The Cooks' Den » Utensil Organization 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 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.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/typhoon-adjustable-hanging-pot-rack-natural-wood-cast-aluminum-36-inch/feed/ 0 Le Creuset Spatula Set w/ Crock | Red Silicone Ceramic 7 Piece http://www.thecooksden.com/le-creuset-spatula-set-w-crock-red-silicone-ceramic-7-piece/ http://www.thecooksden.com/le-creuset-spatula-set-w-crock-red-silicone-ceramic-7-piece/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:17:27 +0000 Lora http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8261 Le Creuset Spatula Set w/ Crock Le Creuset is a reputable company. They've been making high-quality, functional, beautiful, cookware for a long time. If you have the money, and can buy their pots, pans, dutch ovens, etc., it would be a worthy investment.

But while their cookware is of significantly better quality than its Target counterparts (and such differences will impact one's cooking), I am not so sure the same is true for such basic kitchen items as spatulas and slotted spoons.

The set, which includes a mini, small, and medium-sized spatula, a large spoon, a jumbo slotted spoon, and a silicone basting brush, meets Le Creuset's high standards. The crock is very attractive. The silicone heads are removable for easy cleaning. Silicone resists high heat, and it won't scratch your cookware, making it very useful in the kitchen.

But Le Creuset isn't the only company manufacturing silicone cooking utensils. Many companies are using silicone now. Of course, Le Creuset's Spatula Set and Crock are made in the USA. This is a definite bonus, but it still doesn't explain the hefty price tag.

What you're really paying for with this set is the "Le Creuset" name that is emblazoned on each individual item. (And, of course, the ceramic crock used to house the utensils, but it, too, screams "Le Creuset.")

Personally, I am not such a big fan of providing free advertising for companies that charge me an extraordinary amount for their products, no matter what their quality may be. I don't sport the swoosh. You'll find no C's or K's on my jeans. I go out of my way not to be a walking advertisement for anybody. Why should my kitchen be any different?

Compare with this hanging utensil set by KitchenAid.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/le-creuset-spatula-set-w-crock-red-silicone-ceramic-7-piece/feed/ 0 Wilton Cake Decorator Ultimate Tool Caddy http://www.thecooksden.com/wilton-cake-decorator-ultimate-tool-caddy/ http://www.thecooksden.com/wilton-cake-decorator-ultimate-tool-caddy/#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:30:43 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4843 Wilton Cake Decorator Ultimate ToolWith storage for every tool and accessory you'll need for decorating cakes and pastries, this Ultimate Tool Caddy from Wilton is certainly useful--but materials are somewhat disappointing, and cleaning can be a huge task.

Three levels, removable compartments, and a total of 36 pegs for decorating tips give you adequate options for organizing access to your most needed tools. A multitude of slots, compartments, and customizable drawers give you plenty of room for supplies, arranged as you want them, but the lightweight construction and sheet plastic hinges are not designed to last. Distortion is inevitable, with latches that won't quite close and hinges that develop fatigue breaks.

Cleaning is also a concern, since this type of plastic build tends to trap moisture. Don't put away tools unless they are thoroughly dry. If a thorough cleaning is due, everything will have to be taken out, and every recess of this complex storage system will have to be cleaned and dried by hand.

For a craft as complex as cake decoration it's hard to imagine a storage system that's perfect. This caddy is a practical solution, but not a permanent one. The best replacement could actually be another one just like it.

Here's another fun bakery set: the Kaiser Patisserie Cookie Press.

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Wilton 177p ULTIMATE DECORATING SET Cake Tip Tool Caddy Wilton 177p ULTIMATE DECORATING SET Cake Tip Tool Caddy
US $144.99   Paypal
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Wilton Tool Caddy Wilton Tool Caddy
US $19.50   0 Bid Paypal
Auction Ends: 3d 13h 22m
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Wilton ULTIMATE DECORATING SET Cake Cookie Tool Caddy Wilton ULTIMATE DECORATING SET Cake Cookie Tool Caddy
US $154.99   Paypal
Auction Ends: 6d 21h 33m
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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/wilton-cake-decorator-ultimate-tool-caddy/feed/ 0 Stacks and Stacks Spectrum Scroll Utensil Holder | Kitchen Black Rod Iron 44910 http://www.thecooksden.com/stacks-and-stacks-spectrum-scroll-utensil-holder-kitchen-black-rod-iron-44910/ http://www.thecooksden.com/stacks-and-stacks-spectrum-scroll-utensil-holder-kitchen-black-rod-iron-44910/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:22:37 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/stacks-and-stacks-spectrum-scroll-utensil-holder-kitchen-black-rod-iron-44910/ Stacks and Stacks Spectrum ScrollThe Stacks and Stacks Spectrum 44910 is a kitchen tool organizer created from scrolled metal. Black in color, with small round feet which keep the container out of contact with your countertop, the utensil holder has a ventilated bottom. Its dimensions are 6 7/8 inches high by 4 5/8 inches in diameter.

Stacks and Stacks has been part of the list of the top 300 Internet companies in the United States for the past 3 years. They have been offering products meant to help organize homes since 1984.

Customers loved the beauty and styling of this kitchen organizer. The black metal of the utensil holder matches almost any decor and the scroll pattern is a lovely accent, versatile enough to stand alongside other patterns without clashing.

Designed to hold utensils, the shape of the container (with its open sides) provides for a range of possible alternate uses. Insert a clear vase for a more decorative flower arrangement or centerpiece. Use the slots to organize mail. Fill the container with colorful seasonal fruits and let their contrast stand out against the black. Roomy enough to hold an entire collection of kitchen tools, this container should match any style or manufacture of utensils.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/stacks-and-stacks-spectrum-scroll-utensil-holder-kitchen-black-rod-iron-44910/feed/ 0 All-Clad Hanging Tool Rack | Kitchen Stainless Steel Utensil Organizer http://www.thecooksden.com/all-clad-hanging-tool-rack-kitchen-stainless-steel-utensil-organizer/ http://www.thecooksden.com/all-clad-hanging-tool-rack-kitchen-stainless-steel-utensil-organizer/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:31:18 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/all-clad-hanging-tool-rack-kitchen-stainless-steel-utensil-organizer/ All-Clad Hanging Tool Rack The All-Clad Hanging Tool Rack is made of 18/10 heavy stainless steel with a mirror finish polish. It consists of a 17 3/4 inch wall mounted rack for hanging kitchen tools with six detachable hooks included along with mounting hardware. All-Clad's cookware collection has inspired some incredibly useful and well made tools featuring the same materials and knowledge behind their remarkable pans. This is another example of their expansion into accessories and utensils. A lifetime warranty against defects is included.

Users truly enjoyed this item. Though the rack is intended for tools, many customers use it to hang pans (with a solid wall attachment). The hooks are made to stay in place after the rack is installed. No worries about fishing your hooks out from behind the stove! A highly functional item, the hooks slide for easy positioning and the stainless steel is strong, durable, and shines.

Whether you want to keep your tools out of the way, on display, or within convenient reach of your cooking chores, this rack will fit the bill and do so in style. This item would make a nice pairing with the All-Clad Six Piece Stainless Steel Tool Set.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/all-clad-hanging-tool-rack-kitchen-stainless-steel-utensil-organizer/feed/ 0 Le Creuset Large Utensil Crock | Kitchen Red Stoneware Tool Canister http://www.thecooksden.com/le-creuset-large-utensil-crock-kitchen-red-stoneware-tool-canister/ http://www.thecooksden.com/le-creuset-large-utensil-crock-kitchen-red-stoneware-tool-canister/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:31:18 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/le-creuset-large-utensil-crock-kitchen-red-stoneware-tool-canister/ Le Creuset Large Utensil Crock Measuring 6 by 6 3/4 inches, this 2 1/4 quart crock has a great capacity for utensils. Made of stoneware with enamel coating, it resists cracking, staining, scratching, and chipping. The crock is dishwasher safe. Le Creuset is a well-established company with an unsurpassed reputation. Their website offers many helpful suggestions for getting the most from your crock.

If you prefer a lovely display of your utensils, prefer having tools on-hand and at easy reach, or if you lack the drawer space to store your collection, Le Creuset's stoneware crock is a handy solution. The heavy, solid stoneware won't tip no matter how many heavy tools you load inside. You can store your items with confidence that the surface won't be damaged by a hastily placed piece.

Customers love the vibrant colors; the colorful finishes blend from dark to light as your eyes move up the crock. Put it up high to catch the eye, near the stove for convenient storage, or out on the countertop. If you're unsure which size you need, get this larger version and you'll have room for new additions as well as old favorites. If your kitchen is a mixed one where nonstick and regular pans are both common, you can use organizers such as this to keep your tools separate. Even use the crock to store or display other items. A Le Creuset piece will prove a lasting addition to your kitchen.

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