The Cooks' Den » Tools / Gadgets 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 Chestnut Roasting Pan by Paderno | Perforated for Roasted Nuts, Black Carbon 11 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/chestnut-roasting-pan-by-paderno-perforated-for-roasted-nuts-black-carbon-11-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/chestnut-roasting-pan-by-paderno-perforated-for-roasted-nuts-black-carbon-11-inch/#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:45:02 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12475 Chestnut Roasting Pan by Paderno "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" isn't a phrase that frequently enters my mind during the summertime. Roasted chestnuts come with memories of winter holidays, hot cider by the fireplace, and Nat King Cole.

But in many other cultures, roasted chestnuts are a street food staple. In Portugal, for example, roasted chestnuts are an integral part of the national holiday of St. Martin's Day, which celebrates the year's new wine.

This pan by Paderno makes it possible to enjoy roasted chestnuts year-round. It can be used by a bonfire, over the fire pit, fireplace, or on the stovetop -- quite versatile. The carbon steel construction makes it an excellent conductor of heat, and it's safe to use with very high temperatures. Over time, it will also season naturally to become non-stick, like a cast iron pan.

To get an authentic flavor, score the chestnuts before roasting by carving an "X" on the shell, then add sea salt and toss frequently over the heat. The nuts will steam through the scoring and turn black when ready to eat. An easy way to score the nuts is to use a pair of strong, sharp kitchen shears instead of a knife.

Find this Chestnut Roasting Pan:

Find this pan on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/chestnut-roasting-pan-by-paderno-perforated-for-roasted-nuts-black-carbon-11-inch/feed/ 0 Escali Passo Food Scale, Ultra Slim w/ Tare Function | #2210G – Spill Proof Digital Silver http://www.thecooksden.com/escali-passo-food-scale-ultra-slim-w-tare-function-spill-proof-digital-22-lb-silver-2210g/ http://www.thecooksden.com/escali-passo-food-scale-ultra-slim-w-tare-function-spill-proof-digital-22-lb-silver-2210g/#comments Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:47:08 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12083 Escali Passo Food Scale, Ultra Slim w/Among the dozens of options on the market for kitchen food scales is the Escali Passo. Since there are so many kitchen scales available these days, the question when looking at new scale models is always: What makes this better than the average scale, if anything? Or, is this just an average scale with an inflated price tag?

As it turns out, the Passo is more than just an average scale. What makes it so is that it's a large-capacity scale. It can weigh foods up to 22 pounds, or 10 kilos, packing quite a big measuring capacity into its small size. Measurements can be displayed in pounds, ounces, fluid ounces, grams, or milliliters. If you have trouble reading the digital output, there's a reverse LCD backlight function you can use.

Escali also added a tare feature to the Passo, which means you can set a bowl on top of it and reset the scale to zero -- meaning less math you have to do to subtract the weight of the bowl. The measurements are very precise, too. Escali uses a military standard of product testing to make sure each scale displays information as accurately as possible.

The Passo is coated with spill-proof material on its brushed stainless steel exterior. It measures 9.5 inches by 6.5 inches and is only 0.75 inches high. It also requires two lithium batteries, which are included.

For small kitchen spaces where large volumes of food are handled, the Escali Passo fits the bill. It's sleek, contemporary, and quite the workhorse with a 5-year warranty.

Take a look at the Escali Cesto Nutritional Counter, too. It's a portable scale as well as a nutritional analyst for over 950 different food items.

Find this Escali Passo Food Scale:

Find this scale on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/escali-passo-food-scale-ultra-slim-w-tare-function-spill-proof-digital-22-lb-silver-2210g/feed/ 0 Escali Cesto Digital Food Scale & Nutritional Tracker | Tim Ferriss Diet Portable Calorie Counter http://www.thecooksden.com/escali-digital-food-scale-nutritional-tracker-cesto-tim-ferriss-diet-portable-calorie-counter-115ns/ http://www.thecooksden.com/escali-digital-food-scale-nutritional-tracker-cesto-tim-ferriss-diet-portable-calorie-counter-115ns/#comments Sun, 20 Mar 2011 19:53:19 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12077 Escali Digital Food Scale NutritionalAdapting to a new dietary plan can be really hard at first. Not only are you watching what you put in your body, but you're likely keeping track of all that as well -- counting calories, allocating points, tracking fat content, etc. That's where a system like the Escali Cesto Nutritional Tracker comes in really handy. It's also the food scale used by Tim Ferriss, entrepreneur and author of "The 4-Hour Body." That's pretty substantial, given that Ferriss has a pronounced opinion against overusing and depending on personal technology products, i.e. cell phones and PDAs.

The Escali Cesto is basically a vast food database that can be carried around with you to the grocery store, coffee shop, office party, or at home. It stores up to 999 different foods and displays the calorie, sodium, fat, carbohydrates, protein, cholesterol, and fiber content for each. There's also a list of food codes that comes with the scale, so you'll want to keep those nearby. To use it, enter in the specific food code on the scale's touch-screen glass, then weigh the food. The nutritional tracking information is then displayed on the screen. Measurements are displayed in both grams and pounds as well as pounds + ounces, fluid ounces and milliliters.

Functionally, there is always room for error when using a scale, but with the Cesto, foods are measured up to a very slim 1% margin of error, if at all. Some users report that the measurements can be off by 5-6%, and in this case, it's most likely a defective scale -- which Escali will replace.

There are quite a few other reasons the scale may become defective over time:  keeping the scale temperature below 65 degrees F, storing on an uneven surface or next to electronic equipment producing magnetic fields, static electricity, or simply a low battery. This is true for all digital scales.

All in all, the Escali Cesto has all the essential functions of a dietary scale with several bells and whistles for added value. If you're wanting a more traditional kitchen scale that stays on your countertop instead of travelling in your purse, take a look at the OXO Good Grips Food Scale.

Find this Escali Scale:

Find this scale on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/escali-digital-food-scale-nutritional-tracker-cesto-tim-ferriss-diet-portable-calorie-counter-115ns/feed/ 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.

Find this Typhoon Hanging Pot Rack:

Find this pot rack on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/typhoon-adjustable-hanging-pot-rack-natural-wood-cast-aluminum-36-inch/feed/ 0 Polder Bullet Steel Trash Waste Bin | Touchless Galvanized 12 Gallon 1530-95 http://www.thecooksden.com/polder-bullet-steel-trash-waste-bin-touchless-galvanized-12-gallon-1530-95/ http://www.thecooksden.com/polder-bullet-steel-trash-waste-bin-touchless-galvanized-12-gallon-1530-95/#comments Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:11:05 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9053 Polder Bullet Steel Trash Waste Bin The Polder 12 Gallon Bullet Waste Bin works equally well in kitchen, bathroom or office -- allowing quick access and an automatic closure for odor control. The Polder Bullet shows a powder-coated metal exterior and stainless steel access hatch, concealing the real working section of the can -- a 15-gallon galvanized steel bucket. Corrosion proof and fire resistant, Polder Bullets have lasted 15 to 20 years in actual use and could go even further.

For the kitchen, the Polder Bullet provides sensible and decorative waste collection. The exterior cleans up easily with a damp cloth, which will be frequently necessary if you depend on the stainless steel swinging door for access. That may look great and work well in the office, but in the kitchen you need a bigger target and hopefully something you don't have to touch. With the Polder, the solution is simple. If you see a busy moment looming, lift the exterior of the Bullet off and set it aside, giving complete access to the inner container.

Disposal of contents is simple and easy. Line the inner container with a 15-gallon kitchen trash bag and simply tie the top and lift the bag out when full. The bucket has enough weight to separate fairly easily from the bag, but to avoid a wrestling match, don't pack the trash down. The Bullet has enough capacity to handle waste storage for the average kitchen without being too heavy for easy handling.

Find this Polder Bullet Trash Can:

Find this kitchen waste bin on eBay:

Polder 79 gal Jumbo Step Trash Can White 2323 Polder 79 gal Jumbo Step Trash Can White 2323
US $76.69   Paypal
Auction Ends: 23d 10h 22m
Make it yours...
NEW Polder 1410 47 Under Counter 7 Gallon Square Trash NEW Polder 1410 47 Under Counter 7 Gallon Square Trash
US $39.19   Paypal
Auction Ends: 13d 21h 31m
Make it yours...
Under Counter Trash Can Stainless by Polder Under Counter Trash Can Stainless by Polder
US $45.51   Paypal
Auction Ends: 27d 15h 58m
Make it yours...
]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/polder-bullet-steel-trash-waste-bin-touchless-galvanized-12-gallon-1530-95/feed/ 0 Polder 2 Step Folding Stool | Small Non-Skid Stepladder Without Rail http://www.thecooksden.com/polder-2-step-folding-stool-small-non-skid-stepladder-without-rail/ http://www.thecooksden.com/polder-2-step-folding-stool-small-non-skid-stepladder-without-rail/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:05:55 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9050 Polder 2 Step Folding Stool Every kitchen needs a step-ladder. The Polder 2 Step Stool without Rail offers convenient access to the elusive top shelf we all know in a compact and sturdy fold-away design. The metal construction is strong, resting on non-skid feet which won't mar the kitchen floor. Steps are stable molded plastic with plenty of reinforcement.

The maximum load of this two step ladder is 225 pounds. If your weight approaches or exceeds that, this isn't a good choice. The profusion of labels that cover the Polder 2 Step when it arrives attest to the many people who have suffered mishaps and falls while working on ladders of all sorts. This is always a step that should be taken seriously. Compared to many of the shaky wooden versions I've seen and balanced precariously upon, this design from Polder is a wonder and a great improvement. It's still not foolproof.

Polder's folding procedure isn't instinctive -- the extra rods which do create more stability and support in use also add to the challenge when putting the ladder away. The Polder step-ladder folds to a small profile which slips neatly between cabinets or into the back of a storage closet, but be cautious about where you put your fingers when folding the ladder. Properly done, the thickness of the final package is only 1-1/2 inches.

In operating form, the 17-inch height of the top step allows access to most high storage areas. Steps of 12 inches by 8 inches give enough room for placement of both feet with a textured non-skid surface to stand upon. Once open, the ladder will not accidentally fold under load -- the design automatically locks into the open position.

Find this Polder 2 Step Folding Stool:

Find this stepstool on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/polder-2-step-folding-stool-small-non-skid-stepladder-without-rail/feed/ 0 Rubbermaid Slim Jim Bottle & Can Recycling Lid | Eco Friendly Green Kitchen Tools http://www.thecooksden.com/rubbermaid-slim-jim-bottle-can-recycling-lid-eco-friendly-green-kitchen-tools/ http://www.thecooksden.com/rubbermaid-slim-jim-bottle-can-recycling-lid-eco-friendly-green-kitchen-tools/#comments Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:50:20 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9047 Rubbermaid Slim Jim Bottle & CanMade with Rubbermaid's usual sturdy quality and strictly functional appearance, the rounded edges of the Rubbermaid Slim Jim Bottle and Can Recycling Top qualify as child safe. The lid provides necessary access for can and bottle disposal without gaping wide enough to encourage careless mixing of other trash. It's a good way to teach social and environmental responsibility to small children and people like me.

A perfect fit for the Slim Jim Recycling Bin, a rectangular 23 gallon waste receptacle from Rubbermaid, the Slim Jim Recycling Top also keeps trash under control if the bin happens to tip. A tight fit prevents sticky liquids from escaping the fallen container. A slight tongue of one corner lifts the top free for emptying and relining the bin. The lid and the bin it fits are stain resistant and easily cleaned. The 20-inch by 11-1/2-inch lid isn't too big for a quick rinse in the kitchen sink. Use a liner with the bin, and the rest of the system should stay clean.

Convenient in basic ways, the system provides no option for can and bottle separation, so one opening would have been plenty. It's a better idea for recyclable food tins than for drink cans unless you also invest in a can crusher. The small space quickly fills with soda cans if that's a popular drink in your house. The system does add some neatness and efficiency to the recycling process, even though one bin is certainly not enough. Depending on the rules in your community recycling center, you could need up to half a dozen sets.

Find this Rubbermaid Slim Jim Recycling Top:

Find this beverage recycling tool on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/rubbermaid-slim-jim-bottle-can-recycling-lid-eco-friendly-green-kitchen-tools/feed/ 0 Maverick Wireless Digital Meat Thermometer w/ Pager Remote | 2 Probe Set ET-7 http://www.thecooksden.com/maverick-wireless-digital-meat-thermometer-w-pager-remote-2-probe-set-et-7/ http://www.thecooksden.com/maverick-wireless-digital-meat-thermometer-w-pager-remote-2-probe-set-et-7/#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:08:48 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8949 Maverick Wireless Digital MeatOne of the hardest things for a novice chef to do is judge the progress of meat as it cooks. Despite the effectiveness of judging by touch, sometimes this is not possible or advisable. Following proper food handling procedures means you don't mix cooked items with raw (unless you want to poison your guests). You can transfer bacteria on your fingertips.

That's why a device like an accurate thermometer can be a cook's best friend. Simply choose the type of meat and the degree to which you want it done. You can also specially set a preferred temperature. Insert the probe, pop your food in the oven, and the monitor will alert you when the food is ready. The LCD displays the temperature of your food and the elapsed cooking time. You can monitor two foods at once or two levels of doneness.

Decrease your worry about foodborne illness or underdone portions. The unit works wirelessly up to one hundred feet and comes with a pager that you can take outside with you while you enjoy your party. When the monitor alarm signals the item is done, the pager will beep you. You don't have to be tied to the oven or the grill. A must for any guy who loves to cook and loves electronic toys.

Find this Maverick Thermometer:

Find this digital thermometer on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/maverick-wireless-digital-meat-thermometer-w-pager-remote-2-probe-set-et-7/feed/ 0 Miele Plate & Cup Warmer Drawer | Black Glass, Stainless Steel EGW406014BL http://www.thecooksden.com/miele-plate-cup-warmer-drawer-black-glass-stainless-steel-egw406014bl/ http://www.thecooksden.com/miele-plate-cup-warmer-drawer-black-glass-stainless-steel-egw406014bl/#comments Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:51:43 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8602 Miele Plate & Cup Warmer Drawer What is one of the most subtle but effective tricks a restaurant uses to get you a really hot plate of perfect food? They warm the plate. This warming drawer works with the several offerings in the Miele Oven and Coffee System lines. It comes in black glass or stainless steel and with a number of decorative handle choices. The drawer holds over fifty pounds and fully extends to allow access to all items inside

The drawer offers rapid convection heating with an adjustable temperature. Its open-sided design means better warming access without burning your hands on the drawer sides. An antislip insert pad protects your plates from the stainless steel drawer bottom and prevents damage to your dishes from sliding.

This provides your parties or everyday meals that added touch of detail, the bit of extra attention your guests will certainly notice. Warm cups for hot beverages; sustain the best serving temperature for coffee or to gently heat a brandy. Keep your delicate dishes at their utmost quality during service, letting the plate keep them hot as they're transferred. Better enjoy your morning toast as it stays just right to melt the butter because it isn't resting on a cool surface.

Find this Miele Warmer Drawer:

Find this plate warmer on eBay:

MIELE HM 01 BLACK BUILT IN PLATE WARMER 24 NEW MIELE HM 01 BLACK BUILT IN PLATE WARMER 24 NEW
US $399.99   Paypal
Auction Ends: 29d 9h 30m
Make it yours...
MIELE 2362 WARMER EGW4060 STAINLESS STEEL MIELE 2362 WARMER EGW4060 STAINLESS STEEL
US $599.00  
Auction Ends: 25d 11h 36m
Make it yours...
Miele plate and cup warmer EGW 2060 EDST Miele plate and cup warmer EGW 2060 EDST
US $799.00   Paypal
Auction Ends: 9d 20h 3m
Make it yours...
]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/miele-plate-cup-warmer-drawer-black-glass-stainless-steel-egw406014bl/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.

Find this Le Creuset Spatula Set:

Find this spatula set on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/le-creuset-spatula-set-w-crock-red-silicone-ceramic-7-piece/feed/ 0