I replaced the cooking grid on my gas grill. The new one is one piece, replacing the original 2 piece grid. It fit perfectly and my wife says it works great!Save 29% Off
Monday, June 30, 2014
Music City Metals 51901 Porcelain Steel Wire Cooking Grid Replacement for Select Gas Grill Models b
I replaced the cooking grid on my gas grill. The new one is one piece, replacing the original 2 piece grid. It fit perfectly and my wife says it works great!
Foreman Grill 3 Burger
Super Champ Limited Edition First impression: We've cooked fish and chops so far. The grill officially heats up in 5 minutes but actually seems to heat up in 3 to 4 minutes according to the orange light on the lid. The owner's manual says to open the lid after cooking with a pot holder. We didn't need a potholder. You MUST put a kitchen towel under the grill to catch cooking splatters. The grease catcher does catch all of the grease coming off the bottom grill. I think the bottom grill gets hotter than the top grill. You are warned to not unplug the grill with the orange heat light on to avoid sparks. I unplugged the grill with the orange light on and didn't see any sparks. The book doesn't say to use or not use a product like PAM. My dear wife's attitude is if it doesn't say use it then don't use it. The little spatula is very handy. The grill cooks very quickly. The grill uses 800 watts.
This grill does the job as far as cooking, but cleanup is a hassle. The juices don't drip neatly into the plastic collecting tray. The juices miss the plastic tray and flow across the bottom of the unit, dripping onto the counter. It makes a considerable mess.
For my next purchase I will pick one with cooking plates that can be removed for washing. It should have an efficient system for collecting drips. I've been looking at the Cuisinart. Not only does it have removable trays, it has a variable heat setting.
Update May, 2010: I ended up buying a Cuisinart grill at Costco. The ability to remove the trays and scrub them is a big improvement. Dripping juices are captured more readily. A temperature setting is great for my Trident salmon burgers. The cooking instructions specify 350 degrees at 5 minutes. The Cuisinart cooks them to perfection.
Don't be lazy about cleaning your grill. The grease tends to bake on, so cleaning after every use is best. Wipe down the unit. The special George Foreman sponges available at Target or on Amazon are perfect for scrubbing the plates. Run the plates through the dishwasher. Put the sponge in the dishwasher too. They'll stay like new.
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Just after you unplug the grill after cooking, pour a small amount of water across the bottom grill. Be careful; it will turn to steam quickly while it's loosening any stuck-on drippings. Then, using a wadded WET paper towel, wipe the top and bottom grills clean. Again, be very careful not to burn your fingers--those grills are mighty hot. The manufacturer would rather you wait until the grills are cool, but my way works fast and cleans thoroughly. I do love this appliance for the way it cooks burgers (80 percent lean), boneless chops and boneless chicken breasts (the latter two marinated first). Good size for two people. Would buy it again.Read Best Reviews of Foreman Grill 3 Burger Here
We received this grill as a present and loved it at first. It was great for bacon, sausage and burgers. Trouble was, the non-stick coating soon started coming off. We took good care of it and only cleaned it with the plastic spatula and paper towels. Searching for a solution turned up lots of similar complaints too. Save your money and buy a different brand!Want Foreman Grill 3 Burger Discount?
I had been skeptical about all of the George Foreman grills until I tried this one. It works great. I've had it and used it every day for 6 months and the coating is fine. Not sure why one reviewer had trouble with the coating. I use Pam for grilling fish and it's great. In fact, it cooks fish faster and better than anything I've used before. The first time, I overcooked the fish thinking it would take longer. I followed the enclosed recipe for marinated veggies and they were delicious. For the price and size, it's great. I think removable plates would make cleanup easier. And sometimes I want to cook more than one thing at a time. So, I'm looking at the larger models right now. I'll continue to use the Champ for smaller items or one-item meals.67731 Weber Thermometer w/Tab 2007
This is a great thermometer if it's what you're looking for. There's a lot of choices from Weber, so make sure you're getting the one that's going to fit your grill. I broke my first one by banging it against a piece of wood when I opened my grill, but it lasted for 3 years, so I would say it's pretty durable.
Le Creuset Hi-Tech Kitchen Textile Handle Mitt
I thought these were hand-sized slip-over mitten-like things, but when the two I ordered arrived, they were the tiny little pot handle mittens. It DOES say very clearly in the product description that they are a handle mitt (now that I re-read it), and I can use them, but I think they are WAY overpriced for what they are. But they are very, very nice, so they get five stars. Just don't do what I did and think they are something other than what they are.BTW, getting old and having your faculties slip is such a major drag....
They are great for both pot handles and lids.
Thick enough to protect from the heat, thin enough to have a "feel" of what you're gripping.
I wouldn't use them for the oven.
I don't know why the price and availability varies so much.
But for $5, with free super saver shipping, they can't be beat.
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These are great on my pots without any coating on the handle. Great size and wash well also. I usually sick them on when I put the pot or pan on the stove and they have only gotten warm once with a small egg size pan over gas heat. I have had them for several months. Bought 6, 3 for me and 3 for a friend with the same pots and pans. She loves them also!Read Best Reviews of Le Creuset Hi-Tech Kitchen Textile Handle Mitt Here
I lit mine on fire the first day I used it! It still works, but you don't wish to leave this on a cast iron skillet while the skillet is on the flame, which kinda defeats the purpose, right?At least the burnt part is on the bottom, and I can slip it on easy enough to move the skillet around.
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I use this on the handle of my Le Creuset fry pan, and am not totally fond of how slippery it is on there. I have another handle mitt made out of silicone I think works better.Save 30% Off
Messermeister Stainless Steel Locking Tong
There are two types of tongs for a professional chef, flat edged and curled edge. Flat edge tongs have relatively poor grabbing power but don't damage the product and the reverse is true for those with curled edges. Professionally, meat cooks like the latter and fish cooks the former. If you care cooking a product that is fragile, this is the very best tong made. I've been using it my entire professional career...for fish. For meat I use Edlund.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Maverick RediFork Pro Rapid Read LCD Matrix Thermometer
I BBQ several times a week and have learned the importance of reliable equipment, especially when friends are over. I bought the Maverick RediFork Pro because it has lots of cool features such as a backlit LCD display and "headlight" for nighttime grilling. Unfortunately, my results with the Maverick were disastrous. After a couple of embarrassing cook-outs and expensive "mis-steaks", I decided to perform some controlled tests on it and similar forks from CDN, BarbequePro, and TruCook. In addition to the forks, I also tested a simple single-probe digital thermometer, the Taylor #806 Weekend Warrior.Using hot water, a control thermometer, a stopwatch, and fresh batteries in each unit, I tested for speed and accuracy. My results: the Maverick RediFork Pro was the slowest, most inaccurate, most expensive, and most confusing to use of all units tested. The Maverick took an agonizingly-long 110-120 seconds before its display settled on a temperature. Worse yet, it read under the actual temperature by 25-35 degrees; the reason my steaks were overcooked. Just to make sure I did not have a defective unit, I bought another Maverick RediFork Pro but the test results were identical.
For many reasons, an accurate digital thermometer reading (i.e. +/2 degrees) shouldn't take more than a few seconds. Therefore, the Maverick RediFork Pro is deemed completely unacceptable in my testing. The other forks were not much better and the dirt-simple Taylor 806 was the only product to take an accurate reading in under 10 seconds. Conclusion: Keep it simple with a digital probe; avoid gimmick-laden digital BBQ forks.
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I bought this hoping it would give fast & accurate readings. Well it does give fast readings, but it is often wrong (up to 10 degrees). And yes I had the tip copper tip all the way inside the meat so none of it was showing. I have three OTHER digital thermometers they all read the same. The RediFork is the only one off the mark. The small hand held TruTemp thermometer I have takes too long to reach actual temp. I lose to much heat out my BBQ waiting for it to read. So I thought the RediFork would be the answer. It is not. And there are other things about the RediFork I don't like. The screen is filled with too many symbols. The most important number (the temp) is too small. They should get rid of the symbols and make the Temp number bigger. The handle of the Fork is too big as well. I have already returned the item.Read Best Reviews of Maverick RediFork Pro Rapid Read LCD Matrix Thermometer Here
I am a avid online shopper. I do a lot of research before making a purchase. If you are in the market for a great digital fork, stop shopping and just buy this one as you won't be disappointed. Now my steaksare perfect, not over cooked and not raw either. I love BBQ-ing and this fork takes all the guess work out if it. Just poke it in the steak wait till it beeps, then glance down and look at the "EZ to READ" display".
If you like med.rare pull them off when it reads 131F.
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This is a wonderful thermometer! We have used this thermometer, probably, every other day for years and haven't had any problems. We use it not only for grilling but also for indoor cooking as well. We use it mostly for cooking fish or steaks and it has never steered us wrong. I do agree with the other reviewer that says not to get it wet as it may cease to work, but going in with that expectation you should be very happy with the results!Save 22% Off
Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker
I've owned three or four waffle makers and none of them compare to the quality of this gem from Cuisinart. If you're picky about waffles--and why shouldn't you be?--then spend a little extra on this model and get effortless results. Here's what makes this a GREAT wafflemaker:1) An accurate thermostat--no surprises when you open the lid
2) A consistent heating surface--avoid hot spots or undercooked waffles
3) A variable timer--essential if you have more than one waffle color preference in the family
4) Smart design--it stores on its side, taking up a LOT less space in your cupboard
5) Easy to clean exterior--cleans up with a damp paper towel
6) Dependable non-stick finish--unlike cheap waffle makers, the nonstick finish on this model does not wear out
7) Cool-touch lid--never burn your hand on a waffle maker again
I am genuinely thrilled with my Cuisinart waffle maker and I believe it's an absolute bargain. If you're used to spending big bucks on store-bought waffles--or if you have a cheap, junky waffle maker at home--treat yourself to this nice little unit. It's a low-cost luxury. Plus, you'll have a fun time making waffles (and impressing your family and friends!). Bon appetit!
I mentioned below that waffle batter can be stored in the fridge. Try leaving it out overnight. The batter turns slightly sour, and still makes great waffles, but with a sourdoughish flavor that is pure heaven with maple syrup. And you can make some and leave it next to the waffle iron the previous night so all you have to wait for in the morning is for this waffle maker to heat up.
Interesting that this product is getting polarized reviews. Either very good or terrible. Here's my experience and then comments others might find useful.
I made a batch of chocolate waffles to freeze (to reheat and serve with ice-cream). All 14 turned out perfect. Before that, I made 7 regular waffles that came out GBD Golden Brown and Delicious. All I did was follow the light and use settings from 3 to 4.
Going back and forth to get my preferred color was easy because 3 was still 3 after going to 4 (and a bit more). The initial and subsequent uses didn't cause variations in the color. Good design.
Wiped all of it clean with a wet kitchen napkin. Easy.
Miles ahead of my last waffle iron, which required a lot of guessing and waffle rejection.
DON'T open the lid until you see the ready light. Or bye bye waffles. They do not like to be disturbed until ready.
A good recipe is important. Don't use pancake mix, which is simply a combination of the dry ingredients formulated for pancakes and not waffles. Besides it's a rip-off, like selling $1 unglazed tile as a $20 pizza stone.
Here's my adaptation of a Good Eats recipe: 2 cups all purpose flour, tsp baking powder, half tsp baking soda, tsp salt, 3 tablespoons sugar. Whisk together thoroughly. Combine 1/2 qt whole buttermilk or pint full fat yogurt + pint milk and 2/3 stick melted butter and pour into dry stuff. Mix with rubber spatula for ten seconds (don't overmix, small lumps will be ok). Leave for about 5-10 min. Turn on waffle iron, spray plates with pam or similar spray. Drop two ice-cream scoop-sized blobs slightly behind the middle and let the lid down. Setting: 3-4. Remove when green light comes back on. Easy. Excess can be stored overnight in an airtight box in the fridge.
If I could wish for anything more, it would be for a ready light that was visible from the far end of my long kitchen. The light is designed to be in sight of a normal height person doing other stuff nearby. I have a long kitchen so the light is barely visible from my sink on the other side. Since then I've been listening for the "click" that flips the red light to the green.
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Why would you want a waffler?I wanted to start making my own waffles after hearing about how subpar frozen waffles are in comparison to waffles made from scratch. Waffles made from scratch has a lot more versatility, quality, taste, and you can freeze them as well. Make a batch, freeze the extras, and just make more when you run out. I have to agree that these waffles are a lot better than frozen waffles and quality is of importance to me, so I'm sticking to this routine.
What kind of waffler to get?
There are many different kinds and here are some factors to consider:
1. Belgian vs Regular basically the same batter, yet will taste different when made in these two different styles. The Belgian is bigger and the batter rises more when cooked, resulting in a very light and fluffy waffle. The regular waffle is more dense. Which is better? That's personal preference, but I do like the Belgian more.
2. Shape
There are a lot of different shapes: Round, Square, Rectangular sticks, Mickey Mouse, Hearts, etc.... For regular waffles, Round is best because the heat coil in the waffler is able to spread the heat more evenly so all the edges gets cooked more evenly than with other shapes. This is not that big a deal, but it is of importance to consider.
3. One vs Multiple waffles.
For a waffler to make multiple waffles at once, it would take a lot of electricity and time. Considering those two factors, it's better to have a couple of single waffle makers rather than one waffer that makes several waffles. My sister has one that makes 2 square waffles and she loves that one, but beware of those that make more than 2 waffles at a time. I like a single waffler because this is a uni-tasker and so I don't want something so big and hard to store. I'll accept that I need it and want it, but there's no reason for it to take up more precious storage space than necessary.
After doing a lot of research, I bought the Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker. A waffler is a very basic and simple item, I trusted the Cuisinart brand, and the price was right. I was disappointed by the performance though and replaced that one with this Villaware Waffler. I didn't like this waffler as much as the Villaware V2002 UNO Belgian Waffler -Round because:
1. I discovered that I liked the Belgian style better over the regular waffle.
2. Villaware had a LOT less spillage than the Cuisinart out of 9 waffles, only one had batter spilling over, and that's from me testing out what the proper amount of batter should be. I have full confidence that I can make waffles consistency now with minimal to no spill-over.
3. Villaware unit was heavier duty and seems of better quality. It's heavier, the lid is heavier as well this is a good thing in a waffler because as the batter cooks and expands, it's going to push the top open having a heavier lid prevents this from happening as much. Some other models/brands have a locking lid. The only bad thing from the lid opening up is that your waffer will not be cooked as evenly on top than the bottom. The Cuisinart's lid was also "wiggly" meaning, when you open it, you could wiggle the lid from side to side. The Villaware one was a lot more stable in this respect, therefore, feeling of higher quality.
Overall, this is a good, cheap, basic waffler. If you're not very particular and don't mind cleaning up a lot of spill-over, then this waffler would serve you well. There is no on/off switch, so once you plug it in, it starts preheating. When it's ready for batter, the green light will light up. I tend to do other things in the kitchen while waiting for the waffle to cook, so I can forget about the waffle. So a beep would be nice to notify me that it's ready, with this unit, you have to remember to check the lights to notify you.
The inside is non-stick, this is very nice. You can spray on some oil to help further prevent sticking. I don't think it's necessary to add any additional butter/oil, if you carefully pry an edge up, you can slide a spatula underneath and lift the whole waffle out pretty easily. The entire waffler is easy to clean. I just wipe out the whole thing with a paper towel. It's one solid unit, so you can't submerge it or put it in the dishwasher just a good wipedown is sufficient.
Read Best Reviews of Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker Here
We have owned two of these. They make perfect waffles, as many of the reviews have said. The problem is that the top handle becomes loose. It is attached by scres that have their heads inside the top of the waffle maker. Once they become loose there is no way to re-tighten the handle. Eventually it just falls off. Our first one died within the warranty period. The second one lasted until just beyond the warranty period. It is a stupid design flaw on an otherwise wonderful product.Want Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker Discount?
I started waffling with this iron the day I got it. It's very simple to use, and the "done-ness" adjuster is very handy since I like toastier waffles but my family tends to like lighter ones.I have no complaints about this iron, I haven't had any of the burning or sticking problems other people have mentioned because I read the manual and I always grease the iron a little bit with Pam or some margarine before I use it. I have yet to encounter a truly non-stick surface on any kitchen product, especially a high-temperature surface like a waffle iron, so I always err on the side of caution and whip out the PAM.
The one picky thing I'd recommend is putting a tinfoil lip over the control slider, as batter sometimes oozes over the edge and threatens to get into the groove that houses the lever.
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20x25x5 (19.75x24.75x4.38) MERV 13 Honeywell Aftermarket Grill Filter (2 Pack)
Recommended by my mechanical contractor because my attic didn't have the space to install an electronic air cleaner. Second year that I've bought one and it keeps my allergies to a minimum.Black & Decker TRO420 Toast-R-Oven 4-Slice Countertop Oven/Broiler
I read lots and lots of reviews of toaster ovens before I bought. But it seems that very few people out there like the toaster oven they have. The ones with the highest ratings were only available online and in some cases the shipping was almost as much as the toaster!I got this one at a local store on sale. It is a nice compact size for the counter, yet seems to have plenty of space inside. Toasts very even (several settings chose medium the first time and worked perfect). It has a timer so there is a bell when the toast is finished.
I also like the fact that when you use the oven, you also can set a timer. My previous one did not have this and many times I would forget to shut it off and it would run for hours (very dangerous).
I am very pleased with this toaster oven overall -it does the job it is supposed to and is a great value for the money.
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Like others who have reviewed this product, I have had Black & Decker Toaster Ovens for 20 years...two others in fact, this is the third. After having two reliable toasters that I liked, I didn't hesitate to buy this one. Wish I had read the reviews BEFORE purchasing!It is impossible to make toast! Either it doesn't cook at all, or it is burned to a crisp. No matter how hard you try, you can not set that little dial well enough to be able to leave the kitchen! EVERYTHING burns! Also, in my last toaster ovens the oven turned off when you opened the door. Not so with this one...I don't like that either.
I also hate the little tray, when you open the door, if you open too far or too fast, the tray has to be re-aligned for it to slide back the oven, not so with my last ones.
There is a definite design flaw with the crumb tray. It can be put back in such a matter that it hits the bottom heating element. This was what happened to us. It could have started a fire, or destroyed the crumb tray at the very least.
Needless to say, I hate this product. I am afraid to buy a new Black & Decker Toaster Oven now, as the changes that they have made have NOT made the product better...just cheaper.
Read Best Reviews of Black & Decker TRO420 Toast-R-Oven 4-Slice Countertop Oven/Broiler Here
For some reason, we've always owned conventional toasters but have never owned a toaster oven before. So at 50+ years old and after using our son's toaster oven at his house, I read "all the reviews" and even though some reviews talked about it burning everything, I went out and bought this model. Here's the deal: there is a continuously variable temperature control and a continuously variable timer control. If you can't find a combination that works for you, you've probably got bigger problems in life than how dark your toast is. For the money, this oven works great on all items I've tried so far including from 1 to 4 slices of toast at a time, reheating pizza slices, and heating up chicken wings.Want Black & Decker TRO420 Toast-R-Oven 4-Slice Countertop Oven/Broiler Discount?
I read all the reviews before I bought this toaster...Many reviewers have said, and I agree, if you want to make perfect toast use
a "toaster" not a "toaster oven". I have a new Kitchen Aid toaster
that I use to make toast and it does a excellent job of making toast.
I have owned this toaster oven for five months now and it has operated flawlessly.
I can not tell you how PLEASED I am with this toaster oven. But
first let me tell you I DO NOT MAKE TOAST with it. I use it for baking and
I do not use the timer. I prefer to use a $3 wind up timer from Wal-Mrt.
Often, I use this toaster oven to bake pizza. I cut the full size pizza in half
and place half of the pizza on non-stick aluminum foil (by the way 1/2 of a full size
pizza will fit in this toaster oven).
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Here are some of the things I REALLY LIKE about this toaster oven:
It's MINIMAL looking and simple to operate. It does not have a lot
of extra controls that I never use anyway.
Almost the ENTIRE DOOR is glass so it is easy to see inside and
surprise the door glass is clear (not tinted) so you can see your food without
having to use a flashlight !!!
It's ALL WHITE even the LEGS and the 3' foot CORD . I am a "color
monster" and really appreciate that cord and feet are NOT
black and actually color match the appliance's color.
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If you are looking for an ATTRACTIVE, SIMPLE and MINIMAL style toaster
oven do not over look this toaster oven. I love this toaster oven.
My hat goes of the Black and Decker engineers and designers
who created this wonderful toaster oven..
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Taylor 1470 Digital Cooking Thermometer/Timer
Who would have thunk this would still be my favourite remote thermometer, 17 years later? I now even have four different brands, so I can compare them right here:* This one, which I still use daily and think of in terms of "better the Devil you know..."
* The similar-looking but less well-thought-out Oneida 31161 Digital Thermometer & Timer, which is annoyingly loud and also scoots backwards when you press Start/Stop.
* The Oregon Scientific AW131 Grill Right Wireless Talking Oven/Barbeque Thermometer, which is a horrible "talking" design with a stiff learning curve that is utterly unaided by the manual, but has ONE feature that makes it worth learning and makes me forgive all its sins: its probe can survive 572 F.
* The Maverick Wireless Cooking Thermometer, which works well, but I don't quite get the point of the "iPod interface"
So, to this one. First thing you need to know is: buy a spare probe, because they don't last very long. They can be damaged by heat greater than 350F. That is just too low there are many times when hotter ovens are necessary. When a probe goes bad, there is no indication until an expensive roast gets carbonized. This, of course, always seems to happen when guests are present. Spare probes are available at a decent price from taylorusa dot com. Come to think of it: get two.
A recent new use for me is the foolproof production of world-class steaks, as thick as they are wide, to any precise desired degree of doneness: pre-heat the (salted, peppered) steaks in a 275 F oven until internal temperature is 90-105 F (depending on desired doneness) and finish by browning in cast-iron skillet. An even more precise technique does it the other way round, browning first, but that needs a 450F oven, which also needs the Oregon Scientific thermometer.
Here's my original review.
---------------
This is the best of the corded remote thermometers. Take it as a given that it is fairly short-lived. Now, don't hold that against it -it has a hard job to do, it does it very well, and (what none of the other reviewers seem to realize) it does come with a lifetime guarantee. If you take care to not expose the probe to temperatures above 350 F, it should last.
My first one lasted four years, and I was completely at a loss when it broke. Once you've cooked with a remote thermometer, you will not willingly go back to "guess-n-estimate," or supposed "instant read" thermometers that actually take 15 seconds while the oven quickly cools down and your wrist-hairs start to singe and curl.
I used to be anxiously uncertain about making roast beef. Now, I bring it home, trim a little fat off, stick the probe in the center. Two minutes elapsed time, and I can kick back until it's time to make the pan gravy. Perfect (let me emphasize that) PERFECT every time.
The buttons are well-made; the display is bright and clear; Setting time and/or temperature is a snap; battery life is about 1 1/2 years when left on all the time. I covered mine in olive oil/flour/fish sauce/raw ground beef/balsamic vinegar/whatever and it still worked (hint: the buttons are not water-resistant, so turn it upside down and wipe with a soapy sponge, then rinse the same way).
You can calibrate your unit by sticking the probe in melting ice (for 32 F) and briskly-boiling water (for 212 F), but both of mine were spot-on, so you might skip this step.
Uses you might not think of: Putting the probe in a big pot of water you're boiling for pasta. You can relax, knowing you'll be buzzed when it's finally boiling.
Sticking the probe out of a closed window in the late Fall to warn you to harvest your last tomatoes.
Sticking the probe in the middle of a swordfish steak, setting it for 125-130 F, and knowing that you will get utterly PERFECT swordfish by the time it is served.
Sticking it in the middle of the largest meatball you are simmering in sauce -you will feel completely secure that they are safe to feed to your children.
When I'm cooking at a friend's house, I bring my big shop apron, my knives, my "shovel" (it's a pastry scraper, but I mostly use it as a shovel), and this thermometer.
Still, the probe does melt down as other have said. I typically get about 30 to 50 uses before I need to purchase another. The problem occurs mostly when the oven temp exceeds 350, as I lose most probes when baking breads. Still, I can't live without it, I just wish Taylor would start selling a package of probes for my dozen `timers' that I have sitting around the kitchen. It would be 5 stars if the probes didn't die.
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I got mine 3 weeks ago, used it twice, all the features works, except the main purpose of measuring temperature. Now I plug the probe at ambient temp of 90F and it shows HI all the time (above 392F).If I put the prove in the freezer, It will show 180F.
I ended up with an expensive timer with a probe that does not work. Now I can't even return it, as I'm not in US. Shipping by mail will be more expensive then having the money back.
Read carefully the reviews before adding to cart.
Very disappointing
Read Best Reviews of Taylor 1470 Digital Cooking Thermometer/Timer Here
This digital device is the ultimate thing of beauty. As everyone knows, oven temperatures are imprecise so how do you know when your food (esp. meat) is done. The answer is use this product. The metal probe is designed to be inserted into a piece of meat with the ovenproof wire connecting it to the thermometer which must stay outside of the oven. The magnetized base allows the thermometer to be stuck right outside of the oven. When the meat reaches the target temperature, it will let out an alert. The end result is beautifully cooked meat to the desired level of "doneness." I recommend undercooking by about 5-10 degrees since there will be carryover cooking time (assuming you rest the meat).The device is amazingly easy to use. If you can program a digital watch, you can figure this gadget out. It also has a timer function in case you are working on two dishes at once.
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The best way to cook. I have been using them for years. Notice I said "them". I have tried Taylor, Polder & Accurite. ALL are made in China. All fail in 6-9 months. After 6 hours of my valuable time one day, I got a hold of Tech Support at an importer.The problem is the probe. You can not wash it, kink it or expose it to temperatures greater than 390 F. (My Webber says to pre-heat grill to 550!) Plan on buying many replacements and a life of 6 months each. Not many Web merchants have the probe in their shopping cart.
Too bad no American company can do the technology right.
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Saturday, June 28, 2014
Maverick ET-63 RediFork Pro
I have used electronic temperature forks with great success, i.e. perfect temperature meat off the grill means happy and impressed friends & family. I've had the best luck with cheapo forks that simply have individual lights for "rare, medium-rare, medium -etc.." Thinking the premium-priced and feature-laden Maverick Redi-Fork Pro could be the ultimate BBQ tool has resulted in a big and costly disappointment. First off, it is very difficult to understand the tiny, complicated and non-intuitive display which is upside-down and impossible to read during actual use (did anybody ever test this thing?). The display's shortcomings might be overcome with keen eyesight and hours of intense training but the killer blow is the fact the Redi-Fork Pro is painfully slow to take a reading and disastrously inaccurate; eventually indicating "rare" when meat is actually "well". About the only moderately worthwhile feature is the dim little incandescent "meat light" which helps with the necessarily frequent consultations of the instruction manual. Finally, at 2-3x the cost of other similar products, the Redi-Fork Pro delivers the ultimate insult of wasting your money. I bought two and gave one to a friend. I was completely embarrassed and had to apologize for ruining an expensive meal. Thinking it was user error, we studied the manual and tried it another time which resulted in another ruined meal. Ouch!
It's Great!
Charcoal Companion Stainless Steel Chimney Charcoal Starter
A great way to start charcoal, get rid of newspaper and reduce petroleum dependency. Simply use two full newspaper pages to bottom of chimney then fill with charcoal or wood. Light newspaper, go prepare your food for the grill and when you return (about 15 minutes) a nice flame reaching the top of your chimney signals the coals are ready. Especially nice in winter when lighter fluid fails to evaporate and permeates the taste of the food. You'll get instant satisfaction from this charcoal starter and will never return to lighter fluids again!
Look closely at the handle design and you will see that it is simply bent tabs pressed into a wood dowel rather than screws into wood. The recess that accepts the tabs will also fill with water and cause those tabs to loosen and the wood to split. The heat shield has about 1/2 inch play up-and-down and rattles, doesn't really fit the handle. The unit I have has one poorly bent tab, didn't quite go in all the way and is bent over at a strange angle. An $8 black steel unit I bought at Home Depot has a better handle and heat shield design.
There is some assembly required, attaching the handle and heat shield to the body. The screws provided are of two different types, one a flat-head, another round head. The screws are 300 series (non-magnetic) stainless and shouldn't have a problem with rust.
On the positive side, the box is pretty. The copyright on the box is 2005.
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The stainless is magnetic, so probably it is 18/0 stainless. It shows rust sitting outside after one rain:(After two months use, I upgrade it to 4 stars. I now keep it indoor in the garage. Functionally it works well and the handle never gets hot even when the steel tube glows red.
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If you are going to barbecue you must have a charcoal chimney. It eliminates the need for starter (which is both unsafe and leaves a nasty aftertaste on quick-cooked foods). Starts your charcoal quickly and brings it to cooking temperature. It's easy, too. And this particular one is a great one.Want Charcoal Companion Stainless Steel Chimney Charcoal Starter Discount?
I was looking for a small chimney starter but this is as small as I could get. Construction is good but I have some doubts about he aluminum rivets.Works very well though.
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Landmann USA 28240 Halo Fire Pit
It's true! I like s'mores. This little workhorse of a fire pit yields both excellent s'mores and excellent conversations. You need to make sure you keep the fire small or it'll scorch the top of the grating, but all in all I can't complain. Before you buy please note that the item requests sand in the bottom or the ashes will corrode the metal. For two people who only own a scooter it would've been beneficial to know this before we opened it up just in time for our housewarming. ;)Since we live in dry Southern California we were concerned about having a fire pit, but it works wonderfully and doesn't make us overly concerned about embers flying around. We do caution against large pieces of wood, and instead we opt for the little tiny pre-cut logs that you can get at the grocers.
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The outer ring and legs are made from hollow tubing. The bottom is thin metal but sturdy. The design is simple and well engineered for strength and should hold up if taken care of. The finish seems to be some type of black powder coating which is good for preventing rust but I don't yet know how well it will handle heat. Assembly is easy and self explanatory. Although I don't recall seeing it in the directions for this item, I've read that putting sand in the bottom of a fire pit will help prevent the bottom of it from rusting out. I would also store it upside down on wood blocks if kept outdoors as there is no drain hole for water. Allowing standing water in any metal fire pit will likely cause it to quickly rust out.If you are looking to buy American made products, don't let the name "Landmann USA" throw you off. This is "Made in China".
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I was excited about this product due to the price and the high rating of 4 stars, but I was surely mistaken and regret this purchase. Obviously it works as much as a metal bowl would for keeping fire, but this thing is not much better than that: a metal bowl. Where the legs are attached, fire spills out, so I had to move the sticks on the ground near the pit so that they wouldn't burn. Then, the entire outside of the bowl lit on fire as the paint melted away. Essentially the black paint on the bowl is not fire proof and just burned off. Then, to stop embers from hitting my guests, I put the top on, but it melted and deformed. The paint on that also immediately burned off, and the metal grate starting melting after about 30 seconds, so I took it off. After one use, the Fire Pit looks like a scraped, scratched, and mistreated fire pit.Want Landmann USA 28240 Halo Fire Pit Discount?
This fire pit was just what I wanted, the quality is excellent and the right size I need. The shipping was fast , surprised I received it so fast. Very satisfied. Sincerely, RobertSave 31% Off
GrillPro 41555 Stainless Steel Pepper roasting Rack for Grill
I purchased this grill after reading reviews on others stating that their holes were too small. Found that this one was perfect in fact several of the peppers I selected were actually to small to stay in. Solved the problem by running a toothpick through them to hold them in. Love the de-seeder!! No more stinging fingers and our guests who do not normally eat poppers due to the heat were able to enjoy these. Stuffed mine with a small shrimp topped with cheese. Next time will layer some cheese in first so that they stay fuller when the cheese melts. Bought one for a friend at the same time I purchased mine and plan on giving several more as gifts. Great product.
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Very sturdy roasting rack but the holes are a bit large for you average jalapeno pepper. I grow my own peppers and let them grow to full size. The roaster worked great for only my largest peppers but the peppers you typically see in the store would probably fall through especially after they are roasted. I have used toothpicks with my average sized peppers which worked but I'll try to find thin 8" stainless steel skewers that can be used for each row of four then reused. If I could suggest an improvement it would be to have half of the rows be a slightly smaller size because peppers obviously vary in size. The corer is also geared toward jumbo peppers and I'd suggest getting a smaller corer for your average sized jalapeno.Read Best Reviews of GrillPro 41555 Stainless Steel Pepper roasting Rack for Grill Here
I ordered this tray just before putting on a smoke BBQ for the company picnic. Fit perfect in my smoker box. Has plenty of space between each pepper for even cooking. The holes were just right on average for the peppers. The smaller peppers I just ran a toothpick through them to keep them in place. I plan on buying a couple more trays very soon!Want GrillPro 41555 Stainless Steel Pepper roasting Rack for Grill Discount?
I love making smoked jalapenos but dislike leaving them in a pan to soak in bacon grease (I wrap the peppers in back, great flavor addition). This racks allows me to stand them and let them drain. You do have to put toothpicks in the peppers to keep them from falling through, but I do that anyway to keep the bacon attached. The ability to do 2 dozen at once means I can make enough for everyone if I have two racks. At the price, a great buy and corer that comes with it is a bonus.Save 2% Off
Kalorik Stainless Steel Rotisserie
Pros:1. This thing is FAST if you cook on high setting. I had a 4.5lb chicken done in 30 minutes. It will take some experimentation to get the timing just right to allow the skin to brown well as the meat is getting done. For example, the manual says 15 mins/lb for chicken, first half on high, second on low. Don't believe it. You'll probably do better with 15-20 minutes on high and another 10-20 minutes on low on low for a chicken under 5 lbs.
2. The chickens I've cooked so far come out juicy and tender, and very flavorful even with little seasoning.
3. Good value for the price paid, which was nowhere near MSRP.
4. Cleanup is relatively easy so far. Use plenty of cooking spray and don't cook foods with sticky marinade and you'll probably be fine. Dry rubs and injected marinades will work best.
5. Includes skewers for kebabs, hotdogs, etc., and you can also cook roasts, although you'll have a hole down the middle.
Cons:
1. It's hard to get the skin to brown evenly probably due to point two, below. There are three U-shaped heating elements (plus the center element which can be turned off for roasts) which turn on and off in sequence around the sides, and the radiant heat isn't even. I've compensated for this somewhat by manually rotating the chicken once partway through cooking to get a more even browning.
2. It's not a rotisserie, as another reviewer noted, so if you require one, look elsewhere. The heat rotates around the chicken as opposed to the chicken rotating. This means you won't get the same effect of the hot fats moisturizing and crisping on the skin as the chicken rotates. They just drain into the drip pan. The skin still crisps, but it's not quite the same.
3. It's pretty big on the counter.
All in all, I'm pretty happy with this appliance.
**Edit 2/19/11**
As noted by an anonymous or unfortunately named reviewer who believes everyone who disagrees with him is a shill, it can be hard to get the bottom drip pan out cleanly when removing food. This is because the pan fits too tightly around the center heating element. The problem can be avoided by being careful, or possibly widening the opening for the element. It's still four stars for me because it's fast and if you use it correctly, it produces good results.
**Edit 2/28/11**
Ok, with a pair of pliers and a little thought, this thing works much better. I compressed the upper arms of the drip pan that cover the heating element so the separate center heating element cover didn't fit so snugly, and also slightly widened the hole the element passes through in the bottom of the pan. This took maybe ten minutes. Now, when I lift out food using the provided hook, the food and stand lift out, leaving the drip pan in place as intended. Then I can pull the drip pan out separately after it's cooled.
I just cooked a pork loin roast with the center element on (and the oven on High) for about 12 minutes, then off for the rest of the cooking time on low, and it was perfect.
This is not the appliance for you if you want a "set and forget" oven, but it's fast and it will do a good job if your experience in cooking goes beyond the microwave.
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During our first use we noticed that the platform does not rotate. We thought it may not work . Then we saw the elements rotating. What a great idea. The chicken cooked perfectly. We really like it !Read Best Reviews of Kalorik Stainless Steel Rotisserie Here
My first review was very negative and I have since changed my mind regarding this product. Once I used it a few times I realize how wonderful it really is. I had a whole different picture of a rotisserie in my head, like the ones in the supermarkets. This one is absolutely great.Because it doesn't revolve around the food but rather the heating elements go off and on and in effect is the same thing but absolutely quiet. Pretty soon the aroma starts coming from it and then the whole place smells like wonderful food. It's easy to clean and takes up little space and I have a small kitchen. I plan on using it a lot this summer but so far my favorite is chicken. You can brine the chicken and then put a rub on it and oh so good.Try it, you will love it.
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This product sits pretty large on the kitchen counter. My chicken did not cook as fast as everyone claimed (30 mins). I had a 4 lbs chicken and it took a little over 1.5 hour on high to cook fully. I think two things this item can improve on are: 1) it doesn't rotate so it shouldn't called it a rotisserie. 2) there are 3 heat wires that only 2 gets turn on at one time. It switches and the other 2 gets turned on. What ended up happening is that for whatever reasons, the chicken doesn't cooked evenly. I've tried it twice and I still haven't managed to master this yet.Overall, I do like this product. I like the fact that I can add different seasoning, push a button or two and let it cook.
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Friday, June 27, 2014
Rollie EggMaster Vertical Grill
This egg rollie from Kalorik has to be the oddest item in my kitchen I have tried out. The whole concept this will turn any food into a roll. Wealthier its eggs, pancake, desserts, chicken and cheese right into a roll. You can also add anything to the rollie, veggies, pepperoni, meat, cheese and so forth to make it extra yummy! Its pretty odd at first for sure, but once you try it more it's not that bad. Super easy to clean and super easy to store away. The sticks really help with getting the food out the long tubed hole. There is also a metal pole with a flat head that goes inside while cooking, to help heat up the food as it goes. This is kinda heavy product for sure and you can use it anywhere. You can in your house, office, RV, and camping if they have plugs. The lights help tell you when the food is done and its ready to eat. The food actually tastes pretty good in this rapid oven/grill rollie. The nifty pink brush you use on baby bottles came with this and you use it to help get it clean. It's also suggested to clean it all the way on your very first use. If I could simply get 5 minutes to fit into my schedule I will get a video of this rollie working.
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I was excited to buy this..but after 4 uses it died on me. It just stopped working. When I plug it in, nothing happens. I've followed the manual. It died mid-cooking the 4th time I used it.Disappointment. I guess I should have expected that though. I liked using it the three times it worked. It's a shame it didn't last.
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I've struggled with cooking for a long time. I practice preparing culinary delights daily, but always end up screwing them up. The number one offender is ALWAYS eggs. I tried boiled, easy over, scrambled, poached, raw...I can never get them right. Now this thing comes along and I can finally make eggs in a tube on a stick, which is a wildly popular dish in the finest Parisian eateries and those hidden culinary establishments that Anthony Bourdain rattles on about incessantly. Eggs in a tube on a stick is well worth the 50 dollar price tag on this thing. If that wasn't good enough, it's excellent for pizza rolls in a tube on a stick, burritos in a tube on a stick and even the elusive and difficult to execute cinnamon roll in a tube on a stick. There's your four food groups right there, kids. Nothing else screams fine dining like cooking s*** in a tube and skewering it before eating it. My girlfriend LOVES the way I scramble her eggs now and as a result, she's letting me "scramble her eggs" a lot more often (now that I'm not constantly a festering, oozing burn victim due to those evil frying pans). No more grease fires as I heat up my oils at insane temperatures because I'm trying to pick a small fragment of egg shell out of the egg bowl...or burrito shells out of the burrito bowl. We have so much free time now to spend in the bathroom with explosive diarrhea caused by our new diet of junk foods in a tube on a stick. I used to wonder if there was a god out there, and now I'm sure there is. Thank you Jesus, and thank you Team International Group of America, Inc.Want Rollie EggMaster Vertical Grill Discount?
Answer: who cares! Cooking eggs sideways is badass and I've always wanted a cylindrical uh, thingy anyway. So it comes with five skewers, which is perfect for my whole family. Well, once anyway. But the best part is it's ONLY $50!!! I mean, now I don't have to cook any eggs in a stupid skillet or watch the water boil for 3 hours. Egg, skewer, boom, DONE. Plus, happy ending. Nuff said, five stars.Save 1% Off
Calphalon Contemporary Stainless 13-Inch Round Grill Pan
I am very excited to be the first person to write a review for this grill pan, and hope I will convince you to purchase it. First of all, let me say that the quality of Calphalon's stainless cookware has greatly improved as they have recently made the switch from not-so-good impact-bonded stainless bottom (Simply Stainless) to a spun tri-ply construction that's on par with All-Clad.I just got this grill pan after trying a cheapo reversible 2-burner grill, whose "non-stick" (not quite) coating started coming off very early on, and Mario Batali/Copco new enameled cast iron Panini Grill, whose top part never got very hot, and which was a pain to clean.
The Calphalon Contemporary Stainless, costing the same as the Panini Press, is a much better value. The spun tri-ply gives you very even heat and beautiful grill marks, and, as all stainless, it is extremely easy to clean -just soak for a bit and then wipe the goo off with your sponge. Also, it is very wide, which allows you to grill such large items as flank steaks, and limits splattering.
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I specifically picked this pan after running many years without a grill pan as I do not like non stick and I can't get used to the concept of not using soap on cast iron.I have few all clads and some restaurant supply pans mixed in I now how to use barkeepers friend and I use that a lot yet this is the most difficult pan to clean.
The oil burns in and leaves black marks, it does happen on my other pans too when I pan sear let say a steak at super high heat but soaking and scrubbing with barkeeper takes much longer with this one and I still end up with few black marks.
Also I noted that it discolors underneath this is something that soaking with barkeepers friend does remove this doesn't happen with my other pans so I suspect this is something with steel that has been used. I use medium heat as I do with my other pans.
In regards to the 1 star critic about the glass top I am guessing the person is talking induction. My Viking induction cooktop wasn't able to detect the pan which is probably because the bottom is uneven.
I will try other oils over time, so far I used grape-seed and olive oil (mistake, wasn't thinking about the smoke) with the grape-seed beeing the bigger pain.
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EXCELLET GRILL PAN. I'VE HAD THE CALPHALON STAINLESS STEEL GRILL PAN FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. GRILLING STEAKS, CHICKEN, VEGETABLES AND GARLIC BREAD HAS BEEN SO EASY. THE PAN HEATS VERY EVENLY AND COOLS QUICKLY. I LIVE IN AN APARTMENT AND CAN'T HAVE AN OUTDOOR GRILL. I WOULD PUT THIS GRILL PAN AGAINST ANY OUTDOOR GRILL. I USED OLIVE OIL FOR ALL COOKING WHICH MADE NOTHING STICK AND WAS VERY EASY TO CLEAN. THIS IS A PAN THAT YOU WILL PASS ON TO FUTURE GENERATIONS. DON'T SETTLE FOR SUBSTITUTES.Want Calphalon Contemporary Stainless 13-Inch Round Grill Pan Discount?
The pan says it's compatible with glass cooktops. It is not since it has ridges on the outside bottom of the pan. Pans for glass cooktops should be smooth on the bottom. It looks like a nice pan for regular gas or electric burners. Don't order if you have the glass cooktop.Save 26% Off
All-Clad BBQ Tool Set in Carrying Case
Bought this as an extra special anniversary present for my husband. When they came in I was overwhelmed at the absolute beauty of the pieces All-Clad outdid themselves with this set! The only way to describe them a work of art! I took them to a local jewelry store and had them engraved with his initials now, EVEN MORE AMAZING! Will be giving them to him next week-can't wait....he's going to LOVE them!!!
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This is a really nice looking set which comes in a nice case. Unfortunately the tongs don't grip food too well as they are a bit slippery. I haven't used the other tools yet. I'm not sure I would purchase this item again but hopefully the tongs will improve with use.Read Best Reviews of All-Clad BBQ Tool Set in Carrying Case Here
Ordered as a gift and didn't even unwrap the tools. The case was dinged and the handle broken off and loose in the box. Way to low quality to be given as a high end gift. A piece of garbage.Want All-Clad BBQ Tool Set in Carrying Case Discount?
I bought this for my boyfriend, thinking it was going to be an awesome gift. The tongs came all bent so that the ends didn't even meet up, so they are useless. And the brush keeps falling apart. The brush part constantly falls out of the handle. I do not recommend this product!Save 18% Off
Weber W68 6-Ounce Stubborn Stain Remover for Grills with 2 Pads
This stuff actually does remove stains from my grill. The exterior grill cleaner which I also bought and also a Weber product does nothing. Neither do any other stainless steel cleaners I have tried.
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