4/30/2012

Presto 08810 Professional Electric Knife Sharpener Review

Presto 08810 Professional Electric Knife Sharpener
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I found the Presto 08800 after searching for "knife sharpener" on Amazon. The positive reviews encouraged me, so I researched the sharpener on Presto's web site, where I learned how coarse the two stages are. I've been sharpening my knives with a couple whetstones for 20 years, so I guessed that I'd never need stage 1 on the 8800. Further, I guessed that after setting the edge with the 8800, I'd still be spending more time than I wanted with my stones. On Presto's site, I learned of this 8810 with the third stage and adjustable blade angle. I ordered it straight away and I'm glad I did.
After reading the instructions and the reviews of the 8800, I started with a disposable knife on stage 1. Yowsa! Unless you've used an electric sharpener before, start with a knife you don't care about. Stage 1 is "metal munching" mode, used to set an edge on VERY dull knives. The manual does point out that stage one may not be necessary. Allow me to clarify: unless your knife blade has nicks, or is spoon sharp, skip stage 1. Always. If in doubt, start with stage 2. If a few passes at stage 2 doesn't do it, then revert to stage 1.
After grinding away half of the cheap paring knife edge on stage one, I moved on to stages 2 and 3. By the time I was done, I had a remarkably sharp paring knife. Better still, the edge was uniform the full length, something I rarely achieve with my stones. Inspired and over-confident, I grabbed my 15 year old Henckel chef's knife. In a few minutes, I had an edge almost as pretty and sharp as factory. Except for that little gouge near the handle, where I let the knife rest a half-second too long before I started drawing it. Lesson learned.
This was my first time using an electric sharpener and my skill level improved significantly after the first couple knifes. From now on, I will start with my least favorite knife and end each session with my favorite.
The third stage is actually quite good. It's not as good as if I had laboriously honed the blade with my japanese waterstone. But that waterstone costs more than this sharpener! And it takes at least 10 times longer. The edge this sharpener puts on my blades is quite sufficient. And it takes so little time that I'll be using it far more often. Thank you Presto!
Update: When I wrote, "skip stage 1. Always," I hadn't considered yard maintenance tools. Last week I started pruning some hedges. I quickly realized my machete was quite dull. Presto! Several minutes and 5 passes through stage one had restored a glorious edge to my machete. Look out shrubs, Sir Whacks-A-Lot is coming for you!

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Victorio VKP1011 Apple and Potato Peeler, Clamp Base Review

Victorio VKP1011 Apple and Potato Peeler, Clamp Base
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I purchased this peeler because our church sells apple pies as a fund raiser. This is fast and easy to clean. With a bit of hand trimming of the top and bottom core area, you are done. It slices the apples, cores them, and the peels can be recycled if you have animals that enjoy scrapes. I like the clap style, I place it on a board then put the bushel of apples on top of the board.

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4/29/2012

Norpro 615 Jelly Strainer Bags, 2 Piece Set Review

Norpro 615 Jelly Strainer Bags, 2 Piece Set
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This was received in good fashion and is just perfect for making my chockcherry jelly. Works great too.

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Patty Caddy Hamburger Paddy Maker By Progressive International Review

Patty Caddy Hamburger Paddy Maker By Progressive International
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This seemed like a great idea, but it just has too many flaws for me. I've retired it after using it only twice.
PRO'S
- Stores neatly & dishwasher safe - that's it.
CON'S
- Makes burgers too big - the diameter of the cylinder is over 4.5". If you're using lean ground beef or turkey, they'll end up bigger than most hamburger rolls.
- If you remove the patties from the cylinder and freeze them with the dividers in place, it's very difficult to separate the burger from the divider.
- The split cylinder can be tricky to assemble and disassemble.
There are better presses out there. I'm giving this one away.

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4/28/2012

Back to Basics 220P23 Extra Coarse Salsa Screen Review

Back to Basics 220P23 Extra Coarse Salsa Screen
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Very happy with this product. The consistancy is PERFECT for salsa, I have used it twice with perfect results. My husband suggested I try it for tomato sauce as he likes a hearty, thick semi-chunky sauce. So I tried if for that too, and the sauce came out thick like puree after cooking. Highly recommended, great time saver.

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Chemical Free Hard Red Wheat Seed - 5 Lbs - Plant & Grow Wheatgrass, Flour, Grain & Bread, Emergency Preparation Food Storage - Excellent Germination Review

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4/27/2012

Progressive International Microwavable Butter Melter Review

Progressive International Microwavable Butter Melter
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I purchased this for butter, but have found it useful for microwaving all sorts of liquids, such as syrup. I have used it upteen times and there's no warping from heat, etc. It holds one cup.

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West Bend Digital Timer, White Review

West Bend Digital Timer, White
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WEST BEND made something very similar to this many years ago (like 10 or maybe 15 years ago?), ye old model number 40005. We liked them so well we kept two in our kitchen. One day, one finally stopped working (and it wasn't merely the battery). The other has developed a key bounce (typical of the technology).
SO, we tried a couple of those nasty 'press hold and wait (ho hum) until it gets there' timers that are (apparently) so popular (because those are all we could find around town) and we couldn't stand them. Thankfully, I found these on Amazon, the new model 40005X.
DIFFERENCES between the old and new models include: a) old used hearing-aid sized battery, new uses AAA. b) Old limited to 99 min and 99 seconds (4 digits), new can time up to 99 hours, 99 min, 99 seconds (6 digits). c) new has larger buttons! and larger display! d) old timer could only count down, new counts-down or counts up from zero. e) new is slightly larger and stands at 90 degrees on the battery compartment (as shown) or leans back to an easy to read (perhaps) 55-50 degrees on a fold-out clip. old couldn't stand at 90 degrees. f) old and new have the same volume. g) as I recall, the old model's magnet was too weak to hold it to the fridge, but new model's magnet is larger. (Our remaining old model no longer has a magnet; it fell off the fridge early on in its life and the magnet popped off -- I kid you not. I haven't dropped the new model yet, but it looks sturdier). Like someone else said, you'd have to take it off the fridge and hold it in your hand to set the timer. (We're used to leaving them on the counter).
USAGE EXAMPLEs: To set the timer to 4 hours, 30 minutes, press 4, 3, 0, 0, 0, and start. To count up, press stop/reset to zero the display (unless it is already zero) and then press start. (Great for the BBQ).
UPDATED Oct 21, 2008 - OHHHH NOOOO! One of the two units developed a problem with the display after only a little more than a month of use! The left-hand column for the minutes digit started flickering, and now it won't display! (i.e., It can't display a 1 in the minutes digit). New battery didn't help. Still works, just annoying. I guess they don't make them like they used to. (Made in China)
UPDATED Jul 13, 2009 - Regarding the unit that developed a problem with the display? I tightened the screws on the back cover plate and the minutes digit works perfectly again. We're so happy with this unit, we just ordered two more. (To use in our offices)


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Take the guesswork out of baking and cooking with West Bend's digital timer. An easy-to-read jumbo LCD display makes it easy to check time at a glance and, if you forget, there's still a built-in alarm function. The timer counts up to and from 100 hours, giving plenty of time for most any cooking task. The included clip, stand, magnet, and hanging hole make it easy to put the timer anywhere it's needed. A single AAA battery is required for power and comes included.

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4/26/2012

Professional Cross Wire Cooling Rack Half Sheet Pan Size Review

Professional Cross Wire Cooling Rack Half Sheet Pan Size
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Received this product and have used it for cooling cookies, sheet cakes, setting up a fried food draining rig (it fits inside a half-sheet pan perfectly), and roasting peppers.
Yes, roasting peppers.
In a bind and running behind, I placed it over a pair of burners and used it as a grill for blackening the skin of 12 green peppers I had planned to use for a dinner party. I thought it was ruined, but it cleaned up nicely with a soak in soap and water.
One heck of a multi-tasker!
Dimensions (for those unsure of what a sheet-pan is):
Full Sheet Pan: 26 x 18 x 1-inch
Half Sheet Pan: 13 x 18 x 1-inch

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Granite Ware 11-1/2 Quart Covered Preserving Canner with Rack Review

Granite Ware 11-1/2 Quart Covered Preserving Canner with Rack
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I have the bigger version of the Granite Ware canner and wanted something for smaller jars, and that would fit better on my stove top. Since I don't can the larger quart sized jars this is perfect for smaller jars (especially 8 oz. 1/2 pints). Also, this size is HARD TO FIND, and the rack that goes inside is a smaller so handles smaller jars better.

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4/25/2012

Lindy's Stainless Steel Stove Top Popcorn Popper, 6-Quart Review

Lindy's Stainless Steel Stove Top Popcorn Popper, 6-Quart
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I am very pleased with this popcorn popper. I would rate it 9.5 out of ten. What impresses me the most is that it works on an induction stove!!! It pops perfect popcorn and I use it almost every day. The only negative is that the crank handle turns harder than it should, the rod alignment throuth the handle is not perfect; but it is getting easier the more I use it.
I highly recommend it as it does an amazing job and I really prefer stainless steel over aluminum.

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Lemon / Lime Squeezer, Stainless Steel Review

Lemon / Lime Squeezer, Stainless Steel
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This product is made from sheet metal and it bends at the handles if you try to squeeze lemons with a thick rind. There are much better alternatives out there.

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4/24/2012

Margaritaville DM2000 Fiji Frozen Concoction Maker Review

Margaritaville DM2000 Fiji Frozen Concoction Maker
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First, I would rate it a 3.5
I purchased this item as I was tired of low quality drink mixers... I purchased the FIJI as it was the newest model out. It has a larger Ice holder and different settings for margaritas, daquiries, mudslides, and smoothies.
The machine is powerful and seemingly high quality. I feel it will last a long time. It does take some practice getting your recipies correct. Maybe its just me, but I also can NOT differentiate the drinks from the four different settings. A drink in the mudslide setting has the same texture as a Margarita....and etc. So I felt that was a waste for me. With the larger Ice Hopper thats nice, but easily available for the Key West version. I would rather have extra blending Jars as they are small and what I go through the most. The Key west seems to have the best matching ice reservoir for the blending jar. The drip through water catcher is nice... but very difficultt to clean. Its too narrow to wash by hand, you need to use a long handled something(minor inconvenience I guess).
Performance is nice. Its powerful and the ice shaver works well. very well actually/ But that too is extremely difficult to clean... If it comes out to clean, I cant figure mine out...so its pretty much just sticking a cloth it there to swap up melted ice, and hand pick out leftover ice. Its tricky as supports and the big blade can get you.
Also, probably the most fustrating thing is the ice hopper does not line up nicely with the blending jar opening. Its off about a 1/4 inch, but just enough for liquid to jump out when machine fires up. I was told I had too much liquid, but it does it no matter how much liquid I have in it. I now have to put the lid on the mixing jar at an angle so it lines up with the hopper, but this leaves an imperfect seal on the jar, and for full serving mixes it wants to come out the side of the lid.
Its also a big unit. We dont store appliances on our counter(actually wont fit under the counter wit the ice hopper on it), and we were limited as to where this unit would fit in our pantry... but thats fine, we made room. When mixing, the ice only feature is nice as you can really make a nice slushy drink for yourself or the kids if you wish. I pretty much only use the ice only and blend only buttons now, as the programmed settings either dont add enough ice for our taste or mixes it up too much. The no spill blending jar is not really no spill. It has a spout, but the glass is thick(quality), and that leads to dripping down the side when pouring. I would like to see them invent a high quality blending jar with a spout for pouring(as seen on cheap blenders)... now that would be the last great feature they would need to add.
I wish I had gotten the Key West to save money, but live and learn. Its a solid, decent looking machine that seems durable for years of use. I can live with its shortcomings operationally, but everytime I make a drink I cant get past the fact the blending jar does not line up perfectly with the ice hopper. I called the Manufacturer and they told me it in fact doesnt line up....That would be my clue to fix that, or not put it on the market at nearly $400.
Worth $400...NO...$300...NO... $200...sure, because of its powerful motor and expected lifespan. If you dont use it often its not worth it. The lower priced version at less than $200 would be perfect. But when using this often, you can justify a larger price. What else is out there like it anyhow???


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Kick-start the party by serving up restaurant-quality frozen concoctions with this unique, easy-to-use appliance. Far more than just an ordinary blender, the unit automatically shaves ice and blends up to 36 ounces of a favorite frosty drink, all at the touch of a button. Simply fill the top reservoir with ice, pour the ingredients into the glass jar, and select the amount and type of beverage. Choose from four pre-programmed drink cycles--margaritas, daiquiris, mudslides, or smoothies--and either a full pitcher or experiment with small batches using the one-, two-, or three-drink settings. Hit the automatic Shave-N-Blend switch, and the machine automatically mixes the right proportion of ice with ingredients and for the perfect amount of time. The shaved ice ensures better drink consistency--no more chunks or watery drinks. For party guests who like thicker or thinner drinks, the manual "shave only / blend only" toggle switch allows for easily customizing beverages by adding more shaved ice or blending longer.
Crafted from durable ABS plastic in a premium brushed-nickel finish, the unit features a die-cast aluminum base, which provides a stable footprint, and a heavy-duty die-cast aluminum shaver paddle and lower blending coupler that handle the power of the dual motors. Other highlights include simple front-access controls, a large-capacity reservoir that holds ice for mixing 72 ounces of frozen drinks between refills, and a 36-ounce thick-walled retro-styled glass blending jar with a generous handle and drip-free spout. The blending jar and its components clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher, and the rest of the unit quickly wipes clean. Accessories include one shot glass, a quick set-up guide, a recipe guide, an instruction manual, four coasters, and drink charms in a tin can. The 700-watt frozen concoction maker measures 14 by 9 by 20 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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Nesco Classic Roaster Oven, 18-Quart, Porcelain Cookwell Review

Nesco Classic Roaster Oven, 18-Quart, Porcelain Cookwell
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This worked great for Thanksgiving. It cooked our Turkey in half the time a regular oven would take, leaving the meat moist.
The "burn in" only took about an hour, not a big deal.
The lid and roaster pan are coated metal, which lifts out for easy cleaning.

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4/23/2012

West Bend 84915 5-Quart Oblong-Shaped Slow Cooker with Tote Review

West Bend 84915 5-Quart Oblong-Shaped Slow Cooker with Tote
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This is my third West Bend Slow Cooker in 20 years. I got rid of my oldest one and now have two I use regularly. I ordered this one because it had a carrier tote; I take my slow cooker with me to covered-dish dinners and church socials. This is a nice extra feature, but I would have bought a West Bend anyway; I like the adjustable heat-not just high, medium and low. I use my slow cookers to thaw and reheat frozen foods,cook turkey breasts, and make soups.You can put ingredients in the cooker in the morning and come home to a hot dinner. This is a good product, easy to clean and can be used on the stove top or even in the freezer. I highly recommend it.

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Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals even with a busy schedule thanks to this easy-to-use oblong-shaped slow cooker. Simply add ingredients to the unit's non-stick cooking pot, set the pot onto its heating base, and select a temperature. At the end of the work day or after a busy day of weekend errands, dinner will be ready and waiting. Perfect for soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more, its generous 5-quart capacity holds enough for dinner with the family or for single-person meals with leftovers. The unit's adjustable temperature control slow cooks food at any temperature, and its keep-warm setting comes in handy for serving or holding food at a safe temperature. Providing exceptional versatility, the cooking pot can be used in the oven, on the range top, or in the freezer, and the unit's heating base doubles as a nonstick mini griddle. The slow cooker also includes a glass lid for keeping an eye on the cooking process and integrated side handles for convenient carrying. Even more, the slow cooker comes with an insulated tote, which keeps food warm during transport from the kitchen to a friend's house, office party, or other gathering. The cooking pot and glass lid clean up easily by hand with hot soapy water or safely in the dishwasher. The 210-watt slow cooker measures 7-1/4 by 12-3/4 by 8-3/4 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Mason Cash Original Cane 4-Inch Ramekin, 1-Cup Capacity Review

Mason Cash Original Cane 4-Inch Ramekin, 1-Cup Capacity
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Mason Cash has been making the same designs for over 100 years and is considered the finest ceramics in the world. I love my ramekins and mixing bowls - you will too! These are very cute, attractive and nice to the touch.

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4/22/2012

Hamilton Beach 67333 Juice Extractor Review

Hamilton Beach 67333 Juice Extractor
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I was excited about this juicer when I read it had a space saving design...and it looked like it could be the first juicer reasonably portable for some traveling. Chaaa...you know what? Na-ha. It's not as small as it appears from photos but it's still the smallest and lightest juicer I've picked up. I could stuff it into a padded travel bag I suppose.
The chute is a little too narrow - most carrots I have to slice in half long ways. It does seem powerful and the carrots get grated up pretty well. After only one use it starts to get stained with carrot juice (happens to most juicers though) and manual states carrots will permanently stain unit. Haven't yet tried to bleach parts or anything. In dishwasher the pulp bin peice's stains did not come out but this part is a tinted color so not so obvious. Other parts looked okay.
Most importantly - the juice. Unfortunately like most if you're trying to strain all the pulp - again as with most low end juicers - there's a lot of it. Clean up is pretty easy as is assembly/dissasembly. If you like the quickness of the centrifugal type juicers AND want more pulp free juice quantity -get an Omega 500, 1000 or 9000. The reason is that the pulp gets spun around a steel straining basket extracting more juice. It is one of the few that have this feature (sadly). I have for now given up on all the low end juicers (tried most of them) because you just don't get enough juice out of them and the remaining pulp is too damp. I currently own an Omega 8001 - I like it but it is more work than I want to get rich and bountiful juice so may go back to the Omega 1000 type. Fanatics claim about these studies "proving" the Green Life/Power juicer is the best but I also had a doctor look over the report and when you read it examine those bar charts carefully - it isn't that conclusive.
The study actually shows that a little oxidation from centrifugal juicers is not that bad. Good luck!

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