Pearl Mantels 495-72 Auburn Arched 72-Inch Wood Fireplace Mantel Shelf, Unfinished Review

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(More customer reviews)What a difference this piece has made to our fireplace and our whole room. We had something that the builder had put up that had no design elements and looked more like an after thought. Now the fireplace really is the focal point of the room - in a good way. The finish is rich and warm and it was easy to put up - all one piece! I had to wait a while for it but it was worth it!

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Northwest Glass Yama Stovetop Coffee Siphon, 1-Unit Review

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(More customer reviews)This has to be my favorite (non-espresso) method of producing good coffee. Vacuum brewing (often called siphon brewing) was very popular before convenience assumed more importance than the quality of coffee produced.
While lacking quite the grace and style (and "coffee-table theatre") of the Cona version, the Yama brewer carries a much smaller price tag. Though it is made of glass, the Yama feels quite sturdy and should be quite serviceable - given suitable care. If it breaks, the cost of replacement is reasonable.

The Cona has a glass rod/filter which is very effective, zero cost, and low maintenance. I do not like the idea of brewing through re-used, laundered cotton filters as provided with the Yama, so I use an old Cory glass rod filter (check out eBay) which works perfectly with my 40 oz unit. A simple wire grid is provided and works well with my electric smooth-top. The whole process soon becomes very quick and easy with practice.
Maybe I'll buy a small butane burner to achieve the Cona's "coffee-table theatre".

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Brew and serve the best coffee of your life with the help of this 40-ounce coffee siphon from Northwest Glass Yama, which vacuum brews coffee on your stovetop to produce a cleaner, richer, and smoother cup of coffee. This coffee siphon (model SY-8) makes 40 ounces (8 cups) of coffee. One part performance art and one part laboratory project, the coffee siphon brews coffee by heating water stored in the bottom chamber, which is then forced to the upper vessel containing the coffee grounds. After removal from the heat, the brewed coffee will be drawn back through a strainer to the bottom chamber and ready for pouring. This model works on gas and electric rangetops, and comes with a wire diffuser for use on electric coil burners. The glass chambers are dishwasher and microwave safe.

Directions for Use
Use a slightly finer grind of coffee.
Drop the washable, reusable cloth covered filter into the infusion chamber with the chain hanging down into the glass siphon tube.
Pull the chain down until you can hook it to the bottom of the siphon tube.
Fill the bottom carafe to the 5 mark with hot water and place 5 measuring spoons of coffee in top chamber.
After about 4 minutes to heat the water, all the water is siphoned to the top chamber; allow 2 minutes to brew.
Remove from the heat source, allowing the coffee comes back down to the bottom carafe.
Remove the top, placing it in its convertible lid/stand, and bring the pot to the table for serving.

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Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen Xylan Nonstick 14-Inch Wok with Wood Handles Review

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(More customer reviews)Hi, I bought one of Chen's non-stick woks like this one -- and gave it to a friend, so I could free up cabinet space to buy Chen's steel flat bottomed wok (for my electric stove). You are not supposed to preheat the non-stick wok too high, and never without oil in it. Well, to stir fry, you want to get it real hot, so the non-stick limitation defeats the purpose.
I've had no problem with Chen's steel wok without non-stick coating -- you just have season it with oil and heat following the directions. Then each time you use it, wash it in hot water only (no soap or detergent), dry it, and rub a bit of oil on it after each use. I've enjoyed using the plain steel wok a few times a week for more than six months.
Really, don't be afraid to buy Chen's steel wok instead. You don't need a non-stick wok.

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The 14 inchXylannon-stickWokhas 1.6 mm gauge of carbon steel.It is made for use on gas or electric burners and the pan's carbon steel body is designed for rapid, even heating and cooling ¿ a must for any stir-fry.Its size is perfect for making quick and delicious Asian for the family. This pan is perfect for creating such authentic Asian-style recipes as curried shrimp with lemon rice and Szechwan beef stir-fry.This pan features a wood handle and helper handle and the flat bottom sits securely on stove tops.The wood handle is designed to stay cool on the stovetop, so you can easily remove the pan from the burner without using potholders.The Xylan Non Stick coating allows you to cook with little or no oil - a healthy delicious cooking method that brings out the food's natural flavors.Convenient loop at end of handle allows for hanging storage of the wok.

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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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Market Merchants Charleston Fireback Review

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(More customer reviews)The Fireback is high quality castiron piece, that arrived ahead of schedule and well packaged. I am very please with it. I have used it 3 times since it arrived, and the coating is of such quality that cleans up to look pristine. You can buy with confidence from this seller. If you want a well built fireback at a great price, this is it.

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Gives your fireplace character and charm and made of durable cast-iron. Protects the back wall of your fireplace from decay and radiates heat forward into the room, making the fireplace more efficient. Measures 23 x 23 inches.

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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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Trudeau 0823004 Electric 11-Piece 3-in-1 Fondue Set Review

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(More customer reviews)The Trudeau electric fondue pot is a triumph of form following function. Being electric it is very convenient to use and arguably safer than "sterno" units. It is versatile and can be used with cheese, meat or dessert fondues. Compared to others presently on the market, it has the distinct advantage of being the only one truly designed for all three types of fondue.
I tested the Rival and the Cuisinart. Both use direct heat technology, which is fine for oil or broth based fondue which require high heat. However, when you cook cheese or dessert you have use a low heat setting. Both units cycle between "on" and "off" at various intervals trying to keep a steady temperature. This creates either rapid boiling or fast cooling. Making a cheese or chocolate fondue with the Rival and Cuisinart is doable, but be prepared to be stirring the pot a lot to prevent scorching the food. The Westinghouse seems to be the same design as the other two, but I have not tried it.
As for the Trudeau it has several nice features. First, the pot is separate from the heating base. This means you can heat the pot in the kitchen and bring it to the table when ready. The heating surface is teflon coated for easy clean up. The unit is also more "upright" than the other electrics which takes up less space on your table, while looking darn good too. IMHO.
However, what gives the Trudeau its distinct advantage is the unique double boiler system where, when making cheese or dessert fondue, you fill the chrome pot with 20 ounces of water and insert a stoneware crock into the pot. The arrangement allows for even heating at lower temperatures which is essential for cheese and chocolate fondues.
For oil or broth fondues, the chrome pot sit atop the direct heat of the heating base as you would expect. Six better than average fondue forks are included along with a fork holder for the chrome pot to keep the forks from sliding around. Another nice feature is the patented electric plug which eliminates the guesswork of knowing which way to insert the plug into the base.
If you want one fondue pot to serve all your needs, this is the one to buy.

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Turn any potluck night with friends into an extra-special occasion with the help of this electric fondue pot. The 56-ounce unit can be used for hot broth or oil-based fondue when dipping pieces of meat and seafood, or slip its stoneware double-boiler insert into place for serving cheese or chocolate fondue. The mirror-finish 18/10-stainless-steel pot sits securely on top of the electric warming base, which features a nonstick warming plate and offers a simple control dial on the front for easily adjusting the heat from low to high. The stainless-steel pot can also be used directly on the stovetop, making it possible to cook a favorite fondue recipe in the kitchen before transporting it to the warming base, situated neatly on the buffet or dining-room table--no need to dirty a second pot. Six stainless-steel forks come included, each with a brightly colored dot on the end for quickly distinguishing one from the other. For added convenience, a stainless-steel fork guide around the rim of the pot helps keep each fork in position. Other highlights include two loop side handles on the stainless-steel pot, an "on" indicator light on the warming base, and a quick-release magnetic power cord for safety. The 500-watt, UL-approved electric fondue pot measures approximately 9-2/7 by 9 by 9-2/7 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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