Accessories Reviews

The water filter for the Braun Flavorselect 12 cup coffee maker Model KF187 is a great design. I rate it #5 for it's design, but since my original purchase of the coffee maker, I can't find the filter units anywhere.

I've enjoyed my Braun coffee maker, and this filter is one of the reasons. I have well water that already tastes great, but some grit gets into the tap water, and this filter takes care of that. People often say what I great cup of coffee I make, but I use perfectly ordinary coffee, just with really great water.

However... these filters are expensive and virtually impossible to find. No major retailer seems to carry them, and the Braun customer service center is only open during business hours, and does not seem to have a website that I can find... This filter system would be a lot more appealing if it were easier to buy and replace, and also cheaper.

I received this water filter two days after I placed the order. I'm happy with the fast service. As for the water filter, you might want to consider rinsing it after taking it out from the package before inserting it into the coffee maker. Also, I ran water through the coffee maker twice before making the first pot of coffee for the peace of mind. If you have paper filter placed before running the water, you will be able to see little green particals in it at the end of the process.

This is one of the simplest and yet coolest gadgets around. I bought one for myself last year and quickly picked up two more for friends as gifts. Everyone in my office has stopped by to ask about the one on my desk, and they're awestruck when I show them how it tells time (no one ever guesses it's a clock at first). Guaranteed to give you instant 'geek' status in the office!

I work in a technical environment, and this clock generates so much interest. I really enjoy watching people slowly figure out what it really is... especially since I have it set to display millitary time :)

If you're a clock watcher anyway, this clock is for you! It is unique, eye-catching and well designed. The instructions are easy, and you will be able to tell time with this clock in...well, no time!

This model does not feature UV protection on the glass door so it's useless for storing wine long term except in a garage or basement. If you plan on installing in your kitchen, get something else with UV protection. Haier has a higher end model that does feature UV glass. Too bad because I think it's very stylish and understated and actually nicer looking than the higher end model.

The main thing to remember here is that you need to either situate this in a dark place (a basement would be better than a garage since your electric bill will be less) or you need to plan on using it only for short-term wine storage -- very important fact to remember in deciding on models to purchase.

I received the Haier BC112G a couple of weeks ago, perfectly delivered by the freight compagny Amazon uses. I am so far very satisfied by this product: the price is right, its sleek look is a nice addition to my living room, it is pretty quiet (not disturbing at all, although you can hear it of course), it easily accomodates 30 bottles, it has a good height allowing variations of temperature between top to bottom, digital temperature, a basic lock - useful if you have kids, and finally a good warranty. I had made extensive research, this product along with free shipping ranks among the top options for any wine fan. Only potential negative point I could raise is that I am not certain if the smoke glass door protects against UVs - it does according to Haier customer service, but doesn't according to some internet reviewers.

I hate having wines sitting out and waiting to be chilled. This is an awsome product and the price is great. Amazon has the best price on this that I have seen, over $90 more on another website. The racks are perfect for those liquors you need to keep chilled upon opening. I know someone who uses the racks to hold cases of overly expensive cigars.

Customize the temperature settings to how what you prefer wines. For added security, you can lock the cabinet, which is nice. The top of the cellar is skid proof so you can open and serve your wines up top without the worry of it slipping off. Last, but not least, the legs are adjustable and can be used on any flooring surface.

The cabinet is a greatsize, but not to big to go in a small apartment, office or fit in a tight space in a kitchen.

I purchased this set about 2 years ago. The shredders work OK, but it is easier and less mess to chop them by hand. Much of the produce gets caught between the housing and the shredder. It's difficult getting uniform cuts. The piece that is poorly designed is the meat grinder. I'm on my second grinder. Both the feeder shaft and the housing are constructed of a plastic molding on metal. Over a relatively short amount of use, they both began to crack apart at the unions. This of course is not good, being they are used on meat and it makes it almost impossible to clean. I would recommend going for a good sharp knife and a seperate all metal meat grinder (which I am now looking for).

I bought this attachment pack just after buying my KitchenAid, in the early 80's. I've used it for all manner of things, but mostly for grinding meat for hamburger, which it does easily and well, and for putting up sauces from garden produce. That it does well but it's a little tricky to make sure the refuse from the end of the strainer attachment does not fall into the bowl of sauce. I've set up a measuring cup on top of another item to put it at the right height, and that worked, but it is a bit clunky. The other thing I've had to work out is that I'm only 5'4" and the mixer is tall. It needs to stand on my sturdy counter to do grinding, and I need to stand on one of the dining chairs to feed things into it at the appropriate rate. These user issues are why I've given the attachments 4 stars, not 5. Otherwise, they are good, and have seen a lot of use over the years, especially in canning season.

I recently purchased these attachments, but this week I really put them to the test. Fresh fruits and vegetables are in season and in the past 2 days I made cherry jam with the fruit & vegetable strainer the next day I made 4 qts of zucchini & cucumber relish. What used to take me hours with a food processor, now took no time at all. Now I need to get rid of that food processor!

My dentist recommended that my family use this portable irrigator. I must say that I am very pleased with it. I personally hate to floss, so this has made a huge difference
with my gums. The only thing that I recommend is that you use rechargeable batteries as the batteries do wear down rather quickly. We went on a trip this past weekend, and it was great. Being very portable, I didn't have a problem packing it in my suitcase. It is even small enough to put in my purse to take to work. One thing, once you start using it, you will hate the feel of food on your teeth!

Results for me have been terrific---I have inlays, fillings, crowns. etc. This great "tool" in tandem with brushing and flossing over the past 3 or 4 months cleared all debris for the first time. I have always been told to try harder---I did with this irrigator added to my usual regimen of just brushing and flossing. My dentist gave me a thumbs up for the first time in a long while. No new cavities this past dental visit. I bought one for my daughter and ordered another for myself. If Panasonic ever discontinues this I will have a spare.

Excellent design and price. Very powerful. I have used this to clean my Panasonic pore cleaner and even my Panasonic wet/dry razor. I'd recommend this highly to anyone with wisdom teeth that are difficult to clean.

There really isn't much to debate with these. They are built into the machine and SHOULD be replaced occasionally. I happen to notice a better taste to the coffee after switching these every few months, but I wouldn't let that be the only factor in your decision to buy. Leaving the same filter in place for a long period of time w/o changing it will most certainly lead to build up of minerals and potentially cause bacterial/fungal accumulation (the filter, unlike the water, does not get sanitized by boiling water). I don't want to make anyone too paranoid, but there are basic biological consequences to leaving pools of water and minerals sitting around too long.

a really good cup of coffee, then you might buy beans whole and grind your own...use a french press...and STILL taste the chlorine unless you use spring water or a filter system. If you spent the money for a Braun maker that uses this filter (brita), then you should use the filters if you buy gourmet whole beans...a small premium for a good cup of coffee (you already paid for premium beans and took the time to grind your own). You save with no french press to clean! Too much trouble, too expensive, and you don't taste the chlorine or minerals in your tap water? Then use tap water in the inexpensive maker of your choice! Caffeine is caffeine in the end!

I used to buy these filters locally for my Braun Flavor Select, but, when I moved, I could not find a source. I am so glad I've found them here because I wouldn't want to do without them.

Although the Flavor Select does come with a dummy cartridge to place where the filter belongs, it is well worth your while to use the water filters. I was going through coffee pots every couple of years because of hard water deposits in the lines - and vinegar cleanings did not help. The filters have kept my Braun brewing coffee without ever having to use vinegar or other methods of interior cleaning. While I can't say that my coffee tastes better, I can attest that these filters have lengthened the life of my brewer.

After reading the reviews i bought this shaver from a local Target, and I love it! i was looking for a less irritating way to shave my bikini area, because i always got terrible razor burn from using regular razors, and this shaver works great. it doesn't shave as close, of course, but that is why it's less irritating. and your legs will still LOOK nice and smooth, even if they dont FEEL quite as smooth. to get the closest shave, shave slowly, and use the bikini extension when needed. i hadn't even planned on using it on my legs but i do all the time now just because it is so convenient. if i am going out somewhere but neglected to shave in the shower that morning, i can just pick up my shaver and shave my legs dry with no hassle and no irritation, and they will look great. i even shaved my legs in my boyfriend's car on the way to church last sunday! i recommend this product. you can use it anytime- it's fast, convenient and gentle.

I decided to get an electric shaver after I wanted an end to my itchy, ugly, scratched up legs. My severe itchies came from razor bumps, which I learned often comes from using regular razors and shaving too much of the hair by running the razor opposite the hair direction. Well, unfortunately, I'm incredibly hairy, and on top of that, my hair is very dark and coarse. Even with my best effort, I can feel my stubbly hairs after a fresh shave, so not trying to "shave too much" was out of the question. After some research, I decided to try out an electric shaver. I am still amazed by the results! Never in my life have I seen my armpits and bikini area dot-free, and my legs feel so smooth. And my itch is gone! Apparently, it may take a few weeks for the shaver to "get used to you," but I am best friends with my shaver after my first time. I think the key is doing it right: I took a hot shower, lathered up towards the end when my hair was softer, and shaved slowly. Make sure to keep the shaver head flat against your skin, and pull your skin a little taut, especially where you have extra skin, grooves, and curves. You're sure to have one of the closest, smoothest shaves you've had, irritation-free. The ES2205A is also pleasant to look at, nicely compact, and a cinch to recharge and clean. I love this thing!!

I can't believe I went so many years shaving the regular way. I have very course hair on my legs, and have tried every form of hair removal from Epilady and waxing to cream removers to regular shaving. I will never use anything except this electric shaver again! It offers a truly close shave with virtually no irritation, bumps or razer burn. After four or five shaves, my skin was used to it -- something I always thought was a myth. The more you use it, the closer shave you get. It's so easy to have smooth legs every day now that I have found this hassle free machine. I wish I could give it six stars.

My husband bought the OXO salad spinner (the only one available in most of the local stores) when my previous salad spinner, a Zyliss, was lost in a move.

I was disappointed from the beginning. The OXO spinner's action is inferior to the Zyliss, which spins in two directions and gets the greens much drier in less time. Also, the construction of the lid allows water to collect between two "layers" where it is impossible to wash properly or to dry, allowing mildew to grow.

After two years of almost daily use, the push-down mechanism in the lid became completely inoperable and I had to discard the lid as useless. (I'm keeping the inner basket to plant summer bulbs in to make them easier to lift and store in the fall.)

I have just purchased another
Zyliss Salad Spinner from Amazon and was astounded to see that it is only half the price of the OXO. It arrived this week and I couldn't be happier with it. Don't spend twice the money for an inferior product!

Sora Colvin

If you want to get a bit fancy with your salad spinning, this is the one to buy. Not only can you spin the lettuce and remove all the water, you can use the bowl to serve a salad or store lettuce in the inner bowl.

It is so easy to use. You release the lock mechanism at the top and press down. The inner basket starts to spin, removing most of the water from the lettuce. I love the fact that you can rinse the lettuce in the removable inner basket.

You really win with this one. Wash, spin, store...so much less to wash and it is never boring. It is quite large so you do need a big space to store it in the refrigerator, unless you have a big refrigerator, then it is no problem.

If you have memories of trying to swing lettuce around in a kitchen towel, or have tried to use paper towels while they are falling apart all over the lettuce, you must try spinning in this great salad spinner. Once you have spun the lettuce you can remove the inner bowl and dump out the water.

I see they now have a mini spinner. I want, I need. That would be great for spinning herbs and small quantities of lettuce.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

I used the microwave to cook the chard I had just picked in the bowl of my Spinner. It is now totally unusable - it is warped and doesn't fit any more and I was stupid to try it. I will certainly buy another spinner - since I can't find a replacement bowl on Internet.
It is handy for picking veggies; just dump them in the sink, then spin. It's a great product.

I thought it would go well with my new Cuisinart Coffee Maker. It seems to take longer than my old Krups unit. If you overfill it simply won't grind the beans. Once you get the hang of the amount of beans to place in, it works OK but still seems to take longer than other grinders.

This grinder has been rated quite high among the blade-style coffee grinders due to its well balanced grind consistency and performance. Although it isn't a Burr grinder, it does its job quite well. The only problem I have, is that the capacity seems a little small. I also haven't used it for that long, so I cannot make any comments on the durability of this grinder.

Let me say I abuse my coffee grinders. The ones I have had in the past have died young because I have dropped them in a dopey morning pre-coffee daze. I have dropped the Cuisinart numerous times and it is warped on one side from me leaving it on the gas stove with the oven on...IT STILL WORKS..just as well as the day it arrived. Best purchase I have made yet and I would buy another but I don't need to.

Works OK, but doesn't last - and costs a bit much.

I own the Hamilton Beach humidifier and have to purchase these from time to time. They last about two or three weeks, and I have the humidifier going constantly. They are very easy to replace - just lift the unit up and drop it in (after taking out the old soggy one first). Not only do these filter the air, they draw the water up out of the pan in the bottom of the unit so can be transferred to the air moving through. If you leave it in too long it will begin to smell, like anything you leave in water too long. I buy four or five at once, so I always have one on hand.

A very good filter - easy to install - and lasts for a few weeks with constant use.

Be careful though - make sure you turn it over at least once a day and if you can, leave it to air dry for 2 hrs - it really extends the life of these filters.

Order a couple at once ( save yourself the shipping!!) as amazon can run out in the winter - a definite buy for the HB humidifier