Kitchen Reviews

I have had this fan since April, couldn't have lived without it. I have slept with the fan blowing me on low the whole summer, because the Vornado low setting was as strong as my last fan's high setting, that's scary.

I like the subtle quiet hum the fan gives off as a noise, not distracting at all, I have the fan 6 feet away from me and I still sleep like a baby. So get this fan--it is the most durable sleekest best "coolest" fan on the market.

We have a 65 year-old home with poor circulation in the 2 upstairs bedrooms; they're always 5 degrees warmer in the summer and 5 degrees colder in the winter than the rest of the house. A heating and cooling company was going to charge almost $1,000 to put booster fans in the ductwork. Out of desperation (and I'm a cheapskate also) I bought 2 of these 610W Vornados, and placed them over the floor ducts, and Viola', it fixed the problem (3 degrees better, anyways).
My Mom has had the 500 series fan for about 10 years, but it doesn't circulate nearly as much air, and the bearings don't have a lifetime guarantee like the 610W, and, sure enough, they finally failed this past summer... So the 610W is well worth the extra $15 or $20 bucks to get better airflow and lifetime bearings.
Our rooms are 12' x 12', and this fan does a great job; I suspect that, if you have a larger room, the 750 series would do a better job than this one.
Another side benefit of the 610W is just enough background hum with the fan running (24/7 in our home)to block out the constant traffic noise from the major highway we live off of: the kids sleep much better now. This is truly a great product!

Ok, ok, enough of the clever banter. I like this fan a lot--got one here and I couldn't be more pleased. I use this for cooling the bedroom or office upstairs, because the AC in summer just can't compete with the Delmarva sun and lack of trees in our area. It's relatively quiet for the amount of air it moves--"Vornado" is a really good name for the vortex movement and torrent of air moved by the deep chassis design of this fan.

I had one of those fans on a stand that move around, but this actually seems to move more air, amazingly enough. I've had no trouble with long hours of use, and the design is simple and unobtrusive. If you are a fresh air fiend like me, you'll be pleased. I was, and am.

Not sure if this is just my experience, but this is not a normal Calphalon Pan. We have over a dozen of Calphalon Pans and Pots, both Commercial or Professional, they all made in Toledo, Ohio. This one is made in China. All of them came in Calphalon Boxes, this one in plane brown box with a sticker: Violator Label. All of mine came with inserts describing warranty, this one has just the pan inside that brown box. I did not get a chance to use it, this does not look like Calphalon Professional Nonstick II Limited Edition 10-Inch Omelet Pan I've seen in BB&B. I called Amazon to check, and was told that I got the correct item. For 12.99, it is hard to complain, but beware, this one is not so good as a gift.

This pan is fantastic. I had fried up some bacon the day before in my old iron skillet and had lots of splattering using only medium heat plus the bacon did not cook evenly. (Boarshead bacon is not what it used to be. It consisted mostly of fat.) I did exactly the same thing with this pan with absolutely NO splattering and the bacon cooked very evenly. The fat was gone and only the crunchy bits of meat remained. Very impressive performance. I also made an omelet with sauteed onions and peppers and, of course, it came out great.

Clean up was a snap.

I can't speak to its durability but I am reasonably certain that with proper handling it will retain its non stick properties for many years. Plus there is a lifetime guarantee. Note that this particular pan is made in China but the quality doesn't seem any different from all the pans that I recently purchased made in Toledo, Ohio.

You can't go wrong. I have been adding to my collection of cookware as Calphalon items show up on special. Now that the H/A line is being closed out, the steep discounts are impossible to resist. I now understand why people rave about these pans. The only problem is that I keep buying more pans . It has gotten so bad that my newly engaged daughter has ordered me to cease and desist from buying her any more. (She doesn't have my cooking genes obviously.) We should all have such problems.

Buy this pan. You will love it. And the price can't be beat. (Well, yes it can. I paid only $13. Absolutely amazing. Thank you Amazon.)

I have contacted Calphalon and told them about this item and they have written me back that this is indeed their product. I love mine and it really didn't matter....but I wanted to put this issue to rest. GREAT pan at a GREAT price!

We moved into a new house and ordered this table set for our kitchen, a new entertainment center, and a bedroom set. The table set was the first to be shipped and the last NEVER TO ARRIVE. According to tracking our table has and still is sitting at Dulles Airport (15 minutes from us). Target has failed to address the shipping company, acknowledge any wrong doing or return any money. Never will we shop with Target again. A complaint has been filed.

My husband and I just got married after both graduating from college. We both lived in furnished apartments until now, so we had to spend a lot of money on bedroom and living room furniture. We decided to get something cheaper as a kitchen table until we saved up more money to get something better. This table is really nice. It doesn't look at all like we cheaped it out (and I'm a furniture snob). It's solid wood and we really like the honey oak color. We don't plan on trying to replace it with something nicer. It looks just as good as things we looked at in nice furniture stores. This is a pretty set. We wish we could find a solid wood entertainment center and bookcase for such a great deal. As other reviewers mentioned, the box is HEAVY. Poor UPS guy. It does take a while to put together the chairs, but I doubt it could be any simpler and still be as sturdy. If you want some advice, buy this set. No one will know you didn't pay that much for it.

As first time home-owners, we're swamped with the amount of furniture it takes to fill a new home! We're looking for inexpensive (but not cheap) furniture and this table fit the bill! We bought it for our kitchenette, but liked the look so much it is now in our formal dining room until we scrap up enough money for a formal dining set. We love the style, the quality of wood (no particle board or wood overlay - it's solid!), the color, etc. Assembly was easy, delivery was excellent - I highly recommend! I'm going to buy the matching wine table now, too!

We received this pot as a wedding gift six years ago and it has seen almost daily use ever since. The size is perfect for cooking for 2-4 people and is our favorite for pasta and homemade soups. We've even used it for oven braising meats and it works beautifully. This is an excellent price as I have paid much more for Calphalon elsewhere.

If I could only have one pot, this would be the one: an everything pot that even goes into the oven without a complaint. It's a perfect size and depth. You can use metal utensils in it. You can scrub it with an abrasive, but you won't need to-- it's easy to clean. Its thickness embraces your food with even heat. The lid is nicely designed to allow you to vent it just the teeniest bit or full steam ahead. This same quality also allows you to drain off liquid without losing a grain of whatever you've cooked in it -- and the placement of the two handles makes this easy, too. I've been rattling around the kitchen for about 60 years and this is the best quality, most usefully sized and shaped pot I've ever had. Food tastes better cooked in a quality pot. And did I mention it's a steal at this price? Go for it.

This is one of four new Calphalon pans and I couldn't be happier. I just got this pot delivered and already have sauce cooking in it! What a PERFECT size for most everyday needs!

Well weighted, with a thick bottom...this pan will be a mainstay in my kitchen...I can tell already! My only question is...why in the world did I wait so long to start my Calphalon collection??? If you enjoy cooking and quality, I suggest you seriously look into this line.

I prefer the PRO line of Calphalon to their Commercial line. I appreciate the untilitarian approach of their PRO design, having owned and run a restaurant in my past. The weight of this cookware and the sturdy rivets let me know I'll have this in my life for a very long time.

Non-Stick finishes have worn out their welcome in my kitchen. Too many claims of long lasting coatings peeling off after a years wear. With this line of cookware, you don't have to worry about any of that, and sticking has not been an issue with any of the pans I've recently aquired from Amazon[.com].

I tried cooking eggs in one of my new pans, just to see how it performed...and they slid right out of the pan. No non-stick surface needed with these babies! Great stuff!

If you like pretty...go with the Commercial selections. If you like sturdy, no nonsense cookware...PRO is the way to go!

I'll be buying more very soon! I'm hooked! Check out some of the GREAT DEALS being offered in this line right now! You can't lose! .... Amazon[.com]...as always...provided quick and clean service!

Linda

I think these glasses are wonderful. In addition to making the wine smell and taste better, the large size makes it easy to properly swirl the wine. THis allows you to see it better and of course to smell it better, which improves the taste.

One word of warning, if you are just using these for having wine with dinner, beware, since they are so large, it's easy to pour a lot more than you think. About half a glass is at least as much as a full glass of a smaller type of wine glass.

About two years ago I became interested enough in wine that I decided to invest in some high-end wine glasses. The choice came down to Riedel vs. Spiegelau. The first glasses I purchased were 6 Riedel Bordeaux ($89.99)along with 6 Riedel Chards($79.99). They are beautifully crafted with large bowls, very thin rims and wonderfull balance. Other reviewers have commented on the poor quality of Amazon's shipping so I will not expound further. The wines really do taste better out of these glasses. Unfortunately, the very thin rim, although elegant, is also fragile. Within one year two glasses were broken.
Last year I decided to try Spiegelau. If you wait until November/December Amazon will put them on sale and you can purchase 12 glasses for $29.99. These glasses also have fine balance but have a sturdier feel then the Riedel. The rims of the Spiegelau glasses are not as thin as the Riedels and so some may not think they are as elegant. The wine tastes every bit as good if not better out of the Spiegelaus. Unless you can break a $15 glass without uttering an expletive I would save my money and buy the Spiegelau which have now become my everyday glasses.

I used to scoff at people who bought fancy wine glasses. OK, I admit it. There was even a time when I didn't mind drinking wine in a plastic glass. Riedel glasses have changed my mind forever, and I've joined the ranks of people who buy fancy glasses.

The Vinum Bordeaux glasses make those lovely reds taste and smell even better. I just can't say enough good things about these glasses.

I bought this ice cream maker a couple of weeks ago. I read all the reviews on all the different models. Based on the reviews for this machine, I purchased it. I was not steered wrong!! This machine certainly lives up to the name Cuisinart. I liked the idea of this model being a double so I could make two flavors at once or double of the same flavor. The machine is very quiet when it's running. Easy to clean too. Depending on the flavor that I make, some need to freeze a little longer (soft serve consistency)in the freezer to set up. Others are ready to eat immediately. What a wonderful way to give my family healthy ice cream. The looks on their faces when they are eating it is priceless!! I highly recommend this ice cream maker!!

We have really enjoyed this machine. It is easy to use, easy to clean, looks really good setting in the kitchen, and is very affordable. We tested the recipes in the instruction booklet and have found them to be very good and delicious (though we prefer using half-n-half, along with 2% milk, instead of heavy whipping cream and whole milk).

The noise of the machine isn't an issue. It doesn't even come close to the loud sound a blender or mixer makes.

Best of all, is the ice cream you can make within 20-30 minutes with no mess or hassle!! What more could you ask for!!

I recently bought this ice cream maker because I am a pastry chef and I wanted to experiment and have some fun. The first time that I made ice cream, I couldn't believe how easy it was! I made the pineapple sherbet from the recipe book, which has since become a family favorite. I also have made rose petal ice cream, lavender ice cream, pina colada ice cream, and bailey's Irish cream ice cream. This machine has opened many new doors for me in the dessert world. I absolutely love it, I can't wait to try out new flavors!

.. be sure to practice on old knives first so you get the right touch. I'm sure glad I did, because a bit too much pressure on an old, inexpensive knife took a bite right out of the blade. The thing cuts better than ever before though. Go figure.

One needs to apply constant, medium to light pressure as you draw the blade through the sharpening wheels. You want to achieve a smooth stroke without allowing the blade to chatter as you draw it through. After some medium-firm strokes, test for sharpness. If it's enough, then draw the blade through lightly a few times to help hone the edge. Then follow with a few strokes on your steel to have a perfectly smooth finish.

Once you master the right strokes, this is a most wonderful kitchen addition. It's handy and easy to use. No more dull knives! I'd happily buy another when this one wears out.

Most of todays kitchen knives are hard stainless steel. Therefore, they fail to properly take an edge when in need of sharpening. At the factory, the first edge is ground in and unlike the directions say, that edge sooner or later requires touching up. The Henckels Twinsharp Knife Sharpener does just that. A few quick "pull thru's" and the blade is dressed no matter the level of steel blade hardness. So, if you are not a master of the sharpening steel and want to do fast and easy food prep. Then by all means consider the Twinsharp. It really works, but sooner than later you will need to find a way to get get you kitchen knives fully sharpened.

I love this knife sharpener. It's easy to use, works like a charm, and it was a great price!

I got mine with the 2 for one deal, so of the 12 glasses, one arrived broken. I asked for cash back and got almost no value (I think the refund mechanism for that deal is broken). So if you get a broken one, ask for a replacement. BTW You don't have to send the non broken ones back.

I like them so far, they are way better than those Anchor Hocking versions that I had. But in the hand they feel like they would break with any misuse. So while the carton says "dishwasher possible" mine are not going near it.

Again Amazon didn't pack one of the two boxes well and that was the box with the busted glass.

BTW if you home, and the UPS delivery guy hands you a box and you give it a shake and it "tinkles", hand it right back to him and ask to fill out a broken as recieved form. Don't even bother to open it up.

On the otherside, everyone seems to rave about how much better their wine tastes in better glasses. For me that's overrated. Maybe my pallett isn't all that refined but good wine still tastes better than bad or really cheap stuff, but neither seems to improve in the glass.

I bought these glasses along with the white ones because they were a great deal, but once they arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by their excellent quality and their beauty. These Spiegelau Authentis Red Wine Glasses have the heft of the Riedel glasses. They feel great in the hand and they make that nice ringing sound of crystal when you toast. The tapered shape does seem to help with the nose of the wine (follow the instructions and only pour wine to the widest part of the glass), and if nothing else, they make you look good at a dinner party. And the best part of all? They seem quite happy to run through the dishwasher, which is great, because washing wineglasses by hand always scares me. After spending three months using both the red and the white Spiegelau glasses, I ordered another set of each, and I'm giving my old Bormiolis away.

This general purpose red wine set is a good place to start if you want to dip your toes into the world of specialized glasses that Spiegelau and Riedel produce. Even if you already have different sets for each type of wine that you drink, these will make a good addition to your collection. They are ideal for a dinner party where you don't want to swap out glasses with each different bottle of wine.

You don't have to be a wine snob in order to appreciate a really nice set of wineglasses. These are delicate and well-balanced without being absurdly fragile. There is enough of a taper to the thin rim to capture the bouquet and the bowl is nicely proportioned.

I prefer to hand wash them, but have successfully washed them in the dishwasher using a special wine glass rack. If you're careful not to bang them around or twist too much when drying, they should last a long time.

What a distinct pleasure to have this fine Creuset in my kitchen! It was worth every penny and then some. The 4-1/2 quart size is perfect for our small household, perfect for use as a Dutch Oven, and a true Best Buy in the Creuset line.
The sloping edges of the pot are my favorite aspect. Or maybe it's the gorgeous variegated "Volcanic Flame!" with the rich vanilla-colored enamel interior. Or maybe it's the smart, competent way it sits atop the stove, ready for any assignment. Spaghetti sauce! Beef stew! Chicken soup!
Solid and enduring pots and pans for the kitchen are always a wise investment; and this one, this one in particular, was love at first sight.
Hallelujah.

I use this pan every time I can. It cleans up beautifully in the dishwasher which is a real plus. It's the perfect size--not too big or small. Great heat conduction. Great for oven or stovetop. Wish I had one in every size!

If I could marry a soup pot, this would be my groom. He would last longer than a lifetime, cook like a pro, and clean up without any effort, all whilst looking like he's too beautiful to do anything but sit and preen.
I truly adore this pot. It does everything they say it does, and better than you expect. The solidity and weight of the pot, a problem for some, are to me the emblems of durability and resilience in a line I will look forward to passing down to my children.