The Cooks' Den » JT Hats 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 Hawkins Pressure Cooker Review | Hard, Anodized Aluminum Futura Cookware http://www.thecooksden.com/hawkins-pressure-cooker/ http://www.thecooksden.com/hawkins-pressure-cooker/#comments Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:24:58 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=11739 Futura Pressure Cooker -- New, Easy &The Futura Hard Anodized Pressure Cooker by Hawkins converts one of the beasts of the kitchen into a helpful ally. No more messing around with gaskets that won't stay put -- this is space-age technology put to good use.

Pressure cooking is a simple idea that's been around for a long time. Sealing the food in the pressure cooker raises the air pressure inside the pot as the food heats. As the air pressure goes up, so does the boiling point of the water. Food cooks at a higher temperature, and overall cooking time drops by as much as 50 percent. Cooking with an old style of pressure cooker, however, was not a job for a nervous person. Getting that gasket to seal often took several tries and a liberal coating of vegetable oil.

This modern design uses an entirely different type of pressure seal -- an O-ring style of gasket permanently bonded to the rim of the lid. Set the lid in place inside the pot, not on top of it, and a squeeze of the double handle locks the lid down. You can't release the lid again until the pot cools to a safe temperature. An automatic release valve vents steam downward to keep the pot working within safe pressure limits. You'll find the handbook that comes with the pot essential. Follow the instructions carefully if you're new to pressure-cooking. The recipes included give you a good sampling of what's possible, including more efficient cooking, more nutrients, and more flavor.

The hard anodized aluminum oxide surface has more abrasion resistance than steel, and cleans up easily with ordinary detergent.

Find this Futura Pressure Cooker:

Find this Pressure Cooker on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/hawkins-pressure-cooker/feed/ 0 Ducane Propane Gas Grill 4100 | Affinity Barbeque Cart w/ Thermometer, Stainless Steel & Black 31741101 http://www.thecooksden.com/ducane-propane-gas-grill-4100-affinity-barbeque-cart-w-thermometer-stainless-steel-black-31741101/ http://www.thecooksden.com/ducane-propane-gas-grill-4100-affinity-barbeque-cart-w-thermometer-stainless-steel-black-31741101/#comments Sat, 22 Jan 2011 19:19:37 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=11736 Ducane Propane Gas Grill 4100 Ducane's Affinity 4100 Propane Grill provides 693 square inches of porcelain-coated cooking grid and 48,000 BTUs of grilling power. That should be enough to keep the burgers coming when friends and family show up for dinner. Add a rotisserie and for slow-roasting poultry and ham.

Four burners with independent front-mounted controls control the heat to different portions of the cooking grid. Pretty standard on most grills of this, type, it's still a nice-to-have. You can set one high enough to sear steaks and then shift the meat to the other areas for slow, precise cooking. Check on progress with the cover down, using the cooking thermometer in the grill hood. A welded stainless steel warming rack at the back keeps hot food warm while you finish the meal. Underneath the grid are four porcelain-coated heat reflectors, which keep drippings off the burners and radiate the heat of the flames evenly over the entire cooking area above. All these parts clean up after the cookout with a stainless steel wire brush.

Two of the casters under the cabinet lock in place, so you can lock the grill in position for the cookout and then wheel the grill and the LP tank out of the way later. Again, pretty standard for a grill of this type, but definitely nice-to-have. Electronic ignition provides a dependable and safe start, but a metal match-holder lets you use the old lighting method if the ignition's batteries don't do their job. Stainless steel shelves on both sides of the burner area give you space for ingredients, meat fork and spatula, and a spot for plates when it's time to serve the hot meal.

Warning: assembly is required. That shouldn't be too difficult, with a few common tools on hand. One more warning: unless you store the unit indoors, you'll need a weatherproof grill cover. The cabinet back has an open section for air flow to the burners and won't keep the rain out.

Find this Ducane Propane Gas Grill:

Find this grill on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/ducane-propane-gas-grill-4100-affinity-barbeque-cart-w-thermometer-stainless-steel-black-31741101/feed/ 0 Ducane Affinity Gas Grill, Black 3100 | Natural Gas Line Barbecue, Electric Ignition 31732101 http://www.thecooksden.com/ducane-affinity-gas-grill-black-3100-natural-gas-line-barbecue-electric-ignition-31732101/ http://www.thecooksden.com/ducane-affinity-gas-grill-black-3100-natural-gas-line-barbecue-electric-ignition-31732101/#comments Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:15:26 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=11733 Ducane Affinity Gas Grill, Black 3100 Ducane's Affinity 3100 Natural Gas Grill hooks up to a permanent natural gas supply line, so you'll never need to bother with setting up LP tanks and trading the empties in for new ones. The Affinity 3100 gives you all the flavor and convenience of outdoor grilling without the heavy work.

Three individually controlled burners create a maximum of 36,000 BTUs over the 418 inches of cooking surface. Porcelain-coated stainless steel reflector plates over the burners radiate the heat evenly to the porcelain-coated grid above. The grid and plates clean up with a stainless steel wire brush and carry a three-year warranty. Fuel lines to the burners end in spider-blocking mesh, so you won't need to worry about nests blocking the pipes in the springtime. Other handy perks include a built-in thermometer in the grill hood and a dependable battery-powered electronic ignition.

Sized for the couple or the small family, the Ducane Affinity 3100 includes a wrap-around shelf with no extra burner outside the cover. Many find the extra space more useful than an extra burner. Inside the stainless steel cover is a small warming rack of welded stainless steel rod, good for heating up buns and keeping cooked food warm. Notches in the cabinet sides accept a rotisserie, but that's not included with the basic grill.

A throw-away aluminum pan fits neatly below the burners to catch excess grease -- remove the pan after every cookout and be sure to replace it with a fresh one. In between uses, protect the grill with a rain-proof cover, because the cabinet isn't weatherproof.

Find this Ducane Affinity 3100:

Find this grill on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/ducane-affinity-gas-grill-black-3100-natural-gas-line-barbecue-electric-ignition-31732101/feed/ 0 Omelette Pan By Mauviel – The Best Copper Omelet Frypan http://www.thecooksden.com/omelette-pan-by-mauviel-the-best-copper-omelet-frypan/ http://www.thecooksden.com/omelette-pan-by-mauviel-the-best-copper-omelet-frypan/#comments Thu, 20 Jan 2011 23:59:49 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=11727 Mauviel Omelet PanMauviel's Cuprinox frying pan has such a fast reaction time to heat adjustments that you'll be able to perform tricky feats like making French omelets correctly, instead of American style. This makes a cast iron pan look like a frontier relic.

Most of the material in this frying pan is actually copper. The bilaminated construction uses copper as the external layer, which makes up 90 percent of the pan. The copper conducts heat so efficiently that the pan heats quickly to the exact temperature you need, allows fast fine-tuning, and shuts down soon enough to eliminate overcooking from residual heat. If you want a perfect omelet, folded just right and not overcooked, that temperature control makes it all possible instead of an unattainable goal.

The interior of the Mauviel Cuprinox frying pan is a thinner layer of 18/10 stainless steel. The stainless steel resists corrosion, cleans up easily, and won't impart metallic flavors to food. Since this layer only makes up ten percent of the pan, you get the fast reaction of copper plus the durability of stainless steel. You'll find the Mauviel pan your best choice whenever working with food that needs to be done just right -- cook a steak exactly the way you want it instead of just close.

The copper exterior does tarnish, but the gloss restores easily when rubbed with copper cleaner, a fine polishing compound. You'll need to clean this pan by hand since the copper exterior of softer metal needs special care. Mauviel warns that chlorine-based cleaners pit the metal, but with mild detergents and ordinary hand washing the pan should last a lifetime.

Find this Mauviel Pan:

Find this omelette pan on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/omelette-pan-by-mauviel-the-best-copper-omelet-frypan/feed/ 0 Tupperware Servalier 4 Canister Set, Red | Plastic Food Storage Containers http://www.thecooksden.com/tupperware-servalier-4-canister-set-red-plastic-food-storage-containers/ http://www.thecooksden.com/tupperware-servalier-4-canister-set-red-plastic-food-storage-containers/#comments Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:10:52 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9064 Tupperware Servalier 4 Canister Set,The Servalier Classic Canister Set from Tupperware provides four white dishwasher safe canisters with Red Seal tops that open easily and snap snugly closed with an airtight fit. Capacity is generous, including 17 cup, 12 cup, 8 cup, and 5 cup sizes.

Every kitchen has its array of staple ingredients, whether it's flour and sugar and salt or an assortment of grains and beans. Good storage containers make good sense if you keep more than a few days' supplies on hand. The plastic or paper bags most foods arrive in don't last and aren't impervious to insects and spills. Sealing open packages in ziploc bags only adds another layer of temporary protection.

The Classic Canisters have another advantage -- they're stable on the counter top and offer complete access to the contents. You'll have fewer spills while measuring recipe amounts and no concerns about getting the bottom of the container into the damp spot on the table. Spatters and splashes on the outside of the canisters clean up with a damp cloth. The entire set is dishwasher safe. My only real criticism is that the canisters are tapered, not straight-sided, and take up more space than absolutely necessary.

Large plastic containers can be difficult to handle and slippery when filled, but the surfaces of these durable canisters are textured for a secure and safe grip. If you're using them for long term food storage, add a few bay leaves to grains, beans, and pasta. The scent of bay leaves repels flour moths. It's an extra level of protection that can't hurt.

Find this Tupperware Servalier Canister Set:

Find this storage set on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/tupperware-servalier-4-canister-set-red-plastic-food-storage-containers/feed/ 0 Typhoon Adjustable Hanging Pot Rack | Natural Wood & Cast Aluminum 36 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/typhoon-adjustable-hanging-pot-rack-natural-wood-cast-aluminum-36-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/typhoon-adjustable-hanging-pot-rack-natural-wood-cast-aluminum-36-inch/#comments Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:55:20 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9061 Typhoon Adjustable Hanging Pot Rack Though I like the idea of a hanging pot rack that installs in nearly any convenient location, unless you are a handyman or know one, the installation of the Typhoon 36-inch Hanging Pot Rack System could be frustrating. It's a perfect fit for space over a central kitchen island or divider countertop, but it will require support beams in the right places and the ability to find them. Trial-and-error installation will leave plenty of holes in the kitchen ceiling.

The fully adjustable rack adjusts horizontally with cast aluminum hooks sliding in a wood framework -- and vertically with open links of chain that simply hook or unhook from the string. Any pots with handle loops large enough to snag the hooks will fit, and extra hooks are available to expand the possibilities. Simply slide the hooks to the positions on the 36-inch long rack that work the best. Add or take away links to adjust the height for the convenience of taller or shorter chefs.

With this many open links and cast aluminum parts, the Typhoon rack does create a few functional doubts. Certainly it's able to hold a half dozen pots and pans if installed correctly, but it's no trapeze. It will probably be assigned to hold the pots you use the least, since getting a pot back on a swinging hook can be a little tricky -- and to be out of the way of other work, the rack must be set pretty high. A large wok could dangle a full two feet below the frame. If you're the sort who needs things to be parallel and square, it's a project destined for trouble.

If you prefer the stainless steel look, here's a great option by Range Kleen.

Find this Typhoon Hanging Pot Rack:

Find this pot rack on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/typhoon-adjustable-hanging-pot-rack-natural-wood-cast-aluminum-36-inch/feed/ 0 Rubbermaid Pull Down Wire Spice Rack | Space Saving Kitchen Cupboard or Pantry Storage http://www.thecooksden.com/rubbermaid-pull-down-wire-spice-rack-space-saving-kitchen-cupboard-or-pantry-storage/ http://www.thecooksden.com/rubbermaid-pull-down-wire-spice-rack-space-saving-kitchen-cupboard-or-pantry-storage/#comments Fri, 02 Apr 2010 23:48:41 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9059 Rubbermaid Pull Down Wire Spice Rack This epoxy-coated steel wire spice rack mounts securely to the interior of any cabinet with an opening of at least 14 inches and a depth of 13 inches. Most of us use spices directly from the storage jars they came in, and those same easy-to-use disposable containers fit neatly into the shelves of this rack. With very little fuss, the Rubbermaid Pull Down Spice Rack organizes your collection of spices and places them conveniently within reach.

Set in the cabinet, the system keeps all spice containers in view and out of the way. Lift and pull forward, and the entire shelf system pivots out and rests the upper tier on the cabinet shelf. Now you can find what you need without lifting every jar on the shelf. It may even simplify shopping, because at a glance you can see what you have and what's about to run out.

Installation does take some trial-and-error measuring and some thought. Make sure you give the lift-and-lower part a test run before screwing the entire thing in place. The 18-jar capacity of the shelf system seems spacious, but most kitchens will have more spices than will fit. Some cabinets may be deep enough for storage behind or to the sides.

The dish drainer style isn't pretty, but the welded steel wire framework is strong and the mounting system is solid, even under the weight of eighteen spice jars. The compensation for the plain appearance is the folding feature -- out of the way and out of sight.

Here's another space-saving spice rack that hangs on your wall or cupboard instead of taking up valuable counter space.

Find this Rubbermaid Spice Rack:

Find this spice rack on eBay:

Rubbermaid Pull Down Wire Spice Rack This epoxy-coated steel wire spice rack mounts securely to the interior of any cabinet with an opening of at least 14 inches and a depth of 13 inches. Most of us use spices directly from the storage jars they came in, and those same easy-to-use disposable containers fit neatly into the shelves of this rack. With very little fuss, the Rubbermaid Pull Down Spice Rack organizes your collection of spices and places them conveniently within reach.

Set in the cabinet, the system keeps all spice containers in view and out of the way. Lift and pull forward, and the entire shelf system pivots out and rests the upper tier on the cabinet shelf. Now you can find what you need without lifting every jar on the shelf. It may even simplify shopping, because at a glance you can see what you have and what's about to run out.

Installation does take some trial-and-error measuring and some thought. Make sure you give the lift-and-lower part a test run before screwing the entire thing in place. The 18-jar capacity of the shelf system seems spacious, but most kitchens will have more spices than will fit. Some cabinets may be deep enough for storage behind or to the sides.

The dish drainer style isn't pretty, but the welded steel wire framework is strong and the mounting system is solid, even under the weight of eighteen spice jars. The compensation for the plain appearance is the folding feature -- out of the way and out of sight.

Find this Rubbermaid Spice Rack:

Find this spice rack on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/rubbermaid-pull-down-wire-spice-rack-space-saving-kitchen-cupboard-or-pantry-storage/feed/ 0 Scanpan Classic Square Griddle Pan | Aluminum Nonstick Stovetop Grill 11 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/scanpan-classic-square-griddle-pan-aluminum-nonstick-stovetop-grill-11-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/scanpan-classic-square-griddle-pan-aluminum-nonstick-stovetop-grill-11-inch/#comments Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:26:14 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9056 Scanpan Classic Square Griddle Pan For grilling without an actual grill, most chefs resort to stovetop griddles of heavy cast iron. The Scanpan Classic 11-inch Square Griddle gives nonstick results without the weight of cast iron. Hand-cast aluminum poured under 200 tons of pressure distributes heat evenly over the entire surface of the griddle. The ceramic titanium coating sears meat, fish, and poultry without sticking and resists chipping and corrosion.

Consistent thickness eliminates distortion often found with thinner aluminum pans. A perfectly flat base rests flush upon modern ceramic or glass-topped ranges for even more efficient heat transfer. The depth of the grill and the reasonable size avoids the awkward handling problems common with many flat cast iron griddles, but with this version you'll still need to pay close attention to the leveling of your cookstove. If you haven't gotten out the carpenter's level and gotten that perfect alignment, now it's time. The griddle holds a reasonable amount of waste grease and other drippings, but for the best results, work on a level surface.

Three pounds straight out of the box, the griddle will still be a challenge to handle when hot grease lines the bottom. Stovetop griddles should be allowed to cool before moving them to the sink for cleaning. If pouring off hot grease, work slowly and carefully because weight tends to shift suddenly as all the fluids move to one side.

The griddle is oven-safe to 500 degrees and can be used on the stovetop on high heat. That setting shouldn't be necessary, and the rating doesn't mean you can safely abandon the hot griddle on an active stove. Grease fires could happen. Use only as much burner heat as makes good sense.

Find this Scanpan Griddle:

Find this griddle on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/scanpan-classic-square-griddle-pan-aluminum-nonstick-stovetop-grill-11-inch/feed/ 0 Polder Bullet Steel Trash Waste Bin | Touchless Galvanized 12 Gallon 1530-95 http://www.thecooksden.com/polder-bullet-steel-trash-waste-bin-touchless-galvanized-12-gallon-1530-95/ http://www.thecooksden.com/polder-bullet-steel-trash-waste-bin-touchless-galvanized-12-gallon-1530-95/#comments Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:11:05 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9053 Polder Bullet Steel Trash Waste Bin The Polder 12 Gallon Bullet Waste Bin works equally well in kitchen, bathroom or office -- allowing quick access and an automatic closure for odor control. The Polder Bullet shows a powder-coated metal exterior and stainless steel access hatch, concealing the real working section of the can -- a 15-gallon galvanized steel bucket. Corrosion proof and fire resistant, Polder Bullets have lasted 15 to 20 years in actual use and could go even further.

For the kitchen, the Polder Bullet provides sensible and decorative waste collection. The exterior cleans up easily with a damp cloth, which will be frequently necessary if you depend on the stainless steel swinging door for access. That may look great and work well in the office, but in the kitchen you need a bigger target and hopefully something you don't have to touch. With the Polder, the solution is simple. If you see a busy moment looming, lift the exterior of the Bullet off and set it aside, giving complete access to the inner container.

Disposal of contents is simple and easy. Line the inner container with a 15-gallon kitchen trash bag and simply tie the top and lift the bag out when full. The bucket has enough weight to separate fairly easily from the bag, but to avoid a wrestling match, don't pack the trash down. The Bullet has enough capacity to handle waste storage for the average kitchen without being too heavy for easy handling.

Find this Polder Bullet Trash Can:

Find this kitchen waste bin on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/polder-bullet-steel-trash-waste-bin-touchless-galvanized-12-gallon-1530-95/feed/ 0 Polder 2 Step Folding Stool | Small Non-Skid Stepladder Without Rail http://www.thecooksden.com/polder-2-step-folding-stool-small-non-skid-stepladder-without-rail/ http://www.thecooksden.com/polder-2-step-folding-stool-small-non-skid-stepladder-without-rail/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:05:55 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9050 Polder 2 Step Folding Stool Every kitchen needs a step-ladder. The Polder 2 Step Stool without Rail offers convenient access to the elusive top shelf we all know in a compact and sturdy fold-away design. The metal construction is strong, resting on non-skid feet which won't mar the kitchen floor. Steps are stable molded plastic with plenty of reinforcement.

The maximum load of this two step ladder is 225 pounds. If your weight approaches or exceeds that, this isn't a good choice. The profusion of labels that cover the Polder 2 Step when it arrives attest to the many people who have suffered mishaps and falls while working on ladders of all sorts. This is always a step that should be taken seriously. Compared to many of the shaky wooden versions I've seen and balanced precariously upon, this design from Polder is a wonder and a great improvement. It's still not foolproof.

Polder's folding procedure isn't instinctive -- the extra rods which do create more stability and support in use also add to the challenge when putting the ladder away. The Polder step-ladder folds to a small profile which slips neatly between cabinets or into the back of a storage closet, but be cautious about where you put your fingers when folding the ladder. Properly done, the thickness of the final package is only 1-1/2 inches.

In operating form, the 17-inch height of the top step allows access to most high storage areas. Steps of 12 inches by 8 inches give enough room for placement of both feet with a textured non-skid surface to stand upon. Once open, the ladder will not accidentally fold under load -- the design automatically locks into the open position.

Find this Polder 2 Step Folding Stool:

Find this stepstool on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/polder-2-step-folding-stool-small-non-skid-stepladder-without-rail/feed/ 0