The Cooks' Den » Dan 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 NuWave Infrared Countertop Convection Oven | Black Digital Electric 20322 http://www.thecooksden.com/nuwave-infrared-countertop-convection-oven-black-digital-electric-20322/ http://www.thecooksden.com/nuwave-infrared-countertop-convection-oven-black-digital-electric-20322/#comments Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:02:13 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8811 Nuwave Infrared Countertop ConvectionWhenever a product is advertised "As Seen on TV," I tend to be dubious of the claims. The Nuwave Infrared Oven may not revolutionize your life, but it does a good job of cooking a variety of foods without heating up the kitchen, once you learn its ways.

The main energy sources in this oven are the infrared heating elements. They send out waves of energy that only penetrate solid, permeable objects like food. I remember an old infrared heater in our bathroom. It didn't warm the room at all, but it you stood in front of it, WOW. Same principle here. That's why this can cook foods without casting off waste heat like a conventional oven. Add to this a convection fan to circulate the air around the food, and you get a rather efficient cooking unit. This will certainly get some attention while roasting a turkey or ham right on the dining room table. All the controls are located on the top of this oven for easy access. One thing I noticed about this is that it seems a bit flimsy and lightweight for the size. Being mostly plastic, that is to be expected. All the parts besides the power head are dishwasher safe. The oven comes with two cooking racks and extender rings to enable the cooking of multiple items or facilitate roasting a large turkey.

This oven works in a unique way, unlike a conventional oven or a microwave. Foods cooked retain more moisture due to the sealed nature of the housing, which is great for tender meats -- not so good for crispy fried chicken. Some foods do cook considerably quicker than you might be used to, so familiarize yourself with the instructions for best results.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/nuwave-infrared-countertop-convection-oven-black-digital-electric-20322/feed/ 1 Sharp Convection Microwave Toaster Oven w/ Grill | Silver R-820JS http://www.thecooksden.com/sharp-convection-microwave-toaster-oven-w-grill-silver-r-820js/ http://www.thecooksden.com/sharp-convection-microwave-toaster-oven-w-grill-silver-r-820js/#comments Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:18:38 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8805 Sharp Convection Microwave Toaster OvenSharp has really raised the bar with this full-featured oven. If you are searching for a true all-in-one solution to countertop cooking, then this may be just the thing to meet your needs.

The Sharp R-820JS looks to be a sophisticated microwave oven at first glance. The controls are extensive, and the digital display performs many helpful functions. Hidden within however, are convection and grilling abilities that rival the best toaster ovens available. First, there is the 900-watt convection microwave. This combines the best of the two technologies, the microwave for speedy cooking and the convection feature to better circulate hot air around the food. This has the benefit of more thorough browning and a true "oven baked" result, rather than the typical mushy product from standard microwaves in the past. Items that you may never have considered cooking in a "microwave" can be prepared with good results in this oven: pizza, hamburgers, baked goods, and even roast meats.

As the TV host says, "Wait, that's not all!" You will also find dual over-and-under grills in this model that emit 1500 watts of radiant heat to surround the food being cooked. The control panel provides a considerable amount of automatic functions designed to make meal preparation easier. Although plentiful, the control panel is neatly designed with functions clearly marked. The large two line digital display guides you through all the processes, even setting the clock. You will want to spend some time studying the instruction manual to make the most of the features. Still, you should be able to start using this right out of the box without difficulty.

I am no fan of the microwave oven, considering them unnecessary for all but the most desperate situations in the kitchen. This oven from Sharp has so much built-in versatility, however, that I will have to rethink my position.

For those that are a fan of the microwave oven, check out the additional products Sharp offers in its line.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/sharp-convection-microwave-toaster-oven-w-grill-silver-r-820js/feed/ 0 Krups Coffee Maker & Combination Espresso Machine | Black 10 Cup XP1500 http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-maker-combination-espresso-machine-black-10-cup-xp1500/ http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-maker-combination-espresso-machine-black-10-cup-xp1500/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:44:28 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8785 Krups Coffee Maker & CombinationThe Krups XP1500 Coffee and Espresso Machine is a moderately priced combination coffeemaker that wants to please everyone but unfortunately ends up falling short in its coffeemaking abilities and convenience.

With the aim to produce an appliance that satisfies the coffee as well as the espresso drinker, Krups has come out with this model that features a ten-cup drip coffeemaker and a steam driven espresso machine. The coffee side uses a swing-out basket filter and glass carafe. Pretty standard stuff. The carafe sits on a nonstick warming plate, and the unit includes a brew pause feature for sampling a cup while brewing. The espresso machine advertises water pressure of 4-bar (I think just to get the word "bar" in there because it is not a very impressive feature). Virtually all the steam driven machines deliver this pressure, compared to the more costly pump driven machines that produce an impressive 15-bar for a superior espresso product. The controls could not be simpler: On/Off and a steam control valve for the milk frother. Sorry, no fancy programmable clock for this coffeemaker. While I appreciate the stripped down style of this model, the included features really don't make it worth the price when there are so many competing combo machines on the store shelves.

Users have been very vocal with opinions, and there are precious few buyers of this coffeemaker that are satisfied with the performance. Weak coffee and espresso, leaking from filter basket, and poorly constructed components are the most common complaints from the coffee community. It seems Krups is in danger of brand dilution if they continue to manufacture these budget appliances that disappoint the consumer.

Here's a similar Krups coffee & espresso maker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-maker-combination-espresso-machine-black-10-cup-xp1500/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Stainless Steel Espresso Machine & Coffee Maker | 15 Bar EM-100 http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-stainless-steel-espresso-machine-coffee-maker-15-bar-em-100/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-stainless-steel-espresso-machine-coffee-maker-15-bar-em-100/#comments Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:34:58 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8779 Cuisinart Stainless Steel EspressoThis sturdy and compact espresso maker from Cuisinart has all the features that make for a great coffee making appliance for your kitchen. The question is, does it provide enough features and convenience to compete with others in the price range?

The EM-100 Espresso maker is a pump-driven machine capable of coffee brewing pressure of 15-bar, which is sufficient to properly extract all the espresso goodness as well as the rich crema that is craved by aficionados of the stuff. There are a number of useful features including a 52 oz. removable water reservoir, milk frother, and a top that serves as a warming tray for storing and preheating your espresso cups. Adding to the versatility is the ability to brew with ground coffee or coffee pods. The filters included allow you to make one or two cups at a time, and the large size of the water reservoir means less time spent filling and more time brewing coffee.

This seems to be a decent espresso brewing machine. The controls are clearly labeled, and the output fairly consistent. Like most of the pump-driven espresso makers, you need to follow the instructions well in order to master it. Cuisinart has included not only an instruction book but also a DVD to walk you through the process. That is a nice touch to keep calls to customer service down with "how does it work" questions.

Compare this with the Breville Cafe Roma espresso machine.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-stainless-steel-espresso-machine-coffee-maker-15-bar-em-100/feed/ 1 KitchenAid 2 Slice Metal Toaster | KMTT200SS | Brushed Stainless Steel Appliances http://www.thecooksden.com/kitchenaid-2-slice-metal-toaster-kmtt200ss-brushed-stainless-steel-appliances/ http://www.thecooksden.com/kitchenaid-2-slice-metal-toaster-kmtt200ss-brushed-stainless-steel-appliances/#comments Sat, 02 Jan 2010 23:25:23 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8772 KMTT200SS kitchenaid toasterUntil someone comes up with a radical new technology for toasting bread, we will be choosing our favorite device from small slotted boxes with spring plungers, little changed in a lifetime. All the while cursing the heavens for burnt or underdone toast. Into the fray comes this model from Kitchenaid that doesn't shake the paradigm but promises to do the job required effectively and stylishly.

This two-slice toaster is housed entirely in brushed stainless steel with an effectively insulated case that keeps the outer housing cool to the touch while in use. The company markets their products as more high-end, and the style is evident here in the brushed finish and substantial feel of the components. While there are no visible electronic controls or displays, the unit is governed by a sophisticated electronic sensor for the "Even-Heat" toasting system meant to better control the browning of bread. A dial control sets the darkness desired, and there is a bagel setting for toasting only the cut side while you find where the cream cheese is hiding.

A reheat button completes the controls on this model. There is no cancel button -- rather, the lever is used like toasters of yore. Just push up a bit on the lever while toasting to cancel and raise the toast. Extra-wide slots should accommodate the chunkiest of breads while a removable crumb tray catches all the mess. The tray is dishwasher safe, and the toaster comes with a 1-year replacement warranty.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/kitchenaid-2-slice-metal-toaster-kmtt200ss-brushed-stainless-steel-appliances/feed/ 0 DeLonghi Italian Espresso Coffee Machine | Burr Grinder | Magnifica Super Automatic ESAM3300 http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-italian-espresso-coffee-machine-burr-grinder-magnifica-super-automatic-esam3300/ http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-italian-espresso-coffee-machine-burr-grinder-magnifica-super-automatic-esam3300/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:55:31 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8808 DeLonghi Italian Espresso CoffeeThe ESAM3300 is known as a Super-Automatic for good reason. This style of machine is designed for absolute push-button convenience when preparing Italian coffee drinks.

Manufactured in Italy, this model features a burr grinder and will hold up to 7 oz. of coffee beans ready for automatic grinding right before the brewing commences. There is a 60 oz. removable water reservoir and a water level indicator for easily seeing when it's time to refill. For those that like to really dial in the details when preparing a cup, the controls allow you to set the quantity of coffee grounds and the water amount for each cup brewed. Also, the coffee spigot can be raised or lowered to accommodate different sized cups, a novel feature. The heart of any machine is the boiler -- in this case, two stainless steel boilers with an instant heat function that keeps the machine at an "ideal" temperature regardless of how much time has passed between brewing.

In my experience, the more automatic the machine, the more complicated to keep it clean and working properly. DeLonghi has built in some clever features to assist in this task. The stainless steel boiler actually snaps out for cleaning while the unit has its own automatic rinse and decalcification settings. The burr grinder is designed to expel all the grounds so no stale coffee remains to affect the flavor. There is a heated cup tray, and the unit features an automatic shut-off after 3 hours. This model from DeLonghi has been very well received by consumers since its arrival on these shores.

Also see the Jura Capresso Coffee and Espresso Center, "Best in Category" winner of the 2009 Houseware Design Award.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/delonghi-italian-espresso-coffee-machine-burr-grinder-magnifica-super-automatic-esam3300/feed/ 0 Krups Quartz Convection Toaster Oven | Digital Black Programmable http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-quartz-convection-toaster-oven-digital-black-programmable/ http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-quartz-convection-toaster-oven-digital-black-programmable/#comments Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:40:00 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8782 Krups Quartz Convection Toaster Oven This convection toaster oven from Krups offers sophisticated electronic controls along with innovative quartz heating. All meant to elevate the experience beyond what you would expect from a countertop appliance.

The oven has an interior capacity of .59 cubic feet, which is roomier than most toaster ovens in this category according to the manufacturer. It features a soft-touch control panel with six pre-set cooking controls for common foods such as pizza, brownies, and bagels. The convection function circulates air around the food while cooking for quicker more even results. The toaster uses a patented quartz cycling technology that moves 1600 watts of power between the upper and lower elements for maximizing the efficiency of the heat. The temperature controls are adjusted in 25 degree increments for speedy setting up to 450 degrees using the backlit digital display. Also worth noting is the defrost feature and the toasting controls with nine darkness settings. The controls are all located on a panel to the right of the door with lighted details for easier viewing.

I was impressed with this toaster when it arrived on the scene. Krups designed it with a host of impressive controls, and it has a no-nonsense technological look that suits a modern kitchen. The temperature control is accurate, and the quartz elements seem to heat up instantly, doing an impressive job of cooking food. This is a heavy unit -- it sits solidly on the counter with no rattle to the components. Ultimately, for all its handy features, I found it a bit too small inside for real practicality in my kitchen. Just a bit more height inside and it would fit a small roast or a whole bird, two things that I hate to have to cook in a large oven.

Also take a look at this digital convection toaster oven by Sanyo.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-quartz-convection-toaster-oven-digital-black-programmable/feed/ 0 Chef’s Choice Large Electric Kettle | Stainless Steel Cordless | M677SSG http://www.thecooksden.com/chefs-choice-large-electric-kettle-stainless-steel-cordless-m677ssg/ http://www.thecooksden.com/chefs-choice-large-electric-kettle-stainless-steel-cordless-m677ssg/#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:29:38 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8776 Chef's Choice Large Electric Kettle If you are looking for an efficient, quick way to heat water for coffee or tea without the potential hazards of boiling water on the stove, then an electric kettle is for you.

The Chef's Choice electric kettle has a 1.7 liter capacity, almost 2 quarts. There are smaller kettles on the market but not many larger than this one. It has a brushed stainless steel body with a large plastic handle for easier pouring. This model features plastic components in a light gray color rather than the more common black. The color compliments the stainless steel and gives this kettle a sleek modern look. This is a cordless-style unit -- it sits on the corded base which supplies the power to the heating element, so after the water boils, you can simply lift it off for pouring. The unit is simple to use. Just fill it up at the tap, place onto the base, and press the start button. The 1500-watt element quickly heats the water to boiling, then the kettle shuts itself off automatically. The heating element is hidden within the stainless steel body, so it is not prone to accumulating deposits from hard water that can adversely affect the flavor.

Among the features are a water level viewing window, push-button lid, and an illuminated power switch. It has received overall positive comments by consumers, the main drawback being that the water boils rather vigorously for a while before the automatic shutoff kicks in.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/chefs-choice-large-electric-kettle-stainless-steel-cordless-m677ssg/feed/ 1 Nespresso Essenza Automatic Coffee Pod Maker | Aeroccino Milk Frother | Espresso Machine http://www.thecooksden.com/nespresso-essenza-automatic-coffee-pod-maker-aeroccino-milk-frother-espresso-machine/ http://www.thecooksden.com/nespresso-essenza-automatic-coffee-pod-maker-aeroccino-milk-frother-espresso-machine/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:12:52 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8768 B000W0OFW2 nespressoCoffee is a religion. And for those of us who worship daily at the altar, the promise of better coffee and easier preparation will always get our attention. This espresso maker from Nespresso in Italy sounds like true coffee nirvana, albeit an expensive one. I mean, the machine is shaped like an altar. Coincidence? I think not.

First off, this model uses only Nespresso coffee pods. A small limitation, but not a bad thing as they are easily obtainable from retailers and online sources for about the same price as any pods on the market. You will definitely be paying more for the convenience but the time saved in preparing coffee grounds and cleaning up afterwards will be considerable. This will still garner you significant savings if it keeps you out of the coffee shops for your daily fix. Everything about the design of this machine is meant to quickly and easily shoot out a cup of rich Italian style espresso. Fill the 41-oz. water reservoir and turn unit on. Then add a single or double strength pod to the top and press the button. The coffee is dispensed into your cup, and the pod is ejected automatically into the collection chamber.

This package deal includes the Aeroccino Milk frother for easy one-touch frothing or heating of milk for your coffee drinks. Also included in the box are 12 assorted Nespresso coffee pods for you to get started.

This is one of the most popular machines used in Italian homes today; that alone would be enough to convince me of the quality. Or just ask any of the legions of fans of this machine. There are plenty worldwide.

Also see this Gaggia Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/nespresso-essenza-automatic-coffee-pod-maker-aeroccino-milk-frother-espresso-machine/feed/ 0 Calphalon One Skillet w/ Glass Lid | Deep Dish Aluminum Nonstick 13 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-one-skillet-w-glass-lid-deep-dish-aluminum-nonstick-13-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-one-skillet-w-glass-lid-deep-dish-aluminum-nonstick-13-inch/#comments Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:28:47 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8474 Calphalon One Skillet w/ Glass Lid For preparing family-sized portions and having the quality and durability to last for many years, you just may want to have this skillet on hand.

As a longtime user of large iron skillets, I appreciate the versatility of the oversized pan, even when cooking only for myself. An entire breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and bacon can be prepared at once, the flavors and juices mingling to great effect on the stove. Likewise, I will prepare a week's worth of meat, ground beef for instance, on Sunday for inclusion in quick recipes later, rather than let it slowly lose its freshness sitting raw in the refrigerator. The biggest complaint I have with my old skillet is the inadequate handle size. That is not a problem with this model from Calphalon. Not only is the oversized stainless steel handle a welcome sight, but the skillet includes a helper handle on the other side. The pans in this series feature a very rugged nonstick coating bonded to the interior of the hard-anodized aluminum body. Additionally, there is a nonstick polymer applied to the exterior to further protect the finish from staining.

Take note: This is a heavy skillet. You will need that helper handle to move this pan about when full of food. Unlike a cast iron skillet, however, there is no need to season the finish for proper cooking. In fact, you can fry foods with no added fats at all if you wish, although better results -- and flavor -- will be achieved with a small amount of oil. The included stainless steel and glass lid is a welcome addition for steaming and keeping spatters under control when frying foods.

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