Char-Broil 7186193 Big Easy Smoker Roaster Grill Cast Iron Griddle

I think this is the best Cooker I have ever owned. I have cooked Steaks, Prime Rib, Turkey, Chicken and Fish. Everything comes out without being burnt and you don't have to worry about flare ups from the fat or skin catching on fire. You can even use the smoking function while BBQing to add a little flavor. Prime Rib and turkey cook faster and don't get dried out. This is worth the money and a good buy.

Some foods need a cast iron griddle,eg pancakes, fried eggs, grilled cheese sandwiches. Now my Big Easy Smoker Roaster does it all.

Buy Char-Broil 7186193 Big Easy Smoker Roaster Grill Cast Iron Griddle Now

Mr. Coffee Automatic Burr Mill Grinder

Having had two Krups GVX Burr Grinder over the last 10 years. I wanted to try one that was different after the last Krup's on/off button bit the dirt. I noticed the just released Mr Coffee grinder had a nice large bin to keep us from having to refill it so often and they claim it holds a 1/2 pound of beans which is about right. It seems to grind the beans faster than the Krups and is a bit less messy. It comes apart easy for cleaning. It is as noisy as all grinders are and a bit higher pitched than the Krups. The settings are easy to use and seem to be a little less prone to moving accidentally. It is nice looking on the counter and my wife is happy with it as I am. It is also several dollars cheaper than the Krups and this was also a bit of a factor. I could say the coffee tastes better now, which is true, but perhaps I just hit the settings better than I did with the Krups. I would highly recommend this to a friend if they wanted a coffee grinder.

I've been using my new grinder for 2 days now and I am very pleased with it.

It is easy to use, looks good on the counter top, grinds fast and my coffee tastes great.

I'm glad I chose this one instead of one of the more expensive ones with good reviews, this one has all the functionality that I need to make delicious coffee.

I use it to grind coffee beans for espresso and french press, also for a drip machine (which I gladly tossed in the bin after getting a french press.)

**** UPDATE March 10th, 2012****

I've had this grinder now for about 7 months, and still going strong! Yes, it sometimes gets coffee grounds on the counter when scooping it out but I've never seen a grinder that doesn't do that.

However, I have regularly two problems with this grinder:

1. Sometimes the beans don't go through properly while grinding or get stuck, so I tend to shake it and hit the bottom gently against the counter top to get them to go on through. This is not a huge deal. Happened with my last grinder as well.

2. It likes to get clogged.

The opening where the grounds come out often just plugs up completely. This happens on a regular basis (every 6-10 weeks or so maybe), especially when I grind a lot of oily dark roasted beans. To solve the problem I unplug it, remove the beans, canister, and other parts. I take something to loosen the coffee grounds that are plugging up the hole. It'll work again after that, but to really get the job done I also make sure that the grinder elements are clear, and run some rice through the grinder a couple of times. The rice picks up a lot of those oils and residue that builds up on the inside of the machine. When I've done that it works like new again.

I will stick for now with my 5 star rating. We use our grinder twice every day and it is still working fine. For the really low price of this grinder I can't complain.

Buy Mr. Coffee Automatic Burr Mill Grinder Now

This is a great grinder for the price. It has a fairly consistent grind, and it seems well build and operates smoothly. It does produce some dust on the coarse settings, and it also does have some static/mess issues as any grinder with a plastic grounds container does -but for forty bucks... it is at least as good as anything close to its price range. As long as you don't try to compare it to a $100+ grinder I think anyone would be satisfied.

The integrated cord wrap under the base is a nice touch for keeping the counter uncluttered. One odd feature is that the scoop/brush combo actually lives in a grooved out area in the lid to the ground coffee container, which surprised me (and led to it falling out several times until I got used to it).

My only serious complaint about this unit is that it falls victim to the annoying-bright-blue-led trend of consumer electronics. There is an extremely bright blue LED on the grinder that is ALWAYS on. I dearly wish these companies would realize that shiny blue lights that are always on are stupid and actually rather annoying (if i lived in a studio it would be enough for me to return it... as it is, I will just grumble and get on with it).

Read Best Reviews of Mr. Coffee Automatic Burr Mill Grinder Here

Bottom line: this is an average burr grinder that produces consistent quantity grind-to-grind but it is marred by a flawed grinding chamber design that makes a uniform mess when opened to remove ground coffee.

Pros:

* consistent quantity is produced grind-to-grind,

* removing the grind chamber turns off the grinder, and

* inexpensive.

Cons:

* inconsistent grind consistency that is typical of burr grinders (finicky coffee consumers should pursue conical models),

* when the grind chamber is opened fine grounds that cling to the roof of the chamber fall out onto anything in the vicinity, and

* limited grind fineness settings on the fine end of the range (may not get fine enough for some espresso beans or machines).

Other appraisals:

* the amount of ground coffee is measured in arbitrary "cup" units that the manual says are larger for coarser settings and smaller for finer; they're not really "cups"

* the grind mechanism is made primarily of plastic (may not be reliable)

* the power LED is glaring blue and is on anytime the grind chamber is fully inserted, leaving the chamber partially hanging out when not in use turns the LED off

Want Mr. Coffee Automatic Burr Mill Grinder Discount?

This is a very inexpensive burr grinder. It's a first step up from the whirly blade type for those who want a better cup of coffee but don't want to break the bank. It can't be remotely compared to a Baratza, Rancilio (Rocky), Mazzer or Gaggia, which are primarily used for espresso, but do a perfect job for every other brewing method as well. If anyone expects that this grinder will grind fine enough, and the grind will be consistent enough, to use for an espresso pump machine, they will be very disappointed. If you're looking for a grinder for expresso, spend the money on one of the above brands. You will be amazed at the great pull you'll get.

That said, this grinder isn't all that terrible. I've read of the static mess it supposedly leaves, but I haven't had that problem, and my home is quite dry. A couple of sharp taps on the counter after grinding and the powder will drop back in the cup and not go all over. Dark roasted, oilier beans will plug up ANY burr grinder faster than lighter roasted beans, so the opening to the grounds cup needs to be cleaned on a regular basis, no matter what grinder you use. As for the "annoying blue light", that's easily fixed with a small piece of electrical tape applied over the light. Or, you can just pull the grounds cup out about 1/4/" and voila, the light goes off. No need to worry about grounds spilling out because you have the cup out. You can't run the grinder until the cup is properly seated. End of problems.

As for a bit of powder in the bottom of your coffee mug, if you use a metal mesh filter, that is inevitable, many times even with a mor expensive grinder, to a lesser extent. For drip pots, if it's a big deal to you, just switch to unbleached paper filters. No more powder.

Like I said, overall, if you want a step up from your whirly bird blade grinder, and you brew with an automatic drip or French press, for the price, it's a decent purchase.

Save 32% Off

Weight Watchers WWA22-30SG Divided Skillet and Grill, 12-Inch

I am a vegetarian and my hubby eats meat so I can prepare my veggie burger, chik, etc. and his choice in the other side. Easy to clean nonstick. Great for preparing 2 or 3 items at once. Medium weight.

Save 46% Off

Oregon Scientific AW129 Wireless BBQ Thermometer with Probe Thermometer and Remote

This is the way to go. Perfect results every time. No more wondering if it's done. Whether you BBQ or smoke steak, hamburgers, chicken, veal, turkeys, pork know when the right temperature has been reached each and every time. One MAJOR tip the main unit and the probe both require to be RESET before the first use in order to sync up both signal and reception. The reset button is located inside each device's battery compartment. If your unit doesn't work right out of the box, then this is most likely the reason. With both units on, press the reset button.

I like OS products, especially their weather stations, which I use. But I cannot recommend these grill thermometers. I threw both in the trash after they gave bizzare readings. Today, I was set to grill a prime rib roast....the OS probe (the one I had NOT thrown away because of the same problem) registered 199 degrees out of the refrigerator.

I compared to my Maverick thermometer, bought also on Amazon. It registered the correct 52 degrees.

I covet my meats done to perfection, and so far OS has not done the job. The Maverick dual senor thermometer has performed very well in my Weber grill and my Charbroil fryer. And yes, I know how to use digital, remote thermometers....lol.

For my money, try the Maverick.....good performer and does not give you wacko temp readings like BOTH of my OS did.

Buy Oregon Scientific AW129 Wireless BBQ Thermometer with Probe Thermometer and Remote Now

I purchased this product because we have a four-story house and I did not want to be stuck near the kitchen to hear the temperature gauge sound. The range on this product is exceptional. Being three floors away from the base unit was not too far for the receiving sensor; it still functioned as it was designed. I have also been outside the house in the yard and the sensor still worked appropriately.

I use this product mostly in the oven. If takes the guess work out of large cuts of meat. The beef temperature that is preset is too high for my taste. But, I know this and just monitor the temperature and know that the alarm will not sound until the meat is overcooked, in my opinion.

As one of the other viewers indicated you do have to "synchronize" the base and receiving until by pressing the reset button on both items after installing the batteries and turning both products on. Check the directions, they spell out the process.

The belt clip and/or table stand is a nice feature of the product.

Another highly recommend product.

Read Best Reviews of Oregon Scientific AW129 Wireless BBQ Thermometer with Probe Thermometer and Remote Here

after setting it up and reading the manual, i put it in some boiling water to check the calibration. it showed 188F, not a good sign. then i waited for it to cool off before plunging it into a glass of ice-cold water (water with lots of ice cubes, well-stirred and rested). the temperature came out to be 67F. my room temperature is at 70F, and this thermometer showed 92F. i was hoping at least that if it's off, it's off consistently so that i could still use it with some simple arithmetic, but the readings are almost completely erratic. what a piece of junk.

Want Oregon Scientific AW129 Wireless BBQ Thermometer with Probe Thermometer and Remote Discount?

I used this once or twice, and the next time I went to use it, it didn't work (I believe the part without the screen stopped turning on). Hoping that it was a lone defective model, I exchanged it for a new one, which worked for perhaps a year.

My house has thick plaster walls, so the reception wasn't the greatest from one floor up, but when it lost signal, I'd move it and it would eventually start working again. I used it inside, not outside, and treated it carefully. Leaving it on the 135 degree setting causes it to beep at 130, which is when I'll take a pork roast out of the oven. For beef, I'd prefer about 120, so I try to keep an eye on the display.

A week or two ago, I realized that the temperature of a roast seemed low, so I went to check with a second thermometer. It read 130, but the wireless said it was 75... and as I watched over the course of a few seconds, 75 changed to 78, then 71, then 89, then 65... I tried changing the batteries, resetting both units, etc., but nothing helped.

I cannot recommend a product with such a short life span. While this is the only wireless model I've tried, we've also had Polder models with a wired probe and digital readout, and they, too, have failed quickly. It is obvious that most of these thermometers are manufactured by the same place and rebranded -this Oregon Scientific model looks identical to a Weber, for example -so I'll now be shopping for ones made by different companies, with different displays and form factors.

Save 38% Off

Charcoal Companion Cedar Wood Grilling Planks, Set of 3

The planks we okay but I thought they would be bigger and so then I felt do to the size they were over priced.

Purchased as a Christmas gift for my son-in-law. He has really enjoyed grilling with the planks and is looking forward to the Spring grilling season. He is checking into new recipes, and the rest of us will just enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Buy Charcoal Companion Cedar Wood Grilling Planks, Set of 3 Now

Universal Housewares Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 6 1/2 Inch Skillet

Unfortunately this item was returned due to the poor workmanship. I debated whether to keep it or not since it is only around $10 with free shipping piggybacked with another item I ordered, but the flaws were just too obvious to ignore, and I know I will not feel good about using it. There were many sharp unfinished edges from the casting and a few rusty patches on the cooking surfaces as well. The posted picture with this item does not seem to adequately show its true design and dimensions. On the top of the list, the handle is also annoyingly too short, making it really awkward to use. A better made and designed version is available CostPlus for 5.99 at their retail store.

I was hoping for a pan in which I could make an over-easy egg for breakfast but the bottom of the pan is so rough that when you remove the egg, there are small black pieces on the egg. I didn't want to get my iron for the day by eating fragments from a cast iron pan. I have seasoned the pan over and over and nothing changes.

Buy Universal Housewares Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 6 1/2 Inch Skillet Now

When I ordered this product I didn't realize how small this is. I can only scramble about one egg on it. However, for the price you can't beat a real cast iron pan. I use this almost daily and so far there is no sign of any wear and tear on it.

Read Best Reviews of Universal Housewares Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 6 1/2 Inch Skillet Here

I realized i need a bigger one, but it is fine for one item. Good size for like 1 egg. But it still works great.

Want Universal Housewares Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 6 1/2 Inch Skillet Discount?

Perfect for cooking an egg or small item for one and you can't beat the cast iron for healthy reasons.

HomArt Large Decorative Curious Cat Matches

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

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

Buy HomArt Large Decorative Curious Cat Matches Now

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

Read Best Reviews of HomArt Large Decorative Curious Cat Matches Here

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

Want HomArt Large Decorative Curious Cat Matches Discount?

Weber 2290 22-1/2-Inch Charcoal Kettle Rotisserie

The other reviews are correct. This unit works very well in every way, a basket mesh kind of food holder would be a good option, use a drip pan and keep the coals off to the sides, the ring riser/extension is useful for smoking and cooking big things, etc. It is all good, but there is more:

Who do you know who actually has a charcoal grill and a rotisserie? Nobody. If you get one, your guests will be entertained on several levels and you will be the Master. A rotisseries is professional looking, produces unmatched taste and an exciting demonstration-style cooking experience for everyone. Those that utilize them are seen as proficient and competent. Not a bad label for you, eh? Might get you somewhere.

The best meal I ever had was a rotisserie turkey that saved me from starvation after a Hike of Death. Perhaps it can save you or a loved one.

Rotisserie cooking lends itself to the acclaimed high heat, short cooking time technique. Hot coals and the self-basting action work well here. One of the major gourmet magazines cooked turkeys every way known and strongly recommended the high heat way. This is also the suggested method for cooking heritage meats and wild game.

Starting out at 500+ degrees and ending at something short of US government temperature recommendations is the secret. A turkey, for example, is best taken out of the heat at around 170, or less, and allowed to rest. It will go up around 10 degrees after that.

I tie bacon strips onto the breast and add wet smoking wood chips to the coals. Stuff the cavity with an orange and some garlic. Other things could be used, too. I have rotisseried heritage, free range, organic, kosher and regular good quality supermart turkeys with this high-heat method and they have all been good.

Governments and institutions have to recommend a heat guaranteed to kill off any and everything, and prevent lawsuits of course. However, fresh good quality meat does not have to be nuked to the point where you could make furniture out of it. Use a separate thermometer, not the supplied pop-out sensor. I am no professional, but I can say it produces the best tasting food.

___________________________________

UPDATE: Years later, it still works. Here are some things that will help you if you get one of these. First, for a turkey, get two oranges and stick them in the cavities. Then, stick the skewer through them. This keeps the turkey from wobbling around so much as the oranges act like bearings. Also, get some meat wrapping string and spend the time it takes to tie the legs, tail and wings up to the skewer so that the turkey is more like a ball without all sorts of dangling things flopping around. Use lots of string. It is cheap. Know that all the energy of the universe will try to circumvent your efforts, so over-do it with the string. Cut it off with scissors before serving.

Coat the turkey with olive oil. Don't baste it again.

Obviously, don't stuff it!

I don't use the bacon anymore. If you use the temperature recommendations, you won't miss the bacon. It was a pain to tie on and was kind of a waste.

The Polder remote thermometer is nice because the probe is thin and doesn't create a big hole.

I stop at 160 degrees now. That's just me. Remember, you can cook it more, but you can't remove the overcooking.

Learn how to cut the breast meat off. Don't slice it off while it is on the turkey. Instead, cut down right alongside that breastbone. Then cut in from the side, about half-way down the side, straight in. This gives you a big chunk from that one side. On a plate, cut it in slices, across it, across the grain. So much more professional and better in every way. And it is easier. If you are having trouble visualizing this, you can google up a demo video or illustration.

I saw a TV show where it was demonstrated that soaking the chips makes no difference, so I don't anymore. A couple of handfuls gives a nice, not overwhelming little smoke flavor. You may want more, or none.

The Weber a fine device and one that surely will make you the rockstar of turkey cooking. Imagine how pathetic your relatives will seem when they take their sad turkeys out of the oven after hours of worthless basting. There will be murmuring and eye-rolling from those who remember yours. Make sure you tell the others, loudly, how you just sit around drinking while your turkey rotates effortlessly around, cooking perfectly. By the time the hosts are finished with excuses as to why their turkey sucks, again, you will be elevated to near rock-god status. Humiliation is an essential part of any family holiday and you want to be the one doing the humiliation.

See the review of the Weber chimney charcoal starter for a good tip on that.

I love this thing. I just got it, put two chickens on, and 1.5 hours later was eating the juiciest, tastiest chickens I have ever had. No comparison with my smoker or beercan style...the rotisserie beats either method hands down. I had debated the purchase, thinking that this was just going to be another gadget I would use once and then never again. I had been told that the meat comes out no differently than if you just lay it on the grill, and that the motors on rotisseries are loud and obnoxious. Neither statement could be further from the truth. The meat is juicier due to the self-basting aspect, and the motor on this unit is virtually silent. Also, having the counterweight is a great plus for irregularly shaped items. This is a great purchase, and very well built in typical Weber fashion. Highly recommended.

Buy Weber 2290 22-1/2-Inch Charcoal Kettle Rotisserie Now

We have owned Weber barbques for years and the rotisserie is an important accessory if you are doing chickens and turkeys. They are so much more juicy with the rotisserie than just sitting in the rack. Two chickens at a time (actually you can to three) should be about the same size for cooking time. Bigger are better, at least 4 lbs each. They will take about an hour and 20 minutes. Turkeys can be up to about 12 lbs. A pop-out timer is recommended, you can buy them separately if the turkey doesn't come with one. Hickory chips for smoke are good. Use lots of salt on the skin so the smoke will flavor the meat (and don't eat the skin:-) Be sure to catch the drippings in a Weber pan for the gravey.

Read Best Reviews of Weber 2290 22-1/2-Inch Charcoal Kettle Rotisserie Here

Weber's rotisserie couldn't be easier to install and to master. Instructions are very clear.

So far I've spitroasted a leg of lamb, a pork shoulder and a chicken, and all came out juicy, crispy and flavorful.

The motor works very well. Only weird thing is the very short length of the powercord, a decision only a lawyer could have made. This way, if you trip on your extension cord, Weber won't be liable. I can't see how you could possibly use this rotisserie with the included cord alone. If you happened to have an outlet close enough to your ideal grilling spot, the grill would be way too close to your house!

Want Weber 2290 22-1/2-Inch Charcoal Kettle Rotisserie Discount?

I concur with all the other reviews-this thing is da bomb!! Try pork roast on there-it is to die for. The rotisserie has never let me down, whether I'm cooking chicken, pork, prime rib, roast beef, lamb-you name it.

Now mine is about 3 years old and the skewer does get a bit charred especially if you use smoke often. You need to SOS it and then you are good.

You'll never buy one of those black plastic trayed chickens at the grocery store again! Superior to ANY restaurant!

Tracy

Save 7% Off