Cuisinart ICE-20 1-1/2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, and Sorbet Maker, White
by Cuisinart
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $80.00 -- our price: $44.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Creating up to 1-1/2 quarts of ice cream, frozen yogurt,sorbet, or frozen drinks at home takes only about 20 minutes with thiselectric appliance, and salt and ice are not needed. After themachine's chilling chamber has been in the freezer for about eighthours the liquid between its walls is thoroughly frozen. The chamberthen goes atop the power base, the unit's paddle goes into the chamber,the transparent top is locked in place, and the machine is turned on.Ingredients go into the chamber through an opening in the top as thepaddle turns. The chamber chills the ingredients to whateverconsistency is desired--though dense treats are hard to make becausethe paddle churns in air.

Chocolate chips, chopped fruit, nuts, and other special ingredients canbe added toward the end. The chamber is nonstick for easy cleanup.Storing it in the freezer ensures a frozen confection is only 20 to 40minutes away when the mood strikes. The machine measures 10 inches indiameter and 15 inches high and weighs 9-1/2 pounds. It carries athree-year warranty against defects. A detailed instruction bookletincluding many recipes is included. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Measures 10 by 15 inches; three-year limited warranty
• Makes up to 1-1/2 quarts ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, or frozen drinks
• A breeze to use--no salt or ice needed
• Chocolate chips, chopped fruit, nuts, and other ingredients added
• Recipe booklet included; cord storage

Reviews (363)

Ice cream just the way you want it!
This is a delightfully easy way to make ice cream that tastes the way you want it to.Want a flavor no one sells?Mix it yourself with this easy-to-use machine.Even basic flavors are great when you control the ingredients that go in.
The machine is not messy, as it requires no ice or rock salt, and all of the parts are fairly easy to wash.The recipes in the instruction book work just fine.

A bit of advice;
1)Read the instructions carefully.
2)Plan for some lead time.You need to have the bowl completely frozen. (If you need to make more than one batch at a time, you can buy an extra freezer bowl.)
3)Bear in mind that the ice cream will still be soft when the machine is done with it. (This is true with most ice cream machines.) You will still need to put it in the freezer for a while before serving.
4)Indulge in high quality ingredients; for example, get some whole vanilla beans for your vanilla ice cream. (If you want a lot of them, eBay is the cheapest place to get them.)

I am delighted with this purchase and just can not imagine buying ice cream from the store again.

Pays for itself in one summer of use
I've had this ice-cream maker for three years now, and think it's the best little ice-cream maker I've owned. It's so easy to use and clean, and works perfectly every time. It has definitely paid for itself several times over, because I haven't bought store-bought ice-cream since I bought this machine, and I've made LOTS of ice-cream, gelato and sorbet with it since.

My recommendation for best results: Refridgerate your ice-cream mixture overnight before making if possible, and be sure the insert is thoroughly frozen in a very cold freezer. On warm summer days, I also cover the top opening of the clear plastic "lid"with a folded towel to keep the cool in better.

Best Pinacolada maker
I got this icecream maker for Chritmas a couple of years ago. It really works well. It does take some of your freezer room but well worth it. We made Pinacoladas with it when I first got it and my friends havent stopped talking about them since. Makes a wonderful gift or for your home. My kids love it too. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JGRT
Subjects:  1. Ice Cream Machines    2. (Makers)    3. Kitchen    4. Gifts    5. Cooking    6. Entertainment    7. Small Appliances    8. Electrics   

Krups 652-70 OptiSteam Plus 2-Tier Steamer
by Krups
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $65.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

This white, hard-plastic steamer from respected manufacturer Krups steams three different foods at one time using two steaming trays and a removable divider that keeps smaller portions divided during cooking. Its clear-plastic trays have a rectangular shape to accommodate longer foods, such as a whole fish, corn on the cob, or asparagus (the steamer also cooks rice using the included 6-cup plastic rice bowl). This steamer has a 60-minute timer with a bell, as well as a food-coded timer with tiny pictures of food categories and suggested steaming times. The water for steaming is poured into the steamer through a patented external fill spout with a water-level indicator. The steamer's trays and rice bowl stack together for storage and are dishwasher-safe. --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Features

• Limited one-year warranty
• Ideal for steaming vegetables or fish or cooking rice
• 2 steaming trays and rice bowl
• Includes 60-minute timer with bell
• Convenient external fill spout with water level indicator

Reviews (9)

Best I could Find!
I'm not a raw veggie lover, but since I found this steamer VERY easy to use, I now eat ALL veggies. I did guess work with the timer at first....and when it was done, if I wanted softer veggies, I just turned the timer on again for a few more minutes. It does not take long to learn what to set the timer to after that.Every person I've had over for dinner raves about how good the veggies are!HEY, what about my other foods?I have not cooked rice in it yet. I am actually buying this for a gift today. Yes, for one of my dinner guests who never steamed veggies!It is that easy to use.

Reliable, works well
We've had two of these over the course of 4 years, which might not sound good, but we use it literally every single night, so that's over 700 uses at the max 1 hour setting for each unit. And the steamer itself still works after that time, but the plastic in the bottom-tier tub starts to break down and come apart, and it's as inexpensive to buy a new steamer as a new tub...

I agree with another user's comment that the timer can't be turned backward and this is annoying. We only use it for rice however, and so we always turn the dial all the way around. We chose this steamer over conventional rice steamers because we *didn't* want it to keep the rice warm - it just shuts off. (We make rice every night before going to bed for our dogs' food - don't ask!) We haven't used it for veggies, so can't comment on the performance there, but it does a fine job on rice. Though it does take an hour, much longer than stove-top or dedicated rice-steamers. But for us it's a set-it and forget-it type of thing.

Good product, but with a few problems
I mostly like this steamer; its shape allow steaming of larger items than round steamers of similar capacity, and it heats up and starts steaming quickly.The two tiers work nicely.It's great being able to fill it with water while it's still steaming.

However, I have two complaints:

First, the water-input lid is hard to use, with a tiny plastic nubbin intended as a handle but it can't be gripped at all.When refilling this steamer expect to include the step of dropping the lid, because it's not attached to the steamer.

Second, the timer can't be turned backwards.If you put in your broccoli and set it for 40 minutes, and then realize you only wanted to cook it for 10 minutes, you're out of luck.You'll have to either set a separate timer to know when to unplug the steamer, or wait 30 minutes before putting the broccoli in.This is just bad design.I've had other, cheaper steamers that didn't have this annoying lack-of-feature. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SPEI
Subjects:  1. Rice Cookers    2. Kitchen    3. Gifts    4. Cooking    5. Small Appliances    6. Electrics    7. Steamers   

Cuisinart 10-1/2-Inch Nonstick Stainless Steel Stir Fry Pan
by Cuisinart
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $79.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Stainless steel is the classic material of the professional kitchen because of its durability and versatility. Cuisinart has updated this timeless material with a modern nonstick surface to complement today's lighter cooking. The multilayer surface is even oven-safe, under some circumstances. This fry pan's handle has a ventilated design that keeps it cool to the touch, even after it's been cooking on the stovetop for a while (be careful if you use it in the oven, though). The large capacity of the pan allows you to include all the veggies wanted for a favorite Asian-inspired dish, but be careful not to use too high a flame if following a recipe meant for a traditional wok--unlike a thinner iron wok, the copper sandwich bottom allows heat to be conducted quickly and retained longer. The nonstick surface is extremely easy to clean, and the pan can even be placed in a dishwasher. The skillet comes with a lifetime limited warranty and an especially helpful guidebook. --Julija Gelazis ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher-safe; limited lifetime warranty
• Excalibur nonstick cooking surface provides easy, healthy cooking
• Solid copper bottom sandwiched between 18/10 stainless steel ensures great heat conduction and retention
• Oven-safe, stay-cool, long vented handle, attached with 18/10 stainless-steel rivets
• Dripless flat rim make pouring easy

Reviews (15)

Perfect pan for omelets
I own an actual "omelet skillet." I never use it. I always use this pan.The rounded sides are a bit steep, which for me, makes it easier to fold (and/or flip) the omelet without tearing.Also has worked very well for quick stir fries.Very lightweight, easy care.

poor nonstick coating
the pan looks good in the kitchen, it cooks fast. the problem with it is the nonstick coating wore off after 2-3 months. the pan is no good when the nonstick starting to disappear.

Nice looking! Great non-stick for chinese food!
This is an excellent pan! been using is EVERYDAY for heavy duty cooking of chinese food! Highly recommend! Just wash with soft sponge! Buy it! Great price! ... Read more

Asin: B00004S9DV
Subjects:  1. Cookware    2. (Cook Ware)   

Henckels International Everedge 13-Piece Knife Set with Bonus Cheese Knife
by J.A. Henckels
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $112.00 -- our price: $29.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The blades in this set of slim, lightweight knives are stampedin stainless steel, and their edges are microserrated and thereforetouted as never needing sharpening. The handles are formed of toughpolypropylene and are seamless, allowing for better hygiene. The setincludes six kitchen knives, six 5-inch steak knives, and arubber-footed wood block that has slots for them all. The kitchen knivesinclude an 8-inch chef's knife with a curved blade for rocking througha chopping task; a 5-inch tomato knife with a narrow, curved blade; an8-inch bread knife; a 6-inch utility knife; a 6-inch boning knife formeats, poultry, and fish; and a 2-1/2-inch paring knife for peeling andcleaning vegetables and fruits. As a bonus, a pronged-tip knifedesigned to slice cheese and spear the slices is included. While theknives are dishwasher-safe, they should be hand washed to preservetheir edges. Unlike Henckels's premier knives, which are made inGermany, these knives are made in China; however, they do carry thecompany's lifetime warranty against defects. --Fred Brack

What's in the Box
8-inch chef's, 5-inch tomato, 8-inch bread, 6-inch utility, 6-inch boning, 2-1/2-inch paring, six 5-inch steak knives, hardwood block ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty against defects
• Includes 8-inch chef's, 5-inch tomato, 8-inch bread, 6-inch utility, 6-inch boning, 2-1/2-inch paring, and six 5-inch steak knives in hardwood block
• Bonus cheese knife ideal for slicing cheese and spearing slices
• Stamped, mirror-polished, stainless-steel, micro-serrated blades
• Durable, hygienic, polypropylene handles

Reviews (33)

Outstanding for the price
13 knives for 40 bucks,WOW! I've been using mine for 6 months and find them dependable and easy to care for. No, they are not professional quality, but come on kids, they cost 40 dollars. I like the plastic handles, they look good and if they sit in a sink of water too long, or aren't cared for like they should be, it's o.k. 'cause they don't turn into trash. I bake my own bread and the bread knife is outstanding because of the eversharp edge. Well worth every cent if you need an inexpensive set of knives that will tolerate moderate abuse.

Dont fall for it
This product is a ripoff for the money. Henckels is abusing people's trust in the brand by foisting a lousy product like this.
Buy this product and Iam sure you will never look at a Henckels knife again in your life. (I bought a Wushtof instead)

Great for the price
If you're looking for a short term set of knives, or something you don't mind novices messing up, this is a great set.I have been using them for a couple of months now and haven't had any problems with them. ... Read more

Asin: B00005K8PA
Subjects:  1. Chef Sets    2. Kitchen Knives    3. Cutlery    4. (Henckles)    5. Knives    6. (Knife)    7. Knife Sets    8. Knife Blocks   

T-Fal Perfection Hard Enamel 13-Inch Saut? Pan, Black
by T-Fal
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $39.99 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Oven-safe to 350 degrees F; dishwasher-safe; limited lifetime warranty
• 13-inch sauté pan for browning meats or sautéing vegetables
• Hard porcelain enamel exterior with copper disc bottom distributes heat evenly
• Built-in Thermospot heat indicator alerts chef when pan is properly heated
• Durable nonstick interior releases foods cleanly; stay-cool phenolic handles

Reviews (2)

Just What I Wanted
This pan suited my needs exactly.It's handle is comfortable to hold and it has nice even heat distribution.The handle and the curve of the outside edge make flipping food quite easy.

Discrepancy
I can't say I don't like the saute pan, after all it's T-fal. However, this is advertised as a 12-1/2 inch and what you get is a 13 inch pan.In addition, the "features" listed the glass domed lid, which leads the consumer to believe the lid came with it. Guess again, the lid is not included.I've been inconvenienced for a month now trying to get this straightened out. Perhaps taking a minute to proofread what is posted might eliminate this from happening to another consumer that "believes what they read".

Great for young/college kitchen
This is the first new pan I owned, given to me as a gift by a boyfriend who was sick of eating teflon out of my ragged hand-me-down pans.Five years later, the pan has only minor blemishes, which do not interfere with the nonstick qualities, and trust me, I've abused it.The only disappointment was that it did not like the dishwasher as well as I'd hoped. :) ... Read more

Asin: B00005NWV8
Sales Rank: 1632
Subjects:  1. (Tfal)    2. Cookware    3. Saute Pans    4. (Sautepans)    5. (Cook Ware)