by Kitchen Utensils on August 4, 2010
You might not think much about your kitchen towels beyond where to hang them, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. These are great, and are always handy when you need to wipe your hands, but you might want to make sure you change them more often than you probably do presently. Paper towels are great for cleaning up messes, but they also seem wasteful. I know my mom rarely let me use paper towels when I was growing up, and that habit has followed me into adulthood.
I know that I have many bad habits in the kitchen, and I also know that I am not alone in that. I often use my kitchen towels to wipe up just about anything, and sometimes, that means I am wiping up germs and then hanging them back up. I might come along later and use those same kitchen towels to dry my hands after washing them, or my daughter might. This means those hands are really not all that clean. I have been trying lately to get into the habit of wiping things up and then immediately throwing the towels into the wash. It means I go through a lot of them, but it also means I?m not spreading around as many germs.
You should always wash your kitchen towels in hot water to be sure the germs are removed and the towels are fresh. Drying them on high heat in the dryer is also a good idea. They may need to be washed with your other towels on the same heat setting. Beyond kitchen towels, you also should do this with your wash rags or sponges that you use in the kitchen. Sponges don?t work well in the washer or dryer, but you can run them through a hot cycle in your dishwasher. That should be done every single time you run a load to be sure you are as safe as you can be.
When you buy kitchen towels, buy more than just a few at a time. Most like to have towels that match kitchen d?cor, and buying more than enough at once is a good idea. You may not be able to find the same ones later on. If you can buy in batches of eight or twelve, that?s the way to go. Not only will you have quite a few on hand, you have them so that they match each other and the kitchen. You can save this way as well. Buying in larger numbers always means you get something of a discount.
by Kitchen Utensils on July 9, 2009
Oxo Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
The OXO Smooth Edge Can Opener cuts on the side of the can, below the edge – leaving no sharp edges on a can or lid. The side-wind knob with non-slip, comfortable grip is easy to use. The durable cutting wheel doesn’t touch the can contents, while the lid pliers allow no-touch lid removal. It’s a safe, hygenic way to open large & small lids.
User Ratings and Reviews
2 Stars can opener
The smooth edge concept is notable but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The operation of this can opener is awkward and difficult. To lock down the can so the opener can pierce the lid, one has to push the can against a stationary object. Plus the operation of the handles is contrary to standard models and is confusing.
4 Stars Good item, annoying packaging
It’s a great can-opener, but like many cheaper products it is packaged in a welded-plastic-clamshell. For a company so focused on optimizing the human/tool interface as much as possible, it’s rather ironic and highly frustrating to find such difficult packaging. The can-opener leaves beautifully rounded edges on the cans so that you won’t cut yourself, but it’s far easier to get cut on the packaging.
5 Stars Ergonomic can opener
If you want a really good, easy to use, manual can opener, then this is what you are looking for. Very ease to use and no mess or sharp edges to deal with. Many reviews stated that on a daily use this can opener did not last too long. We will have to wait and see, but today it is good!
5 Stars Oxo Smooth Edge Can Opener
I have never used a better can opener. After opening a can it is virtually impossible to cut yoursellf on the can. I highly recommend it.
5 Stars Amazing can opener, once you figure out how to use it
This can opener is pretty amazing. It removes the entire lid of the can from just below the lip. You end up getting a perfectly clean cut since the lip of the can is removed also. After you cut around the can, the lid is still actually held on by the vacuum seal so you have to use the small plier tool on the can opener to pull the lid away.
Because of the way this can opener works, not only do you get a clean cut, but you also get a very clean can opener. Food never leaks out onto the can opener blade. I’ve had it for about a year now and I haven’t had to clean it once. I imagine this can opener will last for a very long time.
Buy/More Info
by Kitchen Utensils on July 8, 2009
Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker
The world’s best selling coffee pot, the Bialetti Moka Express was invented in 1933 and remains virtually unchanged to this day. Simple to own and simple to operate, the Moka Express is a masterpiece of industrial design. Free CaffeSolo Moka Coffee with each purchase.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Decent quality, rough finishing, good price
The coffee machine is decent in quality and came at a good price at $25. The finishing could have been better as the edges appear rough and for the most famous household coffee machine ever it could manage some styling.
Overall good product. Satisfied.
5 Stars really good when camping
I have been using one of these for 3 years now. I generally use it every morning in the home, but where it really shines is camping. It’s amazing how many friends wander in when they get a whiff of it brewing… 3 years of travel, 2 trips to burning Man, thrown around a lot and it just keeps working. The seals still seal too! I am buying new seals this year though as they are getting a bit gummy.
If you like a good espresso, this is the easiest way to get it.
5 Stars Great for company
I care deeply about cofee and roast my own beans by hand. I only use this and the 3 shot model, depending on how many people are partaking. They both make amazing espresso with about 1 minute prep and 5-7 minutes on the stove. Nothing fancy. No extra features. Just great espresso.
3 Stars Great at first, but didn’t last more than a year
I loved this at first and it made excellent espresso, but it didn’t last. This is the second one I purchased and I’m experiencing the same problem.
After less than a year, water/steam started spitting out the side and only a little bit of espresso actually made it through the top. I even purchased a replacement filter and rubber gasket, but it still didn’t work. My thinking is that the aluminum warped and it’s no longer making a good seal. Even tightening the base doesn’t stop the water/steam spitting out the side. I thought maybe I had the heat too high when using it, so I ended up purchasing another one. Now 6 months later, the same thing is happening. Am I doing something wrong? I do use low heat and it usually takes 7-8 minutes to percolate completely.
Since the unit is not expensive, it’s not a lot out of my pocket but it’s frustrating. Should I get another one? Should I just make the plunge and invest in a nice/expensive espresso machine? Any suggestions from other users who has been using one for over a year?
4 Stars Used as a coffee maker
I bought the six-cup version of this product and I primarily use it to make coffee rather than espresso. I get approximately 1.5 mugs per brew (with a generous addition of milk), which is okay for a single person. I use Dunkin’ Donuts medium roast, fill the filter half full, and find it produces “normal” coffee. If you use a full filter’s worth of coffee, it will be super strong.
The construction feels a bit cheap, but it is holding up fine so far and was only $25. I hand wash it as instructed, and the only thing I dislike so far is cleaning it out. You have to be careful to avoid spilling coffee dregs/grounds everywhere. It’s also hard to tamp out the used grounds into the trash, which is a downside for me as my sink does not have a garbage disposal.
Overall, I am happy with the purchase.
Buy/More Info
by Kitchen Utensils on July 8, 2009
Rival 4071 WN 32 Ounce Hot Pot Express
A 32 ounce pot that boils water faster than a microwave & keeps it hot for hours!
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Great buy
This pot heats up very fast and is a very easy way to heat up water for tea without having to turn on the stove. I also take it with me when traveling. I like the fact that it has several settings for temperature so I can choose to use a lower temperature. The only thing that might be a little problem is that the lid was a little hard to open. Sometimes you have to give it a hard pull and you have to be careful if you are opening it with a hot liquid inside like if you are heating soup or stew and want to stir it before you remove it from the pot. Overall, it’s worth the price and a good deal for those who want something simple.
2 Stars hot pot???
the hot pot did not automatically turn off when the water boiled. i didn’t know that i was purchasing a non controlled hot pot.
1 Star Flaky and Rusty
Heats up great. Very fast. However, a rust spot developed in one area around the heating element. (It could have been due to my leaving water in the kettle overnight. ???) But then white stuff started flaking off, appearing in my drink. Certainly not going to drink that!
4 Stars Money well spent, lasted 10 years
This hot pot just stopped heating today after 10 years of use.
It has strange triangular headed screws on the bottom so I am unable
to diagnose the death.
Cons:
No off switch, must be unplugged to turn off
Not good at simmering.
Nonstick wears out quickly.
Pros:
Works well for boiling, very fast boil.
Great for the money.
1 Star leaks and has to be plugged out
i wanted an electric kettle, but landed up ordering this as i thought this was multi-functional and could be used to boil eggs etc as well. While it is muli-functional; 2 biggest irritatiosn are:
- it has to be plugged out – i cannot just press a button for it to stop heating. I literally has to be plugged out. That reduces the functionality and safety of this product. bit of an irritation in a busy kitchen.
- it leaks… within one week of using it, I noticed it leaks water while boiling and also leaks if there is any water left in it… Cleaning mess adds to the list instead of reducing it…
Buy/More Info
by Kitchen Utensils on July 7, 2009
Waring Pro WMK300A Professional Stainless Steel Belgian Waffle Maker
As far back as the 1400′s, the waffle has been a dessert or special bread enjoyed by the aristocracy. Early, over-the-flame waffle irons often bore the family’s crest as a design. The Belgian Waffle was first introduced to the USA at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, about 10 years after frozen waffles were invented. Belgian waffles were a big hit and became a preferred breakfast and brunch treat. Some people even used them to make ice cream sandwiches. Now you can make Belgian waffles almost as easy as toast and in a wide variety of tasty ways. Introduce yourself to the Waring WMK300A Professional Belgian Waffle Maker.
This Waring WMK300A professional quality Waffle Maker has extra-deep pockets to produce the thickest Belgian Waffles you can get anywhere! A rotary feature ensures even baking on the top and bottom, and produces a crisp crust and tender interior. This Waring Pro Belgian Waffle Maker has been treated with a special nonstick coating. Before the first use, we suggest you season the waffle grids by brushing with cooking oil. Wipe with a paper towel or pastry brush. Audio Beep tone indicates when ready and finished baking Power and ready LED indicators Lockdown Lid will not rise as waffles bake UL/CUL approved Waring – One year limited appliance warranty NOTE – The first time you use your waffle maker, it may have a slight odor and may smoke a bit. This is normal, and common to heating appliances. Preheat your Waring Pro Belgian Waffle Maker on setting #4 or preferred setting (green indicator light will be illuminated when preheated). User guide includes several waffle recipes
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars A Great Waffle Iron
This is my second one. I used the first at least twice a week for years. At some point the screws actually melted, and I bought this one from Amazon. The waffles come out perfect every time and never stick, even though I make them with very little oil.
5 Stars Yes, it is as good as everyone else says!
Yep… makes the best waffles… delicious, easy to clean.. worth the price. Amazon shipped it and it was in perfect condition. When you start to get it out of the manufacturer’s box, make sure you are careful because the little green measuring cup could fly across the room. Also, I set my setting a little over five to get the crispier crust/fluffy inside.
Use Pam High Heat spray.
Will buy this again. The fold-away handle is awesome. Make sure you purchase the WMK300A versus the WMK300 (like they sell at Costco). Amazon has the newest model. You cannot beat Amazon’s price and shipping!!!
5 Stars Great Waffles
This product is absolutly great it works as described and the clean up is easy. Perfect waffles every time in a very short time.
4 Stars Professional Waffles at home.
You’ll never need to make another trip to IHOP or to any other Restaurant to enjoy those delicious gigantic belgian waffles you find at said locations. The Waring Pro Waffle Maker is easy to use and as far as I could tell makes waffles nearly perfectly. I did find the settings to be a little underwhelming. If you want them just right you’ll be using the highest settings. Its easy to clean as long as you use some PAM but I wish it would let you detach the pieces to make cleaning easier. The cooking timer works great letting you know when your waffles are ready. Its the closest you’ll get to Restaurant style waffles at home. Highly recommended.
5 Stars great results, easy use and clean
have used mine for a year, every sunday, best part of the day!
use the measure cup, lower the lid slowly, I ignore the beeper, set the dial on 5 and cook for 5 minutes, perfect, waffle every time!
if you dont overfill the grid, clean-up entails cleaning your plate!
I wasted money on a cuisinart,then bought this model because it was similar to the ones I used as a chef in hotels and resorts where I work!
Buy/More Info
