Saturday, November 30, 2013

Godinger Set Of 4 Crystal Palm Ice Tea Glasses



SOUTH BEACH PALM GLASSES ARE GREAT!
HELLO, I PURCHASED THESE A YEAR AGO AND IT IS AMAZING TO ME HOW MANY PEOPLE LOVE THEM, BUT HAVE NO IDEA WHERE TO FIND THEM TO BUY. (I'LL NEVER TELL) I LOVE USING THEM, ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMERTIME.

I HAVE ALL FOUR STYLES & THEY HOLD-UP GREAT IN THE DISHWASHER. NICE WEIGHT TO THEM ALSO. BUY THEM BEFORE THEY ARE ALL GONE, E N J O Y !

HOPE

South Beach Palm Martini Glasses - Set of 4

Beautiful!!
Beautiful glasses! Can be used for a formal Christmas party or a casual 4th of July get together.

beautiful cut glass
First things first: This is not fine crystal! With that being said, these are beautiful stemmed glasses with pretty cut work that can be used daily or for special occasions. I found these while shopping for pretty cut crystal to use along with my Wedgewood crystal which has been discontinued for years.

It is a thicker glass which is different than thinner expensive crystal, but looks very elegant and the cutwork adds a sparkle to the table. I gave these 4 stars because 2 out of the 4 glasses had tiny bubbles in it, but because of the overall appearance, will probably order another set. Hope this helps.

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Sugar Free Smiles: Get Well Gift Basket



Great gift for Diabetics
I wanted to buy a gift basket which is customized for a diabetic who cannot have sugar. This basket was perfect and brought a big smile to a patient who was in the hospital. Heard he had a great time unwrapping this basket in his hospital bed and it lifted his spirit. This Smile Face mug holds a special place for him as it cheered him up when he was not feeling well. Great product. Would buy again. Highly recommend. Well thought out and put together.





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Dublin Crystal Flutes Set of 12



Perfect everyday crystal
I purchased this stemware to use in a theatrical production. We normally don't use real glass on stage, but this performance required it for dramatic effect. To our surprise, nothing broke and the feel and look was great. These glasses are handsome and practical and the price is amazingly affordable.

Beautiful
Beautiful crystal glassware, great service, price and quality. Would definitely use this company again in the future and would recommend them to anyone without hesitation.



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Godinger Set of 4 Crystal Palm Highballs



Under 12oz but still love them
I ordered these after seeing them being used on a TV show :) I love the palm tree embossing. I am very happy with these glasses, they are very weighty, which I like, but the only negative is they have to be around 10-11 oz and will not fit a 12oz can of soda/juice. That is not such a big issue and also they do say to hand wash after each use, well with 3 kids and husband I really do not have time and for a few months now they have been in the dishwasher on a lower heat and doing fine. I definately would reccommend these glasses, actually will probably be getting the ice tea ones once they are available again.

Beautiful but high maintence.
These glasses chip easily and will break if bumped. Be careful while washing them in the sink.

Very Nice
we needed new glasses and since my wife has a palm tree theme going on throughout the house these are a nice addition. Very heavy glasses. We have had lots of good comments on them. Downside as with any crystal you have to handwash but I knew this when buying them.

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Aroma ARC-1033E Commercial 60-Cup (Cooked) Rice Cooker



Great for the Price
We bought this cooker a few months ago. So far it's been working great. Awesome capacity and fairly quick cooking time.

The only CON about this product is that the edge of the heavy duty lid is SHARP. It's almost ridiculous. I've been around rice cookers all my life and this is the only 'dangerous' lid I've ever encountered. Washing with soapy hands, one slip and it slices right through soft hands. Otherwise, it should be alright if you're careful.

As for the functionality of the cooker itself, it's fine. Works well.

great item
its a great item, very large, im a big rice eater, so it works perfectly for me, just follow the instruction, and you will be fine, remember to add the same amount of water which you add rice PLUS quarter more...any mmeasurmnet you are using, to cook rice, you must add the same amount water plus quarter of the same measurment (water)....press cook buttom it will be ready in about 20 minutes,BUT, remember not to open the cover in between and NEVER when it beebs, you gotta wait atleast 20 more minutes after the beeb sound, so it can get cooked completly and perfectly....also: do NOT put the rice cooker next to or on counter that is close to other items around it especially next to wooden cabinet simply because it starts making kinda powerful steam coming from the little hole which is normal and can make lots of moisture, i personally would put it on the flat floor in the kitchen or any floor, nothing around it,..make sure no kids running around the house....washing tips: do NOT scrub...

aroma commercial 24-cup rice cooker
One of the best commercial rice cooker i ever owned.

you can not beat the price for this product.

I will buy the same cooker again. thank you

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Godinger Dublin Crystal Set of 12 High Balls



Removable Bottoms?
My wife and I received these as well as the short ones as a wedding gift, they seemed they were good quality. Had for about 1 year, had about 6 of them break in the same place, where the thick bottom connects to the thinner sides of the glass. Bottoms seemed to just pop off. Be careful you don't get cut when they do, I had a whole glass of milk on my lap after the bottom popped off and glass shards everywhere on one instance. Were only hand washed.

Godinger Dublin Crystal Set of 12 High Balls
great quality glassware...I love them and receive many compliments on them...a wonderful price for this lovely glassware...recommend it highly

Not as large as pictured.
Maybe I misinterpreted picture, but glasses are only 10 oz, and seem a little squatty. Great quality, but had thought I was getting a larger glass.

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Deni 5150 Automatic Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Maker



I have a new best friend.
As I write this, I have a bowl of the best ice cream I have ever eaten sitting on my desk. I don't typically like to keep food near my delicate and expensive electronics, but I can not help myself right now.

What amazed me most about this machine, is the speed with which it worked. Granted, I have only used it twice so far, but neither of the two ice cream recipes I made took more than 10 minutes to solidify.

The recipes it comes with are decent enough, but the really great part is that the manual gives you guidelines and instructions to help you make your own unique flavors. It explains how to substitute different milks or creams to achive different consistencies, and explains when and how to add alcohol to your ice cream if you should desire it. It encourages creativity. And I think that's what cooking is all about, creating new and origional things, not just following recipes mindlessly.

The first batch I made was a very passable vanilla. Starting...

Enjoy the process as well as the outcome
I have been using this for 3 months and made several batches of soy ice cream. To be honest, it is cheaper to buy ice cream from stores than making it, however, soy ice cream is a different story. This is particularly good for kids with food allergy. There are a couple important tips. First, the canister need to be really cold. It is better to freeze it for a couple days before use. Second, make sure you blend the pre-chilled ingredients really well in a blender before pouring into the ice cream maker. It is also better to freeze the blender jar before use. Third, make sure you turned on the ice cream maker before pouring in the ice cream mix. It usually takes 15-20min when thick chunk of ice cream starts to accumulate over the plastic blade and it is ready.

Lots of fun
THis is my first ice-cream machine, I've been wanting one for a long time. I like the fact that, unlike some older design, you don't have to worry about ice, salt, stirring... It work best if you have an extra freezer in the garage at home so you can leave the main compartment in there, forget about it, and its ready to use whenever.

2 minor draw back:

-It will make enough for 4 people and you cannot make another batch until the 'thing' freeze up again.

- Make sure whatever mix you are using is very cold. If you max out the capacity, sometime it does not bring the finished icecream to as cold as I like. OR it will take too long to make it cold enough, that too much air has been mixed into the ice-cream and it will have too much of a cream(foamy) texture.

Overall I love it!

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Godinger Dublin Crystal Set of 12 Iced Beverage Glasses



eat your heart out Waterford!
DUBLIN ICE BEVS S/12 RESHIPPERGodinger Dublin Crystal Set of 12 Iced Beverage Glasses

This has to be THE MOST INCREDIBLE value I can remember ever having
received. I have bought these for myself and both of my daughters
in iced beverage, wine goblets, and old fashioned. They are well
balanced, and unlike Waterford which I have a cabinet full of,
STURDY, not to mention total dynamite on your table. Your guests
think you really did bring out the Waterford. The cut is gorgeous,
and they accent your finest china, silver and linens.

The heaviest
When people said these were heavy, I didn't realize they meant HEAVY. This is not a complaint. They are beautiful and the sound they make is great, too. Well worth the price.

GORGEOUS!!!
These are the same exact glassed that I received from Waterford. They must be getting them from the same manufacturer and placing their names on them.. but they are still gorgeous, heavy and I love them.

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Waterford Crystal Lismore Champagne Flute



Purchase 7788490
This product was well-advertised, reasonably priced and delivered quickly with no problems. If I need more of these I'd be glad to do business with the same supplier.





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Large Japanese Cast Iron Tea Pot Set/Black Crane 24 oz



functional art tea pot and cups
I gave a few of these as gifts last year. They have been used and loved. The bottoms of the cups and pots do not create rings and can be used on any surface. I would buy more of these tea sets.

My favorite set!
I received this set as a gift last Spring, and it has been in constant use ever since! It is by far the favorite set in my collection. The tea pot stays hot for quite a while on its own, however I also bought a tetsubin warmer (it can take me an hour or two to finish the pot at times). The tea cups are iron and get very hot I so highly recommend purchasing saucers, as well as a bamboo spoon/stirrer to protect the interior enamel. No rust problems when washed as instructed, and porcelain enamel has held up well. This is a GREAT value! I've seen sets like this price upwards of $150 in stores!

LOVE!
This beautiful set holds PLENTY of tea. I have had my set for about a year now and I use it every single day. Sometimes 2 or 3 times a day. The price is Amazing for a set of this quailty. I may purchase the warmer for it still. Very sturdy very well made. Pours tea like a charm!! NO dribbling! (would make an excellent christmas gift.)

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Friday, November 29, 2013

Royal Worcester Holly Ribbons Bone China Covered Sugar Bowl



Goegeous.
The only problem, I collect this china pattern and this sugar bowl did not come in the original box. Guess I should have checked before I purchased. Otherwise, it is exquisite.





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EdgeCraft 610 Chef's Choice Premium Electric Food Slicer



educated opinion
I was in the restaurant equipment business for over 35 years and sold hundreds of comercial slicers such as Hobart, Globe etc. This is not a comercial machine but it thinks it is. It does a supurb job of slicing from paper thin to a thick slice of rye. I don't use it as often as I should, but it is relatively easy to clean and a great addition to any kitchen.

Easy to use, easy to clean up
Bought the Chefs Choice 610 food slicer, then saw the Waring FS150 (similar but a Professional model with larger motor) for $30 less an hour later. Bought that one also with intent to look up reviews online and decide at home. After reading reviews (great reviews for Chefs Choice, awful reviews for the Waring) and instruction manuals on both (still can't believe you can't run the Waring for more than 10 minutes at a time and the poor design for cleanup) decided to keep the Chefs Choice. Used it to slice roast beef, swiss cheese and baked turkey breast. Worked extremely well on all and the unit is extremely easy to use. Cleanup took about 5 minutes total. Unit is a little larger than I would have liked, but all the food slicers have similar dimensions. Well worth the extra $30.

Excellent Slicer!
When I was growing up, we had an old hand cranck meat slicer. Every friday night me and my father and uncle 'and puppy who got scraps' would spend the evening hand slicing meats for sandwiches and suppers for the rest of the week.

Later in life I got really big into grinding, making and smoking my own sausages, meats, and stuff. My father passed down the old family hand crank meat slicer.

Wow, I remember how much work that was o_O

This lead me to purchase a good electric slicer. I used a few that were ok, some I bought and some I borrowed. They were flimsy and what not.

Then I came across this Chef's Choice 610 that my father bought for me as a gift ...

The first thing I noticed was its superiour design and construction. No flimsy sheet metal on this bad boy at all. Everything is nice and solid. A lot of craftsmanship went into the making of this thing. Even the slider table where you slide the meats across is one huge solid thick...

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Instapure Chrome Water Filter System



Real Classic, Really Cost Effective
I had the chrome version since 1994, and it's STILL working great and looking like new. The filters are very cheap, can be found for $3-$5, which is a proven charcoal filter design. It's easy to install, really effective in taking the odor and taste out of water (in my case it removed chlorine taste and a weird copper pipe smell in old buildings, and no it's not my imagination). It's good enough for most treated municipal waters, unless your water source is seriously contaminated (with rare chemicals, radioactivity, or just plain filthy).

Compared to many main stream water filters sold today, this thing is a real gem without the heavy marketing, offering a filter design that's really the same thing as some much more expensive models. It's a real classic, and really cost effective.

I only hope waterpik will keep on making these things and those affordable filters. 14 years and the thing still looks and works as good as ever. I love it.

good water now
I bought this water filter years ago and decided to get again. Its plastic,only problem depending how your sink is made might have a problem attaching it. The water taste way better than before. will buy again even the filters too.

Great facuet water filter
Works like a charm and is a lot more cost effective than many other brands. Easy to install and comes with plenty of adapters. No doubt will buy again if needed. Also bought a 4 pack of filters at the same time, so I'm set for over a year and the filters were just as cost effective.

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Ceramic Serving Plate from Spain



Beautiful for serving or decorating
The platter is unique and hand crafted. It looks pretty on my wall and gives my kitchen some needed color.





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Instapure R2C Twin Replacement Filter



Check around for the best deal.
I got a 4-pack at Lowes (the hardware store, not the grocery store), at a good price, but sometimes Amazon has these 2-packs on sale for a competitive price.

Good Filter
It is inexpensive and works just as it supposed to do. I will buy more whenever I need. I recommend it.

My favorite filters
I have used Britta, pur, and waterpik. The waterpik looks the best on my sink and does as good of a job as the others, with a smaller price tag. The only disadvantage this has to pur or Britta is it doesn't have a meter telling you when to replace. If you change it every 3 months you'll be good.

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Pedrini Wine & Bar 2-Pack Bottle Pourers, Transparent



a good stove companion!
This item fit my oil bottle perfectly and pours perfect for my tastes. I leave it by the stove for convenience but not too close to the heat. Heat isn't good for good oil.
It is a slow pourer which I happen to like. I use it for my olive oil and wine. They don't leak and are well priced. It beats pouring from larger containers when I am cooking. I would definitely recommend

IT DOES WHAT IT SAYS IT WILL DO
It's a wine stopper/pourer, for gosh sake, what do you expect? I use them, one for red, one for white, mostly when I'm cooking. It's easier to control the amount of wine I'm adding to a given recipe. It does a good job at what it's designed to do; it's just not a sexy item that merits a gushing review.

pourers
They are pourers. Not much to say about them ... they do fit nice and tight in the bottles that I have. I use them for dish soap and they pour a little slow but I figure then I don't waste too much soap.

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Japanese Cast Iron Tea Pot Set Burgundy Red Bamboo



Beautiful but small
This teapot is really beautiful but it's only big enough for about 2 cups of tea. Also, it is cast iron so you have to be careful not to chip or scratch it because it can rust.

Brews Tea Just Fine!
What do you mean you can't brew tea with this thing? Of course you can. It can sit on an oven burner and heat up, and the handle stays cool. It doesn't whistle, so you have to keep an eye on it, but I brew tea in it two or three times a day. True, it is a one or two cup pot, but adding water each time, I have found, burns very few calories.

How to make Japanese Tea
Heat water in a kettle, put green tea into pot, pour nearly boiling water into pot. The heat is absorbed by the cast iron to make the water just the right temperature for green tea. Don't put this on the stove..... that's not what it is for. You wouldn't put a bone china tea pot on the stove would you?

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Waterford Crystal Lismore Claret Wine



Gorgeous crystal and super-great service from the seller!!!!!!!!!!!
This crystal was chosen by my son and daughter in law for their wedding and as time goes on, they always love adding to their collection. It was in perfect condition and the seller was more than accommodating going above and beyond in the midst of hurricane Sandy.

Waterford Crystal
The crystal was wrapped well and came in perfect condition. It actually got to me faster than I expected it. I was very pleased! It had the Waterford sticker, brochure, and company box.



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Wilton Armetale Flutes and Pearls Serving Bowl, Round, 14-Inch



It's a bowl
Wife wanted more of these to add to her set. She loves the large size. It is exactly what they describe. Not sure what else I can say





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Olde Thompson 16-Jar Carousel Spice Rack



Disappointingly low quality spice rack
I made the mistake of purchasing this spice rack as a gift for my mom. The handle broke off of the rack as she was removing it from the packaging. The entire rack is plastic. The base was not sturdy. I wish I had known how poorly made the thing would be before I bought it so I could have skipped it altogether for a better quality product. Very disappointing!

I wouldn't recommend purchasing this product
Disappointed when the spice rack arrived. It looked great when pulling it out of the box, however it leans to the side and doesn't stand up straight. I tried to tighten the screw in the bottom, but it was already tight. If you prop it against the wall it will stand up straight. The lazy susan doesn't turn very easy either. I wish it looked as nice as it looks in the picture.

Great spices, nice rack, well worth buying
I hadn't cooked in ages when my situation changed and it was time to dust off the cookbooks. The drawback was spices -- most of mine had not been replaced in years, but, my gosh, they are expensive to buy at the grocery store.

I couldn't believe how much cheaper it was to buy an entire rack of spices compared to individual spices. And these are extra large bottles of very good quality, fresh spices. I was very happily impressed.

According to Olde Thompson's website, the spices in any of their racks are subject to change, but, for the record, here are the spices I received:
Basil, Black Pepper, Caraway, Celery Seed, Chili Powder, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cumin, Ginger, Italian Seasoning, Marjoram, Oregano, Paprika, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme.

The rack itself is fine, nothing special. You don't see much except the spices and the handle on top, used to lift or spin the rack.

This is a fantastic rack for any starting (or restarting) cook, a...

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First Colony Whole Bean Coffee, Caramel Classique, 5-Pound



I love it
If you like a solid coffee taste with a hint of sweet caramel then this is a coffee you will love too.





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All-Clad Stainless All-Purpose Pan with Domed Lid



BEWARE OF ALL-CLAD MADE IN CHINA
Check carefully before buying from All-Clad.
Many of their items are now being produced in China & quality has suffered.
I ordered a piece which Amazon's description said was made in the USA.

I called the company & they said ALL the braisers are now made in China but the quality is just as good.

NO......IT IS NOT!

The 3 ply is only on the bottom & does NOT go up the sides.
They are lighter in weight.
They are NOT usable on Induction Burners.

YES.....they are a bit lower in price....BUT STILL EXPENSIVE.

What bothers me is that All-Clad is being less than forthright in informing consumers
of their MADE IN CHINA merchandise.

Not same quality as other stainless All-Clad
I ordered an All-Clad fry pan and was hooked on All-Clad stainless ever since. I finally realized it wasn't me but the cheap pans I had been using. And I've bought 5 different ones within the last year. But this pan doesn't compare. Actually its quite awful in my opinion. Its extremely light weight (almost cheap) and thin compared to the fry pans, french skillets, and saucepans I have. The lid to my saucepan is thicker than this pan. The spoon is better made than the pan. The first one I received had some imperfections inside the pan and you could see swirls where they were buffing it. Also where the handles are attached, there was a huge dent, almost a hole. I called All-Clad and they said it was defective so to return it to Amazon. I sent it back and the replacement still had the swirls and not as big of a dent by the handle. But because of the rapport with All-Clad I kept it. I've used it a couple of times, but its small and everything I have tried has burned...

Nice pan but...
I returned this pan ONLY due to the incorrect info in the description. I wanted a 13" bottom cooking surface, NOT the measurement across the top of the pan. Other than that, the pan is well constructed, nice and medium weight, looked like it would be a workhorse, if a smaller pan is what you want.

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Wusthof Classic Super Starter 6-Piece Knife Block Set



Great knives
The best knives I have ever used. They make it so much easier to cook.

Great knife set...
Don't waste your time with cheap knives. Save until you can buy the Wusthofs. And then don't buy the hugely expensive block with more knives than you'll ever need. Buy the following knives: bread, paring, and the 8 inch chef's. You'll use them all the time and love every minute...



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Thursday, November 28, 2013

Manchester Chair Valet w Drawer



Husband's Chair
The chair valet is just what my husband needed. I wanted more space (The chair he used took up too much), and he needed a place to sit while putting on shoes or just relaxing for a moment. He is pleased with the chair. So far, he hasn't used the drawer, but just give him a moment. He will find a use for it.

Chair
The chair was very simple to put together and the colors blended perfectly with what I had in mind. The quality is very good.

Valet Chair
Easy to put together and seems to be well made. I would recommend to anyone looking for this type furniture.

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GRILL HERITAGE SILVERSTN



Great "Mitad" for injera
The Amazon listing says this is "by SilverStone", but Silverstone is the name of the non-stick coating. The manufacturer is Bethany Housewares (listed correctly for the Aluminum model).

I use this as a "mitad" for making injera, the Ethiopian flatbread made from the nutritious grain t'ef, and it works very well. There is a nice lid for this available directly from Bethany Housewares for about twenty bucks. I'm sure any generic lightweight 16" lid would work just fine, but you'll need some sort of lid if you want to make injera. Several websites recommended the non-stick model for injera (over and against the aluminum) and having made injera several times now, I think that was good advice. (You make injera on very high heat, covered, until the bread starts curling away from the grill, so maybe under those conditions the surface doesn't really matter, but I like how easily the bread slides off the grill on the Silverstone, having no actual experience with the other model.)

Good for Lefse and a Whole Lot More
I got my Bethany Housewares Heritage Grill with Teflon finish for making lefse. I've used it 5 or 6 times for that and it works great.

Better yet, it is the best grill I've ever had for frying eggs, hash browns, sausage, bacon, pancakes, or cooking just about anything else that's grilled. The non-stick finish means it's not necessary to use more than a light brush of oil to fry eggs, hash browns or other food that contain little grease of their own.

And the Teflon seems indestructible. My grill has been used almost daily for a year and a half, often by family members who are not as protective of the finish as I am, and it's still pristine.

Come to think of it, I'll have to take back the bit about me being the most careful one using my grill. Just the other day, I left it on with a turner on top--a turner that melted into a liquid plastic pool on the beautiful non-stick surface. But everything wiped right off once the hot plastic cooled enough for me to...

Great Grill - even after 4years
I got this grill last year (in 2008) and am very pleased with it. I have used it regularly and use it for making dosas, the Indian crepe. I can also cook 2 or 3 rotis on it at a time and it speeds up the process.

It heats up beautifully and maintains consistent temperatures. It is very easy to clean as the probe style electric wire comes off. I usually wash it by hand but my son threw it in the dishwasher once and we saw no adverse effect.

A good product, well made.

Update after 4 years - You do get what you pay for is very true in this case. Really excellent quality that has held up well. Present this is the only non stick pan I own - and still love it! Makes the largest dosa possible in a home environment. Additionally I have used it for making large quantities of patties/cutlets and pancakes at a time. Cleans well in the dishwasher if you take off the electric attachment/cord.

Caution - make sure to dry thoroughly before using again

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Alessi Il Conico Tea Kettle



The Best Teapot On The Planet
I am a serious Alessi fan, and have had this teapot for over a decade. Don't know a great deal about physics, but I've NEVER experienced water boiling so fast. If you're trying to "go green", this teapot will even save electricity/power. It's really quite intriquing. I assume it to have something to do with the conical shape - you will never be disappointed. The design is also brilliant because the handle never gets prohibitively hot. The finish is so bright and shiny, I'd warn everyone in the household that they cannot use a scrubbie on the finish, or they will scratch it. Brilliant functionality and brilliant design!

Dangerous Perfection
First, the obvious: The kettle is completely beautiful - design perfection! That stated - PLUS: Its very wide base facilitates quick heating. It's incredibly easy to keep clean. MINUS: The handle can become dangerously hot.

Sooo beautiful and sooo practical
Having this on my stove is like living with an item from the Museum of Modern Art - it is in their collection...it is a joy to look at and it's wonderful to use. It is definitely a quality item unlike any tea kettle that I have ever seen - it is heavy steel, the finish is terrific and although it costs an arm and a leg, it is not just for boiling water (but it does that quickly and efficiently). I am fortunate to be able to own it....it was a requested birthday gift that my family all chipped in to give me!

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De'Longhi BAR32 Retro 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker



Great Performance for the Price
Edit 2/24/2012: I wrote this review several years ago. The machine broke down after a year or so, and I put off replacing it. However, I've wanted to start making espresso again and so, remembering how much I liked this one, I picked up another one.

It's pretty much just how I remember it, and the instructions I wrote below still work. There are a couple of things I've noticed, though. First, the maker no longer comes with sample E.S.E pods. That was disappointing. Also, the bottom of the filter handle (where the coffee comes out of) is plastic - if you use a hand-held tamper, make sure you don't press too hard and damage the pour spouts.

Also, I've moved from the Midwest to the East Coast, and it's still nice to have good espresso and capuccino in your own house.

Otherwise, it's still a sold four-star machine.

Original review:Despairing of ever finding decent espresso in the Midwest, I finally broke down and decided to get a home...

It works great after over a year
I have purchased this machine from Amazon on June 2006, that's 16 months ago and I have been using this coffee maker every day, usually 2 to 3 times a day. A few words about me, I grew up in Italy, lived there for over 20 years and I still go visit my country for at least a month every year so I should know about coffee, right? DeLonghi is considered a good brand in Italy, I'm not sure about customer service in the U.S. since I never had to contact them; my aunt in Italy has an identical machine with no complaints. I'm not sure about the complaints I read here. Some people say it takes too long to heat up the water... I usually turn it on 15 minutes before making the espresso and the water gets really hot, if you think that's too long then you've never used an espresso machine before, it's very average as a matter of fact. Sorry, but that's not the machine's fault, it's the way it is with all machines. Coffee shops machines need one hour sometimes longer to heat up. Others have...

Great little machine
I've been a coffee snob for several years have several brewing machines scattered throughout my kitchen. Since I got this machine xmas morning, all the others brewing systems have become obsolete.

It produces plenty of steam in a jiff, and the removable water tank is very handy (especially for use with my water filter). While I scoffed at the thought of using the ESE pre-packed espresso pods, it came with a tin of them, so I tried them out since all local coffee houses were closed (and I had no beans!). The ESEs make a pass-able cup of espresso--not the darkest roast, but the convenience of a pod is handy. I have some Major Dikason's blend from Peets which I made regular espresso and Americanos out of. Delicious, thick, creamy.

This machine is a steal at this price. I've had to get the hang of packing my grounds in the handle, however. If I pack too tightly, the cream only comes out as a trickle. I suppose that's the case with most home machines, however...

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Wilton Armetale Water Goblet, 3-1/2-Inch by 7-1/2-Inch



Good Product
I bought this with the intention of having a medieval dinner party. I decided to by one at first so I could try it out before getting a set. Its heavy and has a good feel to it. Thus far I have used it for water, wine, beer, and even hot tea. I was trying to determine whether I could taste the metal like another reviewer did but I could not detect any chemical or metallic taste. The inside of the goblet is not the smooth "mirror like" finish that is on the out. Its actually rather rough on the inside. Overall, it will serve its intended purpose.

Update: Since June of 2012 the goblet has developed water spots that will not come off. The finish is really starting to corrode

Update: I need to apologize for my update. I've learned that the spot an issues I've experienced with this product are unavoidable. But thankfully we have a little chemical called silver polish (which not only works on silver). I bought a tube of MAAS french lavender polish and it took every...

Work well, but has odd odor
I first saw these goblets at a formal dinner and loved them. They really keep drinks super cold, and they look great. But I ordered one for myself and it has a really odd odor whenever I put liquid in it. Don't know why. Ended up sending it back.

LOVE 'em!
I love these and can't wait to purchase more!
I don't recommend leaving carbonated beverages or wine for extended periods in this, as it will oxidize a bit and be a little stinky/ messy.
But I've never had any trouble getting them clean.

These water goblets get complimented every single time we have guests. I love them!

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Marquis by Waterford Polka Dot Wine Cooler



Keeps that Riesling cool and adds zing to the table or sideboard
I like the polka dot pattern on this Waterford piece a lot. While inspired by deco, I think it has an elegant modernity to it. The cooler, which stands 9" tall, is spun from stainless steel and contains a void similar to a thermos which I suppose acts as an insulator. The body has a brushed finish and the polka dots and rolled over lip have a polished finish. We used it at a holiday dinner, packed with ice and it performed admirably keeping the wine chilled over a period of hours.





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Fodder mixer Strautmann Verti-Mix 1050



Unique and sturdy farm toy.
My son is all about trailers....and farming. Loves this. Seems sturdy as you can expect for plastic. Would get 5 stars if it came with a hitch pin. My son had to use a paper clip until I fashioned something better up. Not a big deal, truly minor.

wonderful toy
My three year old grandson loves this toy. I bought a Bruder jeep to go w/ the fodder & he plays w/ them constantly. So well made & excellent for creativity & imagination.

Great Toy
I was a little nervous about it being plastic but it is really well made. My nephew has had a lot of fun playing with it.

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Marquis by Waterford Brookside Highball Glasses, Set of 4



LOVE THEM!
I love my new Highball glasses. These glasses are beautiful and are of high quality crystal. I have a Waterford Lismore set that I use for special occassions. These glasses are just as pretty and were so affordable that I can use them every day and not worry so much about breaking or scratching them. I've seem them for a lot more money at department stores. They are great!

Beautiful & can withstand everyday wear 'n tear!
I purchased my first set of these glasses (what seems like) a million years ago. I use these as my everyday pattern. So when I say they get a licking, I'm not kidding. They are the Marquis brand, so yes, they're a bit more "hearty" than their Waterford blue blood cousin, but still incredibly beautiful. After breaking a few myself and a few others being damaged during general party mishaps, I was left with fewer glasses than are typically called for. The highballs are far more difficult to find than the wine glasses and such. So I was VERY happy to find them on Amazon and at such a reasonable cost.

A lot of crystal for the buck!
I love Waterford crystal! I was looking for crystal highball glasses. Only for two. I searched for waterford crystal and discovered
these. They are the usual waterford quality. Sparkling in the light and heavy. The best thing about it I got a set of four at half price!
what a deal!

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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Kaiser Bakeware Classic Bake & Roast Pan



Great Roast Pan
This pan fits my larger toaster oven. It is the only one offered that is large enough. The non-stick surface should last a long time as I always use foil. It does not come with the rack shown in picture, but it was listed in description either so I wasn't expecting it. Made in Germany and the quality is great!





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Aluminum Heritage Lefse Grill



Outstanding quality and service
My Grandmother gave me her Lefse grill to carry on the family tradition. Just before Christmas, I took the grill out and discovered that two of the three legs were broken. Bethany Housewares stuff is so well made and supported, that I just assumed that I could buy spare parts. Sure enough, you can replace all 3 legs for $7.25. I sure enjoy not having to throw this family heirloom out just because two small pieces of bakelite failed after several decades of trusty service. Outstanding.

The only way to go
If you make lefse, this is the grill to use. I should actually just stop my review right here, because there's really nothing more to say. I will mention that there is now a teflon grill out, but the old fashioned Norwegian in me can't imagine how you would get perfect brown spotting on your lefse with teflon. If you have made your dough properly, sticking is not usually a problem. Its loaded with butter!! The controls are easy to use, and out of the way. Customer service with this company is great. My lefse grill is holding up after 20 years, but my mom did need some work done on hers and they are communicative and helpful. Fixed it right up! Don't be afraid, this is not rocket science. Trust me, if I can do it, you can do it. Order one today!

Fast and convenient cooking
I bought this grill to make lefse but so far I have only used it for tortillas and pancakes. It works wonderfully and cooks 4 -5 pancakes or tortillas at a time. I can cook them in less than half the time it took using a skillet on the stove. It has been easy to clean too. Now I all I need to do is find the time to make lefse!

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Mountain Woods 4 Piece Mahogany Caesar Salad Set



Attractive and fun
This salad set adds character to the kitchen! The dark stained wood is attractive, and it is as much a decoration as something we use on special occasions. If you don't have a great deal of space on your table, this is also a charming way to enhance your table setting without getting in the way of other dishes. The bowl is not attached to the 3-legged platform, so you can always separate it if needed, though don't put it near anyone's elbows or you'll have a bit of a mess. . While it's not best to use the dishwasher, it takes little time to clean. Comes boxed with legs disassembled: each of the long legs comes in two pieces and they screw together easily. These attach to the base. Easy setup, great look!

great salad bowl
This was a great purchase. Really great value, was shipped to me in perfect condition and arrived quickly.

Needs to be bigger
The actual bowl is very nice, though it's not big enough for me. I think a bigger bowl would look more proportional on the stand. I may need to return. Ord'd for a wedding shower and there was some kind of misunderstanding on delivery time. Amazon said expedited 2 day delivery. Vendors definition of expedited was more like a week. I did rec in their time frame but missed the shower. When i emailed the vendor they did respond right away.

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Eva Solo Chopping Boards with Holder, Set of 3, White



Great
Well definitely overpriced these are a really nice and stylish set to have on your counter top. Not sure why they are so expensive though.





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Marquis by Waterford Brookside Double Old-Fashioned Glasses, Set of 4



Excellent Glass!
I love these glasses. These are not for a small drink, more medium sized. The glass is heavy and not made for a very small person (child). It is nothing like cheap barware in a restaurant. Rather, it is something you want in your hand, and something that will help you enjoy a mixed drink. Wine wont work well in this glass. I'd recommend cashing in on the deal where you can buy 4 sets and only pay for three (but I recommend mixing/matching with other similar sets of Marquis. Enjoy!

beautiful, well crafted
These German-made crystal glasses have good heft and feel good in the hand. The facets gleam. Delivery was prompt.

Beautiful
This is a quality and beautiful glass. The size is great too. The price was reasonable and the glasses were shipped perfectly.

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All-Clad 6213 SS Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe 3-Quart Saucier Cookware, Silver



Great Kitchen Workhorse!
I have had this pan for almost a year now and I have been very impressed with its performance. It was my first piece of All Clad and I bought it because I wanted a copper pan with the maintenance ease of stainless steel. I was a bit skeptical that it would have the same temperature response that a regular copper pan has, but I'm pleased to report that it does. I can take liquids from a roiling boil down to a non-boil and back again literally instantaneously by turning the burner knob (I have a gas stove) -- the pan is that responsive. Also, the heat is conducted uniformly all the way up the sides -- you can put your finger along the top edge of the exposed copper sandwich and feel the heat transferred immediately when you turn on the burner. Since it is so responsive, you generally need to use a lower heat setting than with a regular aluminum/stainless pan or food will burn. This pan is a joy to cook with -- the shape is like a flat bottomed mixing bowl and is great for rice...

No complaints
Performs just as well as its 1-quart cousin, only the rivets are more proportionate and don't get in the way of your stirring. This thing gets hot fast, and that heat carries all the way up the sides, so you need to make sure you keep them scraped down (anything left stuck to them during cooking, including oil, will bake right on and become very difficult to remove without harsh abrasives that can damage the finish) and always use a towel or pot holder when grabbing for the lid--it will be nearly as hot as the pan itself.

I think anyone who makes candies or custards should own this thing. The evenness of heating is tough to beat and that smooth slope on the bottom makes getting your stirring implement down into those corners a trivial task.

Excellent pan; couple quirks
I'm not 100% convinced that the copper core is worth the premium price tag when the aluminum core Master Chef line performs about as admirably in terms of evenness of heating, but this one was in stock and the other one wasn't, so the choice was simple.

It's a tiny little guy, but a solid performer. It came up to temperature quickly, and my infrared thermometer showed the sides staying within 5-10 degrees of the bottom at all times with no significant hot or cold spots anywhere. I elected to prepare a very simple dish--Farina with coconut milk and palm sugar--for its maiden voyage, and it cooked well without any scorching at all. I actually had a hard time telling when it was done because of the complete absence of bubbles--something I'm used to seeing with my old pan which has hot spots a'plenty.

Some people have complained that All-Clad's 1-quart sauciers are off balance and easy to tip. While a bit of pressure on the end of the handle will indeed lift the...

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Marquis by Waterford Treviso 8-Inch Candle Holders, Set of 2



Fabulous gift!
We needed a gift for a recent wedding that we could not attend.In lieu of doing our own legwork to obtain the crystal candlesticks we knew she wanted,we choose online shopping - a life saver! The candlesticks fit her personality perfectly (my own daughter wanted to keep them) Classic,elegant and the perfect gift and experience!Definitely recommend.

Beautiful Candle Holders
I recently received these as a wedding present from my best friend. They are absolutely beautiful and a wonderful addition to our home. I am so proud to have them on my mantel and look forward to enjoying them for years to come.

Very classic look
So much easier than silver, yet very formal. Perfect for my dining room table. May see if other sizes available.

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Cadco PCR-1S Professional Cast Iron Range, Stainless



When you need reliability...
I love this single burner range...I serially bought one of several different models (of single burner ranges) locally, tested them, and returned them all. I was disgusted. Then I got this one. It was considerably more expensive, but its rock-solid and has been in use about 18 hours a day, 24 in some cases, for several months.

Its a great size for pans and regular pots, but a bit too large for the smaller pots, like 1-1.5 qt (or even a 2.5 qt, if the latter's got a windsor bottom).

It warms up very quickly, and cools off more gently. If you're used to cooking with gas, this will be a shock because it's cast iron and holds the heat. If you're experienced in cooking with cast iron (pots, pans, ranges :), you'll find it utterly predictable, or at least I do. Sometimes you just have to remove the pan for a few seconds and turn OFF (not down) the heat.

I consider it easy to clean. I've never done more than blow a few crumbs off on the cast iron burner, but I...

Better Than Expected
I was worried about ordering online and not being able to see the product in person. I was so surprised that it was so much better than I expected. I used it for canning and had a giant pressure cooker sitting on it. It performed perfectly and because it is so well made I expect that it will last me for years. Due to the fact the top area around the burner is metal you do not have to worry about a large pot extending out over the side of the burner and melting any plastic like other models on the internet. Well worth the price.

Relatively expensive - but worth it.
This is a quality, substantial, well-built hotplate which is made in Germany. It is not a range. - Ranges consist of several hotplates and at least one oven.

The cast iron surface is very well-finished, providing good friction to hold pots in place. The "slow-reacting" nature of cast iron burners renders them superb for many uses where constant even heat is required - though less suitable for use where quick temperature adjustments are required. There is fine control of the heat output and it works superbly with cast iron dutch ovens. It also makes an excellent extra burner for those few times they are needed, and its portability makes it a good warming plate for use on or near the table.

This is NOT an inexpensive Wallymarket special. It is solidly built of stainless steel and is substantial enough to support and heat a full 14" diameter 30 qt. pot. - though at 120v 1500w, it does take quite a long time to reach a boil. Great for an outdoor cookout...

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J.K. Adams Ash Wood 40-Bottle Wine Rack, Natural



What a nice little wine rack
It's inexpensive. It can be assembled in minutes a variety of different ways to accomodate whatever space you have available and it is attractive. I just ordered a second one.

Assembles easily into 'diamond' pattern vs. square shown
Even though the pictures (and the assembly instructions) don't depict it, this kit assembles quite easily such that the openings are in a diamond shape vs. square (turn your head 45 degrees while looking at the picture and you will get the idea).

Using a hammer, I assembled two '12 bottle' sets together in this manner, without wood glue or additional fastening, and it sits solidly on my bar, and looks much better in my view.

There are slight downsides though -- you do lose about one bottle capacity assembled this way -- e.g., I can rack 22 bottles vs. 24 had I used the square configuration (this is true because rack sits on a series of trianges must be subtracted from total capacity)
The second downside is that the bottle does not sit firmly cradled between the flat spots of two thick dowels, as it does in the square configuration. Assembled with a diamond opening, it sits on the flat spot of one dowel only, and the bottle either rolls slightly to the left...

Great product that is simple to use
I have 4 of these kits that I have used to construct the racking system in my wine closet. They are fairly easy to assemble and all of the parts are made to specification so everything fits together well.

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Sport Tea Cold 7.00 BAG (Pack of 12)



Best Tea I have ever had
I drink 2 quarts of this a day, give or take, for almost 2 years now. I love iced teas, I love hot teas. I have never liked a tea as much as I do with Sportea.

I highly suggest the 7 bag version over the 20 bag version. I much prefer this cold, in fact I really don't like it hot at all. The little bags in the 20 count box just don't work out well for making cold tea in the right amounts.

I make 1 Nalgene bottle at a time, 1 tea bag and I fill it to the brim. This makes the perfect amount of tea for the bag. Put 2 bottles in the fridge at a time and I am all set. I let it sit between 4 (never less than 4 hours) and 16 hours. I rarely drink it if it brewed longer than 16 hours because it gets a funny bitter taste to it that I do not care for. At the 4 hour mark I think it hits it peak, and then mellows for a few hours and then begins to oversteap after 12-16 hours.

I always cold brew it. The hot brew accentuates the bitterness, which I must...

The Ultimate Tea!
Best tasting tea ever. Very refreshing and thirst-quenching. Better than water, better than soda. Glad I could find it on Amazon.

Best drink around!
I really enjoy SPORTea and my purchase through Amazon was exceptional. The price was right and it was shipped fast. SPORTea is one of the most refreshing beverages and it's so good for you. I have introduced all of my friends and family to it and so far everyone loves it. If you're looking for a no calorie, caffefine free delicious drink, you can't go wrong with SPORTea. I always feel better after a tall glass. And it's good brewed hot! What more could you ask for. TRY IT!

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Zojirushi NYC-36 20-Cup (Uncooked) Commercial Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel



Plenty of Room, Plenty of Rice
I bought a few of these to use as food service items for my summer camp. I have no complaints; it is rugged, works well and is a reliable rice cooker. I have had this model for three years now, and have no need to replace it or purchase an alternative. This was a good choice; I plan to purchase additional cookers in the future.

Mr. Greatway rates Zojirushi Rice Cooker
I use The Zojirushi commercial rice cooker in my business kithcen everyday all day and it does the job. Its nice having a hinged lid (when I open the cooker I do not have to find a place to set lid.) You will pay a bit more for this product than other brands -- it is well worth it!!

really good for restaurant
I have using this product over 2 years, no problem, this is the best rice cooker for restaurant use,

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Zojirushi THA-803S 8-Liter Electric Rice Warmer, Stainless Steel



Reliable commercial rice warmer
Pros : Very reliable, excellent built quality compare to other brand (I've used 'Tiger', 'Zojirushi' and 'Welbon')

Con : none

Great Product
I have the old one for 17 years for my restaurant and it still works good. This one is good so far but it is a little too big for me, i guess i should order a smaller one. Most electronic things won't last long these days, I hope the quality will be as good as the old one i have.



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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

All-Clad Stainless 14-Inch Open Stir Fry



Excellent for Large Portions
I did not find a problem with the balance, as previously mentioned by another reviewer. The only thing a potential buyer needs to be aware of is, that if they are planning on tossing their food, they had better be strong because this unit is heavy! Other than that, it proves to be very useful for large portions. It heats quickly, heats evenly, holds the heat and leaves plenty of room to stir. Yes, it does heat evenly and allows the heat to drift up the sides. The purpose of a stirfry pan is to allow heat to move the sides of the pan to allow food touching the sides of the pan to cook as well. Now keep in mind, there isnt a perfect stirfry pan out on the market if you are cooking on a traditional gas top, flat top or coil range. True frying ala Asian style is done on an open flame!

Great Western wok, differs dramatically from traditional Chinese wok
For a flat bottomed, Western style wok that will work on flat ranges / stove tops, this is an excellent wok.
Recommended if you can afford the it!

For it:
- Excellent heat distribution / conductivity / diffusion thanks to aluminum core. This wok heats quickly throughout the flat bottom and heats gently up the sides.
- Grips food well enough when pushing food up the sides to lower temperatures.
- Low heat retention compared to thick cast iron.
- Excellent All-Clad build quality. This wok is sturdy!
- Cleans up easily with hot water, soap, and light scrubbing.
- 18/0 magnetic stainless steel bottom works great on induction range.
- No non-stick coating. You can get this wok very hot for proper stir frying!
- Wide. Ample space for a large stir fry. This is both a pro and a con since it will consume a lot of space on your range.

Against it:
- Heavy (about 5 pounds or 2.3 kg). Weak arms may not be able to lift this...

Really Great "Wok"
I order this for my husband's birthday. He is quite a chef and likes to make Asian stir fry, but his old wok was in need of replacement. Most of our cookware is All-Clad so I ordered this for him and he loved it. I expected great quality from All-Clad and it delivered. Not only does he love the way it cooks but it also cleans beautifully (I know, I do the dishes!). I highly recommend this item.

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All-Clad 5201.5 Stainless 1-1/2-Quart Saucepan with Lid



Outrageous All Clad Warranty Performance
I purchased the 1 1/2 quart pan in October. In December it delaminated on a portion of the base - an area about 1/2 inch wide, and 5 inches long. In January, after Christmas, I returned the pan to All Clad after some difficulty in finding out from them where to send the pan. I was on hold on two different lines for a long time. I did send the pan per FedEx on January 19. I heard nothing from them. In mid February I called to check on status only to hear that it took six weeks for processing and testing. After waiting another 3-4 weeks (now March 12) I called again only to be told they could not find my pan, but would check and call back in 48 hours. On March 18, I still had not heard from the company so I call back and this time spoke with a manager or supervisor. Now my pan is "on the way to New Jersey" but had to wait "because it went with a large pallet" of goods. (My sympathy to the others who have sent in defective pans!!!) I insisted on a call back tomorrow - we will...

pretty good
The size of this pan is great for a lot of uses. I am disappointed in the wall thickness though. The wall on this pan is thinner than the 1 qt I bought a couple of years ago.

All lCad Door Busters are must have
All Clad has two pots at bargain prices to lure cooks in to the pleasures of top quality cookware--the 8" fry pan and the 1 1/2 qt. sauce pan. You deserve both of them so don't hesitate. My mother is 89 and a true penny squeezing Depression Era baby. I gave her the 1 1/2 qt. sauce pan and to my surprise the last time I visited she had bought the fry pan for her self. She liked the looks (she leaves these pans out on the stove just because she likes the look of quality) and appreciated the even heating and ease of cleaning. If you buy these two pieces you will probably come back for more thus justifying All Clad's marketing strategy. I know I sound like an All Clad shill, but don't hesitate, it's a bargain.

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Bayou Classic 8000 80-Quart Aluminum Stockpot with Boil Basket



Is there ever such a thing as too large?
This is an impressively large and sturdy pot that I'm sure will last for years of occasional use. The handles seem sturdy as does the basket and its lifting handle. The lid is a bit thin and if dropped could get warped easly, but it is aluminum so easy to bend back. I only have one complaint; I would have liked the basket to be a little shorter, that way I could put something in the bottom of the pot to leave a space to use it as a steamer. As it is, if I put even a 1" spacer in the bottom, then the lid doesn't sit tight.

I don't agree with the reviewer that said it was flimsy. I think that is just the feel of aluminum compared to the normal steel pots we are all used to. Even the higher end aluminum pots that cost twice as much still have the "flimsy feel". But I will say this isn't a professional grade pot, it you plan on using it every day or every weekend you may want to invest in something better. For me, I'll use it 3-4 times a year, and I have no doubt it...

Excellent pot for crawfish boils!
This is an excellent pot for crawfish or other seafood boils! The aluminum is thick and sturdy, and the handles are heavy duty. I am not worried at all about it handling a full load of water and seafood! I'm trying it out in a few weeks when it gets warmer, but I can tell already that it will get the job done (I've done quite a few crawfish boils before and have seen inferior pots).

I would prefer it if the boil basket were slightly higher, but you don't really want to overfill the pot anyway, so it's a good precaution.

In terms of what it will hold, it should cook up to 60 lbs of seafood, along with corn, potatoes, and sausage, in one batch!

Gets it done
I have 2 of these that have cooked several thousand pounds of crawfish.
They easily cook up to 1 1/2 bags of crawfish with vegetables. The pots are fairly thick and strong but will get dented with gentle abuse. The strainer basket are more likely to bend as they are a lot thinner. But what the heck, these dents don't adversely effect their cookability. In fact, they give the pots character! If you get one that has a minor dent or two, don't worry about it or send it back. Just use it. It will cook as good as a perfect one. Also, getting a dented one takes away the worry of when you are going to dent it yourself. Hey - predented pots should actually cost more!

You should use a high output burner with these big boys. The Bayou Classic double jet burner (SP2) works great at getting them hot fast and keeping them hot. You need a powerfull burner for re heating your spiced water after your loads have cooled so the crawfish soak up the seasoning.

I have...

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All-Clad Copper Core 6 Quart Saute Pan



Wow
Ever since receiving one as a gift, this piece has been the pride and joy of my cookware collection. Having a thick interior layer of copper, the pot is quite heavy, and conducts heat more evenly than the calphalon pan I used to use. The extra money for the copper core is definitely worth it. If I had the money, I'd stock my entire kitchen with this line.

I never worry about things sticking to the bottom of the pot. The trick is to heat the pan on low to medium-low heat for a few minutes before putting oil in the pot, and then letting the oil heat for a few minutes until it begins to smoke.

Stainless steel is much easier to clean than either hard-anodized aluminum or copper. Getting it clean enough to use is a breeze, although personally, I insist on scrouring it until it shines like new simply because I like this pot so much.

Oh, and if you regularly cook for more than 1-2 people, you'll need a bigger version of this pot. I rarely do, and even so, I find this pot to be a...

The best you can buy (at a steep price)
I think I'm a little crazy for buying this. I just had to find out if the copper-core was really better than an aluminum one. It is, but not by that much. You can buy a pan from Cuisinart's Multiclad series that will do the same thing almost as well for a much cheaper price.

That being said, this thing is very well designed. The rolled-lip is useful for pouring. The radius of curvature where the bottom meets the sides is large enough to allow for utensils to easily get in there (a problem with most pans). The handle stays cool and is well designed. Overall, this is the best 2-quart saute pan money can buy. Is it worth it? That's up to you.

Great saute pan
I own the 3 quart version of this pan, which measures almost 11" across and has plenty of room for meals for 2-4 people. I also own the 10" Copper Core frying pan, which gets more use than this pan because it's lighter, browns a little better, and the sloping sides make the food easier to handle in the pan. This saute pan does an admirable job of browning, though, and the high sides are essential for foods that will finish their cooking in liquid. If you can only afford one pan from the Copper Core line, I'd suggest this one over the frying pan, because it's more versatile. I've found that the space available in the 3-quart saute is roughly equivalent to an All-Clad 12" frying pan, plus it comes with a lid, making this a great option for those just starting out with Copper Core.

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Air Pot Beverage Dispenser - 74 oz. Color: Polished Stainless



This thing is a blessing
I cannot believe that I haven't bought one earlier. If you love tea - or coffee for that matter - and drink it a lot, or just want to keep it warm for your office, don't hesitate to buy it. There are various sizes, I chose this one because that's about how much tea I drink a day. Once I received it, of course I tested it. After 24 hours my tea was still hot, after 36 it was very warm. I guess as there's less liquid inside, it will get cooler faster too.

I also love the color, although it isn't at all what it looks like on the picture. I could best describe it as white gold.

This thing is easy to clean, the only thing is that it's too tall for my sink so rinsing is a little difficult. (I can't just put it under the tap.) There is an open/close lever on top that could serve well families with little children.

If you're thinking of buying one of these Air Pots from Zojirushi, don't wait longer, you'll really love it. Just decide on the size, and make your...

This is what Zojirushi is known for - their glass Vaccuum AirPots
This size and larger glass vacuum Airpots have excellent heat retention staying steaming hot for sure 12 hours later and often 24 hours later. That steaming part will amaze anyone. Do know that I always pre-fill with boiling hot water and let it sit a bit before filling with the hot liquid. No other Air Pot that I know of does this. It is quality through and through. The smaller Airpots do not stay is hot as the larger ones, but they are still better than all brand names.

I had read so many comments about Zojirushi Airpots. Some of the complaints are misinformed. Like the comment that the top is difficult to take off and place back on. Just learn the trick to it and it won't be difficult at all. It all depends on the angle and sticking your finger on the metal bar to be able to feel when it pops into place.

Even the smaller stainless steel vacuum travel mugs keep things steaming hot for my husband all day at work.

There is nothing wrong with...



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Chef's Design 4.8-Quart Stainless-Steel Pressure Cooker



Excellent quiet pressure cooker
I am really pleased with this pressure cooker. I was a bit timid about buying this since I've only used the old models before, the ones with loud whistles that sound like steam engines. This one has multiple safety feature, very quiet, easy to clean, and come with a second lid and steam racket if you want other things. It also comes with a booklet with some recipes and instructional/safety manual. The only very minor complaints I have is that the stupid yellow sticker on lid is a bit annoying and I never really fully removed that. But overall I'm really happy with this, and I can't imagine cooking curry without pressure cooker anymore.

Easy, durable and multifunctional
I would reccomend this product 100%. I also like the second lid that comes with it. Only used it a couple times so far but seems durable too.

Be Prepared to Return It
I can't review the actual product because both of these pressure cookers that I've ordered have arrived with a part broken in the handle. It was the identical part in the identical place on the handle. It was probably caused by the fact that the lid of the pressure cooker was placed on top of the pressure cooker instead of being packaged separately. Interestingly, the see-through lid was packaged in a separate box inside the main box. Amazon handled the replacement in a very timely manner, and I was not charged shipping for either the replacement or the return. The 2nd one is going back, and I'm not going to risk having a 3rd one sent. In September, 2006, I originally ordered the Fagor Duo Combi Pressure Cooker Set. It, too, arrived with a broken handle. In all cases, I would attribute the problems to poor packaging. I'd love to get a pressure cooker to try, but I'm going to have to buy one from a local store where I can inspect the product immediately. Unfortunately, I have...

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Calphalon One Nonstick 4-1/2-Quart Saucepan with Glass Lid



Very good
I bought this sauce pan last week. The quality is very good. The handle design is quite comfortable. I tested the even heat distribution by broiling the water and watched the water bubbles forming at the bottom of the pan. I found no hot spot. It responded to the change in the heat setting is average. It's kind of heavier than All-Clad LTD for the same size of pan. I'm not sure about how long it will last under the normal daily usage yet. For the initial impression, this Calphalon One Non-stick cookware can stand up to the more expensive cookware such as All-Clad - LTD, Stainless steel, MC2. Look for the bargain. It's worth the cost.





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