Monday, September 30, 2013

HomArt Large Decorative Curious Cat Matches

HomArt Large Decorative Curious Cat MatchesI suppose I don't know why I expected more matches. Perhaps it is simply that seven dollars seems excessive for fifty matches, even if the package is nicely printed (the box itself is sorta cheap -the tray is utterly insubstantial). But 50 is what you get. That's 14¢ per match. You're better off getting a box of Diamond strike-anywhere kitchen matches. You get 250 of those for much less money.

This is a sweet looking match box, but I would say it is a bit over priced. Consider what you are getting: a box of matches.

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Very nice matches, will make for a great gift. Also work perfectly and the length is great for those hard to reach candles.

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Very cute, and light well. About one in five would break when I struck it, but other than that, a cute product. I would buy again.

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Weber 7443 18-1/2-Inch One-Touch Cleaning System Kit for Grills

Weber 7443 18-1/2-Inch One-Touch Cleaning System Kit for GrillsIf, like me, you hate throwing anything away that might be useful if only certain worn out parts were replaced, then you will appreciate being able to repair the ash sweeper system on your Weber 18 ½ inch kettle grill. Most of the parts on these grills tend to last a long time but the set of blades and an attached rod in the bottom are prone to deteriorate due to exposure to high heat and the elements. Without intact blades, you are left with large openings in the bottom of the kettle that will possibly allow too much air to enter while cooking and allow hot or old charcoal to fall out unchecked. The included instructions look easy to follow but remember that aging-related wear may make the old parts very difficult to remove. On my grill, the old ash sweeper remnants had fused into one piece and the attached thumb screw simply snapped off as I tried to remove it. After a good deal of bending and some twisting using slip-joint pliers, I was finally able to pry the remnants from my kettle without significantly damaging the hole. I may have been lucky that the old blades, attached washers and the large nut holding the sweeper rod were so corroded that they broke apart fairly easily. Your results may vary and would probably be much easier if your grill came with the newer "H-drive system" found in this repair kit. Note that, contrary to the description, there is no need for additional washers or a thumb screw in this kit so they are not included.

Pros: Parts appear reasonably durable and no tools are needed for assembly while following the pictorial instructions.

Cons: Carefully weigh whether you can remove the old parts without damaging the kettle before you buy this kit and find you can't use it. If the rest of your grill is in poor shape, it would be more practical to buy a new one before spending this much. Tools may be necessary to remove old parts.

Instructions are simple but pay attention to the slots on the blade ends for proper alignment. May take 2 people to hold blades in kettle while applying sufficient pressure to secure and insert the handle outside the kettle. Your biggest problem may be in removing the old rusted blades and cleaning up the kettle for the new ones.

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I'm thinking I will get 8 more years out of m grill now. Old one wore out it was this or a new grill. Love my 18 1/2 inch Weber.

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This little product saved me a significant amount of money versus buying a new grill because of one broke part. Getting the old part off was a huge pain, involving a drimel tool and some pliars. The new one installs differently from the old one, but the design makes since and should make it's replacement much easier than the original part. Overall, a great product.

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I have given up because it sounds like getting the old one off is too hard. It probably involves cutting the old attachment. So this sits in my workshop and I use the grill with just 2 flaps.

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Chipwood Picnic Rectangle Basket

Chipwood Picnic Rectangle BasketI have a terminal illness and I use this "tote" items from the kitchen to the livingroom (where I spend a great deal of time). It itsn't super sturdy so don't use it for heavy items or bang it around but to tote a few small items it has been great. I love it and it was just what i was looking for.

I was looking for a small picnic style basket to put a china tea set in for my granddaughter, and after looking at a number of them, I chose this one. It turned out to be the perfect size, and the basketry was well done. However, the hardware was very cheap, and one of the hinges didn't even have a pin in it. Not to be foiled (her birthday was within a couple of days and I didn't have time to look for anything else) I scrounged around and found a jewelry head pin to replace the hinge pin. We then gorilla glued all the screws holding the hardware, and wound up with a pretty sturdy little basket. In an ideal world, it would have been sent in perfect condition, but it was salvagable, and my granddaughter was delighted.

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This basket was cheap and it is cheaply made. It will be fine for my Halloween costume. It would also work well for decorating a shelf or as a one time use gift basket or centerpiece. It is not fit for actual continued use. The frame is bent so I have to squish it into position and hold it there to allow the top to open. The reed is dry and delicate and will crack and break if flexed by continued use. It will probably be in tatters by the end of Halloween night, but that's okay. It will have served it's purpose.

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fits all the required equipment for a picnic. can hold plates silverware. napkins side maybe sandwiches or chips possibly soda

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The product looks exactly like the picture,but it was way smaller than i expected. Won't be able to go on a picnic with this AT ALL!!! it is more or less a home decor item and not worth $13! high dissappointed.

HELMREICH'S World Famous Bar & Grill Stretched Canvas Print

HELMREICH'S World Famous Bar & Grill Stretched Canvas PrintLived up to our expectations. The font was a perfect choice by the designer. The workmanship and printing were of good quality. It's hanging in our wet bar.

Greendale Home Fashions Indoor/Outdoor Accent Pillows, Set of 2

Greendale Home Fashions Indoor/Outdoor Accent Pillows, Indigo, Set of 2I had read the previous reviews and though, to myself: Mustard sounds like an okay color. A n ice bright mustard could work well. I was wrong. These pillows are not mustard yellow. They are actually a BROWNISH ORANGEY COLOR. Maybe a burnt orange-yellow??? Absolutely NOTHING like the picture. Really ugly. I already called Amazon and got my return label. OhAnd some of the stuffing was coming through on of the seams, so cheaply made, too. I'll be adding a pic shortly. Check the Other Images for this item.

UPDATE 10/11/12It looks as if Amazon has finally changed the image for this item. The new pic is much closer to the real color, but the actual item is darker, as you can see in the pic I posted.

I just received this pillow. It is good quality and a beautiful pillow. I am very pleased with it. I only give 4 stars because it is more of a mustard than a bright yellow as pictured... but i knew that thanks to another review and was not caught off guard when it arrived. The mustard actually was more what I needed anyway. Just wanted to confirm for others that the color is slightly darker than what is pictured

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Dull not lime green as the picture shows. So if you are wanting this color don't get them. They are in fact grass green.Greendale Home Fashions Outdoor Accent Pillows, Grass, Set of 2

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I ordered 4 outdoor pillows, plus I purchased some outdoor material from a local fabric store so I'm familiar with the feel of outdoor fabric. The pillows are a nice color, but the material does not feel like outdoor fabric to me. Most outdoor fabric is a little stiff feeling. These pillows are very soft. While they look nice, I'm concerned that they are not really water resistant as they should be. My alternative is to spray them with some outdoor fabric waterproofing spray and hope that keeps them from getting soggy in a rainstorm.

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I am "half" disappointed with this purchase. I have been looking literally for months for just the right pillows for my new outdoor furniture with the right print and at the right price point. I bought the print that looks like it's almost a Greek scroll style in blue. I received them quickly, which is good. The print and color are exactly what is pictured, which is good. It's the size and construction that is disappointing. The spec say they are 17" by 17", but they are definitely not. They are 12" by 12". A big difference, so now I have to buy more, larger, pillows to fill in the gaps. AS another reviewer noted, they are only finished 3/4 of the way around, and on the 4th side it is an outside/inverted seam. I was shocked. I remember finishing pillows in this way in my Middle School home ec class. Now that I look at the picture though, I CAN see that inverted 4th seam. Look closely. I should have read the other reviews before purchasing, but it is too much hassle to return, and I really do like the pattern/color....so I'm settling.

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Sunday, September 29, 2013

MLB Boston Red Sox 8 Piece BBQ Set

MLB Boston Red Sox 8 Piece BBQ SetThe set is really nice, sturdy metal utencils. My only issue is that the four skewers that come with it aren't really ang use as they have plastic on the top and bottom of the handles. We got really excited to make shiskabobs and within minutes the plastic was melted and useless. I dont know WHY they would have plastic for a grill skewer! We had to throw them out! So, all the other pieces are nice but it is really a 4 piece grill set for the same money. Oh, and being that this is the first time we've owned a grill, I reccommend getting a silicone basting brush instead of the one that comes with it... a pain to clean oil out of, and some of the bristles melted... so let me rephrase that.. its more like a 3 1/2 piece set.

quality product the only thing i would change is the plastic on the end of the skewers must be very careful

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This is a fantastic set for a Red Sox lover! The case is great, the utensils are gorgeous and strong...can't go wrong!

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Charcoal Companion Explorer Stainless-Steel Grilling Tongs with Folding Rosewood Handles

Charcoal Companion Explorer Stainless-Steel Grilling Tongs with Folding Rosewood HandlesReason for Purchase:

The reason I wanted to buy these tongs was to be able to take them with me when I go backpacking on overnight trips because of how the design allows you to fold up the tongs into a compact fashion. I really liked the wooden design on the handle and the sturdy metal material they were reinforced with.

Pros:

Great overall design

Durable and sturdy

Compact yet not too "heavy" --> for backpacking

Cons:

When I opened up the package today in the mail, I immediately noticed scratch marks on the wooded handle and on the metal part of the tongs as well. The thing that really upset me was that the tongs didn't even work!! The release pins that lock the folding parts of the tongs were both broken and not only could I not open them easily without jimmying them but when I did, the tongs didn't stay open and were loose and when I tried to close them, they got stuck again and I had to use a flat head screw driver to release the release pins by prying them open. I'm not a picky consumer and don't like giving anyone a hard time when buying things and wouldn't have wrote this review for no reason but when I buy something, I expect them to work; not to mention that I bought them brand new! At the same time, even if I had bought used or blemished tongs or any item for that matter, I expect them to work correctly, the scratches were the least of my concern and would've let that slide if that were the only thing wrong with them (even though I bought them new).

In closing, I went to Bass Pro Shops here in Mesa, Arizona and looked at these same tongs in the store, they were a million times better in quality. Needless to say, I made up a story and was actually able to exchange them for store credit and ended up saving money since they were $15 more at BPS. It all worked out for me but a little word to the wise DO NOT buy these tongs from this company and find another one that is more reliable. I understand sometimes people have bad experiences with companies but I think this "exception" is inexcusable. In addition, there was no phone number to call on my order form they sent me with the tongs in the package so I didn't bother even trying to but in any effort to call them because if they're going to send someone a product like the one I received, I don't see why they'd be of any more help anyways; which is why I just went to BPS instead to try my luck there, fortunately it worked out for me.

I wrote this review for you, the consumer, to help and I wouldn't have taken the time to do this otherwise but I don't want anyone else to have to go through the same issues as I did. If you have comments or questions about other places to buy this product cheaply and reliably, just message me on the review and I'd be more than happy to help you out.

Thanks and I hope this helps,

Greg Boston, Massachusetts

These were a gift to my husband for Father's Day. I was looking for a fun set of grilling tools and scored with these tongs! (I also purchased the spatula and fork) I originally purchased them for the "fun factor" of being able to fold them up like a pocket knife and put them in a drawer; when I received them I found I got more than I bargained for. The rosewood handles are very nice and the stainless steel is very sturdy, they are very well made and easy to open and close.

However, if you have small or weak hands these will not work very well; you need a large, strong grip in order to wield these.

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Looked better than it even showed on the pictures. It works very well. good drip. I would recommend this product.

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I bought his along with the folding spatula and fork that are sold by the same company because I wanted something compact to keep with my gear. We do a lot of camping out of the trunk of our cars and don't have a lot of space for storage at home so I thought they would do the trick for us. They only take up 1/2 the amount of space that the old ones did.

They are a very well made item made with good quality wood and metal. I like that the fold in half and lock in place relatively easily. This also holds true for closing them as well. The curve in the handle makes them feel just right in your hand. About the only complaint that I have is that they feel a little springy. What I mean is that it doesn't feel like it really has enough torque so that you could pick up a really heavy piece of meat. They have done the job nicely with sausage and steaks which is about all I would use them for but I am definitely conscious not to drop the steak when I take it from the fire to the serving board.

I would definitely buy these again.

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Purchased this as a gift for an avid Griller and Smoker ... he was very happy with the tongs -they worked very well for him and could fold down for easier storage when not in use.

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Pizzacraft PC0101 16.5' Round Cordierite Baking/Pizza Stone

Pizzacraft PC0101 16.5' Round Cordierite Baking/Pizza StoneThis is the third pizza/bread stone I have owned. Unless I drop it on the patio it may well be my last. My first two were smaller and thinner and both eventually cracked in half. This one feels built to last.

This stone is thick and sturdy with a refined unglazed ceramic surface. I purchased it primarily to bake homemade pizza and crusty breads using my gas grill. It works great. I can get a smokey wood oven fired pizza flavor by tossing a single chunk of foil wrapped hardwood off to the side before I plant the pizza on this stone with a peel. You will need a pizza peel if you are going to bake on a grill!! When you are building your pizza make sure there is enough cornmeal or flour to keep the dough from sticking to the peel. Give it a shake once in a while to make sure it stays loose. Wait until your stone is fully heated before you build the pizza.

Start heating your stone by placing it in a cold grill or cold oven and then slowly heating to about 350. If you are using an indoor oven place the stone on the lowest rack possible. Let the stone come to temp for about an hour. Build your pizza on a well dusted peel and then crank up the oven to 500 to 550. Turn your grill burners on high. Plant the pizza on the stone by gently shaking it off the peel onto the stone. Watch closely and don't let it burn. If you do it right you will eat pizzeria quality pizza. I LOVE this stone!

Product is very solid-but makes it heavy and thick. It was purchased because previous pizza stones ultimately break, and this was rated more durable. But be prepared for a strong chemical smell, that takes a few weeks to dissipate.

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The first stone I recieved via Fedex was broken but Amazon sent me a replacement out via next day air,I have used it a couple of times and it works great!! This stone can also be used on your grill as well as the oven.

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This pizza stone is sturdy and warms uniformly. However, the surface is very porous and scratches easily. Also, I can already tell only after a few uses that it will take a while to become "seasoned." Make sure to use a LOT of corn meal when you first start out using this pizza stone! If not, everything you make on it will stick.

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This is a very pretty round pizza baking stone. I bought it actually to fit in an Ethiopian table, to hold Ethiopian food and to keep it warm. Perfect. It is pretty, holds the heat and the food stays warm. I have not tried baking pizza with it, but am sure that it will hold the heat and bake evenly. It is heavy FYI, but that is good as well as it gives you confidence that it isn't just a cheap baking dish. There is no lip, and I actually would have preferred something with a little lip to keep any juices from running off, and this could be a problem with pizza as well. That is why I didn't give it 5 stars.

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Fire Sense Hotspot Notebook Portable Grill

Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal GrillThe Good:

I bought this grill for this summers motorcycle camping adventures. I can't think of a better use for this grill. Narrower main body section gives many options for tying down, and on my bike (a shadow 750) the bottom "foot hole" was able to go over and around my sissy bar and sit on my rack. Pretty sweet. 2 up camping now comes with a BBQ!

The Bad (at least for motorcycle camping):

It is a bit flimsy (but quite stable when open for grilling). With care, I am expecting to get about 50 or so BBQs out of it. After it falls apart I am planning to go to a metal shop in town and have it re-fabricated in some heaver gauge steel. I would be willing to have a little heaver (and smaller) grill for motorcycle camping if it was durable. The grilling surface is large. Expect to need about 3 pounds of charcoal to get it going well, 6 pounds (an entire small bag) of charcoal for a full grill to feed 4+ people. This makes it a requirement to setup camp, and then ride out to get groceries and charcoal. Messy.

I've BBQ'd for years and have to say the "action" on this grill is quite good. If you really have a need for an extremely portable grill, I would definitely recommend it. If you are just looking for a smaller grill for car camping or porch cookouts I would recommend the more traditional Coleman and Weber portable grills with a lid and better durability.

I had been wanting a foldable grill and didn't even know they existed until I came across this one on Amazon. It not only saves TONS of space on my small patio but it delivers in quality of food too! I've had a few bbq's with this grill so far and the quality of food has been phenominal. I find the easiest thing to do is to buy one of those small charcoal bags that all you do is light it no need to open the bag. It fits perfectly in this grill. The cleanup is very easy and not messy at all. And I absolutely love that it folds up to be about 1/2" wide. It takes up no room at all on my patio. I gave up my Weber big grill for this one great decision!!! I highly recommend this grill as it is great for serving about 6 good sized burgers and about 4 hot dogs on the grill at the same time. When I had it delivered at my job a couple of co-workers had me open it and display it for them. Then after that weekend of testing it out, I reported the good news to them and they bought it too. If you're looking for a small portable, durable, inexpensive, & reliable grill -get this one!!!

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It's an OK grill. Can't be moved with ease once lit. It's good for trips to the park with the way it folds up when not in use. I DON'T like the holes in the bottom because the coal dust falls out and this item cannot be put on say something (grass) that can go on fire. With the hole in the bottom there should be some sort of tray to catch the burned out coals that fall. I'm somewhat disapointed.

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I bought this grill because I have a small RV camper with limited space. The grill worked great except the grill is on very top with no sides so hot dogs can easily roll off. Also after one use, the paint peeled off and looks terrible. Seems like they could have used heat resistant paint like other grills. Once nice thing is after you finish cooking, you can throw in a couple of small pieces of wood and have a small camp fire. It is made of very thin material so it cools off fast once you dump out the coals so you can pack it up for travel. It would be nice to have a carrying case as it is nearly impossible to put back in the box. Other than that is exactly what I have been looking for for years.

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PROS:

Very light

Decent Price

Doubles as a Fire Pit

Easy to Clean

Takes up very little storage space, either at home or during your travels.

Uses charcoal or wood as a fuel

CONS:

Grill portion, not made of stainless steel chrome plated steel.

Product arrived with some damage to the sheet metal since I do plan to USE this and know it will get damage, I opted not to return.

I used a hammer and "adjusted" the metal.

Overall:

The perfect companion if you plan an overnight car-camping trip or overland camping trip in your truck.

You can use either charcoal or wood as a fuel.

The fuel grill is perfect that when the fuel is burnt, the ashes fall through to the bottom of the grill and with a poker (wood stick), you can remove it.

Also from that same access hole (on both ends), it allows air to enter and help on maintaining the burn of the fuel.

A well thought out portable grill.

Check out the hyperlink for what I mean as a Expedition Overland Camping Trips.

Lodge A1-12 Camp Dutch Oven Tote Bag, 12-inch

Lodge A1-12 Camp Dutch Oven Tote Bag, 12-inchSimple to use.

1) Place lid in bottom of bag first.

2) Place D.O. on top of lid.

This keeps legs from stressing the bottom and allows the oven to breath.

This tote bag is made to carry and protect your beloved dutch oven.Why a tote bag you may ask? It not only protects your valuable $50 or antique dutch oven, but it keeps your other items clean if your oven has soot on the outside. These come in different sizes just like the ovens themselves. This particular one will fit a dutch oven up to 8 quarts or 12" in diameter which is the standard size used by scouts and other groups. It has a padded bottom to protect the legs, a heavy duty zipper closure, and carrying straps.

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I'm able to carry the D.O. along with the trivet, lid stand, lid lifter, tongs and other items nested inside.

For added safety and convenience I placed a matching size tin plate on the bottom of the bag. It not only protects the bag but it's nice to have a dedicated plate/surface to rest things on.

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I have got to say I'm pretty impressed with this bag. I have a 10" Lodge camp oven and was worried about the legs punching holes, but the bottom has padding in between the inner and outer layers so it's really not a problem. I am not only able to put in my oven, but also some of the objects that are necessary to go with it. The handles are of tough webbing. I'm quite satisfied, especially at the price.

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I like the product very much, but have added a 3/8" plywood bottom cut to 12" diameter to prevent the legs from wearing through the foam.

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Saturday, September 28, 2013

Sportula Products 7010472 Purdue Boilermakers Sportula

Sportula Products 7010472 Purdue Boilermakers  SportulaThis product is really a nice product. Well constructed and not one of those flimsy products. Perfect gift for those Purdue fans in your life. They will love it and I have not seen a similar item anywhere else.

Product was well made, BoilerUp and P for perdue were accurate. My lill "boiler" was quite pleased. Fast and efficient service.

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Morningware HO12003-WOR Halo Oven - White

Morningware HO1200M-WOR Infrared Halogen OvenLove this oven. I don't know how much electricity has been saved since we hardly ever use our large oven any more. I would bet it's quite a bit, not to mention all the heat we keep out of the house. " Which is a good thing when you live in Florida ". We generally use this oven a couple of times a day, so it definitely has had plenty of use in the last 2+ years and it's still working like the day we got it. Nearly every thing I cook is done in here. Unlike a microwave oven, meat and chicken brown beautifully, also works great on garlic toast. It also can be set for a delayed start if needed. This works out just fine for the 2 of us, since we don't make large meals, even though this will hold a 8 or 9 lb roast or turkey " Larger if you order it with the extender ring ". This does cook quite a bit faster than a conventional oven, but not as fast as they say it does. And yes it does cook from frozen, it will take longer of course. There cooking chart tells you how long to cook individual items that are frozen or not frozen. All and all this oven has worked out exceptionally well for us, we would be lost without it.

The digital timer can be set from minutes to hours, depending on your needs. The temperature can also be set from 190 deg. to 400 deg. When the timer turns off, the temperature will automatically reset to 190 deg and keeps your food at that safe temperature till you turn the oven off. A nice thing about this oven is the interior is lit up, so you can watch everything cooking. This oven is extremely easy to clean, there is a heavy glass liner on the bottom that comes out easily and is dishwasher safe. That goes for the stainless steel rack also. For most items we generally put aluminum foil on top of the rack, so cleanup is a snap we just throw the foil out. The clear plastic dome very rarely needs cleaning, since the food rarely splatters. But if it does, it's just a matter of wiping it out with a damp cloth.

NOTE *** SEE MY PHOTOS UNDER CUSTOMER IMAGES ON PRODUCT PAGE :: THANX.

About 3 1/2 years ago I bought the NuWave oven from a TV commercial. I cost about $130 with shipping the oven and a extra plastic gadget they give you, but have to pay shipping for. It stopped working in 13 months, one month after the guarantee was up. I liked the way it cooked, but decided to look for an alternative oven. I found this one for less money, without the extra gadget and free shipping. So far I am very well pleased with it, and would highly recommend it.

UPDATE;::: It's over 3 years now and still working great.

There are many convection ovens out there that do an OK job. This stands head and shoulders above the rest. I have tried many including American Harvest (too delicate for long term use); Deni Glass Bowl (uneven heat left meals overcooked it parts and under cooked in others); NuWave (please proect me from the broken covers); and then finally the Smarter Image. My last go with the Sharper Image put me on a search. I was convinced there just had to be a competent, long-term oven that was well supported. Here it is. The Sharper Image broke within weeks. They delayed and delayed in fulfilling the warranty, so I bought the Morningware. I have now been using it for months. It is a champ. The food is evenly cooked (although I lace string potatoes around the outside of the grill otherwise they would cook on the outer rim and not the middle). Yes, the replacement Smarter Image arrived. Too late. It is still unopened in its box. My wife and I use this oven several times a day. We are most impressed.

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The Power Head failed after approximately 10 minutes, which required telephone calls and emails to the manufacturer to have it replaced. After a 7 day wait, a new powerhead arrived. There were no shipping costs for this. But that wasn't automatic. Initially, they wanted me to pay shipping. So it never hurts to ask (or insist), as my mother used to say!

Since the replacement, I have used the oven several times and am quite satisfied with the results.

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I bought this amazingly powerful convection oven over four years ago, tried it out then, loved it, have been using it from time to time, and it is STILL going as strong as ever!!!

The extremely powerful Halogen glass-encased heating element lights up to an attractive orange glow, heats up really fast, and combined with the powerful fan, a powerful curculation of super-heated air is created!! To quickly sear and cook roasts, steaks, poultry and chops.

Baking cakes and breads is also a cinch! I use this unit to help as a supplement to the regular stove oven and even alone in the summer to help eliminate a torridly hot kitchen. It's a doll!! Healthier cooking is acheived by unhealthy grease draining away from the meat and into the glass drip tray. Can't say enough about this unit, except that it is great!!!

~Daquan13.

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this morningware ho1200m-wor infrared halogen oven is a really good oven. i bought 3 nuwave ovens for christmas gifts 2 years ago and my friends have them stored in there closets because they don't work. they don't cook the food because they never get hot enough. this morningware oven is more like the flavorwave oven which attained temperatures to 400 degrees and cooked frozen foods and defrosted foods very good and moist, and in very little time. i have been using the morningwave and flavorwave oven for over ten years and wouldn't be without one. it saves electricity and is simple to use.

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Meco Stand Up 4100 Square Utility Charcoal Grill, Red

Meco Stand Up 4100 Square Utility Charcoal Grill, RedThis is the one for anything except rotisserre.

It has a series of adjustable vents accros the front and the back, and a circular adjustable vent on top. This allows for very precise air-flow contol.

The grill adjusts to 3 levels, four if you're inventive. After a couple of uses it's virtually air-tight with all vents closed, so you can cool down an aggressive fire in a heartbeat.

I give it 4 stars reserving the 5th for it's Meco cousins which are of the same funtional design, but more pricey due to retractable wooden tables on one or both sides and a wooden shelf down below. But they are all superb as grilling machines.

Enjoy!

WE LOVE OUR MECO..WE ALWAYS HAVE..THIS IS OUR THIRD ONE IN TWENTY YEARS...WE LOVE BEING ABLE TO ANGLE THE GRILL FOR COOKING MEATS AT DIFFERENT TEMPS AT THE SAME TIME IT IS OUR OLD FAITHFUL FRIEND

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The meco grill is the best charcoal grill you can buy.The vents on front, back and top make cooking and reaching temperatures you want so much easier than other grills.There is ample room for cooking,without needing a giant space to store this grill.Also the quality of the grill from the metal used on the body to the legs and wheels beats the competition all around. Believe me i went to stores trying to replace this grill and what was out there was a cheap as a beer can for this price range. They would have not lasted over 1 to 2 years stored outside in missouri.So went online looking for my old standby meco.Had a meco grill the same model for 22 years before i purchased this new one.Was worried like everything else you buy now days, the quality would be so much cheaper than they use to make them,but was so pleasently surprised it is the same great grill as before.Can not reccomend enough.Have already grilled a couple of times on my new grill and loving it.

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I had the old Red Char Broil and the bottom rusted out so this was perfect. I didn't expect much after reading several reviews but this grill is awesome!!! I love that I can lower and raise the rack! Nothing I've ever seen before so a pleasant surprise!!!

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I purchased my first Meco Grill (22 years ago)from the base exchange in Germany while stationed there with the Air Force. I purchased my current one about 10 years ago but only used it once or twice a year prefering to use my gas grill, but things have changed. I used it about two months ago to cook chicken using my father-in-laws secret recipe and my 14 year old son asked what I did to the chicken because it was really good. Since then I have been on a charcoal BBQ cooking binge. I have done roasts, steaks, chicken, and vegetables on the grill. The grill really cuts out the flare ups I experience on a gas grill and holds the heat in very well. I have used smoke chips and the grill keeps the smoke in and really gives the food that wonderful smokey flavor. I don't think I will go back to gas unless I am in a hurry. My wife says it has only taken me 19 years of marriage for me to finally use the charcoal grill and the Meco is the best. I really like the adjustable grate and the bottom grate for the charcoal.

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Hamilton Beach Premiere Cookware Electric Griddle

Hamilton Beach Premiere Cookware Electric GriddleI bought this griddle to replace my Presto 07039 Professional 22-Inch Jumbo Electric Griddle when the Teflon coating wore out after years of use. There are some things on this Hamilton Beach griddle that are better than the Presto, and some that are worse. I just received it yesterday and tested it out with a batch of bacon. If I come across any problems or revelations in the future I will come back and change my review.

PROS:

Splash guard This is a great innovation and it was the selling point for me. My old Presto griddle would leave a big mess on the counter and wall behind it when I cooked anything greasy. Since I used it for burgers and bacon more than anything else, there was always a mess to clean on the counter after using it.

Warming tray I must confess that I haven't used it yet, but I pulled it out to see how hot it gets. It just stayed "warm," as it should. I am looking forward to making pancakes for guests with this griddle so I can test that drawer. With the old Presto unit, I would have to leave pancakes wrapped in a couple layers of aluminum foil to keep them warm.

Large cooking surface It seems to be about equivalent to the Presto.

Large grease trap It looks small, but for the amount of bacon I cooked in my test run the Presto unit's grease trap would have been full and this trap was only half full. I do think that it might turn into a problem if I am cooking a large amount of burgers or bacon on it, and in those cases I will just remove it and put a disposable pie tin under the griddle, just like I did with the old one.

Strong handles with lock washers This is better than the Presto unit by a long shot. They are sturdy cast aluminum handles with lock washers and I expect them to last a long time. The Presto unit had cheap "bakolite" style plastic handles and they constantly had to be re-tightened. The only down side to metal handles is that they heat up, so you have to use oven mitts to move the unit while it is hot.

Great non-stick surface It is very slick, and seems to be well applied to the unit. I don't foresee it peeling or cracking any time in the near future. The Presto unit had more of a textured Teflon coating, and things did stick to it. Nothing is going to stick to this griddle.

Very secure thermostat housing It really locks into place, whereas the Presto one just slid in and didn't really lock.

Fully submersible Just like the Presto unit, everything but the thermostat unit is fully submersible, which makes cleaning very easy.

High edges all the way around I thought the edges were pretty good on the Presto, but these are even higher. That helps when picking up food, and keeps stuff from spilling onto the counter.

CONS

Uneven heating I put bacon across the entire cooking surface, and I could literally see stripes on the bacon where the heating elements are. Eventually, the whole batch of bacon cooked evenly, so perhaps I should have preheated it longer. On the Presto unit, I preheated it for just a couple of minutes and it cooked evenly every time. This unit is definitely inferior in that regard. It also took a lot longer to cook a batch of bacon than the Presto unit did at the same temperature setting, so it could be that the Presto unit's temperature indication was high or this one is low. It is going to require some adjusting either in the temperature or preheat time.

Cooking surface not tilted This might make it easier to cook eggs, pancakes, or anything else that might run, but it also keeps grease from running into to grease trap. To get grease into the trap, you have to tilt the griddle. If you read my comments above, you know that it has nice metal handles, so you need an oven mitt to grab the handle and tilt it. Also, if the grease trap already has some hot grease in it, tilting the unit could cause that grease to pour out of the grease trap. I will get by this problem by just setting the grease trap on the counter below the holes, rather than sliding it into the drawer slides.

Overall, I think I will be happy with this griddle, but there are a couple of areas that could have been improved and a couple of things I will need to get accustomed to.

My old electric non-stick griddle finally bit the dust, and I had to replace it pronto.I searched the internet for hours, and finally picked the Hamilton Beach Electric Griddle. Although it is not perfect, it is better designed and more attractive than many of the cheaper competitors. It has actual handles to move it when it is hot,and it has raised edges all around to prevent the grease from bacon or sausage to spill out on your counter top.I think that it is also one of the best looking units available. Grease drains through a hole to the grease trap underneath.I think that this unit is better than most of the cheaper brands out there.I am happy with it so far.

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A great griddle. Really good product. We have used it numerous times at our home already, and it has not disappointed us at all. Large and nice non-stick coating.

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The price for this item was so good, better than in any stores we checked. Also it is high quality and perfect for our use

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I am well please with the performance of this product

it really works like a charm,I would recommend it to anyone looking for a Griddle.

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Outset Nonstick Jalapeno Roaster

Outset Nonstick Jalapeno Roasteras far as quality goes, this is a great first class product. metal, good welds with a non-stick coating for easy clean-up. one reviewer did state that all the holes are the same size this is true. My problem is that almost all the peppers I buy that I deem big enough to stuff, just barely fit in the hole, protruding only about 1/2" down and therefore, fall over constantly, every time the rack is moved. If the holes were just 1/4" larger in diameter (maybe even an 1/8th) it would be a perfect accessory for my use as it is, i won't get nearly as much use out of it as I hoped.

works well in oven or grill. my only complaint would be that all holes are one size, even as peppers grow to different sizes, some too slender for the holder. works well, and cleans up easily

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What a great purchase. It makes cooking stuffed jalepenos so much easier and mess free. My brother is going to love this when he gets it on Christmas day!

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This roaster is exactly as described and worked great. It is easy to clean and we have used it on the grill as well as in the oven. My only comment would be that the holes could be slightly larger as my garden fresh Jalamundo peppers were mostly too big for the roaster. We use this all the time.

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I own and use it frequently. A friend saw mine and commented on how they liked the idea and expressed an interest in purchasing one. Purchased this and the next weekend I was invited to their house for stuffed japs. A gift that gave back!

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Friday, September 27, 2013

Ronco Showtime Standard Rotisserie and Barbeque Oven White

Ronco Showtime Standard Rotisserie and Barbeque Oven WhiteI have this same model. The rotisserie works well and if you follow the directions carefully, the end results will be delicious. Just understand that once purchased, you can't depend on any customer service at Ronco. They don't answer emails. They don't answer the phone. If you order an accessory, it may never arrive and you won't be able to find out why. If you want an extended warranty, buy the one offered through Amazon because I can't imagine shipping anything to Ronco; it will end up in a black hole.

I absolutely love my Ronco Showtime Rotisserie Oven. Now that I have it, I wonder how I ever cooked without it.

I am very picky about my kitchen appliances being easy to use and easy to clean! There is no point in having a delicious dinner if I have to spend hours cleaning up a mess afterward. I must say, this oven could not be any easier to clean. The pieces & accessories are all dishwasher safe.

The first night I used it, I cooked a chicken that was just under 5 pounds. It took exactly as long as the instructions stated it would for the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 180 degrees. The thermometer is included. The elastic food ties are ingenious! No more strings cutting into your fingers as you fight to get them around the chicken.

I could not believe how good this chicken was. I didn't do anything special to it. I only used salt, pepper, and garlic powder on the outside of the chicken. Then, I put it on the rotisserie, set the timer, and watched it spin around in amazement. Every single bite of this chicken was juicy! My daughter and I ate it for three days, and even when it was warmed in the microwave, it was still tender and juicy.

I highly recommend this item to anyone who cooks several meals a week. It does a lot more than just rotisserie chicken! The kabobs we made in it were just as delicious as the chicken.

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In 2000, I went through an unexpected divorce. During the separation, I asked the ex if I could have this machine, because my culinary skills were, shall we say, very limited. We had received it several years before as a Christmas gift from my mom, but had never really used it.

People, it prevented me from having to subsist on take out and frozen pizza! When I had weekends with my daughter, she was blown away by the dishes I was able to prepare.

Since then, I have learned a bit about cooking, but I still use the rotisserie several times a month. Living alone, I can't justify buying a whole turkey. But a turkey breast, properly seasoned, will come out of the machine tasting as if a master chef had prepared it. Believe me, good quality frozen veggies are delicious if the steaming tray is used. Using the basket, well seasoned chicken pieces cook in an hour, and all the marketing propoganda heard on the infommercial turns out to be true. Marinated leg of lamb? I'm making myself hungry, just typing this review! There have been family get-togethers at my sister's house where we have had both hers and my rotisserie going full blast.

It isn't expensive. It isn't high tech. It isn't terribly sophisticated. But...it works, very reliably. Anyone will be able to get excellent results with it in a short amount of time.

Very rarely, you get more than what you paid for. If you are "on the fence," trying to decide whether or not to purchase, go ahead and jump; you won't be sorry.

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This is an awesome product. Very easy to use and pretty much idiot proof. Everything I cook in this comes out great; chicken pieces, whole chickens, beef roast, pork tenderloin....you name it. I have been using mine for years now and I still think its great!

They reason I gave it a 3* is because the "Non-Stick" surfaces are NOT non-stick. Food sticks to EVERYTHING!!!! The lobster/vegetable rack is the worst. A nightmare to clean. The stuff used to coat the metal is more like a non-stick looking paint. It lasted about 4 months and it was gone. I have to use SOS Pads and a wire brush to clean my racks now. Even before the very sticky non-stick paint came off I had to soak the stuff for hours and it barely helped. Pam cooking spray didn't help either.

It works like a dream.....it cleans like a bad dream.

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Ronco used to make this product (smaller), and I had one that did Roast Chicken better than anything so simply. That was years ago.

This model came defective when I opened the box. They are not useable because one end of the spit wheel had a detached hub. The rivet and the covering of the rivet were rattling in the box. I exchanged it as defective, and the SAME DEFECT was present. Frankly, it's a piece of junk, or did I just get TWO lemons in a row???????

Rome's #42 Supertong Grilling Combo, Chrome Plated And Stainless Steel, 16 Inch Length

Rome's #42 Supertong Grilling Combo, Chrome Plated And Stainless Steel, 16 Inch LengthSimilar to what we've used for years, but ... the turner part isn't long enough. Like the mostly-stainless construction (all our previous units eventually rusted), but it's still not what we're looking for. Usable, but just not right.

My husband cannot grill without this. I am buying two for my sons-in-law and an extra for hubby. This is a great tool for grilling and barbque.

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Bought these to replace a 20 year old pair of similar tongs I use when grilling. Can't believe how cheaply made they are. The spatula portion is extremely thin and my guess is if you dropped them it would dent or bend. It does what I want, but my guess is they won't last very long.

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My boyfriend has an old pair of these BBQ Tongs that were rusting and he needed a new set. These were ok, but the spatula side is a bit small. They will do for a while...but I will probably order one that has a larger spatula. The price was right...

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Spatula portion was very flimsy. It bent the first time i tried to scrape under a burger. Love the concept but you should buy a better quality tong.

King Kooker 14102 Stainless Steel Spoon

King Kooker 14102 Stainless Steel SpoonI use spoon during the boil of home brewing, and it serves it's purpose perfectly.

The handle is long enough to get deep into a 20 quart pot, and it doesn't get hot nearly quick enough to burn you.

I went with stainless over a wooden spoon for increased durability and easier cleaning, and I am glad that I did.

A spoon is a spoon. This is a good stainless steel spoon and long enough to reach into my 20qt. brew pot. I would have given this 4 stars, but I just saw a similar spoon at my local hardware/surplus store and they were only asking about $4.

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Bought this spoon to use in homebrewing as I liked the length and pricing. Left it in a bucket of starsan for sanitizing after using and the shiny spoon coating that was submerged was removed.

Must be a zinc coating. Ran the spoon through the dishwasher and the metallic smell was removed but the "stain" was still there. Hopefully this will not affect future brews (if I continue to use it)

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Its a spoon with a long handle. Perfect for getting down in those deep pots. We use it on a 20 QT stock pot.

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Love this spoon. I bought it because it was the one thing I did not have in my kitchen. It goes great with my 20 quart stock pot for soups, stews, meatballs, ect.. Glad I purchased this spoon!

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