Braun MR5550CA Multiquick Professional Hand Blender, White
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $69.99 -- our price: $54.88
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Braun's Multiquick Professional improves on an appliance that's already highly convenient. With a 400-watt motor, this updated hand blender has increased power for faster and better results. A dial on the top of the handle allows you to select from five different blending speeds, giving you more control over the consistency of your purées. A turbo button on the front of the handle lets you immediately switch up to the highest blending speed. The hand-blender attachment has a unique blade that offers smoother and more even blending, making it ideal for puréeing fruit shakes, soups, or homemade baby food. In addition, the hand-blender shaft has an innovative antisplashing design that prevents food from splattering on your kitchen walls during blending. Other included attachments are a minifood processor with an antislip bottom for chopping foods such as herbs, onions, or meats and a whisk for whipping egg whites, cake batter, or cream. The set also comes with a tall lidded beaker that is a convenient shape for blending smoothies and for storing leftovers, and a wall holder for storage. The hand blender, chopper, whisk, and beaker are all dishwasher-safe, and the unit is covered by a one-year limited warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• Attachments are dishwasher safe; 1-year limited warranty
• Includes hand blender, chopper, metal whisk, covered beaker, and wallholder
• Powerful 400-watt motor
• Anti-splashing shaft on handblender attachment
• Speed selector; turbo button

Reviews (26)

THE BEST SO FAR!!!
I USE THIS JEWEL 2 TIMES 7 DAYS A WEEK AND SOMETIMES 3 TIMES A DAY.I BOUGHT A THUNDERSTICK AND THE HOUSING THAT ATTACHES TO THE TOOLS BROKE AFTER A COUPLE USES.AFTER WAITING 6 MONTHS FOR A REPLACEMENT IT BROKE AGAIN.THE WAY THE ATTACHMENTS CONNECT TO THE BRAUN IS ROCK SOLID.THE CHOPPING BOWL IS JUST THE RIGHT SIZE AND THE WAY IT CIRCULATES THE VEGTABLES IN THE BOWL IT CUTS THEM EVENLY.THE POWER IS GREAT AND WITH THE VARIABLE SPEED YOU CAN EASILY REGULATE WHAT EVER JOB YOU ARE DOING.I GIVE IT 5 STARS AND I HAVE USED AND WORN OUT A NUMBER OF BRANDS.

use it all the time
I use the multiquick all the time. It is easy to use, great for small batches, powerful and best of all easy to clean. Much more practical for me than a traditional food processor.

A whizzer for every cook.
This Braun Multiquick has been an invaluable part of our kitchen for 2 years now.We first bought it in England because it took up less space than a food processor.Not only is it compact but so functional--12 speed settings!The chopper makes crying while dicing onions a thing of the past.We also make salsa, chop herbs, bread crumbs, etc.The blender works wonders on soups and makes ice chips.The whisk fluffs up egg whites and whips cream with ease.There is a cheaper model but the attachments for this one are worth the extra few dollars.We use it almost every day and it is dishwasher safe.You don't have to be a genius to use it... just need to cook with fresh ingredients to make it worth while.My mother-in-law now wants one- not a bad way to impress. ... Read more

Asin: B00006I4YF
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Hand Blenders    4. (Handheld)    5. (Stick Blenders)    6. (Immersion Blenders)   

Braun MR430HC/AC Multiquick Deluxe Hand Blender & Chopper
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $29.88
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This multipurpose tool created a stir in the kitchen when it came out, as the food processor did a generation earlier. In order to blend, whip, and chop smaller amounts of ingredients, it's no longer necessary to wrestle with bulky appliances. Immerse the 7-1/2-inch blender shaft, with its little blade on the end, into a pot where vegetables have been simmering, press the switch, and in seconds a creamy soup appears--with no need to dump everything into a big blender. Blend sauces and baby foods in their cooking pots, too. Blend a milk shake or juice drink right in its drinking container, or in the 2-1/2-cup beaker included in this set. Whipping cream and egg whites is just as convenient: a 5-inch whisk attaches to the motor when the blender is removed. For chopping nuts, herbs, garlic, or onions, there's a 2-cup chopper bowl with a special blade. The motor with the attached blender shaft can be mounted on a wall (mount included). Everything but the motor and the chopper-bowl top (both should be wiped with a damp cloth) can go into the dishwasher. This tool is more than handy, it's a revolution. The instruction sheet, unfortunately, is harder to comprehend than the tool is to use. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• One-year warranty against defects
• Set includes blender, whisk, chopper, bowl, beaker, and wall mount
• Blends soups, sauces, baby food, juice drinks, and milk shakes
• Whips cream, egg whites, and puddings
• Chops herbs, nuts, garlic, and onions

Reviews (100)

I'm ready to get a third!
I live for my Braun handblenders.I use it most often to make refried beans and also for all kinds of soups.I keep kosher so I have one for dairy and one for meat and I'm planning to get one for passover.This is a must have for every person who hates to clean up the food processor or the blender.It cuts prep time to a bare minimum..

My favorite kitchen tool
This is the best kitchen tool anyone could own.It is small, and therefore easy to store.It is also easy to clean.

I have used mine to puree soups, applesauce, make smoothies, beat eggs, make pesto and baby food.With the attachments, I have ground coffee beans, whole spices, ground nuts, cake mixes and more!

Very versatile, very affordable, easy-to-clean, easy-to-store...what more could you ask for?

Handy... but not so easy on the hands
The Braun Multiquick 430 HC consists of a motor housing with cord that twist-locks into a blending attachment. It can also lock into a whisk attachment, or the top portion of a mini-chopper. It includes a two-cup plastic measuring cup as well, sized and shaped so that you can use the blender to blend small amounts of liquids in it.

While you need to wipe off the motor housing by hand, the lock-on attachments are dishwasher-safe. (Our last immersion blender was one-piece and not dishwasher-safe, so this is a real bonus!) Because of the way the blender attachment is shaped, with the plastic housing circling the blade, you don't have to worry that the blade will get banged around and dulled on the dishwasher rack.

With enough use the blades will eventually dull, of course, and we use ours quite a bit. But until then they work wonders, easily pureeing soups of all kinds. The chopper attachment is surprisingly effective, and I've used it to chop small amounts of herbs into confetti in split seconds. It's also very easy to assemble, use, de-assemble, and wash in the dishwasher--easier than a mini-prep food processor.

The whisk is a handy attachment, and the multiquick does have enough power to produce whipped cream, although it takes more time than it does with a full-power two-beater hand mixer. However, there isn't a lot of feedback from the whisk--it has just enough give that it's hard to tell when it's pushing up against a bowl, so I'm always a little worried that I'm going to damage it inadvertently.

The one real problem this item has for me is the on-button. It isn't very sensitive; it requires a firm push, it's easy to accidentally let up on it, and it takes some amount of force to keep it pushed in. I have tendonitis, so this can be pretty hard on my hands if I'm not mixing or chopping a very small amount of materials. It would be nice if it had either a real "on" switch, or a more sensitive button. ... Read more

Asin: B00004S9GX
Subjects:  1. (Handheld)    2. (Stick Blenders)    3. (Immersion Blenders)    4. Small Appliances    5. Electrics    6. Hand Blenders   

Matfer Exopat Nonstick Baking/Roasting Sheet
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $21.00 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Made of slippery silicone, the Exopat baking mat preventscookies and pastries from sticking, eliminating the need for parchmentpaper, nonstick cooking surfaces, and the greasing of baking sheets. Itmeasures 16-1/2 by 11-5/8 inches, wipes clean with a sponge, is heat- safe to 580 degrees F, can be used 2,000 times or more, and is anessential tool for an avid baker. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Measures 16-1/2 inches by 11-5/8 inches
• Prevents cookies from sticking while baking; can also be used in roasters
• Eliminates need for parchment paper or nonstick cooking surfaces
• Made of slippery silicone; wipes clean with sponge
• Heat-safe to 580 degree F; can be used 2,000 times or more

Reviews (160)

Not as good as Silpat
These mats are nice, but they don't work as well as Silpat.They are just as non-stick, but they will stain more than Silpat do --- mine has brown stains where cookies once burnt, whereas my Silpat doesn't.And Silpat isn't even that much more expensive if you use froogle or look at their website for wholesalers.

Just wish there were more sizes!
This is a great tool - really reduces cleaning time and the agony of cookies or other items that could stick to the pan.I've have no problems using it.

Wow, where did I go wrong???
I used the Matfer sheet for a pizza crust but didn't have it more than 5 minutes in the approx. 400 degree oven before a horrible smell filled the apartment and the smoke alarms began shrieking.This was a brand new sheet, so there was no residual grease on this matt, as one suggested to another experiencing this problem.

A few others with the problem also seem to be in an apartment, so perhaps the smell is better tolerated or not as noticeable in a larger house?Or did a bunch of us get defective sheets?Until I'd find out, I couldn't recommend this product. ... Read more

Asin: B00005AXJ9
Subjects:  1. Cookie Sheets    2. Baking Sheet Liners    3. Baking    4. Roasting    5. Baking Utensils    6. Pastry Utensils    7. Tools   

Swissmar Borner V-Slicer Plus
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $34.99 -- our price: $29.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

An inexpensive alternative to a professional stainless-steelmandoline, this device makes it possible to quickly, uniformly, andsafely slice and julienne vegetables and fruits. It also shreds cabbageand neatly dices potatoes, tomatoes, and onions. For safety, a holderfirmly grips food with stainless-steel prongs so fingers are protectedfrom the German surgical-steel blades, and the three insertsaccompanying the device lock in position. The inserts act as a guidefor slicing against the V-frame's knife that reverses to create sliceseither 1/4-inch or 1/16-inch thick and two julienne inserts forcreating 1/8-inch or 3/8-inch strips. For storage, the V-frame, allthree inserts, and the safety holder fit into a caddy that can standupright on the counter, lie flat in a drawer, or hang on the wall. Madeof rugged plastic, the device measures 15 inches long and 6 inches widewhen assembled for storage. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• 15 inches long, 6 inches wide when assembled for storage
• Uniformly slices and juliennes vegetables and fruits thick or thin
• Also shreds and dices; for safety, holder grips food, blade inserts lock in
• Made of rugged plastic, with German surgical-steel blades
• Caddy stores all parts upright or flat

Reviews (53)

Have had one longer than....
I bought one the year before my youngest son was born - he is 18.5 years - it is still working like a charm. I have purchased want-to-be's in the past for family couldn't find the V-Slicer at the time. Now I am buying 5 for those I did wrong in the past - with the fakes - lol.I wouldn't trade mine for anything.

My Favorite kitchen Gadget!!!
I bought one of these slicers about 10 years ago from an infomercial, and I absolutely LOVE it!I have used it on a daily basis. My most favorite use is to make quick work out of dicing large onions, getting the job done so fast that there are never any tears!It takes the tedium out of slicing, dicing, and chopping so that you can get on with the cooking! With the V-Slicer, you can turn out professional cuts every time!I highly recommend this product.As one reviewer said, the blades are very sharp and therefore last for years.Care and caution must be used when working with this item.In all the years I have used mine, I never had a mishap.

Not just another quick sell gimmick....
When I first saw the V-Slicer, it was at the State Fair.As with most quick sell get rich items at the fair, I was very skeptical that this kitchen 'tool' would truly deliver results time and time again.

I've now owned the V-slicer (plus additional inserts) for 2+years and it's as amazing as the day I saw it at the fair.It's still razor sharp and very easy to clean (just wash with water).

The V-slicer is great for slicing anything and almost everything.It does wonders on tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, celery, onions, apples, and much more.I particularly like to slice up some nice thin hash browns and season them up for breakfast on Sunday mornings.

On top of it all, the price of the V-slicer cannot be beat.I've scene similar products selling for $50 - $100+ and I can help but think those are ridiculously over priced.Sure they're made of steel, but this V-slicer is a solid very sturdy plastic that maintains stability while slicing and allows for very simple clean up.

One word of caution, the blades are SHARP!Again, after 2 years, they're still extremely razor sharp.

The V-slicer has proved to be one of the most useful and least expensive tools we use in our home kitchen.For the price and usefulness, you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Asin: B0000632QE
Subjects:  1. Slicers   

Taylor Classic Candy and Deep-Fry Analog Thermometer
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $12.99 -- our price: $12.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This high-temperature thermometer takes the guesswork out of deep-frying chicken, doughnuts, and french fries or making jelly, fudge, or butterscotch. Its easy-to-read 8-inch face measures temperatures from 100 to 400 degrees F. The face shows proper candy-making temperatures, from "thread" to "hard crack." An adjustable clip on the insulated handle secures the thermometer to a pan. Made of stainless steel with a shatterproof plastic lens, the thermometer measures 12 inches long overall and is dishwasher-safe. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Easy-to-read, 8-inch face measures temperatures from 100 to 400 degrees F
• Face shows proper candy temperatures, from "thread" to "hard-crack"
• Insulated handle's adjustable clip secures thermometer to pan
• Made of stainless steel; 12 inches long overall
• Dishwasher-safe

Reviews (4)

The best
I have been using this for quite a while for candy making. Although some of the writing has washed off, I can still read the indentations and so continue to use it.Of all of the thermometers I own (and I have several), it is the most accurate.Candy thermometers should always be tested before each use by putting them in boiling water and adjusting your final temperature by any +- they show from true 212F or 100C boiling temp.This one has never needed any adjustments; others have been off 6 to 8 degrees. Because of this, its strength (no exposed glass bulb to break) and its ease in cleaning(dishwasher-proof), this is the only candy thermomoter I recommend when teaching candy making.

accurate, reliable and easy to use
This is a terrific thermometer.It registers fairly quickly and has a wide range.The clip allows you to hang it on the side of a pan, and the thermometer itself is protected by its metal frame, so you never have to worry about the bulb resting on the bottom of the pan.I've had this thermometer for quite a while and it has stayed accurate.

Best store it upright and in a place where it won't get jostled.

THE BEST candy thermometer .. in my opinion
I have owned this candy thermometer for over 30 years.. I use it, mostly around Christmas time, and can count on it's accuracy and ease of use. It is easy to clean and easy to attach to any sauce pan. Like any fragile product, keep it in a safe place and you will have it for a lifetime. ... Read more

Asin: B00004XSC9
Subjects:  1. Candy Thermometers   

Polder Dual Sensor Thermometer & Timer
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $30.00 -- our price: $24.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Versatility is the watchword with the Polder dual sensor thermometer and timer, which measures both the internal temperature of your food and the temperature of your oven at the same time. With its stacked temperature displays and 10-hour timer ( nine hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds, technically), the Polder thermometer is both functional and efficient. Its temperature readings range from 32 to 572 degrees F, though the temperature ranges for the pre-settable timer run from 85 to 572 degrees F (which is fine, as you'll rarely have to cook something at a temperature below 85 degrees). The timer is versatile, too, with count-down, count-up, and overtime count-up features. The thermometer even comes with a USDA cooking chart, with recommended temperatures and times for a variety of foods. --Rivers Janssen ... Read more

Features

• Probe wire measures 38 inches long
• Dual thermometer settings measures temperature in oven and inside food
• Actual temperature range from 32 to 572 degrees F
• Pre-settable timer temperature range from 86 to 572 degrees F
• Timer counts up or down from 9 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds

Reviews (32)

Setting the Temperature
I concur with some of your other commentators.The display is great to look at, is informative especially on an outdoor grill, but is totally annoying when attempting to set the temperature.When you want to cook a piece of pork with its 170-180 degree requirement, setting the temp is easy; when subsequently you want to cook beef and want a setting of 140, the only way to get there is to allow the display to count up to 575 and then start over.Duh!
Even a basic engineering student should have figured this out!An ability to move the temp up or down would be easy to design, and would have improved this product enormously.I am going to return this newly acquired device in protest of stupidity.

Piece of crap...waste of money...
This is another example of why we should move manufacturing jobs back to the USA.I'm so tired of buying cheaply made crap made in China and this is a great example of shoddy workmanship.This thing beeps at you constantly and there are no directions that show you how to program it not to beep or how to shut off the section you don't want a temperature reading from.In fact, I don't even think I received instructions in English.It seems very flakey and I did not get a correct temp read when I probed it with my trusty old meat thermometer.Save yourself the cash and buy a product made in the USA (or Europe) if you can find one anymore...at least you'll know there were higher standards and you'll be aware of what materials are in the product.

An Inferior/Defective Design
I bought mine at Bed Bath & Beyond as a gift.What a mistake, I wish I'd read the reviews here first.

It worked great the first time.The second time a couple of weeks later I plugged it in and got temperatures of 230+ degrees sitting on the counter (both oven and food temperatures).So, back to the old dial thermometer.

After leaving the proble plugged in overnight it seemed to work okay but I no confidence that this will last any time at all.My guess is the thermistors and wiring in the probe are of very poor quality.

Other problems.
1. The manual is poor.It doesn't tell you how to shut it off.Basically hold the alarm button down (reverse of startup).

2. If you set the alarm point higher than you want you can't scroll backward.You have to go all the way past 572 degrees.Sort of like the early digital clocks.Again, not a hint in the manual.

3. Polder doesn't answer their e-mail.

4. I finally got hold of a rather grumpy customer service person on the 800 number.All they could say was that I may have gotten water in somewhere during cleaning the probe....I don't think so.

5. You won't find this model on the website. (894-90).They probably don't want to claim it.The only reference is to a replacement probe.So my guess is this questionable probe is used in other Polder thermometers.You're warned

I won't buy another Polder product...thermometers, scales, etc. ... Read more

Asin: B00006NWAD
Subjects:  1. Meat Thermometers    2. Oven & Refrigerator Thermometers    3. Timers   

Microplane Grater/Zester
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $11.95
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

For fluffy, evenly sized cheese shreds, this is the perfect grater. Its design is based on that of a rasp, the small and efficient woodworking tool. The cutters are especially sharp, which guarantees easy grating. But this also means you'll need to exercise extra caution--no one likes grated knuckles. The large handle allows for a firm grip, and the completely flat grating surface makes it easy to move the cheese across the blades. Carrots, onions, and medium to firm cheeses all worked beautifully with this grater. It's also an excellent choice for larger strips of citrus zest or ginger. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Features

• Hand wash and dry thoroughly
• Designed to extract the best flavor from your food
• High-quality stainless steel with grating edges that stay razor sharp
• Excellent for hard cheeses,onions, citrus fruits, ginger and more
• Blade measures 8-1/2 inches long; ergonomic black plastic handle

Reviews (180)

A Must Have for the Casual Cook
I never thought I'd ever use something like this. It just seemed, well, too fussy!However after watching Rachael Ray use one over and over on her show, I thought I'd give it a try. The price was definitely right!I must say, I don't know how I ever got along without it.It's perfect for grating chocolate and hard cheeses, and absolutely essential for zesting lemons and limes (what a difference fresh zest makes in a recipe!) without getting ANY of the bitter pith.I'm getting one for my mom and my best friend...I just love this kitchen tool!Don't think you have to be a gourmet to have use for this. Even the casual cook will find it indispensable!

High shipping charges
The zester is fine but a $10.24 shipping charge on a $15.99 item is ridiculous.The only reason I bought this item was that I had a gift certificate that had to be used.Such shipping charges are outrageous!!

What did I do with out this grater
I use this for everything.If a recipe calls for minced garlic or ginger, I grate it.I have even sprayed it with pam and shaved crayons with it for a school project.I will never be without this again EVER ... Read more

Asin: B00004S7V8
Subjects:  1. Cheese Graters   

Pyrex Professional Silicone Spatula Set
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $29.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Tackle tough batters with this set of three oversized silicone spatulas. Silicone is a soft, pliable material that smoothly removes food from the sides of bowls. Yet its amazing properties include not only strength but heat resistance to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. That means the spatulas can be used to scoop portions of casseroles hot out of the oven, or to stir-fry a meal or mix a sauce in nonstick pans right on the stovetop. Strong Lexan handles won't break on that double batch of oatmeal cookie dough, and each features a guard that allows the handle to rest on the bowl without slipping into it. Dishwasher-safe, the set includes a 13-3/4-inch jumbo spatula, 13-inch spoon spatula, and 11-1/2-inch narrow spatula.--Ann Bieri ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher-safe
• 3 oversized silicone spatulas tackle tough batters
• Silicone is soft and pliable, yet heat resistant to 600 degrees F
• Guard ridge allows Lexan handle to rest on bowl without slipping
• Set includes 13-3/4-inch jumbo, 13-inch spoon, and 11-1/2-inch narrow

Reviews (8)

Very Useful!
This set is very useful. The smallest one was still a little too big for some uses, so for me, I purchased a mini Le Creuset spatula, also on Amazon. The midde spatula with the scope is the most useful of the set. I have not had the problem with stuff stuck in between the handle and the head. I toss them in the dishwasher and it seems to be fine for now.

Just okay for the price
As other reviewers have mentioned, these spatulas get "gunk" in the cracks where the handles connect and they are not comfortable to hold for long.

missing spatula
I'm sure my sister will enjoy these but both of us were expecting to receive all three spatulas advertised as the set, not just two.The medium sized one, probably the most often used, was missing from the package with no replacements available.A disappointment! ... Read more

Asin: B000095SE1