Showing posts with label best outdoor grill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label best outdoor grill. Show all posts

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Outdoor Leisure SH36208 Smoke Hollow 40-Inch Barrel

Outdoor Leisure SH36208 Smoke Hollow 40-Inch BarrelI never buy anything like this that doesn't require "modification". This was no exception. The box arrived destroyed. It had been wrapped in plastic wrap to hold it togethor. The delivery guy understood however that I wanted to check it out before I accepted it so he and I tore it apart to see if there was any damage. Amazingly, all the parts were there and there wasn't a scratch. Unreal considering the condition of the box but I will count my luck. Assembly -the firebox comes in two pieces (top/bottom). One of the holes didn't align at all (front left if looking down inside the top door)and I had to re-drill it. No big deal. The washers are entirely too small in the firebox as well and will press right through the holes here as you tighten them up.....so I put larger more substantial washers all the way around the inside of the fire box. The bolts for the firebox are realllllly looooowwwww grade and soft metal as well. Since the firebox flanges don't fit well togethor (ultimately leaving about 1/4 inch gap between top and bottom halves), it would be good if you could tighten it down all the way around to close the gap a bit......but the bolts are too cheap and will shear before you get there. If I had known this before getting most of them in, I would have replaced all of them with higher grade bolt, nuts and washers. Not sure why for $607 they couldn't spend another $8 for proper hardware here? The 1/4 inch gap is not a big deal however because it is in the firebox and allows a bit of air into the combustion chamber. If it were in the cooking chamber it would not be good. The other piece that had to be modified was the temp guage hole. It simply wasn't big enough for the temp guage to fit....so it had to be bored out before it fit snugly through the hole. (again, not a big deal). Smoking the fire box is good sized and got proper air flow (this is the absolute biggest and most important piece with these things). It could use a grate at the bottom that has smaller openings so it will hold charcoal (the charcoal slides right through it as it is). I will be fabricating a tighter screen to place on top of the current grate (which shouldn't be difficult). I ultimately used a mixture of charcoal and wood for the fire. This will take a bit of study as I go to get the mixture right but I feel I was on the right path. The unit does leak around the main door just a bit, but again, it appears maintaining temp is not going to be too difficult because of the large firebox and proper openings for air in/out. All of offset smokers leak air to some extent. As with all offset smokers, this one could also use a convection plate that carries the heat further down towards the center of the cooking chamber instead of most of the heat coming up on the right side where the firepit hole is. I will be fabricating one of these as well (againshouldn't be difficult). I also wish the smokestack entered the cooking chamber down near the cooking grates. This would help force the heat and smoke to exit at a lower level (thereby smoking/cooking the meat better). The tendancy with exit holes this high is that the heat goes straight up, then over to the exit, bypassing the meat to some extent. I have only seen one offset smoker that got this point right however. I will maybe see if I can fabricate an exension of the pipe inside the smoker to lower its entry point. I see all of these things as items that I would have to do to almost every offset smoker out there btw. It did smoke a shoulder to 180 degrees over about 7hrs. I was playing with the temp the whole time however trying to figure out the best combination. All smokers will require a bit of a learning curve. The smoker as a whole appears sturdy and looks like it will hold a good amount of meat. I am probably going to mount two more good quality thermometers to it....right at the cooking surface with one on the right and one on the left so I can try and even the heat out from one side to the other with convection plate design.

The grill showed up in a torn box.When I put it together the two haves of the fire bow did not match up very well and there is a small separation in it to the point that I think it effects the temp in the firebox. The thermostat was also broken and is off on the temperature by 50 degrees. The rest of the grill is well constructed but I expected a lot more for 600 dollars. I would send it back if it wasn't for all the hassles, this is the first Smoke Hollow grill I have owned and I am not happy with it.

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You can get a smoker of equal quality for less money

MAIN DOOR doesnt fit snug

scratches on door through paint to metal

large smoke box but bad seals...

Save your money and go to next level of smoker

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I love this smoker I just hope it lasts a long time..the only problem I had so far is the clean out box hinges got stiff..

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Weber Style 18902 Barbecue Apron, Brown

Weber Style 18902 Barbecue Apron, BrownSaw this model in my local True Value yesterday $20.00, which at the time wasn't priced to make me pull the trigger. It is basically a redesign of their Weber 6474 Barbecue Apron, Black $10, Two medium sized pockets right in front with an adustable neck strap; meaning...the side strap and the neck strap are all one piece, you pull on the side to make the neck smaller and vice versa. The old Weber 2 pocket looked really "blah", black with a red kettle, but this new model looks classy with the Weber logo bordered by two pieces of gray accents.

The material is light weight which is perfect for summer time grilling. I have the Weber Style 6452 Barbecue Apron which is more heavy duty and perfect for the cooler months. I grill atleast twice a week and have noticed that my current apron feels a bit heavy in these 100deg hot summer days. Now seeing this on the lightning deals I'm definately jumping on it to save the $10 over the Retail brick and mortar price.

My only design wish would have been to include a pocket for a probe thermometer. I'm gonna have to get the wife to sew on a small piece of fabric to hold it.

I bought this for my husband. We are happy with the quality but the color was much lighter than it looked on the computer screen, and not in a good way. I wouldn't say it is a nice looking apron. It is almost the color of a caramel candy. The apron itself is a lighter brown than the brown trim (on screen it looks like the faux leather trim is lighter). The weight is good stiffer than a woman would want but good for a man. Just keep the color in mind if you order it.

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This apron is light and handy to have around. It has pockets on the front to put gadgets in to free up your hands while grilling. High quality.

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Fully adjustable in the neck, and big enough to fit around the waist of a real BBQ Chef. It's made of heavy-duty material, but not so heavy as to be uncomfortable. It's very functional with great pockets. Great value.

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This was one of the gifts to my son. He loved it, and noted that it's a bit heavier duty for barbeque jobs. The pockets were looking pretty handy also.

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Monday, August 18, 2014

DeLonghi BQ100 12-1/2-by-9-Inch Nonstick Griddle Plate

DeLonghi BQ100 12-1/2-by-9-Inch Nonstick Griddle PlateSince a flat griddle pan doesn't come with the DeLonghi Grill, this is accessory is needed if you want to cook pancakes or eggs on it. This flat griddle fits perfectly with the DeLonghi grill and is easy to clean.

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Sunday, August 10, 2014

George Foreman SKG01GFB 12-by-15-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Lid

George Foreman SKG01GFB 12-by-15-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass LidGeorge Foreman's name is associated with quality small appliances and this electric skillet is no exception. This medium size appliance is manufactured with a nonstick cooking surface, a diecast base, and heat resistant side handles. It looks very nice on your countertop with its black color and glass lid and it can be used to prepare many different foods.

This skillet has met and exceeded my expectations in every category. It takes only two or three minutes to reach the temperature of your choosing and the nonstick surface is so easy to clean, there is really no need to place it in a dishwasher. It is dishwasher safe if you remove the probe, but it cleans so easily, there isn't any need.

Among the many positive qualities with this electric skillet, one of the most important is its depth. Many electric skillets are shallow in design, and this severaly limits their usefulness. But this electric skillet offers plenty of depth, and that means you can use it to heat/cook foods containing liquid without any worries. The liquid won't spill, making this George Foreman Electric Skillet more versatile than most.

Another quality I like with this electric skillet is the glass lid. True, there is the added risk of breakage, but as long as you handle with care, this should not be an issue. The good thing about glass is that you can see the food as it cooks and glass makes for a more attractive appearance. With most stovetop skillets, the lids are solid metal and that means you can't see the food as it cooks. And don't worry that the lid will blow offthere is a small, round opening in the top for ventilation purposes.

George Foreman will always be known for his skill as a professional boxer, but he is eually skilled when it comes to sales of small appliances and this electric skillet is one of his best. It can be used to fry several foods at once or to keep food warm, with high walls to hold foods in place. Cleanup is a breeze and the appliance looks very attractive on most any kitchen counter. Could there be anything bad to say about this appliance? Not that I can see, and this makes it one of the best small appliances I have purchased in a long time.

Many other non-stick skillets reviewed here seem to have problems of one kind or another. When I bought this one, there were no reviews but I have two other George Foreman products one is an outdoor grill and the other is an indoor classic double-sided Foreman grill that really works well so I decided to give this one a shot. I'm glad I did! It works very well. The temperature control seems accurate, it really does take just a minute to clean up, whatever you are cooking doesn't stick and the see-through glass cover is very handy for watching items cook that require the lid to be on. It is generously sized and relatively light weight.

Finally, it was about half the price of some others I considered. What's not to like?

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I gave this skillet 3 stars because it's just OK. It heats up quickly and gets very hot (almost too hot). When the thermostat shuts off the heat, whatever you are cooking stops cooking and then continues when the heat comes back on. Simmering is almost non-existent.

The non-stick surface is good (no problems). Clean up is fairly easy considering this skillet is non-submersible in water.

If I had known these things, I probably wouldn't have bought it.

Read Best Reviews of George Foreman SKG01GFB 12-by-15-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Lid Here

I received this skillet for Christmas. this is my first electric skillet though I have used my moms in the past.

I really like this skillet. It is a large size which allows me to cook larger meals with out having to use the oven. I use it a loot for browning meat, making breakfast (pancakes cooking bacon/sausage, eggs, But my favorite use is for pasta meals I start by preparing the sauce in the skillet, i brown the meat in a separate pan add it and once the noodles are done drain them and add as well. The skillet is large enough to mix it all around (adding pasta to the sauce is a great way to prevent clumping vs keeping separate)with out creating a mess and helps keep it warm for seconds!

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There are many things I really like about this frying pan; the size, the non-stick surface, but I have to agree with some other reviews about the inconsistent heating. I've used electric frying pans for 40 years and have never had this problem. There is no way to simmer foods. Either the heat is on or it's off. This makes it hard to leave the house while preparing something like sauce or chili, which need to slowly simmer for several hours. This would be a great product if this aspect could be improved.

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Friday, July 11, 2014

Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 9x12-Inch Panini Pan and Press - JR8112P

Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 9x12-Inch Panini Pan and Press - JR8112PPerfection

This past Christmas Season, I asked for Calphalon pots and pans and oh did my wish come true! Everyone bought me a least one pot or pan! I have a wonderful family who only live to please each other, so wow did I get Calphalon! Naturally there were some duplicates, so I returned the duplicates to Amazon and shopped and shopped with all my return credits and rather whimsically found things I wanted, I had never thought of a panini pan, but I thought it was a nice looking pan, best decision I ever made. I use it all the time, and if I'm not usung the pan I'm usuing the press to keep bacon from curling, pre-heating steaks to get the crossmarks on the meat and a million other things that are not coming to mind, I love it, and wondered how I cooked without it and I've been cooking for 35 years. Try it, you'll love it!

I've borrowed both the Cuisanart and Brevelle panini presses from my neighbors and tried them. I loved them, but was afraid of storage problems and that cleanup would deter me from using them. I took a gamble and got this one on a whim...and I am ecstatic. It works perfectly. I can adjust the heat. I throw it in the sink and it cleans up in a minute. It's large enough for two large sandwiches. I can store it with my other pots and pans so no lost counter space, and no trip to the pantry to dig it out. Did I say cleanup was so much easier than the presses I borrowed? :} COULDN'T be happier with this purchase.

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We don't make a lot of panini sandwiches. We have a panini grill, but too much trouble to get it out. When we want them this is quick and cooks them perfectly. The best part of the pan is we cook hamburger patties, chicken breasts, small steaks, etc. It becomes our grill pan. The weighted cover is perfect to use in other pans as well and great as a bacon press. I was going to buy one in the store, but read the review of the larger pan on line being the better buy. It is. There are only two of us, but when we cook we cook four of everything. Dinner that night and lunch the next day. The pan fits our needs amazingly. Highly recomended.

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Cannot explain how great this pan is. Everything tastes delicious and done in 15 min. I was worried that chicken breast would come out dry if I fry it, but it was great, my husband loved it and he is a picky eater. I haven't made panini on it yet but I made chicken, pork chops and streak and it was all great. I have a George forman but I hate cleaning it, especially 2 plates and the machine takes counter space( not a lot of it when you live in a city) this pan easy clean up and doesn't take much extra space.

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I have ditched all my other fry pans. Not only is this useful for sandwiches, but I have made burgers, scrambled eggs, omelets, grilled vegs and bacon in it. I use silicone utensils or wood. So easy to clean after years of stainless steel, I wish I would have purchased it sooner!

Saturday, June 28, 2014

GrillPro 41555 Stainless Steel Pepper roasting Rack for Grill

GrillPro 41555 Stainless Steel Pepper roasting Rack for GrillI 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.

This is a great product. I have used it several times this summer. It is well made and sturdy. The holes are large and will accommodate large peppers. I grow my own peppers and if the pepper isn't large, I use a toothpick to hold the bacon on the pepper and this holds the pepper in the rack just fine. The pepper corer works great too. I used it on the first dozen peppers I roasted and after the first three or four peppers, I had the technique down well enough that I could core large and small-to-medium peppers with ease. I really like this product and recommend it to anyone looking for a cost effective, well built, pepper roasting rack.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Wednesday, May 21, 2014

George Foreman GR20WHT XL Grill

George Foreman GR20WHT XL GrillSimple to use. Quick. Easy to clean up. Makes food taste delicious. Quality construction. I use this to prepare 4-5 meals a week and am never disappointed. It makes delicious chicken, burgers, grilled sandwiches, fish, steaks, vegetables, quesadillas, fajitas, etc... I love the fact that there are no complicated switches or settings, just plug it in and get cooking. What a relief from todays overly complicated world. I received my grill as a gift, and now it is my gift of choice to others. Those who receive it may at first have hesitations (George Foreman grill wasn't that on a cheesy infomercial?), but once they use it they absolutely love it. My only complaint is that it is a little small to cook for 3 or 4 people the larger model maybe the way to go.

This appliance has literally changed my life. To explain this bit of what may appear at first to be hyperbole, you must understand that I am in the military, am currently deployed to faraway lands, and am living in what can only be described as "primitive conditions."

Prior to purchasing my "George" cooking meant microwaving some tasteless frozen or canned product into that uniquely textured, unevenly heated form that only a microwave oven can produce. When I wanted to eat well, I ate out -which in the military, usually means fast food.

It was on a trip to Iceland that I discovered "George": several of my compatriots had smaller versions of this grill in their barracks rooms, and the wonderful smells of their steaks, chicken breasts, and pork loins cooking at dinnertime led me to investigate and eventually purchase one of my own.

The grill is simplicity itself: plug it in and it works. There is no temperature control and no on/off switch. Wait till the little light goes out, then throw your chosen foodstuff on the non-stick surface. Both sides of whatever you're grilling are seared at once, making the meat (or veggie) moist and tender. Fat drains down the sloped surface into the helpfully-provided receptacle. Cooking time is remarkably short due to heating elements both above and below, and if you like your meat slightly crispy on the outside, you will be very, very happy.

Cleanup is a simple matter of wiping the nonstick surface with a few paper towels and is best accomplished with the grill slightly warm. A quick wipe with a damp sponge and you're done.

So far, I have cooked steaks (fabulous!), chicken breasts (delicious -be careful not to overcook), pork loin (particularly good after marinating -like chicken, be careful not to overcook), grilled cheese sandwiches (the best I've ever had), fajitas (veggies and meat - turned out great!), and fish (stick to more steak-like fish such as salmon and tuna and you'll love it).

I highly recommend this grill to anyone who loves the taste of grilled food -especially folks like me who are cooking just for themselves or who find it difficult to find the time or a place to fire up the barbeque.

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This is a bachelors kitchen dream! No mess, no fuss and no dishes!! Just wipe it clean after each use and enjoy a juicy hamburger, steaks cooked to perfection and grilled chicken that's perfect and juicy. Anybody can use the George Foreman Grill! Just plug it in, set your favorite meat on the grill, close it up and cook until it is golden brown! This grill works fast, which is why it is perfect for us single fellas who hate cooking and love a hot meal once in awhile when we're not eating at a friends house where someone else is cooking for us:)

The only flaws I have with this unit: 1) TEMP CONTROLS! Where are they??? There are none to be found and unfortunately this grill doesn't cook fish real well unless you're standing next to the grill at all times to avoid overcooking. 2) ON/OFF SWITCH! Nowhere to be found! To turn off the unit you have to "unplug" an electrically charged unit, meaning that sparks initially fly when turning it off (possible fire starter).

Those are the only flaws I found. I love this thing and every mother looking for a good gift for their son or daughter at college or stationed in the military should not omit this from their son or daughters Christmas list. Don't pass this one up!!

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I purchased the George Foreman GR20CB XL Grill on a recommendation from a friend and Im very glad I did.

The grill is perfect for barbecuing steaks, chicken, hamburgers, fish, and vegetables when the weather is too poor to do so outside. However, its a little small. Only two steaks or chicken breasts can fit on it at one time. If you are cooking for a family a larger version is available.

I think this grill would be great for college students in dorms (if they're allowed to cook in theirs) or those who live in apartments or condos and cannot have regular barbecues.

One of the great features of grilling is that most of the fat drips away, leaving you with leaner healthier cuts of meat. Since this grill cooks very quickly it sears the meat and locks in all the flavor.

I only wish it had a longer cord and an on/off switch.

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I'll admit it -I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to kitchenware. I love to cook, I entertain frequently, and I collect cookbooks. I'd heard about the George Foreman Grill, and generally figured it wasn't for me. If I wanted something grilled, I'd do it the "proper" way -on an outdoor gas grill! However, I kept hearing about this George Foreman grill, and figured it was worth a look -especially since the weather had made it impossible to grill outdoors for several months.

I purchased the "middle" size (called XL), figuring that if I didn't like it, I wasn't out that much $$, and I could probably give it to my mother. I have to say -I was VERY pleasantly surprised.

As others have said, it's virtually fool-proof. There's no "on-off" switch -you plug it in, wait for it to heat up, and start cooking. When you're finished, you unplug it. It has a short cord to prevent accidents, so if you don't have an outlet handy, it could be awkward. Also, the cookbook that comes with the grill is woefully lacking in general advice (for example, a "time needed to cook" chart for various types of meat and fish, based on thickness, would have been a nice touch). You pretty much have to figure things out for yourself.

That said, it does a fine job on steak, salmon, chicken breast, and pork chops. I haven't tried it on veggies or sausages yet, but I anticipate no problems. The food turns out nicely seared (in a grill-stripe pattern), and juicy inside.

My biggest complaint is clean-up. You cannot immerse the grill in water, so you have to do the best you can with paper towels and damp sponges. It would have been nice to have made the grill plates removable, so that they could be washed properly.

In all, however, I'm quite pleased with this grill. I anticipate using it far more than I expected I would. I've only had it a week, and I've already used it 4 times. If you're looking for something that is quick, easy, and produces good results with just a little attention, definitely give the George Foreman grill some consideration.

I'm keeping mine; Mom can get her own.

Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 11-Inch Square Griddle

Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 11-Inch Square GriddleIt's heavy and dead-flat. What can you say about a griddle except that it does exactly what you wish a griddle would do. There are no hot-spots, and the handle stays cool. (The Calphalon Contemporary handles are big, and may get in the way occasionally -but they stay very cool.)

One thing, though -the non-stick surface is *really* non stick. Make an omlette and it'll spread over just about the whole bottom of the pan in no-time-flat -which is just great, so long as you like really thin omlettes. Over-easy eggs can be a bit tricky because it's so slippery -it's not that easy to get the spatula underneath! (Part of that's because plastic and coated spatulas are thicker than metal ones.) One time I almost pushed an egg right off the griddle and onto the stovetop. But anyone who's ever had something stick to a griddle will not complain that nothing can stick.

Cleanup is strange. It just doesn't get dirty. I've only had this awhile, but I've used it twenty times, and the nonstick is not only still in perfect condition, it doesn't even show the "bright spots" that, with high-quality non-stick cookware, indicates some mechanical burnishing. I think this will last forever.

I have a cheap griddle same size, and now have this Calphalon one. BIG difference. Much better heat distribution, better teflon = easier clean. Handy for bacon (may need to pour of drippings if a lot of bacon), grilled sandwiches, pancakes, eggs.

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I purchased this griddle In August of 2006 and use it every Sunday. There is alot i like about the pan, but one huge problem is it warped. I know you are not suppose to put a hot pan in cool water because that will cause this to happen, but I did not do that. I have a smooth glass top surface to my stove so a warped pan is not good. I do have to say the heat still conducts though the pan to give me even cooking thoughout.

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I received a set of the Calphalon Contemporary as a gift and the only thing I felt I was missing was a griddle, so I had to order this one from Amazon. This griddle pan has been wonderful. I use it for everything! Most times, I just wash it and put it right back on the stove since I know I'll be needing it again right away. I can fit 6-8 pieces of bacon on it at a time, 4 pieces of toast, or 4 rather large pancakes. It's a dream come true if you fix breakfast often. It's the best money I've spent in my kitchen and I would highly recommend it!

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I had an inexpensive square teflon griddle which performed adequately but began to deteriorate from surface wear. I elected to go with the Calphalon brand as I owned other Calphalon pieces which perform quite well. I was glad the company included specific use and care instructions as they educated me in keeping this pan from wearing in the same way as the previous one.If the directions are precisely followed, this pan should last a lifetime. It heats evenly, cooks perfectly (as long as the proper cooking techniques are used) and cleans up good as new. As suggested NEVER use cooking sprays, use medium to medium high heat, and ONLY clean with warm soapy water AFTER the pan has completely cooled. Using the butter test (heat 1 teaspoon real butter in the pan,if it burns, reduce heat and retest until slow bubbly unburnt butter is the result) works very well. Your pan will be ready to cook when the butter tests correctly.You can wipe the butter away if you do not wish to cook with butter, but the test works. All in all,this product delivers.

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Weston Non-Stick Single Hamburger Press

Weston Non-Stick Single Hamburger PressFirst impressions when this item arrived was that it was lighter than I thought it would be. I can say that I don't think that affects this press too much, but I do wish it was a little heavier.

In this design, the meat sits on the flat surface, while the 'cup' or 'hole' that the meat is pressed in to to form the burger is what you push down on. This is good, since if the cup/hole is on the bottom it can be quite hard to get that burger out intact!

A big plus is that this press can make burgers of different thicknesses, but I do wish they'd pre-marked a couple of notches on the adjustment slide indicating the correct thickness for a 1/4 pounder and a 1/2 pounder. Easy to do just annoying they didn't think of that!

Finally, when making the burgers, I found that a quick light spray of Pam lets you slide that sucker off every time, making perfect patties.

Overall a good press with a couple of oversights that would have made it great but I haven't yet found anything else that is better.

Let the grilling begin!

Happy shopping

JB

Hamburger cookout for 50 people and the burgers came out great. Did not stick, smooth round burgers. Perfect tool! Love it!

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It's awesome. Makes it so easy to prepare hamburgers. I can pick the thickness (everyone is different. My grandson likes the "skinny" burgers, but I like the "chunkier" ones) AND have a perfect patty. It's fun to use as well.

Read Best Reviews of Weston Non-Stick Single Hamburger Press Here

Great press for professional looking hamburgers that cook great on the grill. Consistent size and weight, which helps in storage when you buy from Sam's or Costco.

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So far, I've made about 200 patties using this model press. It has thickness markings on the spindle which is better than some models I've seen, but they only go down to 1/4 pound. It will adjust well below the markings though.

You definately want to use wax paper on both sides of the meat (I use Handy Whacks) to keep it from sticking in the form. Freshly ground meat seems less prone to sticking, but I certainly wouldn't call this unit "non-stick" as it does in the product description.

The patties it makes are larger in diameter than what some of the cheaper models make, so no "where's the beef" syndrome here.

The biggest struggle I have with it is portion control. If you put too much in, it can't squeeze out the excess because of the lip on the bottom half. Instead, it just doesn't close all the way and makes the burgers thicker and uneven. If you put in too little, the patties are visibly deformed. I'm going to try an ice cream scoop for portioning and see if this helps.

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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Music City Metals 91271 Stainless Steel Heat Plate Replacement for Select Gas Grill Models by Harri

Music City Metals 91271 Stainless Steel Heat Plate Replacement for Select Gas Grill Models by Harris Teeter, Kirkland and OthersPurchased for "The Classic", or model 720-0021 made my NexGril, sold by Costco around 2004-2005.

Plates are wider than actual replacement needed, but length is same, and holes are lined up on the same width as original plates, thus whatever is wider simply streches out, while price is much lower than part actually recommended.

The 3 new plates now fit snugly against each other. They are nice, thick stainless plates, probably around 1/16 thick, and hopefully will last long.

Advertised as used in very good condition, but actually were shipped brand new.

Great purchase.

Quality Stainless, just slightly oversize compared to originals. They fit snugly across left to right but not exactly in the groves designed for the originals. The center of the large opening is slightly off center, but I do not think this will affect the cooking temperature significantly. For the price ($22.59), and if they last another 8 years, I am quite happy.

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Good quality but, a little too wide. Had to modify it to fit. Instructions would be helpful. Very easy once i figured it out.

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Saturday, March 22, 2014

Boston Warehouse Spreader, Set of 4

Boston Warehouse Wine and Cheese Spreader, Set of 4I love these. They are so cute. And the detail on the cats is great. I can't wait to use them.

This is an item that not only cat lovers must have. Besides the fact that they are very useful, they are very well made, with nice details and sooo cute!

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I actually bought these for my 4 year old granddaughter to use as flatware. Of course with the cats, they are not flat...haha. They are really cute though. She likes to use my fish spreader when she visits me, so I thought I would put these in her Christmas stocking to take home and use at mealtime. They do make a nice spreader for adults also...especially those cat-loving friends of yours.

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These were cute, but cheaply made. One handle broke the first time I tried to cut some room temp monterey jack. And instead of saying "handwashing recommended" they should say "NOT dishwasher safe" , as all of the paint came off in the first run in the dishwasher. I would NOT recommend or purchase this product again, and am disappointed.

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These spreaders are great for Halloween. The finish on the handles is nice. The painted features are also good. The only thing that is not up to snuff, is the blades. They are very thin and the finish is a little spotty.

It's a small thing. I have Christmas spreaders that have the same problem. I guess it's just part of the deal when you get cheap holiday themed spreaders from China but since the blades will be covered with "spread" they won't really be seen. What will be noticed is the cool handles.

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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Weber 7531 Cast Iron Griddle

Weber 7531 Cast Iron GriddleThe description says it is 21 x 15 x 2 inches The actual dimension is 15 x 11.5 x 1 inches. The box it is packaged in meet the specification it says but not the product. It looks to be well made. Also it is made in China.

Amazon was great about returning it, thumbs up for that!

The griddle itself is great. It will not come seasoned. You have to do it yourself. I've got this griddle from Amazon. After opening a package found that it doesn't match item dimensions listed on Amazon website. Sent it back to Amazon and got a full refund without any problem. As I can see now Amazon removed product dimensions in the item descriptions. Anyway I give this griddle 5 stars because of the quality.

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Great addition to your grill and outdoor cooking. Made od heavy cast iron. Great for everything from pancakes and bacon to sliders and hamburger buns.

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Friends,

I recently purchased a 7531 griddle for my Weber Silver A and I'm really happy with it. Regardless of what the advertised dimensions say, this griddle perfectly replaces one of the 15" x 11.5" grill grates on the Weber Silver A or the Model 500. I leave one grill grate on along with the griddle and it really turns the Weber into a versatile outdoor cooker. The griddle is a must for grilled veggies and works just excellent for searing fish without it flaking apart and falling through the grates. Considering the cost, this thing is one inch thick cast iron and will last longer than you or I will so you'll never have to replace it if you reasonably care for it. Secondly, the original two grates for your Weber will last you twice as long because you'll only use one and have the second as a spare when the first one wears out. I'd give this 5 stars if it were made in the USA. It's made in China but I have to say it's heavy duty and well made.

Happy Grill'n

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Friday, February 14, 2014

Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Covered Deep Round Grill Pan

Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Covered Deep Round Grill PanFabulous addition to my cookware...heats quickly and evenly, good size, easy to clean and I like that it comes with a lid.

Nothing technical here, but this is the best grill pan I've ever used. I am an active home cook and have used several different grill pans. Hands down, this one is the best. Great grill marks, good heat distribution and amazingly lightweight. Clean-up is a breeze. The lid is a bonus, since most grill pans don't come with lids!

I would surely buy another analon advanced pan in the future should the need exist!

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I have used a grill pan your years, but this is the first one I had with a lid. The lid makes all the difference. Everything cooks quicker and more thoroughly now. Also, there's no smoking, and therefore my kitchen and air stays cleaner.

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I don't usually cook with non-stick cookware, except for making omelets.

Non-stick does not usually make a nice crust on meats or reduce sauces properly. I will stick with my All Clad stainless and Le Creuset for everyday cooking, thank you.

HOWEVER, in the winter months when it is too cold to go outside and grill, this pan is the BEST commercial grade non-stick pan out there.

Fish and steaks cook up beautifully, searing the meats, leaving nice grill marks every time. It cooks up chicken breasts better than my Weber grill.

Easy cleanup and nice rubber ergonomic handle.

I have yet to use the heavy glass lid, but it's nice to know it's there!

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I think most people would be very pleased with this pan. It is nicely designed, sturdy and not too heavy. The handle is not all metal so it stays cool and you can lift it without a pot holder. Nice idea! I am very happy with this pan and would recommend it!

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Saturday, January 18, 2014

GreenPan San Francisco Square Grill Pan, 10-Inch

GreenPan San Francisco Square Grill Pan, 10-InchI have been using this pan about 5 times a week for 5 months now.

Unfortunately the 'non-stick' ability has all but gradually disappeared over the last month

and anything in the pan feels like it has been attached with glue after a little bit of cooking.

I have even used a little olive oil every time I cook with it but this still doesn't help.

This pan has been treated well and has only ever been hand washed and used over

medium to low heat. I have owned other pans like Tefal and Scanpan and these still remain

non-stick many years later after the exact same treatment as that of the Greenpan. For this

reason I can only give it 2 stars and would not recommend it to others unless you want to be

purchasing new grill pans every few months.

After this, threw others out. Went to several culinary schools. I'm recommending it to all!! So easy to clean. Just wipe out! No sticking!!

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Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Taiyaki Japanese Fish-Shaped Hot Cake Maker

Taiyaki Japanese Fish-Shaped Hot Cake MakerI searched online for quite a while before finding this taiyaki-ki (taiyaki cooker). All the others I found were either in Japanese-only site or much too expensive. I stumbled across this one by accident, and a happy accident it was!

Taiyaki are tasty little fish-shaped cakes with red beans in the center. That doesn't sound that good, but Japanese red beans anko, or adzuki are sweet and quite suitable for snacks and desserts. Taiyaki are easy to make, which is good considering that the packaging and documentation for this cooker is all in Japanese.

Basically, you heat this over your stove. I tried using it on an electric burner, and believe it or not it works just fine that way. Heat the taiyaki-ki up on both sides until water sizzles on the cooking surface, then give it a light dash of cooking spray and spoon in a thin layer of batter, working from the tail to the body. (You can Google up a recipe, but I'm lazy and use pancake mix.) Add some red beans to the body area, then more batter to cover, and then close the mold. Cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Voila, tasty sweet fish-shaped snack cakes!

You can vary the recipe by using chocolate, shrimp paste, peanut butter, or whatever you like as fillings.

After I recvd this one, I asked my Korean friends to read the instruction for me. I am quite sure any items to be sold in the US, one needs to have instruction in English. This is not the case. Anyway, the instruction was to tell you to be careful in handling this pan they will be come very hot during cooking.

I used waffle mix and put some red bean paste (Oriental store) as fillings and make some fish cake, very cute. I also used raspberry and blueberry as alternatives. I am going to let my imagination juice flow and seek for some other fillings. (Chestnut paste, sesame paste, berries w/marmalade, custard cream........) Um..... they are so yum yum.

I'd recommend using waffle mix rather than pancake mix waffle mix gives you a much lighter and fluffier texture. However, if you'd like to have a fish with substance (smile), use pancake mix the texture is much more heavy. Just like a pancake fish and fillings cannot be easily put into the fish.

Do not put the fish maker on the BBQ, a regular stove top will do the job. Always heat up the maker first for a few minutes and spray with some PAM or spread a bit of butter inside it prevents stickniess. Turn down the temperature to medium and pour some thin batter to coat the fish maker pan (one side only). Do not over fill. Put your fillings carefully into the center of the fish they will sink into the batter or you can use a small spoon to help them sink. Pour in more batter to cover the fillings. Close it tight and turn it around to warm the other side. Monitor the temperature as it burns easily.

After 2-3 minutes voila here comes 2 lovely fish with yummy fillings splashing onto your table. I make them on the weekends and my friends just love them. They are more popular than the English tea that I usually prepare.

The little fish cake reminds me of my childhood when I spent my early life in Asia. They have so many types of interesting snacks on the streetside!

1/24/2012 Update:

I was told to add a few teaspoon of BEER into the batter and it works like magic! Same for tempura batter adding BEER gives you the crispiness. Now the outer is crispy and the inner is as soft as mashmellow. Thank you for sharing the tips, Marsa.

I also use my home made vanilla custard cream as fillings. I sprinkle powder sugar on my fish after it is toasted. 1/2 of the sugar is elminated in the batter and it is healthier. Well, at least my waistline appreciates it. :>

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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Zojirushi EP-PBC10 Gourmet d'Expert Electric Skillet

Zojirushi EP-PBC10 Gourmet d'Expert Electric SkilletThe main selling point of this skillet for me was the fact that it doesn't use a coil that's built into the base of the cooking surface. Instead, it uses a removable non stick bowl that rests on a circular surface exactly the same size as the base of the bowl. This results in more even heating of the surface and less wear and tear on the non stick surface.

If you've used traditional electric skillets, you've probably noticed that the non stick coating tends to peel/bubble around the area where the heating element/coil is. I'm happy to report no bubbling or flaking during the time I have been using this since May of 2011. There are some light surface scuffs presumably from stirring items and washing the bowl (which is super easy to clean) but nothing compromising the coating itself. You should have no problems with this along as you stick to using silicone or wood cooking tools.

Again, because of the way that this skillet operates, it's very easy and predictable to cook with. It does tend to "hold" the heat for a longer period of time than some other skillet designs. As one other reviewer mentioned, the "keep warm" setting is actually better for simmering than the actual simmer setting on the slider.

Overall, I'm really happy with this skillet, but I'm taking off one star because of the fact that the power cable has a strong chemical/rubber smell that refuses to go away.

Heats up quickly. I use it for pancakes, soups, simmering cube steaks. It cooks them in less time than a regular pot or pan. Cleanup is quick and easy. The only thing to watch for is that the simmer setting is a little hot. I use the warm setting for simmering.

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I'm a single student and use this for everything; eggs, meat, soup, potstickers, you name it. Even boiling water! There is actually a sort of spout, so when you pour water out, it doesn't leak everywhere down the sides. It's a very well-built product. Using it is a joy. The clear lid is very useful. The nonstick surface is wonderfully durable and effective. Cleaning it is extremely easy. The only thing I don't like is that the cooking surface is slightly convex, so when I cook fried eggs, for example, they flow to the side and become a long, awkward shape. I also have to use a sprayer to spray olive oil on it so it doesn't doesn't just flow to the side. But other than that, it's a great product. I'm sure the convex cooking surface was designed for grilling stuff in mind, so it might actually be a pro, but I still wish it was just completely flat.

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I bought this item for an elderly parent who forgets to turn things off. The ad says the skillet features an auto shut off, but I saw nothing about that in the manual when the skillet arrived. I just called Zojirushi's Customer Service and was told there is no auto shut off feature. They checked the Amazon.com ad had no explanation about why an auto shut-off feature was mentioned.

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This is the most versatile cooking appliance I have ever owned. The ceramic nonstick surface allows the use of high heat both for pan frying a steak or high temperature roasting.. It is a great slow cooker and convenient for roasting. When my k-cup coffee maker broke, I used it as a tea kettle to boil water and pour out the pour spout into my coffee cup. In the morning you can cook your bacon, eggs, pancakes and even bake biscuits. I am familiar with Zoji quality from my Rice Cooker, Bread Maker and travel mug. These appliances are designed and made in Japan and it shows.

This jewel truly makes one-pot meals a reality. I made chili the other night browned the meat, cooked the vegetables, drained the grease, added the tomatoes and bean, brought it to a boil and reduced to simmer and cook for two hours. Cleanup was a breeze thanks to the nonstick surface. A great product, especially for someone in a dorm room or a small apartment, Highly recommended.

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Thursday, December 19, 2013

21st Century B59A4 Food Umbrella, 12-Inch by 12-Inch

21st Century B59A4 Food Umbrella, 12-Inch by 12-InchWhen I received it I took it out of the package and noticed that the bottom piece on the tent was broken. It cannot stand up on its own because of this so it cannot be made into a tent. The tent is cheap and unusable.

love this product works like a dream, would recommend this product 100 percent..try it for yourself you will love it.

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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Nesco PIC-14 Portable Induction Cooktop, 1500-Watt

Nesco PIC-14 Portable Induction Cooktop, 1500-WattI've been a fan of induction burners since I purchased a Max Burton 6200 Deluxe 1800-Watt Induction Cooktop several years ago—at much greater cost than it's listed for now! Nothing beats the precise temperature control, the safety, and the efficiency of an induction burner. They are far safer and more sophisticated than hotplate-type burners for college dorms or residences for the elderly or disabled. They are also wonderful for an office kitchen or to use outdoors or on a table for Japanese hot pot cooking or fondue. Induction cooks by transferring heat to the pot itself, which then cooks your food; induction-ready cookware must be used, but you probably already have something suitable (see below).

Let me get the one thing I like better about my Max Burton out of the way first: it has a timer for auto-shutoff, which is a great boon when doing pressure canning using my Fagor Duo 10-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner. When the canner comes up to pressure, I can set the timer for how long to keep it at pressure and then walk off and leave it, knowing that the burner will shut off and the temperature instantly be reduced to zero after that precise amount of time. With pressure canning, especially, timing is everything. So is auto-shutoff if you're easily distracted (like me) by other things. The Nesco does not automatically shut off unless it overheats, in which case it will shut off as a safety feature.

That said, I like the Nesco induction burner much better for everyday cooking and will probably keep my Max put away until I'm canning. The design of the Nesco is sleeker and easier to clean, and it's MUCH easier to use. The Max has three different functional levels (wattage, temperature, cooking time) and up to ten different levels of settings within those functions; it's hard to see precisely which function you are changing settings for, and once it shuts off, you have to go through the whole rigamarole again if you want to keep cooking at the same level. (Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep beep beep! Beep beep beep! Beep! Beep!) The Max Burton is 1800 watts as opposed to the Nesco's 1500 watts. That sounds good until you trip the circuit breaker every time you use it with something else plugged in if you don't take pains to lower the wattage to a non-default setting.

The Nesco, on the other hand, is simplicity itself. For many purposes, all that needs to be done is just press the On/Off button, then the Cooking Mode button, which autosets at the center/default Boil (C3) setting. The five cooking mode settings, printed on the front panel and shown in large red digital letters when in use, are self-explanatory and controlled by two buttons (Up and Down): Melt/Warm (C1), Simmer (C2), Boil (C3), Fry (C4), and Sear (C5). The Up and Down arrow buttons do just what you'd think: Up cycles up from Boil to Fry to Sear; Down cycles down from Boil to Simmer to Melt/Warm. The temperature adjusts instantly, so you get practically instantaneous feedback on your cooking level just by looking at what the contents of your pot are doing.

If you push the wrong button and "go the wrong way," you can just push the opposite button and take it back to "where you meant to go," which will never be more than four button presses in one direction if you're going from the very lowest (C1) to the very highest (C5) or vice versa.

Finding induction-ready cookware is as easy as taking a magnet with you to the thrift store or into your cupboards; Nesco thoughtfully provides a weak magnetic strip that you can tuck into a pocket for that purpose. (Be sure to stick it to the bottom of the pan, not the sides, because the bottom that comes in contact with the burner is what counts.) Cast iron definitely works, but (as with ceramic cooktops) you have to be careful not to scratch the cooktop with it. The bottom diameter of your pot or pan must be between 3.15" and 10" in order to work; larger skillets can cause overheating. All of the pieces of my Rachael Ray Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set, Orange work with this burner.

I love it.

I've owned a Max Burton 6000 induction (1800 watts) for over 2 years; it's a much better option. I mainly use a portable induction burner for cooking outside; if you are cooking something stinky like deep frying oil or it's summer & you're craving pasta but don't want to warm up the kitchen or your grilling and want to warm a sauce or side dish. We also like to use it on the deck in the summer for making pancakes. We eat breakfast outside frequently & it's really convenient to set it up on the table while cooking batches of pancakes.

So to test this Nesco (1500 watts), we took it out on the deck to make pancakes. We use a Lodge cast iron pancake skillet/griddle. This skillet is 10.5 inches outside measurement/10 inches inside cooking measurement so should be a good test. To test the evenness in cooking, we poured pancake batter to near the edge of the pan, leaving a little space for turning. This Nesco did a terrible job at cooking evenly. Even though the circle (cooking zone) is 10 inches, the pan did not get hot enough to the edge so we had a gummy/white pancake & a very overdone center where the element is under the pan. We tried again, fiddling with the temperature level & making a small pancake in the center. That was better but this would be annoying to make 1 small pancake at a time & it needed constant watching/adjusting of the temperature.

**See photo of pancake above.

There is very little fine tuning in the temperature selection. You choose between 5 "Cooking Modes"; Melt/Warm, Simmer, Boil, Fry & Sear. My Max Burton has 10 cooking levels which I discovered is important if you're doing anything other than boiling water. On level 2 (Simmer) it is too cool and on level 3 (Boil) it is too hot; the food burns. Having only 5 cooking levels is not enough for items that need specific heat control. Even though the circle (cooking zone) is 10 inches, the pan did not get hot enough to the edge to cook evenly. With a strong backlight, I could see and measure the induction element; it is approximately 7 inches in diameter.

When no pan is present, it beeps at you, a helpful feature. However, after initially beeping quickly at me, it behaved oddly and after I held a pan away from it for 30 seconds it never beeped. Either it wasn't actively heating (on level 2) or it decided not to beep. I started to question the beeping accuracy /effectiveness.

I also tested it boiling water & in that it does a very good/fast job. So if you're just using this to warm liquids such as water, soup, oil for deep frying; it will probably suffice. If you want to cook something evenly, look elsewhere.

Induction cooking requires a magnetic pan. To test your pans, put a magnet on the bottom. If the magnet sticks, your pan will work on induction. If it doesn't stick, it won't get hot & you need to choose another pan. A cheap refrigerator magnet is included with this cooktop. Handy if you're going shopping for new pans but most people probably already own a magnet or two so not really a selling point.

Max Burton 6000 1800-Watt Portable Induction Cooktop, Black A much better choice.

Lodge Logic L9OG3 Pre-Seasoned 10-1/2-Inch Round Griddle My cast iron pancake griddle; works great on other cooktops.

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I love the Nesco induction cooktop! It's compact and lightweight, so it is easy to store when not in use. When it is in use, it's a dream! It heats quickly, much quicker than I expected. A small fan runs while it's on, and it barely makes any noise. The five settings are easy to select, allowing heat variations from simmer to sear. The buttons are easy to push, but are not touch sensitive. This is important since you wouldn't want to accidentally change the settings. The appearance is sleek, and it's easy to clean.

I've missed using my cast iron skillet since I bought my glass top stove, which can be easily damaged by cast iron cookware and is not recommended. I can use the cast iron skillet on the Nesco without any problems. I suspect the surface of the Nesco will suffer a little from cast iron if I'm not careful, but it shouldn't damage it the same way as a glass top stove.

It also uses much less energy than a regular stove, so it's cheaper to use in the long run. It won't replace my regular stovetop, but I do plan to use this regularly.

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I have this DUXTOP 1800-Watt Portable Sensor Touch Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner 8300ST which is an utter piece of junk. And this Fissler CookStar Induction Pro Portable Cooktop which is really really nice (and really expensive).

So I did not expect this one to be good.

Amazingly, it is quieter that most induction cookers and it works really well. You have to be aware that with cheaper induction cooker the heating area will be smaller. So that was expected.

The one problem I have is that I can't find a setting for my pressure cooker.

C2 was too week and C3 was too strong.

It only has 5 levels. It works well if you happen to need exactly as much power as the 5 settings allow. But it will get frustrating when you need to be between 2 levels.

Most other induction cookers offer more levels for this reason.

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I love this cooktop!

We BBQ at least three or four times a week and usually had to go indoors and use the stove for side dishes. We set up the induction cooktop right next to the BBQ and have used it two times so far with outstanding results.

We use a heavy iron skillet which heats up amazingly fast and the heat stays consistent. Its light which makes it easy to bring outside whenever we need it. This is my first time using an induction cooktop and I am so pleased that we were offered this product to review. It is so much easier to keep the kitchen cool in the summer with out the stove and oven on.

Highly recommended for outdoor use, excellent for camping and a boat or RV.

For those who have never used induction before (like me) you must use a metal pan such as cast iron, magnetic stainless steel or carbon steel. You can not use copper aluminum or glass.

Stats:

1500 watts

5 heating control settings

Glass top

Made in China

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Sunday, November 24, 2013

Flat Cast Iron Frying Pan / Pancake Griddle / Skillet

Flat Cast Iron Frying Pan / Pancake Griddle / SkilletGreat little pan, perfect size; holds/makes enough yet easy to clean. Well made, solid yet light. I did not season it before I used it, it appeared well seasoned and was! I really like this pan. You can make breakfast, pancakes, crepes, etc. Buy it!

Eggs and pancakes stuck to the pan surface. The rough surface is okay for bacon if one does not mind splattering grease. However, that was just a test as I don't eat bacon and I may have cooked the bacon wrong. When I do cook bacon for others, I use my George Forman appliance and the bacon comes out perfect every time. But eggs stuck to the pan until I spent an hour smoothing the surface with a stone and drill grinder. Eggs then had a metalic taste until I learned from the Internet how to season it. No instructions for use or care came with this pan. I since bought a like pan that has a smooth, milled surface and after I seasoned it, I made the best tasting eggs I have had since I was a kid. I am giving away this pan to Purple Hearts Vets, Good Will, or the like. All this is just the subjective opinion of one 72-year-old man from Rhode Island now living in Maryland. My mom had a cast iron pan and as a kid, I cooked delicious pan toast aka 'Texas' toast but using regular bread and margerine. That was in the 1950s. One of my six elder sisters took the pan after mom passed.

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Flat Cast Iron Frying Pan / Pancake Griddle / SkilletNo instructions for use or care. Was not preseasoned My own seasoning did little to remedy the problem of the cooked product sticking like glue to the pan surface. May be okay for bacon, but definitely not for cooking eggs or pancakes unless you don't mind having to spend 5 minutes scouring of the remainder off the cooked product adhered to the surface of the pan.

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Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Nostalgia Electrics RHD-800 Retro Series Hot Dog Roller

Nostalgia Electrics RHD-800 Retro Series Hot Dog RollerIf you like hot dogs then you need one of these.

This is literally a "set-it and forget-it" cooking device.

Bought it originally for the office but now I want one for home.

Pros:

-simple to use

-easy clean up

-makes perfectly cooked dogs

Cons:

if your dogs are bun length you won't fit 8 but rather 4 on at a time

Let me address a few comments I've read above concerning this unit.

Yes, sometimes the hot dogs don't want to roll at first. Why? Because the way they are vacuum sealed squeezes them into a squarish shape. Don't worry once they start to heat and plump they'll roll just fine. As I stated above and others mentioned if you are cooking longer dogs you'll only be able to fit 4 dogs instead of 8. The bun warmer is more of a bun drier as others have said so we don't use that. The right knob turns the rollers on and the left knob controls the heat. We run the left knob at 5 o'clock and in 20-25 minutes you'll have a nice evenly cooked hot dog with perfect color and perfect temperature inside. We've cooked more than 100 hot dogs on this unit since my purchase less than a month ago, unit is still going strong with zero issues.

In conclusion I can't think of one bad thing to say about this unit.

If you are even a little interested in this item don't hesitate, order one, you won't regret it.

I found this product to be very nice looking and well constructed. And, it worked as advertised. My mistake was using very fat hotdogs for the first run. Careful placement was necessary to get them to rotate without rubbing together. Regular hotdogs would have been a wiser choice. Between initial warmup and actual cook time, it does take a while, but it is meant to cook slowly while turning the dogs. The machine is completely silent when operating.

Cleanup is very easy with the roller assembly and drip pan removable. but one must wait for the machine to cool down first to prevent getting burned.

If hotdog stand style doggies are your thing, you'll love this machine.

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I purchased this item for our Labor Day party and was not disappointed! It was a big hit with all ages it ran almost continually from Fri night to Mon afternoon and worked exactly as advertised. We calculated there were over 125 hot dogs cooked and they tasted delicious. Would most certainly recommend this item. Easy clean up, also.

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If you love hot dogs, you need this! This machine is a great value and it makes a great hot dog, plus it toasts the buns . . . making a perfect "ball park" tasting hot dog! If you are in a hurry, this isn't the way to cook a hot dog, but in about 20 minutes you will have a perfectly cooked hot dog. We love it for summer lunch at our pool . . . we set the temperature low and let the hot dogs roll for an hour while we swim and by the time the kids are ready for a break the hot dogs (and buns) are perfect!! I wish they made a bigger version because about six hot dogs is about all I can fit, other wise they don't roll and cook evenly. You definitely need to use the regular hot dogs for best results, the long dogs and fat dogs definitely don't work as well. I also appreciate that this machine is easy to clean and was a breeze to assemble

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We went to use this for the 1st time New Years Eve. Everyone was excited because it reminded us of olden times. It started to turn then quit. The motor was turning but not the rollers. Very sloppy fit. I took it apart by prying the rubber legs off and taking 6 screws out of the bottom. Adjusted the motor mount so that the spindle went farther out into the roller spindle. Put it back together and it works great. Shouldn't have to do this with something new.

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