NHL Detroit Redwings Vinyl Covered Long Neck Bottle Opener

In the description it says that it is a magnet, it is NOT.

we will not me returning this because we will use it anyway and it seems like it is a good quality opener. I was a bit up set because I thought I had found exactly what my husband wanted.

Just so you are for warned, it is not a Magnet.

Maverick Pro-Temp Commercial Thermometer PT-100

Having grown weary of slow and/or inaccurate temp probes, I thought I'd give this one a try. My first reading was the ambient room temp. Having held the device in my hand, it had to decrement from about 85f down to 65f. It took over a minute for that to happen. I know it's slower to shed heat in the open air than to take on heat from a food product currently being cooked, so I didn't give too much weight to this first reading.

My second reading would be from a liquid at a steady 100f. The first attempt (after the device settled to an ambient room temp of 65f) took close to 30 seconds just to increment up and approach the correct temp. To my surprise, it just kept slowly ticking up to 108f at which point I stopped since I knew the real temp was 100f. I double checked the actual liquid temp again using two different thermometers of different types. Each showed the real temp within .2f of each other.

I tried the Maverick again thinking the first few tries were some odd fluke. This time it quickly rose but again continued to increment well over the actual temp by 4.5f. Then it stopped and started to slowly decrement. After about 90 seconds, it arrived at the correct temp. Additional tests revealed non-repeatable temp numbers that varied by far more than the +/2f as stated in the specifications. While 1f or 2f isn't a huge deal, the variability of 4f to as much as 8f combined with slow readings makes this unit difficult to recommend.

I can only assume I have a defective unit as others haven't complained of inaccurate temps, though many have complained of slow response. Manufacturing being what it is, a percentage of devices will either fail to function or perhaps function poorly, hence my 2 star rating vs. giving it 1 star. While I'm sure other units are quite accurate and/or fast, I can only review the one I have. This unit rarely settled on a temp even with a minute or more of measuring much less providing an accurate temp "instantly". Instant (according to the specs) is 3 seconds. While this unit is probably worth another try, I'll likely just return it for another brand.

I have been on a hunt for the best cooking thermometer for some time now. I saw this one was highly rated and was only $65 here on Amazon. After receiving the package in the mail and testing, I had some fears it was inaccurate. So I went ahead and did ice and boiling water test and put the PT-100 next to a friends Thermapen. In this video you will see the PT-100 is not only inaccurate, but it cant even repeat itself 5 min later in the same conditions. You can tell by the video its unreliable and not even worth $65 let alone $100.

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I cook competition BBQ contests and have a need for near instant and accurate temperature readings. While I have no problem with the accuracy of this product, it takes WAY to long to settle in on a final temperature reading. I have had it take as long as 30 seconds before it finally locks in on a final reading. I am often testing my product while it is still on the smoker and every second the smoker is open heat that is escaping, so 30 seconds to entirely too long. Unfortunately I disposed of the original packaging before I discovered how slow this this thermometer responds, so I am unable to return it. My guess is that it will make it's way to a kitchen drawer and be used once a year to take a reading on the Thanksgiving turkey. I wish I had listened to the advice of my fellow BBQ competitors and purchased the Splash Proof Thermapen instead of trying to save a couple of bucks.

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I had debated buying either this or the Thermapen, and after much thought and a recommedation from a chef that I know, I bought a PT100 this past summer. The thermometer looks great and has some great features, but is way too slow. I cook a lot of bbq, both in competition and also at home, and I need a thermometer that will give me a fast and accurate reading. Unfortunately this wasn't it.

I never bothered to check the accuracy of it, mainly because it takes too long to get to the temp. It was supposed to have 3 second readings, but it never came close to that for me.

Last week I went and bought a Thermapen. I did a side by side test of both of them in an ice bath, and the Thermapen read it in 3 sec, while the PT 100 was still in the 40's.

I really was pulling for the PT 100, I really was. I wanted it to be better than the Thermapen, or at least as good. It just wasn't. I even was kind of hoping that I got a bad one, but I don't think so. If I would have kept the receipt I would have exchanged it. I know Maverick makes some great products, and I will continue to buy from them. I own a few ET-73's and I think they are great! Unfortunately this didn't live up to my expectations.

Oh yeah, the chef I got the recommendation from, he also teaches classes at the bbq store that sold this to me, and they do not sell the Thermapen.

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I own a small cafe and use the ProTemp every day. It is a great piece and I would never use any other thermometer. It is very fast giving temperatures in about three seconds and very accurate. I love the large display and that it is sturdy and does not break if you drop it. I use it for foods and liquids with the ability to check different things very quickly. I just purchased my second unit for one of my other employees. Five stars!

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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!

Update: Daily use, keeps going and turns out excellent waffles.

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.

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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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Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700

Whoever thought out all the design features on Logitech's Speaker Lapdesk should be given an award, because there isn't one thing they left out. This is SUPERB if you don't like being chained to a desk, and you're tired of a hot lap from your laptop.

It's simply flawless.

I tried this on my 15" Macbook Pro, and in a few days of working with the Logitech Lapdesk and its features, it's become my new favorite laptop must-have.

First of all, there's no external power source, no batteries and no adapter. All you do is unwrap it, put it on your lap with the laptop, plug it into the USB port, and you're good to go. That simple.

Now for the delicious design features. The Lapdesk top tilts towards you, with two cushioned tabs on the end towards your body that you pop up to keep the puter from sliding into your lap. This means there's practically nothing you can do to make the puter fall off so put you legs up on an ottoman, bend your knees on the ottoman, lay on the couch with the Lapdesk almost vertical (yeah, I do that), and nothing's going to move!

There are two little nobby things included in the package you can snap onto the grill under the laptop to raise it up if that's your preference. If you have a netbook, you can move the stops closer to you to give your netbook the same desired tilt.

The padding on this Lapdesk is just divine. And whoever picked out the plush fabric that cushions the Lapdesk on your legs is a genius! The padding is ample and lush; you can keep this on your lap for eternity, and you won't get tired or "hot" from it. The fabric is textured and has a sumptuous feel to it. The texture also keeps the Lapdesk anchored to your legs, but there's nothing sticky or sweaty-feeling about it. (I did this dry-run in shorts, so the padded part of the desk was mostly on bare legs. Absolutely no problems.)

The Lapdesk isn't just a padded wedge, though. It's got this brilliant "tunnel" effect under it, which allows air circulation and prevents that hot and heavy "laptop in your lap feel.

There's an ingenuous fan built into the center of the Lapdesk. It draws the heat and pushes it out through a vent in the BACK of the Lapdesk. You have to keep checking to see if it's on, because the fan is THE quietest fan I've ever NOT heard. It's perfection the way it works and you don't even know it's doing its job.

I usually use a compact external speaker system with my Macbook, and it works fine. But the speakers on the Logitech Lapdesk are EXCELLENT. There's a mesh grilling on both sides of the Lapdesk with your laptop fitting in the center. The actual speakers are embeded at the top left and right of the Lapdesk (you're also told to keep your fingers off them, for obvious reasons.)

The sound on these two tiny speakers is phenomenal! All I can do is gape in astonishment how two speakers tucked into a lapdesk can produce such amazing sound! Rich, separated, diverse, like a full sound system set up, in this Lapdesk! It completely makes the sound of my external speakers sound wimpy and whiney in comparison.

I guarantee, you will be amazed that any sound that luxurious can come out of a Lapdesk!

(A tip for Mac users who might hook up the Lapdesk and wonder why there's no sound coming out: you have to go to System Preferences/Sound under the apple menu, and select the Logitech Lapdesk as the speaker set up you want. You also have to quit OUT of any sound programs BEFORE you hook the Lapdesk up to the USB port.)

The size of the Lapdesk is perfect for my 15" Macbook. There's about three inches, give or take, on either side, where the speakers are, and the Macbook doesn't interfere with it.

On the right side is a control panel. The top two buttons are for volume control, the third is a mute button. The last switch is an on/off slider for the fan.

Whoever at Logitech designed this deserves a promotion and a raise. There isn't a thing they missed in the design, and the quality is just superb.

I have one minor quibble, but for laptop acrobats like me who are always moving the thing around, it's a useful idea for future Logitech Lapdesk incarnations. A stop on the BACK of the Lapdesk might be a good thing, similar to the two on the front. Granted, most people probably don't contort themselves while on their laptop the way I do, and the Macbook didn't fall off the Lapdesk while I was engaging in my various exercises, but a tab on the back of the Lapdesk would provide an extra jot of security.

The Logitech Speaker Lapdesk is probably the best computer accessory pick for anyone who uses their laptop computer anywhere but ON a desk. Kudos to Logitech for a comfort and design home run!

Everyone in my home now uses a Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700. In November, I purchased this lapdesk for myself because my laptop speakers are lousy. As soon as my hubby saw it, he said he needed one too. His laptop usually gets hot & he listens to music all the time. My daughter's laptop speakers are even worse than mine & she always listens to music on hers. So they each rec'd this lapdesk for Christmas. Our OS: Windows XP sp3; Vista with all updates, and Windows 7 (I've delayed installing SP1).

Our findings:

~~What bothered my hubby most is using headphones with this lapdesk's fan. He's the only one in the family that uses headphones & found the problem soon after he began using it. Thanks to Lan's review posted on March 1st, my hubby is now able to use the cooling fan & headphones at the same time. I'll post how to do this using Windows 7, which is the OS on my laptop, at the end of my review.*

~~I have trouble using the lapdesk on my lap because I'm short...I don't have enough lap. My daughter & hubby are both average height & have no problems. I usually use the lapdesk on my desk so it's okay with me...and I find the slight tilt to my laptop makes typing easier for me.

~~I would like more room for a mouse or a pull-out table for the mouse. Currently, I push my laptop over to one side & make do with the room I have; it's not ideal but it does work.

~~The lapdesk is on the heavy side; my daughter is always carrying the lapdesk and her laptop to other areas which is awkward & looks a bit comical because the lapdesk's weight, 5 lbs., & size approx 20.5" x 12" x 3".

~~I use the Belkin USB 2.0 4-Port Ultra Mini Hub F5U407 with the lapdesk to provide more USB ports.

~It's simple to use; just plug & play.

~We all like the sound.

~The fan is whisper quiet!

~It's very comfortable to use on your lap & works nicely on a desk too.

All in all this is a great lapdesk, but could use a few more features to make it absolutely the best lapdesk ever.

...................

*Using Windows 7, how to use headphones and your lapdesk fan at the same time.

right click on the sound icon in your taskbar; choose 'playback devices'

**choose Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700 (it should already be highlighted if you're currently using them)

~choose properties; click on "Use this device (enable)", choose "Don't use this device (disable)" click apply

~When you're finished using your headphones & want to go back to the Logitech N700 speakers, choose "Use this device (enable)" click apply

or

Click 'Start'

click 'Control Panel'

click 'hardware and sound'

click 'sound'

click 'manage sound devices'

follow above instructions beginning with **

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I've had this desk for about a month now. It has some serious benefits and some bothersome disadvantages

The good:

1. Fits perfectly in my chair on my lap and has room for a mouse (sort of, see below).

2. The fan is quiet

3. The fan works very well on my laptop which has had overheating problems even on just plain flat surfaces.

4. It is very, very sturdy

5. It was pure plug and play, even for my old laptop.

The not so good

1. It is light by itself, but with the laptop and the weight distributed over a relatively small area, it feels a bit on the heavy side.

2. The shape is such that it pulls air in from both behind and beneath. That means that it needs to create space beneath the tray. The padding at the back of this creates a very narrow padded edge that rests on my legs. The combination of the fabric texture and the weight makes it uncomfortable after a while.

3. The angle on your lap puts the tray higher at the rear than the front. Necessary for air flow, but using an external mouse is basically impossible because a mouse slides off no matter what posture I assume. Yes, I'm a mouser.

4. Using a mouse pad is only a partial fix for the above, and it blocks a speaker. I trimmed an old one to fit, but the mouse still slips off now and then and I have to fish it out of my chair.

5. Sound quality is just okay a bit on the muddy side with insufficient treble for listening, but music sounds decent and if I'm working, critical listening is not a priority.

I had an old "as seen on TV" lap desk that had a beanbag bottom. It was very comfortable, had room for the mouse, and it would lay flat. Its durability was awful, which is why I chose this item.

I'm keeping the Logitech and actually do recommend it. I'll look for a higher-friction mouse pad and hope the rear padding doesn't tattoo my legs.

Read Best Reviews of Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700 Here

I didn't even know how much I needed this Lapdesk w/ built-in stereo until I tried it. I was always putting my laptop on the floor, bed, couch and it usually got overheated after a while. This product fixes that problem, plus the added bonus of a great stereo sound system.

The padded mesh base of the Lapdesk is very comfortable on your lap. There's enough cushioning and there's no heat transfer from the laptop because the internal fan keeps it cool. There's also no worry about the laptop overheating when it's placed on the carpet, bed, etc. The fan is very quiet and turns off automatically when you turn the computer off. (You can also turn off the fan manually) Two rubber tabs are included to raise the computer even more to let additional air circulate.

The base raises the laptop to a comfortable level for typing and viewing the screen whether you're using it on your lap or setting it on the floor. Two rubberized, pull-out tabs in the very front of the base secure the laptop and keep it from sliding forward.

Both my 13" and 15" (a PC and a Mac) laptops fit perfectly and felt very stable and secure on the base. No sliding, slipping or wobbling at all, even with my Mac Book Pro which has a smooth bottom.

The built-in stereo speakers are such a great feature because the speakers in my laptop have a barely average sound. When I played songs from my music library and some movie DVD's, the sound quality from the Lapdesk speakers was very impressive. I'm always watching movies on my laptop and now the sound quality rivals my HDTV. There are also easily-accessible buttons on the right side of the base to raise, lower or mute the sound.

The Lapdesk connects to the computer via a single USB plug and uses the computer's power, so there are no other plugs or adapters needed. There's also no software or installation required which I appreciated. I don't notice any significant drain on my computer's battery life when using the base.

This product is extremely well-designed, ergonomic, well-made and has the kind of helpful features people who use their laptops often really need. My laptop hasn't left my Lapdesk since I got it. Well worth the price. Great product! 5 stars.

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(2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)The Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700 is definitely a luxury and an imperfect product. The sound improvement is not nearly as good as desktop computer speakers. Still, it is an improvement over most internal speakers. Similarly, the cooling is not the best out of the available coolers out there. And the comfort of this unit as a lapdesk is also not the greatest. But the combination of all these features in one unit make this a serviceable product.

PROS:

++ Sound is a step-up from internal laptop speakers

++ Fabric bottom is thick enough and provides some friction for stability

++ Integrated fan provides minimal cooling for your laptop

++ Fan is extremely quiet

++ Thick plastic body deflects remaining heat away from your lap

++ USB connector powers the speakers and cooler

++ Includes on-board controls: on / off switch, volume controls and a mute button

++ Included rubber inserts can be placed in the fan grill to lift your laptop

++ Flip-up *tabs* in the front provide a little stability so your laptop won't slide forward

CONS:

-Unit may be too heavy for some people

-Sound is still not great given the MSRP

-Padding is so firm it may be uncomfortable for some

-No curve in the surface to allow heat to escape from under your computer

-Curved bottom prevents the unit from laying flat in your lap

-The unit isn't deep enough, so it's unstable if you put it forward so the curve hugs your knees

-No mouse tray like the one in the Logitech N315 Portable Lapdesk

-Fan doesn't have any speed controls; it's either on or off

-The list price is excessive for what you get

-Only available with the cream colored surface

The weight of this unit may bother some people, as it is a little heavy. This wasn't a huge issue for me but your mileage may vary. The weight and design will prevent some smaller people from using it comfortably in their laps. Those with a smaller laptop or a netbook should definitely consider the Logitech N550 Speaker Lapdesk. It will accommodate up to a 13 inch laptop, like the Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop, or anything smaller. Just keep in mind that the N550 has no fan for active cooling, while the N700 does.

Comfort is an issue with all of these lapdesks. This unit has the thick padding and curved back that is shared by the Logitech N500 Comfort Lapdesk. That unit includes no cooling or speakers.

CONCLUSION

This is a good product that is a jack of all trades, but it's worth the compromises. It has some flaws, and it's not great in any one area. But the combination of features is unique. There's nothing else quite like it and I recommend it. Just try to get it on sale if possible.

Enjoy.

Charcoal Companion Stainless Steel Grill Pro Griddle

I picked up this griddle and do burgers on it, seems to cook really well and distribute the heat well. Make sure you have a plan to empty the grease though ievery once and a while because it'll start a fire if you dont :)

Stay away from this griddle. It does not distribute heat in the least. You end up with extreme hot spots in the middle where stuff burns instantly, and you can actually put your hand on the edge without burning it (as a sign of how little it spreads heat.) The only positive I can say is that it didnt catch on fire or explode. Worst purchase ever on amazon. Will try to return if can do so after using.

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Berndes 10-1/4-Inch Square Glass Lid

This is a wonderfully made cover, it does not fit my square pan, exactly, but it appears to be the only square cover, out there, that is sold separately,

This glass lid, for Berndes 10-1/4 inch square frying pan works well, but, is made of glass.

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All-Clad LTD 11-Inch Square Nonstick Griddle

I am not a big fan of the All Clad LTD line but I do love this pan. I much prefer the All Clad polished stainless steel line (I have almost every piece and love it) but at time I was making this purchase I didn't know they made a stainless griddle and I also wanted the nonstick surface, I am pretty sure the stainless griddle is not nonstick. This griddle is a perfect size for pancakes. I debated on the grande size, I decided that since I don't make pancakes everyday it didn't make sense to spend the extra money and deal with storing the larger size. Also, I prefer smaller pancakes and this size is a better price and much easier to store. It is a great size for 4 small/medium-sized pancakes. I imagine it would also be more challenging to keep up with more than 4 at a time, particularly of you are making eggs at the same time.

This pan is not dishwasher safe due to the nonstick surface, but don't worry it is a breeze to clean. This pan is very, very well made and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Sometimes this pan is sold {at a special price} if you see it grab it. It is a steal at that price. Once you try All Clad you will be hooked too! Highly recommended! A+!

Part of the cachet for me in purchasing an All-Clad product was that their factory is less than 50 miles from my home. I always try to support American MANUFACTURERS, and was quite shocked to find this particular piece labeled "Made in China for All-Clad."

Damn. You can't trust anybody. But as for the product---

It is a solid performer. The non-stick surface is very effective, and remember to follow the directions and cook on a lower heat than you normally would. The thick aluminum transmits heat well, and also holds the heat, so when your item is done, get it off the pan.

Buy All-Clad LTD 11-Inch Square Nonstick Griddle Now

I have had this pan for two years. I have probably used it more than 100 times, usually to make pancakes or french toast. It does a very good job, better than the Calphalon griddle that I had before. I downgrade it because it scratches too easily -and I have made an effort from day one to take very good care of it, using only nylon spatulas, promptly washing it gently by hand, and storing it so it won't be scratched by other pans. Still, after all that care, it has become scratched. So my verdict is that the griddle does a good job but it requires a lot of TLC.

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I love this pan! I have the All-Clad stainless line, and bought this pan when my youngest daughter started to like grilled cheese sandwiches. You just can't cook more than one sandwich at a time in a regular fry pan. This pan has plenty of space to cook 4 sandwiches at a time, or 4 pieces of french toast, or 4 eggs... the list goes on and on.

My dad came to visit, and was coerced into making pancakes. He had always used a square electric griddle at home, but he gave my griddle pan a try. He liked it so much I gave him one for Christmas! Once again, plenty of space to cook 4 pancakes at a time.

The non-stick coating is durable, the food slips right off, and it is easy to wash. That is important, because this pan can't go into the dishwasher. It is also rather heavy, but since I just set it on the burner and cook, that isn't an issue either.

Bottom line is that both my father and I are very happy to make room in our kitchens for this pan.

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Not a great griddle. The finish requires alot of maintance to keep it non-stick. Have to clean it with baking soda after each few uses. I've had it about a year & it is so warped that it's un-usable. I called All Clad because it it supposed to have a warranty but they require you send it to them & they have to check it out & approved it & possibly in a few months they would do something but they said more than likely it was user error from using it on too high of heat. So in short, I'm out of luck. So don't waste your money on a cheaply made product. Spend a little more & get a good product.

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Outset QB53 Rosewood and Stainless Steel Meat Hook

This is a great gadget to have if you like to barbeque a lot or a little. It's great for turning ribs, steaks, hot-dogs, etc. I looked through all of my local stores and could not find a tool like this anywhere so I started searching online. This is a great value at only $9.95. I found similar items that were shorter in length and longer in price. The meat flips quickly and effortlessly saving time and the length is perfect to reach over most grills without getting burned.

My folks are retired and have started the snow bird travel with their fifth wheel, this year when they stopped by on their way back home, they barbequed up some rib eye steaks for dinner, my dad had one of these "meat hooks" or "pig tails" to flip the steaks, making it so much nicer and easier.

I searched all the BBQ stores with no luck. Searching the internet I found what I was looking for. My dad has three of these, and told me that if I get one make sure it is a long one, these work great when using a grill on a fire pit.

Everyone that loves to BBQ should have one of these.

Somebody should really start distributing them to all the BBQ stores including merchantile stores these should be easier to find and purchase.

I love this item, this would receive a higher rating if there was a higher number to choose......

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This meat hook looks odd, but it will let you turn any meat and not have it fall off the grill...Great gadget for tailgait party.

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The only complaint I have about this product is that if you use it while camping, over an open fire it is too short.

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This is pretty awesome for flipping steaks or whatever else you want to do. I didn't have it long because I took it camping and I'm pretty sure one of my buddies jacked it from me. I would recommend this to anyone.

Weber 1740301 Summit S-450 Propane Tuck-Away Rotisserie Grill

This is by far the best grill we have ever purchased. It has become so much easier to prepare for direct or indirect heat for grilling. And the ease with which the grill ignites is fantastic. I initially thought that the grill was not lighting. We would get the ignition flame and when we released the knob to set the temp it seemed as though the flame was going out. The grill was on but it was a very sunny day and the flames were so blue they were hard to see. Love the weight gauge for the propane tank. No more guessing how much fuel is left. This is my "Bucket List" Grill.

You know, the thing about grills is that you can purchase a new one every year or two because many of them just don't last. This grill on the other hand is awesome and will hopefully last me a long time. I thought about how much money it was and wasn't sure I could spend that much on a grill. Then thought about how many grills I have bought in the past...and realized that hopefully over the next 5 years or so it will pay for itself. Quality is the way to go. It's worth the extra bucks.

I've only had it for a little over a year now but have used it many, many times. It's great for big BBQ's. It's a very large grill surface and also the rotisserie, which is a great option! I bought a cover for it that fits very nice (also from Amazon) and has kept it in good shape over the winter.

I received the grill only within a few days. The gentlemen that brought it did a great job at getting it up onto my deck. Usually my husband would be doing the assembly, but I couldn't wait to get it together and he wasn't home when it was delivered. So I broke it open and within 45 minutes I had it all put together. Pretty simple! Great Grill!!

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Great Choice. I recommend it to anyone. As a long time charcoal griller, I am able to use this grill to do everything I could do with charcoal, plus a lot more.

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My husband has cooked on it almost every night for months...we love it and meat tastes awesome. The rotisserie is easy to use and does what it's supposed to. We are glad we spent the extra money for the quality!!

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Ordered the product on a Sunday evening, received it the following Wednesday. Living within a 250 mile radius of the shipping company's warehouse probably helped. Arrived on a pallet, delivered right to my garage. Some assembly required but no problem doing so. Instructions were easy to follow.

This grill is all that is advertised to be AND MORE. Have cooked steaks, chickens, and fish, all with no problem. I have owned other grills but none that are as efficient as this Weber grill. I am sure that this grill will easily give me many years of outdoor cooking enjoyment.

Fagor 12 Quart Halogen Tabletop Oven

I am rating this 3 stars because it cooks very well, crisps the outside of foods and cooks fast. BUT, it doesn't get 5 stars because the attachment of the top handle just isn't robust enough and it is likely to break. The lid is heavy. With my first one of these, the handle attachment to the lid broke on the second day. When I got it fixed, the other side of the handle attachment broke a few days later. I consider it to be a design flaw. The handle itself is a bit weak and it attaches to the lid with 2 little plastic 'knobs' that insert into the lid. But they really are not designed strong enough our thick enough and they break off. If they would design the handle to be stronger, they would have a much better product. If yours breaks, they can send you a replacement, if you keep your information and order number AND YOU MAY ALSO NEED THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND SHIPPING BOX, SO SAVE THEM. If it is out of warranty, I don't think the handle would be too hard to fix by drilling a 1/8th inch hole through the handle from both sides and inserting a 6 inch long, 1/8th inch diameter metal 'dowel' or 'pin' or long screw to extend all the way through the top, and from one side of the handle to the other. The top of the lid has enough room for a 'dowel' like this, and this would replace the weak 'knobs' that are on the handle now. The handle is essential as part of the 'switch' that turns the oven on and off. If it breaks, you could tape it in place to keep it fixed in the 'on' position, so that the oven works, but who wants their nice cooker to sit on the counter with the handle taped on? In addition, the trouble is, the lid heats up and you really need the handle to lift the lid and take it off, easily. Maybe your handle will hold up better, but be gentle with it. Other than that, I can't say enough about how amazingly this thing cooks.

Addendum: I got another lid, but the first time I used it, the handle fell off. Luckily, it didn't break this 3rd time, so I was able to put it back on. The trouble is, the lid is heavy glass and it contains the fan motor and heating elements. When the oven runs, the lid is hot, so when you take it off, you can't just set it directly on a counter top, since it may cause damage. After looking at the whole assembly for a while, I decided there are several things you can do. First, don't use the `lid holder' that comes with the set. To set the lid on the holder requires you to turn the lid sideways and that puts more pressure on just one arm of the handle. If you must use the holder, then lift the lid with two hands one hand on the handle, and one hand on the black plastic part of the lid, which isn't hot. This extra support will help protect the handle much more than just lifting by the handle itself. But a better choice is to either have 2 hot pads ready, on the counter top, to set the lid on, OR, just use the metal extender ring that comes with the oven and set the lid directly on top of it, on the counter. If you do it this way, you can just lift the lid straight up and down, with one hand, and by not turning it sideways, you avoid the extra stress on the handle. I still think it is a great oven and I am happy with it. I can recommend it, as long as you understand the difficulties that you can have with the lid. I just wish the handle were designed stronger.

I saw the Fagor 12 Quart Halogen Tabletop oven on QVC. I saw it on Amazon for a great price, and no shipping! I was wondering if this was another gimmick. I use it to make dinners every evening for my husband and I. The meat is never dry and it tastes delicious. I love cooking again because of the shorter cooking time and the cleanup is a breeze. We are eating healthier now, and the food tastes amazing. Fagor is a pretty good brand, and I wanted to simplify my life....It can't get any simpler than this. :-)

I'm trying all kinds of foods and with great success!

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I purchased the Secura Halogen Oven along with the Fagor Halogen Oven. My first purchase was the Secura model, but after doing a little research and comparing specs I noticed that Fagor model was essentially the same oven without certain connivence features (such as a removable electrical cord). The Fagor was nearly 25% cheaper so I opted for it and was going to return the Secura box un-opened. Due to mishaps by Fedex, which have turned out to be a blessing in disguise, I ended up with both ovens at the same time. I first opened and tried the Fagor model, because this was the oven I planned to keep. After cleaning the oven as instructed by the manufacturer, I noticed the convection and heating process of the Fagor: theres a halogen bulb that produces heat and a fan motor that creates convection by circulating air. When you clean the oven as instructed a small amount of smoke or steam is created inside the oven and you can see the airflow of heated air. So far so good, but when I actually tried to use the Fagor for the first time for cooking, the halogen bulb blew out and sparked a little. Obviously this is not suppose to happen and to me indicates low quality control on the part of Fagor. Perhaps I just received a lemon; either way I was very disappointed.

I was then forced to use the Secura model (I had food that needed to be cooked). I followed the same cleaning process, and to my surprise the Secura's convection seemed stronger than the Fagor's. The steam inside the Secura oven seemed to move faster and more forcefully. I then used the Secura for cooking and it worked flawlessly. So far the Secura has been trouble free. Also, the Secura has a feeling of quality and attention to detail that the Fagor lacks (however it is more expensive). The plastic base of the Secura seems sturdier. The Secura also comes with a more detailed recipe book and the fore mentioned detachable electrical chord. All other accessories are the same.

Often times products by competing brands are produced by the same manufacturer and/or in the same production plant. However, this does not always mean equivalent overall quality of the finished product. In my instance, it is been made very clear that Secura's oven is better than the Fagor and worth the additional cost.

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My frist one did not heat up. But Amazon sent me another one it worked fine then 28 days later while cooking cookies in the cooker it just stop working. I give amazon five stars but the cooker three for not working after 28 days. We used this everyday.

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My George Foreman grill had just broken after many years, and then I saw this Halogen oven in an outlet store. A George Foreman grill is perfect, but it's really only for grilling. I don't like to use the oven in my apartment since the last tenant obviously tried to clean it hastily and it smells like oven cleaner. Desiring to avoid toxic fumes, I was delighted to find this alternative. Also, since halogen bulbs give the best light, I was amazed to see that our friend halogen could also fuel the oven of the future. Not only that, this oven looks like a robot and has knobs and lights on it, and I thought, wow! it's like the Jetsons! If it can pitch hit for George Foreman (the grill, not the fighter), we're in!

Boy, can it! The general rule is that you can subtract a quarter of the cooking time for an oven recipe. But it doesn't just bake. It broils, steams, grills, roasts and fries. How does it do that? By two processes. The first uses a circular halogen element that lights when the oven is working. The second works like a convection oven, with a fan to blow the heat around. A few astute and unlucky reviewers have noted the design flaw--the flimsy handle. We'll discuss the work around in a moment.

An accomplished chef likely would not need it, but if you're a guy like me who otherwise would be waving a Stouffer's dinner (and yes, I did try a TV dinner in this oven, and yes, it did work), you want to keep the box. The pictures on the box give a much better idea of how to set up the oven than the included booklet. I was very surprised that you got so much in the box with this oven. There's a low rack, a high rack, an extender ring which increases the capacity of the glass bowl to 17 qt. capacity--enough to cook a 16 lb. turkey! Also, there's a fry pan. The booklet has both an English and a Spanish section. The English section is 37 pages, and includes basic directions, a two page chart of cooking times (almost identical to the chart in the George Foreman grill booklet, so that was a no brainer), and 20 pages of recipes, helpful in adapting your own to the oven. I put the oven on a glass counter protector, as with my toaster, but the glass bowl also sits in a removable plastic cradle. The box says you can use both racks to cook two different food items at once.

So how does it work? It's the epitome of simple. The handle on top is an electrical interlock. Push the handle down, turn the right knob to the temperature, and set the left timer for up to 60 minutes, The halogen element comes on, and goes off when the time's up. Any time you pull up the handle, power goes off. The handle has warnings on it that it gets hot, and there is a metal wire rack included to put the handle in to let it cool down. It doesn't get all that hot. You just need pot holders or an oven glove. The glass lid has a metal rim around it, and fits firmly into the rack once you hold it in position. But, as one reviewer noted, the top element is in the lid, so hold the lid when you put it in the rack. Or, as another reviewer suggested, who had bad luck with the handle breaking, set the lid on the metal extender ring. That's the easy fix. There's an odd tongs thing included to turn the food items during cooking, but two normal cooking tongs would work better.

Believe it or not, there's a wash setting on the control knob you can use to clean the bowl, as it blows the soapy water around with the convection fan. The halogen oven is not like a microwave. It's fine to put metal in it, like the included fry pan, or use aluminum foil for easy clean up and even cooking. Be careful with the handle, and this oven is win, win, win. More good news about halogen, the light of the future. GE is now making halogen screw-in light bulbs to replace incandescent bulbs. They are far better in every way than flourescents or CFL bulbs. They are also far more efficient than incandescent bulbs, and meet the new energy standards. GE rates halogen as "crisp, bright light". Lowes calls it "the best light". Halogen bulbs are great for reading, and excellent in floor fixtures. Try one and see. GE 78798-12 Halogen General Purpose A19 Bulb, 72-Watt, 2-Pack So that makes four wins for halogen, the light of the future.