Braun WK200 Electric Water Kettle
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $59.99 -- our price: $44.88
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Featuring an ergonomic handle and smooth lines, Braun's1,500-watt electric water kettle handily sits on a separate heatingelement. When water boils--one cup takes only 70 seconds--it's a reliefto pick up the kettle and pour without worrying about the plug draggingbehind. Once the kettle is removed from the base, it automaticallyturns off for safety. This good-sized kettle heats up to six cups ofwater, making it ideal for small meetings at the office or to quicklyheat up water (and water only, please) at home. It has ananti-calcification filter to help keep the water tasting clear andclean. --Dana Van Nest ... Read more

Features

• Measures 9-1/5 by 7-5/9 by 11-2/5 inches
• 1,500-watt electric kettle quickly heats up to 6 cups of water
• Separate heating element and ergonomic handle provide easy pouring
• Anti-calcification filter ensures better tasting water
• Automatic shutoff for added safety

Reviews (105)

Another 5 star review...
What can I say?This thing is absolutely wonderful.Boils water in about 4-5 minutes, works like a charm, automatically shuts itself off as soon as the water comes to a boil, and it works on any surface.Just wanted to add my 5 star rating...

And for those of you wondering - yes - you can use this on ANY surface.The base of it does not get hot at all.I keep it on a wooden desk in my office and have never had any problems.

Indispensible kitchen appliance
This beautifully-designed water kettle is a real joy to have.It is very fast, always stays cool to the touch, turns off automatically or when lifted from the base, and looks great on the countertop.I use it every day!

excellent with lots of little advantages
We drink several cups of tea a day and are a heavy user of our kettle. Main reasons that we like it:
- Fast
-Detachable from base letting you bring it easily to your cup
-Automatic turn or when you lift it off the base (a safety issue in case of earthquakes, or simply animals that might knock it over)
-Auto turn off when it boils; we had ruined stove top kettles in the past by forgetting about them
-the clear panel (on both sides) lets you fill it for only a single cup of tea; saving a great deal of time (and some electricity I suppose).This is a huge benefit.
-Rotates on the base for either left or right hand use.
-Plastic keeps the water quite warm for a while HOWEVER, the biggest negative is that it not very visually attractive.
... Read more

Asin: B00004S9H7
Subjects:  1. Teakettles    2. Hot Pots    3. (Tea Kettles)    4. Electric    5. Drip Coffee Machines    6. Coffee Makers    7. (Coffeemakers)   

Henckels Twin Cast 7-Piece Cookware Set
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $508.95
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Editorial Review

Sure, Henckels is best known for their superior-quality knives (they've been making them since 1731, after all), but after more than 250 years, who'd begrudge the German company for branching out? This set of nonstick cookware is evidence that Henckels' experience in cutlery translates well to rugged, high-quality cookware.

With durable cast-aluminum construction, these four pots and pans (and their domed stainless-steel lids) are sturdy enough for even the hardest-working kitchen. The casting allows for varied thickness on bottom, walls, and rims, which means better heat distribution and a quicker rolling boil when you're heating up water for pasta in the midsize 6-3/4-quart stockpot. Extra-long handles on the 10-inch fry pan, the 9-1/2-inch sauté pan, and the 1-3/4-quart saucepan stay cool and keep hands away from heat, but they also make these fairly heavy pans feel even heavier when you're holding them. We do like the comfy, phenolic construction of the handles, though, as well as the small divot for a cook's thumb and the fact that they're heat resistant up to 450 degrees.

Fat-free cooking is easier with a nonstick surface, and Henckels guarantees theirs with a lifetime warranty against cracking, blistering, or peeling. Cleaning a nonstick is easier, too, and it's made even more so by the lack of rivets--which can trap food--inside the pans. This is a hefty cook set for the ages. --Meg Heffernan

What's in the Box
1-3/4-quart saucepan with lid, 9-1/2-inch sauté pan with lid, 6-3/4-quart stockpot with lid, 10-inch fry pan ... Read more

Features

• List price is $509; you save $209.01
• Seven piece set includes 10-inch fry pan; 1-3/4-quart saucepan with lid; 9-1/2-inch sauté pan with lid; 6-3/4-quart stockpot with lid
• Rugged vacuum-pressure, cast-aluminum construction resists chipping and warping
• Tough nonstick surface has a lifetime warranty against cracking, blistering, or peeling
• Extra-long, ergonomically designed plastic handles remain cool to the touch

Reviews (1)

Cookware to match the knives
This basic set contains what is needed for most cooking tasks.It does not have any of the more specialized pieces, but those that are chosen are highly functional.The size of the pieces is smaller than in the larger 10piece set, suggesting that this is better for a couple or small family,rather than a large group.

The quality of Henckels' knives was well knownto me, tempting me away from better known brands of cookware to try these. I can report that the design and quality is very high.The balance,handles, lids and other touches give a feel and appearance of tastefulquality.The no stick surface works very well, and the heating quality ofthese is comparable to Calphalon and other top cook sets.I can highlyrecommend these. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RFPH
Subjects:  1. Cookware Sets    2. (Cook Ware)    3. (Henckles)   

Krups 287-70 4-Slice Sensotoast Deluxe Toaster, White
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $65.00
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Editorial Review

Prying a burned bagel from the death-defying grip of a toaster is not a fun way to start your morning--but it happens to everyone sooner or later. With the huge slots on this fancy machine, the chance of that happening is slim indeed. Each of the four slots measures 1-3/4 inches wide by 10 inches long--you won't even have to slice crumpets to have them fit snugly inside. There are seven different temperature settings, including a defroster that improves texture immensely for those frozen waffles and pastries. Two great safety features are the cool-touch sides and the extra-high lift on the bread--toast pops up nearly an inch higher than most toasters, so your fingers stay well away from the heating elements. For cleaning, a crumb removal tray shuts securely enough that you won't have crumbs leaking onto your countertop. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Features

• Crumb removal tray makes cleaning easier
• Four-slice toaster has extra-wide, long slots to fit multiple bread types
• Seven toast settings cover a wide range of toasting preferences
• Extra-high lift makes bread removal easier
• Stay-cool sides provide a high degree of safety

Reviews (24)

it worked fine until...
Toaster worked OK until dying rather suddenly one year later without much announcement.It was functional until its untimely demise which seems particularly untimely considering the price we paid originally (~70 bucks).(...)

burned out in about two years
we bought this about two years ago when our ancient black and decker basic toaster finally gave up the ghost. we never found that it did that great a job toasting things evenly (i.e., on both sides), but it was at least passable. the big slots were certainly a plus. sadly, it died with a pop the other morning, undoubtedly some electronic component (capacitor, perhaps?) having failed catastrophically. for the money, one certainly expects better quality and longevity. we won't be buying another, and i certainly wouldn't recommend this toaster to anybody that asked.

Disappointed
The last 3 toasters I purchased generally performed poorly and lasted less than a year each. I bought this toaster hoping to break this streak and for the last 18 months it has been the best I have ever owned. However, this morning with a snap it died a quick death. Having thought I was just the victim of bad luck, I was prepared to gamble and buy another. But after reading the many reviews of folks with identical experiences on this site, it is obvious that this product does not live up to the standards of quality typically assumed of the Krups brand name. I will not buy another. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SPE6
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Toasters    4. Kitchen    5. Gifts    6. Cooking   

Braun KMM30 Coffee/Espresso Mill, White
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $59.99 -- our price: $49.88
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

With 14 grind settings and a precision milling system, this electriccoffee mill grinds coffee beans to any fineness without overheating them andspoiling their full flavor and aroma. Two ranges of grind settings are marked:one for fine grinds suitable for espresso and Turkish-style coffee, and theother for coarser grinds suitable for drip machines, French presses, andpercolators. Selecting a grind requires only a twist of the ring under thecoffee-bean container, which holds 8 ounces of beans and can be removed forcleaning. The ground-coffee container is permanently attached for convenienceand has a rounded bottom to facilitate scooping. There's a timer dial calibratedby the number of cups desired, so the grinder uses only the amount of beansimmediately needed. A measuring spoon (for 1 cup coffee) is included. The millhas cord storage underneath and carries a one-year warranty against defects.--Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Measuring spoon (for 1 cup coffee) included; cord storage underneath
• Precision burr milling preserves flavor and aroma without overheating coffee beans
• 14 grind settings, from fine (espresso-style) to coarse (drip and French press)
• Timer grinds only amount of beans needed for number of cups desired
• Removable 8-ounce bean container; attached ground-coffee container

Reviews (38)

Lid comes off (after 4 years) Talk about a Mess.
I've been very happy with the grinder but feel like the lifespan could be greater. I have found that after 4 years for whatever reason the lid does not stay on (could not find replacement container online). So I now have a grinder that otherwise perferms its job to my complete satisfaction with the lid being held down with masking tape.

I greatly appreciate the small size and simple style of this model. I had their previous design with a permantely attached lid and that lasted over ten years. It's only reason for replacement was the shute of the container being worn down from overuse. I think the fixed lid was a much better design.

When the masking tape gets old I'll be in market for a machine with a secure lid and small size. I would give Braun another shot if they improve their container issues.

lightweight, but disappointing
Grounds come out uneven, there is a lot of static electricity, so the grounds go all over the counter.The various parts fit loosely and get looser as the machine ages.And it's really loud, esp, in the morning.After several years of putting up with these shortcomings just bought a Solis Maestro.Cost more, but you get more.

Someone who's lived with this grinder for 10 years
My wife bought me this grinder nearly 10 years ago.It's a great little coffee grinder, but we don't use it just for coffee.We grind wheat and beans as well.This grinder, if you choose the espresso setting will make some of the nicest pastry wheat flour you'll ever see.It's not set up to make 10 pounds of flour, but if you only use a few cups of flour at a time, and like fresh ground whole wheat, this grinder is as good as it gets.When's the last time you saw a genuine floor grinder for less than 50 bucks?As far as static goes, yep, there's some static.Who cares?It's like complaining that the golden goose quacks alot.We own 4 of these grinders now, one for my coffee, one for my wife's baking (she doesn't like coffee in her flour :-) ), and the other two in reserve.It doesn't look like I'll need the two reserves for quite some time, both of the other grinders are still running great. ... Read more

Asin: B00005IX9L
Subjects:  1. Coffee Makers    2. (Coffeemakers)    3. Coffee Grinders    4. Coffee Accessories    5. Drip Coffee Machines   

Bodum Chambord 8-Cup Coffee Press
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $29.99 -- our price: $24.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Bodum's French press makes it easy: coffee, water, wait, enjoy.Simply measure out one rounded tablespoon of coarsely ground coffee per4-ounce cup, pour in the hot water, wait a few minutes for it to brew,and slowly press down the plunger. Next comes the best part, as you getto enjoy a cup of rich and aromatic coffee. Because of its 8-cupcapacity and elegant design, this French press is great for dinnerparties, where you can now brew your guests' coffee right at the table.Bodum has been in the coffee business for decades, and the companycontinues to produce stylish, affordable, and reliable products.--Maile Rehbock ... Read more

Features

• All parts are dishwasher-safe
• Brews 32 ounces of coffee; retains beans' oils for rich, complex flavor
• Sturdy, chrome-plated brass frame; easy-to-clean glass carafe
• Stainless-steel press mechanism; replacement parts available
• Turn lid to close spout; not for stovetop use

Reviews (36)

Coffee Heaven
As I'm writing this I'm nibbling on a homemade chocolate chip cookie and drinking a delicous cup of coffee made in my new Bodum Chambord 8-cup Coffee Press.

I had recently enjoyed coffee prepared this way at an italian restaurant and was inpired by the quality of the taste to purchase a french press for my own.I am glad I did!

The preparation was a little more involved than my usual drip coffee process but the difference in taste is certainly worth it.Gone is the sharp bitterness I experienced with my drip maker!I can honestly lose the creamer now due to the smooth/bold flavor resulting from my new Bodum Coffee Press.

A great cup of Coffee
I have used a Bodum coffee press for about 10 years. I recently bought the 32 oz because I wanted a bigger pot. This has always made excellent coffee. Cleanup is easy and the filters seem to last forever.The only thing I like less about the larger pot is the dome lid which I find cumbersome and difficult to pour from. I use 6 scoops of coffee grounds in the 32oz pot and it makes great coffee. I read the review on having to use a separate pot to heat water! Well it's not a big deal and it's worth the difference in taste.

Great Pressed Coffee
First, if you want convenience, pressed coffee is not the way to go. You have to boil water, you have to clean the pot, you have to stir, etc... But if you want a great few cups of coffee this is the way to go. I took a trip to Europe a few years ago and was first introduced to the pleasures of pressed coffee. Upon returning I immediately bought a cheaper Bodum press. Big mistake! I then bought a slightly more expensive Bodum press, another mistake. Finally I did some research and found out that you need to buy a Bodum Chambord press to get a good one, and a good one it is. Bottom-line this little pot makes great pressed coffee and has great build quality. DO NOT buy the cheaper Bodum presses they simply do not work. And oh yeah, spend some bucks on a decent grinder so you can grind your coffee fresh, it makes a difference. ... Read more

Asin: B00005LM0S
Subjects:  1. Drip Coffee Machines    2. Coffee Makers    3. (Coffeemakers)    4. French Presses    5. Coffee Presses    6. Kitchen    7. Small Appliances    8. Coffeemakers    9. Accessories   

Krups 653-75 WaffleChef 2-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $39.99
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Features

• Nonstick cooking plates
• Extra-thick cooking plates make two Belgian-style waffles
• Compact design fits nicely on countertop
• Snap-down clip on handle
• Automatic ready light

Reviews (16)

Waffle Iron for the Masochist
I would recommend this product to anyone who loves the ticky torture of cleaning grooves, hinges and other impossible to reach places. Overflow is directed first to the back where I used a nutpick to scrape. Batter still in hinge. Use was maddening. I feel my blood pressure going up just thinking about it. This is my third waffle iron, first one I had this problem. Using slightly less batter produces holes in the waffles.

Also, it produces waffles the same thickness as Eggo. Not Belgian thickness at all. Made four batches, four fills each to allow for learning curve: to no avail. Couldn't clean it up enough to return it.This one is a multi-faceted stinker.

Pass on this One!
I cannot recommend purchasing this product.
It worked OK for about year or so and then it just quit working. Also it's very difficult to clean. Krups recommends just wiping it off with a paper towel ! Would you just wipe off your dishes, cookware, etc. and put them back in your cabinets?
Batter leaks onto the outside and into the crevices where it's nearly impossible to clean off. Also leaks batter all over the countertop. My experience with this product and a Krups Aroma Time Auto Coffee maker will steer me away from purchasing any more Krups products.

Beware: this one has a bug in it.
I bought this model of waffle maker some time ago and it worked swell for about 2 years until one day it just stopped working for no apparent reason (I wouldn't say I used it heavily either. Maybe once every few weeks). I see from other reviewers here that I am not the only one who has had this experience. Customers would probably be better off choosing a waffle iron that will last longer. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SPEH
Sales Rank: 23256
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Waffle Irons    4. Waffle Makers    5. (Wafflemakers)   

Bosch MUM 4505UC 450-Watt Stand Mixer/Kitchen Machine
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $200.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Bosch brand's reputation for excellence dates back to 1886, when Robert Bosch founded Robert Bosch GmbH as a precision-tool and engineering workshop in Stuttgart, Germany. Today, Bosch makes a wide variety of tools, kitchen appliances, and more. The company's MUM 4405 450-watt stand mixer/food machine helps out so much while cooking, it almost seems as if you have an extra arm in the kitchen. A small revolution in stand mixing, the motor is placed under the mixing bowl, and, though very quiet, it's one of the most powerful you'll find among mixers of the same size. The mixer's ergonomic multifunction arm is equipped with a special gearing system combined with three drive positions, providing maximum versatility and making sure every drop gets mixed in the batter. The 10-1/2-by-11-by-13-inch machine has four speeds, plus a locking park position, that install just the right amount of control as you go from fluffing egg whites to making bread. The 4-quart bowl is made of sturdy plastic, kneads up to 6 pounds of dough, and comes with an antisplash cover. The stand mixer's surfaces are easy to clean, convenient cord storage and suction feet add stability, and its compact size takes up a lot less counter space than other mixers. Beating and stirring whisks, a dough hook, and a cover for the blender drive are included (other attachments are available separately), and all accessories are dishwasher-safe. A.J. Rathbun ... Read more

Features

• Measures 10-1/2 by 11 by 13 inches
• 450-watt mixer with ergonomic multi-function arm
• 4 electronically controlled speeds plus locking park position
• 4-quart bowl; anti-splash cover, beating and stirring whisks, dough hook
• Convenient cord storage and suction feed for optimum stability

Reviews (8)

Wished I spent more.....
I liked the idea of a 3 in 1 machine (mixer, food processor, and blender) and bought the attachments.It works - but is slow and does not have enough power for my taste.I'm not a big baker - but usually use around the holidays to make holiday desserts. I wish I had bought the Kitchenaid mixer, Waring blender, and Cuisnart food processor. Eventually, I probably will.......

Don't Buy This Machine!
I bought the Bosch compact mixer about a year ago. The salesman promised me it would perform just as well as the larger mixer, simply do smaller quantities. Well, I have now used it on almost every possible type of recipe and the only thing it mixes well is a packaged cake mix. Cookie dough takes forever to mix. Cheesecake never gets smooth. Likewise with mashed potatoes. My bread dough doesn't get kneaded properly and turns out heavy and coarse. When I called Bosch's customer service to complain, they told me they couldn't compensate me just because I don't "like" the machine. Do yourself a favor. Buy a KitchenAid or a Sunbeam instead. That's what I'm going to have to do.

Just what I needed!
I have gone bought 3 different stand mixers and I liked "none of them" they were either too bulky, heavy, noisy, and pricey.This one is nice and compact, lightweight, and mixes great! I really think that this is ideal for a family that bakes alot, I do not however make bread, so I cannot rate this item on that. ... Read more

Asin: B00005REEI
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Full-Size Food Processors    4. (Foodprocessors)    5. Stand Mixers    6. (Standmixers)   

Kaiser Bakeware La Forme 9-Inch Nonstick Springform Pan
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $37.99 -- our price: $36.00
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

This tough, heavy springform pan, with its sturdy buckle, has an exceptionally large, fluted base, ensuring that it won't leak. The base is cut resistant, so it can also be used as a serving platter. Because the pan's two-layer nonstick coating covers the entire pan, not just the cooking area, cleanup requires no more than a quick scrub in soapy water. A recipe book is included, with enticing selections like Strawberry Dream Cake and Chocolate-Mint Cheesecake. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Hand wash with mild detergent
• Bakes cakes, tarts, cheesecakes, and savory pies
• Use also to mold frozen desserts and gelatin salads and desserts
• 9 inches in diameter by 3 inches high
• Use only plastic, nylon, and wood utensils

Reviews (6)

The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Cheesecakes!
If you are tired of leaky springform pans or flimsy ones that warp the first time you bake in them and rust almost immediately, this Kaiser pan is made for you. I cannot say enough good things about it, from its weight-- it's quite sturdy-- to the little lip that runs around the outside bottom of the pan that prevents leakage. Such a totally practical device! And this pan is very easy to clean, unlike some of the others with those grid-like bottoms. It is not inexpensive, but then you get what you pay for. One of the nicest things to happen to cheesecake baking since the advent of the food processor.

The best springform pan!
I have been using my Kaiser springform pan for several years.The pan was recommended to me by a cooking instructor.It is great because it has a nonstick coating and it does not leak.My cakes come out perfect everytime!

One of the best ones I have found
I really like my pan.Many of the less expensive ones, rust, and mar up when you cut on it with a knife.In fact, the pan touts itself as being cut proof. I also like that my pan seems to hold a very tight seal, that is wonderful when making a cheesecake that requires a waterbath.All in all this pan is well constructed, and will give you many years of service. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RC3D
Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cake Pans    3. Springform Pans    4. (Spring form)    5. Baking    6. Bakeware    7. (Bake Ware)    8. Kitchen    9. Gifts   

Panasonic SR-SH15PS Rice Cooker/Steamer
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $64.95
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

This 630-watt electric appliance produces 4 to 16 cups ofcooked rice, keeps the rice fresh, moist, and warm for up to fivehours, and also steams vegetables, seafood, and poultry on a removablerack. The rice cooker operates simply. There's a single control tobegin the cooking process. Lights signal when cooking ends and warmingbegins. Inside the cool-touch, satin-finish aluminum exterior, aremovable nonstick pan readily releases cooked rice and then cleanseasily. Accompanying the cooker are a rice scoop, a scoop holder thatattaches securely to the cooker's side, and a plastic measuring cup.The cooker measures 10-1/2 inches high and 11 inches in diameter. Itweighs 7-1/4 pounds and can be carried by a cool-touch handle that ispart of the black-plastic top. A retractable power cord makes storageconvenient. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• 630 watts; 10-1/2 inches high, 11 inches in diameter
• Cooks 4 to 16 cups rice and keeps it warm, fresh, moist for five hours
• Removable nonstick pan; cool-touch exterior, carrying handle; retractable cord
• Steaming rack for vegetables, seafood, poultry included
• Also included: measuring cup, rice scoop, scoop holder

Reviews (26)

Great Rice Cooker
Had the rice cooker for several months, excellent, rice comes out fluffy and not burned, highly recommanded. Way to go Panasonic!!!!!

Works great, but hard to clean
I like this rice cooker. My earlier one (farberware) - I used for years, but it makes my countertop messy, because the lids wobbles a lot. I thought this one will keep my countertop clean and it does. It also cooks rice very well, since very little moisture is lost.

But there is only one reason, I will be buying another and will use this, when I expect large number of people. The reason : difficult to clean.

Im a person who cleans everything that is used for cooking neatly.But the top of the lid can not be removed and cleaned.
So, slowly food can get deposited there. Though I keep cleaning it with soap solution, Im not happy. Id like to clean it like any other lid, thoroughly with hand or in dishwasher.

Tip :

For all the people, who say they burnt the rice, I suggest adding more water and see for the type of rice they use.

This rice cooker is OK; mine leaks.
This rice cooker is good if you like the simplicity of the one-button type.However, after about 6 months mine started to leak a bit.It got to the point where I need to keep a small towel under it whenever I cook rice.Aside from that it works well.I cook mostly brown rice which requires about 1 more cup's worth of water than for normal white rice.


... Read more

Asin: B00005QFL3
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Steamers    4. Rice Cookers   

Bodum 3000-586USA Electric Santos 12-Cup Coffeemaker With Timer, Orange
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $175.00 -- our price: $129.95
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Many products are touted for their uniqueness, or how they're revolutionizing this or that, but few live up the hype. Bodum's Santos coffeemaker is different, as it really is unlike other coffeemakers on the market. First off, it uses an electric vacuum brewing process, and secondly it lets you watch the whole thing. Fill the jug with cold filtered water, and place it on the power base. Then twist the funnel onto the jug. Next, add fresh coffee (a handy scoop is included) to the funnel and press the start button. As the water heats up to boiling, the vacuum created between the two parts moves water up the funnel, where the hot water and coffee mix together. Once the correct brewing time has elapsed, the heat turns off and the coffee drains back into the carafe through a nylon filter (nylon doesn't affect the taste of the coffee like paper filters).

In this system, coffee and hot water mingle for the optimum time, providing the best-tasting coffee possible. The process takes around 11 minutes for up to 12 cups of coffee (the minimum amount of coffee you can brew is four cups). The jug and the funnel are both made of sturdy polycarbonate, and the funnel is dishwasher-safe. (Clean the jug by hand, as it's not submersible.) Other features include a 40-ounce capacity, a 24-hour timer, a slide-out funnel holder, a keep-warm feature, and an automatic shutoff feature. Neither the bottom of the jug nor the top of the power base gets hot during brewing, because the heating element is in the middle of the jug's base.

There are a couple of things to remember when using the electric Santos. Always use fresh coffee, ground medium, for best results (stay away from using coffee from a can or powdered coffee), and use one level scoop of ground coffee per cup. So, for a full 12-cup pot, you'll use 12 scoops. After testing, if the coffee is too strong, begin tapering off the number of scoops. Also, remember that there will always be a small amount of water left in the coffee pot during the brewing process. This is a normal safety feature.

When cleaning the Santos, don't scrub the nylon filter clean--it should be rinsed under warm water. The coffee grounds from the upper section can be scooped out into the garbage can or compost using a common kitchen spatula.Then, simply wash the top section with dish soap and warm water. Also rinse the coffee pot with warm water as soon as you are finished drinking coffee.After rinsing, leave the lid open and let the coffee pot air dry. Every so often, clean the pot with a basic de-liming agent.

The Santos also recently won a prestigious gold Industrial Design Excellence Award (IDEA) in the consumer products division. Award-winners are selected by the Industrial Designers Society of America. There were 1,260 entries from around the world in the contest, and only 44 gold awards were given. --A.J. Rathbun ... Read more

Features

• Measures 12-3/4 by 8-1/2 by 8-1/2 inches
• Unique electric-vacuum brewing process; coffee and hot water mingle for optimum time
• Built-in nylon filter provides better tasting coffee; slide-out funnel holder
• 40-ounce capacity; 24-hour timer; keep-warm feature; automatic shut-off
• Takes 11 minutes for up to 12 cups of coffee

Reviews (178)

Absolutely amazing!
I used the rest of some mexican coffee beans that I didn't like with my old drip maker to make the first pot of coffee with this Bodum.

I was blown away by the flavor.There are nuances of good flavor without the bitterness.I taste subtle notes of cinnamon, etc.

This is the best coffee I've ever made, and possibly ever had.Again, I ground the beans right before the brew and just used the scoop included with the Bodum per cup as recommended and brewed an 8 cup pot.

Delicious.If you're a coffee snob or just like an absolutely delicious cup of coffee, then you will be pleasantly surprised.I will never go back to drip.Can't make me.

Great coffee but quality concerns to be aware of
The following begins with our review ofthe smaller Bodum but goes on with updates to the larger one we now own:


I regret that my first online review must be negative, but . . .

Pros:
> Great cup of coffee. We found that changing the filter every month, even if not broken, keeps the flavor at its best. No matter how you clean the filter, a new one, for some reason, clearly improves the taste.
> Quick and relatively easy to use. Clean up is more work than a traditional machine, but the coffee flavor makes it worth it.

Cons:
> Unfortunately, the quality does not yield longevity. We bought ours in April 2004. Since then:
a) The lid tabs broke so if you forget and simply poor a cup, you have coffee everywhere as the lid pops off.
b) By January 05, there is coffee leaking around the bottom of the pot. Clearly the plastic body is failing and it looks like we will need to replace this unit soon.

For the record, we have used this almost daily as our primary coffee machine but everything has been cleaned by hand (no dishwasher cleaning which is not recommended). So we are sure that we have used it as intended, but the construction quality simply was not up to the daily usage in our experience.

Now for the hard part: Finding a replacement that brews as good a cup as this, but one that will last!

ADDENDUM: (Or Addendumb?) Okay, so it is roughly one week later and now the handle to the coffee pot has broken off entirely. A third problem in less than a year! I plan to contact Bocdum so we will see what they say, but it wouldn't seem too unreasonable to expect a coffee maker to work once daily for more than 9 months, right? And to make matters worse, not having found a suitible replacement based upon all my research, we are now awaiting delivery on our new 12 cup Bodum Santos! God help us!

Update #2: You can read the info below and see my concerns. You will also note that we replaced the smaller unit with the larger one, even with the quality concerns. So as a quick update on the larger one, the same seems to be the case - great coffee, but questionable build quality. We have used the unit now for about 5 months and we do use it daily. The tabs on the lid have broken as they did on the small one. So far, that is the only thing, but it is one of those frustrations that can result in coffee everywhere if someone does not know it and fails to keep a finger on the top when pouring! Perhaps the other issues will not surface, but a quick failure of a simple thing like the lid, twice in two units, does not inspire confidence. (I need another cup of coffee!)

Great coffee a small pain to clean
I have used this coffee maker for well over a year. I have two. One at the house(clear) and one for the employees at a store we own(orange). So, they get used everyday and one of them several times a day. Out of all the coffee makers I have owned in the last fifteen years this one makes the best coffee. Neither coffee maker has had one problem. I think most of the problems in the reviews are probably failure to follow directions. Two things to remember 1) do not make less than the recommended amount of coffee 2)Rinse the pot out after you finish using the coffee maker. The only draw back to this coffee maker is the potential mess you make cleaning the grounds out. This coffee maker gets a 5 for coffee, but I gave it a 4 because of the difficulty in cleaning the top. If you are in a rush, have a hard time operating simple devices, or like a burnt taste in your coffee do not get this coffee maker. If you are willing to follow simple directions and put in a small amount of effort to get great coffee this maker is the one. ... Read more

Asin: B00005M1V2
Subjects:  1. Vacuum Coffeemakers    2. Drip Coffee Machines    3. Coffee Makers    4. (Coffeemakers)   

Bosch BUC11700UC Cyclone Jet Upright Bagless Vacuum, Black
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $399.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Ideal for both bare floors and low-pile carpets, this upright bagless vacuum has low noise output and 1,450 watts and 12 amps of power. The Cyclone Jet’s two motors operate two different functions: one runs the vacuum cleaner and the other runs the 13-inch brush rolls, which are useful for the dirtiest cleaning jobs. The brush rolls are gear-driven on lifetime belts that will never need replacing. Other cleaning features of the Cyclone Jet include a detachable wand and a 9-foot hose that stretches to get into corners and hard-to-reach spots. Four additional accessories--a dusting brush, a crevice tool, and a360-degree tool for cleaning stairs and upholstery--are stored onboard the vacuum.

The Cyclone Jet’s HEPA filter ensures the most hygienic disposal of dirt and debris into the vacuum’s 2-quart dust container. A level mark shows when the container is ready to be emptied and the process is simple. The Cyclone Jet’s 24-1/2-foot cord provides a lot of length before having to plug it into a new outlet and the machine’s spring-loaded, automatic cord winder rewinds the cord at the touch of a button. At only 17-1/2 pounds, this compact vacuum is portable and easy to maneuver. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• 12 amps; 1,450 watts; low noise
• Two seperate motors for vacuum and brush suction
• Gear-driven brush rolls on lifetime belts; three on-board tools
• HEPA filter; 2-quart bagless dust container
• 24-1/2-foot cord; electronic cord rewind; 17-1/2 pounds

Reviews (10)

Negative comments = ignorance?
Some people claim this vacuum is hard to push on carpet.Do not believe them!

There is a switch for self power rolling, and once you actually use the vacuum like it was designed, well, it works great.Very easy to push, yet very powerful, and doesn't choke on pet hair like the much more expensive Dysan.

I've had this vacuum over a year, and it still works as new.Very quiet (you can have a conversation while vacuuming without shouting), easy to empty.The retractable hose is a little on the hard to use side, but other than that, I don't have anything bad to say, and would tell anyone to get one, considering how bad the competition is.At the current price of only $150, this is a steal!

PS - I would suggest that before someone rants about a product, they make sure they are not the one at fault.Read the manual.It's not long...

Discrepancy between the ad price and the real price
I was surprised by finding that the ad price for this item ($165+$0 shipping+$0tax) has been transformed into $195. That's , at least, strange, if not a deceiving information

Not impressed but pleased
I've had my vacuum a couple of months now and so far have had no promblems. It has awsome suction. For the money it is a good vacuum. You would expect to pay the same for a hoover or dirt devil ect...

However I did expect it to be made out of better material than it was. The rear wheels are to small as well.

Great for bare floors, Hard to push on shag. However for the money it is comparable to anything else thats out there with probably more suction.

... Read more

Asin: B000068PCK
Subjects:  1. Vacuum Cleaners    2. Upright Vacuums    3. Floor Care    4. (Vaccums)    5. (Vacumes)    6. (Vacums)    7. (Vacs)   

Le Creuset 5-1/2-Quart Round French Oven, Red
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $250.00 -- our price: $129.98
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

This 5-1/2-quart French oven by Le Creuset is the most forgiving pan I've ever used. If you just happen to forget you're sautéing onions for a soup while you answer the telephone, there's no need to worry--the onions won't burn. Enameled cast iron has been recognized as one of the best materials available for cookware because it retains heat and promotes gentle, even cooking at low heat ensuring that the best flavor is brought out from the ingredients. It's perfect for use on any heat source--gas, electric, radiant, ceramic, halogen, induction, or solid fuel. There's also a tight-fitting, enameled cast-iron lid that helps seal in heat and flavor. Food will be kept hot as you bring it to the table for serving. And you will certainly want to serve out of this beautiful piece--the deep color and shiny finish will brighten any table setting. --Jane DePaolo ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• Handmade enameled cast-iron construction; works with all cooking surfaces
• Dishwasher-safe
• Allows you to bake, broil, braise, saute, marinate, refrigerate, and freeze
• Food will not react with porcelain enamel surface

Reviews (38)

The perfect size
This oven is the perfect size for most people. I cook a great deal from the Cook's Illustrated Soups and Stews book and have found nothing except stock that I cannot make in this oven. Everything just fits in for an even, controlled cooking process.

This pot also fits nicely on one burner. This means after you get your food going you can slide it to the back burner to simmer leaving all your other burners open for other work. This is a great contrast to Le Creuset's larger pans, especially the 7-1/2 quart soup pot that winds up taking three of your four burners out of action. The pan also fits nicely on a refrigerator shelf, letting you cook a day in advance and then easily reheat when you are ready.

You already know from the other reviews how well this pot does pot roast, chicken, etc; as well as how easily it cleans up. Le Creuset is expensive but this pot is well worth the price. It is the Dutch Oven you will use for a lifetime.

Serious Cookware
Le Creuset has a line of cookware for serious cooks. I've had my dutch oven for 18 years and still use it at least 3 times a week. It is superb for slow cooking: braising, simmering and oven baking. It's easy to clean and still looks lovely after all these years.

I use it for cooking tough cuts of meats. I braise them on top of the stove, then cover the dutch oven and slow cook it for hours. The results are outstanding everytime.

It's very heavy, which is why it is so successful in sealing in juices. I considered buying the whole line, but quickly realised that only key pieces, like this dutch oven are really needed.

Is it worth the price? Yes... for anyone who enjoys old fashioned braising and stewing, this is the one piece I recommend you buy.

5 Stars for the first 5 years of heavy use only
When I was ready to lay down the $500.00 I had saved to purchase cookware that would last a life time; I researched heavily and decided on Le Creuset.$500.00 is a lot of money and I was more than willing to sacrifice it after I saw that this stuff had a life time warranty.Well 5 years later I am able to use only 4 pieces out of the 6 piece set that I purchased.I'm guessing from heavy use, as I thought it so wonderful, easy to clean etc..., the porcelain lining has begun to chip severly.I mean at least 70% of the surface is flaking off on the bottom of the pots.The flaking occurred suddenly when I was cooking and the pieces got in the food.
I attempted to resolve this under the life time warranty but got the complete run around. If I could get the enamel off I'm sure I'd have some great cast iron pots. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SBH4
Subjects:  1. Dutch Ovens    2. (French Ovens)    3. (Cook Ware)    4. (Lecreuset)    5. (Le Cruset)    6. (Le Crueset)    7. Cookware   

Panasonic NB-G100P 7.2-Quart 1300-Watt Infrared Toaster Oven
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $119.99 -- our price: $79.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

With six preset buttons and temperature control from 250 to 500degrees F, this 1,300-watt Panasonic toaster oven is great for everything fromfrozen hash browns to pizza--you can even bake a cake in it. Panasonic's designmakes use of FlashXPress heating, a combination of near- and far-infrared lightthat cooks 40 percent faster than conventional toaster ovens. Plus, the machinerequires no preheating. An easy-to-use control panel lets you toast fresh orfrozen bread, warm baked goods, cook pizza, reheat fried food, and bake frozenhash browns. It also features convenient customizing options, including shadecontrol and a 25-minute timer. Other handy features include an interior light, aremovable crumb tray, a reminder beep, a 3-foot power cord, and a glass windowin the door. At over 10 inches tall, this oven requires more vertical counterspace than some models, but its efficiency makes up for the extra height.--Emily Bedard ... Read more

Features

• Measures 13 by 10-1/4 by 12 inches
• Cooks up to 40 percent faster than conventional toaster ovens
• Cooking menu includes six illustrated preset buttons
• Digital timer and temperature keypad
• Interior light, crumb tray, and reminder beep

Reviews (109)

Awesome Toaster Oven - Does It's Job Perfectly
We use this toaster oven everyday - mainly for toasting bread and bagels.It performs this job to perfection, better then any other model we've had.

We used it to reheat pizza among a few other reheating jobs and it performed as well or better then our last few toaster ovens, which is to say it reheated the items just fine.

The box states it will hold up to 4 slices of bread I believe, however we've not tried anything more than 2 at a time - there is room left over for a few more, but it would be a tight fit.I don't see that as being different from any other toaster oven out there however.I'd say about 90% of the time we're making just 2 slices anyway - so no big deal.If the oven were made any bigger you'd simply be wasting energy by heating up a much bigger space every single time you use the oven.

Some people have mentioned the light used in the toasting process - personally I love it.The light allows you to easily see the progress of the job.Yes, when on non-toast settings it goes on and off, but who cares? The unit signals you when the heating job is finished - so just wait for the ding.

I'd say the only criticism is the fact that you can't adjust the toasting cycle once it has been running for 30 seconds (there is a 5 step 'shade control' to control lighter->darker toasting with two controls to step the cycle up/down).It would be nicer to allow for an adjustment all the way through the cycle, sometimes I change my mind and want darker toast and would like to have the toaster run another 30 seconds or so.I know it isn't that hard to simply click the toast button again, but why the limitation to begin with?

The oven looks good when off as well - nice smoked glass front hides any messes that might happen to be inside (hey, it happens).

Overall we are very satisfied with the item and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others.

Great product
I've been using mine for 9 months now and I'm extremely satisfied with it.When toasting a couple of kinds of my hippie-organic bread it didn't toast quite evenly, but you would have to be pretty anal retentive to get bothered by that.I use it to cook just about everything including frozen pizzas from Red Baron and California Pizza Kitchen.It is perfect for those pizzas.

It was a bit pricy, but I've owner several toaster ovens and always loved them so I decided to upgrade to this bad boy.I would recommend it to others.

perfect for pizza
As a graduate student, I live off of a pizza a week.This is perfect for reheating to a nice crisp crust and bubbly hot cheese with one touch!(And also does great toast and bagels.) ... Read more

Asin: B000063UZV
Subjects:  1. Electrics    2. Toaster Ovens    3. Panasonic NB-G100P 7.2 Qt. 1300-Watt Infrared Toaster Oven    4. Small Appliances   

Panasonic SD-YD250Automatic Bread Maker
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $149.95
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Providing myriad options, this automatic bread maker embodiesthe marvels of 21st century electronic convenience and choice. Yes, itmixes, kneads, rises, and bakes bread in three loaf sizes up to 2-1/2pounds. But its digital controls go much further, offering settings forwhite, whole wheat, multigrain, and French (crisp crust, open texture)breads, each made according to what's best for that particular style.Other settings permit rapid baking and baking sandwich bread with asoft crust. For raisin (or other dried-fruit) bread, a beeper signalswhen to add the fruit so it's not crushed during kneading. Crustcolor--dark or light--can be selected as well.

The machine automatically adds yeast at the proper time from adispenser on the unit's lid. It also bakes non-yeast, quick breads-- like banana and gingerbread--and sweet cakes. And it mixes, kneads, andrises doughs for pizza, focaccia, croissants, and other pastrieswithout baking them. A timer permits the machine to be programmed up to13 hours in advance so fresh bread or cake is available for breakfastor dinner. For cleanup convenience, the baking pan is nonstick. Clad inmetal and packing 550 watts of power, the machine measures 13-1/2inches wide, 13 inches high, and 10-1/4 inches deep. Its instructionbooklet is exceptionally easy to understand and includes recipes for 40breads and doughs along with an insightful guide to baking basics andillustrated tips for making pastries. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Measures 14 by 13-1/2 by 9 inches
• Mixes, kneads, rises, and bakes in 3 loaf sizes, up to 2-1/2 pounds
• Settings for white, whole wheat, multigrain, French, quick breads/cakes
• 13-hour delay timer makes meal planning easier
• Includes recipes for 40 breads and doughs, plus baking tips

Reviews (83)

Burnt Bread
I purchased this machine with high hopes.The first few loaves turned out well.After three weeks, the loaves and the bread bucket began to get scorch marks and the bread too had black marks.I was getting nervous that this was going to cause a fire.


Panasonic pre-paid to have this machine sent for repair after I used this machine for three weeks.The repair shop kept it for 10 weeks.When it was returned, they did not replace the burned bread bucket, and it was still scorched.After baking bread again, the burning was getting worse on the bread, and it looks like burnt toast on the crust.Panasonic is sending the machine back for repair again.It has been four months now, and I have only had this machine for use for three weeks.After it is repaired this time, I am going to put it up for sale on amason.com and purchase a Zorishee...or however it's spelled.

Just like Mom used to make
We have had this bread machine for about 6 months and it has performed beyond expectations.I had spent several years trying to make bread by hand but couldn't achieve the results I wanted and couldn't even come close to the texture and flavor that my mother achieved.The bread from this machine is consistently of excellent texture and flavor.I would swear it was Mom's in a blind taste test.We also make our pizza and dinner roll dough with this machine and haven't looked back.The only minor gripe is that the XL size for bread is pretty much useless, when we have tried to make that size, it ends up smaller than the L size loaves.It seems the machine isn't large enough to allow a full rise.Otherwise an excellent machine.

Never a bad loaf
I was going to start out by saying this bread machine is idiot proof but that might shine a poor light on all those folks that wrote reviews that started with something like "Can't make bread!" :-)

This is BY FAR the best bread machine I have ever used.I have NEVER made a bad loaf of bread (I know that sounds grandiose, but it is true!).The yeast dispenser is worth the price all by itself (the first time it makes the POPPING sound as it dispenses the yeast is a bit startling, though [be prepared for it!]).You will need to get a digital kitchen scale for measuring, but most cooks worth their salt (pun intended) should probably look to get this particular gadget anyway.

If you plan on buy this machine I would do four things in preparation of its arrival:

1) Start looking for sales on digital scales.
2) Start looking for recipes online and books that give weights as measurements for the flour.
3) Start laying out the butter and bread knife so that you can slice into your first perfect loaf (you can never be TOO prepared to eat!).
4) Start salivating NOW! (I have a loaf of french bread in the baking phase as I type so if this review suddenly stops in mid sentence you'll know the drool hit the keyboard!) ... Read more

Asin: B00005QFL0
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Bread Machines    4. (Bread Makers)    5. Bread Making