The Cooks' Den » Alice http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Frigidaire Upright Freestanding Commercial Freezer | Stainless Steel PLFU1778ES http://www.thecooksden.com/frigidaire-upright-freestanding-commercial-freezer-stainless-steel-plfu1778es/ http://www.thecooksden.com/frigidaire-upright-freestanding-commercial-freezer-stainless-steel-plfu1778es/#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:40:14 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9042 Frigidaire Upright FreestandingThis Frigidaire model is a beauty, a vision in easy care stainless steel. It is made to hold a prominent place in the kitchen, not to be hidden away. This model matches the Frigidaire PLRU1778ES refrigerator, but could easily stand alone. It offers the look of a built-in and a 16.7-cubic-foot capacity.

Moving beyond the surface attractiveness, you will be equally pleased with the interior design. Flexible storage is the main feature, with access as a primary consideration. The doors provide storage with bins which can be reset and custom-adjusted to fit your needs. The generously proportioned tilt-out wire door bins give plenty of options for sorting items.

The freezer contains three main shelves along with the five in the door. The main shelves are glass -- two have wire baskets for storage underneath and one pulls out for easy access to smaller or difficult packages. This unit is frost free and has an automatic door closing function. You don't have to wonder if the door shut behind you when your arms are loaded down with packages, and it's great if you have a busy household with kids who don't always pay attention.

Two minor drawbacks should be mentioned. This model lacks in energy efficiency, an offering which has practically become standard in new appliances. Also, it comes ice maker ready, which means one will have to be added at an additional cost should you need it.

For something a bit smaller, see the Frigidaire Freestanding freezer.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/frigidaire-upright-freestanding-commercial-freezer-stainless-steel-plfu1778es/feed/ 0 Fisher & Paykel Four Burner Gas Cooktop by DCS | Brushed Stainless Steel Stove Top http://www.thecooksden.com/fisher-paykel-four-burner-gas-cooktop-by-dcs-brushed-stainless-steel-stove-top/ http://www.thecooksden.com/fisher-paykel-four-burner-gas-cooktop-by-dcs-brushed-stainless-steel-stove-top/#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:34:26 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9039 Fisher & Paykel Four Burner Gas CooktopFirst, indulge me for a moment of explanation. Fisher & Paykel acquired DCS in 2004 and it became one of their footholds in the North American market. What does this mean for you? That you're getting the quality and unique design of Fisher & Paykel through an American headquarters and factory. You don't have to sacrifice to show your pride.

What impressed me just looking at the cooktop is the fit of the burner grates. They are made to seat together so that they support one another. They also sit on feet which suspend them nicely above the cooktop surface. The feet stand in the formed tray, which provides added stability to keep them in place. Their tops create a continuous flat surface better suited for sliding hot or heavy cookware without spills or tipping. The look of the construction is artistic, something you can't often say about a cooktop.

The burner arrangement also provides ample area to slide a pan aside, maximizing useful space. The Dual Flow burners can produce an ultra low flame, making low, slow, delicate preparations possible. Four burners are packed into a thirty-inch top, the device operated via ergonomic control knobs. The recessed surface helps contain spills and makes upkeep easy.

Here's another Fisher & Paykel model to consider.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/fisher-paykel-four-burner-gas-cooktop-by-dcs-brushed-stainless-steel-stove-top/feed/ 1 Fisher & Paykel DCS Sealed Gas Cooktop Range | Brushed Stainless Steel Natural CP-366 http://www.thecooksden.com/fisher-paykel-dcs-sealed-gas-cooktop-range-brushed-stainless-steel-natural-cp-366/ http://www.thecooksden.com/fisher-paykel-dcs-sealed-gas-cooktop-range-brushed-stainless-steel-natural-cp-366/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:25:27 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9036 Fisher & Paykel DCS Sealed Gas CooktopIf you've ever been left wanting when it comes to space on your cooktop, had to rotate food on and off the burners because you simply lacked sufficient space, or if you've ever wished you could have more control over the power of the flame you use and wanted to get the most from an upgrade in cookware, this item may be just what you're looking for.

This selection, from Fisher & Paykel through DCS, provides six sealed dual-flow burners which include an ultra low flame for very delicate, precision cooking. The burners are designed to keep spills out and to spread their heat, diffusing it across the surface of your cookware. This helps eliminate hot spots near the center of your pans.

There are no pilot lights to worry about, and electronic spark ignition gives you a reliable flame that will relight if it is blown out while in use. The burner grates are sectioned, so they remove easily. They are flat-topped and snugly abut one another, so heavy pans can be maneuvered without tipping and the whole surface remains more stable.

The upkeep is simple due to the design, which keeps food out and makes cleaning hassle free. Highly functional, this commercial-style cooktop will improve the appearance of your kitchen as well as your food.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/fisher-paykel-dcs-sealed-gas-cooktop-range-brushed-stainless-steel-natural-cp-366/feed/ 1 Viking Dual Fuel Porcelain Range | Stainless Steel Convection Oven VDSC530-4B-SS http://www.thecooksden.com/viking-dual-fuel-porcelain-range-stainless-steel-convection-oven-vdsc530-4b-ss/ http://www.thecooksden.com/viking-dual-fuel-porcelain-range-stainless-steel-convection-oven-vdsc530-4b-ss/#comments Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:31:44 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9032 Viking Dual Fuel Porcelain Range If you'd like a traditional look paired with some of the modern upgrades in a stove, the Viking is a strong contender. The basics of hassle-free maintenance are included. For example, the cooking surface is porcelainized to make cleaning easy, and the ignition system promises a consistent, reliable light for your burners every time.

The large capacity oven boasts a number of clever features to enhance cooking. The two-speed convection system has a reversible direction fan and a convection element located in the rear of the oven, so only heated air, no direct heat from the floor or top of the oven, is used to prepare your food. The restaurant-quality infrared broiler will provide a nice sear and lock in juices vital to flavor. The unit offers a quick preheat, and the baking element is concealed to make cleanup easier.

Additional elements, including a backguard and a high shelf, can be chosen to round out the look and function. Racks, pans, stones, and griddles are available for expanding the uses of the oven. Viking has prepared an impressive color palette of finish options. The range has precision heating, quick response, and many possibilities for customization. If you're looking for a stove you can make your own, this is one to consider.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/viking-dual-fuel-porcelain-range-stainless-steel-convection-oven-vdsc530-4b-ss/feed/ 0 Wine Enthusiast Freestanding Refrigerator & Cooler | Silent Eco Friendly 18 Bottle http://www.thecooksden.com/wine-enthusiast-freestanding-refrigerator-cooler-silent-eco-friendly-18-bottle/ http://www.thecooksden.com/wine-enthusiast-freestanding-refrigerator-cooler-silent-eco-friendly-18-bottle/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:20:12 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9029 Wine Enthusiast FreestandingImagine having the ability to host your own wine tasting event. Can you picture yourself producing bottle after bottle of perfectly chilled delights for your guests? If not, maybe you prefer to keep your budding collection for your sole enjoyment. Wouldn't it be nice to have a variety of selections at the ready, well-kept and waiting for your yen for a glass to kick in?

This unit is silent and eco-friendly. It has a cooling system with no moving parts and operates without harmful CFCs. The refrigerator is freestanding and offers a temperature range to accommodate both reds and whites. While mainly for bottles 750 ml. in size, some larger bottles will fit, but may decrease the overall storage capacity.

People are pleased with the unit's ability to maintain a proper temperature. There have been a few complaints, small issues, but reported by a number of people and potentially irksome to new owners, so be aware that filling the cooler to capacity reduces the ability of the interior lighting to reach the bottom shelves and that re-corked bottles must still be stored on their sides, which may allow them to leak. Otherwise, this cooler is a great way to store a small collection without having to deal with the hassle of a built-in.

Once the bottle's open, check out Metrokane's solution to storage: the first vacuum decanter.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/wine-enthusiast-freestanding-refrigerator-cooler-silent-eco-friendly-18-bottle/feed/ 1 Danby Compact Dorm or Office Refrigerator | Black or White, 1.7 Cubic Foot http://www.thecooksden.com/danby-compact-dorm-or-office-refrigerator-black-or-white-1-7-cubic-foot/ http://www.thecooksden.com/danby-compact-dorm-or-office-refrigerator-black-or-white-1-7-cubic-foot/#comments Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:12:45 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9026 Danby Compact=Ahh, I remember our little dorm fridge. Every time we opened the door, which didn't hold much, whatever was stored there would spill out onto the floor of our room. We could barely fit some plastic reusable ice cubes in the tiny freezer. We had a dorm cafeteria, so the bother wasn't much and wasn't a big deal. Still, as an adult, I'm not sure I'd put up with that.

The Danby Compact refrigerator packs a lot of potential in a small size. When you open the door, your items stay in place. The door is capable of holding both a two-liter bottle (held in place by a simple but effective bar) and several cans (which slide neatly into a handy dispenser). The main compartment can hold several individual containers and includes a dual-level, half-shelf system. The freezer is full width and includes an ice cube tray.

The defrost operates with the push of a button. A reversible hinge allows you to hang the door to open from either side. Choose from a crisp white or sleek black color. This would be a great addition to any office or dorm, garage or playroom, even the master bedroom.

Danby also makes a small, portable dishwasher.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/danby-compact-dorm-or-office-refrigerator-black-or-white-1-7-cubic-foot/feed/ 0 Zojirushi Fresh Brew Black & Stainless Coffee Maker | Thermal Carafe EC-BD15 http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-fresh-brew-black-stainless-coffee-maker-thermal-carafe-ec-bd15/ http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-fresh-brew-black-stainless-coffee-maker-thermal-carafe-ec-bd15/#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:05:38 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9023 Zojirushi Fresh Brew Black & StainlessFrequently referred to as one of the best coffee makers on the market by people who have enjoyed owning one, this tall drink of water (err, coffee? hot water??) comes from the Zojirushi company, makers of exceptional hot water pots and rice cookers. That fact alone is enough to pique my interest.

The market is positively saturated with coffee makers and very little truly sets any one apart from a competitor, yet those small details can mean the difference between a cup of coffee you can live with and one you can't, one you love and one you merely tolerate because you don't feel like boxing the machine up and filling out the paperwork to return it.

This pot works better in part by utilizing superior insulation to keep the hot water at an optimal temperature for improved results. The carafe keeps the coffee hot, has an excellent spout for pouring without spills, and eliminates the burned flavor that can come with hot plate models. It doesn't have the touchy positioning problems which plague some carafe/maker pairings.

People have found that #4 filters can be adapted to work well with the machine if locating #3 filters becomes a hassle. One aspect worth noting: you may need a special brush to clean the interior of the carafe unless you're comfortable with a rinse-only method for cleaning.

Compare this with the KitchenAid Single Carafe coffeemaker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/zojirushi-fresh-brew-black-stainless-coffee-maker-thermal-carafe-ec-bd15/feed/ 0 Braun Multiquick Immersion Hand Blender | White Mixer MR5550CA http://www.thecooksden.com/braun-multiquick-immersion-hand-blender-white-mixer-mr5550ca/ http://www.thecooksden.com/braun-multiquick-immersion-hand-blender-white-mixer-mr5550ca/#comments Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:52:31 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9021 Braun Multiquick Immersion Hand Blender I like this device because it feels like having an extension of my body with the ability to blend. The movement is far more natural than the awkward way I have to hold a regular mixer. I can maneuver it with simple rotations of my wrist, with no strain, my hands nowhere near the blades. I can mix right in the container -- if I want my ingredients pureed, I can lower it into the can, blend, and pour.

The pros are many. The blender is portability paired with power. I save dishes by mixing my creations in place, right in the pan. The device stores in a drawer. It comes with a nice variety of attachments. One-handed use is always appreciated because I'm adding items or adjusting with the other. It does the job fast. And it is ready to go; you just grab it and start blending.

With the design of the Braun, you're protected from the blades and the blades are protected from their tendency to splatter. Braun has even designed storage potential into the accessories. The set can be used as a blender (for smoothies and ice cream drinks) and as a food processor (for chopping smaller batches). This makes it an excellent all-around choice to save space and maximize function.

Also see the Cuisinart SmartStick immersion blender.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/braun-multiquick-immersion-hand-blender-white-mixer-mr5550ca/feed/ 4 Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 14 Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set | Nonstick Quantanium http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-14-piece-hard-anodized-cookware-set-nonstick-quantanium/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-14-piece-hard-anodized-cookware-set-nonstick-quantanium/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:30:50 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8967 Cuisinart Chef's Classic 14 Piece HardThe great thing about buying a full set of cookware is that you get to start all over, fresh. All of your pan sins of the past can be erased, if not forgiven. You open the big box and unwrap a whole set of matching pans and lids that are perfect and ready to go. If change can be difficult to consider, think about it as an upgrade. You'll reap the benefits of new designs and technology.

The Cuisinart set is a wonderful choice for many reasons. The Quantanium interiors provide a superior nonstick surface. The pans and lids are constructed to be high performance, resistant to breakage, wear, and the adherence of food. The drip-free rims, stay-cool handles, and helper handle are small features you'll appreciate during your most hectic cooking days. The aluminum cores provide exceptional heat distribution.

The set includes some extremely valuable pieces in addition to the traditional regulars. The pasta steamer insert and regular steamer insert are items not found in most sets. Buying the full set saves you on the cost of the pans and the hassle of trying to collect individual pans. Even if you don't display your set, you can be proud to have friends or family catch them out on the stove.

Compare this with Cuisinart's 12-piece cookware set and see which pieces you really need.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-14-piece-hard-anodized-cookware-set-nonstick-quantanium/feed/ 0 Circulon Infinite Chef’s Deep Dish Pan w/ Lid, Loop Handle | Nonstick Aluminum 6 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/circulon-infinite-chefs-deep-dish-pan-w-lid-loop-handle-nonstick-aluminum-6-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/circulon-infinite-chefs-deep-dish-pan-w-lid-loop-handle-nonstick-aluminum-6-quart/#comments Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:26:16 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8964 Circulon Infinite Chef's Deep Dish PanLet's pretend: It's crunch time. You have to choose. Your kitchen is on fire and you can only save one pan... No, I'm sorry. Say you're paring down. You're allowing yourself to only keep one pan out of all your cookware. Which will you choose?

This chef's pan is one of the best all around pans to have in the kitchen because of its design. The sides are tall enough for use in preparing savory deep dish meals. And as an added plus, they help keep food and splatter contained inside the pan. The helper handle addition will make sure you have a good grasp on the pan when bringing it to the table.

The combined benefits of a pot and a skillet in one pan? I like any pan which allows me to prepare all of the components of a meal in one piece of cookware. And it's dishwasher safe! The pan's bottom is suitable for all stove types. The Hi-Low ring design helps preserve the interior structure of the pan, the ridges taking the full onslaught of cooking utensils while the lower areas remain protected. It is practically foolproof. The stainless component won't burn food. The aluminum will transfer heat marvelously. The nonstick will help old and new cooks alike and is guaranteed to outlast all nonsticks.

If you prefer a pan with grill marks, check out the All-Clad LTD Round Skillet Grille.

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