Showing posts with label kitchen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kitchen. Show all posts

8/09/2012

Oster 20-Cup Digital Rice Cooker Review

Oster 20-Cup Digital Rice Cooker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have no idea what the problem is with this item, but after attempting to find one that works in my local area, I give up. I've taken three of them back to the place of purchase hours after buying it. Why? Because despite following manufacturer's instructions to the letter (and rinsing the rice, and following guidelines for usage, and following their recipes), the thing shuts down halfway through the first cycle of usage and quite simply stops working...it actually appears to be shorting out or something, though judging from the rank plastic smells that have consistently filled my kitchen, I'm guessing the thermostat is flawed and allowing the unit to overheat and burn out.
Used to be you could count on Oster for high quality and long lived products. I'm convinced those days are gone for good. Nothing I've bought from this company recently has been up to snuff--and this rice cooker is the bottom of the barrel. AVOID this unit.

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7/18/2012

Oster RDXSS43 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, Stainless Steel Review

Oster RDXSS43 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, Stainless Steel
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(More customer reviews)
This Oster coffee maker has all the premiums features -- programmable brew time, steel mesh reusable filter, easy-to-read clock, brew pause, "aroma" setting for stronger coffee, and automatic shut-off. The clock, which glows blue, is easy to read in both daylight and dark. Unlike some models, which have the water level mark visible through a gauge on the outside, this one uses a step system that shows inside the reservoir how much water has been added. The "inside only" view of water level allows for a cleaner, all-stainless look on the outside, but some people may not like to judge either by the carafe markings or by looking inside.
Pros:
-- It looks nice on the counter, especially with other stainless steel appliances in the kitchen.
-- The features all work well, without any complicated steps or procedures.
-- The included, removable basket is deep enough to minimize overflow when brewing 12 cups.
-- Smooth exterior surface and easily removed basket makes it easy to clean.
-- Heating element turns off automatically after two hours to avoid burning coffee or leaving it on all day. (See cons as well.)
-- Very easy to program
-- Coffee brews hot and stays hot.
Cons:
-- Reservoir lid is large/deep, and you have to pull it out from under cabinets to fill it. Do not purchase if you don't have enough counter space/depth to pull it out, or if you cannot position it free from overhangs.
-- Carafe lid is difficult to remove
-- The heating element turns off automatically after two hours, which may be too soon for some people.
-- Brew time is somewhat slow, even without selecting the aroma feature.
-- Since Oster isn't a big name in coffee makers, obtaining replacement carafes over time may be more difficult.
I can't comment on longevity; however, people who live in hard water areas and who don't use a water softener should descale with vinegar on a regular basis. When I lived in such a situation, my coffee makers of varying brands seldom lasted longer than four years, even with monthly cleaning.
Although the Oster is a great option, I prefer the Cuisinart DCC-1200 12-Cup Brew Central Coffeemaker. The difference is that the Oster is often discounted, which takes it to a lower price point where it becomes a real value. Shop around for the best prices.
-- Debbie Lee Wesselmann

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7/16/2012

Waring Pro YM350 Professional Yogurt Maker Review

Waring Pro YM350 Professional Yogurt Maker
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I picked this up at a B&M store because I couldn't find the Cuisipro yogurt maker locally, and I didn't want to wait for shipping.
Overall, it's a great yogurt maker. Very easy to use, and it makes delicious yogurt. I really like that it comes with two different sizes of jars, so you can choose to make either individual servings or two larger amounts. Also, mine turns itself off when the cycle is done, although I can't find mention online or in the instruction book about an auto-off. The black and chrome matches my other kitchen appliances, so I don't have to hide it away with my other few white gadgets that don't match the rest of the kitchen.
The one issue I have with this yogurt maker: The base is large enough to hold 7 of the single-serve jars. The recipes in the book that comes with it makes enough for 7 jars. But it only comes with 6 jars. This is a little frustrating, as you end up wasting some of the milk mixture when you use it.
Replacement jars are available for order if you call Waring's customer service, and I plan on buying an extra set, anyway, so I can make the next batch before the first is used up. But I am really annoyed that they don't even give you enough jars in the first place. So now I will actually have to order 8 to make two sets of 7.
Otherwise....It's a great product.

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6/04/2012

Krups FME4 12 Cup Glass Programmable Coffeemaker Review

Krups FME4 12 Cup Glass Programmable Coffeemaker
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I'm at a loss as to the problems some other reviewers have had with this coffeemaker. I actually purchased the white unit but it's the same as this one except for the color and metal trim. I bought this machine locally and then went and read the reviews here on Amazon to make sure it was an OK unit. I was on the verge of returning it due to some of the negative comments but I figured "ah, to heck with it" and went ahead and set it up. First off, it makes a great cup of coffee and it's EASY to program. The pot is easy to pour...NO DRIPS and the water level indicator works as it should. I just wonder if all the negative reviewers work for the competition because I found no problems with this unit at all. Now, of course, time will tell if it will last many years as did my last machine but my first impressions are very good.

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4/02/2012

Braun KFK500-BK AromaDeluxe 10-Cup Replacement Carafe, Black Review

Braun KFK500-BK AromaDeluxe 10-Cup Replacement Carafe, Black
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My husband loves this coffee pot. The problem is, it is a little sensitive. He was washing it with a brush and barely bumped it on the sink, and while it did not break it did put a large crack around the carafe. We are very careful while handling it, primarily for the reasons listed by other reviewers, and we've only had it about 6 weeks. Maybe the glass is a little thin or not tempered properly? Either way, be careful while washing it.

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3/08/2012

Krups FMF5 Coffee Maker Review

Krups FMF5 Coffee Maker
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Krups FMF5-14 10-cup programmable coffee machine, black.
I just don't understand all the negative reviews about this Krups Coffee Maker. Was there a plastic smell while brewing? Yes, but only the first time running only water through the machine & not at all since. Were there air bubbles in the gauge that tells you how many cups you are brewing? Again yes the first time I used it with water only. All I had to do is remove the plastic indicator, blow through it and presto no more bubbles. It really isn't rocket science.
I am not a a light coffee drinker & I have about 3-4 mugs a day, my coffee is very important to me, so when I read all the negative reviews about this coffee maker I panicked. I went out and bought a Cussinart Thermal Coffee Maker instead, that was a mistake.
I used to belong to the Gevalia Coffee Club & when I joined I got a free 12 cup non-thermal coffee maker. It made/makes great coffee. It is the one I have been using for over 8 years. I had learned years ago that even though it had the Gevalia name on it, it was actually made by Krups. I should of ignored the bad reviews of the Krup FMF5 Thermal Coffee Maker & go with a brand I know works great.
I returned my Cussinart, got this coffee maker & couldn't be happier. This Krups makes great coffee, keeps it hot for hours & is hassle free. It also has some nice features like a water filter in the reservoir & an empty reservoir warning just to name a few. There is no plastic taste in the coffee.
So just follow the simple instructions & recommendations, sit back & enjoy a great cup of coffee. Come back in a few hours & you can do the same.

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2/20/2012

Krups KM1000 10-Cup Stainless-Steel Coffeemaker Review

Krups KM1000 10-Cup Stainless-Steel Coffeemaker
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Some have commented in their reviews that the coffeepot drips, that the pot itself is difficult to remove and replace into its alcove, or that the coffeemaker spontaneously turns on. I value the consumer reviews posted here and usually heed them, but I loved the look of this coffeemaker so much and could find no other brands to match the styling and features of the KM1000 that I decided to risk it and order. So far, I have experienced none of these problems, and have been very happy with my purchase. The Krups KM1000 is a great little coffeemaker that not only makes a great-tasting, piping hot cup of coffee but looks good while doing it. Programming is easy and the price is right. My only fault with Krups is that not even a sample pack of cone filters was included with the coffeemaker as a courtesy, so be prepared with size 4 cone filters if you want to start brewing out of the box.

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11/27/2011

Zojirushi NP-HBC18 10-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer with Induction Heating System, Stainless Steel Review

Zojirushi NP-HBC18 10-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer with Induction Heating System, Stainless Steel
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We thought we knew what rice was supposed to be like when we used our Costco Aroma Rice Cookers--we would just, as a matter of course, replace the old ones with the same brand... Until this time.
After reading up on consumer reviews and Japanese sites, we opted to try the Zojirushi Induction Heating Rice Cooker. The stainless steel is STUNNING--the pictures do NOT do it justice--it is gorgeous on my countertop--a piece of furniture, like the KitchenAid Mixer. It is easy to set up (clock time, etc) and easy to use. (The directions are very clear.) I tried some Jasmine Rice in it for our first try--and WOW! I was totally amazed! Each piece of rice is perfect in every way. I have never had such results before. Perfect temperature, perfect texture, perfect stickiness, perfect taste. The aroma in the kitchen fills the house and it's wonderful.
There is very little steam (unlike most rice cookers) and it is very easy to clean up. It keeps the rice at that perfect temperature for hours--even longer with the extended warm feature.
I know it's expensive--but in this case, I truly believe you get what you pay for. If you want to know what rice is supposed to be like--you must get one of these! Zojirushi makes a couple of different types of rice cookers--and I have heard that they are all terrific. This one cooks with induction heating, which uses magnets... the unit doesn't get hot...
If you can--get this one!


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11/14/2011

Zojirushi 6 Cup Rice Cooker / Steamer Review

Zojirushi 6 Cup Rice Cooker / Steamer
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I love my rice cookers. I use them not only to make rice, but for all sorts of one-pot meals. Put in a cup of rice, vegetables, meats or seafood, seasonings, tofu... and a half hour later you have a steaming hot one-pot meal. They're also good for pilafs and other grain dishes.
The Zojirushi and Panasonic units are all first rate, BUT you need to know a little something about cooking rice beyond what's in the poorly worded manuals.
Different rice takes different amounts of water. The long-grained rice Americans are used to should be cooked with 1-3/4 cup of water for each cup of rice. Japanese rice needs only 1-1/4 cup of water for each cup of rice, or 1 cup of water for each cup of washed, wet, rice.
Many Americans (and Europeans) have problems with these cookers because the measure ments are calibrated for Japanese short grain rice, and the Westerners are cooking long grain rice. Get the ratios correct, and everything works out fine.
I've had a number of rice cookers of different sizes. My Panasonic has lasted over 20 years, and my Zojirushi looks like it'll last just as long, while my South Bend gave up the ghost after only a year. Go with the top Japanese models; they're made for day-in and day out cooking.

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Plump, tender and moist grains of rice, with the option of colorful steamed veggies, can be yours with this cooker/steamer. No need to worry about rice drying out and sticking to the sauce pan either, as the "keep warm" function will maintain ideal temperature and consistency until you're ready to serve. Use the steamer basket for chicken, seafood, or vegetables - healthy cooking was never this easy!

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10/18/2011

Zojirushi NS-RNC10 Automatic 5.5-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer Review

Zojirushi NS-RNC10 Automatic 5.5-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer
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The Zojirushi cooker (both our old and this new one) does a splendid job cooking white and brown rice to the right consistency if properly prepared. The stay warm feature is great! We can cook a full pot of rice and leave it in the cooker for a couple of days and it stays warm and fresh. [Of course, you need to be careful to use common sense precautions to make sure you don't cause an environment where bacteria breed (i.e., like using unclean serving utensils).] The price may seem a little steep, but since we will use it nearly every day for years (like to old one), it's well worth the price.
We had used a 10 cup Zojirushi rice cooker/warmer for about four years until I damaged the nonstick liner by rinsing rice in it (oops!). When I contacted the company to see about getting a replacement liner, I was told it was $50 plus shipping! After an internet search, I found this 5.5 cup Zojirushi for a nominal amount more money.
We eat a lot of rice - almost daily, but honestly, a 5.5 cup cooker is just the right size for a family of 4 to 6. (We had never made 10 full cups of uncooked rice in the old cooker.) My mom's the connoisseur of rice brands - her rice always comes out perfect each time. Also over the many years she's cooked rice - what use to take some time and constant watching on the stove to get the perfect rice, the cooker/warmer does very efficiently without the worry of burning the rice.
As additional info for those who don't cook much rice, we use to cook white rice but now we cook brown rice. Took getting use to the switch to brown rice, but now we prefer it. We soak the brown rice for about 1/2 to 2 hours in water before cooking it and add a little more water than for white rice. (I believe the recipe that comes with the cooker says this.) It's not as difficult as I'm probably making it out. And, finally, you want to make sure you don't use metal utensils, abrasive cleaners, or abrasive scouring pads in the non-stick liner (or wash your rice in it!) to prolong its life.

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This electric rice cooker from Zojirushi is the simplest way to steam your rice and veggies for dinner. It can cook up to 5.5 cups of rice, and features a detachable inner lid for easy cleaning. The non-stick pan is removable, and the locking lid and keep-warm system keeps rice fresh and moist for up to 12 hours. The pot also features a built-in retractable cord and a side condensation collector to keep your rice from getting soggy. Accessories include rice paddle, paddle holder and measuring cup.
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9/24/2011

Cuisinart CRC-400 4-Cup Rice Cooker Review

Cuisinart CRC-400 4-Cup Rice Cooker
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It's easy to clean and sure looks great on your countertop!
Positive feedback stops here.
I made a mess out of cooking rice (all the negative reviews are true) until I figured that I should use slightly less water than the recommended quantity. After that, I spent 1 year using it nonstop (we eat rice every day).
365 days later, the non-stick bowl is BADLY chipped, like little bubbles that burst on the bottom and left pinhead-sized chips. I swear that I never used anything else than the included plastic scoop (and sponge for cleaning) and never ever scratched it, so I'm 100% sure the non-stick coating quality is to blame.
Add to that that non-stick coating is toxic*, this baby is out of my kitchen as soon as I can afford a Zojirushi. They're not as elegants, but they last forever.For more info on teflon toxicity, visit http://www.ewg.org
http://www.ewg.org/issues/pfcs/20051214/index.php


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Cuisinart 4 Cup Rice Cooker has a brushed stainless housing and embossed Cuisinart logo. Makes 4-7 cups of rice. Traditional Lever control with warm and cook settings

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9/05/2011

Cuisinart CEC-7 Egg Cooker Review

Cuisinart CEC-7 Egg Cooker
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I promised myself that I wasn't going to buy any more kitchen appliances. I have too many already. However, my boiled eggs have always been overcooked and rubbery, and I just knew that there must be a way to avoid that. When I read the description and reviews on this device, I bought one.
It came today and I immediately gave it a try. I had three Eggland's Best eggs that I wanted to hard boil for dinner. The operation is intuitive. I used the measuring cup mark for water for three hard cooked eggs, pierced the large end of the eggs and placed them in the holder (pierced end up), put the domed lid on and flipped the switch to ON. About 17 minutes later, the soft beeping sound notified me of the completion of the cooking. I removed the lid, using the handles, and placed the eggs in a bowl of icewater using tongs.
There was no problem of live steam hitting my hands, as mentioned in another review here. In fact, at the point when the completion alarm rings, there is no steam at all because the water is cooked away before the alarm sounds. At that point, all of the steam has escaped through the vent.
Although I will usually only cook 2 or 3 eggs at a time, having a capacity to cook 7 of them will be handy when it comes time to make egg salad or tuna salad.
There is a slight, unusual smell that comes from the unit when the eggs are done. I have no recollection of ever smelling it before. It isn't unpleasant, but it is unidentifiable to me. I suspect that it comes from some egg/water residue left behind when the water evaporates. I have to wipe the heating surface with a wet towel after I remove the eggs because an easy-to-remove residue appears. I suspect that the residue might become hard-to-remove if I don't wipe it away quickly.
I have never had more perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs before. Mine have always been rubbery, with the green-tinted yolks. These were a perfect consistency, with yellow yolks. I am quite pleased with this purchase. I will probably buy more for gifts.
Hard boiled eggs are often a part of my lunch and my breakfast. Now, I don't have to watch them boil and risk overcooking.

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CEC-7 Features: -Egg cooker. -Cooks up to 7 eggs in shells(hard, medium or soft). -Perfectly poaches up to 3 eggs at once. -Amount of water added precisely controls cooking time. -Auto shutoff prevent overcooking. -On/Off switch with indicator light. -Audible tone. -Brushed stainless steel lid. -Includes egg cooker, manual, warranty. -Manufacturer provides 3 year limited warranty. For more information on this product please view the Sheet(s) below: Egg cooker Specification Sheet

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8/13/2011

Zojirushi NS-VGC05 Micom 3-Cup Electric Rice Cooker and Warmer Review

Zojirushi NS-VGC05 Micom 3-Cup Electric Rice Cooker and Warmer
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I did a lot of research prior to choosing the Zojirushi rice cooker and luckily for me by the time I was ready to purchase the company had come out with this model NS-VGC05 which is very compact and perfect for one person or even two. It does an amazing job of cooking the rice to perfection. The instructions were easy to follow especially for being a novice. I am anxious to try the different settings for different rices and cakes. I called the company to find out about the built in clock. The instructions did not explain whether you have to have the unit plugged in to recharge the clock. The answer is that you do not have to have it plugged in. It is a lithium battery that has a 5-6 year life and then you would call the company directly to have it replaced.
The clean up was really easy again by following the instructions. I highly recommend this product. It is definitely worth the money paid!!!

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8/09/2011

Panasonic SRG06FG 3.3-Cup Automatic Rice Cooker Review

Panasonic SRG06FG 3.3-Cup Automatic Rice Cooker
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Fast easy no fuss way to make rice in a snap. The directions are a little Engrish-y. But in a nutshell:
Scoop out your desired rice amount say 2 cups(using the enclosed scoop).
Rinse the rice a few times in a strainer to get some of the starch out--help it from making a bubbly mess and I find it makes better sticky rice.
1.Dump rice in cooker.
2.Add water to the proper line. Two cups of rice means you add water up to the fill line 2. And yes you put in the water after the rice is already in there.
3.Turn on, wait 15 minutes for the cooker to shut off and let the rice sit unmolested for 15 minutes before eating. = perfect rice.
The directions also recommend soaking the rice for 30 minutes before turning the cooker on, I never do and the rice turns out perfect...let the steam do the work and don't stir or take the lid off while cooking.
Super easy clean up since the unit is non-stick. Can't ask for more at the price. I love mine.
Update: It's June 2008 and mine is still working great. I now don't even bother to rinse the rice first and I've never had my cooker bubble over. For making brown rice, I add a little more water than normal, say 1/4 cup.
Update: 2010, still works great and after running it (the cooker base insert) through the dishwasher all these years it has not yet chipped or scratched or flaked. Also found out the cooker works great with Vigo brands pre-packed Red Beans and Rice or Black Beans and Rice 8oz bags. (1 packet = fill line #2 of water)

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8/04/2011

RSVP Terry's Tamper Review

RSVP Terry's Tamper
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I have a DeLonghi EC155 and the smaller size fits very nicely for tamping. It is able to hold over 50 lbs of pressure with no problem. I used the tamping method from Good Eats, where you put 50lbs of pressure, then twist.

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7/16/2011

Aroma ARC-730G 10-Cup Rice Cooker & Food Steamer Review

Aroma ARC-730G 10-Cup Rice Cooker and Food Steamer
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This is my first rice maker and I love it! Much better than making it on the stove in a pot. The first rice I made in this was a brown rice, wild rice mix. It turned out perfectly. I even forgot to rinse it first, and I did not soak it like the directions required. The machine did not boil over. I just used an extra 1/4 cup water for each cup of rice I added. I also added in a small amount of butter. No sticking, no burning - just perfect rice. I also like that the removable pot is aluminum and not coated with toxic non-stick materials. The clean up was easy. For the price, compared to higher end models, I would recommend this rice maker/steamer to anyone.

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7/12/2011

Aroma 7-Cup Electric Water Kettle Review

Aroma 7-Cup Electric Water Kettle
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My new husband is English so it was important to find a kettle that was easy and convenient to use. This one is not only gorgeous in my red and black kitchen but it is super easy to fill, pour and heats up quickly! No drips and the auto shut off rocks for someone who may be forgetful! The base is great as you just set the kettle down in any direction. Great price...great product!

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