The Cooks' Den » Oster 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 Oster BCCG08 Blender Review | Ice Crusher w/ Glass Jar, 6 Cup Dishwasher Safe http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-bccg08-blender-review-ice-crusher-w-glass-jar-6-cup-dishwasher-safe/ http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-bccg08-blender-review-ice-crusher-w-glass-jar-6-cup-dishwasher-safe/#comments Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:12:54 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12701 Oster BCCG08 Blender Review Although its price is hard to beat, the Oster BCCG08 is a blender I would only recommend as an "occasional use" purchase. You'll probably be able to find it for a steal of a deal -- then again, there's always a reason behind that.

What the BCCG08 does have going for it is a sharp stainless steel ice crushing blade complete with a separate ice crusher setting on the base. Smoothies and frozen drinks are what a blender is often used for, so an ice crusher can be an invaluable feature. Another stand-out to me is the BPA-free glass jar, which is also dishwasher safe. Drinks just taste better out of a glass than in plastic, I've found.

The construction features "all metal drive" and has been tested and approved for thermal shock (i.e. able to withstand both hot and cold extreme temperatures). Speed choices are well varied; the slowest blending option really is slow, not just "kinda fast."

Here's where concerns start to pop up, though. The motor is only 450 watts, which is a safe mid-grade option, but I ideally like to look for blenders that are 500 watts or more. Any less than that, and the blender should only be used occasionally for short bursts of time to extend its life.

Another feature that bugs me is the base. It's narrow, short, and isn't very heavy. Needless to say, the thing wobbles whenever the blender is turned on, and it could be unsafe if left unattended.

Can't beat a cheap price, though. And if you've still got your heart set on a bargain, I recommend taking a peek at the Oster Beehive blender as well -- or, for a mid-priced option, the KitchenAid 5 Speed Blender. That's a blender you could safely use every day without a care in the world, since it's almost a full horsepower strong.

Find this Oster Blender:

Find this blender on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-bccg08-blender-review-ice-crusher-w-glass-jar-6-cup-dishwasher-safe/feed/ 0 Oster Stainless Steel 6 Slice Convection Toaster Oven & Broiler #6297 http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-toaster-convection-oven-stainless-steel-6-slice-6297/ http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-toaster-convection-oven-stainless-steel-6-slice-6297/#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:46:19 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8744 Oster Toaster Convection Oven The Oster 6297 Convection Toaster Oven offers a wide temperature range, thoughtful design, and timed cooking up to 60 minutes. Pick an oven recipe that fits its range and you'll get good results; for a countertop oven, it's very capable.

One of the nice perks of the Oster Toaster is the rounded back, allowing a nine-inch round pizza to fit the rack. Two rack positions are built in, and either can be removed to allow more cooking space or easy cleaning.

The thermostat allows the full range of cooking temperatures from 150 degrees to 450 degrees. You can warm food, bake cornbread, and toast bread or sandwiches without hassling over ways to make it work. A baking pan is provided, along with a broiler insert and a removable crumb tray.

Side handles allow safe repositioning of the oven while it's still hot, but that's something you should think about before beginning the cooking cycle. The sides of this oven get hot -- you need safe distances between all sides and anything combustible, and keep the power cord from touching the unit. It does get hot enough to melt insulation. The Stay-Cool handles should be safe to touch, but be careful of the door.

The cooking timer which runs the automatic shut-off is an older mechanical design and somewhat noisy, but it is dependable. Oster includes a limited one-year warranty on the 6297 Toaster.

For a traditional toaster with a larger-than-average capacity, see the DeLonghi Extra Long Toaster.

Find this Oster Convection Toaster Oven:

Find this toaster oven on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-toaster-convection-oven-stainless-steel-6-slice-6297/feed/ 1 Black Oster Beehive Blender | Ice Crusher Machine for Smoothies, Milkshakes & Cocktail Drinks http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-professional-blender-ice-crusher-black-beehive-bpst02-b/ http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-professional-blender-ice-crusher-black-beehive-bpst02-b/#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:28:34 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8586 Oster Professional Blender & IceThough they call this the Beehive bar blender, this isn't just for making mixed drinks. Anyone who enjoys crushed ice drinks, or crushed ice alone, will be overwhelmed with the production of this unit. It crushes like nobody's business, using super sharp blades and an all-metal drive powered by a one-half horsepower output to finish fast. As in: mere seconds. If it can do that to ice, frozen chunks of fruit don't stand a chance.

The signs of quality are everywhere: the glass jar, rubber feet for stability, the heavy duty cord. The blender does what it does while sitting still on the bar. You don't have to try to hold down a bucking bronco of a machine to get your smoothie fix. You also don't have to baby the thing for ten minutes to get your ingredients mixed.

One simple switch operates the blender, and you have to hold it down to keep it going. That is neither a problem nor a mistake. Your food or drink is ready in practically the time it takes to turn the unit on. You'll want to be right there, because it is done already. This is the most highly rated blender I've found -- for good reason.

Compare this with the KitchenAid 5-speed blender.

Find this Oster Professional Blender:

Find this blender on eBay:

No items matching your keywords were found.

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-professional-blender-ice-crusher-black-beehive-bpst02-b/feed/ 0 Oster Convection Toaster Oven | Retro Red 6 Slice 6295 http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-convection-toaster-oven-retro-red-6-slice-6295/ http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-convection-toaster-oven-retro-red-6-slice-6295/#comments Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:41 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8471 Oster Convection Toaster Oven The Oster Toaster oven is available in a fire-engine red color and features a convection cooking system and uncomplicated controls meant to provide versatility and space-saving convenience on the kitchen counter.

This model has a decidedly retro appearance with rotary dials, and an industrial-style metal casing with venting slots on the sides. Looks are a bit deceiving in this case, as the oven features a convection fan for faster and more even cooking. This comes in very handy when baking or roasting larger items such as chicken. Be careful, though, as the convection feature can dry out more delicate items like breads when reheating. You can use this to your advantage when dehydrating foods or making croutons for instance. You can actually make your own beef jerky in a toaster oven -- Google some recipes for more info. It's fun to do, and a real money saver.

This model has two oven racks and unfortunately only two rack positions: low and high. Making those six slices of toast is a challenge as they tend to brown unevenly depending on which heating element is closest. A middle rack position would have been an improvement here. The lower rack opens a bit with the door for retrieval of cooked foods, advertised rather boastfully by Oster as an "auto-advance rack". Yes, and if you drop your toast, it will fall "automatically" to to floor. Butter side down of course.

A simple wind-up timer controls cooking and sounds off when finished with a loud bell. This toaster oven rates slightly above average with the online community, with the biggest complaint centering around that uneven toasting limitation. The convection cooking is the most enjoyed feature of this model.

It also comes in stainless steel.

Find this Oster Convection Toaster Oven:

Find this Toaster Oven on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-convection-toaster-oven-retro-red-6-slice-6295/feed/ 0 Oster Fusion Blender | Electric Black BRLY07-Z00 600 Watt http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-fusion-blender-electric-black-brly07-z00-600-watt/ http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-fusion-blender-electric-black-brly07-z00-600-watt/#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:41:28 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3997 Oster Fusion Blender The Oster Fusion Blender harnesses six hundred watts for any blending or chopping jobs. An all metal drive system works the blades. The three speed manual controls and two pulse choices offer more precise options in addition to the one touch preprogrammed settings. The device has an auto shut off function and a reversing blade. The six cup glass jar is more accurately a pitcher, generously sized for larger batches. The parts are dishwasher safe and this item comes with a one year limited warranty.

Prepare frozen drinks or process food items with the Oster. The lid includes a rubber gasket for a secure seal and a chute for addition of ingredients during the blending process. The all metal drive system really caught my attention as many complaints about similar appliances involve the easy breakage that accompanies part plastic, part metal systems. The Fusion offers two appliances in one and can even finely crush ice. The blade is their special combination of an ice crusher blade with a food processor blade to yield a six point star blade. Even better, the reversing blade pulls in any bits which may have been missed for an incredibly thorough outcome. With the combination of the all metal drive and the six point blade, I'd definitely give this item a go.

Find this Oster Fusion Blender:

Find this blender on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-fusion-blender-electric-black-brly07-z00-600-watt/feed/ 0 Oster Electric Arepamaker | Bread Machine Family Size 6 Cup 4798 http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-electric-arepamaker-bread-machine-family-size-6-cup-4798/ http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-electric-arepamaker-bread-machine-family-size-6-cup-4798/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:14:51 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3992 Oster Electric Arepamaker Bake up to six arepas in one batch with the Oster Family Size Arepamaker. The extra large cavities are nonstick for a flawless release and ease in cleaning. The unit is 1400 watts and is equipped with a temperature control dial which allows you to choose light or dark results. A ready light, locking handle, and skid resistant feet are included. The unit can stand upright to save space and the cord wraps for storage. The appliance comes with a one year limited warranty and is made in China.

An arepa is an unleavened cornmeal patty. Its appearance and consistency vary depending on the region of origin. It may be stuffed (often with egg and cheese or sweet cheese) or eaten alone. The patty is grilled, baked or fried. Chefs can choose to process the corn themselves or buy arepa flour. It's a fun new take on cornbread, with attributes unlike North American versions. These South American treats can also be made like biscuits. Arepas are a great way to expose yourself or your family to a new food that isn't too spicy or too far from what they're used to eating.

Some people get creative with the items they cook in their arepamaker. Even if all you make are the corn cakes themselves, you'll get consistent, lovely results each time, prepared in a manner healthier than frying.

Find this Oster Electric Arepamaker:

Find this arepa maker on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-electric-arepamaker-bread-machine-family-size-6-cup-4798/feed/ 0 Oster Milkshake Drink Mixer | Beverage Blender Chrome 100 Watt 6627 http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-milkshake-drink-mixer-beverage-blender-chrome-100-watt-6627/ http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-milkshake-drink-mixer-beverage-blender-chrome-100-watt-6627/#comments Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:18:11 +0000 Lora http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3689 Oster Milkshake Drink Mixer Oh, for the love of a really good milkshake. By really good I mean thick and chunky. And by chunky I mean Mint Chocolate Chip, Cookies and Cream, Coffee with chocolate covered espresso beans-- Oh my.

Oster's 6627 Drink Mixer is a solid milkshake-making machine. Its die cast chrome construction offers and solid and stable base. Equipped with aeration discs, this commercially designed Drink Mixer will combine ingredients in seconds.

The mixer comes with a 28-oz stainless steel cup which you can directly blend your milkshake or smoothie in. The stainless steel keeps your drink icy cold. (Who wants a watery milkshake, right?) And a safety device prevents the mixer from running without the stainless cup in place (which could be a problem if you lose the cup).

Of course, you could have all this (except the stainless steel cup which you would have to buy separately) with an Immersion Blender. And an Immersion Blender can be used to mix anything from grinding flax seed to creaming soups. You can also use an Immersion Blender directly in your drinking cup, soup pot, or the cup that it usually comes with.

So, if you're looking for versatility, look for an Immersion Blender. If you want a good milkshake and a machine that will not only make it but give you the feel of an old soda fountain, then look for an Oster 6627 Milkshake Drink Mixer. It's that simple.

Find this Oster Milkshake Drink Mixer :

Find this blender on eBay:

Vintage Oster Milk Shake mixer and cup Vintage Oster Milk Shake mixer and cup
US $59.99   0 Bid Paypal
Auction Ends: 4d 15h 12m
Make it yours...
]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-milkshake-drink-mixer-beverage-blender-chrome-100-watt-6627/feed/ 0 Oster Professional Series Blender | Glass Beehive Black BPST02-B http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-professional-series-blender-glass-beehive-black-bpst02-b/ http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-professional-series-blender-glass-beehive-black-bpst02-b/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:21:41 +0000 Cheyenne http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3477 Oster Professional Series Blender This beehive-style blender is a classic. It has style, it has horsepower. It's cool like an old classic car is cool.

It has two speeds: fast and faster. It crushes ice and pulverizes the frozen fruit in my smoothies. It's not a quiet machine, but who cares when it looks that good and bends that well.

The base is sturdy and the motor is heavy-duty metal. It has a tough cord. The glass is even tough. It resists scratches and wouldn't break even if I threw it against the wall. It has rubber feet on the bottom so it won't move around on your counter or get slippery when wet.

It looks great anywhere. On your bar, in your kitchen. It is proof that simple is beautiful.

I was torn between two blenders when I was shopping-this one and Oster's 12-speed blender. I decided to trade in the multiple speeds for the funky beehive look of this one. And I'm happy I did. I can't make delicate sauces with this blender. But I can make great smoothies and drinks and puree soups. This is a great blender at a great price.

Find this Oster Professional Series Blender:

Find this blender on eBay:

Osterizer Professional Blender Osterizer Professional Blender
US $80.00   Paypal
Auction Ends: 1d 17h 5m
Make it yours...
]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-professional-series-blender-glass-beehive-black-bpst02-b/feed/ 1 Oster Classic Beehive Blender | Kitchen Glass Stainless Chrome 4093 http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-classic-beehive-blender-kitchen-glass-stainless-chrome-4093/ http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-classic-beehive-blender-kitchen-glass-stainless-chrome-4093/#comments Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:52:37 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-classic-beehive-blender-kitchen-glass-stainless-chrome-4093/ Oster Classic Beehive Blender For me a blender is judged by three criteria: power, simplicity and ease of cleaning. This model from Oster does pretty well on all three counts. This is a reproduction of a very popular blender style from long ago, no doubt to capitalize on the retro popularity of the look. It doesn't hurt that it's a darn good blender as well. Oster has been in the game since their "Osterizer" blender set the standard back in the day.

The Beehive has a 500 watt motor and metal components where necessary for holding up to heavy jobs like crushing ice. The glass pitcher won't stain or become scratched under normal use. Keep in mind that while the pitcher itself is dishwasher safe, the plastic lid and components must be hand washed. The controls are simple as can be, one steel toggle switch with two speeds- low and high. The low speed can be operated for a quick pulse or left on for longer blending needs.

The base is substantial in weight and has rubber feet to keep it from moving about on the countertop. The chrome finish is very attractive and easy to wipe down. As with any polished chrome appliance, dirt and fingerprints show up readily, so extra care is needed to keep this looking sharp. The big switch is actually going to be the most challenging to clean around; this is where waterproof touchpad controls rule. But of course that wouldn't be in keeping with the cool retro styling of this popular model.

Find this Oster Classic Beehive Blender:

Find this beehive blender on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-classic-beehive-blender-kitchen-glass-stainless-chrome-4093/feed/ 0 Oster ExpressBake Bread Machine | Kitchen Breadmaker Review 5838 http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-expressbake-bread-machine-kitchen-breadmaker-review-5838/ http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-expressbake-bread-machine-kitchen-breadmaker-review-5838/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:12:21 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-expressbake-bread-machine-kitchen-breadmaker-review-5838/ Oster ExpressBake Bread Machine Everyone loves fresh baked bread, but what a chore it is--from mixing to cleanup home baked bread can be an all day job. The Oster ExpressBake turns that job into a simple process of adding ingredients and setting a three step program. In one hour you'll be greeted with your first loaf of fresh hot bread. With fifty included recipes, eighteen settings and three crust color selections you'll never grow tired of the fruits of this labor.

The Oster 5838 makes 1 lb loaves, 1.5 lbs and a hefty 2 pounder big enough for a family. A thirteen hour delay feature lets you start bread at night or before you leave for work, so the bread is ready when you are ready to eat. A sixty minute keep warm cycle ensures you have plenty of opportunity for that fresh baked flavor.

When it built the Oster ExpressBake, the company's goal was a perfect loaf every time. Does the 5838 actually deliver what Oster promises? In many cases, yes. Customers do complain of a learning curve even for those with bread machine experience. The mixing paddle tears up the bottom crust when the loaf is removed from the pan. And yes, you'll still have to walk softly when the bread is rising, otherwise you'll have the all too familiar fallen plank bread instead of perfection.

Mechanically, customer reports show that when it works properly and the owners cooperate everything is good. The few machines that are faulty won't do anything right--usually the electronic control system is the problem. Customer service has been haphazard when units do fail. Deal with returns or warranty issues quickly if results don't meet your expectations. If you don't get good bread after trying a few times (not a hundred) then something is wrong.

Here's another programmable breadmaker from Sunbeam.

Find this Oster ExpressBake Bread Machine:

Find this bread machine on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-expressbake-bread-machine-kitchen-breadmaker-review-5838/feed/ 1