Kitchen Reviews

We recieved this waffle maker for our wedding in march. It is the most amazing waffle maker I have ever seen. You have never tasted such amazing waffles until you make them with this maker. Even bisquick waffles taste wonderful. You have to try it to understand

My kitchen is littered with the remains of victims of my search for the perfect waffle maker (7 at last count). While on vacation last summer we stayed at several motels that offered free continental breakfasts. Three of them offered do-it-yourself waffles using wonderful commercial waffle makers by Heartland and Carbon. These make perfect waffles, crisp on the outside and steamy tender on the inside, and they all use that method whereby your pour the batter on the hot grid and then close the top and flip/rotate it over. This simple act separates the home waffles from the commercial restaurant-style waffles (try putting on oven mits and turning over your countertop waffler!).
Problem is these commercial flipover wafflers aren't available to the home consumer, only to restaurants and motels through some kind of franchise deal. Occasionally you can find used ones on eBay for pretty princely sums and they use 220 volt electrical outlets, not something the average kitchen has! I was surfing on the web and voila! I came across the Waring WMK300, which is a consumer version of these commercial wafflers. It hasn't sacrificed quality or build but the price is a lot less. It works exactly like the retaurant models and has non-stick grids, the flipover handles, and signal lights and beeps to tell you when the waffle is ready. It doesn't even take up that much space. And best of all, the waffles come out superbly, golden crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. The consistency is amazing (there is a browness control) and it takes common 120 volt electricity with 1200 watts of heating power (most home units are 650-1000 watts).
The only problem is they are in short supply, either out of stock or due shortly. Buy yours now, you couldn't make a wiser purchase.

I purchased this waffle maker so it was a little easier for my children to use - with the spill guard. I could not believe how well it worked. I was so impressed - we had a Mother's Day brunch and my extended family brought their waffle makers and this one out cooked them 3 waffles to one and the quality was amazing. My extended family now all want one. Great item, highly recommended.

I am amazed at the power of the Bissell vacuum. I used the Bissell for the first time in my bedroom and the dirt cup was half full when I finished. I didn't know my carpet was that dirty! I previously used an Oreck upright vacuum for the last two years (unfortunately) and it has never worked right from day one. The Oreck vacuum has fallen apart, the belts break easily, the dust bag holder constantly falls off and it was time for me to get a new vacuum or lose my sanity. I am very satisfied and amazed at how well the Bissell operates. I would recommended a Bissell to anyone who is looking for an affordable and excellent product.

I jumped on this deal mainly because of the low price since I've been shopping for a vacumm for some time. I had been using a 12-year old bag vacuum and needless to say, it populated the air more than it cleaned the floor. I received this one yesterday and assembled it together in 5 minutes, then tried it. Wow, it sucked up so much stuff from the carpet in a few seconds that I started wnodering if it'd pull all the fiber off the carpet base :). Anyway, I'm impressed. The other vacuums costing 3 digits may be better, but I think this is an excellent value, if not the best.

One tip is that the Bissell HEPA filter fits this vacuum, so you can buy this vacuum and the HEPA filter, it actually saves you a few dollars comparing to buying the other $79.99 Bissell HEPA vacuum.

Another thing I'd like to note is that in comparing the Bissell Cleanview model to both Hoover and Eureka models, GETTING THE CANISTER ON AND OFF WAS SUCH A BREEZE COMPARED TO THE OTHERS (one of my major deciding factors)!

Additionally, it's worthy to note that ALL THREE filters one the Bissell Cleanview are VERY EASILY ACCESSIBLE and CHANGEABLE.

I bought this pan a couple weeks ago and I absolutely love it!! Was a little concerned at first that the 6-quart size might be too large, but am finding that it's just perfect for doing all kinds of things. . . .Have made breaded, baked pork chops; roast sausage & peppers, garden vegetable frittata, bacon and eggs... Is terrific for all kinds of things. Like the rest of the Calphalon Commercial nonstick line, the pan is heavy, well made, cooks evenly, and cleans up easily. I have been replacing all my old cookware with Calphalon for the past three years now, and I've yet to buy a piece that I've been disappointed with. The commercial nonstick especially is fantastic, and well worth the extra $. You really do get what you pay for with the Calphalon pans, this one especially. (Price is great by the way too! Is much higher at other sites I checked.)

This pan is great. It heats evenly, clean up is a breeze and it's a beautiful pan! One of the main reasons I bought this pan was the fact that there is no long handle (like a saute pan). I have an older stove and my burners are a lot closer together than newer stove tops. I'm always having to make sure I keep the handle inside (on the stove top) in case my two year old decides to grab the handle to see whats for dinner. This pan prevents that from happening. Calphalon Commercial Nonstick pans are the best nonstick pans I have ever used. I checked around at many other web sites before buying this and this is the best price I have seen plus Amazon has free shipping! Can't beat that!

After using this pan for a couple of months, it is single-handedly the best piece of cookware i've ever bought. It is a good size (enough to make paella, risotto for a large number of people) and it is extremely easy to clean. Made in the USA, it's a great deal!

I haven't stopped using it since the day I got it!
This little tool really does do remarkable stuff. With this you don't need an expensive cappucino maker. This little guy does all the work for you. It really does froth,thick and foamy, within seconds. I've had others before that have only "stirred" what's in the cup. This is the first one that actually makes foam. I would highly recommend this for every kitchen.
signed--a kitchen enthusiast.

I purchased the DÜRKOP Latte-Whip while in Germany earlier this month. I saw the item being demonstrated in a kitchen shop and fell in love with the piece. The price in Germany was substantially higher than the price offered by amazon.com.

Some of the things we've found great about this product, compared to "me too" items found in this country are: Latte-Whip is super-lightweight and versatile. It's an innovative product designed to froth milk, coffee and so much more. This small hand held battery operated blender makes authentic cappuccino, latte, three layer coffee, iced coffee, hot and cold chocolate and more. The package contained full instructions and recipes.

The unit has a FLEXIBLE spiral stainless steel blender rod and head and strong motor that it can foam milk in a few seconds and is more effective than other machines or gadgets including steam based espresso machines costing hundreds of dollars! More versatile than units that have a "fixed" rod. In just a few seconds the rich creamy foamed milk is high, substantial and thick. Optimum results can even be obtained using low fat milk.

We also found cleanup to be a snap...Easy to clean-simply run Latte-Whip under the water faucet for instant cleaning. It's also very safe to use-no blades or heating coils.

I suggest that you buy several of these units. Keep a couple at home and give unit as gifts...everyone who has seen mine also wants one. Happy frothing and mixing!

I received a chrome milk frother that was made in the Far East. The item worked fairly and kept losing power, in spite of changing batteries constantly. The unit also had a fixed mixing rod, which did not give or have any flexibility. Finally tossed it out.

Then I saw this unit at AMAZON.COM and purchased one. It's amazing. The flexible arm or stainless steel rod does much better than the former one. It allows the frother to get all sides of the glass when you are mixing, including the bottom.

We enjoy using this for slimfast and also creating chocolate milk. The flexible arm assists in thoroughly mixing all of the powder in the container, especially the bottom edges, where the other unit was not successful.

We also enjoy using the Latte-Whip to create a wonderful, frothy foam to put on cappuccinos and lattes that we serve after dinner. Even though we have an expensive and powerful espresso machine, this little guy still froths the milk wonderfully and it makes a killer presentation.

I would recommend this item for self-purchase and most certainly for a gift to persons of all ages.

This unit is made in Israel and not the Far East.

Kiss that Teflon coated cookware good bye. Get yourself a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven for the kitchen and tell me this isn't the best cookware you have ever owned.

I have been using my 5 quart Dutch oven for about two years now and despite it's weight, my food turns out better, tastier and clean-up is a breeze. In addition, cast iron can last a lifetime unlike Teflon coated pots and pans which can and will flake and apparently if in your food, it is unhealthy.

This pot has been used on electrical and gas stoves and with almost identical results. The pot does not require special heat coils or other "technology" to evenly distribute heat, it's built in its structure, it's cast iron. In addition, it can easily go from stovetop to oven for casseroles and other such items. One or two less items to clean at the end of the meal.

I highly recommend cast iron and as time goes on all my Teflon pots and pans will be completely replaced by cast iron.

Sometimes old becomes new again and I foresee that people will look more towards cast iron as their everyday cookware that is relatively inexpensive compared to "professional" cookware currently on the market. You really can't beat something that will outlast even you if you give it tender loving care.

Like a fine old watch, cast iron cookware appeals to the senses in ways beyond it's practicality. It heats evenly, retains heat forever, allowing fine finishing touches in cooking to continue after being removed from the heat source and cleans like Teflon if seasoned properly. But unlike commercial, non-stick surfaces, each use with cast iron adds flavor, enhances it's non-stick surface and leaves the legacy of blackening the cast iron piece by degree, each use, a shade of the past. Functional anywhere, stove top, grill, oven, campfire, even plain charcol brickets, cast iron and any heat source provide an elegant and functional complete technology for cooking. If this review seems excessive, it is because I am a romantic by nature and feel cooking is spiritual labor. This cookware appeals to my sense of the past and future. My children have laid claim to individual pieces at my demise (although ownership of the Dutch oven still remains in question due to it's versatility)and transfer of ownership will be conditional upon agreement to pass these pieces on to their children. My favorite fry pan, belonged to my grandmother. If you cook for the purpose of filling your stomach, microwave, if you cook to re-create, try cast iron.

I own three pieces of cast iron cookware, and this item is one of them... and among my favorite cooking implements, period. Cast iron is not a quickie-cooking component (it takes time for the iron to heat, and it takes experience to gauge the iron's "perfect temperature" for sensitive dishes), but for dishes requiring steady, even heat and for cooks who require durable cookware with easy clean-up, cast iron CANNOT be beat!

This pot is going to last forever. Its care is easy: I scrub it with hot water only, and dry it with an old rag and apply a thin layer of vegetable oil while the iron is still hot... a year and a half later, it's still rust-free and delivering the reliable service I have come to expect and admire. No scratches interfere with its performance, as is the case with my allegedly-long-lasting Wearever nonstick cookware set (what a waste of money THAT was!). Heck, I even use my cast-iron skillet for CREPES, and that's saying something! Despite the pan's weight, it's an immeasurably better nonstick crepe-cooker than teflon. In fact, I use my cast iron cookware for everything from french fries to spaghetti sauce to eggs and bacon to french toast! It's a dependable griddle, skillet, grill, and pot, and it goes right from the stovetop and into the oven for maximum versatility.

I am an avid home-chef, and I can say without exception that my cast-iron cookware is the best kitchen investment I've ever made.

Are you an ice cream enthusiast or do you just really love ice cream? Well, to enjoy ice cream, you do need the right tools to enjoy your ice cream. A very simple ice cream scoop spoon by Oxo Good Grips, this lever ice cream scoop scoops ice cream, sherbert, and other frozen treats and deserts. You could also use it as your own spoon as well! This stainless steel ice cream scoop is also dish washer safe, which is wonderful for those people who don't have to wash it by hand. Why wouldn't you get one of these for your home? I liked it because it was very inexpensive, and compliments your other eating utensils nicely. Also, guests will have fun, using a nice level spoon to scoop their own ice cream as well! You also won't slip or slide around while scooping ice cream as well, so it's great. Others I've used ocassionally slip and get ice cream on my hands. Also, this scooper is from a long line of excellent products you can trust from the Oxo Good Grips line. I believe that it is a definite bargain if you're an ice cream or frozen treat lover!

I have found the lever-type ice cream scoops to be vastly superior to any other, even those with the sliding mechanisn, and OXO makes the best of the best with their stainless steel scoop. This handy little gadget dishes out a perfect scoop of ice cream every time: it easily slices through the hardest treats while scooping out softer treats without ever sticking. A must-have for ice cream fans!

Scoop dozens of delicious full fat frozen ice cream onto your pie or french fries with this amazing tool.

I have been a professional chef for 15 years, with training at the CIA in Hyde Park, NY, and just received my griddle yesterday. We have company over and I was really looking forward to cooking a big breakfast on my new griddle. Was it ever great! Medium heat is all you need, it heated evenly and I was able to cook bacon, sausage and eggs over easy all at the same time. With a family of 5, we used to eat in shifts, but not any more! It also seems that the non stick surface is better than any other non stick pan sets that I've owned. Tomorrow its pancakes on the menu!

Now everyone in the family can sit down for breakfast together, thanks to this great griddle that makes 8-10 pancakes at a time. I had been searching for the perfect griddle for our new kitchen aid gas range and this one is dandy. Even heating, easy cleanup. The only downside is it's just a smidge longer than the cooktop and sometimes it wants to slide around while in use. This product won't disappoint.

My review was based on reviews from this site. I took a chance and reviewers were right, I was floored, it's a 5-star grill. Nothing stuck to this grill, not even raw grated potatoes. I had perfectly browned food, nothing burned or overcooked. I even tried to burn hamburgers and buns cooked at the same time, they didn't burn. I also sauted onions, pancakes, fried eggs, meatballs, vegetables, everything browned beautifully, like a restaurant. There's only me and my husband, and it wasn't too big for 2 people. Also, I started out my search for a grill looking for a reversible, but, you know what, it is better to have two separate pans, one flat and one with the lines. The lined grill side will scratch or flake off the other side setting it on the burners. Oh, and hey, darned if it didn't thaw my rock-hard 8 pieces of chicken in a bag in 20 minutes.

My 3" paring knife broke. I decided to replace it with the Henckels 4 Star model. What a mistake! It is beautiful, sharp, extremely well balanced and obviously well made. Naturally, the rest of my knives took great offense, and I promptly ordered the whole set of 4 Star knives, block and all. At least I'll get a free set of Henckel's steak knives!

It seems that everyone's kitchen drawer holds more than one paring knife - ours certainly does, and this small knife by Henckels is a favorite.

The three inch blade makes it perfect for paring whether it be a garlic clove or potato.

With a user friendly handle it fits neatly into your hand, and is easy to grip for lengthy chores.

Pop it in the dishwasher, and it's like new.

About 5 years ago I got into cooking stir fry a little bit and found that cutting carrots, onions and many other vegitables was quite a chore with the cheap selection of knives that my kitchen was stocked with. I had to get sometimes near paper thin slices of various ingredients and there was no way even the best knife sold by Target could stack up to the task. I went to a real cookware store and purchased this knife and the 14" chefs knife for starters.

The first slice through an onion I knew where the extra money goes, some of it is for the name, but the rest is all quality. These knives will amaze you with how well they feel with their perfect balance and with a little work, you can get the blade sharp enough to shave with. When I held the chefs knife balanced on a tomato and just pulled, the weight of the knife sliced through it with a clean stroke. The paring knife is handy for so many more things than just paring (which it does quite well), I've used it more than once as a steak knife. For some reason I cant stand serrated edges anymore.

Cut all the coke cans you want with your Ginsu, but leave the real jobs to a real knife.

I have had this processor for a little less than 10 years (bought it when heading off to college) and it has lasted without problem. It is a great small processor- perfect for small kitchens. I'm now getting an 11 cup model for larger jobs, but will save this old standby for the smaller jobs. I would definately buy this one again. Way to go Cuisinart!!

When I cook, I generally prepare 3 or 4 meals worth of whatever recipe I'm using. I find the Little Pro's capacity more than adequate for those kinds of amounts. Enough Salmon and bread crumbs for 8 croquettes, enough potatoes for a dozen or so potato pancakes, and so on. Chopping three or four onions is no problem and saves time and tears.

Clean up is a non-issue. Everything but the base goes straight into the dishwasher.

I use the juicing attachment when I need to squeeze more than one lemon or orange, but I do agree with the reviewer who expressed concern over the safety of this attachment. I've never injured myself with it, but its easy to see how you could and I'm VERY careful when I use it. With all of its other functions, moving parts are completely enclosed and perfectly safe.

It is well-constructed and durable. I can't even remember when I bought mine. Suffice it to say that it was more than ten years ago. I have never had a problem of any kind with it in all that time.

I have limited counter space in my kitchen, but I leave the Little Pro on the counter all the time because it has a very small "footprint" and is not in the way when not in use. There's no way I could do that with it's larger full-size cousins.

If you don't cook for a large crowd and want a useful chopping/shredding/blending tool that you can leave on the counter where you can get at it when you need it, this is a good choice.

The Little Pro Plus has been my only food processor for 8 years. It is powerful, versatile and small. If it ever dies on me I will replace it with another just like it!