Friday, December 13, 2013

LENOX MONTCLAIR N/A DINNER PLATES



Beautiful, Durable, and Elegant
I've used Lenox Montclair fine china since 1964 and have found it to be beautiful, durable, and elegant. My guests have always commented on how lovely and elegant this pattern is. The simplicity of the design complements any decor. I've machine-washed the dishes with no ill effects although I've recently learned that hand-washing is best because the chemicals in dishwasher detergent may harm the platinum rims. My cousin chose her Lenox Montclair pattern a year after I did and has been using them all these years as well and she loves her set just as much as I do.





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Mikasa Parchment Fine China 42-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service For 8



DebbieZ
Just got the set yesterday. LOVE IT! This was by far a super buy! I couldn't believe that I got all that I did for the price that I did. It even came in earlier than expected and thats with the free shipping too! The pattern is very subtle and elegant. This is the first China that I have purchased and I look forward to buying the rest of the set. Even if I have to pay reg. price for the rest of the set (though I doubt it) the money I saved already....worth it!

ANOTHER GREAT DEAL @ AMAZON.COM
On December 14, 2005, I bought the Mikasa Red Parchment Fine China 40 piece Service for 8, for less than $180 from Amazon.com. Very nice and excellent set. I was so pleased that I visited Amazon.com for another set few days later, and on December 18, 2005, this time purchased the Gray Mikasa Parchment Fine China 42-Piece Dinnerware, Service for 8, for much less than the Red set, at $129.99 PLUS free shipping. I shopped for these sets at major retails stores in Massachusetts, and not one came close to what I paid for them @ Amazon.com. The Gray set is as beautiful as the Red Parchment set. All the pieces arrived intact. Highly recommended to all. Visit Amazon.com more often, you'll be surprised to see how much you'll save, compare to your local stores or to other online stores.

PS: I don't work for Amazon.com, I am just a pleased customer.

Beautiful china
The China was beautiful, with some minor flaws. Also, a bowl was broken during shipment; the process to correct this was tedious. I had to wait for another set; then return the original set, which was a headache trying to carry this huge, very heavy box to the PO. Additionally, the invoice inside said $118.00...so, I think I was overcharged. No refund issued. I definitely wouldn't do this again.

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Set of 2 Brown Wrought Iron Metal Dining Chair/Chairs w/Cushion Seats



Chair set good but two damaged in shippingand still waiting on replacements
Quality is about what we expected on the two we did receive. The color of the seat fabric looked more reddish orange in the picture than the more tannish brown ones that we received. But the color still goes with our kitchen so we are OK with them.





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Thursday, December 12, 2013

ACME 02916 Set of 2 Westminster Arm Chair, Cherry Finish



Attractive and very sturdy dining chairs at a great price!
These chairs arrived quickly and were easy to put together...maybe took 15 minutes per chair. Once assembled they were really sturdy. The finish was a mahogany color rather than brown, which was the only drawback. The seats were covered in a thin plastic which I removed to reveal an attractive cream colored fabric with a nice design in the weave in the same color. They're comfortable and the arms fit nicely under my table. While these aren't $600 chairs, they are a fantastic value for the money. I'm so pleased.





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Rosenthal Loft 16-Piece Dinnerware Starter Set, Service for 4



Love the china
I've sently purchased 3 boxes of the Loft china. I love it, it's a good classic design. But beware that the bigger plates might not fit your dishwasher or your cubords. It didn't fit our normal cuboards in our case. Luckly we could free up some space in our corner cabinet. But when you're having a dinner for a few people I'm sure you'd prefer if they fit in the dishwasher. So measure first, and maybe consider buying the pieces separatly so that you can choose a smaller since on the dinner plates.

These plates are gorgeous
I love these plates. From a distance, they look like simple, plain white plates, but up close, they have a subtle ring pattern which is slightly hypnotic and kind of makes you feel like you're looking into the center of the universe (well, at least, it does me). I'm really glad I chose this pattern. These plates make me happy every time I look at them.

Beautiful but one unforeseen problem
I bought the dinner plates, salad plates, deep soup bowl (for soup and pasta) and the 5 inch bowls for desserts. Really love the look of the set overall but one unforeseen problem prevents me from giving this five stars.
The dinner plates are deeper than one would expect and consequently, forks laid to rest keep slipping down into the food. Over time one learns how to balance one's fork very exactly but guests might find themselves fighting with their forks.

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Bodum Assam Double-Wall Shot/Espresso Glasses, Set of 2



I bought 4 sets
I was going to get the Pavlina kind, but what drew me to these is the 3oz size (vs 2oz on the others) - so a 2oz espresso with a huge head of crema fits nicely, or you have space for a dash of cream, foam or whatever you temper your coffee with.

The design is very conventional and pleasant to hold. It kind of reminds me of a shape-holding balloon, no sharp edges and fits perfectly in the hand, like you were pressing on it (even if you aren't)

There's a kind of satisfaction that's hard to quantify. I love to hold these, I love the layers of espresso, crema and occasional cream visible from the side. They even feel nice when being washed, maybe the lack of sharp edges and corners. I always prefer function over form, though in this case it's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins, and they don't trade off against each other.

The only problem I have is that my son wants to drink milk from these, and it takes him four fill-ups to get through his...

Nearly perfect
The only real issues with these cups are that they are a little fragile.

I used a pair of the 3 oz. Assam version of Bodum's espresso cups as my main shot cups for months. Fantastic heat retention, no need to preheat like with some demitasse cups.

They are safe to use in dishwashers but with the light weight tend to bounce around so I'd recommend just hand washing.

The only real questions you have with these Bodum espresso cups is whether 2 or 3 oz. is a better size for you (I lean toward 3 oz. for general use. Holds a double easily and a little foamed milk if you like) and what shape you prefer.

Be careful with them and you'll love 'em. they break very, very easily.

Other than that, they're wonderful.

Excellent, if a bit more fragile than other glasses
I choose these over the otherwise nice Pavina style because I usually prefer to pull 1 1/2 ounce shots and I usually want a 3 oz double. They are visually fantastic - it's great to pull a shot for guests and show them the crema levels I get with my fresh roasted beans. They keep the espresso warmer than most glasses, though for the best heat retention you'll want to preheat with water or steam. Since espresso is best right away this is less important in this size though! I have the cappuccino size version of these as well as the Pavinas -- the Assam versions are easier to hold and thus drink from and clean. The wide opening helps catch both streams of espresso from my machine, too. It didn't keep me from breaking one on the edge of the sink in a moment of carelessness, alas. But they are a great value for the aesthetics and performance and I'll definitely replace with the same.

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King of the Grill Apron



Queen of the Kitchen Apron
I really liked the quality of this item. It is a nice thick apron and
the emblem is really cute. I did miss the fact that the mitts did not come with it and was a little disappointed with that. But...my bad...I didn't read everything. Get it for your Queeen!





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Bodum Canteen Double-Wall Double Old-Fashioned/Tumbler Glasses, Set of 2



Lives up its promise, but..
I purchased the 6oz. 'Canteen' model, to try out with straight liquor on ice. I am more a sipper than a gulper, and with normal glasses, the ice always melts before I finish, diluting my drink. Overall, I have been very pleased with these Bodum insulated glasses. My ice lasts much longer, my drink stays cold, etc.

That said, there are always tradeoffs. The glasses have a lightweight, almost plastic feel to them. They lack the substantial feel of thick-bottomed Old-Fashioned glasses. I suspect that perception is exaggerated by the appearance of the Bodum glasses. At casual glance, the airspace between the two layers tends to looklike it is thick bottomed also - which it is not. When you pick one up, your are always mildly surprised at how little they weigh.

Another aesthetic tradeoff of the double-wall construction is the thick, rounded rim. It is quite unlike the hard, crystalline thin walls of a good-quality drink glass. My wife found this particular feature...

All but perfect
Best possible bourbon glass for your first 3 drinks, after that you'll need to put it away or you could break it. It's glass is thin, but it's well worth the risk.

Bodum Double Wall Glasses
These glasses are the best glasses I have ever owned. I will never use another type of glass. They can be used for both hot and cold beverages, you can not feel either cold or hot on the outside of the glass, and they don't sweat so you don't need to use coasters.

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Bodum Canteen Double-Wall Shot/Espresso Glasses, Set of 2



Nice design, misleading size
I own some of the larger Bodum glasses and have been pleased with all of them. However, these glasses are far too big to be practically used as espresso shot glasses. The review claims they are 3oz glasses, though they can actually fit 4.5 oz to the brim. A double-shot of espresso takes up less than half of the available volume. The outside of the glass itself is significantly more than twice the size of any other actual 3oz shot glass. The glass filled with espresso as shown on the box must be roughly 4oz of liquid.

They are nicely designed and nothing is physically wrong with the glasses as long as your are gentle. They are perfect for espresso macchiato.

fantastic!
I was in NYC earlier this year on business, and I was served an espresso in one of these glasses. It stayed hot for at least 5 times longer than a normal glass and I immediately bought 4 when I returned home. I use these every day; they are utilitarian and beautiful - perfect design in other words.

Make it a double-shot, please
These are great little glasses for espresso. They are about 3 oz., so I use them when pulling double shots. The extra ounce allows some room for drips or for pulling the double long. No heat comes through to the outer surface of the glass so you don't burn your fingers and the shot stays hot longer. I love using a transparent glass to show off the crema - it looks like a mini pint of Guiness!

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Mikasa Italian Countryside Wine



Nice wine glasses!
I was delightfully surprised to get these glasses. I particularly like the heavy weight of the glass--won't break that easily. The cut glass pattern is very nice.





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Libbey / Crisa Moderno 7-1/2-Inch Glass Salad/Dessert Plage, Box of 12, Clear



Sturdy for the most part
I actually have an extensive collection of moderno dinnerware (dessert plates, salad plates, dinner plates, soup bowls, and cereal bowls). I've owned moderno for almost 4 years now, and many machine washes later, they're still looking good. Two of the plate have small chips on the side, but not a big deal to me. Keep in mind that you MIGHT see small scratches if you cut a lot of food on your plate (that's typical of most dinnerware though). Scratches might be more apparent since it's see-through glass. I love it though since the design is versatile. No matter what my kitchen looks like, my dinnerware will match! Very modern look and makes for great food presentation.

Party time
Great for parties and relatively inexpensive. Nice to stack in the dishwasher when the party is over. Color goes with everything. Use a colorful napkin and enjoy!

Quality Dinnerware without LEAD...Very Happy!
I purchased these glass salad plates and I am very happy with the quality. They all came nicely packaged from Amazon and not 1 plate was broken. The reason I was looking for glass dinnerware is because I learned that most colored dinnerware has LEAD in it. The LEAD is found in the glaze that is used on the plate to make it look colorful and also if the dinnerware has any pattern there is usually LEAD in it as well. Most dinnerware from MEXICO and CHINA are the ones that have the highest amounts of LEAD. I also read that if your dinnerware is not Microwave safe, it has LEAD. Lead reacts to microwave heat and the plates will get very hot to the touch while the food stays cool. LEAD is very dangerous for young children even in small amounts. I did not want my children eating off plates that have LEAD in them that could get them sick. There is tons of information on the internet about SPECIFIC companies that are known to use these TOXIC glazes, so read up and then make your decision. The...

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Granite Ware 6194-1 19-Quart Enamel-on-Steel 2-Tier Decorated Clam-and-Lobster Steamer with Faucet



Great lobsters, and it looks good too
The box arrived in beat up condition, but it was double boxed and the steamer was not damaged at all. It worked perfectly for a clam & lobster back yard party for 15 people.

Great big steamer
What a nice big steamer--steamed the clams excellent and holds the juice below so if you'd like to make chowder, you have natural ingredients. I would highly recommend this product.

Clam Steamer
This item is hard to find. It is not readily available in stores. This was a great price

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Clef du Vin Pocket Wine Tasting Tool -Brushed Steel



I'll save you $99.94...
I tried this product for the first time the other night on an assortment of good quality, 8-11yr old red wines from various countries. I was very very sceptical, but after a 3s dip the slightly tannic wine I was drinking was astonishingly transformed into a softer, less tannic wine. Others noticed a similar effect, although not everyone felt the change was positive, one dissenter feeling the wine had lost some of its flavor. Being forever the scientist, I then divided some fresh wine into 2 glasses, "aged" one and left the other alone. Consistently, this product did affect the wine. It was not always for the better, however, because some of the bottles we'd opened were already perfectly aged, and had been decanted for over an hour, so for some bottles I felt the effect was detrimental. I also tried leaving the product in the wine for 30s, supposedly aging the 1995 Merlot to 1965. It was ruined, not aged. Wondering why this obvious and repeatable change in the wine occurred, I...

This is a wonderful tool to own
My husband has one of these little jewels and we just love it. We recently took it with us on a trip to Napa and we used it to its fullest. We were able to choose wines for our collection with a higher degree of confidence. We left it with a winemaker who really like it (we were rewarded with bottles form his private library) I am getting another for my husband. As stated in the other review, this will not make a bad or so so bottle of wine better, but it will give you a chance to peek into the future of your collection. It will soften tannins and make a young Zin or Cab more silky and drinkable right now. Now I don't think that this tool will completely duplicate the aging process, but it will give you a peek into the future. Enjoy!

I'm hard to convince!
Just got the Clef du Vin and have tried it on many wines, white and red and on many wine drinkers, from novice to experienced. Everyone noticed the difference that the Clef du Vin made.

It noticably alters the wine bringing out more softness and complexity (if the wine is good). The longer you dip it the greater the change. As the ads say, it doesn't fix bad wine, but it gives you an idea of where the wine will be going.

This is a great tool that helps you figure out why that $7 bottle of merlot from Roumania (or anywhere else) isn't equivalent to that $30 bottle of Napa merlot. It exposes the weaknesses and strengths of any bottle of wine.

This thing convinced me.

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Chef's Choice M850 Taste-Texture Select WafflePro Belgian Waffle Maker



The Best of the Many Wafflers I've Used
I've acquired quite a collection of new and used waffle makers in my quest to find a unit that meets my very demanding needs, and this is the first unit that has ever completely satisfied me. Modern machines offer the convenience of timed baking, superior non-stick grids (that don't rust lke old machines) and warning buzzers, but generally at the expense of lower wattage. At 1750 watts, this is the most powerful unit in my collection. It also has the best non-stick grids, which never require cooking oil, not even the first time. This unit even beat the KitchenAid KPWB100NP Pro Line Waffle Baker, which disappointed me. The Wafflepro M850 is the most versatile unit I've ever used.

The reason I say that my needs are demanding is that I try and produce healthy waffles, using whole grain batters, low fat or even fat-free batters, sugar-free batters, etc. Sugar aids in browning, and oil aids in crisping. Most wafflers have trouble browning and crisping batters that are...

Works Fine For Me
I used a recipe out of the back of the instruction book and only the first waffle came out too crispy. So, I used the temperature dial and turned the heat down. The next waffle came out perfect.

Now, I leave the settings where they are and all the waffles I cook come out soft in the middle with the perfect crunch on the outside. The 2-minute cook time is FAST.

I don't try to store hot food in warming drawers or ovens; personally I prefer to eat my food freshly cooked. No matter how it's cooked or stored, if you store hot food the quality is going down quickly.

The instruction booklet says to use 1 cup of batter, I found that to be too little so I use a bit more and have no problems. Overflow is not an issue since there is a handy ridge that collects it. As soon as the batter dries in there it flakes right off. Also there is not really a chance of getting batter on the controls.

Although it is not submersible, this wafflemaker is still...

Waffles won't make it to the table
We have searched for almost 19 years of our marriage for a waffle maker like this!

We have purchased the cheap ones to the REALLY expensive ones and NONE has come close to getting the color of the exterior right along with being crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Most of the time if you try to get the outside crunchy the waffle maker just burns it and dries out the inside. This one does not but cooks them perfect.

Matter of fact the first time we used the waffle maker my wife and I hadn't planned on calling the kids to the table untill we were done making the waffles. Well we tasted the very first one. Wow it was good! By the time my wife and I finished sharing the first one standing there at the counter the next one was ready (they say this thing is fast at making waffles and they are not kiddin'). So since the next one was hot we shared that one. And so on and so on till we were full. We never made it to the table. We just buttered some...

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Zenker Springform with Ceramic Base, 10-Inch



Great pan!
I received this pan for Xmas. I just made my first cheesecake with it. Cake baked well and didn't leak. Plus it looked nice once I took off the collar. Great pan!





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Set of 4 Natural Finish Farm House Wood Dining Chair/Chairs



Needle In a Haystack...FOUND!
Long ago, we had purchased our dinette set from a furniture discounter. After many card parties, dinner parties, game nights, and double-occupancies (couples sitting on each others' laps, etc.) the chairs collapsed one by one not to be saved by our several Gorilla Glue attempts.

The table is still in excellent condition so our only option was to find chairs in the same stain and since we still had one-and-a-half good chairs out of the set we wanted to match the same arrow back style. We'd searched bricks and mortar locations high and low to no avail. Finally, I did a search with the parameters that we needed (arrow back, natural oak) and we found exactly what we needed!!!

The price was a steal, and the shipping was timely! (Just in time for another of my husband's poker parties!) Assembly for the four chairs was simple enough and completed by the two of us in just about an hour.

Our expectations are realistic, these, too, won't last forever, but...

4 wooden chairs
The 4 wooden chairs are ok for the price paid. The seat is not very comfortable so prepare to invest in cushions afterwards. Some of them are not very stable and there is no protection at the bottom of the legs so there might be some floor damage after some years of use. Overall, the chairs are ok.

Nice looking chairs
These chairs look really nice and feel solid for the money. They are moderately comfortable and will certainly by aided by cushions. They were not difficult to assemble, but they were hard and time-consuming to assemble. They come close to matching my "natural" dining room table. They were quite affordable, and I like them now that they are put together and in place!

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Chef's Choice M840 WafflePro Express Waffle Maker, Traditional Five of Hearts



Best waffle maker ever! Six stars
We have a big family and wanted a waffle maker. We wanted a Big Big waffle maker. Mom does not want to make any child wait for their waffles. Unfortunately, the seemingly biggest waffle makers had review that said they cooked un-evenly (because of their square shape) and were hard to clean if they spilled.

We settled for this medium large waffle iron and were very happy. It cooks large waffles so fast, we can cook waffles faster than three children can eat them and actually have left-overs to freeze. Two waffles are enough even for the most ravenous child. The cooking is very even and it is really nice to have both the controls for darkness and for texture. Waffles do cook a little more slowly if the control is set to even texture, but we prefer the crunchy outside texture setting better anyway.

The iron is easy to use, cleans up well, directs spills away from the controls, and heats up quickly. Seems sturdy, but let us use it a year or two to see how it...

great waffle iron
I got this as a gift for my wife who likes heart shaped things and secretly I wanted a nice waffle maker too. I've tried a few different waffle makers, Belgian and the smaller grid traditional ones. Not a big Belgian fan, and the smaller traditional waffle irons I tried seemed better at making waffle crackers.

However the M840... wow! My wife and I made a bunch of waffles our first day. We tried all the settings to see which we liked best. There are two controls... a dial (1 to 5) to dial in your brown-ness level, and a switch that toggles from a more evenly softer waffle to a more crispy waffle. The softer waffles reminded me of the waffles you'd get at Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles (for you SoCal people out there). I preferred the more crispy setting.... crispy on the outside and still tender on the inside. Not crispy and dry like some cheaper waffle irons I've tried.

The iron takes a few minutes to warm up, but once it reaches its optimal...

Great Waffle Iron
Coming from the country of Norway our family have been raised on waffles. Since arriving in the US we have been through several and having worn out the last one, we went on the internet to check out the ratings for a new one.
We have had our Chef's Choice M840 WafflePro iron for 6 wks now, and love it! At first we had problems with spillage - as this iron takes less batter than our previous one. We have adjusted and find that we get perfectly made waffles every time. We had planned to buy two (as we often have guests over and need to be able to keep up with the demand), but wanted to try one out before we comited to the other. We have scrapped that idea - as this iron's turn-around is so efficient that we have no problem satisfying the demand. The iron is easy to clean and has logical controls and alerts.Chef's Choice M840 WafflePro - Five of Hearts

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Villeroy & Boch New Wave Wave Champagne Flute



Heavy Beauties
I love the shape of these flutes. They are heavy and will not tip over easily. Also, they are great for mimosas.





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Set of 4 Natural & White Finish Windsor Wood Dining Chair/Chairs



very good chairs
I purchased this set of chairs to replace the ones that came with my kitchen set not only do they look better they are stronger and more durable than my original chairs, that by the way are the exact same chairs...and they were a much better price...I would recommend these chairs to anyone especially if you have children because they wipe down easy and there are no sharp or rough sufaces.... they look ten times better in person.

Uneven legs
I bought these chairs thinking they matched ones that came with my dinette but they didn't. They did arrive quickly, and were packed well with easy to figure out instructions for putting them together. They are made of a reasonable quality material and the ad photographs are a true representation of them. The problem I have is that the legs on two of them don't match up evenly, therefore they wobble because of about a half inch difference. The legs arrived not individually, but instead mounted as a pair on a cross support that attaches to the chair bottom. The pairs were not carefully matched when assembled at the factory with a screw driven in from the side to the support. No way to fix it without reconstructing the leg sections yourself prior to assembly. I can live with the wobble since they will seldom be sat on and were primarily purchased as back up for infrequent large gatherings. The price is right for what you get but if you are looking for top quality furniture you may be...

Sturdy, attractive, well built chairs for the price
There's definitely assembly required with these, but it's not difficult, a little time consuming, but not difficult. They are very safe and sturdy and attractive. Make sure to have some Elmers glue on hand though, you will need it as the decorative wooden dowels to hide the screws don't like to stay put.

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OXO SteeL 11-Piece Barware Set



Very nice and complete
My husband loved this Set for his Bar, everything in it is so helpful, of good quality and very nice. What's more I think is very good convinient to buy this set where you have most of the bar needs in a very good price, better than buying separetly.

Sturdy Bar Ware
I purchased this set as a surprise for my husband. He loves it. Everything is made of sturdy steel. Nothing feels flimsy. The set is very attractive and classy looking. I especially like the ice tongs. I have had other tongs that are awkward and difficult to use. Not these. There are teeth on the tongs for grabbing the ice. They are comfortable to use. We have received many compliments on this set. I am purchasing another set for a friend whose ice tongs I broke during our last barbeque. I recommend this set very much. The only thing I do not like about this set, a very small thing, is the lid to the ice bucket cannot be removed.

AMAZING SET! Good price.
This set is perfect for a man cave with a bar. Impressive stainless steel, and comes with almost everything you need! I bought for my husband, and he loves it! (So do I). Shipped fast, and free with super saver shipping through AMAZON. Do not regret this decision.

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Chef' s Planet Oven glove



Chef's Planet Oven glove
The glove works as advertized. You won't be able to hold on to a 500dF item indefinitely, but for normal kitchen tasks it works well. Unlike mitts, it doesn't rob you of 100% of your dexterity

Best oven gloves out there!
These oven gloves are the best availible. They area such a huge improvement over oven mits! I can pick up all matter of really hot dishes out of my oven easily. The entire glove has Nonex so heat can't sneak in anywhere like other brands. My only suggestion for the future is that they make the glove arms 5-6 inches longer to protect more of my husbands forearm. (He would like to use them for the BBQ) They are easy to wash as well.

No more burns
I am so pleased with the oven glove! I've used everything from conventional pot holders to slippery silicone ones and these are light years better. Good fit and grip so its easy to pick up even the heaviest and hottest items from the grill or oven. I really recommend it!

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VillaWare V55200 Cinderella Waffler, Blue



Princess Waffler made me Queen of the Kitchen
Sure, the purchase seemed a little "hokey". But I'm a Cinderella fan and needed a treat to commemorate my first visit to DisneyWorld with my family. Disney is very overpriced so I opted to wait until I got home to make my purchase - so glad I did. Found just what I wanted and didn't blow my budget for treats on just one item. I also purchased the toaster :)
My girls love it and so do their friends!

The Queen reigns in the kitchen with her new Princess Purchases!

Perfect for college students
I got this, along with the matching toaster for Christmas two years ago, and live in a dorm. I was thinking, what am I going to do with this fabulous waffle iron? I don't have space, let alone money to buy stuff to make waffles, but that's where Bisquick Shake n Pour comes in. Just add water (and if you're like me and my friends in school, mini chocolate chips), and it's easy to make Cinderella waffles! Absolutely brilliant. I adore this thing!

Works great.
Gift to a friend's daughters. They tell me it works great and they have fun making waffles.

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Global GS-38 - 3 1/2 inch, 9cm Western Style Paring Knife



Go Global
This like all Global knives is extremely high quality. I cook a lot, and use my knives so often. Global knives are so sharp, and hold their edge a very long time. Their ceramic rod and a few swipes every other day is about all they need to keep them like a Razor! I do use a stone on them about once every three weeks, but it is a very fine one. The handle is comfortable in the hand, and the balance is great. It is all one piece, and easy to keep clean. You can't go wrong with Global knives.

A little disappointed
I got this knife as a gift, and after reading the reviews, I expected to be wowed. Don't get me wrong, this is an excellent knife, by in my opinion, no better than my Henkel knives. It is a very pretty design, very light and very comfortable.

My favorite knife
Of all my Global knives I have bought recently, this is my favorite - I just love it. It is very light and so easy to use and has so many uses and especially good for peeling vegetables. One of my best buys.

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Totally Bamboo Butcher Block, Large



WOW... Its the only word I can utter right now...just WOW.
This is the best choping block I've ever owned. Notice I didn't call this a board, as the brawny thickness of this product with the substantial feet(with rubber bottoms to prevent slipping) brings this up quite a few notches from mere ordinary cutting boards. This is a chopping block to end all chopping blocks. I can only compare this to butcherblock, but made from Green, eco friendly, self renewable bamboo. You're doing the environment a favor by going with bamboo over synthetic boards/mats, and even over traditional wood such as red maple.

I love red maple, don't get me wrong. Aside from the green advantages, bamboo is 16% stronger than Red Maple. Its not going to dull your knives significantly faster, at least nowhere near the extent of the fools who cut on glass or marble as a cutting board. I still can't believe some people preach using infinately harder surfaces like marble to cut on. Sure its a snap to clean up, but you're going to be cutting with a popsicle...

This butcher block is a MUST HAVE!
My compliments to Totally Bamboo and Amazon for carrying such a quality product - I highly recommend it. The shipment arrived promptly, and the block was well packed and protected. When I opened the box, I couldn't believe how beautiful - and brawny - this block is. The pictures don't do it justice. It is extremely well made - tightly crafted, very smooth and silky to the touch, substantial, but not too heavy to easily lift and move. The legs are just the right height and the rubber feet hold it nicely in place. It gives a very satisfying "thunk" when chopping - and dicing, slicing and mincing are a joy. Very easy care - wipe with hot, soapy water or vinegar and treat with wood oil as needed. Goodbye, wimpy acrylic and rough wood............hello beautiful bamboo! I give it a big TEN and will be purchasing more Totally Bamboo products.

Edited to add: Since purchasing this chopping block, I have discovered a wonderful product for treating wood and cast iron. It's a food...

Great Board
Totally Beautiful cutting board/chopping block!
Some reviews stated that they were experiencing splitting, which was probably the result of not prepping the board properly prior to use.
Heres how....
Apply mineral oil generously with a basting brush. Dont use a rag or sponge, as both will absorb more of the oil than the board when applied.
When I say generously, I mean it. Just squirt the mineral oil directly to the surface of the board and spread out as if "painting" the entire surface, both sides, and even the feet.
I did this everyday for a week, until the board was saturated and could not absorb any more, you will be surprised how many applications this board will absorb, its like a sponge, due to its end grain design, as well as its original dry state.
Your last application, when the board seems to be well conditioned, I would say after 5-6 applications of the above process, in a small bowl or glass, mix about a 1/2 cup of mineral oil with 2-3 Tbs...

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VillaWare V55201Stainless Steel Cinderella Toaster



Doesn't work as well as expected........
This was purchased for an elderly woman, because she loved that it plays music. She is very happy with it. The music plays as promised. Toaster mechanism works fairly well; although second batch turns out darker than first, so you need to adjust it. But, the imprint of the shoe does not work very well. If you like your toast VERY dark, it's fine. If you prefer lighter toast, you probably won't be able to see the shoe.

Cinderella Toater
Package arrived in excellent condition. It plays music when the toast is done!! I would buy from this seller again.

Cinderella Toaster A Hit
Although I think it's silly, my 22 year old granddaughter LOVES it! The only problem was when it was first plugged in, smoke filled the kitchen. She took it outside, let it finish smoking and then started making toast for the family. For Cinderella fans of all ages!!

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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Villeroy & Boch New Wave Wave 6" goblet



frequent buyer
LOVE IT, USE IT EVERY DAY; VILLEROY AND BOCH IS AN EXCELLANT PRODUCT; WILL BUY AGAIN.





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Chef's Choice M840B WafflePro Express Waffle Maker, Classic Belgian



A fantastic waffle press!
This waffle iron is great, and I've had several different brands/models so I speak from past experience (I make waffles at least twice a week). It heats up quickly and the controls are very logical. The darkness adjustment has a very nice range - from VERY light to quite dark. If your waffle recipe has no sugar at all, I suggest adding just a tad to aid browning. Without sugar, it is difficult for proper caramelization to occur.

This waffler has great audible signals, so you can make waffles while you're walking around the kitchen doing other stuff - there's no need to watch for a light to turn off. That is a feature I especially enjoy, because it's quite boring to sit and watch a waffle maker cook or wait for it to heat up. I whip up my waffle batter and start making waffles while I'm preparing the rest of breakfast. When I hear a beep, I turn around, pull the waffle out, add more batter, and go back to what I was doing.

To get the most enjoyment from...

Decent for the price, but check out the M840 and M850 also
This is a very good waffle iron for its price class. Fairly powerful and versatile. But it can't compare to it's much pricier and superior sibling, the M850. If you are a waffle fanatic and can afford it, I recommend the M850, it cooks hotter, makes bigger waffles, etc. In this price range I prefer this unit's heart style sibling, the M840 (yes I actually really own all three models - waffles are a passion of mine). The reason I like it better is that the grid holes are smaller which lends itself better to softer waffles, especially ones with chocolate chips, blueberries or other ingredients that taste better when baked within the dough as opposed to being fried against the waffle iron plating. Sometimes a doughier softer waffle is just fun too, and the M840 does that best because of it's smaller grid indents. Sometimes a crisper well done waffle hits the spot and the M850 does that best because of its higher wattage and larger fancier grid plates. The M840B doesn't crisp as...

Good waffle maker, but want to set the record straight...
First waffle maker we've had and we couldn't be happier. I disagree with some reviews and feature lists I've read. I do like this waffle iron and would purchase again, but to set the record straight:
- Clean up is easy, even if you spill a little into the overflow, everything wipes up with a paper towel (just need to be sure you spray/oil before the first time you use the waffle iron (may not be necessary with the non-stick coating but it is recommended)
- The more crisp setting still leaves the middle moist - it does not crisp all the way through, but the texture is still great
- The color is not quite uniform on any of the color settings - going to a higher setting does produce a darker waffle but the edges do not cook as much as the middle (heat distribution could be better, but it is cooked through)
- The cord does not retract. I read a description that said it had a retractable cord. The cord wraps/winds around the bottom for easy storage.

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Totally Bamboo 3-Bowl Butcher Block Prep Board, 16.5" x 22"



Best Board On The Market
I am a destroyer of cutting boards. Traditional wood cutting boards, like unseasoned cast iron, are things I just don't get. They require too much upkeep.

Bamboo is different! It is harder than the end cut maple boards, yet it is more forgiving in te upkeep department. Bamboo still needs to be washed and oiled. A periodic scrubbing with Kosher salt and a cut lemon is a good thing too. The beauty is that bamboo boards do not warp as easily. This has been my saving grace!

Now for this board specifically: I have no regrets! It is nice and thick, which means it's more comfortable to use on days when you have a lot of items to work through; you'll experience less fatigue from chopping on a thicker board.

It's large size is very accomodating. The prep bowls are very handy. Push the food into the bowls to clear more space on the board. The containers lift out easily for transport to the stove or wherever. The containers are dishwasher safe...

Board splitting in two places inside of 1 year
****Original Review was 4 stars and listed below, but see edit****
This is a great work surface and the prep bowels are a novel idea. That being said, the execution could have been better.
Pros-
Looks- this is a relatively attractive board that you won't mind leaving out all the time if you have the space
Size- great thickness for cushioning cuts and overall dimensions will accommodate a large volume of ingredients
Convenience- prep bowels make moving diced items off the board very easy, just push them in and pull out the bowel

Cons-
Finishes- cutouts for prep bowels are slightly uneven and a bit rough- this could lead to premature wear
Quality control- prep bowels are very thin and two arrived dented

Overall, I'm pleased with the board and expect to get at least a few years out of it.

****Edit 2/11/11**** Do not buy this board. Even with regular oiling w/ Totally Bamboo's own oil and virtually no real contact with...

Great board but should have put more thought into it.
This board is fantastic. Love everything about it. My only sort of complaint is the bowls. I like them, and don't like them. Since the only board I have ever used are the plastic small ones, ANYTHING is an improvement.

My biggest sort of regret and the reason I bought this board was for the size. It is really nice having a bigger surface area hands down, but I am a bit more greedy with size as in I probably should have gone with a board this size without the bowls.

Don't get me wrong the bowls come in really really handy at times, are sturdy material, fit perfectly into the wholes, and are easy to remove with one finger. So I'm sort of torn, sometimes I wish I had a bigger board and sometimes I'm grateful for the bowls.

The one thing I don't like is when I'm cleaning it, all the debris falls through where the bowls reside. Can be sort of frustrating and messier on my counter than I'd like.

On the other hand, when I want to cut...

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Global GS-37 - 5 1/4 inch, 13cm Santoku Hollow Ground Knife



Best knife I've ever used
I have used many different knives; some good... most not so good. At work I have a very nice selection of Wusthof, Henckels, F. Dick, and Furi among others. So when I decided to buy my own cutlery set to do double duty at home and at work I thought I would give these Global knives a shot to see if they were worth the extra coin. I decided to pick up this small santoku because it was relatively cheap and I didn't want to spend a ton of money on something that was for experimental purposes. I also knew that the design and size of this knife would make it useful for a variety of tasks such as chopping herbs, vegetables and even paring; all of which demand a very sharp knife lest you mangle tomatoes and macerate basil. As soon as this knife arrived on my doorstep I pulled it out of the box and quickly chopped through a button mushroom (which I didn't need and promptly fed to my dog) This task was accomplished adequately but I was not overly impressed until I made dinner that night and...

Divine Kitchen Experience
This knife is amazing. It seems like gravity itself carries the knife to the cutting board, gently cutting anything in its path. Chopping chili or bell peppers is made so easy with the sharp blade and well-designed weight of the knife. I was informed when researching Globals for my own use that they are balanced perfectly and designed in the manner of Japanese samurai swords. The handles are forged with the blades, but dimpled for an interesting and comfortable grip. All Global knives are made with the same consideration and engineering.

If you are hesitant to order such an expensive knife online without checking the grip out for yourself, visit a Sur La Table or Williams-Sonoma store to see Global knives in person. One benefit to order knives online, especially as a wedding gift is that they do not have to be transported via commercial airplane.

These knives are worth the extra work it is to hand wash and dry.

Sharp, Very Versatile, Well Made
This is probably my favorite knife that I own. The first thing you will notice out of the box will probably be the unusual shape/look of it. This is one of the main reasons I am so enraptured by this knife. For a person with small/medium hands (like myself), the sloping design of the handle gives the user a great deal of control and adds a huge amount of comfort. When I first picked up the knife, it felt like an extension to my arm, which is exactly how a good knife should feel.

As for the blade, all I can say is that it is SHARP! Much sharper than most German-forged knives, like Wustoff or Henckels. When I compared this Global knife to some top-of-the-line Henckels, the difference was amazing. The ease of cutting through most fruits and vegetables was astounding. It slices as if you're just running the knife through soft butter.

I have several Shun knives as well, and that brings up the only negative aspect I could find about this knife. When compared to the...

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Kitchen Grips Extra Long Oven Mitt



EXCELLENT
THESE ARE THE BEST MITTS EVER!! NO WORRIES ABOUT WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE OUT OF THE OVEN! WE BOUGHT MITTS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!





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Universal Citrus Juicer for Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine



Indispensible!
I live in citrus country. I borrowed this from a friend to try it before I bought one for myself. I knew I had to have one. If you juice often, it is well worth the price.

Bosch is AWESOME!
If you have a Bosch (which I do, and use it just about every day), then THIS is the BEST juicer to buy! I love that I don't have to work hard to get the juice out of my lemons or oranges. I was sick of trying to do it by hand or with a reamer & not getting enough juice from my citrus fruit or getting a really tired arm from trying. This juicer solved that issue....and the job is done fast, and all the fruit gets reamed. There is a small amount of pulp that comes through the strainer (I like a little pulp in my OJ or lemonade). It washes up quickly by hand or top rack of the dishwasher (I've done both). Love, love, LOVE this!

Great juicer!
I love this juicer. The power of the Bosch makes it great when juicing a lot of fruit. The only thing I would change is the pulp catching basket. It seems to fill up quickly and not press out all the juice. Overall though, I am very pleased and would recommend it.

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Monday, December 9, 2013

Miele SF-AH 50 Active HEPA filter for Models S4, S5, S6, & S8



Expensive but worth it!
I upgraded the Miele filter that ships with vacuum to this one. I am really glad that I did. This weekend a guest made a commit that they are usually alergic to dogs- "you must have a really clean house".

Expensive, but the real deal
This retrofit HEPA filter is so costly that a 3rd- party industry has sprung up (eg the Filtrete), and even Miele itself offers a cheaper version.

However, at this point this seems to be the only real deal, a part which upgrades your vacuum to true HEPA standard. It perfectly fits in my Carina vacuum and seals in with a rubber gasket.

Of all the anti- allergen efforts I made, this was the most immediately measureable: No sneezing when I turn the vacuum on; in fact I find it produces a pleasant sweet-ish (for lack of a better word) scent. Would/will buy again in a heartbeat; price aside this is a 5-star part.

Genuine part
This is a genuine Miele filter. It does what is it supposed to do. The charcoal does help reduce pet odors but not eliminate them.

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Global G-45/R - 9 1/2 inch Ceramic Sharpening Rod Replacement



Perfect
Thought I would have to replace my Global sharpner when dropped it and the ceramic rod broke off. Sure happy to learn that I cold replace the ceramic part at a fraction of replacing the whole thing





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DeLonghi EAM3500 Magnifica Digital Super Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine



Wonderful Machine
I like to enjoy a capuccino every morning, but I was a bit tired of the process of griding the beans, tamping, frothing, cleaning up, etc. Also in an effort to save time, I decided to research a super autmoatic machine. I wanted a quality machine that would froth milk for me, but I was not impressed with the Jura Capresso machines because they require extensive clean up and are, in my opinion, grossly overpriced.

My previous espresso machine was a Delonghi, and I was impressed by the quality of the machine and the espresso it produced. The EAM3500's automatic frothing mechanism was its main selling point. I was a bit hesitant about the price and longevity of the machine, but decided to go for it... I am happy that I did.

The espresso is wonderful, and the fothing mechanism is great. Clean-up is, no exaggeration, takes a few seconds before the milk jug may be returned to the fridge. Frothed milk could be a bit hotter, but it's definitely tolerable. The...

Robust for even a small company
This machine has now been going strong in the breakroom of my 100 person company for more than 9 months. Ever since we got the machine, people have drastically reduced making their trips to nearby Starbucks. Everybody loves the machine because of its simplicity and ease of use. Lot of people just use the frothed milk only feature as well. The cleaning is simple as well.

The only note of caution is that for lattes or cappucinos (i.e., when you use frothed or steamed milk), the drink does not come out too hot. You can adjust the temperature of the coffee by making a few settings, and the temperature is fine for normal use, but still you can not get an extra hot latte. At times when I want that, I just put my coffee filled cup in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and the problem is solved.

I would also like to recommend people to set the appropriate hardness level using the test described in the manual. I did not do that at first and ended up decalcifying far too...

Better than Starbuck's
This machine is really just as advertised - one touch capuccino and espresso with enormous customization. You can adjust the coffee strength independent of the volume (ristretto to lungo). The milk frother works wonderfully with good tight foam, and is mixed with the coffee in the cup in perfect ratio. It produces capuccino just as good as Starbucks (assuming you use Starbucks beans), and more consistent (sometimes, depending on the barista, the capuccino can be weaker or stronger based on the amount of milk added).

I've had the machine for several months and have no complaints at all. The only minimal negatives I can think of is that I would like to have a somewhat larger bean hopper and water tank. The infuser is made of plastic, so I had some concerns about longevity, but when you take it out to clean it you can see that it is very thick solid plastic. Given than this machine costs only $1500 vs. more than double that for any more solidly constructed machine, and...

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Universal Slicer/Shredder with Three Discs



Quicker salads for good nutrition
I love shredded carrots, beets, broccoli stems and maybe throw in a dozen whole
almonds. The Universal Slicer/Shredder makes this easier than any appliance I've
ever tried. The ingredients taste fresher than those in the "salad-pak" type
products available. It's an investment I think will pay off.

Great kitchen helper
I got the slicer/shredder attachment about a year ago and have been very pleased with it ever since. I use the shredder for large blocks of cheese as well as veggies like zucchini and carrots, and the french fry attachment also works great on veggies and even hard cheese. High quality item that cuts down on time and hand fatigue cutting veggies and cheese for me.

Package came in the wrong language
Great product, but the package was shipped with all the instructions and labels in a language that isn't English. I have no idea what language they are in. I've had to look up youtube videos to explain to me how I'm supposed to use this and for what. Super frustrating. Wish I would have bought it in real life instead of online to guarantee I got everything I was looking for.

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Miele Active HEPA Filter SF-AH 30



Miele AH-30 hepa filter
It is difficult to find replacement Miele hepa filters in the stores. The price for this hepa filter is more or less the same at most vendors, although this vendor provided the lowest price, but other vendors matched it as well. I could have gotten the 3M after market hepa filter instead, but it did not get particularly good reviews. Although, I do use the 3m filcrete after market vacuum bags and find they are excellent at lower cost than the Miele bags. So I ordered the Miele AH30 Hepa filter and the 3m bags at the same time and they came in one package. The overall price was good, and the vendor was fast.

Not a Direct Replacement
Do not be fooled. Yes, it is a generic filter you are purchasing. Yes, they did picture a Miele filter making you think you are purchasing an equivalent, direct replacement. Yes, the one that ships will fit your Meile. BUT...Miele's has Activated Carbon for odor control, this generic does not. Be forewarned!

Purchase this periodically
I have a Miele canister vacuum which is over 12 years old and still as good as new. And this is saying something because i use it 3 to 4 times a week because of my dogs. This HEPA filter is expensive but seems to be worth it.
I don't replace it yearly like they say you should but when I feel the machine needs a new one. Will keep purchasing until I get a new vacuum, which I think will never happen. The Miele canister is constructed like a tank. 4 stars due to price.

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Global G-45 - 9 1/2 inch Ceramic Sharpening Rod



The ceramic works better than steels
I got my global ceramic sharpening rod at a Williams and Sonoma sale a few years back. It is my first steel. I used to "steel" my knives by using the lowest setting on my Chef Choice 100. The ceramic is more than just a steel which bends the edge of the knife back into place; it gives you a bit of fresh edge so you don't need to sharpen your knives as frequently. It's also faster and *much* less noisy than using the Chef's Choice.

In comparison, I've used a diamond steel while I was visiting a friend's kitchen and was blown away when the fresh edge didn't appear.

And I must thank the knowledgable saleswoman at Williams Sonoma who gave me such good advice.

A good rod, I would go with the diamond one thou
Works great, but it doesn't get my knifes all the way sharp. I have tried a friend's Global diamond rod and it does make a difference.

Pricey but effective
This was purchased for restoring the edges of Global kitchen knives. It has done that well, but surely, the price could be more reasonable.

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HAIER DRAFT BEER DISPNSR



awesome!!
I think the neighbors love it as much as we do ...Very easy to operate and was easy to install.





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Bosch MUZ6KR4 Universal Plastic Bowl Pack without dough hook



I love everything Bosch.
Even though this mixer is second hand, it works great. Dependable, all parts replaceable if necessary and a record of lasting a long time. I love my new bowl and will wear it out with use. I make bread and cookies. The Bosch has the power to do all the work for me. My daughter has one as well loves hers too. As long as you know which model you have you can get so many things to make cooking easier.





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Born To Golf Apron



Perfect Gift
I bought this for my best friend and her boyfriend who are complete golf nuts. When they aren't working they are golfing and/or having a barbeque party for their friends. They are also a couple who have everything and are very hard to buy. I bought this for a Christmas gift for my bestfriends boyfriend and he absolutely loved it. In fact they want to buy one for their other golf buddy. A perfect unique kind of gift for those hard to buy people and I shipped it straight to their home. (I also bought the 7 piece golf barbeque set to go with this gift.)





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Smartware 16-Piece Silicone Bakeware set, As Seen on TV, Terracotta



Bakeware really is non-stick
At first I was skeptical about these silicon bakeware items, but they work great. Remember to let cakes cool in the pans before you turn them out or you risk tearing the cake. They do not need any spray on the pans before use! I'm giving away my old pans!

Better than I expected.
I purchased the cookie sheets on an ebay special. Two sheets for $5. They are really good. I made oatmeal cookies and they came out fine. Easy to wash up after. You must let the cookies cool off on the sheet but that is much the same as on foil. My only complaint is that they are so flimsy you have to put something like a cookie sheet under them to carry them around when they are hot. No big deal though.

MUCH better than expected
I am physically disabled, and scraping and cleaning pans in a pain in the rumpus roast. While I felt this item was more gimmick than fact, I thought it'd be OK for heating an occasional item, so I bought these. Was *I* wrong. When cooking my premade items, not TV Dinners, frozen prepared Chicken Cordon Blu, etc they have more flavor, cook more evenly, and clean much easier. Also the cupcake/muffin tins make great mini j-ello- molds.

I gave my brother's professional chef partner some for his birthday and he loves them.

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Assam Majulighur Full Leaf TGFOP, 1 lb.



Very good everyday Assam
A very good everyday tea for those who like strong tea, and Assam in particular, great with milk and sugar, morning and afternoon. Not overly malty or pungent, and not that distinct or subtle, though it can be brewed long and strong without going bitter. You can buy higher-grade Assams, but you'll have to spend twice or more. I've not found a better Assam this price range.





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Wellness Carafe (2.3 Litres)



Removed all of the chlorine and off flavors
Despite the fact that the lid broke as soon as I took this out of the box - warning: be very careful with the lid - I love this pitcher. We have really horrid water and this pitcher takes all of the bad taste out of the water. I can't see it taking all the dangerous metals and particles and chemicals out of the water but I trust that it does that too. I'm sure that the taste of the water should be the least of my concerns but frankly I love a really neutral glass of water. Water is what I drink all day - allergic to milk, won't drink sugar pop or chemical pop, coffee makes me hyper. So to have a great pitcher of water in the fridge all the time is fantastic. I glued the cover - it broke again. I called for a replacement - they didn't have one and although I wish it weren't broken ..I still stand by my 5 star rating. I can only say the water is worth the badly designed and broken lid. But I wish they'd replace the lid.

Excellent for plants and taste great too!!!
Have Well Water and wasn't sure if this would work. Bought this to see if i could notice an improvement in my green smoothies and wheatgrass plants. the wheatgrass is growing like crazy. Love this product.

Great product but......
The Wellness Carafe creates great tasting water. But now that I need a new filter, there are none to be found. I don't know what the problem is but I fear I may have to buy a different brand to make sure I can replace filters.

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Sunday, December 8, 2013

OXO Good Grips Professional 14-Piece Knife Block Set



GOOD Knives, GREAT Value
These are very good knives and an excellent value. Yes, they are stamped, not forged, but they cost much, MUCH less then similar sets of quality forged knives. They arrived razor sharp and have stayed razor sharp with use of the included steel.

And these are indeed QUALITY stamped knives. They have a full length tang which gives them a good, balanced weight that feels nice in your hand. The handles are comfortable and non-slip. In short, they are a pleasure to use.

Top that off with a surprisingly (at this price) high-quality wooden block and I couldn't be more pleased with this set of knives. Like another reviewer, I completed this set (there are 3 empty slots in the block, 2 for additional knives & 1 for poultry shears) with the 6-1/2-Inch Santoku Knife, the 5" Boning Knife and the Poultry Shears. I have been...

5 Star Value
OXO is our favorite brand of kitchen tools and when we found this wonderful collection of practical knives in a gift set we bought one for our house and one for a wedding gift.

There are more expensive knives available but these are well-designed and high quality and an absolute bargain for $100.

All knives are sharp when you buy them, but no knife stays sharp forever. In fact the measure of a good knife is its ability to take and hold an edge after resharpening. OXO PRO Series knives do indeed take and hold an edge after resharpening. The knives are based on OXO's Universal Design concept and feature non-slip, comfort handles. I also like the fact that all OXO products have a no-nonsense satisfaction guarantee.

For the price of this handsome set you could go out and buy one overpriced German or French knife, which will also need resharpening, or you could spend over $1,000 for some fancy knife sets that will not slice tomatoes or bread any better than...

OXO 14 piece knife block set
These knives are very nice to look at and the wood block does not appear cheap. The knives are razor sharp and have not dulled in the two months we have had them. They have shown no signs of rusting. We hand wash them and towel dry. We were so impressed with the set that we bought three more differently styled knives from OXO.

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Assam Harmutty GFBOP (S), 1lb.



Delicious
This product was amazing! They even game me a free sample. It has a very nicely strong taste and is great as a chai tea base.

Malty and Bold
Good and strong, delicious with a little sugar. Good in the mornings. Not complex, but that's what I like in the morning, just a strong and straightforward flavor.

Yum!
Delicious. Bold black tea with malty flavor. No smokiness or other off flavors that other Assams can suffer from. If you like Irish Breakfast you'll probably enjoy this.

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Wellness Carafe Filters 3-Pack



Best tasting water I've had
Excellent filter that is capable of removing a variety of different impurities and heavy metals from your water leaving it with a softer texture and amazingly pure taste. I've been using these filters for about 3 years now in my carafes at home and at work. As a reviewer above noted, it does take a bit longer for the water to filter with this type of filter but that's because it's so thorough and is actually going through the most beneficial process of removing all the bad stuff. I specifically choose this system because it can remove pharmaceuticals and chemicals from tap water. We won't drink any water unless it's been run through this filter. You can really taste the difference!

Great Filter
Works really well. Water tastes great. You get what you pay for. Comment on the negative review of the water filtering slowly - a fast filter may NOT filter as effectively as a slow one, so don't let speed be your criteria. The saying, "Slow but sure" comes to mind. Make sure you use the Wellness carafe that goes with the filter. The carafe is blue which also a great color energetically for the water. This is much better than a Britta. I mark the date replaced with a permanent marker on the top of the filter to remind me when to change.

Not that taste is as important as safety.......
I realize that taste is of very low importance compared to water safety, but this is the first water I have ever tasted that has NO taste. No chemicals, no sodium, no aftertaste of a Culligan. The water is so GOOD. I used to hate drinking my 8 a day. Now I just love it. No need for lemon to mask the yucky taste of the citiy's water filtration system, just pure pure water. Ok, that being said, I also really appreciate that I don't have to worry about all the chemicals and contaminents etc, etc that the other reviewers remind us of. It gives me peace of mind to drink this water. Well worth the cost.

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Tablecraft 1055 Polypropylene Plastic Non-Insulated Beverage Dispenser, 5-Gallon, Yellow



Lemonade / beverage dispenser
Light, durable and easy to clean. We sell Lemonade to raise money for cancer research and after breaking two glass containers, we found this one. Looks like it will prove to work well.

beutifull
it is really nice. its very durable. and looks really nice on any table. i recommend it if you need it to sell or for any party



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Wasabi by Kershaw 6-1/2-Inch Nakiri Knife



Wasabi Nakiri Knife
This is my first single-bevel knife of Japanese design and I am very impressed. It came out of the box with a very sharp edge, and the excellent, relatively hard steel holds this edge very well. The concave "flat side" allows the knife to pass through foods much more easily than a conventional knife. One of the first uses I put it to was dicing a bell pepper. However, it was so easy to produce perfect, paper-thin slices that I got carried away and it came out as brunoised instead.

Some reviewers talk about the small size of the handle, I just do not see it that way. I have larger than average hands, easily being able to palm a basketball, and as far as I am concerned this is one of the most comfortable knives that I have ever used. The size is not a problem at all and it has a good feel as well.

Neither do I find the back of my knife as having sharp edges, even though this complaint has come up a couple of times. Quality control may vary, of course, but my knife...

Great Knife at an Outstanding Price
I had been looking at many different knives for over a year and I came across many different types and price levels. I tried a few knives at various kitchen stores and I even found some great German knives at good prices.
I purchased a Henckels Henckels International Classic 8-Inch Stainless-Steel Chef's Knife for a line-cook friend and she really liked it and I used it a few times and thought it was a good knife at a good price. I also bought a Wustof Grand Prix Wüsthof Grand Prix 8-Inch Cook's Knife for my former Exec. Chef (I am a restaurant manager) on sale for $40 (the Grand Prix II came out and now the Grand Prixs are reduced).
I found that I really didn't like the German designed knives and I looked at Japanese knives. I really liked the Shun line of knives from KAI but they are truly an investment at $120 for a Shun...

One of my favorite knives.
Holds an edge very well. Light weight. Two things I'm not crazy about but can live with, the handle could be thicker and the edges on the top of the blade are kind of sharp. I notice that when I have my finger on the top of the blade to bear down on something hard I have cut my finger.

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Wasabi by Kershaw 4-Inch Deba Knife



A very sharp Knife
This is a great little knife. It if very sharp from the factory and has kept its edge nicely. The handle has a ridge that runs the length. This makes it a little more comfortable than a completely cylindrical handle. This is my girlfriend's favorite knife. She reaches for it when doing small chopping jobs like herbs and onions. It is very maneuverable and has a good heft for a small knife. The blade is thick and makes such a small knife deceivingly useful. I am a bigger guy and I usually use a 6" knife, but I find myself reaching for this knife more often.

A disadvantage to it being so think a blade is that it cannot double as a paring knife. More delicate cuts, like thinly slicing tomatoes, are difficult because the thick blade pushes the tomato slices out.

Overall, this is a very fine knife for the price. Ergonomics on the handle are hit or miss. I like the handle and so does my girlfriend but a few people have said it didn't fit right in their hand...

one of the best knives we have
...and cheap too. Handy size for all sorts of veggie jobs, very very sharp. Attractive. These could use nicer handles, but at the price they're a great deal.

Nice little knife
This is a great little knife. It is super sharp. Great for cutting veggies and fruit. Pretty good with sof t items as well. You really do need a larger knife for meat. The 8 1/2" Deba is perfect for that. This knife has alot of utility and would be great for any kitchen.

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Reed & Barton Marlborough 511 Brown leatherette Flatware Chest



Perfect for a large set of flatware!
I ordered this flatware chest after doing much research online, and I am very pleased with it. It arrived in just a few days, was well packaged, and is perfect! I have a 16 piece flatware set, and it holds everything, plus a few of the serving pieces as well. Great value and quality!

nice and sturdy
A nice silverware storage box. It accomidated my 7 piece service for 12 along with the hostess set.
Stores easily in closet or where ever space is an issue

Quality storage
This is a quality storage case and well made, but still fits easily into a drawer or small space. I have another silver storage case that is the wooden box kind and I like this "leatherette" one better because it is more compact and still has plenty of space. Fits a service for 12 plus some serving pieces and really keeps them from tarnishing.I recommend it!

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