Sonicare PL-4 (4700) Sonic Toothbrush
Average Customer Review:
Health and Beauty
list price: $119.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

By combining 31,000 brush strokes per minute and gentle sonic waves, Sonicare electric toothbrushes scrub away decay-causing plaque from between teeth and along gum lines better than ordinary toothbrushes. Two full-refund guarantees are offered on this model (30-day satisfaction guarantee and 90-day improved-care guarantee), plus a 2-year warranty on the handle against defects.

This is Sonicare's top-of-the-line model, offering all available features: an interval timer that beeps every 30 seconds to encourage thorough cleaning of each mouth section; an automatic shutoff after 2 minutes to indicate when cleaning time attains the recommended duration (the brush can be restarted); a ramp-up that gently increases brushing power during the first 12 uses to reduce soreness for people unaccustomed to thorough cleaning (this feature can be turned off); and a recharge indicator light that signals when charging is needed and when it's in progress. This model serves three family members with their own brush heads; it comes with two compact heads and one ultra-compact head with a longer shaft and fewer bristles for better maneuverability (great for kids). A countertop holder for brush heads not in use and a three-slot brush-head travel case are included. The power handle holds a charge for about two weeks. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Reverses gingivitis
• Cleans with a combination of 31,000 brush strokes per minute and gentle sonic waves
• Removes nearly twice as much plaque between teeth as a manual toothbrush
• Reduces plaque bacteria in hard-to-reach areas between teeth
• Gentle on gums and even sensitive teeth

Reviews (74)

Bad Design - Battery dies after a couple of years
I am so disappointed in my Sonicare.Once the battery decides not to recharge anymore, there is absolutely NOTHING that you can do!You have to replace the entire unit.I am very, very disappointed.What a SCAM!

BEWARE--YOU HAVE TO BUY ENTIRE NEW UNIT AGAIN in 2 YEARS!
My sonicare failed to turn on just a few days after its 2 year warranty expired.I called their customer service and they said I have to BUY AN ENTIRE NEW UNIT (another $100) again.

They said my experience is quite normal and that the battery will not recharge after ~2-3 years and can't be fixed.

So not only do they get you for a big upfront investment and frequent expensive brush head replacements but the whole thing doesn't last very long.They don't tell you this when you buy it!

Poor quality product and poor durability!!

Sonicare is riding the wave of the future
The biggest complaint I hear from people about electric tootbrushes is that the replacement heads are too expensive. Come now, that was the type of thinking that would have killed the Industrial Revolution!

For anyone who really cares about dental hygeine or even just the way they look to other people, you can't not use an electric toothbrush anymore. I laughed at the idea at first, but once I began using one I will never be able to use a regular toothbrush again without feeling like my mouth isn't clean. When you go to the dentist--what type of toothbrush does he/she use on you? Electric--for a reason, because it cleans better.

The marginally higher cost of replacing the heads rather than buying an entirely new disposable toothbrush is insignificant when you actually feel as clean as you can when you use an electric brush. Personal dental care has evolved to the next step, and you don't want to be caught be the last person using a slide ruler because you were too frugal to purchase the more expensive but more effective calculator.

Your teeth (and anyone who comes in contact with them) will thank you. ... Read more

Asin: B000050AUD
Subjects:  1. Personal Care    2. Oral Care    3. Travel Accessories   

Black & Decker S300 ScumBuster Cordless Wet Scrubber
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $39.99
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Editorial Review

Does cleaning the tile in your kitchen or bathroom feel like an aerobic workout? This lightweight, cordless ScumBuster by Black & Decker is sure to make cleaning your bathroom or kitchen much easier. With a nonslip, comfortable grip and four attachments (a 4-inch scrub pad for wide area cleaning, a 3-inch area brush for tub and tile cleaning, a detail brush for corners and around faucets, and a 4-inch mild pad for light scrubbing), the ScumBuster is great for a wide variety of jobs. And with 3.6 volts of power, there's no need for elbow grease. --Jane DePaolo ... Read more

Features

• Light-weight; two-year warranty
• Ideal for all bathroom or kitchen scrubbing needs
• Submerges in water without harm, can also be used outdoors
• Comes with 4-inch scrub pad, 3-inch area brush, detail brush, and a 4-inch mild pad
• Also includes one detachable battery and charger

Reviews (54)

removeable recharging
The original S300 ScumBuster is only limited to the number of spare charged 3.6v VersaPak type batteries you have. As somewhat of a guess 12 to 15 minites can be had with one battery in good order.The hook and loop attachment system for the scouring pads is a bit weak as nondispossible hook tends to wear out quickly if not pampered.- ddflashisagas -

Wish I'd found this years ago!

The B&D Scumbuster simply takes the elbow grease out of cleaning!The attachments are easy to take on and off and versatile enough to tackle almost any cleaning job you can imagine, from bathroom to kitchen, floors, even your car wheels. Battery life is pretty good, depending on how heavy a job you are tackling, averages 30-45 minutes; plenty of time to get the whole bathroom or kitchen done.Also, the caddy makes for easy storage and doesn't take up a lot of space.Highly recommended for anyone who has arthritis ( I got one for my mother in law and she raves about hers, too!), or back pain (the extender handle makes it easier to reach high or low places without so much bending).

One of the best things I ever purchased!!!
I don't know about you, but one of the things I detest most in life is scubbing my bathroom! The Black and Decker ScumBuster has made cleaning my tub and tiles SO much easier!! I bought it on a whim and it cut my cleaning time in half. I just spray the cleaner on my tub and bathroom walls and go over it once with the Scum Buster and I am done. It gets in the grout and everything. The mildew and soap scum just melt off my shower doors!
The ScumBuster is so user friendly, you can use it on your kitchen cuboards, or if you have dogs or kids like I do, you can even use it on your walls.
I gave one to my mother in Florida and she uses it to clean the tiles around her pool! She is also very pleased with this product.
All in all, the ScumBuster equals less work, and I think it is worth every penny! ... Read more

Asin: B00004SBGQ
Subjects:  1. Cleaning Supplies    2. Scrubbers   

Plantronics CT10 900 MHz Cordless Headset Telephone
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $129.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Type, fix dinner, or just relax as you talk on the phone with the Plantronics CT10 900 MHz cordless headset. This 900 MHz cordless phone consists of a base unit and lightweight headset with a single-ear speaker. The headset's noise-canceling microphone picks up your voice clearly while filtering out background noise.

Range in most indoor environments is not a problem with the Plantronics CT10. This cordless phone, essentially a low-powered FM radio transmitter/receiver, uses high frequencies with short wavelengths so radio waves encounter less interference. A 900 MHz cordless phone like the Plantronics CT10 typically has a range of up to 150 feet indoors. The headset will beep three times if you wander out of range of the base.

Operate the headset using the handy remote dialing unit, which plugs into the headset via a jack. The remote unit is charged and stored in thephone's base, which also features a stand for storing the headset, clearing up desk space. Don't worry about losing track of the remote unit--a page button on the base sounds a beep that helps you locate it. This phone uses a single line and has analog operation.

Additional features include 10-number memory dialing that allows you to dial frequently used numbers with the touch of a button. Each phone number stored can be up to 16 digits. A mute button shuts off the microphone so that you can talk without a caller hearing you--a soft beep tells you when the mute is in use. Redial allows you to dial the last number you called with one touch of a button. The flash key supports call waiting and other features. The volume control lets you adjust the sound level of the headset.

The Plantronics CT10 is powered by a 9-volt DC rechargeable battery with six hours of talk time and 80 hours of standby. The remote signals you with a light when it's time to park it in the base for recharging. A cordless headset like the Plantronics CT10 is ideal for busy parents, homemakers, and home-office workers. Save time and sore muscles with this affordable and feature-packed headset.

What's in the Box
Cordless headset phone with base and headset stand, AC adapter/charger, NiMH 9-volt DC battery, shirt clip, belt clip, telephone cord, instructions, warranty information ... Read more

Features

• Lightweight design
• Complete cordless phone in pocketsize remote unit
• Hands-free mobility with up to 150-foot range
• Noise-canceling microphone
• Long-life battery; 6 hours talk time, 80 hours standby

Reviews (67)

Good & Bad
As much as I like the phone, I have only small complaints.The Key pad is extremey small, hard to read & the keys are the same color as the battery pack unit, so they are very hard to see.Big fingers may press multiple keys at the same time.Also the belt clip to me is worthless unless I stand the whole time.As soon as I sit or bend at the waist-boom the phone is on the ground or on the chair.

Over all-I like it very much & use it often.

Not the best from Plantronics
I'm a huge Plantronics fan. Their products and customer service are first-rate. This phone, though, is sub-par.Mine, at least, discharges too quickly; loses its speed dial settings when it discharges; has poor, staticky sound; and doesn't charge reliably on its stand.I recommend paying a little more for the CT-12, which is very good.

Plantronics CT10
Plantronics usually makes quality products.This is not one of them.The case is sturdy and headset is ok.The battery is built into the belt clip which is mounted upside down for some who knows why reason?Then I tried it... audio came howling back into the earpiece like an echo, similar to the original cordless phones 20 years ago.Totally unacceptable!!Back it went and replaced with the new Plantronics CT12 and its GREAT!Totally different, regular type lithium battery and sounds and talks great!Well worth the little $ difference. ... Read more

Asin: B00004U8KM
Subjects:  1. Phones (Telephones)    2. Cordless    3. Cordless (Cord-less)    4. 900 MHz (900MHz, megahertz)    5. Analog   

Zojirushi NS-KCC05 Micom Programmable 3-Cup Rice Cooker & Warmer
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
-- our price: $109.00
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

"Micom" means this sleek rice cooker is computer-controlled and ultra high-tech, from its spherical, nonstick pan to its "surround heating" system to its LCD clock and timer. (Program the cooker in the morning and have hot rice available immediately after work.) It not only cooks up to 3 cups of dry rice, but offers a choice ofwhite/brown, mixed, sweet, and porridge settings. A quick-cooking option cuts time by 10 minutes. Rice is automatically kept at warm for hours, and a reheat feature brings it back to serving temperature. Instructions and a cooking chart explain everything. At 10-3/4 by 8-1/2 by 8 inches, it's remarkably compact and also lightweight. Transport it by its handle. Cord retracts for storage. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Uses 310 watts of power
• Programmable with clock and timer to cook rice, keep it warm, and reheat it
• Offers different settings for white/brown, mixed, sweet, and porridge
• Quick-cooking feature cuts time by 10 minutes
• Measuring cup, serving spatula, and 12 recipes included

Reviews (49)

Perfect Rice and Oatmeal
My previous rice cooker was a no name cheap model.It always burned the rice.However, after purchasing this little gem, my rice has always cooked to perfection.Brown rice, white rice and other different types I purchase at the Korean grocery market.It is so simple to use.The timer is extremely convenient.I set it in the morning and have hot rice ready when I return home in the evening.This cooker is also great for oatmeal and whole grain hot cereals.It is particularly convenient for 'steel cut' oatmeal.This is the best oatmeal and is not processed as rolled oats are. I measure the ingredients in the evening and set the timer and I have hot steel cut oatmeal ready when I get up in the morning.It usually takes 35-40 minutes to cook steel cut oats on the stove top, but is is so easy and convenient with this cooker.I have eaten much healthier since purchasing this rice cooker.

This is an awesome Rice cooker!
I've gone through 3 rice cookers in 3 years.The first one always stuck and steamed over and made a mess and the second broke and wouldn't stay on cook.Then someone bought me this and I am so pleased with it!This cooker never sticks, makes perfect fluffy rice, is attractive and has a retractable cord.It doesn't hiss, spit out steam or smell funky.Itdoes seem to take longer to make the rice than my other junk cookers, but I don't really care.It's very easy to clean.It also stores away very nicely.

Excellent rice cooker for a small family. Made in Japan.
I got this rice cooker about 2 months ago, and I am very pleased with the purchase.

It cooks enough rice for 2 or 3 people. It consumes only 310 watts of power compared to 670 watts for 5.5 cup model and 1000 watts for 10-cup model, so small size has its advantages. If you have a large family, however, I recommend getting a 5.5 or 10-cup model.

The rice, as others have mentioned, comes out perfectly most of the time. You just have to vary the amount of water (slightly) to get the results that suit your taste.

Few reviews say that it's hard to clean. That's simply not true. Every part is easy to clean and there are no dirty parts that are hard to reach. Not sure what or who motivated those reviews.

It's also great for making hot cereal and all kinds of porridge. This particular model is made in Japan which is a big plus from my perspective. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Asin: B00004S57C
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Steamers    4. Rice Cookers   

Cuisinart DLC-8S 11-Cup Pro Custom 11 Food Processor, White
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $300.00 -- our price: $169.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

A perfect gift for new homemakers, the food processor has become an integralpart of modern cooking, speeding up a multitude of processes, including kneading dough;slicing; chopping; shredding cheese, vegetables, and meat; mincing garlic and parsley;mixing batters; and emulsifying mayonnaise. Cuisinart's Pro Custom comes with an11-cup work bowl; five basic attachments for slicing, shredding, chopping, mixing, andkneading; and also features two feed-tube options, one big enough to handle a wholepotato. This processor comes with a compact cover for use when the feed tube isn'tneeded and a pulse control that allows the desired degree of fineness when chopping andpuréeing. Remove the detachable stem for compact storage of discs. All the parts aredishwasher-safe and the motor base wipes clean. In addition, a custom-contoured spatula,a 50-page recipe booklet, and a 30-minute video designed to familiarize the new ownerwith the care and use of the food processor are included. --Victoria Jenkins ... Read more

Features

• Five-year full motor warranty, three-year limited entire unit warranty
• Ideal for making dough, slicing vegatables, shredding cheese, mincing garlic and herbs, mixing batters, emulsifying mayonnaise and more
• 11-cup work bowl large enough for a family
• Includes steel blade, dough blade, three slicing/shredding discs, spatula
• Extra-large feed tube for larger food slices

Reviews (17)

Same problem with Cuisinart
I have had the same problem as the two other people who wrote less than satisfactory reviews with Cuisinart processors.I have had a 7-cup for years, and the "flimsy" plastic sleeve that fits into the back to allow the unit to turn on keeps breaking.Each time I have to order a replacement top from a kitchen products replacement parts store.It's about $35 each time.Am getting tired of doing that and am doing research into buying a new machine.After reading these reviews, will probably go with Kitchenaid.Thanks for the reviews.

This is not the Cuisinart you used to know!
Times have changed and so has the parent company that sells and services your food processor. The quality of materials and workmanship have gone downhill too!

My experience with the corporate machine was horrible. Days of long waits to talk to a customer service rep...never paid off. Each time I called I was eventually forwarded to a recorded message that explained that they were too busy and that I needed to leave my name and phone number. I never did get a call-back. Finally, after several attempts, I was able to get past the initial phone queue and actually talked to a live person who took the information about the condition of all the clear plastic parts on the processor. They were all severely cracked and were not far from flying apart. It seems they knew of the problem and offered to replace the parts on warranty. All I had to do was give them a credit card number to charge the shipping to. AND, nothing would happen UNTIL I sent the old pieces back...again at MY expense.

I sent the parts back promptly, but they didn't ship for another two weeks. And, here is the highlight of the episode... The lid they sent was the wrong one. Another round of phone calls yielded a person that said that Cuisinart had not processed the replacement yet...a full two weeks after they were notified. I still have not received the lid and the processor is useless without it.

BEWARE! This company tries to sell their products in the top-end of the price range, but their corporate customer service system is as bad as it gets...at any price. You can do yourself a favor and shop for another brand. I'm looking at KitchenAid. Shucks, it can't be any worse...and MAY be a much better experience over the long run.

Good performance, but feed tube is a pain in the butt
I've had my Cuisinart for about 2 or 3 years now, and it does its job really well, as far as chopping and slicing and kneading goes. My complaint with it is that a very narrow and flismy plastic piece on the feed tube mechanism is NECESSARY for it work (I assume as a safety feature). Well, about a year into it, mine broke off (did I mention it's flimsy). I have "made do" with kinda wedging it in place each time I want to use the machine, but then I have to stand there and hold it the whole time it's running. I'm thinking if I ever lose this critical piece, that I will probably buy a Kitchen Aid. ... Read more

Asin: B00004S9EJ
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Full-Size Food Processors    4. (Foodprocessors)   

Krups 203-42 Fast Touch Coffee Grinder, Black
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $25.00 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Nothing beats a freshly ground, freshly brewed cuppa joe to start the day, and with this grinder, you can have up to 20 cups' worth of beans at a time. The understated black color and contemporary oval design fit in well with any kitchen décor, while the small size (just 6 inches high) doesn't take up too much premium counter space. Stainless-steel blades guarantee a long life and an even grind, whether you use this grinder for coffee, spices, nuts, or even whole grains. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Features

• Measures 6 by 3-1/6 by 3-5/9 inches; 1-year limited
• Electric grinder with 160-watt motor provides fast grinding
• Grinds up to 3 ounces of coffee beans at a time
• Oval design and stainless-steel blades ensure uniform grinding
• Also can easily be used for spices, nuts, and grains

Reviews (52)

Lasts and never dulls
I have had this coffee grinder for at least 15 years, and it grinds as well as the day I received it. The only problem with it may be that it is a little messy when you take the top off, as the coffee will stick around the top edges and sometimes I have to wipe the counter.You have complete control over the size of the grounds, and the entire amount ground is uniform in size.I'm sure I have had it even longer, and I use it every day. It is also very fast.The grinding time for a normal pot of coffee is about five seconds.Also, you never have to clean the inside, and the outside can be wiped with a sponge.

Disapppointed with custormer service
Bought an established brand. Got it quickly.First time out it made a lot of noise. Stopped it then started and then it exploded. Blade broken and marked tears in the chamber. It appears the blade was bent when I got it.The blade dug into the stainless steel chamber until it finally broke.I call Krups customer service.I understand an occaisional product can be bad but I expect the customer service to respond.Here is what happened.I was told that I had to take it to the service center - 90 minute drive.I refused (the item cost $20) then they told me to pack it up and send it the service center -- prob 45 minutes minimum if you include driving to the UPS center and then I had to pay the postage - prob $10.I viewed Krups as less than responsive to my problem. So I sent them an email noting that I would be happy if they would send me a new one and I would send the defective item back.I got a stock email back telling me to take it to the service center or send it in.So what did I do?I chucked the Krups and bought another grinder by another manufacturer...Last Krups product for me......

Indestructible Coffee Grinder -- Can Survive a Nuclear War
This is my first review for a kitchen product, but my trusty Krups Coffee Grinder deserves two thumbs up.I have used it to grind coffee to perfection: I have both drip and press coffee makers and I can use this to make different sized grounds for each. It also works well to grind nuts and to turn toast into breadcrumbs -- I have used it for both purposes. It is extremely easy to use.

The only downsides to this grinder (which is why it loses a star) are (1) the base cannot be put in water, it needs to be wiped out; and (2) it lacks some of the "bells and whistles" of newer models. Nonetheless, I have owned my grinder for about 15 years and have been pleased with it since the day I bought it. It is nearly indestructible and will probably outlive me. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SPEU
Subjects:  1. Coffee Accessories    2. Accessories    3. Drip Coffee Machines    4. Coffee Makers    5. (Coffeemakers)    6. Coffee Grinders   

Sangean DT-210V AM/FM/TV Pocket-Size Digital Radio
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $99.50 -- our price: $47.49
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Weighing a mere 3.9 ounces, the DT-210V is small enough to fit in a shirt or jacket pocket and powerful enough to deliver TV audio (channels 2 to 13) and PLL-synthesized AM/FM stereo radio. A built-in speaker affords headphones-free listening, and 90-minute auto shut-off lets you fall asleep to the radio without fear of waking up to dead batteries.

You get 25 memory presets (and auto scan) to help you zip right to preferred stations. The radio comes with stereo ear buds and a removable belt clip, as well as a trailing antenna. DBB (Deep Bass Boost) enhances the sonic low end, while a stereo-mono switch improves reception when needed. Measuring a mere 1.5 by 3 by 0.6 inches, the unit runs on two AAA batteries (not included). A low-battery indicator offers a helpful hint on when it's wise to carry replacements. ... Read more

Features

• Stereo/mono switch
• Deep bass boost improves sound
• Receives TV/AM/FM transmissions
• Pocket-size (2.4" x 4" x 1")
• 25 preset stations

Reviews (31)

FM's not bad either
My city abuts Boston, so you would think that my reception would be good. I didn't know how bad it was until I recieved this little gem. Suddenly there are AM stations that I had no idea were there. And there were lots of weak FM stations that I now have a solid lock on. Oh yeah...Local TV is good too. Guess it would be good to watch local stations with the volume down (perhaps if spouse is sleeping?)

I walk with this radio and absolutely love it. It would be good if it was a bit smaller but it is light enough so that if I hook it on my belt or even the spandy elastic stuff on athletic shorts, it's hardly noticeable. Did I say, I really think this little radio is terrific? Oh...I don't like earbuds so I never even unpacked them. Got some others that are good enough for me.

I think this radio would be great for anyone, especially the talk/sports radio, baseball/football junkie like me.

Nifty little radio
I got this radio to listen to the baseball games. Reception can be tough in our area, but this radio does as good a job as any. I use it only for AM, but am very satisfied with its size and sound (I use the tiny speaker). It meets my needs perfectly.

Finally, a pocket radio I could live with.
If stable, clear reception on all bands while on the move is the main consideration, I'd call this a very successful product. (I use in NYC, a strong-signal environment.) Lightweight and carries easily in a shirt pocket. Built in speaker very convenient too. On/off switch seems to be a bit frail. All told, I like very much. A little more expensive than some other pocket radios, but I'd say it's worth it. ... Read more

Asin: B000066R6M
Subjects:  1. Portable AMFM Radio (Personal AM-FM)    2. DT210, dt-21, dt-2, dt-210, dt210v    3. fm/am receiver, reciever radio, pocketsize    4. am/fm/tv, pocket tv, handheld tv    5. pocket television, sangaen, sangen,    6. sanjean, pocket receiver, tv with radio