Kitchen Reviews

I have owned a Calphalon professional nonstick set for 4 years. Not very long in the life of cookware. The 10 inch omlete has become pitted and is now peeling between the pits. I e-mailed Calphalon to question what could be done. (There is supposed to be a lifetime warranty provided you hand wash and use non-netal utensils.) I have not put these pans in a dishwasher, ever! I own only non-metal and wooden utensils. So far, they have ignored my question and not responded for two weeks. I have to replace the pan. At $19.99 (advertised special), it is affordable. At $85.00(retail), there is better and more reliable cookware available.

I paid $29.99 for the set and thought I was getting a good deal with the listing price of more than $100 on Amazon until I received the package. It is listed as $29.99 on the package. So don't pay more than that.

I have to say that I am becoming a huge Calphalon Commercial Non-Stick Cookware Fan!

These are, of course, the 2 most useful sizes of pans and are the workhorses in my kitchen. Great non-stick finish, the handles really are stay-cool, and substantial (but not too heavy). Total quality! And you absolutely can't beat the price.

This set would make a great gift for bridal showers, housewarmings, students - just about anyone who has to or loves to cook!

I bought one of these because I figured it would be easy to dispense all of the water I wanted, and the large size would help me not need to fill the pitcher all the time. I never really had any problems with the product. The water was decently filtered and the dispenser operated smoothly.

The real problem I had with it was how much of a hassle I always found it to fill. The jug dispenser was too large to easily fit in my sink, so I couldn't fill it up that way. So I tried switching to a system of filling it up with consecutive glasses of water, but that was hard to do in the confines of my refrigerator. I would end up taking the whole thing out of the fridge, filling it up with a number of glasses of water then trying to move the dispenser with the top half full back into my fridge without spilling it. This really turned out to be too big of a hassle for me so the darn thing was always empty. I just went back to ye-old-fashioned pitcher and have never been happier.

I upgraded from the 3-quart pitcher to this model and I find I use this one more frequently (no lifting during dispense) and I find it very convenient in terms of how it fits in the fridge (perfectly) and its sheer mass (children can frolic in it during the summer months). But it suffers from three inadequacies: 1) it takes 2-3 fill-ups of the top chamber to fill the unit so you have to come back to it several times over the course of 15 minutes. 2) the cover doesn't snap on so if the top resevoir area still has water in it the chance of you heaving a 2-gallon container into your Frigidaire without spilling any into the crisper is near nil. 3) if there are any dishes in your sink, this won't fit there to fill up so you invariably have to pitcher the water into the top.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy this again and I would highly recommend this over the pitcher, but it seems clear the design could be improved.

If you can spare a little more room in your fridge I HIGHLY recommend buying this 2-Gallon UltraMax over the pitchers. It lies flat on the shelf and has a easy to use tap. MUCH MUCH better for kids and anyone else who has trouble gracefully lifting 3 quarts of liquid with one hand (read: most everyone). With this design you simply open the door and fill using the tap. With the pitcher models, the tilt and weight tend to be awkward and I think spill or overpour about 30% of the time -- especially in the middle of the night. The Ultra Max hold about 2 1/2 times the water (less refilling) and costs only $3 more.

This change in taste has dramatically changed how much water I drink. Highly recommended. A great gift, especially for those people with the pitcher models.

I got this omelette pan and the instructional video entitled, "The Frugal Gourmet - Cheese & Eggs - The Classic Omelet" (also available on Amazon). The result is that I've been able to make much better omelettes than I normally get at restaurants.

It's actually not that hard to make a good omelette. One key thing is a good non-stick omelette pan, such as this one. I tried making them in a cast-iron pan and the results were mediocre (rarely did the omelette come out looking like an omelette, for example).

The above video lays out 4 basic rules, and then demonstrates the technique quite clearly. The Calphalon omelette pan has lived up to its end of the bargain; it's remained non-stick, seems to cook the egg quite evenly (no hot spots), and is lightweight.

One tip: I've found that this pan (or any 8" omelette pan) should only be used to make a 2-egg omelette. If you want to make a 3-egg omelette, get a 10" pan. If you use too small a pan the egg won't be dispersed thinly enough and will cook too slowly. Surprsingly, the books I've read have all given conflicting advice on this subject.

The pan is everything I wanted it to be. The non-stick is excellent. It is durable and heats evenly as advertised.

My only regret is that it did not come with a lid. To remedy this I went to the calphalon web site and found a matching lid (even though it was not specifically designed for this pan it is compatible with it). I was able to buy the lid through Amazon as well.

Oh yeah, the pan was a good price as well. I would make the purchase again.

This is a great pan, But why would anyone buy this pan for this price?
When you can buy the 8inch and the 10inch together for $29.99??
But now I see it for $39.99, That is still a good buy, But not this one pan for this price????

Also I notice that Amazon does sell Caphalon for good price's, but be careful as the prices change as fast as the stock market does!(( from day to day))..

If you do buy something from Amazon and see it for a lower price with-in 30days, you can Call Amazon and get it for the lower price. ( but why should we have to check this out all the time?)

I bought 2 of the 4qt. chefs casserole pans with lid for 39.99, then it went to $49.99, bought 1 more (for kids), now its a great buy for $34.99!!!
For $34.99 going to buy one and save it for Xmas or Chunuka, never know who is going to show up, and for that price who cares.
This also makes a great house warming gift.

Before you buy this 8in. pan, check out the two together for the better price.

Yep, it's uncanny, extraordianry and incredible the way this compact can opener trots around a can as it cuts. Just attach to the can, and there we go. The lid is removed cleanly and quickly. Then, the Walk 'n Cut turns off automatically.

It opens any size can from a one serving juice can to a 16 oz. can of ravioli, and it has a removable cutting lever which easily lifts off for cleaning (no more dried tomato sauce stuck to your opener!).

The Walk 'n Cut is cordless and rechargeable. Put it on your counter, as it is an attractive implement, or tuck it away in a drawer.

Wish more of my kitchen necessities did the walking for me!

This little can opener works like a charm for me. I'm left handed and I need a can open that is automatic. Lefties and hand can openers don't get along. Electric has to sit on the counter and I didn't want that either. So I purchased this one hopeing it would do the job. It worked. Being left-handed usually takes time to adapt, I didn't need lessons, it attached right away, and away it went around the can. So instead of looking ackward opening a can, it's now fun to watch the little fella run around the top of the can.

I purchased this can opener a year ago and deliberately waited to write a review so that I could see how I liked it "in the long haul". I love it! Like one of the other reviewers, I am left-handed. Unless you purchase a left-handed can opener (usually more expensive) a non-electric can opener is hard to use. This one is light and simple to attach. It did take a little getting use to, but once I used it a few times, it's a snap. I love the fact that I can keep it in a drawer. I have a small kitchen and the can opener is not taking up valuable counter space. (It actually doesn't take up much drawer space either.) It holds a charge for a long time. In fact, I think I've only had to charge it three times in a year. Of course, that would depend on how much you use it. I have not yet found a can that it wouldn't open and actually, find it easier to use on big cans than the usual counter can openers. If the can is tall, this little thing just scoots around the rim. If the can is heavy, you don't have to worry about it falling off the can opener. Like most other tools, you just have to use some common sense!

I was very diappointed with this grill. The set does not include any scrapers to scrape out the cheese, or any tongs to help you grill your food on the top grill. I was hoping for more from T-Fal. It's also very compact, which is great for storage, but horrible if 8 of you are trying to use the grill at the same time.

What's more fun than a raclette party? I enjoyed raclette many years ago while traveling in Switzerland. And just recently, we were invited to a friend's home for a little raclette party. It brought back such good memories! The T-Fal raclette works perfectly well, in my opinion. I didn't think it cooked too quickly or at too high a temp as some have said. It's a very fun way to socialize with your pals, and not be stuck slaving in the kitchen. All the chopping can be done ahead of time, and I ordered my raclette pre-sliced from the deli.
We had ham, shrimp, tomatoes, green onions, and mushrooms, and had diced dill pickles on the table for garnishment once the raclette is cooked, which I HIGHLY recommend. Also, while having raclette with our kids, we found that the younger kids seem to like more kid-friendly cheese- like co-jack. I think we'll make this our Christmas Eve family dinner tradition.

I found this while looking for raclette grills to replace my Stöckli 4-person grill, which has been outgrown despite having served us well. This appears to be an excellent buy. Most raclette grills do not have temperature controls since the process is to grill the cheese and then serve it over your cold meats (sopressata, bressaola, coppacola, anchovies) and potatoes (www.raclette-suisse.ch has more recipes for those new to this dish). Raclette has become a pizza substitute for us since my wife is gluten sensitive and there are lots of ways to enjoy raclette. One barrier to the enjoyment of this in the US has been the price, which this grill provides a very good inexpensive grill that is good for parties or large families.

Look, these are simply not high quality pots and pans, and are not comparable to Farberware's other lines, a la Millenium and Classic. This is Farberware's el cheapo brand designed to appeal to Wal-Mart shoppers and college students.

The pans are thin, the nonstick coating will not last and you'll find they scratch rather easily.

However, they are an absolutely fabulous deal hear on Amazon, which is why they get 2 stars, not one. For somebody who wants the absolute cheapest set of not-quite-disposable pans they can find, you've come to the right place.

I would recommend, however that you buy one or two of the Calphalon Commercial or Farberware Classic special priced items here instead. It will last a lot longer, look a lot nicer, and cook food better. Ultimately, the cost of cookware is a tiny fraction of the cost of the food that you will be cooking with it -- pennies a meal. Isn't it worth it to have decent quality?

Well, as the title suggests, this is not the pot set if you're an aspiring Emeril! If you're in college, starting out in your first apartment, or in need of a starter set to get the basic cooking done as a newly-wed couple (as we are), then this set is for you!...especially at the great bargain prices of Amazon.com.
Don't expect the heavy weight, don't expect flawless concentric heating, and even the balance leaves a bit to be desired. But eggs, omelette, rice, pasta, chili, curry, or braising/browing meat, and this set does the trick! It definately covers all the basics, I would say more than adequately, with excellent fast heating of all pots and pans and well-fitting lids.

FYI - the utensils (or should I say flexisticks) are FLIMSY!! DO NOT attempt to lift heavy wads of spagetti, rice, or stews with the spoons or even a heavy omelette with the "spatula" :-) ... boiiinnngggg! Get a wooden spoon ;-)

I love this set! normally it cost so much more for this set, but I got for a awsome price! Thanks a lot! A+++

I love pressed coffee. And this thing leaks more grounds than any press I've used. But my biggest gripe with coffee presses, until now, is that the coffee goes cold faster than you can drink it.

The 3-hour-hot-coffee claim is a stretch. But with wired and shaky hands I can pour that last hot cup, upto an hour or more after the brew.

I'm giving this thing 3 stars. I'll take a hot cup of coffee with sludge in the bottom over a perfectly filtered cold cup, any day. Staying warm and wired. JJ

I've looked forward to and delighted in pressed coffee every morning for years and this press is the best I've ever purchased. It has its flaws but I've never experienced grounds leaking back into the brew. As those who use a press know, the coffee beans must be ground with the coarsest grind possible. At the present time I use a Solis Maestro grinder and over the past six months have never had grounds in my coffee. Perhaps I have an unusual press, but I think not.

I agree the "3-hour-hot-coffee claim is a stretch." My first cup is always perfect and if I have my second cup within an hour, I certainly wouldn't want it any hotter. The reason I'm posting is I am searching the web for replacement screens for the press but I'm told there is a six-week back order.
I'd give the press 4 stars. Find a coffee you like, grind it as coarse as you can, press it and enjoy.

I have this pot for years and Bodum makes replacement screens that will fit this pot. Shame that they make the screen for their product as well as Nissan and they clearly state that it will fit the Nissan...

http://www.coffee-makers-espresso-machines.com/repfrenpresm.html

I bought the 60 piece set in December 2002 and just love it. I loved them so much I bought an additional 20 piece set in January. The look of them is very modern and have had no problem with rusting. In the other reviews people have complained about rusting but I have not experienced this problem. To clean I just use our anciet dishwasher and use a Baking Soda detergent. I have not used any other detergent so I do not know if those would rust them but I know the baking soda detergent does not. My only negative I have about them is they are a little to heavy for young children to use. My 3 year has difficulties using them but my 5 year has no problems. So if buying for someone w/ young children this would not make a good set to buy them. I would have given this flatware a 5 but since it's hard for young children to use I deducted a point. Great Flatware for college kids, newly weds, and families w/ older children.

I purchased two sets of this flatware. Soon after they came out with a set including serving pieces. You cannot purchase them seperately. I contacted the manufacturer and they were very helpful. I recieved wonderful guest service from Gourmet Settings.

This silverware is great, you don't have to worry about bending these spoons scooping icecream. They are classy enough to use for a formal dinner but plain enough to use everyday. I love them.

This blender is outstanding, and truly lives up to the reputation Kitchenaid has for producing a quality product. I own a Kitchenaid stand mixer as well as several of their major appliances, and never been disappointed. This blender appealed to me because of the Kitchenaid name, its poweful motor, capacity and stainless steel pitcher. The pitcher is more light wieght and durable than glass (the glass pitcher on the Kitchaid blenders appears especially heavy even when empty), and unlike plastic containers it will not stain, show scratches, crack, or absorb odors. The controls are easy to clean, and the step start (feature that starts the blender at lower speed and then increases power) is a nice touch. I was shocked by some of the negative feedback about this product by other consumers. This is a blender and not a food processor, and therefore would not typically be used for making a puree or cream soup, even though people who manufacture blenders (including Kitchenaid) tell consumers that it can be used effectively for that purpose. I have made smoothies, milk shakes, protein drinks, etc. with this product, and have always been pleased. I do admit that it may be necessary to scrape the sides of the pitcher when making smoothies for example, however, that is the case with most blenders. Most people do use at least some ice when making a smoothie and this blender does not leave any grainy texture in the mixture. My previous blenders have all always left at least small chunks of ice but, this blender has by far yielded the best results. This blender does represent a considerable investment but, it is not likely you will have to replace it for some time.

Let me start out by praising Amazon. They have a great site, it's a great way to shop, one of the best.

This blender works!! I mix heavy shakes with this. I mean thick shakes with oatmeal in them. It doesn't labor, the motor doesn't have a burning smell like other blenders I have had. I broke the glass on my old blender and they wanted $50.00 for a new jar. I saw this one and bought it right away. I don't blend fruit in it so I can't speak for the job it does with that. I do blend ice cubes and it works great on blending the ice for a great shake. The best is the stainless steel jar, you can toss this around without worrying about breaking it. Get it, don't settle for less. If you don't get it, you will have two blenders some day. This one and the other one you don't use.

This Blender worked great for awhile, almost a year, and then the coupler fell apart, the plastic gear mechanism that connects the motor to the blade, became damaged. I called KitchenAid, was on hold for under 30 seconds and after I gave them the serial number, and model number they said another product was on the way. Two days later, it was at my door step. I was blown away by the efficiency of KitchenAid's customer service. As blenders go, it's just great. It works really well and is a breeze to clean up.

After reading the reviews here and elsewhere, I decided to give this humidifier a try. It lasted less than one night.

The glug-glug of air entering the water bottles is both louder and more frequent than the two other brands I've tried (Honeywell and Bionaire), and we found we couldn't use the humidifier in the bedroom. In truth, I could sleep through the noise, but my wife couldn't, so we returned it the next day.

Two other negatives: first, the unit both looks and feels like it is made of cheap, thin plastic; it's a fairly ugly addition to the bedroom.

Second, the water bottles are surprisingly awkward to fill. The bottles have very narrow openings (no more than about 1" in diameter) which greatly restricts water flow into the bottles (there has to be enough room for water to flow in and air to flow out - the only way to do this is with a slow water flow). The review that estimates 1.5 minutes per bottle to fill in the kitchen sink is probably accurate. The two other humidifiers I've used had MUCH larger openings (3" probably) so you could hold the bottle under the tap in the tub and fill a 2-3 gallon bottle in only a few seconds. Also the Vornado bottles have no cap - just an opening - so carrying a full bottle is a little more exciting than it should be.

On the other hand, except for the glug-glug, the unit is very quiet. Also, the capacity is much larger average, so if you want to humidify more than a room, this might be a good choice.

Bottom line: if you need a high-capacity humidifier AND you can tuck this one out of both sight and sound, it might be a good choice. But, for the bedroom - especially the bedroom of a light sleeper - look elsewhere.

That is to say - it's really high performance, very simply built, and has a few rough edges.
PERFORMANCE: this thing pretty much humidifies our entire 2BD/2BTH 1450 sqr. ft. apartment, although the back room never gets above 40% (we keep that door closed a lot though). It's huge 4.5 gallon tanks mean that that even with steam heat drying out the air continuously, I only need to fill the tanks once a day. The large, dual wicks mean that a LOT of air can get moisturized quickly, and the large diameter fan is fairly quiet and very effective.
BUILD: 4 parts - 2 tanks, one "oil pan" base to hold the filters, and the top fan/control unit. This makes the unit VERY easy to clean - take off the fan/control unit, and everything else can get a water and white vinegar soak.
ROUGH EDGES: This unit relies upon vacuum pressure in the tanks to regulate the amount of water admitted - no complicated valves. That leads to "GLUG GLUG GLUG" when the water in the base falls - and it is loud enough to bother most sleepers. And there are very basic, simple controls. No readouts, no remote humidity sensors...

But WHO CARES? This unit works so well that most people don't have to place it in the bedroom - simply put it in the living room or hall, and it will put out enough moisture that in 1 - 2 days the entire space will be humid. I've tested this two ways: 1) my children stopped coughing from dry air, and 2) I own a humistat that measures the relative humidity. Both indications tell me that it works over a large enough area, and all I did is place it in the front hall.

SUMMARY - a great large area humidifier with a few rough edges. Place it out of the bedroom, let the air circulate by just keeping the doors open, and it's fantastic.

We've had ours for about 3 months. It's quiet, clean, easy to fill, and very efficient. It can be filled in the kitchen sink in less than 2 minutes. No additives required. It's output is about 2 gallons a day and I haven't heard my wife complain at all about those little dry-skin cracks she used to get on her fingers. If the so-called glug-glug noise really bothers you, you need a white noise machine for sleeping.