Showing posts with label recommended. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recommended. Show all posts

Pfaltzgraff Winterberry Covered Butter Dish Review

Pfaltzgraff Winterberry Covered Butter DishIt is a butter vdish that is too small to properly hold a cube of butter.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pfaltzgraff Winterberry Covered Butter Dish

Product Description:
Pfaltzgraff Winterberry Covered Butter Dish

Buy NowGet 50% OFF

Want to buy Pfaltzgraff Winterberry Covered Butter Dish at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr

Handy Gourmet Set Of 3 Pop Up Food Covers Review

Handy Gourmet Set Of 3 Pop Up Food CoversThese food cover sets are very large, tall enough to cover a cake, and perfect for any outdoor function.I purchased 2 sets because I like them so much.They collapse for easy storage and pop open for easy use.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Handy Gourmet Set Of 3 Pop Up Food Covers

Product Description:
Set Of 3 Pop Up Food Covers

Buy Now

Want to buy Handy Gourmet Set Of 3 Pop Up Food Covers at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr

Hamilton Beach 76606 Pop-Top Electric Can Opener, Black and Chrome Review

Hamilton Beach 76606 Pop-Top Electric Can Opener, Black and ChromeI loved my Krups Open Master 404 until it stopped working recently.I found that The Krups, which had NO BLADE that touched the food so as to leave food on the blade as with most canopeners, is no longer made or avaialbe except on ebay.So, I started looking to see what is now available.I tried some other brands.These "other brands" had the typical "blade" that cut into the top of the can and the blade TOUCHED the food inside the can.Thus, food was left ON the blade.To me, after using the Krups for 7 years, this was/is VERY unsanitary---having part of the juice or syrup of the food left to dry out and collect germs on the blade.The only way to avoid having food left on the "cutting blade" of most canopeners is to wash the blade EVERY time you open a can.This isn't difficult, but it takes a minute or two which seems like a lot of effort when you're trying to fix a meal for yourself or your family.Enter the Hamilton Beach 76606.THIS ONE DOES NOT GET ANY FOOD ON ANY BLADE.In fact, I didn't SEE any blade on it that touches the food!So, it's as good, or almost as good, as my old Krups. Praise the Lord!:o) boland7214@aol.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hamilton Beach 76606 Pop-Top Electric Can Opener, Black and Chrome

Product Description:
Providing exceptional convenience in any busy kitchen, the tall design of this electric can opener easily opens cans of any size, including large coffee or juice cans--even pop-tops.The unit's large ergonomic lever provides effortless operation, while its side-cutting system lifts the can top off in a way that leaves a smooth edge. An attractive addition to any kitchen countertop, the electric can opener measures approximately 5 by 4 by 9 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

Buy Now

Want to buy Hamilton Beach 76606 Pop-Top Electric Can Opener, Black and Chrome at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr

Hamilton Beach 53257 Wavestation Plus Dispensing Blender with 48-Ounce Jar, Black and Silver Review

Hamilton Beach 53257 Wavestation Plus Dispensing Blender with 48-Ounce Jar, Black and SilverThis is the best smoothie maker.The quality is great, we had one that was all plastic, and this is pyrex.Easy clean up. Powerful but best of all SMOOTH, no ice chunks, we had margaritia's the next 3 nights after getting it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hamilton Beach 53257 Wavestation Plus Dispensing Blender with 48-Ounce Jar, Black and Silver

Product Description:
Equipped with 750 watts of power, this countertop blender delivers velvety smoothies, perfect margaritas, and other frozen concoctions with ease. Its revolutionary WaveAction blending system continuously forces the mixture down into stainless-steel ice-crushing blades for thorough blending from top to bottom--every time. The appliance can be used with the convenient dispenser valve, or without, making it a flexible, multipurpose blender. In addition, its thoughtful design ensures effortless cleanup. A patent-pending splashguard pops off and goes right into the dishwasher, and the spout easily separates into two parts for simple cleaning. A convenient hideaway cap storage area ensures that the cap won't get lost in the junk drawer. The included 48-ounce dishwasher-safe glass jar provides a tight-fitting lid, a generous handle, and a drip-free spout for graceful pouring. Ideal for parties or everyday use, the blender measures approximately 9 by 12 by 15 inches and carries a three-year warranty.

Buy NowGet 28% OFF

Want to buy Hamilton Beach 53257 Wavestation Plus Dispensing Blender with 48-Ounce Jar, Black and Silver at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr

Cameron Smoker Cooker Bourbon, Oak, and Maple Wood Chip 3-Pack Review

Cameron Smoker Cooker Bourbon, Oak, and Maple Wood Chip 3-PackYes, it IS very thin slivers of wood, more like sawdust than chunks, but that's what it's supposed to be for a stovetop indoor smoker. Please ignore poster who gave negative review. It's clear he/she isn't familiar with such products. This product does precisely what it's supposed to do and does it well.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cameron Smoker Cooker Bourbon, Oak, and Maple Wood Chip 3-Pack

Product Description:
Instill your favorite rich and smoky taste, using Camerons Wood Smoking Chips. A trio of flavors let you discover different and delicious taste sensations, each with its own marvelous and distinctive aroma. Not usable in barbecue grills. 1 pint each of Bourbon Oak, Maple and Oak wood dust for use with Camerons stovetop smokers.

Buy Now

Want to buy Cameron Smoker Cooker Bourbon, Oak, and Maple Wood Chip 3-Pack at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr

NEW 20-QUART HEAVY-GAUGE STAINLESS STEEL (18/10) STOCK POT W/ GLASS LID COVER Review

NEW 20-QUART HEAVY-GAUGE STAINLESS STEEL STOCK POT W/ GLASS LID COVERI was a bit nervous ordering in this price range, and I'm sure there are better quality pots out there to be found, but this is a real steal.
Nice looking, even-heating, and looks good on the stove. I've found myself more willing to make larger dishes and store for later now that I can keep it to one pot, too.
I'm *quite* pleased with my purchase.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NEW 20-QUART HEAVY-GAUGE STAINLESS STEEL (18/10) STOCK POT W/ GLASS LID COVER

Product Description:

An excellent heavy-duty stock pot and an excellent value!

DIMENSIONS:

Length (handle2handle) - 17 1/2 inches

Diameter (top) - 11 3/4 inches

Diameter (base) - 11 inches

Depth - 9 1/4 inches

Height - 12 1/2 inches

Volume - 20 Quarts

*Attractive mirror polish & satin line *Suitable for all cooking surfaces such as electric, gas, ceramic and halogen burners

Buy NowGet 38% OFF

Want to buy NEW 20-QUART HEAVY-GAUGE STAINLESS STEEL (18/10) STOCK POT W/ GLASS LID COVER at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr

Chef'sChoice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Electric Knife Sharpener Review

Chef'sChoice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Electric Knife SharpenerMini review of Chef's Choice Trizor 15 XV knife sharpener.

It was an early Christmas present from my wife, purchased by her on Amazon, because I had been complaining that we ought to get presents for Thanksgiving. smile.gif

Through the years, whether cooking in my restaurant or just cooking at home, I have tried so many different sharpening systems. I never cared for earlier models of the Chef's Choice but also never did find another system that was easy and reliable for me to use.

This sharpener creates a 15° edge angle per side on all knives, whether they be Asian or
European/American made. It creates two upper bezels about the cutting edge. I think that they are at 17.5° and the top one at 20°. These add strength to the narrow angled cutting edge so it should stay sharp for a longer period of use.

Most of my knives have an edge of 15° or less already with a few at 20°-25° per side.

There are three sharpening stages with Stage 1 being the one to reshape your knives. The other two stages refine the edge.

It is important to read and follow the instruction manual and to develop a burr on the knife before moving on to the next stage. The manual will explain and illustrate the burr as I will not go into it here. But it's easy to detect.

If your knives are European or American made, you will spend the longest time in Stage 1 until you feel the burr. The manual indicates that it may take as many as 20 sets or more of pulls to develop the burr. This was the case with my Sabatier's and a few others.

If you have mostly Asian knives that were at 15° to start with, it should only take up to 5 pairs of pulls to develop the burr.

Once is Stage 2, the burr develops much quicker and I found that I never needed more than 5 pairs of pulls.

The only knives that failed to develop the burr after 30-40 pairs of pulls through stage 1 were several that were custom made by an American knife maker. Now these knives are absolutely beautiful to look at, perfectly balanced, a pleasure to hold and can get fairly sharp. They did get much sharper with the CC 15 even though I could not get the burr.

The problem with these knives, and it was a problem before I ever got this sharpener, is that the metal is so thick, that, from day 1 of use many years ago, they could not slice completely through, say, an apple, without splitting it like a maul. The cut starts out easily but then it cracks through the fruit or vegetable like a wedge. So I never really used them because all of my other knives are so much thinner that they can easily slice completely though anything.

But suffice it to say, after using the Model 15XV, all of the 30+ knives that I use regularly are razor sharp, and are sharper than they were when first purchased.

But if most of your knives are a more standard 20° edge per side, you may want to get the Chef's Choice model 120. It is identical except for the sharpening angles, which are 20° for the cutting edge, 22.5° for the second bezel and 25° for the upper bezel. It would be less time to sharpen them and less work for you to do.

But I believe that the 15° edge is sharper but it practical terms, how sharp do you need your knife to be?

And the XV restored my hand made $150 Japanese knife that was dulled with several nicks taken from the cutting edge by the Smith electric sharpener that I returned for a refund. The Smith engineers claim that it was user error that caused several of the diamonds on the wheel to break off, which is why my knife was damaged. They claimed that I must have held the knife at an angle while pulling through the wheels instead of holding it straight. I absolutely deny that I did this, especially as it was the 21st knife I pulled through their sharpener, 8 times each. Every pull I made was straight across.

The nicks are gone and the knife is scary razor sharp again as it had once been.

And for comparison purposes, I was pleased with the Smith's sharpening of my knives before the "incident" but the Chef's Choice has made them MUCH sharper. The Smith, by the way, created a 22.5° per side edge.

I also have the Spyderco system which requires much more skill to get similar results and takes much, much longer to use, and also used the Edgemaker Pro system which crates an 11.25° angle per side. It worked best with my serrated knives but none of the knives got as sharp with their system.

So how did I test the sharpness? Of course, I cut soft tomatoes with ease which is the standard test. And they all sliced effortlessly through a sheet of paper.

But I folded a 12 page tabloid newspaper in half and was able to easily slice through it with each one of the knives that I sharpened with the Chef's Choice 15XV.

I give this sharpener my ultimate endorsement. I assume that the Model 120 will give the same results as it is exactly the same other than the sharpening angle, as I have mentioned.

I only wish that I had more knives to sharpen with it. smile.gif

Click Here to see more reviews about: Chef'sChoice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Electric Knife Sharpener

Product Description:
Convert traditional 20-degree factory edges of European and American household knives into high-performance Trizor 15-degree edges with this professional electric knife sharpener. It quickly sharpens all brands and types of knives, including straightedge and serrated and contemporary double-bevel or single-bevel traditional Asian-style knives. The three-stage unit combines ultra-sharp 15-degree edge technology with the strength and durability of the triple-bevel arch-shaped Trizor edge, which resists dulling longer than conventionally sharpened hollow-ground or V-shaped edges. Simply pull the blade through the slots to obtain the desired level of sharpness--the machine accommodates the thickest and thinnest knife blades and adjusts for the proper angle automatically thanks to its flexible spring guides.
The first stage features conical disks with diamond abrasives that create extremely fine micro-grooves and the first major bevel of the arch-shaped edge. The second stage uses even finer diamond abrasives on conical disks to shape the second, smaller bevel with finer microgrooves. The third stage uses patented, flexible, abrasive stropping disks that create a microscopically smooth, sharp edge with minimal metal removal, helping to extend the life of fine knives. Even more, it produces the third and final bevel while polishing the micro-grooves formed in the first two stages. Stage three can also be used to straighten and sharpen each tooth of serrated knives. Use the three stages in different combinations to create a custom edge. Other highlights include a simple front-access on/off switch, four stabilizing feet for secure operation, and durable construction for long-lasting performance. Assembled in the USA, the knife-sharpening station measures approximately 6-1/5 by 12 by 6-2/5 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

Buy Now

Want to buy Chef'sChoice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Electric Knife Sharpener at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr

Victorinox Cutlery 8-Inch Wavy Edge Bread Knife, Black Fibrox Handle Review

Victorinox Cutlery 8 inch Wavy Edge Bread Knife, Black Fibrox HandleI bought this strictly because I was so pleased with the Forschner 8-inch chef's knife I bought a few months ago and was not disappointed.Chopped rock hard bulk chocolate like it was butter, made short work of crusty-outside soft-inside baguettes, and effortlessly sliced tomato wafer thin.
These Forschner knives are the best quality for value PRODUCTS, not just knives, I've ever encountered.Buy some!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Victorinox Cutlery 8 Inch Wavy Edge Bread Knife, Black Fibrox Handle

Product Description:
From the inventors of the famous Swiss Army knife comes a line of fine cutlery designed for accomplished and aspiring chefs at work or in the home. Each blade in the Stamped collection is expertly made in Switzerland from high-carbon stainless steel and undergoes a special tempering process for an edge that can be resharpened again and again. The result is a knife that can keep its original sharpness throughout the entire life of the blade. Each blade is conical ground throughout its length and depth, which results in a wider break point with less risk of the blade breaking and less resistance for easier cutting, and then laser tested to ensure optimum cutting power and durability. Ergonomically designed to minimize wrist tension, the unique, patented Fibrox handles are slip resistant when wet. Plus, all Stamped cutlery with Fibrox handles is approved by the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF). Although cutlery steel is naturally sanitary, materials and construction details of these handles minimize crevices that may otherwise offer hospitality to bacteria. The Victorinox Stamped collection is an extensive range with open-stock pieces as well as handy and versatile sets.
Cimeter knives are used primarily for butchering large pieces of meat, and they also work well for slicing meats, roasts, turkeys and more. This tool makes a great gift for the aspiring butcher, all-around meat lover, or the home chef who already has everything else. All Stamped cutlery should be washed by hand for best care, and Victorinox covers each piece with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.
From the Manufacturer
Who is Victorinox?
Although Victorinox is known the world over as the creator of the Original Swiss Army Knife, the company started out in 1884 as a cutlery workshop. By the time company creator Karl Elsener delivered his first pocket knife to the Swiss Army, his cutlery business was already booming. Over the next century, Victorinox cutlery became a top-rated choice among professionals worldwide, with over 300 blades to offer.
Victorinox knives have regularly appeared as highly ranked and recommended kitchen tools in Cook's Illustrated, Men's Health, The Cincinnati Enquirer, New York Magazine, and Natural Health, just to name a few. In 2009, the company announced a partnership with professional chef, Daniel Humm, of Eleven Madison Park in New York City. In addition, building on the success of its cutlery business, Victorinox has brought all the same quality and expertise to a wider range of products and accessories, including other kitchen tools, pocket tools, watches, luggage, and clothing.
Who is R.H. Forschner?
Victorinox had been a staple in European commercial cutlery for over 50 years when approached by New York's R.H. Forschner, known since 1855 as a builder of scales for butchers, to be their sole cutlery supplier. The two companies joined forces in 1937, and R.H. Forschner subsequently became North America's dominant professional brand, as ubiquitous in the bustling meatpacking plants of the Midwest as it is in the gleaming, four-star restaurant kitchens of Midtown Manhattan.
As a division of Victorinox/Swiss Army Brands, R.H. Forschner marketed cutlery under the brand name "RH Forschner by Victorinox" and distributed to the commercial, food service, and retail trade classes. That brand has been considered a top choice of professionals worldwide with over 300 styles of blades bearing the R.H. Forschner name. However, in 2009, in conjunction with Victorinox's 125th anniversary, the company, Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc., has decided to remove the "RH Forschner" name from all blades. Blades thenceforth only include the "Victorinox" name.
What is a stamped blade?
A stamped knife can usually be identified by the absence of a bolster. Stamped blades are cut into their shapes from cold-rolled pieces of steel and then ground, tempered, and sharpened. Creating them requires many less steps than forging and results in lighter, narrower blades. Some professionals prefer the thicker, heavier forged blades, but many pros, who spend much of their day cutting and slicing, enjoy a lighter knife since it's less fatiguing and easier to manipulate at speed.
Stamped knives are easier to produce and therefore less expensive. They perform very well and can approach the quality of a forged blade, but not the weight or feel. Victorinox manufactures a complete range of stamped blades with unique, patented Fibrox handles and they are considered among the greatest values in the knife industry.
What knives do I need to own?
Knife choice or selection is determined by many factors--size, function, style, and preference. The most important factor is function. Different knives have different uses. It is important to use the proper knife for a specific task, since proper knife selection and the use of a proper-sized, sharp knife make for safe cutting. General kitchen tasks and the knife to use for them are as follows:
Paring: The most common to own and use, a paring knife is generally for small cutting jobs and peeling of vegetables or fruit. The blade size is usually from three to four inches. Choose the shape and size to fit your hand. Since this is one of the more versatile knives, owning more than one is recommended.
Chef's: The most important tool and essential to every cook, a chef‘s knife is most often used in a rocking method to mince, dice, and chop vegetables and herbs. This one is known as the chef's best friend.
Slicer: Most commonly used to slice meats, poultry, and seafood, the slicer is an important companion to any host or hostess.
Boning: As its name suggests, a boning knife is used to trim or remove meat and fish from the bone.
Bread: Designed with a special edge, a bread knife makes easy work of cutting through crusty bread, pastries, or any item with a crust and a soft interior.
Fillet: Most often used by pros and seasoned home chefs, the fillet knife is used to fillet meat and fish.
Cleaver: An important addition to any collection, a cleaver is often used to cut or chop through bones.
Santoku: This knife combines the features of a cleaver with a chef's knife. The curved blade helps the rocking motion used for chopping, and the wide blade works well for scooping sliced food off a cutting board and for crushing garlic. The santoku can also be used to slice meat and has a narrow spine for making thin cuts.
Utility: An all-purpose knife often referred to as a sandwich knife, the utility knife peels and slices fruits and vegetables, and even carves small meats.
Shaping: With its curved blade, a shaping knife is great for small precision cuts where control is essential, such as peeling, trimming, or garnishing.
What are the different knife edges and what do they do?
Straight: The vast majority of Victorinox knives come with a straight or fine edge. This means it has a perfect taper along the blade and no serrations. It is designed to cut without tearing or shredding.
Serrated: An edge designed with small, jagged teeth along the edge.
Scalloped: A blade with waves along the edge generally used to cut breads with a hard crust and soft interior, as well as tougher-skinned fruits and vegetables.
Granton: This edge has hollowed-out grooves or dimples on the sides of the blade. These grooves fill with the fat and juices of the product being cut, allowing for thin, even cuts without tearing. Even with the grooves, these are still straight-edge knives and can be honed with a sharpening steel.
How should I care for my cutlery?
After use, knives should not be allowed to soak in water. The best practice is to hand wash and dry them immediately. This is especially true if they have been used on fruit or salty foods, which may cause some staining, even on stainless steel. Most knives require very little maintenance and it is worth the effort to protect your investment.
Though Victorinox knives are dishwasher safe, this is strongly discouraged. The dishwasher's agitation may cause damage. Additionally, harsh detergents can be harmful and cause pitting and spotting on the blades. The handles may also discolor and develop a white film with constant use of the dishwasher. Plus, intense heat associated with dishwashers is not good for the temper of the blade.
How do I keep my knives sharp?
All quality knives require proper maintenance to keep them in perfect cutting shape. The best of edges will quickly dull if it strikes metal, glass, or Formica. A wooden cutting board makes the best cutting surface. And, if a slip occurs, a proper cutting board is safer for the user. Frequent use of a Victorinox sharpening steel will keep blades in tip top working condition. All straight-edge knives need steeling to keep their edges.

How to "Steel" a Knife
1. Hold the steel firmly in your left hand with the guard positioned to stop the blade should it slip.
2. Hold the knife in your right hand and place on top part of steel as shown.
3. Raise back of blade one-eighth inch.
4. Now, moving the blade only, draw it across the steel in an arching curve, pivoted at your wrist. The blade tip should leave the steel about two-thirds of the way down.
5. Repeat the same action with the Blade on the bottom side of the steel. Always maintain the same pressure and angle on both sides of the steel.
6. Repeat five or six times.
When a sharpening steel no longer does the job, it's time to take the knife to a qualified knife sharpener who will place a new edge on it. This, along with use of the sharpening steel, will give you many years of sharp, safe blades.
Please note that electric knife sharpeners can be harmful. They have to be used carefully as they remove too much metal, can harm the temper of the blade, and most important can change the factory-applied edge angle.
How should I store my knives?
Safety is the biggest concern of storage, both to the user and to protect the knife's edge. Choices include a knife magnet, knife block, drawer insets, and also individual knife protectors.

Buy NowGet 9% OFF

Want to buy Victorinox Cutlery 8 Inch Wavy Edge Bread Knife, Black Fibrox Handle at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:



buy it at amazon.combuy it at amazon.co.ukbuy it at amazon.cabuy it at amazon.debuy it at amazon.fr