Appliance Reviews

The included "Operating Instructions" are a joke and practically useless.
It does cook absolutely perfect rice,
BUT cleaning is a pain:

1) The inner pan has a rolled rim which catches and retains water when washing it. Don't put the pan back in the cooker unless you are sure that there is no trapped water left in the rim for dripping into the main body and onto the cooking plate.
2) One needs to also clean the dew collector and the steam vent apart from wiping down the inner main body rim from the liquid that does not reach the dew collector. Instructions tell to not remove the reverse stopper valve when cleaning the vent assembly: I did not intend to remove this stopper valve - it just fell out under a gentle stream of warm water from my faucet...Don't loose it - down the drain!
3) The stationary lid needs wiping + cleaning ASAP, otherwise one collects additional grime [See 4)].
4) Be aware that the area between the steam vent + the slots in the lid does trap really nasty stuff you can't see nor reach easily when cleaning. Pay attention to these hard to reach nooks and crannies....
5) It's easy to miss the moment when the unit switches to the "keep warm" feature, - the click is barely audible, unless you stand next to it. As the recommended 15 minutes of steaming are essential for a good result, it is disappointing that you need to keep watching the unit visually for light changes. Am I asking for too much if I'd prefer a louder click or even a ring?

Saving grace: It does produce the most delicious and perfect rice.
My next rice cooker will again be a "simple" version with a glass lid + less extra parts to clean.

first off, the instruction manual is pretty worthless: in order to make delicious, fluffy rice rinse, soak the rice for 15 minutes and keep closed for 15 minutes after cook cycle. i used this method with some nishiki brand rice and it came out very good except that the entire bottom layer of rice became one dry flaky crust, getting more brown towards the center. i cooked basmati in a similar fashion and all the grains turned out very dry and the bottom was flaky just like the nishiki. by the way, the results are from cooking several 1-2 cup batches of nishiki and 2 batches of 1 cup of basmati.

i think this rice cooker design needs some work...better instructions at the very least and a thicker pot/distributed heat source would make probably make a difference with the browning issue.

I had a problem with delivery where the first unit arrived with a bashed in product box, and the second arrived without even being double boxed. However, I'm happy with the product, and it makes good rice, and the keep warm function works well too.

The Braun MPZ22 Citromatic Deluxe Citrus Juicer is a great find!
I make a lot of lemon and orange tea breads/muffins. The arduous task of juicing the fruit kept me from preparing my favorite recipes. After reading the Barefoot Contessa's must have lists for the kitchen, I set out to find this juicer. Amazon.com was the only place I found this juicer. I bought it and I love it!! The seeds and pulp stay in the easy to clean trap. The anti drip spout is a nice feature too. I cup my hand over the fruit as I juice it as it does splash a little, but every bit of juice is extracted from the lemon or orange.
I do not like clutter on my counters, but this sleek little juicer has it's own place on my kitchen counter.

With one small detail explained below, I loved this product so much that I bought three more as Christmas presents for members of my family. First of all, it's easy -- just the pressure of your hand palming the half orange starts the machine, there's no need for an on/off switch. Secondly, the cleanable parts lift off easily so that a rinse under the faucet cleans everything quickly and completely. There is a top cover to prevent dust collection during non use. Thirdly, there is easily adequate power (torque)to juice any citric fruit. The only fault, from my point of view, is that only a typical short breakfast juice glass or cup fits under the dispensing chute. I happen to like a tall glass now and then so I wish the machine was just an inch or so taller to accomodate a taller glass.

I'm very happy with this juicer. It's very easy to use and easy to clean. It's not too loud or too big. I'd recommend it.

to spend this kind of money on a TOASTER - get real!

Go give the money to a public school, buy books for a economically depressed area, give a person a second chance on life after a their fall from grace, not to mention a fragmented future.

A toaster, this isn't stupid, it's tragic.

If aliens are watching this planet two things are happening. One: they are laughing their butts off, two they going to make sure that the virus call man will not leave this rock to keep the rest of the universe safe from our "Manifest Destiny" to impose our amoral blind beliefs that we are the true owners of existence, similar to what happened to the native Americans when Columbus fond a continent that the natives never lost in the first place.

May be its better for us to follow all the victims we have driven into extinction.

A toaster, how could any one be anything else but embarrass to have to tell others they got the top of the line toaster at a price that could feed a family of four for two weeks.

You people are sick. Use your pocket change to get help.

The Dualit toaster manages to combine form and function quite brilliantly. It is robust, easy to use and fast. In fact it can manage around 120 slices per hour, enough even for the most demanding of breakfast guests (and their ravenous families). Each slice will be beautiful done, elegantly dispatched and delivered with a minimum of fuss. In that way it is very North European. You can see why the Germans or the British would love this machine. It's functional. I guess that's why you see it in sandwich shops all over Europe, toasting away beside industrial looking espresso machines left over from an age before Starbucks.

My Dualit however sits proudly among an array of kitchen goodies - deserving of the ultimate accolade - a socket from which it is never unplugged. Cappuccino machines may be there for display only, kettles may be plugged in and out but few are the appliances that are given their own 'personal' socket. It looks great. Retro 50s chrome with just a hint of Italy about its styling, just a touch of Latin eccentricity around its lock and load mechanism. If this were a car it would be a classic Alfa Romeo - neat, good to look at fast, fast and surprisingly practical come the weekend.

Features - well there are a few. I went for the 28mm slots - which basically means it takes the thick wedges of bread that cut for myself every day and swallows them with a reassuring thunk. I didn't go for the energy saving 'black heat' option - mainly because black and toast sit together badly in my breakfast vocabulary. I'm sure it works though. There's no 'pop up' to terrify my somewhat skittish cats either. The toast stays in the machine until you decide to take it out. Great for those who like to use the two minute toasting time to do something else - whatever that may be. Perhaps I'm odd but I tend to find myself out of the kitchen whenever toast is ready. Maybe the designers had the same problem.

As the owner of Cuisinart food processor for more than 20 years, when it came time to upgrade it was a no-brainer...another Cuisinart. I had received excellent customer service in the past when a part developed cracks.

Now, under new ownership, it's a whole new story. I had my new model for less than a month when it developed numerous cracks in the pusher assembly. I called customer service (by the way, the number in the manual was not a working number) and I was told they would send me a new part only after I sent them the defective one, and there would be a delay of about two weeks, not counting shipping (plan on another two weeks). This was their unbendable rule. I told them this was not acceptable, that I did not want to be without the use of the equipment for a month, especially with the holidays coming up. Sorry, that's the rule, is what I was told.
Then I wrote to the President of Conair (the parent company) and the VP/GM of the Cuisinart division, and asked them to contact me for assistance in resolving this issue. A month has passed as I write this, and I have not heard from either of them.

I took the equipment back to the store where I purchased it, and exchanged it for a KitchenAid food processor, which was less expensive, and works beautifully. I did my research this time, and they have a reputation for excellent customer service should I need it.

The Cuisinarts are good, solid appliances, but if you ever need customer service, it's an uphill battle. If you decide to buy a Cuisinart, be sure to buy at a store that will stand behind the products they sell.

When I saw this processor turn a loaf of bread into perfect crumbs before I had time to blink, I knew I had met my dream machine. My affection only deepened when I introduced the slicing disk to a pound of mushrooms. With the touch of a button, the bowl was filled with garnish-quality slices. This machine has the power and the size to tackle most any chore. Making dinner is a delight now that the Cuisinart does my slicing and chopping for me. I am much more likely to use fresh ingredients as a result. In fact, I often find myself planning meals around fun new uses for the food processor. I believe that anyone who cooks often would benefit from this product.

I got this on my birthday from my bf, and it's such a great and useful gift! With this beautiful brushed chrome, and easy to clean up (toss parts in dishwasher)I have made so far:
Artisan bread, and i will never buy bread form a plastic bag again, pizza sauces, pizza dough( i dont think i ever want to order another pizza again, this one was that good) shredded veggires cheeses, meats, bread crumbs, salsas, and guacamole. I even make cake batter in it that is smooth and silky.

This is an amazing product. It saves money and a lot of time. No need to chop or buy prepared foods again.

Each morning when I use this amazing and beautiful machine, I am in awe of the design and the workmanship. Everyone I know who uses a juicer for healthful vegetable juice complains about the pain they have in storing the huge thing and cleaning it. But not me...I make my juice each morning as recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil and have NO TROUBLE at all. This machine is strong and small and pretty and easy and dependable. Braun people....thank you. This is the best deal anyone can get.

I am a juicing fanatic! So naturally I wanted to try all of the juicers and comparison shop before I bought my own. I must say, the Braun Juice Extractor takes the cake! Here's why:

1. This Juicer is easy to assemble: the Juiceman Jr always was difficult to connect all of the parts together.

2. This Juicer is easy to DISassemble: Trying to take the rotating mesh blade off of the Juiceman Jr is a pain (and can be painfull!)

3. The design is VERY spacesaving and ergonomically correct: The Juiceman Jr has a large, unnatached bin and normal glass that doesn't fit or store well with the juicer unit. The Braun Juice Extractor however, fits together in all one base unit, and even the pouring bin that recieves the juice snuggly fits against the juicer unit.

4. The REALLY cool foam strainer: This is the best part! If you've ever juiced, you know what a pain the foam at the top is! You can't get rid of the foam without actually straining it or scooping it away; you can kiss that foam goodbye with the strainer!

5. The detachable tray at the top allows you to hold your fruit and veggies without messing up other bowls and cutting boards.

6. It's just better that all the rest! Try it, and I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do!

The design of this juicer is pure excellence. Very attractive, light, and compact, it takes up less space than any of the others I've seen, and the ease of cleaning it makes me not mind using it 3 or 4 times a day; and it is the thoroughness of the cleaning that puts this machine way above the the rest. I have owned other juicers, and ended up throwing them away, because of the nooks and crannies that were impossible to get to, and accumulated "suspicious substances". Usually the juice spout was the problem area, and in this case, it is short and open, giving you easy access for cleaning.

Quick to take apart and assemble, with it's handy "filling tray" and cup with foam separator, it has a slot for cord storage, and though it does make a noise while proccessing, it doesn't sound like a sand blaster, as some others do.
As much as I like the terrific Braun blender I bought a few months ago, I'm equally pleased with this. Juicing gives you the most nutrition for the least amount of stress on your digestive system, so it's a great way to get your enzymes, minerals and vitamins, and this is by far the best and simplest machine to get those precious liquids from.

We really do love the popcorn this little handy thing makes and I even got one for my parent's and they totally enjoy there's, but I guess the big question is where do you buy the replacement concentrator cups. Well guess what they don't sell the product or concentrators anymore. So enjoy them and throw them. One of your other reviewer's stated "Give the Poloroid away and charge high for the film , same with shaver's etc..."
So enjoy this one while you can and then toss it.

I bought this because I love popcorn and heard that this is an easy, cheap way to have it. With this popper, you have the option to use or not use oils and it makes about 10 cups of popcorn per batch. I've used this numerous times since I've bought it and have few complaints.

The only downside that I can think of is that it comes with replaceable inserts that you have to use in order to use the popper. They inserts *are* reusable, but they do wear out after a few uses. So, it is NOT a one-time investment, but rather an on-going expense. This is not a huge drawback, but I do think it is something to consider. I think it's still cheaper than buying microwave popcorn, and much healthier, since you eat only what you add to the popcorn.

All in all, I do not regret buying my popper. I put in 1/3 cup of kernels, 2 tablespoons of butter and the popcorn is just delicious. The kids love to use it, too.

My wife and I have used the Presto Power Microwave Popper for over 2 years and have been very satisified with it. The tase of the popcorn is fresh and crisp. Adding butter, oil or salt is easily done and the "power concentrator" can be used several times.
This Popper produces fresh, light, and crispy popcorn any way you like it, buttered or not, salted or not. There are, usually, no burned kernals and almost all of the kernals are poppedd.

I was a little hesitant at first to order this product through Amazon because so many others had complained that poor shipping methods led to a broken unit upon receipt. I went ahead anyway and placed my order, crossed my fingers, and apparently Amazon got the message because my unit arrived in PERFECT condition! It was packed safely inside an Amazon shipping carton stuffed nicely with air pillows. I couldn't have requested a better shipping job!

As far as the panini maker itself is concerned.......it's WONDERFUL!! I LOVE panini's and get them frequently at various italian places here in NY and the panini this machine puts out tastes EXACTLY as if it were made in a pizza store! Of course that too depends on your abilities as a chef but if you're confident in the kitchen and have a little cooking "know-how" you can put together some really great sandwiches.

The outside of the panini is crispy and evenly toasted, the inside is warm and chewy, and clean-up of the unit was a breeze! Simply wipe it with a damp sponge and you're done. Overall I have to give this panini maker high, high marks both for affordability (some units I looked at were upwards of $100), ease of use, and of course, a damn good sandwich! I highly recommend this unit to anyone in search of a great panini maker, I don't think you will be disappointed. I love mine and I intend to get a whole lot of use out of it in the years to come! :)

My son has the $80 Krups model and raves and raves about it. I was going to purchase this model but after reading the great reviews for the $39.99 Breadman I decided to go with this one. I am so happy that I did. Unbelievable for the price. We made toasted cheese sandwiches the first night and they were as good as any restaurant could make. Don't waste your money on the higher costing models. This will do exactly what you want for half the price.

This is an excellent machine in all respects, and very surprising because the price is so reasonable. I liked it so much, I bought two: one for home and another for the office. Now, I'm a hero [not a sandwich] both at home and at work!

I had an old WellBilt bread machine, probably ten years old, that made perfect bread nearly every time. The only thing I really disliked about it was the round loaf pan, so this Oster caught my attention.

I've only had it a week, but in that time I've attempted to bake four loaves of bread, and none of the four have turned out well. Two collapsed, and one never really got off the ground since so much of the flour stuck in the corners of the rectangular pan.

I plan to return it this week and hopefully find something that will work better.

I'm sorry I can't recommend this machine. It simply doesn't mix the ingredients well. For raisin bread, most of the raisins wound up stuck to the outside bottom of the loaf, and several raisins were simply lying loose and burnt in the bottom of the pan. When making whole wheat bread, I had to continually scrape the flour from the side of the pan while the machine was mixing so that it would be included in the dough ball. Even then, not all the flower was picked up in the dough ball. I've used a bread machine for several years, so I'm pretty experienced at this. I would pass this one by, folks.

I have only one complaint about this machine: the bread is so good that I am averaging about one loaf every day during the week and about 3-4 loaves every weekend because we go through it so quickly, and there are only two of us! (Of course, we have guests who also eat it!) I have a suggestion, though: make up the dry ingredients (except for the yeast) ahead of time by measuring out the flour, salt and sugar and put into a zipper bag, labelling it as to which kind of bread it is. (We make about 3-4 varieties every week.) That way, you only have to grab the bag after putting in the liquid ingredients; and then, of course, there's the yeast. (Don't forget to keep room temperature water, butter, oil and eggs out on your counter as well.)

I also invested into a bread slicer and slice the bread when it's still a bit warm and put into a bag immediately so then you can just grab and go when you need it, which also cuts down on crumbs throughout the week.

If you use this grill to its capacity, like 4-5 steaks or about 8 boneless chicken breasts, and you grill your meat right after you take it out of the refrigerator, this grill will not work for you. A grill full of meat cools this grill (even with 30 minutes of preheating) to the point of having your meat getting steamed instead of grilled. This grill has a hard time generating enough heat to brown or sear alot of meat at the same time.

Grilling meat to half its capacity, the results are a little better with the meat browning a little bit. However you have to wonder why use such a large grill for a little bit of meat?

Looking at the wattage, this is only a 1500 watt unit, which is the same as my toaster oven and probably most other smaller grills. The wattage must be limited because of household safety for most kitchen circuits. This is probably why this unit has a hard time to cook a lot of meat.

My question to the manufacturer is why did you ever design a large unit if you are restricted to only 1500 watts?

If you plan to buy this unit for your weekend parties, my advise is DON'T buy it. You will be very disappointed and embarrassed by its grilling quality.

On the other hand, this unit is great for making bacon. The bacon is thin enough so it won't cool the grill as you fill it to capacity. However, this is a pricey bacon cooker.

I cook everying on the grill (burgers, chicken, fish, pork chops, and steaks). It cooks fast and is very easy to clean. This is the grill to choose if you need to cook lots of food at once. I can cook 4-5 1 1/4 thick T-Bone steaks or 8 pork chops at one time without a problem.

I have enjoying cooking on my grill and so will you.

After reading the mixed reviews I decided to purchase this grill and try it myself. Its amazing it takes up a good chunk of counter space but it allows me to cook two pounds of chicked breasts at a time. Unlike some of the previous reviewers I haven't had any problems at all doing this all two bpounds done after preheating the grill for 10 minutes and cooking for 18 minutes. Cleanup was a breeze I just wiped the grill down whil it was still warm with a soapy sponge and then rinsed. Some have complained about not being able to clean marinades or spices of of the grill without scrubbing. I didn't have this problem but I also sprayed the grill after preheating with a PAM non stick spray made for indoor grills. This is one of the best buys I've made in a long time

It not as good as the 35 pound capacity fryer I used for years in the restaurant business, but it is perfect for quick, deep fried foods right on my kitchens counter.

The temperature does favor the cool side but, this is easily overcome by letting the grease come to full temp and not overloading the fryer.

The lid design filters most of the grease from being deposited on your cupboards and counters unlike the less expensive models.

The safety features, the great basket design, and the fact that you can almost put the whole thing in the dishwasher makes it a must have for any kitchen.

I would even let my kids use this fryer.

This unit is probably one of the best deep fryer units that I've used next to a commercial fryer. Just gave it a workout frying several pounds of struffel, 24 baseball size Italian Rice balls and and eggplant. The unit didn't even break a sweat. The oil (soy oil) didn't burn or smoke, and it maintained the temperature perfectly. The handy timer allowed me handle other tasks while frying. What's amazing is the oil level was the same after frying everything. There was minimal frying odor and the clean up was a breeze. I can't vouch for the durability yet since I just received the unit. It's a pretty solid design that looks like it will last many years. This is one appliance will not get buried away for ever. All in all, two thumbs up.

This deep-fryer is the best thing I have bought in ages! The large capacity means I can cook enough food to satisfy even MY family, in no time! It cleans up easily and everything comes out delicious. I haven't bothered to test the actual oil temp. since it has all passed my personal litmus test of non-greasy food output. Love the design! NO MESS afterwards. I highly recommend this fryer.