12 inch Carbon Steel Wok w/ Helper Handle (flat bottom) USA made Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a nice carbon steel wok, made in USA as well. I had used larger size ones before, but now I prefer a 9-12" wok for ease of control. It has a laminated wood handle, which is a very good heat insulator and water-proof. The wok is relatively thin, but sturdy. Thus, it is not too heavy. In addition, this wok has a relatively steeper curvature, so tossing foods is easy with this wok. The main handle (the straight one) is detachable, but it is extremely stable once it is attached. As mentioned, I had also owned the two larger versions and their handles have always been sturdy. The helper handle (the loop one) is not rotatable: the wood part is not symmetric along the axis and therefore prevents it from rotating on the steel core. Almost all the other carbon steel woks I found locally have a free-to-rotate wood handle and I do not like that flimsy feel. Carbon steel woks need to be seasoned before its first use and need to be seasoned occasionally afterward. This wok is no exception. After seasoning, the wok becomes stick resistant. I have upload a customer image to show the appearance of a seasoned wok. If you own a cast iron skillet, then you know this. Seasoning a cookware can be time consuming, but it is also rewarding. If you are new to stir fry and have never seasoned a cookware before, then you may want to consider learning with a nonstick wok first.
I have purchased many cooking tools from the Wok Shop. It is always a pleasure buying online from the Wok Shop. In fact, I used to live in the Bay Area, 30 minutes away from San Francisco Chinatown where the actual Wok Shop resides. Most of its customers are Chinese. If you have a chance, you should swing by and visit. It is a nice little store filled with helpful people and unique items. The Wok Shop always promptly ships out your goods. Usually, you will get your goods in about 1 week (from my 4 online purchase experience).
***Background Information for People who are New to Carbon-steel Woks***
You may ask why go through all the troubles to season a cookware, why not uses a nonstick wok? The reason is simple: taste. Just like a nonstick skillet cannot match a cast iron skillet, a nonstick wok cannot touch a carbon steel wok. To stir fry properly, foods (especially meats) need to be cook at high temperature in a short period of time. Nonstick cookware simply cannot tolerate the heat requirement. Stainless steel, carbon steel and cast iron can handle the high temperature. The problem for a stainless steel wok is that it cannot be seasoned, so meats stick to it easily. Not only this is a challenge for cooking, but it is also a problem for cleaning. A cast iron wok is fairly well-respected. It retains heat well and it is also stick-resistant when seasoned. However, it is slightly heavier and its heat response time is slower. In order words, it is more difficult to handle and it takes a longer time to heat up and cool down. Most importantly, cast iron is more brittle, so a cast iron wok can crack if not correctly handled. This is why carbon steel is the most popular material for Chinese woks. It is inexpensive, light weight, and has a relatively good heat response. It is also stick-resistant when seasoned. Is it perfect? No. It takes time to season, its seasoned coating (patina) can wear off, and its heat capacity is lower than that of a cast iron wok. Keep in mind, its advantages far outweigh its disadvantages. Different material has different advantages and a cook need to know the strengths and weaknesses of his/her cookware. I have recently wrote a review on the Calphalon One Infused-Anodized 10-Inch Stir Fry Pan. It is a good pan but it is not as authentic as this wok. The Calphalon pan has the advantages of no seasoning is required and it can cook watery foods without the risk of rusting. However, the Calphalon pan is more expensive, easy to scratch, and foods do stick to it.
Finally, it is useful to purchase a brush for a carbon steel wok or for a cast iron wok. Every now and then, small amount of foods will stick to the cookware. Unlike a stainless steel wok, you should avoid using a steel wool to get the foods off. It will just scratch up the seasoning surface. You want something softer. Therefore, a bamboo wok brush is prefect. It is hard enough to get most of the stuck foods off, and soft enough not to scratch the cookware. Bamboo also has antibacterial property, so you do not have to clean a bamboo brush very often. This is another reason why I like bamboo rayon kitchen towel, but that is another story. If you do not know where to get a bamboo brush, the Wok shop sells an inexpensive 7" Cleaning Whisk. Of course, you do not have to have a bamboo brush, most dish brushes will work. An old credit card also works.


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This heavy 14-gauge wok is an easy and fun to use. The natural, blond, wooden handle and side spool handle allows the cook full command of the wok. The flat bottom wok is designed to sit directly on an electric stove or ceramic stovetop to take advantage of all the heat. Wok cooking is done with high heat. The flat bottom wok also works very efficiently on a gas stove. If cooking with gas, the same wok is available in round bottom. Wok measures 4" in depth. Cooking recommendations: 12" for up to 5 people, 14" for 6 to 12 people, and 16" for over 12 people. Must be seasoned.

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Nesco American Harvest PC-6-25-30TPR 6-Quart Multifunction Digital Pressure Cooker Review

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(More customer reviews)UPDATE AT BOTTOM: Wow, is this a neat appliance. As a pressure cooker, it cooks food as nicely, and as quickly as my old, stainless stove-top model, but with several bonuses. Cleanup is much easier with the Nesco. It browns your meat without any sticking, so you can just toss your other ingredients right in after browning, and switch it to cook. No extra pan to wash. The nonstick pot, also, is much lighter, and washes out instantly vs the heavy ol'stove model that required soaking. Best of all, though, is how quiet it is! No babysitting the constant CH!CH!CH!CH! on the stove anymore. Set it, and it cooks in complete silence without another moment's thought, and no adjustments necessary. You could leave the house (it also has a timer to start cooking later if you wish). The Nesco is a slow cooker, as well. I have been so annoyed with how hot all the new slow cookers are. I've bought several brands trying to fnd a true "slow cooker". They all cook at nuclear heat, and every review of every new slow cooker says the same thing. The Nesco cooks nice and slow just like the old fashioned crock pots did. I love this cooker. The manual blows, though. How strange that the cooker is so well thought, but the quality control for the manual fell flat. It is contradictory, incomplete, and explains the buttons and timer wrong. The recipes are not appealing. Who cares. You'll love the Nesco cooker. It will replace your crock-pot and your stove-top pressure cooker. I've not tried it yet on steaming, but it might just replace the rice cooker and veg. steamer, too. Think of all the room in your cupboards, now.
Jan 2001: OK, my original cooker still works and I still like it, but I'm ticked!!! off!!! at Metal Ware customer service. We got one of these for my brother for Christmas, and it would not even power on. Customer service at Metal Ware Corp requires us to pay to get it shipped for repairs. 15 lbs and a BRAND NEW ITEM and I have to pay this ridiculous shipping fee on top of the very expensive purchase price. I no longer have warm fuzzies for the cooker since customer service is BAD.

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A useful addition to any busy kitchen, this multifunctional electric cooker provides three handy functions in one. Use it to pressure cook, slow cook, or steam cook anything from long-grain rice, pot roast, and vegetable soup to curried chicken, chocolate cheesecake, and more. The versatile appliance provides a removable nonstick cooking chamber with a generous 6-quart capacity--perfect for making healthy homemade meals for the family or to take to a potluck or picnic. Its user-friendly digital control panel offers simple push-button operation and a variety of options. Choose from warm mode, steam mode, browning mode, and slow-cook mode (up to 9-1/2 hours), as well as two pressure settings when pressure cooking. Even more, the programmable digital timer can be set to delay cooking up to eight hours, which makes it possible to come home to dinner ready and waiting after a long day at the office. Other highlights include a stay-cool lid and handles; a locking cover; and safety steam release, which prevents the cover from being opened until pressure has reduced to a safe level. Accessories include a steaming rack for steam mode, a glass cover for browning mode, and an instruction manual/recipe book. Attractively housed in brushed stainless steel, the three-in-one combination cooker measures 12 by 12 by 18 inches.

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG196600RED 9 1/2-Inch High Heat Spoon Scraper Review

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(More customer reviews)These silicone spatulas are the highly recommended ones from a leading cooking magazine. So I purchased all these Rubbermaid professional heat resistant spatulas and spoonulas (9 ½", 13 ½" and 16 ½" in length). I use the spatulas primarily for folding ingredients in a mixing bowl. I prefer to use the spoonulas for scraping a bowl when I want to scrape out every last bit of cooking goodness (the edges of the spoonulas are thinner and the cupping of the spoonulas both help to scrape bowls, pans, and pots clean). The Rubbermaid professional plastic handles are more comfortable to use than the wood handles on my heat resistant spatulas and spoonulas. Also, the silicone heads of my wood handle ones are stiffer than the Rubbermaid professional ones. I think that little bit of flex in the Rubbermaid Professional silicone heads helps me scrape cleaner.
I have yet to use the little notch on these spatulas for scraping under the opening of jars (I think they were intended for use on the commercial kitchen size jars) since the spatulas are 2 ¼" wide for the 9 ½" to 2 ¾" wide for the 13 ½" and 16 ½" long tools. The handle ends have small prongs that look like they are to help keep the entire spatula or spoonulas from sliding into a work bowl.
I have some older Rubbermaid ones and they are definitely not stain resistant: the paprika has permanently stained one of the mixing spatulas. I was able to remove the paprika stain from the Rubbermaid professional spatula using dishwashing liquid and a nylon Scotchbright like pad. Also, my older Rubbermaid heat resistant spoonula developed a split at the tip and has warped a bit.
I just realized that one of the reasons why I don't like my similar sized 13 ½" sized silicone spatulas and spoonulas with wood handles: the working end is heavy so the tool is not as balanced as these Rubbermaid Professionals.
For most home kitchens, I'd recommend buying the 9 ½' and 13 ½" size spatulas and spoonulas. There is a 16 ½" size that is very long and the silicone head is the exact same size as the 13 ½: (14" actual) size (4" X 2 ¾").
PROS: The silicone heads have just the right amount of flex to scrape cleaner than similar sized scrapers and spoonulas. The handles are more comfortable and sized well.
CONS: A bit expensive but you a get a tool likely to last.


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The Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG196600RED 9-1/2-Inch High Heat Spoon Scraper resist heat up to 500-Dergee F/260-Dergee C which makes it ideal for use in cooking. The scraper is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and a Cool-touch handle is designed with employee safety in mind. The Blades are stain resistant and will not scratch your grill or cookware which provides longer life for both the scraper and your cookware. The high heat scraper also features a Clean-Rest which keeps the blade from touching the table and helps to prevent cross contamination of foods. All handles are red with white blades for easy identification for hot applications.

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Bodum New Kenya 34-Ounce Tea Press, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the Bodum New Kenya tea presses in both the small and the medium sized models. I really enjoy good quality loose tea, and the tea presses make it very convenient to brew this way (although the tea presses do also accommodate bagged tea, according to the instructions). For the small press I add about one and one half tablespoons of loose tea to the strainer, and about three tablespoons for the medium sized press. The amount you add, as always, will depend on your own preferences.
I would have given the New Kenya presses 5 stars, but for one feature that I believe has the potential for eventual failure, due to extended use. The plunger portion of the tea press is surrounded by a soft plastic gasket, to seal it closely to the basket when pressing the tea leaves. Because this gasket is made of such a soft material, I can see that it has the potential to wear out over time, much in the same way that other gaskets can become worn.
It doesn't appear that this gasket comes off or separates from the plunger, so I imagine that if it does wear out, the entire lid and plunger assembly will have to be replaced. Potentially, that could be costly, but with the reduced price that Amazon currently offers these models, it might be a moot point. The New Kenya models are the first Bodum tea presses I have purchased, so I do not know if all of the Bodum models have this same type of plunger assembly.
Perhaps I am being overly cautious, but I depend on the reviews of others many times when making purchases, so I want to be as honest as possible. (You can decide whether or not my concern is important to you!)
The most significant points are that this press is simple to use, allows you to control the strength of your brewed tea, and is also very easy to clean. Oh, yeah, and did I mention that it makes one heck of a great cup of tea!? Cheers!
JANUARY 13, 2011 UPDATE: I am happy to report that both gaskets on both pots are still working perfectly. The only thing that is keeping me from changing this review to 5 stars is that I do miss the lid on these tea pots. It would be nice to have one to cap off the pot after brewing and removing the plunger assembly.

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The Bodum New Kenya tea press is a confluence of tradition and modernity in design.The New Kenya tea press is entirely made of plastic and glass for convenient everyday use, while offering the best brewing method for that perfect cup of tea.The handle remains cool while the plastic frame protects your tabletop from the heat of the glass teapot.Drinking tea no longer belongs to the past but will be a luxury of the future.We set out with a goal to make an innovation in tea brewing and the patented Bodum tea press system was born.

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Maverick HC-01 Hero Electric Hot-Dog Steamer, White Review

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(More customer reviews)I received this item as a gift and was pleasantly surprised at how well it makes hot dogs. I even tried skinless hot dogs (which normally lose a lot of taste when boiled or microwaved) and they tasted great! This machine is well worth the money. It makes quick, easy, and flavorful hot dogs every time.

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Designed in the shape of a dog, this hot-dog cooker comes complete with long black ears, a friendly face, and a collar with a red tag that reads "Hot Dog Hero". Even more than being cute, it makes cooking up hot dogs quick and easy. Simply place the cooking tray on the base, pour in water to the indicated level, and add up to six hot dogs--it works with beef hot dogs as well as veggie dogs. After turning it on, the unit will steam-cook up to four hot dogs in less than seven minutes or six hot dogs in less than nine minutes. And there's no need to worry about over-cooking--it shuts-off automatically when cooking has finished and a voice chip "barks" until the unit gets unplugged. Carefully remove the cooked hot dogs with a pair of tongs or a fork, then enjoy with ketchup, mustard, relish, and more. Other highlights include an "on" indicator light, a stay-cool curved tail for lifting off the lid, and a food tray that cleans up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. A measuring cup for precise measuring comes included. The 350-watt ETL-listed hot-dog steamer measures 9-1/2 by 7-4/5 by 7 inches.

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Cuisinart Chef's Classic Fry Pans Review

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(More customer reviews)This pan, like all the Cuisinart pans, is my favorite to use when I need a 12" skillet. It's a heavy-duty even-heating pan like it's "sisters and brothers"! If you already have any Chef's Classic pots or pans, the lid that fits on any pan with item number ending in 30 will fit on this pan. (Item number is on the bottom). With all the Chef's Classic pans, you usually don't have to turn the heat up as high as a cheapy pan; instead of high, use medium-high, for example. Since this does not have a non-stick coating, you'll often need oil for cooking. Here's a tip: hot pan, cold oil. Let the pan heat up before adding the oil. Also, these pans heat up FAST so watch your food! If anything gets burned-on badly, the pans just need a little soaking (maybe an hour, not overnight). Or, add water to the pan and "boil" the burned-on food off. I also use Barkeepers Friend cleaner to keep them shiny and looking new! Take note: if you've ever purchased a set of Cuisinart from a discount warehouse (i.e. Sam's Club, Cosco) there are not individual pans available that will match your set exactly. I called Cuisinart and found out that particular pan style is available only in sets from discount warehouses. BUT, the Chef's Classic line matches very closely, it's the closest match available.

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Inspired by the great French kitchens, Cuisinart began making professional cookware almost 30 years ago. Top quality construction joins the premium stainless exterior with solid aluminum encapsulated into the base, ensuring unsurpassed heat distribution. Bonded to a stainless steel interior, Chef's Classic Stainless offers the professional performance that lets you celebrate the fine art of cooking , with consistently delicious results. This skillet is the ideal choice for browning and frying. Skillets are a cookware classic. Perfect for whipping up an omelette, sauteing your favorite veggies or searing a filet.

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Joyce Chen Pro Chef 14-Inch Flat Bottom Wok uncoated Carbon Steel Review

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(More customer reviews)A few years ago I tried stir frying and liked it, except that I used a Joyce Chen nonstick wok that peeled after two uses. After that I got a Lodge cast iron wok that was way too heavy and got discouraged and gave it away. Then I tried I a no-name carbon steel wok but was very ignorant about how to season it and could not understand why it kept rusting. Recently I have had the urge to try stir frying again and this time did my homework. I chose this wok because it was carbon steel, and this time learned ahead of time how to season it properly. This wok is also very sturdily made; you cannot easily bend the wok if you push on it; the handles are not loose; it is 2 mm thick; it has phenolic plastic handles that stay cool.
I have properly seasoned and been using the wok with no rust or stickiness. Learning how to season and clean made all the difference. A good education and a well-made wok are an unbeatable combination!!
See some of ther other wok posts for good seasoning tips. I followed the directions that came with the wok and had good results.

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Joyce Chen opened her first restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1958.She found that the selection and quality of Chinese cookware in America didn't live up to her high standards… so she developed her own.Today, Joyce Chen Products sources from all over the Pacific Rim to bring the best of Asia to you.These 14" Carbon Steel Flat Woks feature a professional weight 2.0 mm, heavy-gauge carbon steel body.They have stay-cool Phenolic handles.Generous 14" size.

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Cuisinart GR-55 Griddler Stainless-Steel Nonstick Grill/Griddle Combo Review

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(More customer reviews)Griddle cakes and sausage, grilled salmon and vegetables, grilling burgers and toasting buns, the Cuisinart GR55 is a versatile compact counter top grill and griddle. The two double sided cooking plates are Teflon coated steel; they're easy to install and remove, and because the plates are non-stick and removable, they're a fast clean. I enjoy the fact can use both grill and griddle at the same time. This is great for cooking for my family, too, because it has plenty of grill surface. The plates always heat up evenly and quickly, and the temperature control gives me a ridiculous amount of control over my food's preparation. The excess grease, when using the grill side of things, runs off into a collection troth that neatly hides and stores inside the grill between the two plates. When releasing the spring-loaded plates from the grill, the rest grease gets collected in the troth as well. It's great to pull out on a lazy Saturday morning or for a quick meal before going out. I'm thoroughly impressed.


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For exceptional versatility and countertop cooking convenience, turn to this combination grill/griddle. The unit comes equipped with a 15-by-9-inch cooking surface made up of two removable and reversible grill and griddle plates, which can be arranged as needed--from half grill/half griddle to full griddle or full grill. Use the appliance to make anything from eggs and bacon or silver-dollar pancakes for breakfast to grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and salmon and grilled asparagus or veggie burgers and corn on the cob for dinner. Best of all, the cooking plates provide a nonstick surface to ensure effortless food release and quick cleanup. Other highlights include two temperature-control dials that allow for adjusting the heat on one or both sides as needed, power-on/ready-to-cook indicator lights, a removable center drip tray to catch excess fat and grease, and a handy cleaning tool designed to make washing the plates a snap. A user manual with recipes comes included. Attractively housed in stainless steel with black accents, the countertop grill/griddle combo measures 19-2/3 by 10-4/5 by 4-2/3 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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Breville EW30XL Electric Gourmet Wok Review

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(More customer reviews)This Wok has some serious heat. As a professional chef with Asian style recipes on the menu I've used many a stove top wok. Until now I'd never found an electric wok that could generate enough heat to sear in the flavors of meats and vegetables. Not only does the Breville Electric Wok deliver as much heat as a top of the range stove top wok, its surface is non-stick so I can use less oil for healthier results. Every thing about the wok is clever, from the detachable base, to the dishwasher safe parts, to the cook and look glass lid. Whoever designed this is in to wok cooking in a big way. Very clever, very stylish, very hot.

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EW30XL Features: -Steel bowl. -Non-stick surface. -Detachable high-grade polymer base, dishwasher safe. -Rubber grips provide secure footing on variety of surfaces. -15 precision-controlled temperature settings. -Cook 'n' Look glass lid. -All cooking parts are dishwasher safe. Specifications: -Removable Breville Assist Plug. -Includes: spatula and slotted spoon stirring tool, dishwasher safe. -Butterfly hating element heats up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. -1500 watts of heating power. -Quantanium non-stick finish is ultra-durable. -Easy to clean and allows to stir-fry without fatty oils. -1-year manufacturer's warranty. -Overall Dimensions: 9.5'' H x 18'' W x 14.12'' D. Owner's Manual

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Grillex US-10 Indoor Brazilian Portable Barbecue Grill Review

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(More customer reviews)Got mine yesterday, used it for every meal except breakfast since. Marinate some meat, coat some veggies with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, throw it on the skewers when you're ready, and 20 minutes later you're eating! I was skeptical about feeding eight people, but if you use all the pieces it comes with, you really can cook about 4 lbs of meat, (well spaced cubes of chicken and beef) within the stated times.
I was also afraid to crank my gas all the way up to the "medium" specified as my burner generally runs hot enough to smoke up the house at that level, but if you follow the instructions (water in base), you won't have any problems. I've even gotten brave and cranked it to high a few times (I love that char-grill flavor) and still no smoke, but I've been pretty vigilant about the water, refilling every hour or so at least.
Make sure to use the toothpicks included for veggies so they don't slide off the ends, so far I haven't really had a problem with meat slipping, but you never know, so throw 'em on just in case. I break mine in half and sometimes they burn a bit, but still no smoke alarms yet. I thought it was kind of gimmicky when I first saw it, but I can see it becoming a standby for lower fat and still tasty cooking.

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Inspired by traditional Brazilian barbecues, this portable barbecue grill makes it easy to bring the authentic taste of outdoor cooking indoors. To use, place the unit over a gas-stove burner or a portable camping stove; the gas flame enters through a circular opening in the base of the unit, then moves through a diffuser to evenly heat the food inside. One pair of double skewers, five standard skewers, and a chrome-plated grill basket come included. Simply load food into the basket or onto the skewers and hang vertically inside the grill for cooking with the option to rotate with a quick turn of the stay-cool handle. The grill can be used to cook up anything from steak, chicken, and fish to carrots, onions, peppers, and more. Best of all, it serves up to eight people at a time, cooking almost 4-1/2 pounds of meat in less than 20 minutes. When used outside, a piece of charcoal can be placed in the heat diffuser to create the smoky flavor of an authentic outdoor barbecue (do not use charcoal for indoor cooking). Other highlights include a catch basin at the bottom to catch all meat drippings, an aluminum upper body and lid with an electrostatic painted finish, stainless-steel heat diffuser and skewers, and Bakelite handles that stay cool to the touch for comfortable handling and safe transport. When finished, the unit disassembles for quick cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher. A fun addition to any party or gathering with family and friends, the portable barbecue grill measures approximately 14 by 18 by 16 inches. From the Manufacturer The Versatility of Grillex (It's Not Just for Brazilian BBQ) While the origin of the Grillex is Brazilian, the versatility of the Grillex is unmatched. In addition to the traditional Brazilian fare, Grillex can also be used to cook a wide range of foods: appetizers, simple or gourmet meals, desserts, and more.Below is a partial listing of the recipes developed for the Grillex that go beyond the typical meats, vegetables and cheeses of a Brazilan BBQ: Appetizers
Bacon wrapped Scallops
Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Mushrooms
Soft Pretzel Twists
Fast & Easy
Grilled Herbed Broccoli
Grilled Quesadillas
Heavenly Chicken Nuggets
Bratwurst
Tequila Lime Beef
Turkish Style Kabobs
Grilled Teriyaki Skewers
Ranch Roasted Potatoes
Hot Dogs/ Polish Sausage--with a twist
Gourmet
Green Chile and Lime Carne Asada
Honey Shrimp and Turkey Sausage
Mango Pork Tenderloin
Orange Pineapple Chicken
Peasant Lamb with Herbs
Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Blackened Portabellas with Tzatziki
Crab Stuffed Chile Rellanos
Garlic and Thyme Potatoes
International Corn Husk Kubideh
Desserts
Grilled Dessert Pineapple
Bananas Foster sans alcohol
Honeyed Greek Achladis
Cherry Cream Pastry
Chocolate Cream Pastry
Another benefit of the Grillex is that more than one type of food can be prepared and cooked all at the same time without taking a chance on the mixing of flavors--try that in a rotisserie!A perfect example of this is cooking two skewers of Soft Pretzel Twists while also grilling four skewers of Turkish Style Kabobs and rounding this out with two more skewers of bananas for Bananas Foster. Only in the Grillex can you cook all these at once without the mixing of the flavors.Not only does this make for great tasting meals, it's also efficient. No Smoke and Easy to Clean Take Grillex Outdoors or On the GoGreat Materials, Built to Last

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Marsh Allen 30052 Cast Iron Hibachi 10 by 18-Inch Charcoal Grill Review

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(More customer reviews)Packaged with four left legs (requires two left, two right)

One briquette grate is smaller than the other and falls to bottom as a result.

Had to drill / elongate hole to install grate support bracket

Paint on handles started to run when I handled them with wet hands. I tried to rinse off the remaining paint or ink under running water so that it will not continue to bleed off. What paint do you know of that rinses off under plain water?

Right cast iron grate cracked when it came in contact with heat.

The design and construction of this product shows clear disregard for the consumer and is absolutely unacceptable at any price. I have to question at this point weather or not the paint used on the grill and grates is toxic or lead based. I've come across my share of junk but this is really bad!


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Portable and durable cast iron Hibachi charcoal grill. 157 sq. inch cooking surface. 3 position adjustable cooking grids. Wood handles for protected moving of grill and grids. 2 adjustable air vents for controlling charcoal burn rates.

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Cuisinart CPC-600 1000-Watt 6-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker, Brushed Stainless and Matte Black Review

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(More customer reviews)First, I was a pressure cooker nut from before. I used my mother's 1930/40's Presto's until I couldn't get seals for them. When I saw this digital pressure cooker I bought it instantly. I loved it so much that I gave one to my daughter, my sis and my sis-in-law, (we're all foodies). I was cooking stuff I hadn't made in years. We ate like kings! All of a sudden, caput. I get online and search and right there on Amazon, Bobby Mac "Micronaut101" describes my very own problem! So no more trying to make the bloody thing work! I call the Cuisinart 800 number prepared to go the distance according to the reviews I've read and I describe my problem, how much I love the machine, how I've seen the problem reported on Amazon and therefore it's a known quality issue and I want a new machine. OK, she says, what's your address? No "did you send in a warranty" or anything else. Bingo, 7 - 10 days I'll have a new pressure cooker. How cool is that? Oh, and "We're sorry for the inconvenience. Have a great day." Yehaa! Let's hear it for Amazon and reviews!
[[editing review as of 6/4/09: pressure sensor wouldn't set pressure and pressure cooking wouldn't start. Cooker would get to boiling but pressure wouldn't lock the cooker and begin cooking. Little red button wouldn't come up to close opening. I would wiggle the button with a skewer or knife point to get it to pop up to close pressure hole. Hope this helps.]]
And I'm writing this so that others who may get one of those recalcitrant pressure cookers that slipped through the quality assurance check can know that they will get a new pressure cooker with the press of the number buttons. Cuisinart has decided to stand behind this one product, at least.
BTW, all of us are previous users of pressure cookers so we really appreciated the ability to sear the meat in the cooker. My family has used the Cuisinart cookbook for the pasta e Fagioli, Cuban Black Bean Soup, Chicken with Herb Dumplings and the "outstanding" Creamy Rice Pudding" And, in fact, the Rice pudding cooked so quickly that my sis didn't think it was done when the timer went off and over cooked it! Her second batch was superb. We also like Lorna Sass's "Cooking Under Pressure" and "Pressure Perfect"

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Reduce time spent in the kitchen preparing meals with the help of this 6-quart electric pressure cooker--it cuts cooking times up to 70-percent when compared to traditional stovetop cooking methods. The unit traps steam inside, which builds up pressure to create hotter temperatures, and its tight seal locks in heat, moisture, and flavor, as well as vitamins and minerals for exceptionally healthy, great-tasting meals like soup, chili, and other one-dish entrees. It also works well for cheesecake and custard, because dessert should never be left off the menu. The unit's push-button controls and easy-to-read digital display eliminate guesswork, while its precision digital thermostat regulates temperatures. Choose from preprogrammed settings for high- or low-pressure cooking, browning, simmering, sauteing, and warming. For safety, the cooker must be fully locked for pressure to build, and it will remain locked until the pressure inside drops to zero. Other highlights include a 99-minute timer with an LED countdown display, cool-touch side handles, and a nonstick cooking pot that cleans up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. A dishwasher-safe trivet also comes included. Housed in brushed stainless steel, the 1000-watt pressure cooker measures 12-1/5 by 12-1/5 by 13-1/5 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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Joyce Chen Pro-Chef 14-Inch Round Bottom Wok with Wood Handles Review

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(More customer reviews)This is really the best wok if you are cooking on a gas stove. Flat bottom woks are really not going to give you the best flavor, and many woks readily available in the US are too heavy to lift and shake the food while cooking - which is the way a wok should be used. This wok is round-bottomed and light, and costs much less than almost all of the other woks on offer.

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Offering traditional construction for time-tested and tasty stir fry meals, this 14-inch round-bottom wok from Joyce Chen is a great choice for high-heat cooking, especially on gas stoves. It's made of uncoated carbon steel, which is optimal for rapid, even heating and cooling--a must for any stir-fry. A few doses of oil dried over low heat will season your wok and seal the surface, creating a natural nonstick patina. Once seasoned, this heavy weight carbon steel pan will render superior cooking performance for life. Safety features include the addition of a blond-wood skillet handle, which doesn't conduct heat, and a wooden helper handle to help distribute weight, preventing accidents when you're moving or carrying your wok from the stove to the table. Hand wash only.

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Lodge Logic L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill Review

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(More customer reviews)I ordered this heavy (33 pounds) little jewel from Amazon a week ago, got it much earlier than expected and tried it out the day I got it. I now have 4 grills: An "oil barrel" type that is perfect for when the family tribe shows up, 2 Weber kettle types in different sizes for weekend entertaining and now the Lodge.
I've had several cast aluminum discount store hibachi's over the years and after the wooden handles fall off, the legs become impossible to tighten and then the "adjustable" supports for the grill crack. I don't see that happening with this hibachi.
Let the grill pre-heat, spray it with PAM and then enjoy the meal. The heat is even, cooking times may be a bit faster than you think, but the dish will be excellent.
HOWEVER! If one is cooking on a wooden deck, as I do, invest in some bricks or concrete pavers to go under the feet. Like all cast iron, this sucker retains heat and you don't want to burn your house down while entertaining guests.
Look for the book "The Honerable Hibachi" by Kathryn Popper. An excellent guide/recipe book.
I wonder if this would be safe to use in a large fireplace in winter months. Any ideas?
I'm thinking about getting another Lodge and then finding a home for the smaller Weber.
Get one and then enjoy your hibachi.
Update Feb 26, 2006:
I've now had the Lodge Hibachi for 4 months and typically use it several times a week. Clean-up is even easier than it was when new. Remember to put a little olive oil or PAM on the grids first and the seasoning improves. In cold, rainy weather, the hibachi fits and cooks nicely in my fireplace (thanks, Ukiechris!), but I crack a window when I do that.
Although quite heavy, it's a great picnic grill and will easily cook chicken, steaks or burgers for 4 people. My Webers must think I don't love them anymore. I do, but the Lodge is perfect for 1-4 people and chicken cooked on the hibachi has a flavor my kettle or barrel grills just can't match.
Besides cooking for that tribal gathering, I'll let you know if I find something the Lodge can't do.


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Made with durable, even-heating cast iron, this rugged, charcoal, hibachi-style grill works great for picnics, tailgating, car camping, or anywhere a self-contained outdoor cooking source is needed. The unit's cooking grate is also made of cast iron--a treasured cooking material that heats slowly yet retains its heat for long periods of time, making it far more efficient than aluminum or steel grates. The grill's cooking surface measures 17-1/4 by 9 inches and comes seasoned and ready to use. Easily temper the cooking speed of food by rotating the grate away from the heat source. The grill has two adjustable heights, along with a draft door that regulates the heat--so in addition to frying or grilling, the unit can warm a pot of coffee or chili. Coals are accessible behind a flip-down door. Other convenient features include four steady legs, a useful carrying handle, and a simple-to-clean design--just hand wash with a stiff brush and hot water. The Sportsman's charcoal grill measures 19 by 10-1/4 by 8-1/4 inches and carries a limited lifetime warranty.

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Nordic Ware Danish Ebleskiver Pan Review

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(More customer reviews)We have used this pan every weekend for a year. Don't bother making mix from scratch - Hungry Jack's "just add water" pancake mix makes wonderfully light and fluffy Ebelskivers. We add blueberries and raspberries to our Ebelskivers (fresh in season, frozen but thawed in warm water the rest of the year).
Yes, it is nonstick but I find a little butter is necessary to keep the Ebelskivers from sticking if they have fruit in them, plus the butter is essential to taste, in my opinion. I add a small, thin slice of butter to the bottom of each Ebelskiver hole once it's hot (heat over low or medium low heat). Once the butter melts, add batter to each hole to just slightly below the hole's rim (beware, center hole heats quickest, so add butter to that hole last and add batter to that hole first). Now add fruit or jelly to center until batter rises to rim or just above the rim.
Once brown on bottom, use a small silicone heat resistant spatula to flip the Ebelskivers over. While the flip takes a little practice, it is easy to catch on to. Trust me, guests and family will be impressed with these unusual breakfast treats AND will be amazed at the taste! We top our Ebelskivers with real maple or blueberry syrup and a small dollop of whipped cream ("Reddy Wip" make not be haute cuisine, but it sure tastes good!).
NOTE ABOUT CAST IRON: We also own a cast iron Ebelskiver pan, which we hate. No matter how many times I've tried to season and oil the pan, the Ebelskivers stick - which ruins the Ebelskivers. Plus, I have a bad neck which is irritated by trying to use caste iron, which is very heavy and difficult to use for making Ebelskivers. Just be sure to wash the nonstick pan by hand and don't use forks or other metal utensils to turn the Ebelskivers.
RECOMMENDED!

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Use any pancake or waffle recipe or mix to make these delicious round pancakes with fillings indside! Recipes included.Proudly made in the USA by Nordic Ware.

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Totally Bamboo Salt Box, Small Review

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(More customer reviews)This beautiful box holds about half a cup of salt. That's ample, since I use it sparingly. It looks great at my table, without taking up an excessive amount of space. It is easy to open & close and I like the fact that is it made of environmentally-friendly bamboo.

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Totally Bamboo's Salt Box¿cute, simple and easy to use.The Salt Box has an easy slide-off top that rotates a full 360 degrees and has enough space to store your favorite spices and other items.Wide opening allows plenty of room for larger hands or spoons to reach in to grab your favorite seasoning. No stains or paint are used to create the Salt Box's scrumptious Honey shade. This color is created in a very specialized heating process which caramelizes the natural sugar in the wood; it is permanent and will not fade or wash out.Care: wash with warm water and mild detergent and occasionally wipe with mineral oil (Do not clean in the dishwasher). An Ecological wonder, Bamboo is a grass that grows to a harvestable height of 60 feet in 3 to 5 years.It has an extensive root system that continually develops new shoots thus not requiring replanting making it an incredible self-renewing resource and a brilliant alternative to the wide spread clear cutting of our world's hard wood forests.Do the world a favor¿ Do Bamboo.

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Cobb Premier Portable Stainless Steel Grill & Smoker Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had mine for about a month now, and have done 3 chickens, 2 tri-tip roasts and a DOUBLE rack of Baby-backs... and am gearing up to try baking/smoking a pile of shortribs soon.
So far, I have only used the roasting rack to cook with...wet mesquite chips wrapped in heavy alum. foil in the firebasket smoke the meat nicely, just perfect. Surprised compliments from everyone who've tasted the results. Chicken, in 1 1/2 to 2 hours, comes out so tender you'll wonder if it's really done (it is). The Babybacks smoked up wonderful and were as tender as you'd want.
I'm a tri-tip guy, and all my friends step back in respect when I approach a grill with a Tri-tip in hand. I'm good at it. This Cobb Grill makes the best I've ever had.
Pro's:
*Convenient for apartments, small patios, any lifestyle or condition when you want the BBQ to come out and go back to stashed away. It is small, compact, all the accoutrements fit comfortably into the carrying case, even the extra accessories you might buy. Speaking of which, search the internet for the cheapest roasting rack...some will sell this wire rack for $39...it's about an $6 item, but if you can find one for $15, get one. You'll use it for roasting and allows you to NOT need to turn over the ribs, chicken, etc. during the cooking process. It's probably the most convenient of all the accessories.
*Easy setup, easy stash. Minimal fuel (10-12 briquettes).
*A moat! You can add water, soda, beer,etc., in the built-in moat and you get results like doing a Beer-can chicken. Most moist and great taste for everything. Results are great.
*Easy to smoke meats. Add your wet chips to the firebowl when you put on the meat. I've been using about 2 tablespoons of chips for a nice amount of smoke flavor.
*Both portable and movable. Not only is this little thing really portable, it can be moved anytime during the grilling by just picking it up with your bare hands. Its sides are cool. It's halfway to 'Kid-Friendly' and is a pretty safe grill to have around kids. The dome is hot, but the sides are not. This is especially handy if you want to shuffle ribs or flip some meat halfway thru cooking...I just pick it up and carry it to the kitchen where I can flip things without making a mess...then I take it outside again. Very handy!
*Set it and Ferget it. The nice thing is that you don't have to bother with the grill while its cooking. Go party. Relax. All you need is a timer to figure out when its all done. Because you are using a moat and liquid (if you do) it's hard to over-cook anything.
I haven't tried doing a plain steak yet, or hamburgers, without the lid...that's next week's project.
Cons: Expensive. I bought mine on sale for $85 and was lucky to get it at that. The accessories are expensive. The wok, the frying pan are well designed and might be worth the loot, but the roasting rack is just a wire grid who's legs happen to fit into the ring-holes of the included grill plate. At the mfg. cost of the wire rack, they should be throwing this thing in for free. Once you get your unit home, you can look for workable racks in thrift shops.
You can still find the earlier models, with the black plastic sides, available at a steep discount, around $50. These would be worth getting to save money. The new models are the ones with the stainless mesh sides.
*Cleaning. If you throw some sliced lemons in the moat-water, cleanup will be easier. The thing should to be cleaned after each use, which could be problematic for RV'rs. The quality non-stick grill surfaces are no problem, but the wire racks and the main steel bowl can need lotsa water or some soaking. You can rough clean it with paper towels and finish it at home, if you're off camping. Dawn Direct Foam works really well.
*Slow cooking, lower heat. Because it uses lower heat for a longer time, figure that it's going to be 2 hours for a chicken or a tri-tip, 2 1/2 hours for ribs unless you want to refill the firebox and go for 4 hours. That includes the 1/2 hour for the coals to get right.*Charcoal starter matches make things easier, so when you find them for sale, buy several boxes. The matches found on the Cobb site are overpriced. They run about $2.50 a box in grocery stores, and there are two kinds, the giant ones and the smaller ones. 8 to the box and 20 to the box, respectively. 2 big ones do it, or 4 small ones will light your charcoal just fine. DON'T leave the dome on while the charcoal is flaming/lighting, you'll start to melt the top handle (my stupid). Leave the dome off to speed the charcoal lighting.
All in all, I think this is an ideal charcoal grill that almost guarantees you'll wow yourself, your family and friends with the incredible results. It's slightly different cooking than the normal charcoal BBQ grill, so you'll learn to make your cooking adjustments...and you'll love the results. I would (and do) recommend this little baby to anyone who'll listen. My friends all recommend my using this as often as they can talk me into it.7/17/2010..........And now I've had it for awhile...just got back in town after being on the road for a bit....the first thing I did when I 'unhitched' was to fire up the Cobb and slam a Tri Tip on it. I'm still using it, still loving it, it's still in great shape, and still does a great job. My favorite seasoning is still Santa Maria Tri Tip Seasoning by Righetti Specialties, and a healthy dose of Bacon Salt never hurts nothing! Love this grill.


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Cobb Premier BBQ Cooking System Includes stainless steel stay-cool base, fire grid, dome top, non-stick grilling surface, lifting handle, and carry bag. Dishwasher safe. The Stainless Steel stay-cool base offers all the features of the Classic Cobb but with a high-end look of steel. Grill, Smoke, Bake, Roast, Fry and Boil with the Premier Cobb BBQ Grill & Cooking System. This is the complete solution, everything you need for the ultimate portable charcoal grill and weighs only 8lbs. The exterior remains cool to the touch while the interior cooks at up to 500 degrees. The perfect addition to your hurricane kit.

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