Appliance Reviews

I bought the KitchenAid juicer attachment because I thought it would make sense to use the wonderful KitchenAid machine to juice citrus fruit rather than buying a dedicated juicer. There are, however, two significant problems with this attachment:

1. The juice runs down your hand and arm and splatters more than in should.
2. You can only juice 1-2 oranges before the pulp strainer is full.

I think the second complaint is the more serious of the two. Last night I juiced 8 oranges. I bet it took me at least 1/2 an hour, due to being required to clean the strainer after almost every orange.

I am planning to return the attachment and purchase something a little more heavy-duty and dedicated.

I just used this attachment to juice about a gallon of lemon juice in about an hour, including all chopping and several trips to the compost heap. I find it takes about five seconds to juice one citrus half fairly thoroughly. With the power of the mixer behind it, it is an effective attachment.

On the other hand, it has disadvantages. This is a messy, hands-on operation. Roll up those sleeves, wear an apron, and keep a towel at hand. I only had problems with squeaking when I tried to apply pressure sideways. I will try lubricating with shortening next time. It also helped to brace the mixer against the back wall of the counter. The included strainer must be emptied frequently, but it is easily removable, whether to empty or bypass it. In its defense, it did catch most seeds and excess pulp.

Finally, it is not worthwhile to use this attachment for very small quantities, due to setup and cleanup. I still have a handheld Oxo citrus reamer for that.

I've used the juicer attachment for years and love it except for the comments about the strainer being too small. A strainer with an extended pulp reservoir out the front would help, if it didn't get in the way. The extension would have a solid bottom and be ribbed so that the pulp could be pushed forward with a teaspoon to drain, thus extending the time between pulp dumps. Also, the comment about shaft wear/squeaking are valid. I have a small tube of food-service-grade grease I use on the shaft: never even thought about shortening. Very clever! Also, different-size reams for limes to grapefruit would be a nice way to sell more stuff! One more thing, K-A: how about a nice low-speed coffee grinder attachment? Mine would live attached to the mixer, as I use my Krups grinder every day, and could use the counter space. Maybe an ice crusher/shaver, too!

Had the ODC150 for about 2 years. Started leaking from reservoir. Was told I would have to buy a new reservoir to replace the rubber water seal/valve at a cost of $24, as it is not a replaceable item. Bulls**t!!!! It takes 5 minutes to replace it. I have emailed their customer service. If I don't get a suitable resolution, I will never buy any B&D products in the future!!

The water resivoir leaks all over the countertop. I called Black and Decker and they sent me another one, but this one leaks also. They finally sent me a new machine, this one is a new model, we will see how this one works.....

I was a Black and Decker Spacemaker enthusiast, having purchased one in 1996. It worked fine, though I had trouble with the spring that controls the sneak-a-cup feature. The heating unit burned out 6 years later,so I purchased a new one. The valve on the reservoir began to leak late in 2003. I checked the price of a new reservoir ($18) and decided to go for a brand new machine. You guessed it- It leaked like a sieve as soon as I got it home. I got on-line with the folks at Applica, and was assured I would hear from someone "shortly". That was 12 days ago. Also, I got on-line with someone called PriceGrabber hotline who "Assigned a number" and promised to get back to me. Glad I wasn't holding my breath. No answer 12 days later. Today Jan 9 called Applica, talked to a real person, was told to return it to K-Mart. Are there any good under-the-counter coffeemakers out there, or am I doomed to push coffeemakers around my countertop again?? Thanks- MartyYawman@aol.com

I like using this blender for smoothies and whipping cream. Its a little awkward to hold but was very handy as my old kitchen had few outlets. But after a few months its a hassle. Water, or some liquid has gotten into the shaft containing the blade - I can hear it when I shake it but I can't get it out. I'm wondering if whatever is up in there is getting into food. The plug for recharging the motor section jammed and will not fully extend, so to recharge I have to use an extension cord or that component just about falls out of the outlet. Frankly, I'm fed up with Cuisinart. I just moved and was surprised to be chucking a toaster and a coffee maker - both with little use. This hand blender will likely soon follow.

Had this indispensable item for less than two years when it died. Worked well one day; seemed to be recharging but was totally dead the next day. Three year warranty, but you have to pay postage both ways (they require you to send $7 with the defunct product).

I recently got one of these, primarily to make cream soups, but you can use it for anything you would use a regular blender for. I have used it for many things. I had one of the oldest models that ever came out (another popular brand), so was able to compare the power of this new one to the old one I had bought almost 15 years ago. There is no comparison. This little gadget is so handy and powerful. It protects your pans or bowls with the plastic feet and whips up whatever you want blended in a jiffy. It works better than a regular blender, but not as well as a food processor. But, what the heck? There isn't near the cleanup involved either. Just remove the blade end and run under hot water and your job is done! The battery has held out for the job every time I use it, so the "no cord" feature has proved to be not only handy, but also acceptable. My only complaint is that you must depress the run button all the time. An on/off switch would be more convenient. No serious cook should be without one of these!

After two years this can opener just quit working. I used to have a kitchen FULL of Micheal Graves appliances but now about 2-3 years later they have now all broke and I am replacing with higher quality appliances.

I have had my opener for several years and have had no problems with it breaking. However, I find the design difficult to use. The exact can position is critical to getting the opener to work. I'm getting better with it and still love the way it looks.

I received this can opener as a wedding gift and I absolutely love it! I haven't had a single problem with it. It works perfectly and is so cute!

I bought this item in December and it is now only September and the timer just broke. The scary part is, it wouldn't turn off and thus became an extreme safety risk for our family. I have had toaster ovens in the past that would've lasted (mechanically) it seems forever. It was that I wanted an newer updated oven that prompted me to purchase this item. My advise would be to skip it and save your family and your money.

Remember when Pasta used to be Spaghetti? How about when a toaster used to be the non-discript, chrome-plated appliance that sat on your mom's kitchen table and was about as interesting as a radiator cap? Well, times it seemed, have a-changed. For those of you who insist on agonizing over even the most mundane of purchases, I will indulge (and hopefully enlighten you) on the joys of the DeLonghi Alfredo Ultima Toaster oven.

The DeLonghi, is, first and foremost, an appliance of Italian design and manufacture. That is to say, that it is delightfully quirky, and nothing short of a work of art. Not only does this formidable kitchen device make toast-- but it looks as nice on your kitchen counter as a Ferrari would look in your driveway. Now, the average Ferrari owner doesn't really care whether his (or her) car won't start on rainy days-- or if the sheet metal is continuously on the verge of transforming itself to iron oxide. It's all about STYLE, right? If you're like me, you probably can't afford a Ferrari-- but you CAN afford the DeLonghi toaster! Need I say more? For a few bucks, you can own a little piece of Continental Magic. And, what goes better after a night of moon-lit passion, than a morning repast prepared in an Italian toaster oven? Nothing that I can think of! Sure, you'll have to fiddle with the settings, just like a Ferrari owner has to fiddle with his fuel injection jets, but hey-- isn't that half the fun of owning an Italian "Work of Art"? You bet!

"But, how does it compare to the competition", you might ask. I'll tell you in two words: "WHO CARES!" A toaster oven is, after all is said and done-- a hollow box with 4 iron rods in it. The electricity goes through the rods, which get red-hot, and the result is TOAST. What gives the DeLonghi its charm is its lovely sense of style-- especially the controls which look like they belong on the dashboard of a $60,000 sports car. And yes-- in addition to preparing toast, it will serve as a fully functional mini-oven that might well give your microwave a run for its money. So, who cares if the toast is slightly darker on one side than the other? Not me! Life is about art and passion-- and the DeLonghi toaster will bring a little bit of both to your kitchen. So go ahead-- buy the DeLonghi. For the price, its handsome, functional, and well worth the clearance price -- LMS.

The contents of this review was removed, as it was accidently submitted and posted twice. Please refer to "Mama Mia, What a Toaster!" for our official, full-length review. Appologies for the confusion. Oh, yes-- to be short and sweet, the DeLonghi is handsome, functional, and a "notch above" the toaster oven that you'd probably buy at a hardware or convenience store. For under [price](Amazon's clearance price), the DeLonghi is well worth the price. Delux features include an hugh, illuminated porcelan interior, a swing-down oven bottom for easy, "tray-free" crumb removal, and a charming "bell-ring" to let you know that your toast is done . Fit and finish on the unit I ordered was flawless.The Delonghi will look great in just about any kitchen, and makes a thoughtful gift. -LMS

This attachment is designed to turn your powerful KitchenAid food processor into a citrus juicer. The word powerful defines the most important problem and safety issue with this product: unlike other citrus juicers where the core will spin at a moderate speed upon the user pressing down, this will power into action as you press the "pulse" button on the machine and then spin so fast that it is very tricky to hold on to the citrus fruit, especially smaller ones like lemons and limes. If you slip, your fingers can get badly scraped by exposure to the spinning core. Did that twice and threw the thing out. It is not worth it! There are many great attachments for the KitchenAid Processor, this is NOT one of them. Don't waste your money!

I had read a number of negative reviews about this product that had me a little concerned. I bought it anyway. My advice is: follow the instructions that come with the device if you do not want to get your fingers caught on the reamer. When preparing the fruit, be sure to only cut off the tip and do not try to cut the fruit in half. You also need to maintain a firm grasp on the fruit as you are pressing it over the reamer. When I did this, the juicer not only worked well, but I also got a 'fruit cup' from the shell that I was able to fill with ice cream and serve!

The negative reviewers, obviously don't know how to use this handy attachment.
It comes with a hinged citrus cover, for good reason. You place the fruit over the juicer, and lower the cover; sparing any contact between your hand, and the spinniung extractor. Gentle pressure is all thats required to fully juice any piece of fruit. If you're getting rind, simply stop the machine, re-orient the fruit, and continue. Its also got 2 spindles, for larger, and smaller fruit. As was mentioned, trying to do key limes(which are only about the size of a golf ball), well, there are more appropriate tools, as they are exceedingly small. Try a lemon reamer. Does wonders for anything from lemons, up to giant sized grapefruit. I use it all the time.

I use this crockpot quite often, and love the fact that I can spend 15 minutes in the morning and then not think about dinner again until I'm hungry that night! I have two minor complaints. One is that it gets very hot on the outside; melts nearby butter, for example. My old, non-programmable pot had a cooler exterior, which I miss. My only other negative comment is that it is kind of limited in terms of timing. You can choose 4 or 6 hours on high, or 8 or 10 hours on low, and that's all. I'm sure those settings are sufficient, but I would like to have a little more flexibility. The fact that it goes to a Warm setting automatically when the time is up is great! I wish my programmable pressure cooker did the same!

This pot's been a breath of fresh air in MY life! I'm in the "kids' taxi driver after my work day ends" phase. I just prepare the meal in the pot the night before and refrigerate. Next morning, I turn it on and get home to dinner-and without the preparation mess! I like the options of cooking up to 6 hours on high heat or up to 10 hours on low. That way, if I don't get the meal in the pot until later, I'm still ok. Then, if I need to do errands after work, the pot switches to warm after it finishes cooking. For my last meal, I brought some dried beans to a boil, then let them sit overnight. Next day, I cooked them on low for 10 hours and voila! The beans were cooked and the meal delicious.It DOES get hot on the outside,but that's not a problem for me. The removable inner ceramic pot makes cleanup easy do. I'm not usually this domestic, but I have to say I LOVE it!

I was surprised to see so many people were disappointed with this crockpot. I absolutely love mine. I love that it will cook and automatically set to warm once the cooking time is done. I have no complaints and find it to be very useful. I would highly recommend this brand for anybody interested in getting a crock pot.

I enjoy using your prduct. (The 101W Electric Steel slicer.) But I have sooooo much trouble finding the blades. Is there anyway you can stock them at the stores you sell this products?

I've owned this slicer for several years now, being the only slicer I've owned I don't have a strong basis for comparison.

The good- Slices way better and more consistantly than a knife. I've done bread, cheese, meat and fruit.
Its a lightweight unit and seems to take up less space than some of the larger slicers.
It seems to have a longer stroke thus you can cut a bigger piece of meat.
Cleanup seems possibaly easier since the motor detaches and you can get the rest of the unit wet.

The Bad- The motor seems to heat up and loose efficiency. I tend to flick it on, slice, flick it off, bring the meat back and then repeat. The nylon drive gears and not inspiring. Sometimes if you don't have the motor screwed in real tight it will back out and make a horrid noise.

The unit seems kind of flimsy. The frame is good but the meat holding rack and guide can be deflected with pressure giving inconsistant results.

Also after use removing the blade can be very difficult. They say use a quarter. Try a quarter with vice grips maybe. Even then you'll destroy a few quarters. I went out and got the thickest screwdriver I could find and use that.

In short this unit works, its cheap and you get what you pay for. It worked well enough I suppose but I look forward to replacing it with something more robust in the future.

I've owned this slicer for five months now. I've used it to slice packaged ham into deli meats, I've used it to slice several pork roasts for BBQ sandwiches, I've sliced a couple of Elk roasts, and I've sliced cheese. I love this slicer, as it is easy to use. The motor has to get up to speed first, but really, that's not an issue. The entire assembly comes apart for cleaning, and all you need to disassemble it completly is a phillips and flat tip screwdriver.

I haven't had a bit of trouble, and use this slicer all of the time. I'm sure that there are better slicers out there, but for the hobbyist, this one does the trick. Inexpensive and dependable.

I am an accomplished hobby chef. I do not want every new thang that comes onto the market, because I have a knack of not being able to find ultimate single-function gadgets in my kitchen in the moment I need them. I want only a few tools, but I want them to be efficient: function and space/footprint. I have had a DLC-7 (full size) Cuisinart for over 15 years and I can't imagine cooking without it. I have all of the blades and accessories and I use it EVERY day. So when I saw this cute little DLC-2 available through Amazon at a *very* reasonable price, I imagined using it as a Mini-Me in tandem with my DLC-7. When it arrived, I started a recipe that I could prep the bulk in my large Cuisinart and use the DLC-2 for chopping the chocolate and grinding the nuts (which this little machine claims it can do.) With the metal blade I ran the chocolate through on "chop" and all it did was smear the workbowl. I cut the chocolate up into 1/2 inch pieces and ran it again, and I got nothing but a mess. I cleaned out the bowl and tried chopping the nuts with it. Again, no real cutting, just whizzing the nuts around and bruising them. I wound up chopping the nuts and chocolate with a chefs knife in a fraction of the time. This DLC-2 is not worth the space it takes up in my kitchen. I'll pay as much to return it to Amazon as I did in the purchase price, but at least it isn't here gathering dust anymore. I wouldn't GIVE this away because it is so useless. I've been a dyed-in-the-wool Cuisinart fan for years, and I have many products in their line. All of my other Cuisinart products are top notch. This DLC-2 is simply not of Cuisinart standard quality. They really should discontinue it. It's horrible.

Nice product that worked as adverstiser for several uses but eventually burned out and was in the garbage within four months. I only used this processor for small jobs that should have been "easy".

Add this reviewer to list of reviewers who feel Cuisinart items seem prone to breakage after the warranty period has inspired.

My full size processor is getting old too, so I think I'll just bite the buller and a nice full size KitchenAid processor and be done with it. I will avoid Cuisinart processors in the future.

Chop? Yeah right! I put in half an onion that's already cut into four pieces and it gives me pureed onion with large chunks that haven't even touched the blade. It's horrible. I really liked the 7 cup Cuisinart I had before but I can't believe I would have to buy a 7 cup machine to chop half an onion. I also miss the slicing capability of the 7 cup machine.

I purchased this blender new in sealed box, got it home, and it didn't work. The motor did turn the piece upon which the blade rests when the container is placed on the base, but the blade itself wouldn't turn (or turned sporadicallyl) - it appeared to be stripped such that it wouldn't entirely engage. I returned the item (the retailer said, "yeah, you're right, it doesn't work."). After about two months of light use on the new one, the same thing happened. I had it repaired under warranty (paying the shipping myself, of course) and, one month later, the same problem occurred. Two blenders, same problem, you do the math.

I received this blender as a gift. It was purchased by someone who believed that Krups products are high quality and thought I would like the features. However, this blender is the worst I've ever used. I'm sorry that it is taking up space on my countertop and hope to replace it soon. I suppose it would be alright for someone who only wants to blend powder into a liquid, or liquids only. But, if you want to make a smoothy, anything with fruit, nuts, vegetables and/or ice, this blender (literally) cannot cut it without overheating and taking a very, very long time to accomplish the task poorly.

I like it!, but the problem I have found it with it is The Rubber Gasket on the button of the Glass Jar, is you don't align it perfectly then you will have all over the counter the liquid that you are trying to mix.

And then, other problem I have found out with it is trying to buy a new Rubber Gasket, Krupps doesn't have a place on the web or anywhere else, where you can buy accessories, so please take care of it.

The Blender (if you didn't break the Gasket) it's real easy to clean, to use, and all the buttons make it incredibly easy to get the results you really want.

If you press WHIP button, you really get it whipped. If you press the Mix button is really mixes it, crushed ice is perfect.

Overall is the best piece of equipment you can have in your kitchen, and best Blender I have ever used not design for industrial use, only and only If you don't break the Gasket!, then the whole blender is useless..