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.
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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.
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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…
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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!
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by Kitchen Utensils on July 6, 2009
Woolite 850B Rug Stick Carpet and Rug Cleaner
Woolite Rug Stick Carpet & Rug Cleaner Kit, Revolutionary Way To Quickly Deep Clean Heavy Traffic Areas, Pushes The Foam Cleaner Deep Into The Carpet, Lifting & Loosening Embedded Dirt From The Bottom Of The Carpet Fibers, Revitalizes Matted Fibers & Ground-In Dirt For A Deep Down Clean, Includes: 1 Rug Stick & 1 – 9 OZ Heavy Traffic Trial Size Cleaner, Uses Full Size 22 OZ Refill, Model #820, True Value # 462575.
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star unsatisfied
I shook and shook and followed the instructions and cannot get the foam to come out. Now it’s sitting in my front room ready to get tossed out.
4 Stars Woolite rug stick and cleaner
Product so far has performed very well. The trial size cleaner container was small and did not last long. Attempted to purchase here locally, but could not locate. While on a short vacation, went to a Target Plus and was able to purchase one. Too bad I had allready ordered some through Amazon.Com, and finally arrived today 04/06/09. I ordered the product on 03/21/09. Missed the 2-6 day delivery by a week. Also the shipping charges were almost the cost of the product. Tried Tried Target, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, etc. and no one carried the cleaner and/or the rug stick. The stick has a tendency to bend if a little pressure is applied, so have to be carefull it does not break.
3 Stars Good for Maintenance
I didn’t buy it online. They have it at Wal-Mart. It takes a lot of elbow grease. So I can’t imagine doing an entire as seen on the commercial. She must be on some major caffeine trip to get a room done like that. I would definitely say it is food for maintenance after you get your carpets properly cleaned. I
4 Stars Cool little tool for emergency little cleanups
I’ve had a small portable electric rug cleaner for years (a couple of Bissell Green Clean Machines and a little Hoover model) and all have eventually died a slow painful death at the hands of my cat and her hair, despite judicious vaccuuming. So I gave up on spot cleaning and resolved to just leave it to my big old Hoover steam cleaner.
When I saw the ad on television for this, I thought it was way too good to be true. And it really is. It does not give you sparkling clean carpets that look as lovely as the day they were installed and I’m sure even if my carpets were white, they would not be the beautiful white again just using the Rug Stick. But this did a really.. okay job cleaning up about a 5′ by 3′ traffic area that was bugging me. It freshened up the nap quite nicely and I do think that it brightened the color back up, so I’d say it cleaned at least half the grime out of it.
The cons – there were spots it did not even come close to getting out that its “deep clean” claim should have covered. I ended up using a few sprays of my absolute go-to favorite stain cleaner, Resolve Spot Remover, then going over it again with the Rug Stick, and all was well. But cleaning it twice defeated the purpose. The foam also was hard to control, although it may have been my wacky can. One minute it was putting out nice even lines, the next I was shooting foam all over.
The pluses – Nice smell that carries. My living room smelled great all day and I just did a small area. The scrubbing brush is really firm and doesn’t seem prone to splitting, at least after the workout I gave it. The head itself is easy to clean up and it’s slim enough that it’s easy to store. It’s simple to assemble, simple to use even without much of any instructions.
Overall, it’s expensive for something that only really should be applicable for small areas, but works as a niche product. I can’t believe anyone would use this on a whole rug, and for spot cleaning, I’d definitely go with the Resolve or something similar because this really doesn’t have spot cleaning power. But for perking up and generally giving a traffic area a mini facelift, I think this is a pretty good buy.
1 Star Very disappointed and a little wiser
My carpet is exactly the same color as the one in the commercial–and in roughly the same condition. I certainly wasn’t expecting a miracle; I did expect the area to be at least somewhat cleaner. The rug stick did almost nothing…it seems to just spread things around. I have a fairly powerful vacuum and after following the directions exactly, I found that the only thing I had accomplished was getting the carpet wet.
The rug stick itself it ok–I use mine with a spray bottle of different carpet cleaner. It is somewhat easier on your back than being down on your hands and knees. The cleaning solution that comes with it is fairly useless though (in my opinion). It barely lifts magic marker, much less pet or high traffic stains. I don’t believe that they advertise this product truthfully. It seems that they use two different colors of carpet (a beige, dirty carpet and a clean white carpet). This product simply does not have anywhere near the capabilities they proclaim.
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