The Cooks' Den » Food & Beverage Storage 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 Keurig K-Cup Carousel Tower for 30 Review | Best Single Cup Coffee Holder Organizer 5071 http://www.thecooksden.com/keurig-k-cup-carousel-tower-for-30-review-best-single-cup-coffee-holder-organizer-5071/ http://www.thecooksden.com/keurig-k-cup-carousel-tower-for-30-review-best-single-cup-coffee-holder-organizer-5071/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:57:21 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12802 Keurig K-Cup Carousel Tower for 30Keurig coffee makers are best known for those little K-Cups, single-sized beverage servings in a wide variety of flavors. Due to the popularity of these appliances, you don't have to shop Keurig exclusively to find coffee flavors you like. Companies like Celestial Seasonings, Green Mountain Coffee, and even Wolfgang Puck have their own flavors to contribute. That's just a select few off the top of my head; there are literally hundreds to choose from.

Keeping all those flavors handy and accessible can be frustrating. If they're stored in the pantry, it's hard to see and remember all the options for drinks that you could make each morning. That's why one of the best-selling coffee companion products out there is this Keurig K-Cup Carousel Tower.

There are a few options for K-Cup holders on the market. Competitors to the Keurig Carousel Tower are usually made from cheap, wobbly wire and have a larger surface area. That's why this one takes the cake. It's built from sturdy materials and stands tall on a Lazy Susan rotating base that moves smoothly. The tower holds 30 K-Cups, just enough to show off a wide variety and leave spaces for flavors you're out of -- a helpful shopping list reminder. Sorry, the coffee's not included with the tower, though. But that's great, actually, because now you get to pick out your own custom flavors.

Space-saving and easy to use, the Keurig K-Cup Carousel Tower is ideal for most settings, whether for home, office, or industry. It's inexpensive enough to have in a home kitchen and professional-looking enough to set out by the hotel's breakfast buffet.

Also see the Keurig coffee makers that inspired the trend.

Find this Keurig K-Cup Carousel Tower:

Find this holder on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/keurig-k-cup-carousel-tower-for-30-review-best-single-cup-coffee-holder-organizer-5071/feed/ 0 Pyrex Storage Plus Glass Container Set of 20 Review | Nested w/ Blue BPA Free Lids http://www.thecooksden.com/pyrex-storage-plus-glass-container-set-of-20-review-nested-w-blue-bpa-free-lids/ http://www.thecooksden.com/pyrex-storage-plus-glass-container-set-of-20-review-nested-w-blue-bpa-free-lids/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:25:49 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12798 Pyrex Storage Plus Glass Container SetIn an effort to save cash, I've been know to minimize waste. I will reuse scraps of note paper until they're covered in ink, print coupons on the backs of old documents, and hold on to the sour cream & Cool Whip containers I've accumulated over the years. (Free Tupperware, right?)

Thing is, those cheap plastic storage containers don't last all that long. The super-lightweight lids fly off the top dishwasher rack and end up partially melted on the bottom. And for some reason, leftovers just don't taste as good when they're stored in plastic cups. That's why I was super excited to upgrade my food storage collection to a covered glass Pyrex set. I jumped on these when they went on sale.

This Pyrex Storage Plus 20-piece set has seven bowls and three casserole dishes. Each comes with its own fitted BPA-free lid. The pieces are safe for use in the dishwasher, fridge, and freezer.

As enthusiastic as I was to receive this set, my hopes were momentarily dashed when I began to check for defects and discovered that I couldn't get the friggin' lids on any of the containers. Not one. The lids are made to be extremely tight fitting -- key word there being "fitting," I thought, as I sat there trying to shove each stiff lid in place to no avail. But I wasn't ready to give up just yet.

I ended up solving the lid problem by bending them as close to in half as I could, back and forth in both concave and convex directions. This loosened up the stiffness of the lip edge, and after a while, I got the first lid to fit a container. Success! After that, I only had to loosen the lids a few more times before they started fitting on their own.

This set has been in my possession for over 6 months now, and I have no complaints. The lids are easy to get on now, very tight fitting and still holding their shape, and the glassware hasn't become stained or chipped. I'd highly recommend this set to anyone prepared to break in the lids at first. They're like a new pair of jeans or leather shoes -- a bit uncomfortable at first, but very easy once they have a chance to soften up.

If you love the idea of this set and want some accompanying bakeware to go with it, I'd go with the Pyrex Bakeware Dish Storage Set instead.

Find this Pyrex Container Set:

Find this glass container set on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/pyrex-storage-plus-glass-container-set-of-20-review-nested-w-blue-bpa-free-lids/feed/ 0 Toastess Delfino Electric Kettle Review | Cordless Water Boiler & Heater, Stainless Steel DLJK459 http://www.thecooksden.com/toastess-delfino-electric-kettle-review-cordless-water-boiler-heater-stainless-steel-dljk459/ http://www.thecooksden.com/toastess-delfino-electric-kettle-review-cordless-water-boiler-heater-stainless-steel-dljk459/#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:14:00 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12745 Toastess Delfino Electric Kettle Review There are a lot of advantages to choosing an electric water boiler over a traditional stovetop kettle. With today's technology, you can find a product that's "faster than a microwave and safer than a stovetop" -- as is the claim of the popular Toastess Delfino Electric Kettle. After seeing all that this stainless steel pot is capable of, I'd have to agree with that claim. And then some.

The Toastess Delfino is able to get water boiling in well under half the time it takes to boil water on a stovetop (on average, 1 liter boils in 2-1/2 minutes). Yep, that's faster than the typical microwave speed, too. This pot can hold up to 7.6 cups of water. To see how much is inside the stainless steel kettle, a clear plastic window panel is located beneath the handle. Sure, it's in a tricky position and can be hard to see at first, but when the kettle is turned on, the panel lights up so it's easier to get a good look inside.

There are a lot of safety features packed into this kettle, more so than I expected. It has three separate automatic safety shut-off sensors. The first activates when the water inside has reached a boiling temperature, the second kicks in if there isn't any water left inside, and the third will turn off the heat once the pot is removed from the base.

It might seem like such a simple part of the product, but a lot of thought went into the base's design as well. The kettle is fully removable from the base and stays hot wherever it needs to go. When the water needs reheating, the pot fits back on the base in a full 360-degree rotation, so no hassles trying to get it placed at the right angle. The cord also wraps around neatly for when the kettle goes in storage -- if that ever were to happen, of course.

A quick water boiling system lets cooks think outside the box. This kettle doesn't have to be solely for drinks. Boil water for pasta in under half the time or sanitize glassware (feasible due to the kettle's wide-mouth lid).

OK, so at this point, I'm thinking this Toastess Delfino is too good to be true. And as expected, nothing's perfect. The one major drawback I can see is in the kettle's construction. A stainless steel pot would attract a lot of health-conscious, eco-friendly consumers. But the plastic window panel nullifies any hopes that the pot will produce 100% BPA-free hot water.

Wish the pot didn't have that plastic window. But that's just my own preference. In every other way, the Toastess Delfino shines. To clean, wash by hand with a soft sponge. Another tip: using filtered water inside (for both drinking and cleaning) will extend life between washings.

Find this Toastess Delfino Kettle:

Find this kettle on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/toastess-delfino-electric-kettle-review-cordless-water-boiler-heater-stainless-steel-dljk459/feed/ 0 Nissan Stainless Steel Thermos | Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug Cup Large 34 oz. http://www.thecooksden.com/nissan-stainless-steel-thermos-vacuum-insulated-travel-mug-cup-large-34-oz/ http://www.thecooksden.com/nissan-stainless-steel-thermos-vacuum-insulated-travel-mug-cup-large-34-oz/#comments Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:45:34 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12736 Nissan Stainless Steel Thermos A couple weeks ago, I bought a stainless steel water bottle for a friend. She was always complaining of the "plasticky" taste after her drinks were left inside for hours -- not to mention they'd be piping hot after sitting in the car.

I had some cash to spare and I bought her an early Christmas present. Though, if I'd taken the time to look around, and not just spent that cash for the first thing I saw, I could have gotten something bigger and better -- like this Nissan Stainless Steel Thermos.

What I like about this sleek beverage holder is that it's made from stainless steel and is not just insulated but vacuum-sealed as well. Cold drinks actually stay cold. Hot coffee doesn't go lukewarm by the time you've arrived at the office.

The thermos holds 34 ounces worth of liquid -- that's enough to feed a family of 4. The lid twists off easily and screws back on to lock in that vacuum seal. It's touted as a "briefcase bottle," so it's tall enough to fit in most executive carry cases without getting knocked over.

One drawback I see is that it's not dishwasher safe. This thermos must be washed by hand, but that's pretty easy to do. Just fill it with hot, soapy water and shake it around like you're mixing a June Bug or Cosmopolitan Citron.

Lately, I've been seeing some great deals online for these Nissan thermoses, so if you're in the market, definitely keep these in mind.

Need something to hold your coffee that stays at home instead? Try the stainless steel Bodum Columbia Thermal French Press Pot.

Find this Nissan Stainless Steel Thermos:

Find this thermos on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/nissan-stainless-steel-thermos-vacuum-insulated-travel-mug-cup-large-34-oz/feed/ 0 EasyLunchboxes Plastic Food Storage Containers, BPA Free | Compartments & Lids, Set of 4 w/ Separate Cooler http://www.thecooksden.com/easylunchboxes-plastic-food-storage-containers-bpa-free-compartments-lids-set-of-4-w-separate-cooler/ http://www.thecooksden.com/easylunchboxes-plastic-food-storage-containers-bpa-free-compartments-lids-set-of-4-w-separate-cooler/#comments Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:00:22 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12727 EasyLunchboxes Plastic Food StorageSchool's back in session for the fall, and these EasyLunchboxes storage containers have been a really popular search item lately. Why? What sets these apart from every other food storage set on the market? As driven by curiosity as I am, I had to find out the answer.

One really unique thing about this set of 4 containers is that all the pieces are BPA-free. Essentially, this means that the chemical bisephenol A, a controversial substance that can seep into stored foods, is not a part of the finished product. The pieces have been FDA tested and approved to contain no BPA as well as unwanted PVC or phthalates (chemicals that mimic hormones). Both container and lid are safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave. So far, so good, right?

Here's where I'm skeptical about how well this set works for the masses, though: the lids aren't air-tight. It's great to "go green," but what about food safety? According to the manufacturers, this set was built with loose-fitting lids on purpose. They wanted to create an eco-friendly food storage set that kids or those with special health needs could open easily. Dunno 'bout you, but I've yet to meet a young child that required the use of an easy-open lid and also possessed the ability to never, ever spill their food. But there's more...

Another important consideration is that these containers work best when carried inside the specially-made EasyLunchboxes Insulated Cooler. The cooler is also BPA free and comes in several custom colors. It's a cross between a standard American lunch bag and a Japanese bento box, since up to 3 storage containers can stack vertically. The cooler can also be used for drinks and ice -- and since it's made of super-strong 300 denier polyester, it'll hold up to the task.

Now that I've satisfied my curiosity and learned more about these lunch containers, granted, I am still a bit leery of those easy-open lids. However, I can see the containers being put to great use in hospitals, retirement communities, and classrooms. The special lid serves a special purpose and fits an unmet need in the world of short-term food storage. And in situations where spills need to be avoided, the boxes can fit snugly inside their companion cooler (sold separately, link below).

For a stackable lunch kit with tighter-fitting lids and amazing insulation capability, take a look at this Zojirushi bento box set instead.

Find this Lunch Storage Container Set:

Find this set on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/easylunchboxes-plastic-food-storage-containers-bpa-free-compartments-lids-set-of-4-w-separate-cooler/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 Tupperware Beverage Dispenser for Refrigerator Storage | Plastic, Apricot Orange, 9 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/tupperware-beverage-dispenser-for-refrigerator-storage-plastic-apricot-orange-9-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/tupperware-beverage-dispenser-for-refrigerator-storage-plastic-apricot-orange-9-quart/#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:47:56 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9045 Tupperware Beverage Dispenser forThe nine-quart capacity of this Tupperware Beverage Dispenser provides refrigerated cold drinks for everyone in the family and doubles as a convenient and sanitary picnic item. The Beverage Dispenser occupies roughly the same shelf space as two gallons of milk.

Tupperware's design allows even small hands access to more than two gallons of liquid, so expect a few cleanups if small children live in the house. Situated on a top shelf in the fridge, the dispenser could be just within reach for a child too short to use it well. The spigot lever snaps back to stop the flow but isn't automatic. Construction is solid and leakproof, but don't put a lot of stress on the spout.

The entire top of the container lifts off for easy mixing of juices and package drinks and snaps securely into place when mixing's done. Loosen the vent cap in the corner for faster pouring. If you're taking the dispenser on a picnic, the sturdy handles on each end help carry the load safely.

Tupperware's Beverage Dispenser can be a real money-saver as well as a convenience, allowing family use of powdered sports drinks, frozen juices, and of course even Kool-Aid. Savings on bottled drinks could quickly pay off the initial cost, and it's a good way to push the household towards healthier beverage choices. The entire dispenser is dishwasher safe, but does take up a lot of space in the machine.

Find this Tupperware Beverage Dispenser :

Find this dispenser on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/tupperware-beverage-dispenser-for-refrigerator-storage-plastic-apricot-orange-9-quart/feed/ 0 Vinotemp 32 Bottle Beverage Cooler | Built In Stainless Steel Wine Chiller VT-32 http://www.thecooksden.com/vinotemp-32-bottle-beverage-cooler-built-in-stainless-steel-wine-chiller-vt-32/ http://www.thecooksden.com/vinotemp-32-bottle-beverage-cooler-built-in-stainless-steel-wine-chiller-vt-32/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:26:18 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8937 Vinotemp 32 Bottle Beverage Cooler If you use or store more than a few bottles of wine per week or you are beginning to be able to detect the subtle differences that emerge with greater knowledge, you need a special place to store your selections.

When you have a dedicated wine chiller, it is possible to maintain a more stable temperature because the door isn't being constantly opened and closed. Another excellent reason to give your wine its own storage center: there won't be any unwanted flavors imparted to the wine or mold from produce or cheese to spoil the cork.

Designed with an allowed temperature fluctuation of five degrees to prevent excess cycling, the chiller offers a digital readout. The unit can be built in, unlike some stand-alone models which require additional venting space. At just fifteen inches wide, it is actually a popular replacement for the space once occupied by trash compactor appliances.

Vinotemp carries a wide range of products for the wine enthusiast, from drip rings to electronic wine cellar management systems to wine inspired decor for the home. The chiller can be used to accommodate other beverages either alongside or instead of wine, if your supply should happen to run low or tastes change.

Also see this wine cooler by Cuisinart in stainless steel.

Find this Vinotemp Wine Chiller:

Find this wine cooler on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/vinotemp-32-bottle-beverage-cooler-built-in-stainless-steel-wine-chiller-vt-32/feed/ 0 Excalibur Food Dehydrator | Jerky Trail Mix Maker 9 Tray ED2900 http://www.thecooksden.com/excalibur-food-dehydrator-jerky-trail-mix-maker-9-tray-ed2900/ http://www.thecooksden.com/excalibur-food-dehydrator-jerky-trail-mix-maker-9-tray-ed2900/#comments Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:06:29 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8624 Excalibur Food Dehydrator The season is coming...The garden will soon overwhelm us with its bounty. If not the garden, then the farmer's market or the bargain veggies at the grocer's. The economy may be on its way back up, but we've all learned a lesson about saving where you can because you never know what's around the next corner. Dehydration preserves certain qualities of food lost in other methods. You'll get more of the nutritional value from food processed this way than with canned. The cabinet is made to block light, keeping even more vitamins in the food.

I don't like every type of dehydrated food, but even if I only saved my favorites or enough to prepare some snacks, stock, soup, dried meals, the unit would serve me well. This machine has a twenty-six-hour timer, so you can set up the trays and leave it to do all the work. Excalibur provides an amazing store of information, including free instructional videos to help you get started. They demonstrate methods of use with which even I wasn't familiar.

I plan to make my own trail food, which is ex-pen-sive-o when bought pre-packaged. I have special dietary requirements that make finding a mix I can use difficult. This method saves me a lot of time and money. I get exactly what I want (and like). That applies to any food you make on your own; you control the contents. You are not likely to add extra preservatives and sugar unless you want them, unlike a manufacturer.

Also see the Nesco American Harvest dehydrator.

Find this Excalibur Dehydrator :

Find this dehydrator on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/excalibur-food-dehydrator-jerky-trail-mix-maker-9-tray-ed2900/feed/ 1 Sanyo Upright Chest Freezer | White 5 Cubic Foot HF-5017 http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-upright-chest-freezer-white-5-cubic-foot-hf-5017/ http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-upright-chest-freezer-white-5-cubic-foot-hf-5017/#comments Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:56:44 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8618 Sanyo Upright Chest Freezer When I was growing up, we had a food budget. Each month, my mother would sit down at the table with her pen and paper and figure out her bill money. She would then create a grocery list, two weeks at a time, and we would go shopping. We had some snacks and treats, but we understood that if we ate them all right away, there would be no more until the next time we shopped.

When we got a small chest freezer, that really helped her expand on the power of her budget. If she found a great deal on meat, she could buy a little extra for later. If my father killed a deer or she heard about a farmer with a side of beef, she was ready to handle it. The Sanyo freezer has a drip tray for meat, and the upright design means you don't have to bend to retrieve your items. The door offers additional storage, and the interior has two fast freeze shelf options.

Time has passed, but Mom still keeps a chest freezer. Every holiday at her house, you can expect to see the plastic gallon milk jugs come out. She saves them, fills them with water, and makes large batches of ice that way. It helps the freezer function, plus she never buys ice for her cooler or homemade ice cream machine.

This model might be too tall for your storage space. In that case, check out the Frigidaire Chest Freezer.

Find this Sanyo Freezer:

Find this freezer on eBay:

Sanyo Hf5017 Freezer 5cf 2shelve Man Dfst Sanyo Hf5017 Freezer 5cf 2shelve Man Dfst
US $534.25   Paypal
Auction Ends: 27d 10h 55m
Make it yours...
Sanyo Counter Height 36 cu ft Refrigerator Freezer Black SNFSR3620K Sanyo Counter Height 36 cu ft Refrigerator Freezer Black SNFSR3620K
US $358.49   Paypal
Auction Ends: 25d 19h
Make it yours...
Sanyo Medical Freezer Sanyo Medical Freezer
US $1,800.00   Paypal
Auction Ends: 25d 16h 38m
Make it yours...
]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-upright-chest-freezer-white-5-cubic-foot-hf-5017/feed/ 0