothing sticks to them. Rating: 4 / 5 I bought this set to replace my first set of cookware. These pots cook really fast so you have to be careful not to use too much heat. The only thing I don’t like is that the lit handles get hot too and if you are boiling something with the lid on water usually spills. Other than that I can’t complain. These pots are sooooooo easy to clean. Nothing sticks to them.
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> Comment on Proctor Silex 22605 2-Slice Toaster by Book Nitpicker http://kitchengadgetsguidebyhj.com/toasters/proctor-silex-22605-2-slice-toaster#comment-286 Book Nitpicker Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:27:22 +0000 http://kitchengadgetsguide.info/?p=70#comment-286 Unlike the US-made toasters of bygone days that browned both sides equally, if this toaster is adjusted to do one side right it leaves the other side hardly toasted at all. If you set it for a longer time to get the light side done right then the other side gets burned. I don't see how it could do otherwise because if you look down into the slots at the heating elements, you can see that they are more numerous and closely spaced on the outside walls than on the inner. I don't understand how an old appliance company could do such bad engineering - I can only suppose that they don't use their own products now that they are made in China. <br /> Rating: 1 / 5 Unlike the US-made toasters of bygone days that browned both sides equally, if this toaster is adjusted to do one side right it leaves the other side hardly toasted at all. If you set it for a longer time to get the light side done right then the other side gets burned. I don’t see how it could do otherwise because if you look down into the slots at the heating elements, you can see that they are more numerous and closely spaced on the outside walls than on the inner. I don’t understand how an old appliance company could do such bad engineering – I can only suppose that they don’t use their own products now that they are made in China.

Rating: 1 / 5

]]> Comment on Haier TST120SS Stainless-Steel Long-Slot 2-Slice Digital Toaster by SpartyMoose http://kitchengadgetsguidebyhj.com/toasters/haier-tst120ss-stainless-steel-long-slot-2-slice-digital-toaster#comment-196 SpartyMoose Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:26:23 +0000 http://kitchengadgetsguide.info/?p=52#comment-196 Why it is hard to find a decent toaster remains one of the deep mysteries of humankind. Good toasters made with cheap components that break. Expensive toasters that cannot perform their basic function, ya know, toast bread. It's a toast-lovers minefield with seemingly no hope of green fields (or at least, golden-toasted fields) beyond. Given the solid reviews here, I figured I would take on a chance on this improbably cheap model. Alas, no. It is not worth even its low price. <br /> <br />Pros: <br />- reasonably pleasant to look at <br />- small footprint <br />- diodes on front offer some sense of how much longer you'll be waiting <br /> <br />Cons: <br />- Too short! Even ordinary slices of bread do not fit the whole way down. WTF?! <br />- Doneness setting has to be reset every time you hit cancel. Want to toast something a bit more? Great. Toast some more, hit cancel and then have to reset for the next piece of toast. Need to reorient your toast because it was too tall? Great. Toast some more, hit cancel and then have to reset for the next piece of toast. Repeat ad infinitum. <br />- Without any sensors, the toaster doesn't seem to know that it just toasted something. If you live alone, it might do a decent job on the first piece of toast. Have a spouse? Her toast is likely to come out incinerated even with the same setting. Good morning, dear. <br />- Mine happened to arrive with a dent on the front, making it a bit less pleasant to look at. Although I don't assume that every one is shipped with a dent, it does offer some insight into the quality of the materials. <br /> <br />If you enjoy constantly rotating your toast, constantly fooling with a dial, and living in constant fear of blackened toast, you may be happy with this toaster. If you have somewhat higher standards for your morning routine, I urge you to look elsewhere. Indeed, I plead with you to look elsewhere. Rating: 1 / 5 Why it is hard to find a decent toaster remains one of the deep mysteries of humankind. Good toasters made with cheap components that break. Expensive toasters that cannot perform their basic function, ya know, toast bread. It’s a toast-lovers minefield with seemingly no hope of green fields (or at least, golden-toasted fields) beyond. Given the solid reviews here, I figured I would take on a chance on this improbably cheap model. Alas, no. It is not worth even its low price.

Pros:

- reasonably pleasant to look at

- small footprint

- diodes on front offer some sense of how much longer you’ll be waiting

Cons:

- Too short! Even ordinary slices of bread do not fit the whole way down. WTF?!

- Doneness setting has to be reset every time you hit cancel. Want to toast something a bit more? Great. Toast some more, hit cancel and then have to reset for the next piece of toast. Need to reorient your toast because it was too tall? Great. Toast some more, hit cancel and then have to reset for the next piece of toast. Repeat ad infinitum.

- Without any sensors, the toaster doesn’t seem to know that it just toasted something. If you live alone, it might do a decent job on the first piece of toast. Have a spouse? Her toast is likely to come out incinerated even with the same setting. Good morning, dear.

- Mine happened to arrive with a dent on the front, making it a bit less pleasant to look at. Although I don’t assume that every one is shipped with a dent, it does offer some insight into the quality of the materials.

If you enjoy constantly rotating your toast, constantly fooling with a dial, and living in constant fear of blackened toast, you may be happy with this toaster. If you have somewhat higher standards for your morning routine, I urge you to look elsewhere. Indeed, I plead with you to look elsewhere.
Rating: 1 / 5

]]> Comment on Crock-Pot 3735-WN 3.5-Quart Slow Cooker by D. Kreager http://kitchengadgetsguidebyhj.com/crockpots/crock-pot-3735-wn-3-5-quart-slow-cooker#comment-448 D. Kreager Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:06:02 +0000 http://kitchengadgetsguide.info/?p=104#comment-448 I've had this crock pot for a few years, and wouldn't trade it for anything. The removable crock is easy to clean (you'd think it had a non-stick surface!), and with two settings, it couldn't be simpler to use. The oval shape makes it better suited for cuts of meat than a round one would be. This size is just about right for a small chicken or a 2-3 lb roast. Try this for an easy dinner: brown a 2-3 lb pork roast. Throw it into the crock pot and pour a jar of salsa over the roast. Put the lid on, set the crock pot to Low, and leave it alone for 8 hours. Serve the tender pork with potatoes and green beans for the perfect comfort-food meal, or scoop it into tortillas or onto sandwich rolls for a quick and hearty lunch. Rating: 5 / 5 I’ve had this crock pot for a few years, and wouldn’t trade it for anything. The removable crock is easy to clean (you’d think it had a non-stick surface!), and with two settings, it couldn’t be simpler to use. The oval shape makes it better suited for cuts of meat than a round one would be. This size is just about right for a small chicken or a 2-3 lb roast. Try this for an easy dinner: brown a 2-3 lb pork roast. Throw it into the crock pot and pour a jar of salsa over the roast. Put the lid on, set the crock pot to Low, and leave it alone for 8 hours. Serve the tender pork with potatoes and green beans for the perfect comfort-food meal, or scoop it into tortillas or onto sandwich rolls for a quick and hearty lunch.
Rating: 5 / 5

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