The Cooks' Den » Breville 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 Breville Slow Cooker Review | Stove & Oven Insert Saute Pan, Stainless Steel Nonstick BSC560XL http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-slow-cooker-review-stove-oven-insert-saute-pan-stainless-steel-nonstick-bsc560xl/ http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-slow-cooker-review-stove-oven-insert-saute-pan-stainless-steel-nonstick-bsc560xl/#comments Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:04:07 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12448 Breville Slow Cooker Review A lot of thought went into this Breville slow cooker, rated "Best" by Cooking Light Magazine. I can tell that the manufacturers wanted to incorporate extra elements in this product that would actually be improvements, not just extra bells and whistles.

One feature that stands out is the EasySear Insert with roasting rack. This is a tall pan that can be used on its own as cookware, made from non-stick die-cast aluminum. It's meant for saving prep steps, i.e. browning onions or roasting meats before using them in a slow cooker recipe. I used to avoid recipes that called for a lot of prep work beforehand, but I don't have to anymore. This means one less skillet I have to wash.

The heating technology is different as well, in a good way. The Breville has an extra heat setting beyond the normal "low" and "high," called "dual." Its suggested use is for prime cuts of meat or dishes with grains that need anywhere between 4-8 hours of cooking time on a medium temperature. And to help preserve an even cooking surface, the slow cooker has a wrap-around heating element.

Both the power cord and silicone grips on the handles are removable -- this makes it easier to transport from the kitchen to my buffet table. Cleanup is easy, too, since it's a non-stick pan. In order to keep the non-stick qualities intact, I wash it by hand right after getting the leftover food put away. The Breville only comes with a 1-year warranty, so I'm not taking any chances.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-slow-cooker-review-stove-oven-insert-saute-pan-stainless-steel-nonstick-bsc560xl/feed/ 0 Breville Ikon Blender w/ Ice Crusher | Stainless Steel 750 Watt BBL600XL http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-ikon-blender-w-ice-crusher-stainless-steel-750-watt-bbl600xl/ http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-ikon-blender-w-ice-crusher-stainless-steel-750-watt-bbl600xl/#comments Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:43:38 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8171 Breville Ikon Blender w/ Ice Crusher If you make smoothies, you want a blender that can handle the ingredients. The more often you make them, the more important it is that the functions perform as the company claims they will. No one wants to stand in the kitchen poking stubborn frozen bits of fruit into the bottom of their blender only to have them fly right back up as soon as the blades are engaged. I hate getting partway into my drink to find a big chunk of ice hidden inside. I know then that by the end, everything will be too watery, and every sip will include that one rogue piece of ice.

Breville seeks to end our frustration by providing a multi-pronged attack on those uncooperative bits. First, they have stainless steel ice crushing blades in the Ikon. They are made extra wide and driven by commercial grade components. Next, the blades are contoured to fit the bottom of the jug, leaving no place for food to become stuck or hide out. Even the ribs of the jug are made to send ingredients back into the blades as they pass. Two different presets allow you to crush ice and mix smoothies. With these weapons at our disposal, there is no way that pesky ingredients shall ever again defeat our drink efforts!

If you're serious about your crushed ice, Waring Pro has a solution.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-ikon-blender-w-ice-crusher-stainless-steel-750-watt-bbl600xl/feed/ 0 Breville Barista Coffee Knock Box | Espresso Brushed Stainless Steel BCB100 http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-barista-coffee-knock-box-espresso-brushed-stainless-steel-bcb100/ http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-barista-coffee-knock-box-espresso-brushed-stainless-steel-bcb100/#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:30:13 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=7991 Breville Barista Coffee Knock Box Back in the early '90s, we got our first espresso machine at a restaurant where I was working. It proved enormously popular, and soon we were in need of a sturdy surface to knock the portafilter on for quick release of used grounds. I fabricated something from a small steel pan and hardware store parts that did the job. Looking back, it appears that I could have started a lucrative business out of that idea.

Nowadays, the choices abound for knock boxes, as they are known in the espresso brewing world. It was only natural for Breville, now that they are manufacturing espresso makers of their own, to offer one to match the brushed stainless steel finish of their machines. The knock box is a humble unit, requiring only a sturdy base and a firm yet padded bar for whacking the filter on. The simplicity itself has fostered a plethora of models to facilitate this task. This version has a graceful shape and is large enough for the busiest espresso brewing household. The durable padded bar is made from "engineering-grade polymers," of course. No ordinary rubber these days; it's the 21st century after all. The inner lining is removable for hand or dishwashing, and there is a polymer ring on the base to keep this from slipping during use.

You could certainly do as I did and make your own knock box, but if you desire to make a design statement or coordinate with the style of your Breville espresso machine, this is the model to add to your shopping list.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-barista-coffee-knock-box-espresso-brushed-stainless-steel-bcb100/feed/ 0 Breville Variable Temperature Electric Kettle BKE820XL http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-variable-temperature-electric-kettle-bke820xl/ http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-variable-temperature-electric-kettle-bke820xl/#comments Sat, 23 May 2009 23:19:59 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=5167 Breville Variable Temperature ElectricThe humble tea kettle has certainly been embraced by technology. Once upon a time adding a whistle was revolutionary; now Breville allows you to dial in the precise temperature of water you require and hold it for up to 20 minutes with this elegant model.

The sleek stainless steel variable temperature kettle is meant to provide the ideal water temperature for a variety of brewed teas and coffee. Did you know that green tea, white tea and oolong tea all require a different brewing temperature? If not, you probably aren't in the market for an electric kettle this smart. The control settings are all on the base and are pre-set with the five most popular temperatures for brewing common teas as well as French press coffee. An additional feature is a 20 minute keep-warm setting that will maintain your programmed water temperature as needed.

The kettle capacity is 1.8 liters and there is a water level window on either side of the kettle for easy viewing. It's even backlit with a blue LED which adds considerably to the coolness factor of this unit. Automatic shutoff, a sterilize function, and a removable scale filter make this a full featured electric kettle for the kitchen. The price of this model puts it well out of the range for the casual user, while the advanced features will surely impress those seeking the perfect tool for the gourmet tea experience.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-variable-temperature-electric-kettle-bke820xl/feed/ 0 Breville Gourmet K-Cup Coffee Maker | Digital Stainless Steel Single Cup http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-gourmet-k-cup-coffee-maker-digital-stainless-steel-single-cup/ http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-gourmet-k-cup-coffee-maker-digital-stainless-steel-single-cup/#comments Thu, 07 May 2009 22:00:57 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4795 Breville Gourmet K-Cup Coffee Maker The best coffee is always the first cup. Making a whole pot usually guarantees you'll be drinking a bitter brew with the flavor of pencil shavings by mid morning. If only you had that first good cup every time!

The Breville Gourmet 1500 Watt Single Cup Coffee Maker makes that first cup ten times on one reservoir of water. An internal charcoal filtering system removes impurities that would affect brew quality and aroma--there's not even much to clean when the coffee is done. Using single serving K-Cups--available in many varieties of coffee, tea, and cocoa--just follow directions and the Breville Gourmet dispenses an accurate amount of hot water through a shower head nozzle right into your coffee cup. Throw away the K-Cup and your brew is done.

Making your own K-Cup is possible but can involve some spattering if your craftsmanship is less than perfect. Eighteen samples come with the machine, and with 150 different K-Cups available from well known brands like Green Mountain and Celestial Seasonings, there's little reason to build your own.

The LCD panel guides you through simple steps for choosing brew volume, temperature, grind, and variety. Every cup can be different--the machine is a perfect choice for parties and that critical first cup of the day. Breville guarantees the Gourmet Coffee Maker for one year from purchase.

Also see the Senseo Supreme Gourmet Coffee Maker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-gourmet-k-cup-coffee-maker-digital-stainless-steel-single-cup/feed/ 0 Breville Citrus Press | Stainless Steel Electric Juicer XX800CPXL http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-citrus-press-stainless-steel-electric-juicer-xx800cpxl/ http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-citrus-press-stainless-steel-electric-juicer-xx800cpxl/#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2009 23:21:14 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4360 Breville Citrus Press The Breville Citrus Press is created with professional grade durability in mind and comes with two stainless steel filters which offer varying levels of pulp control. The Quadra-Fin juicing cone adapts to any size citrus item, from limes to grapefruits. The unit's materials are resistant to corrosion from the acid of the fruits. The drip spout can be flipped up to stop spills. A bonus safety feature is found in a dual switch which won't let the cone operate until the arm is lowered and pressure is exerted. The item comes with a dust cover which fits over the cone and filters, both of which pop out for simple cleaning. All of the unit, with the exception of the base, is dishwasher safe.

Heavy, fast, durable and easy to clean are the words people use to describe the machine. The manual contains step by step photos representing assembly and function. The cord wraps around and clips under the motor base for compact storage. You can create juice with control over the amount of pulp and without any seeds making it into your glass. It isn't often you can improve upon an already healthy product; enjoy your own fresh orange juice in the morning or a fresh lemonade on a hot day.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-citrus-press-stainless-steel-electric-juicer-xx800cpxl/feed/ 0 Breville Ikon Blender | Stainless Steel Kinetix Blade BBL550XL http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-ikon-blender-stainless-steel-kinetix-blade-bbl550xl/ http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-ikon-blender-stainless-steel-kinetix-blade-bbl550xl/#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:57:51 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3416 Breville Ikon Blender This five speed blender features a Kinetix blade and bowl system which eliminates trapped food so every piece comes out well blended. The ice crushing blades are extra wide and contoured to the base of the jar. The blender offers pulse control, illuminated buttons, and a sealed control panel.

The one and a half liter borosilicate glass jar resists chipping, scratching, and fogging. The measurements are easy to read, marked in dual tone baked enamel. The 610 watt motor is housed in a stainless steel base and the components are durable and commercial grade. The lid removes with a ring pull and an inner measuring lid helps when adding ingredients. The parts are dishwasher safe on the top rack.

The Breville Ikon Blender is a stately looking machine. Non-skid feet, an underside cord storage, and easy, single twist blade removal are all handy, well designed additions. People judge the blender to be a powerful and capable product. It shaves ice without leaving unpleasant odd pieces behind and the bowl design really does make a difference in performance. Breville fills half of its manual with recipes to inspire you. Built more like blenders used to be, this item is sure to be a favorite.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-ikon-blender-stainless-steel-kinetix-blade-bbl550xl/feed/ 1 Breville Ikon Removable Plate Grill | Electric Griddle Stainless BGR400XL http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-ikon-removable-plate-grill-electric-griddle-stainless-bgr400xl/ http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-ikon-removable-plate-grill-electric-griddle-stainless-bgr400xl/#comments Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:35:02 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3390 Breville Ikon Removable Plate Grill The Breville Ikon Grill offers reversible, interchangeable flat and ribbed plates which allow you to grill or cook on the griddle and do so up to fifty percent faster than other grills. A floating hinge accommodates thicker, taller items so you can grill panini-style sandwiches. It can be adjusted to six preset levels, which apply pressure to the food appropriate to your need. This grill also includes a tilt feature for assisted draining of fats and oils, which means your food is lighter and ultimately lower in calories.

The nonstick plates give you a surface where food won't adhere and make cleaning the grill easy. The temperature control can be set from 350 to 425 degrees in this 1800 watt appliance. The device can be stored upright to save space and the plates are dishwasher safe. The housing is brushed stainless steel with a polished die cast handle. The unit comes with a one year warranty.

These grills have a frequent failure rate, both in general (electronics) and due to the clips which are meant to hold the plates in place. Hot plates falling from the machine while in use are unacceptably dangerous. Mildly irritating, the unit cannot be fully opened to cook on the whole flat surface and must be unplugged with each use. That said, when people got a good grill, they were very happy with the function, found that the grill heated well and stored easily.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-ikon-removable-plate-grill-electric-griddle-stainless-bgr400xl/feed/ 0 Breville Juice Fountain Elite Juicer | Kitchen Stainless 1000 Watt 800JEXL http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-juice-fountain-elite-juicer-kitchen-stainless-1000-watt-800jexl/ http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-juice-fountain-elite-juicer-kitchen-stainless-1000-watt-800jexl/#comments Sat, 14 Mar 2009 17:16:07 +0000 Lora http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-juice-fountain-elite-juicer-kitchen-stainless-1000-watt-800jexl/ Breville Juice Fountain Elite Juicer There's a reason why Breville's 800JEXL Juice Fountain is called "elite." It's not exactly the most affordable kitchen appliance on the market these days. You'd have to drink awful lot of juice to make the purchase financially worthwhile.

That being said, there's a reason why Breville's Juice Fountain Elite comes with such a high price tag. It also comes with high efficiency.

The Italian-made electronic motor pumps out 1000 watts of power. For an idea of how potent that is, most stand mixers yield only 250 or 350 watts of power. A juice that is 1000 watt strong is powerful, indeed.

The circular 3-inch feed tube practically eliminates any prep as it accommodates most fruits and vegetables whole. And the juicer operates in two speeds: high (13,000 rpm) for hard fruits and low (6500 rpm) for soft fruit, making juicing carrots as easy as juicing oranges.

The Juice Fountain includes a pulp container, juicing pitcher, manual/recipe book and 1-year warranty.

And truly, if you do drink a lot of fresh-squeezed juice (let's say daily for example), then the investment is worth it based on performance alone. Add in ease of use, and the fact that parts are dish-washer safe, and you've got a good deal on your hands. Besides that, with the Breville 800JEXL Juice Fountain, you'll be a member of an elite club. All you need to do is learn the secret handshake.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-juice-fountain-elite-juicer-kitchen-stainless-1000-watt-800jexl/feed/ 1 Breville Ikon Toaster | Digital Stainless 2 Slice CT70XL http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-ikon-toaster-digital-stainless-2-slice-ct70xl/ http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-ikon-toaster-digital-stainless-2-slice-ct70xl/#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:55:42 +0000 Lora http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3671 Breville Ikon Toaster Toasters are so yesterday. I mean all they do is toast and take up counter space. Breville's CT70XL is 8 inches high, 5 inches long, and has a depth of 11 inches. That's a fair amount of counter space for an appliance that only does one thing.

To be fair, I shouldn't say the Breville 2-Slice Electric Toaster only does one thing. It toasts bread. It toasts bagels. It toasts pop tarts. And it does have some nice features. For a toaster anyway.

The wide toasting slots are self-centering. There's a "toast ready" sound alert and a high-lift lever. With a Lift-and-look function, you can check the toast's progress without interrupting the cycle. And like most toasters there's a browning control dial.

The Breville CT70XL also has settings for toasting bagels, defrosting, and re-heating toast. These are also common features on modern toasters, as is the LCD display. But unlike modern toasters, the Breville has a classic toaster look to it. If it weren't for the LCD display and other modern features like cord storage, you might think the Breville came straight out of the 50's, which I guess makes sense since toasters really are a part of the past.

At least with a removable crumb tray it's easy to clean. But most toaster ovens also come with removable crumb trays, and they can do a whole lot more than just toast a bagel.

Another basic toaster to consider is the Sunbeam Heritage Toaster.

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