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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Scanpan Classic Ceramic Titanium 12-1/2-Inch Fry Pan Review

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(More customer reviews)I've owned several Scanpan products. This fry pan, an 8-inch fry pan and a sauce pan. All stick after being used for a while. After I had problems with the first one I talked to the store I bought it from and to Scanpan. They said to use lower heat and don't use cooking sprays. I followed those instructions with the next pan I bought and still had problems. I also tried the "restore" method mentioned in the manual using the steel wool that was included with the pan without any success.
When they were new they were great, but once they started sticking, they were worse than a regular pan without a non-stick coating. Plus the sellers won't back them up. I tried to return mine under their "Lifetime" warranty, none of the stores selling them would take them back without talking to the distributor first. The distributor never returned my phone calls. Also a major consumer testing magazine that originally gave these a high rating retracted that rating after getting bad feedback from owners. You can read back issues in your library.

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Scanpan, an exciting name in the cooking industry! Non-stick cookware allows you to cook healthier meals with little or no added fat. A unique layer of ceramic-titanium between the pan and the non-stick coating ensures you will never see bare metal, even if you use metal utensils. This large pan will come in handy for making one-skillet dinners or burgers for a family.

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Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 11-Inch Square Griddle Review

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(More customer reviews)It's heavy and dead-flat. What can you say about a griddle except that it does exactly what you wish a griddle would do. There are no hot-spots, and the handle stays cool. (The Calphalon Contemporary handles are big, and may get in the way occasionally -- but they stay very cool.)
One thing, though -- the non-stick surface is *really* non stick. Make an omlette and it'll spread over just about the whole bottom of the pan in no-time-flat -- which is just great, so long as you like really thin omlettes. Over-easy eggs can be a bit tricky because it's so slippery -- it's not that easy to get the spatula underneath! (Part of that's because plastic and coated spatulas are thicker than metal ones.) One time I almost pushed an egg right off the griddle and onto the stovetop. But anyone who's ever had something stick to a griddle will not complain that nothing can stick.
Cleanup is strange. It just doesn't get dirty. I've only had this awhile, but I've used it twenty times, and the nonstick is not only still in perfect condition, it doesn't even show the "bright spots" that, with high-quality non-stick cookware, indicates some mechanical burnishing. I think this will last forever.

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JR1211PMake perfect breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffle, and panini sandwiches on this griddle pan. This rectangular griddle extends over two stove-top burners to cook twice as many servings at once. Foods cook evenly, thanks to the consistent thickness across the bottom of the pan. The shallow profile offers easy access with a spatula for your convenience. Features: -Nonstick surface makes cleanup easy and promotes low-fat and non-fat cooking -Extends over two stove-top burners to cook twice as many servings at once -Foods cook evenly, thanks to the consistent thickness across the bottom of the pan -Shallow profile offers easy access with a spatula -Two stainless steel loop handles for easy transport -Oven safe up to 450 degrees Specifications: -Dimensions: 11'' x 1.5'' -Material of griddle: hard-anodized aluminum exterior and nonstick interior -Not dishwasher safe -Recommended utensils: nylon, wood or coated -Lifetime Warranty

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Lodge Enameled Cast Iron 6-Quart Dutch Oven Review

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(More customer reviews)Enamel on cast iron cookware like this, was, until recently, only available from makers like Le Creuset. Lately, several lower cost makers have come on the scene, like Target and Innova. The new budget priced Lodge cookware is in the same price range as the low cost alternatives but completely out performs them.
I have all of the brands I have mentioned. The Lodge is the same weight as the Le Creuset which is much heavier than the other budget models. The ridge where the lid and sides meet is a matt black porcelain on the Lodge and Le Creuset but is just exposed cast iron for the other budget models (which leads to rusting if you are not careful). The porcelain resists staining (even tomato sauces) in the Lodge and Le Creuset but the other budget models stain very easily. And finally, the Lodge and Le Creuset maintain a very polished interior finish that resists sticking which others do not. So, I see no performance differences at all between the Le Creuset and the Lodge whereas the comparably priced budget models are certainly inferior.
If you plan of using these pots very heavily (every day for example) you might want to upgrade to the higher priced Lodge product. It has 4 coatings of enamel as opposed to 2 in this model. But if you use them once or twice a week I dont think you will need the added wear resistance.

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The 6 Quart enamel Dutch oven is great for cooking, marinating, and freezing.Lodge color porcelain enamel on cast iron cookware is cast from molten iron in individual sand molds.The porcelain surface eliminates the need to season cast iron. The cast iron vessel has superior heat distribution and retention, evenly heating bottom, sidewalls, and even the lid.Two layers of very hard, glossy porcelain enamel are chip resistant and easy to clean.Hygienic porcelain enamel is non-reactive with food.Knob is oven safe to 400 degrees.Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture and the excellent heat retention reduces the amount of energy needed for cooking.Hand washing with warm soapy water is recommended to preserve the cookware's original appearance.10 3/4" diameter, 4 1/2" deep.Emerald green

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All-Clad Stainless Roasting Pan with Rack and Turkey Forks Review

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(More customer reviews)The Roti models are not made with a three-ply construction with an aluminum core and magnetic stainless exterior. The Roti models are made in China (not America like the rest of the All Clad pots and pans) out of a non-magnetized stainless steel. They're not designed for use on induction or conventional stove tops (a common step in the preparation of gravy).
A curiousity: The All Clad Web site doesn't appear to list the Roti models. I couldn't find it under any category. This model is an orphan.

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A must-have when cooking that annual turkey for friends and family, this stainless-steel roasting pan provides the rugged durability and convenient features that help make it a successful event. It includes a nonstick cooking rack that suspends the meat above excess grease and helps ensure effortless food release, plus offers stainless-steel forks for lifting and transporting poultry. Measuring 13 by 16 by 3 inches, the rectangular pan includes a wide flat base, rounded corners, and tall sides that keep contents neatly contained.
The bestseller among All-Clad's renowned cookware collections, the Stainless line provides serious and professional cooks all the virtues that make All-Clad's worldwide reputation unsurpassed. Its three-ply bonded design features a thick aluminum core sandwiched between an inside layer of 18/10 stainless steel and an outside layer of stainless steel, which work together to ensure fast heat-up times and even heat distribution along the base and up the sides. In addition, the cookware's 18/10 stainless-steel interior won't react with food, which means tomato-based sauces and other acidic foods won't taste metallic. For use conventional gas or electric stovetops, including glass and ceramic. The cookware's solid stainless-steel loop side handles stay cool to the touch and come riveted for safety and long-lasting strength. The versatile cookware can go safely in the oven up to 500 degrees F, and it cleans up easily by hand (recommended) or in the dishwasher. Made in the USA, the cookware carries a limited lifetime warranty.

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Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 4-1/2-Quart Round French Ovens Review

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(More customer reviews)A month or so ago I was crusing the housewares department here at Amazon.com, looking for a Dutch oven. I'd nearly settled on Calphalon, but I read a review (gotta love these things!) which said that though Calphalon was generally the cookware of choice, for Dutch - in this case French - ovens, Le Creuset was the brand to buy. I took this advice to heart, in part because I loved the cherry red finish, and bought this 4.5 quart oven.
I want to thank that reviewer; it was one of the best pieces of advice I've had in ages. Le Creuset has produced one of the best, most versatile pieces of cookware I've ever owned. This pan heats evenly and holds the heat, but you really have to work at getting food to burn in it. It goes from stove to oven to table with real panache. Nothing sticks. Ever. Really, I'm not kidding here because I did manage to burn something by walking away and forgetting about it for an hour. But after another hour's soak and a scrub with a nylon pad, the residue was completely removed, leaving no discoloration of the lovely cream-colored enamel of the interior. I use it nearly every day now; I don't know how I got on for so long without it.
I would also like to point out that the cherry red color is very jolly. It might even provoke you to speak French (or at least with an outrageous Monty Pythonesque French accent) while you're cooking. "Allo, now we add zee ahnyon. Zut alors!" That sort of thing. Of course if you find the idea silly, perhaps you should buy the piece in a more sedate color.
Bottom line, this is a great piece of cookware. C'est vrai!

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Cook on the stovetop then move food into the oven using this 4.5-qt. Round Dutch Oven. Ideal for browning and searing in, cooking and re-heating risotto, soups, stew, chowders and for simmering or slow-cooking foods. Secure lid seals in all the moisture and flavor. Move it from stovetop to oven when you're ready. Cast iron enameled Dutch Oven retains heat well and is beautiful enough to bring right to the table as you serve. Features sturdy, cast handles on sides so you can lift and carry with ease. Safe to use with metal utensils. Oven-safe to 450 degrees F. About Le Creuset...Since 1925, artisans have been crafting Le Creuset cookware in the French village of Fresnoy Le Grand. Each piece of Le Creuset cast iron cookware is handcast, polished, double enamel-coated and then fired, resulting in some of the finest quality cookware available. Cast iron is one of the best materials for distributing heat gently and thoroughly and is ideal for induction ranges. The strong enamel coating will not absorb odors or flavors, and is easy to clean. Heavy lids securely seal in moisture and flavor. Le Creuset cookware comes in a variety of sizes, colors and styles to match any kitchen and cooking preference. So lasting, you'll pass it on to the next generation of promising cooks

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Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Eco-Friendly Nonstick Hard Anodized 12-Piece Cookware Set Review

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(More customer reviews)We have now been using this set for 6 months. When we first received and began using them, the pans were perfectly nonstick so that food including eggs could be cooked without any oil, and cleaning was fast and easy. Unfortunately this is no longer true -- the pan we've used most often now requires oil in order than food doesn't stick, despite hand-washing and following the manufacturer's other directions. If no oil is used, the pan is like a traditional pan and not only does food stick, but the pan requires prolonged soaking and scrubbing to get it clean. You must also be careful not to stack the pans (chipping and scratching).
The pan handles do not get hot, but the lid handles do, so be prepared to use a potholder to move the lids.
The set must be hand-washed and handled carefully to avoid chipping, but this is not a problem for us.
I would have rated the set 5 stars had it retained its nonstick performance. The loss of the nonstick capacity and the subsequent difficulty with cleaning the pans drops my rating to two stars.
1/3/10 Edited to add: We've now been using this set for a year and I've noticed several minute to small chips out of the cooking surfaces of more that half the pieces. We do not use metal utensils (silicon only) and are careful with cleaning and storing. One piece has also absorbed the smell of the food that was cooked in it. I am now looking for a different set of cookware, and regret buying this one. While I prefer a "green," eco-friendly product, I think this one needs some improvements in quality and design.

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Get everything you need to cook up delicious, healthy meals for your family with this 12-piece set of Cuisinart Green Gourmet Hard Anodized Cookware. Cuisnart's new energy-efficient and eco-friendly Cermica nonstick surface more than just reduces your carbon footprint--this nonstick coating also allows for easy food release and the ability to use less fat while cooking as well as for use in the oven for browning. This 12-piece set includes an 8-inch skillet, 10-inch deep fry with cover, 1.5-quart saucepan with cover, 2.5-quart saucepan with cover, 3-quart everyday pan with cover, 6-quart Dutch Oven with cover, and a steamer insert that fits the 2.5-quart saucepan.
The pans deliver superior heat conductivity, requiring less energy to achieve the desired cooking temperature. Harder than stainless steel, the skillet's hard anodized exterior is dense, nonporous, and highly wear-resistant for extra durability and professional performance as well as quick and even heat distribution. Additionally, the securely riveted stay-cool steel handles are manufactured using 70 percent recycled stainless steel and is oven-safe to 500 degrees F, so food can be browned on the stovetop then transferred to the oven to finish cooking.
Cuisinart's GreenGourmet cookware is designed with an exclusive Cuisinart Ceramica nonstick surface, which features a petroleum-free, ceramic-based coating that is applied at a temperature one half that of traditional nonsticks. The coating does not contain PTFE and PFOA, substances often used in nonstick cookware that have raised health concerns over the years. It was also developed using manufacturing techniques that reduce harmful carbon emissions by consuming less energy. The coating is also water-based, unlike other nonstick coatings on the market, which are solvent-based. In addition, Cuisinart's cookware has a scratch-resistant nonstick surface that won't peel off. The new cookware conforms to FDA and European RoHS standards for environmentally sound products.
These pans should be hand-washed with a mild detergent, and they carry a limited lifetime warranty against defects. Cuisinart also gets some green cred from the packaging, which is made from 100 percent recycled materials and is printed using 100 percent biodegradable soy ink. --Agen G.N. Schmitz
What's in the Box One 8-inch skillet, one 10-inch deep fry (with cover), one 1.5-quart saucepan (with cover), one 2.5-quart saucepan (with cover), one 3-quart everyday pan (with cover), one 6-quart Dutch Oven (with cover), and a steamer insert that fits the 2.5-quart saucepan From the Manufacturer
Cuisinart GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Cookware Series Cuisinart GreeenGourmet hard-anodized cookware.

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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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Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 14-Inch Open Skillet with Helper Handle Review

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(More customer reviews)Despite the bad reviews, I also tried this pan. It is awful - DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!
To address issues other have had -
(1) It was perfectly flat out of the box, but warped as soon as medium heat was applied. Probably because it is so thin. Note the 10" crepe pan weighs as much as this monster of a pan, and appears to be at least 3 times thicker.
(2) It is way too thin to heat evenly - I think our heavy duty cookie sheets are just as thick! To check it out, I used an infrared thermometer and found out that once the hottest part of the pan reached about 350 (ideal for things like eggs and pancakes), there were parts that were 75 degrees cooler. This means burnt eggs and raw pancakes. Yum.
The size would probably make a good chicken fryer for a large family, but it has no top, so I'm not sure what you really could do with it, so mine went back today.

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Inspired by the French kitchens, Cuisinart began making professional cookware over 30 years ago.Constructed of the finest materials available, to perfectly perform all of the classic cooking techniques. Cuisinart continues its commitment to superior quality and innovation with our Chef's Classic™ Non-Stick Hard Anodized Cookware.The finest material are crafted into a full and functional line of classically shaped pieces.An extremely durable exterior with a smooth, hard anodized finish creates a look of professional elegance to complement any kitchen. Designed from the inside out for today's healthy lifestyles, this collection is constructed with 100% aluminum-free Quantanium nonstick cooking surface reinforced with titanium.Nonstick 14" skillet provides a healthful, fat-free browning and frying options: ideal for fried eggs or fried chicken for the family.

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Cuisinart GreenGourmet 10-Inch Round Griddle/Crepe Pan Review

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(More customer reviews)We have had the 10" griddle for 2 weeks. My husband uses it almost every morning. How do I clean it? Rinse it out with a little dish soap! This is the best piece of non-stick cookware I have ever owned. It is so much better than the old Teflon, and easier on the environment.
07-24-09: Here's an update, Gang. We have two of these now, and they are still going strong. Do not put these in the dishwasher. My son made that mistake, and ruined his little griddle.
04-15-10: Another update. We still use these almost every day. The surfaces are still great.

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Cook up a variety of breakfast favorites any time of day with this 10-inch round-shaped crepe/griddle pan. Measuring approximately 11 by 17 by 3-4/5 inches, the unit provides a wide flat surface with straight sides that neatly contain ingredients. Use the pan for anything from eggs or silver-dollar pancakes to omelets, crepes, and much more. As part of Cuisinart's GreenGourmet Hard Anodized line of cookware, the pan combines an earth-friendly design with high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting performance with reduced impact on the environment. The cookware's hard-anodized aluminum construction heats up quickly and evenly, which means less energy required to achieve the desired cooking temperature, and its exclusive, scratch-resistant, ceramic-based nonstick coating (PTFE/PFOA-free and petroleum-free) helps reduce oil consumption and preserve the environment--plus it's applied at a temperature one half that of conventional nonsticks, and it won't peel off. Furthermore, its nonstick interior ensures effortless food release without the need for excess butter or oil, which means lower fat cooking options and quick cleanup. The pan's riveted stainless-steel handle stays cool to the touch on the stovetop and is made from 70-percent recycled stainless steel. Even more, Cuisinart uses packaging made from 100-percent recycled materials and printed with soy ink. Oven-safe up to 500 degrees F and safe to use under the broiler, the cookware cleans up easily by hand and carries a limited lifetime warranty. From the Manufacturer
Cuisinart GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Cookware Series Cuisinart GreeenGourmet hard-anodized cookware.

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Cuisinart Multiclad Unlimited Dishwasher Safe 12-Piece Cookware Set Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First off let me say that this is a beautiful cookware set. For the pans that are included this is a steal. Cooking performance is superb and is equal to All Clads LTD. set. The one place that this cookware loses a star is in the finish. Where the anodized exterior meets the stainless interior is somewhat sloppy. It's not horrible but I expect more from Cuisinart. There are also a few barely perceptible dents here and there. I believe that I found two on the exteriors that no one else can see. I have also found at least two in the interiors. This does not at all take away from the cooking performance and I highly recommend this set.
Update 2009: After using this cookware for two years I have to upgrade my review to five stars! It has performed flawlessly under heavy use. It is as good as it was the day I got it and I love it even more now. This set is the best value out there!

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Unlimited convenience ArmourGuard dishwasher-safe hard anodized exterior makes cleanup truly effortless.Stainless Steel interior offers the optimal cooking surface thatwill not discolor or react with foods and hard anodized aluminum exterior provides superior heat distribution.A multi-layer system bonds an anodized aluminum exterior to a premium stainless steel interior to create the ultimate high-performance cookware.

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Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 9-Inch Panini Press Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)While shopping a retail cooking store, I fell in love with the Krups FDE312 panini press. A bit of Amazon research, however, turned up a disturbing pattern of sudden failures in this product. Research into other presses from Cuisinart, DeLonghi, Breville, Villaware, and others failed to produce a clear front runner. It seemed that each product had one or more issues - non-removable grill plates, difficult cleaning, lack of grill ribs, flimsy handles, tendency to dry food, non-adjustable temperature, etc. Enter the Le Creuset 10 ¼" grill pan and panini press. You can submerge them to clean. They're coated with enamel, not Teflon, which means with proper care they will last two lifetimes (although they're only guaranteed for the lifetime of the original owner). There's no electrical element to burn out, no cord to store, no moving parts to break. Use is simple. Heat the grill on one burner (we have gas, but they're supposed to work with other technologies) and the press on the other. Wait until a spatter of water vaporizes almost instantly. Brush grill pan with some oil. Place sandwiches on grill pan. Pick up the press, brush on some oil, place on sandwiches and press for a few moments. Sizzle, sizzle. Wait until the cheese melts. Serve. The panini were just like what I'd eaten in Italy. I haven't owned an electric press, but I can't imagine they'd be better. Cleanup of the enamel surface requires a bit of care but, unlike every Teflon-coated product I've ever owned, that surface will probably still be there 20 years from now. And since the grill pan actually has sides (unlike every electric panini press I looked at), there was no side-spattering and thus no cleanup to do around the cooking area. The only disadvantage - the grill/press combination cost me $150, about twice the cost of the average electric panini grill. But since many of the grill reviews I read spoke of this being their second (or third) electric grill, I suspect I'll make my money back over the next 20 years.

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Easily impart authentic grill marks on food--from cafe-style hot sandwiches to paninis and melts--with help from this 9-inch weighted press. The square-shaped press helps trap heat while creating tasty grill marks on the top side of sandwiches. It nicely complements any Le Creuset square-shaped grill, but can also be used with other brands of skillets and pans. Like other pieces in Le Creuset's line of enameled cast iron, the panini press features a long-lasting enamel exterior that resists chipping and cracking, while its underside provides a satin black enamel--no need to season the cookware in the oven before use. As cast iron is unexcelled for even heat distribution and superior heat retention, the panini press helps cook food uniformly and gently without hot spots and can be used for cooking on the stovetop or finishing in the oven. Oven-safe up to 350 degrees F, the press comes fitted with a heat-resistant phenolic knob and should be hand washed for best results.

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Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless 6-Quart Saucepot with Cover Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've cooked with, burned bone dry, and cleaned regular All-Clad almost daily for years so I am pretty familiar with its performance. I'm happy to report that this first Multiclad of mine performs similarly: boils quicker than regular pots with minimal hot spots, and cleans easily. [...]
Instead of going cheap or being a complete All-Clad copy cat, Cuisinart decided to throw in some improvements:
- Longer side and lid handles for cooler handling
- Brushed finish on exterior that goes about 3/4 of the way up hides scuffs
- Impeccable finish. Can't say the same for an All-Clad sauté pan which I payed full price for :(
- Better quality stainless steel? Maybe I just got a good batch, but the luster seems to suggest higher chrome content
Great offering Cuisinart! Keep up the quality and continue to be cost competitive vs. All-Clad and I will be back to supplement my cookware collection with Multiclad individual pieces. And BTW, this 6 quart is indispensable if you are cooking for 3-4 people.


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From the Manufacturer
Enjoy the Fine Art of Cooking
Inspired by the great French kitchens, Cuisinart began making professional cookware almost 30 years ago. Constructed of the finest materials available to perfectly perform all of the classic cooking techniques, Cuisinart cookware continues a long tradition of excellence.

Our commitment to quality and innovation continues with our MultiClad Pro Stainless cookware, designed to meet the demands of gourmet chefs everywhere.

Unique triple-ply construction joins a brushed stainless steel exterior, a pure aluminum core that provides even heat distribution, and a stainless steel interior, for optimal performance. MultiClad Pro Stainless lets you celebrate the fine art of cooking.

What is MultiClad Pro Stainless Cookware?
Premium cookware that features professional triple-ply construction - a core of pure aluminum bonded to a stainless steel interior and a brushed stainless exterior - a fusion of the best materials for cooking offering unsurpassed performance. Heat Surround technology maintains even heat distribution along the bottoms and side walls of the cookware, eliminating hotspots. Premium stainless steel cooking surfaces do not react with food or alter natural flavors.

The Cuisinart Details
Designed to provide professional gourmet cooking results, this collection offers perfect heat and perfect results, every time.

The Choice of Professionals Aluminum core heats and cools quickly for precise temperature control. Heat Surround technology provides even heat distribution along the bottom and up the side walls of the cookware. Stainless steel interior is ideal for delicately simmering sauces. Perfectly sautéing vegetables, browning meats, or boiling several servings of pasta.
Covers Seal in Nutrients Tight-fitting stainless steel covers seal in food's natural juices and nutrients for healthier, more flavorful results. Covers are dishwasher-safe.
Drip-Free Pouring Rims are tapered for drip-free pouring.
Professional Results Stainless steel cooking surface does not react with food or alter food flavors. Great for classic cooking techniques like sautéing, frying, browning, searing and slowly simmering delicious sauces.
Superior Heat Triple-Ply construction includes the unsurpassed heat conductivity of a pure aluminum core. It insures maximum heat retention and even heat distribution, eliminating hot spots.
Perfect Balance Exclusive Cool Grip handles stay cool on the stovetop. Handles with unique thumb rests are riveted for perfect balance and ultimate control when lifting and pouring.
Triple-Ply Construction Brushed stainless steel exterior Pure Aluminum Core for even heat distribution Stainless steel interior


Why make our best your best?
The MultiClad Pro Stainless Cookware Collection is designed to meet the culinary needs of the most demanding gourmet chefs. Its triple-ply construction facilitates effortless cooking and first-class results, enabling even the kitchen novice to whip up meals with a gourmet flair that will delight the whole family. Whether a menu calls for sautéed pork medallions, a slow-cooked Manhattan chowder, or spicy sun-dried tomato sauce that simmers all day long, Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Cookware makes cooking it a joyful experience. Discover the gourmet chef in you, and get ready to cook your best.

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Cuisinart 66-17 Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 17-Piece Cookware Set Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a beautiful set of cookware and, I think, a great value...I paid $189.99 for 17 pieces, 15 of which are pots, pans & lids and 2 inserts..for pasta and for steaming. I like that there are 2 of the same size lid. You always get 1 lid that fits 2 items in the set and I would always use them at the same time and only be able to cover 1. No worries with this set--there is 1 lid for each. Also, I did a lot of price shopping before I picked this one and it's the only brand that calls it 17-piece and gives you all cookware. Every other set I saw that was over, say, 10 pieces-- the extra was knives or plastic utensils vs pots and pans. If it was 17 pieces, 7 to 9 of them were bowls, utensils, knives, etc. Rip offs for the prices they charged. And finally..the outside is nice and smooth, not ringed or otherwise textured...makes for nice cleanup and hopefully they'll stay nice looking longer than their predecessors. The ONLY thing I'm not thrilled with is that the lid handles do get warm...even hot. The pot and pan handles don't, but the lids definitely do. But for the price and quality? I have potholders.... Otherwise I would give it 5 stars. What the heck..5 it is!

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17 -Piece Chef's Classic Non-Stick Hard Anodized Set includes:1-1/2, 2- and 3- saucepans with covers, 8-inch, 10-inchand 12-inch covered skillet with helper, 4- quart saute with helper and cover, 9- quart stockpot with cover, 7-3/4-inch steamer insert with cover, 9-1/2-inch pasta insert

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Cuisinart Chef's Classic Fry Pans Review

Average Reviews:

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

Average Reviews:

(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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