The Cooks' Den » Large Appliances 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 U-Line Beverage Cooler Refrigerator Center | Mini Fridge Wine Chiller 1175BEVS 1000 Series http://www.thecooksden.com/u-line-beverage-cooler-refrigerator-center-mini-fridge-wine-chiller-1175bevs-1000-series/ http://www.thecooksden.com/u-line-beverage-cooler-refrigerator-center-mini-fridge-wine-chiller-1175bevs-1000-series/#comments Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:14:02 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12051 U-Line Beverage Cooler RefrigeratorThis refrigeration unit from U-Line is more of a beverage cooler than a standard mini-fridge. While it can be used to store food items as well, the clear glass door and adjustable shelving inside are best suited for storing various kinds of drinks. Juice, beer, wine, soda, and water bottles all fit well inside this 1175BEVS model.

The U-Line 1175BEVS is part of the 1000 Series. It comes with two wine racks trimmed in beechwood that slide out from the fridge whenever they're needed, and the beechwood can be stained any color to match the interior design of the kitchen or minibar. Tempered glass shelving can be adjusted to fit beverage sizes. If using as a dedicated wine chiller, the digital thermostat will come in handy as well.

Here's a couple of technical specs: The 1175BEVS include a 5.6-cubic-foot capacity -- that's approximately 16 wine bottles, or 63 cans. And at 34 inches high, it's small enough for under-counter use. The unit can either be built in or freestanding; it looks fine both ways.

When ordering, make sure to first decide on a preferable door option. The 1175BEVS can be ordered with a field-reversible door or a locking door. Field reversible means that the door can be adjusted to swing out on the right or left side. Locking doors must be made to order in advance, and there may be up to a $60 MSRP increase for choosing this option.

Since the 1175BEVS is quite an investment, it would be nice if the manufacturer's warranty was more than one year -- and it's a limited warranty at that. Fortunately, most owners don't seem to have problems with this unit. It only comes in stainless steel trim, but there are other U-Line compact refrigerator models that come in white or black as well, like the CO1175.

Find this U-Line Beverage Center:

Find this cooler on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/u-line-beverage-cooler-refrigerator-center-mini-fridge-wine-chiller-1175bevs-1000-series/feed/ 0 U-Line Under Counter Refrigerator 1115RS-01 15 Inch | Compact Mini Fridge, Stainless Steel Origins w/ Digital Control http://www.thecooksden.com/u-line-under-counter-refrigerator-1115rs-01-15-inch-compact-mini-fridge-stainless-steel-origins-w-digital-control/ http://www.thecooksden.com/u-line-under-counter-refrigerator-1115rs-01-15-inch-compact-mini-fridge-stainless-steel-origins-w-digital-control/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:53:46 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12042 U-Line Under Counter RefrigeratorThis compact refrigerator from U-Line is one of few models available in its particular size. The 1115RS comes from the Origins series with a capacity of 3.3 cubic feet, and it measures 14-15/16 inches wide by 34 inches high.

Since this mini-fridge comes from U-Line, it has quite a long-standing reputation to live up to. U-Line has been in the refrigeration business for over 40 years, always trying to step it up a notch when it comes to customization and luxury. Both of those expectations are met in the U-Line 1115RS.

Inside, the tempered glass shelves and in-door storage can be adjusted to fit the owner's preferences. The unit has an automatic defrost setting as well as a digital temperature control. It can be ordered to swing out from either the left or right side, and the exterior leveling legs can be adjusted as well (up to one inch). The 1115RS is also an Energy Star appliance -- good news for the electric bill.

While its price may be a bit steep for some, the 1115RS proves to be a worthwhile investment. It is designed for both built-in and freestanding use and comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

If the 1115RS is a bit too high, check out the U-Line CO1175 -- it even comes with its own ice machine.

Find this U-Line Under Counter Refrigerator:

Find this Refrigerator on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/u-line-under-counter-refrigerator-1115rs-01-15-inch-compact-mini-fridge-stainless-steel-origins-w-digital-control/feed/ 0 Compact Refrigerator & Ice Maker by ULine CO1175 | Under Counter Origins Brushed Stainless Steel S-01 http://www.thecooksden.com/u-line-refrigerator-ice-maker-compact-co1175-under-counter-origins-brushed-stainless-steel-s-01/ http://www.thecooksden.com/u-line-refrigerator-ice-maker-compact-co1175-under-counter-origins-brushed-stainless-steel-s-01/#comments Sat, 12 Mar 2011 19:15:05 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12029 U-Line Refrigerator & Ice Maker,The U-Line Corporation has been in the refrigeration business for over 40 years, creating refrigerators that at first glance seem to be a step up from typical household appliances. This means the U-Line Compact CO1175 Refrigerator not only has functional expectations to live up to, but it also has the weight of a well-known luxury brand name to uphold.

So, does it deliver? Let's take a look at the bare-bones functionality:

The U-Line CO1175 is a 24-inch compact refrigerator and freezer with 4.2 cubic feet of fridge space. But the ice-making capacity is where the CO1175 stands out. It boasts a 13-lb. ice storage capacity with a 18-lb. daily ice production capacity. At 18 pounds a day, this compact contraption is well-suited for the office, dorm, or minibar. This model comes in brushed stainless steel, white, and black exteriors and is part of the Origins Series.

U-Line also advertises a vast number of patents and "industry firsts," one of which is their frost-free technology that wards off freezer burn and keeps food well-preserved. The ice maker is built on the top, too, versus other fridge/icemaker combo models that build this feature into the bottom of the unit.

All in all, the refrigerator's functionality is intact, with very few complaints from its users. The only drawback to this U-Line combo appliance may be the price. There are certainly less expensive compact refrigerators to choose from, and the CO1175 may be a bit overkill if you're shopping for functionality alone. But if you're looking for a combo fridge with high potential for your entertaining needs, the ice machine's storage capacity and output may just be the icing on the cake.

Here's an upright refrigerator to consider if you have a bit more room to spare but still need some space-saving technology.

Find this U-Line Compact Refrigerator:

Find this Refrigerator on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/u-line-refrigerator-ice-maker-compact-co1175-under-counter-origins-brushed-stainless-steel-s-01/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 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.

Find this Frigidaire Upright Freestanding Freezer :

Find this freezer on eBay:

Frigidaire Upright Freezer Door Bin Frigidaire Upright Freezer Door Bin
US $20.00   Paypal
Auction Ends: 29d 15h 46m
Make it yours...
Frigidaire Up Right Freezer Wire Baskets with Glider Frigidaire Up Right Freezer Wire Baskets with Glider
US $20.00   Paypal
Auction Ends: 15d 15h 48m
Make it yours...
Sears Frigidaire Upright Freezer 205 cubic ft Frostfree white Sears Frigidaire Upright Freezer 205 cubic ft Frostfree white
US $130.00   0 Bid Paypal
Auction Ends: 5d 14h 18m
Make it yours...
]]> 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.

Find this Fisher & Paykel Cooktop:

Find this cooktop on eBay:

No items matching your keywords were found.

]]> 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.

Find this DCS Gas Cooktop:

Find this cooktop on eBay:

]]> 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.

Find this Viking Dual Fuel Range:

Find this range on eBay:

]]> 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.

Find this Wine Enthusiast Refrigerator:

Find this wine cooler on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/wine-enthusiast-freestanding-refrigerator-cooler-silent-eco-friendly-18-bottle/feed/ 1