3/31/2011

Cuisinart PSC-400 Stainless-Steel 4-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Review

Cuisinart PSC-400 Stainless-Steel 4-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Average Reviews:

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We have had this slow cooker for three months, using it twice a week. So far we are very satisfied.
In researching our purchase and reading numerous reviews, we found that the Cuisinart generally received positive evaluations. There were a few negative ones, but obviously we discounted them and went ahead with the Cuisinart anyway. Some reviewers criticized it for overheating food, but overheating in a slow cooker is usually a sign that the pot was underfilled. A good slow cooker should have the power to heat a full pot to over 200 F, so it should come as no surprise that the heater can boil a low pot. The Cuisinart instructions specifically warn against underfilled pots, and we have had no overheating problems with even half-full pots.
We have not had this cooker long enough to comment on durability. Contrary to some opinions, our impression is that the Cuisinart is a solidly constructed, well-designed appliance, made with high quality materials. No sign of a lemon here.
We use our 4 qt cooker to make meals for a family of four. We debated whether to get a larger size, but in retrospect we realize that a one gallon pot holds more than enough for our family.
Programmability was important to us, and we like the userfriendliness of this unit. A few reviewers have lamented the lack of a delayed start program, but a feature that encourages you to leave raw food at room temperature for a prolonged period did not sound that desirable to me. The cooker will automatically switch to a safe warming mode in case you are not around at the end of the cooking cycle.
A cookbook is included, but most of the recipes are one or two steps beyond the convenience of a mix-and-go meal. We have bought cookbooks with simpler recipes, and have been happy with the results.
There are other slow cookers that will perform the basic tasks competently for less money than the Cuisinart. For the extra cost you get programmability, a nice appearance, superior quality, and a few unexpected extras.

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Beautifully housed in brushed stainless steel with cool-touch chrome-plated handles and black accents, this programmable slow cooker offers more than just good looks. The exceptionally convenient countertop appliance makes it easier than ever to cook healthy homemade meals, delicious side dishes, and mouthwatering desserts for the family at home or to bring to a potluck or picnic. Simply add ingredients to the removable 4-quart round-shaped ceramic cooking pot, set it in the base, and cover with the glass lid, which comes with a stainless-steel rim and chrome-plated knob. Then press "on" from the user-friendly touchpad control panel and choose from three cooking modes--simmer, low, or high. The cooker offers a 24-hour programmable cook time, an LCD countdown timer, and a keep-warm mode that the unit automatically shifts over to once the cooking time has ended. Other highlights include wrap-around heating elements for thorough heat distribution, nonslip rubber feet, retractable cord storage, and dishwasher-safe parts (lid and ceramic pot) for quick cleanup. Accessories include a cooking rack for use with ramekins or other bakeware, a spiral-bound recipe book with 70 basic to gourmet dishes, and an instruction book for getting started. The slow cooker measures approximately 11-2/3 by 16-3/5 by 14 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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Rival SCRBC909-BS Trio 3-Quart Slow Cooker Crock Pot Crock Buffet Server, Black/Stainless Review

Rival SCRBC909-BS Trio 3-Quart Slow Cooker Crock Pot Crock Buffet Server, Black/Stainless
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Crock Pots worked great. My wife loves the 3 quart capacity versus the 2.5 quart that most trio buffet servers are. Have two of them. Ordered Rival but the name brand is Crock Pot on the buffet servers. Did not realize the two companies are the same. Only minor thing is that the spoons were all the same. Would be nice if one or two of them were slotted so the juice would drain through. The really disappointing thing is the Crock Pot and Rival Company do not sale any slotted spoons.

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Crock Pot SCRBC909-BS Trio Cooker and Buffet Server.Traditional Buffet Warmers have flooded the marketplace for years. However the ability to actually cook food directly in the unit has not been available. With the launch of the Crock Pot Trio Cook and Serve, consumers can now create the entire entree / appetizer / etc in one pot, with a design they are proud to put on display. SCRBC909-BS contains three 3qt stoneware inserts for preparing several dishes at once. Three individual temperature controls allow the pots to cook food at a low, high or warm setting. Glass lids, a stainless and black hybrid finish and integrated handles offer a sophisticated look and practical style.

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3/30/2011

Le Creuset Stoneware Butter Crock, Cobalt Review

Le Creuset Stoneware Butter Crock, Cobalt
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This crock actually works. You'll have room temperature butter anytime you want it. It holds about 1 and 1/2 sticks of butter. Just bring the butter to room temperature, pack it tightly in the upside-down cup, fill the base with a little water, and your butter will stay fresh and at room temperature. Although the instructions suggest changing the water every 3-4 days, I find that I only need to change it about once every 10 days or so. When using the butter, be careful to remove it evenly from the top working your way down. If you take too much from one side, the glob of butter will end up sliding out of the cup and down into the water when you pull out the cup. When the cup is full of butter, you'll have some water clinging to its surface, but blotting with a paper towel will easily solve that problem.

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Le Creuset butter crock keeps Butter Fresh, Delicious and Spreadable without Refrigeration.

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Candle Warmers Etc. Ceramic Votive Candle Warmer Crock Review

Candle Warmers Etc. Ceramic Votive Candle Warmer Crock
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This little votive sized crock is really nice for small spaces, and probably safer than the plug-in nightlight sized varieties if you have pets/kids. I didn't see the wattage in the description, but now that I have it I can report that it is 8 watts. This is plenty to warm and liquify a votive quickly - I'm happy with the purchase!

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These decorative and unique Cookie Jar Candle Warmer Crocks are designed to warm and melt scented candles releasing the candle's fragrance into the room and throughout the home.

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3/29/2011

Oxo Good Grips Brushed Stainless Steel Utensil Holder Review

Oxo Good Grips Brushed Stainless Steel Utensil Holder
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This thing is seriously big. I stuffed all my Oxo utensils and some, 21 in total (though 2 were being washed when I shot the video, a full size oxo laddle and another wooden spoon). I think its a pretty stylish product too :), and the snap off cap is an interesting idea though I haven't used it. I guess it makes sense if its in a location where things can fall inside and accumulate, sort of like a toaster tray.

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Keep all your kitchen tools handy with the OXO GOOD GRIPS Stainless Steel Utensil Holder. The unique elliptical shape fits in narrow areas or flush against a wall. At 8 1/4 inches wide by 4 1/2 inches deep, the Caddy holds over 16 large-handled tools, eve

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Crock-Pot SCR503UM 5-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker With Dipper, Stainless Steel Review

Crock-Pot SCR503UM 5-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker With Dipper, Stainless Steel
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This 5 qt crock pot is a terrible buy. It burns everything on high and on low. It does not burn on warm but takes forever to cook. I would not recommend this product to anyone. It is a waste of money.

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Simply perfect. Simply delicious. Crock-Pot Slow Cookers make mealtime and entertaining more flavorful. Turn the dial to “High" and get a hot meal, snack, appetizer or dip in no time. Set it on “Low" and tonight’s dinner can cook while you’re at work. Or use the “Warm" setting during a get together with friends so your dish stays ready to eat until the party is over. No matter the recipe or the occasion, your Crock-Pot Slow Cooker keeps the temperature steady so your food is cooked to perfection, full of flavor and delicious. To keep clean up easy, the 5-quart removable round stoneware slides right out of the base for easy transport to the table or storage in the fridge. And both the stoneware and lid are dishwasher safe. The stylish, stainless steel finish is perfect for your modern kitchen. A 16 ounce Little Dipper™ Warmer is also included to keep your dips and sauces warm while serving. Crock-Pot Slow Cookers simplify your day with slow-cooking solutions that fit your lifestyle.Crock-Pot The Original Slow Cooker.

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3/28/2011

Maxi-Matic MST-800V Elite Gourmet Large 8-1/2-Quart Slow Cooker, Stainless Review

Maxi-Matic MST-800V Elite Gourmet Large 8-1/2-Quart Slow Cooker, Stainless
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We have a family of 7 and required a larger crock pot. This one is excellent as it holds twice what we could normally get in our old crock pot. As the exterior is stainless steel, it does get hot. But the upside is that the cooking time is about the same if not better than with the smaller pots. Definetely worth the investmest if you are cooker for larger groups.

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Get creative making healthy, home-cooked meals with the help of this easy-to-use slow cooker. Great for large families or when cooking for a crowd, the countertop appliance provides a large 8-1/2-quart removable stoneware pot that nicely accommodates anything from vegetarian stew, grandma's pot roast, soups, casseroles, curries, and more. Simply add ingredients to the unit's oval-shaped pot, insert the pot into the cooker, and turn the dial from "off" to the heat setting desired. Settings include Low, High, and Auto/Defrost. The appliance delivers consistent, even heat, while its clear tempered-glass lid traps in moisture and nutrients for delicious results, plus makes it possible to check on cooking food without having to remove the lid. Other highlights include an "on" indicator light, a stay-cool lid knob, integrated side handles on the inner pot, and stay-cool side handles on the main unit. When finished, the inner pot lifts out for quick, easy cleanup. Attractively housed in brushed stainless steel with black accents, the 300-watt slow cooker measures approximately 17 by 10-3/5 by 13 inches.

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Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Review

Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
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We love this product! The features on it are fantastic. We especially like the probe setting. You simply insert the probe into your meat and it will monitor the cooking process until the meat has reached the desired temperature. It then automatically switches to a low setting to keep your meal warm until you are ready to eat. There's no guessing how long it will take to cook. Throw in a few vegetables and have a home-cooked meal with very little fuss!
Another awesome feature is the clip-tight gasket lid. It's perfect for traveling to pot-luck dinners without worrying that you will ruin the upholstery in your car from a spill.
Our family highly recommends this product!
One note of caution. Watch the price when ordering online. Amazon currently has it selling for nearly $200, but it can be found in stores for a fraction of that price--usually $50-$60.

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Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals even with a busy schedule thanks to this easy-to-use programmable 6-quart slow cooker. Simply add ingredients to the unit's oval-shaped stoneware pot, insert the pot into the electric base, and select one of three automatic-cooking options--program, manual, or probe--using the flat-panel push-button control panel with digital display. Especially convenient when away from home, program mode cooks for a specified amount of time, then automatically shifts to keep-warm so food doesn't overcook. Manual mode allows for selecting high or low heat settings--great for cooking the traditional way without setting the time or for heating up previously cooked food. When cooking a large cut of meat or using a recipe that requires food to reach a certain temperature, use the probe mode. The included thermometer probe takes the guesswork out of slow cooking. After reaching the desired internal food temperature, the slow cooker automatically shifts to keep-warm. The thoughtfully designed slow cooker also provides attractive stainless-steel housing, power-interrupt protection, a clip-on spoon, a clip-tight gasket lid, and full-grip handles for safe transport. The removable stoneware and tempered-glass lid clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher, and a user manual with recipes comes included. Perfect for soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more, the slow cooker measures approximately 10-2/5 by 16 by 16 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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3/27/2011

Lansky 4 Rod Gourmet Crock Stick Sharpener Review

Lansky 4 Rod Gourmet Crock Stick Sharpener
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I recently purchased this product from Amazon. I had VERY high expectations for this product since I have owned one for over 25 years (Since about 1980). The first one I accidentally dropped and broke one of the rods a few weeks back. Rather than just purchase a replacement rod (Which is what in hind site I should have) I selected to purchase the gourmet 4 rod version in order to get the MED as well as the Fine rod I broke.
Once again the original one I had was absolutely the best sharpener I had ever owned, but will now never purchase again due to customer support.
The replacement rods were not rounded off, just straight cuts therefore cheaper to make, They don't fit into receptacle as well You can move them about 5-7 degrees(about 3/4 of an inch of movement. in all but 1 of the holes, they were oversized compared to the rods.
The holes in the base of the wood were NOT Correct angles, and the holes were over drilled as to cause the required angles to be incorrect 5-7 degrees off, you could move the sticks about 1/2-3/4 inch in each direction. This also caused the sticks to rotate and move while attempting to sharpen the knife (Not good if you want a razoe edge to slice with).
I contacted Lanskey and they told me that they would not pay for the return shipping or even give me a replacement. I would have to pay for all transfers to them.
All I wanted them to do was send me out a replacement piece of WOOD. WOOD! .Not the sticks, just the wood correctly drilled.
She told me that they wouldn't do that unless I sent the entire thing back AT MY EXPENSE.
There fore I am giving this sharpener a 1 rating because of Lansky customer support.
I wish they had simply replaced the improperly drilled piece of wood that would have cost them maybe 1.00, but they didn't and lost a very old customer.
So much for customer focus and returning customers of 25+ YEARS. And now I will have to contact the dozens of people that I had recommended this sharpener to and tell them to NOT purchase a good product since they can expect NO customers support from the manufacture.
Gerry Richardson
Competition BBQ team THEREFORE I WOULD GO SOMEWHEREELSE TO GET A SHARPNER Not Lansky. I have returned this to AMAZON as defective due to the incorrect drilling of the holes.

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The 2-Stage sharpening system features a solid hardwood base, permanent handgaurd and integral snap-in rod storage under the base.

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Butter Bell Classic Hand Painted Raised Floral Crock and Spreader Review

Butter Bell Classic Hand Painted Raised Floral Crock and Spreader
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I love real butter but you know how hard it is to spread from the fridge, so I thought I would try this butter bell. IT WORKS GREAT! who knew? It will sit on my counter for as long as I am around and I don't break it. Thanks Amazon!! jaci

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A practical and beautiful solution for storing and serving butter, the Butter Bell Crock keeps butter soft, delicious, and spreadable for up to 30 days without refrigeration. Modeled after the original French design, the butter crock is made from durable glazed stoneware or dolomite clays. Available in a wide array of colors, the crock can match existing dinnerware or stand on its own to add a touch of color to the table. It goes from the kitchen to the tabletop with no fuss. Butter's delicate flavor and freshness are protected by an airtight seal of water at the base of the crock, safely keeping butter fresh and spreadable without refrigeration, odors, or spoilage. It also keeps butter at the perfect "spreading" consistency by reflecting outside heat while insulating and cooling the butter. To use, firmly pack one stick of softened butter into the bell-shaped lid, pour cold water into the base of the crock, and place the lid upside down back into the base of the crock. Store the crock away from heat or sunlight, and change the water in the base every two to three days. Cleaning is easy since the crock is dishwasher safe.
From the Manufacturer
Look how easy it is to use the Butter Bell crock.
1. Pour approximately 1/3 cup very cold water into the base of the crock. 2. Pack ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter into the bell-shaped lid. 3. Replace lid into the bottom of the crock. Water creates an airtight seal. The secret to fresh, creamy butter is the airtight seal.
The unique design keeps butter at the perfect "spreading" consistency by reflecting outside heat while insulating and cooling the butter. Flavor and freshness are protected by an airtight seal of water at the base of the crock.
Proper maintenance: Water should be changed out every three days. Replace existing water in the base with fresh, cold water. The crock should be stored away from heat or sunlight.
Holds up to one full stick (1/2 cup) of butter. Softened butter is packed firmly into the bell-shaped lid. Cold water is poured into the base of the crock. The lid is placed upside down back into the base of the crock. Soft, spreadable butter may be enjoyed and served right from the crock. Frequently Asked Questions: Why does my butter keep falling into the water or turning moldy? Though there are many reasons for this, usually once you get the hang of using your Butter Bell, these problems are easily solved. Here are some helpful hints and suggestions to try out: • Do not allow the butter to become too soft before packing it into the bell shaped lid. The butter should be firm enough so that is not slipping off the knife before packing the lid. When the butter is slightly firmer it packs into the lid better - just use a little "elbow grease". • When packing the butter into the bell shaped lid, make sure you press the butter firmly into the lid, removing all air pockets. Air pockets within the butter create a suction affect when the lid is removed from the water, pulling the butter out of the lid. • When using your Butter Bell, do not let the "Bell" sit out of the crock base for extended periods of time. • After each use, check the remaining butter in lid to ensure there aren't any air pockets. Use your knife to redistribute the remaining butter within the lid for better adherence tension. • Make sure that the Butter Bell is stored away from sunlight and heat. For instance, do not store on a counter near a stove/oven or in a window sill. • Use the coldest water possible when adding water in the base of the crock. Perhaps add a few small, smashed ice cubes if you live in a very warm climate. Make sure you're changing the water every 3 days. This step ensures fresher butter for longer periods of time. • Wash thoroughly between uses.
Is the Butter Bell dishwasher safe? Yes, the Butter Bell is dishwasher safe.
Where is the Butter Bell made and is it safe? The Butter Bell crocks are made in China, by a top manufacturer of ceramic products. The crocks are made from the highest quality materials and are completely safe, meeting FDA food safety regulatory standards. Each production run of product is tested thoroughly for lead and cadmium levels. Documentation accompanies each shipment, which is submitted to US Customs and the FDA for clearance approval.
Why does my Butter Bell have fine black lines in it? These fine black lines are called "crazing." This is a normal wear and tear for ceramic products, and happens to plates, dishes, and mugs as well. It will not harm the butter. It is a result of scraping the knife along the sides the bell to get the butter out, as well as dishwashing in very hot water.
Can I use margarine (or other spreads) in the Butter Bell? The Butter Bell works best when real butter is used. Margarine does not have a spreadability problem. Also, margarines are "oilier" and will not stay in the lid very easily. It is not recommended to store other processed spreads in the Butter Bell. Processed spreads (i.e. - cream cheese) need refrigeration to stay fresh for extended periods of time. You can use the Butter Bell for special spreads if you do not plan to store it in the Butter Bell. For example, the Butter Bell might make a great serving piece at an evening dinner party for a special dip or spread that you create.
Can I use whipped butter in the Butter Bell? Whipped butter is less dense than regular butter. It contains tiny air pockets (hence the fluffiness) which causes the butter to fall into the water. It is not recommended. As well, Ghee or Clarified butters are not recommended for use in the Butter Bell.
Can I store herbal butters in the Butter Bell? Herbal butters are fine to serve and store in your Butter Bell, however they will not stay fresh as long as pure butter. Butters that contain fresh herbs will stay fresh approximately 5 to 7 days in the Butter Bell. This can vary somewhat so use your best judgment before use.

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3/26/2011

West Bend 84384 4-Quart Oval-Shaped Crockery Cooker Review

West Bend 84384 4-Quart Oval-Shaped Crockery Cooker
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I've been using various slow cookers for 40 years, and I really do like all of the little features on this one. The handles make it easy to hold, and it heats evenly.
I chose it for several reasons.
1) It is oval. Oval pots allow longer pieces of meat for cooking.
2) Four Quarts is a good size for preparing larger dishes for groups. (I go to a lot of potlucks).
3) At the same time, I can still make smaller dishes in it without worrying
4) It is simple. It has 3 settings, keep warm, low, and high. No fancy electronics to worry about.
When my last "Crockpot" broke, I debated between several sizes. I even looked at the fancy ones that had three sizes of pots included. After comparing prices, I settled on this 4-quart cooker. I figured I could buy it PLUS a small one and still have money left over. Add that to the fact that if I bought two different sizes with the base, I could have two different things cooking at the same time, and this was a real bargain.
If you haven't used a slow cooker before, depending on what you include, you may need to stir occasionally to keep it from burning/sticking. And, meats cook faster than vegies - so save your rare roasts for the oven - slow cookers are for well-done meat that is so tender it falls off the bone. Do check a recipe book or an online recipe before you start, and you'll be a lot happier.

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Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals with the help of this 4-quart oval-shaped slow cooker. The unit works great for cooking up soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more. Simply add ingredients to the unit's stoneware crock, insert it in the cooker, and turn the temperature-control dial from off to low or high--or to the convenient keep-warm setting, which maintains a perfect serving temperature without overcooking. The appliance provides a tempered-glass lid--with a stay-cool black knob and finger guard--that helps keep in the heat and allows for checking on meals at a glance without disturbing the cooking process. Other thoughtful design details include a handy on/off indicator light, rubber feet, and cool-touch plastic side handles for secure transport from the kitchen to the buffet. For added convenience, the removable crock can also be used as a serving dish at the dining-room table, and it cleans up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. Recipes for chicken noodle soup, pork roast, vegetable stew, chili, and more come included. With its beautiful brushed stainless-steel exterior, the 250-watt slow cooker measures 10-1/5 by 13 by 8-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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GOURMET SERVE IT WARM CERAMIC SOUP CROCK Review

GOURMET SERVE IT WARM CERAMIC SOUP CROCK
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Well, after reading the reviews for these, and for similar items, I really did not want to order these online and have them delivered. I figured they'd arrive broken and I'd have to return them. After going to 5 places (Pottery Barn, Target, Crate and Barrel, Sur La Table and William Sonoma) without finding anything like what I wanted I bit the bullet and ordered these. Miracle of miracles, they arrived today in perfect shape! It's a miracle because, as the other reviewers said, the packing was seriously inadequate. The original box was just placed inside another box. The outer box wasn't even marked "Fragile". I guess the UPS folks were feeling very gentle this last week. Anyway, I think they're pretty cool and if you order them I hope they come to you intact!

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3/25/2011

Lansky 4-rod Turn Box Crock Stick Sharpener (LCD5D) Review

Lansky 4-rod Turn Box Crock Stick Sharpener (LCD5D)
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The sharpener:
The sharpener contains four ceramic rods, a dark gray coarse pair and a white fine pair, which are stored conveniently in the wooden body (which is a nondescript, varnished hardwood of the type found in cheap folding furniture, for example.) In use, these rods would be inserted into two pairs of holes drilled into the wooden case. The holes serve to hold the rods at a particular angle, letting you create properly shaped, repeatable edges on your knives. How to use it:
If you are starting with a dull blade, you start with the dark rods. You put them in the pair of holes that are spaced farther apart (as in the product photo.) Those holes are drilled at 20 degrees from vertical, which will create an edge that is very close to the proper shape, and make further sharpening go faster (I will explain that below.)
You hold the wooden body with a free hand down on a countertop or tabletop, then grip your knife in your other hand, edge down and pointing forward, and draw the knife edge against one of the rods downwards and backwards. You have to be careful to keep your other hand out of the path of the knife. You do a few strokes on one side, then switch to the other.
Since most knives have curved edges, you should ideally draw the handle up as you draw it back in a rocker motion, to keep the edge at a constant angle to the rods. With an 8" chef's knife, it wouldn't matter much, but with smaller knives with a deeper curve, it might be important, especially if you want the knife to be equally sharp from tip to heel.
After the edge has been shaped (if you have a magnifying glass, you can see when the "V" of the edge has flat sides that come to a point) and the knife doesn't seem to be getting sharper, you remove those gray rods and take out the white rods and insert them in the other pair of holes, and repeat the process. Those holes are closer and offset from each other, so that the two rods actually cross, so you can tell the two pairs of holes apart easily. Those holes are drilled at 25 degrees from vertical, i.e. the rods slant more. (That means the knife edge will form a 50 degree angle, which is a good compromise between sharpness and edge durability.) Because you formed the edge first with the coarse rods at 20 degrees, the white rods will contact the knife only at the exact edge, which is the only part that really matters. This allows sharpening to go faster.
This process is a little fussier. You do four strokes on a side for a while, then two strokes, then one, so you are alternating between one side and then the other. At those last stages you should use very little pressure. You will end up with a razor sharp knife.
After that, you should be able to go for quite a while with using only the white rods in the 25 degree holes to touch up the edge. Eventually though, you will have to start over with the gray rods in the 20 degree holes.So what is good and bad about this sharpener?
The good:
- The sharpener reliably produces sharp edges with the correct angles. That 25 degree angle is difficult to achieve with any consistency using most other sharpening systems, but this one makes it easy.
- It is cheap. I have done a fair amount of research, and I believe this is probably the cheapest sharpening system that actually can produce edges at repeatable angles. There are other, more flexible systems (including one from Lansky) but they cost more. And there are cheaper systems (like a simple ceramic rod with a handle) that require you to eyeball the angle, which would almost certainly mean either a weak, inconsistent edge or lots of wasted effort, or both. Other systems offer only one set of rods, or only one angle.
- The entire thing packs into a self-contained, convenient package. The rods go into holes drilled lengthwise in the wooden body, and an attached endpiece rotates to cover both holes. When it is packed up, it forms a little wooden brick. It is actually a pretty clever design.The bad:
- The entire thing is small, so there isn't much room to hold on to the body with your other hand. So it is relatively easy to cut yourself. Fancier and larger sharpeners of this type (like the Spyderco system) have some kind of hand guard. With this one you should take extra care to place all your fingers in a safe position. And you should proceed slowly, and in a well-lit area.
- The rods are only five inches long, and only 4 1/2 inches of is usable when the rods are mounted. That means there is little space to draw the knife downwards, and you end up using a mostly horizontal motion, drawing the knife back towards yourself. Otherwise you will end up slicing into the wood body or hitting the other rod. This means that sharpening goes relatively slowly. I have been experimenting with drawing the knife up instead of down, while drawing it back. It is an odd motion, but it seems to work well.
- The body is relatively slick and light, and has no rubber feet, so it can slide around on the countertop a little. So if you were particularly careful, you might want to set it on a piece of no-slide pad used under rugs (you can find similar stuff used as shelf liners or toolbox liners. It resembles a rubber-coated mesh.)
- (This is a quibble.) The wood and the finish are just adequate, nothing special. Since I like doing this kind of thing, I sanded off the varnish and finished the entire thing, including all the holes, with tung oil (mixed 30% with mineral spirits.) The holes on top are a slightly tight fit for the rods, so I had to make sure to remove any extra oil from the holes which might keep the rods from fitting. It took about 20 minutes from start to finish, and it is much nicer, and probably more durable.
- Lastly, like all sharpeners that use rods, it doesn't work well for super-hard steel like that found in some Japanese knives. The tiny contact point can actually make that steel fracture and chip. Those knives would do better with a large traditional whetstone, like a Japanese waterstone. (This sharpener also doesn't work with serrated knives, but most serrated knives, like those cheap flexible stainless steel knives, aren't intended to be sharpened anyway. The Spyderco system is one of the few that can handle serrated knives.)
Good luck!

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Two-stage Crock Stick sharpener with two sets of 5" ceramic rods - medium grit and fine grit; hardwood base w/internal rod storage

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Crock Pot SCVC604HSS 6-Quart Programmable Hinged Smartpot Slow Cooker Review

Crock Pot SCVC604HSS 6-Quart Programmable Hinged Smartpot Slow Cooker
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This slow cooker has liberated my cooking. I'm a 68 year old vegetarian guy who cooks as very little as I can get away with and still deliver healthy, very tasty food. I can't buy the things prepared which I need, as the market doesn't yet supply them. So I make up recipes which fold in the very healthy foods I want in my diet. I'd found no way to do that with whole grains and dried beans, each of which took an amount of time which was unacceptable to me.
Huzzah! My wife talked this very "late adopter" (I just got a cell phone, too) to buy this crock pot, when we found it on sale. Whole grain combined with dried bean dishes of all varieties are very quick to prepare (just throw everything in together, mix, turn on the heat and the timer and walk away for 5 to 10 hours) and very tasty the next morning when I wake up hungry for them.
I've used this about twice a week for the month that I have it. It does the above admirably. My wife made a beef stew in it which she found wonderful and, again, just the easiest to do. So, "so far, so good". Maybe I'll find some drawbacks as I get more experience. If so, I'll update this at the time. BUT for an old dog who very, very reluctantly learns new tricks, and is definitely not a typical cook (a noncook, really), this is a very functional new tool in my food life.
By the way, it's very simple to use and very quick and easy to clean up after use. Just be careful not to add very hot fluids to the heavy ceramic cooking vessel when its cold, or very cold fluids to it when it is hot, as I understand they can and do crack under such conditions. It is very heavy to lift when being cleaned, so one must use care not to drop it. But, basically, quick and easy both to use and to clean up after.

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With the Rival SCVC604HSS 6-Quart Slow Cooker Crock Pot, those slow simmering meals will be worth the wait! The idea behind the slow cooker is a sound one. That long, slow simmering tenderizes tough cuts of roasts and chicken, and brings a fullness of flavor to home made soups. It's also ideal for cooking dried beans and legumes, which require hours of slow simmering to soften. Stews and soups aren't all that Crock Pots can do, you can cook everything from casseroles to rice & pasta dishes, steamed puddings and even breads. Fifteen minutes of prep time in the morning means that a steaming hot dinner greets your family at the door after a long day at school and work. For a family watching pennies, a Crock Pot cooking continues to be an easy and affordable way to prepare evening meals. Includes Manufacturer's Warranty.

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3/24/2011

Butter Bell Crock Review

Butter Bell Crock
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I purchased the Midnight Black Butter Bell in early June, 2006, and it worked fantastically well...until the weather got warmer. After a few 100+ degree days where the temperature inside the house was between 75-80 degrees, the butter would fall in a clump from the inverted bell into the water in the holding jar. I ended up putting the whole thing in the refrigerator anyway...which kind of defeats the purpose. I thought it might be the brand of butter I was using, but after trying different brands, I still experienced the same problem. However, I look forward to using the Butter Bell when the weather cools down a bit.

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A practical and beautiful solution for storing and serving butter, the Butter Bell Crock keeps butter soft, delicious, and spreadable for up to 30 days without refrigeration. Modeled after the original French design, the butter crock is made from durable glazed stoneware or dolomite clays. Available in a wide array of colors, the crock can match existing dinnerware or stand on its own to add a touch of color to the table. It goes from the kitchen to the tabletop with no fuss. Butter's delicate flavor and freshness are protected by an airtight seal of water at the base of the crock, safely keeping butter fresh and spreadable without refrigeration, odors, or spoilage. It also keeps butter at the perfect "spreading" consistency by reflecting outside heat while insulating and cooling the butter. To use, firmly pack one stick of softened butter into the bell-shaped lid, pour cold water into the base of the crock, and place the lid upside down back into the base of the crock. Store the crock away from heat or sunlight, and change the water in the base every two to three days. Cleaning is easy since the crock is dishwasher safe.
From the Manufacturer
Look how easy it is to use the Butter Bell crock.
1. Pour approximately 1/3 cup very cold water into the base of the crock. 2. Pack ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter into the bell-shaped lid. 3. Replace lid into the bottom of the crock. Water creates an airtight seal. The secret to fresh, creamy butter is the airtight seal.
The unique design keeps butter at the perfect "spreading" consistency by reflecting outside heat while insulating and cooling the butter. Flavor and freshness are protected by an airtight seal of water at the base of the crock.
Proper maintenance: Water should be changed out every three days. Replace existing water in the base with fresh, cold water. The crock should be stored away from heat or sunlight.
Holds up to one full stick (1/2 cup) of butter. Softened butter is packed firmly into the bell-shaped lid. Cold water is poured into the base of the crock. The lid is placed upside down back into the base of the crock. Soft, spreadable butter may be enjoyed and served right from the crock. Frequently Asked Questions: Why does my butter keep falling into the water or turning moldy? Though there are many reasons for this, usually once you get the hang of using your Butter Bell, these problems are easily solved. Here are some helpful hints and suggestions to try out: • Do not allow the butter to become too soft before packing it into the bell shaped lid. The butter should be firm enough so that is not slipping off the knife before packing the lid. When the butter is slightly firmer it packs into the lid better - just use a little "elbow grease". • When packing the butter into the bell shaped lid, make sure you press the butter firmly into the lid, removing all air pockets. Air pockets within the butter create a suction affect when the lid is removed from the water, pulling the butter out of the lid. • When using your Butter Bell, do not let the "Bell" sit out of the crock base for extended periods of time. • After each use, check the remaining butter in lid to ensure there aren't any air pockets. Use your knife to redistribute the remaining butter within the lid for better adherence tension. • Make sure that the Butter Bell is stored away from sunlight and heat. For instance, do not store on a counter near a stove/oven or in a window sill. • Use the coldest water possible when adding water in the base of the crock. Perhaps add a few small, smashed ice cubes if you live in a very warm climate. Make sure you're changing the water every 3 days. This step ensures fresher butter for longer periods of time. • Wash thoroughly between uses.
Is the Butter Bell dishwasher safe? Yes, the Butter Bell is dishwasher safe.
Where is the Butter Bell made and is it safe? The Butter Bell crocks are made in China, by a top manufacturer of ceramic products. The crocks are made from the highest quality materials and are completely safe, meeting FDA food safety regulatory standards. Each production run of product is tested thoroughly for lead and cadmium levels. Documentation accompanies each shipment, which is submitted to US Customs and the FDA for clearance approval.
Why does my Butter Bell have fine black lines in it? These fine black lines are called "crazing." This is a normal wear and tear for ceramic products, and happens to plates, dishes, and mugs as well. It will not harm the butter. It is a result of scraping the knife along the sides the bell to get the butter out, as well as dishwashing in very hot water.
Can I use margarine (or other spreads) in the Butter Bell? The Butter Bell works best when real butter is used. Margarine does not have a spreadability problem. Also, margarines are "oilier" and will not stay in the lid very easily. It is not recommended to store other processed spreads in the Butter Bell. Processed spreads (i.e. - cream cheese) need refrigeration to stay fresh for extended periods of time. You can use the Butter Bell for special spreads if you do not plan to store it in the Butter Bell. For example, the Butter Bell might make a great serving piece at an evening dinner party for a special dip or spread that you create.
Can I use whipped butter in the Butter Bell? Whipped butter is less dense than regular butter. It contains tiny air pockets (hence the fluffiness) which causes the butter to fall into the water. It is not recommended. As well, Ghee or Clarified butters are not recommended for use in the Butter Bell.
Can I store herbal butters in the Butter Bell? Herbal butters are fine to serve and store in your Butter Bell, however they will not stay fresh as long as pure butter. Butters that contain fresh herbs will stay fresh approximately 5 to 7 days in the Butter Bell. This can vary somewhat so use your best judgment before use.

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

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

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

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3/23/2011

Le Creuset BB20017-16 7-Piece Silicone Spatula Set with Crock, White Review

Le Creuset BB20017-16 7-Piece Silicone Spatula Set with Crock, White
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Great spatulas, good for high temps, easy to clean! My only advice is make sure u seperate the plastic from the wood when u wash it cuz if u leave the plastic part on the water will get into the crack and rot the wood.

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7 Pc Spatual/Crock Set, White - Set includes 1 quart Utensil Crock with 1 each of Mini Spatula, Small Spatula, Medium Spatula, Large Spatula Spoon, Jumbo Slotted Spatula Spoon and Basting Brush.Spatula's utilize 100% premium quality silicone which are h

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