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- Review count11
- Helpfulness votes10
- First reviewJune 28, 2011
- Last reviewFebruary 21, 2012
- Featured reviews4
- Average rating4.7
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Professional Atlas Pepper Mill : The same professional-style mill used in elegant restaurants, this beautiful cylinder has a polished finish and a fully adjustable steel grinding mechanism. Precision hand-cut burrs ensure perfect results in coarse or fine grinding. Imported. Made in Greece. Brass and chrome are 8"H Copper is 9"H Some assembly required. The handle is inside the mill cylinder. The bolt must be unscrewed and the top taken off to remove the handle for reassembly. Materials include: Brass mill -- solid brass; Copper mill -- solid cooper; Chrome mill -- chrome plated brass
Overall rating
Over the years, the best pepper mill design
PostedFebruary 21, 2012
jb3e
fromCaldwell, TX
Gender:Male
My Cooking Level:Advanced
When I'm in the Kitchen, I become: Cooking Enthusiast
Ever since the 'Frugal Gourmet' introduced audiences to this Greek-Turkish designed and manufactured mill it has been a favorite of mine. The conical metal grinding burrs work reliably and they can be adjusted to either a fine grind or various degrees of coarse or cracked peppercorns. I now own three of them--one for kitchen, one for table service and one that 'floats' from kitchen to table because I use it to grind a more complex four-peppercorn mix, either to season a cooking product or to 'finish' at the table to individual taste.
Over many years of dedicated cooking, I started with 'cheap' mills with nylon gears and clear 'plastic' housing (didn't last; didn't do much of a job) to beautiful Peugeot wooden mills (didn't reliably feed larger peppercorns) to Atlas models that feed freely and grind wonderfully.
I own two types of Atlas mill: one that has a lower cannister to collect ground pepper (originally to collect ground coffee for 'Turkish' coffee) and my latest chrome plated mill that grinds directly onto a food product. The brass mills I own need ocasional polishing but my new mill is virtually maintenance free. The various metal choices for these mills are not only useful for decorative preferences, they help to distinguish different blends of peppercorns or to identify other grindable spice contents. Maybe I will get a copper one for grinding allspice next!
My Favorite Brandwhatever does the best job
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Stainless-Steel Soup Spoons : The soup spoon has been altered in shape over time, evolving into an oval shape, more like the shape of a teaspoon. With these highly-polished RSVP stainless-steel soup spoons you're guaranteed a traditional deeper well and rounded basin. This original soup spoon shape and size allows easier scooping of meat and vegetables with the broth. Ample supply to accommodate guests. Teardrop handles. Tarnish-resistant 18/8 stainless-steel. Dishwasher-safe.
jb3e
fromCaldwell, TX
Gender:Male
My Cooking Level:Advanced
When I'm in the Kitchen, I become: Cooking Enthusiast
A round-bowl soup spoon is the most comfortable tool to use in eating soups and stews. I have a 'medium-size' mouth and this bowl fits in it easily, plus it holds the right amount of food. Anyone who eats soup or stew regularly will benefit from owning this set of spoons.
The quality 8/10 stainless is solid and the handle is neither too short nor too long for comfort and utility. Styling is fresh but understated so the soup spoon will fit in with a variety of flatware patterns when used as part of a place setting. I have wanted something like this for years!
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Le Creuset 9-in. Skillet
Le Creuset 9-in. Skillet : This item has sold out of CHERRY and FENNEL colors. Please look to the new and improved Signature Line from Le Creuset. The Signature line features an upgraded enamel interior, with large, easy-grip handles. This 9" skillet's convenient shallow and sloping sides allow for speedy evaporation. The two pouring spouts and a helper handle make lifting and transferring foods a breeze. Glossy porcelain enamel cast iron with a nonreactive finish doesn't require seasoning and is easy to clean. The mainstay of French chefs for nearly a century, Le Creuset cookware features bold and bright colors in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit any culinary need. Each enameled cast iron cookware piece is skillfully finished by hand. Dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing is recommended. Made in France. 1 3/8 Quart capacity. 4 lbs. 9" Dia. x 1 1/2" H. Product Features Molded of cast iron with an expertly enameled glossy porcelain coating Versatile for stovetop, oven and broiler Highest quality porcelain enamel coating is impermeable to odors and stains Foods will not react with the enameled finish Easy-clean enamel surfaces are scratch-resistant Superior conduction of heat promotes faster cooking times Even distribution and retention of heat ensures cookware stays hot longer Two pouring spouts and helper handle makes lifting and food transfer easy Suited for stovetops including electric, gas, ceramic, induction and halogen Safe for oven or broiler up to 400 F Bright color choices coordinate with virtually any home decor
jb3e
fromCaldwell, TX
Gender:Male
My Cooking Level:Advanced
When I'm in the Kitchen, I become: Cooking Enthusiast
Enameled cast iron is one of my favorite pan and skillet materials for its ability to provide even, slow heat for simmering and then to carry that same even heat into high-heat searing for pan broiling.
This 9-inch skillet is just the right size for frying four eggs or making hashbrowns or pan broiling two boneless rib eye steaks. As a small pan, it is not too heavy to move around easily. As a lined cast iron pan, there is no problem in making a pan sauce with the 'fond' in the bottom of the pan and clean up is also easy.
In a smaller household, this is a 'go-to' skillet and it has been a 'must-have' for me. There is a nice range of choice in picking a color: my kitchen calls for 'fennel.'
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Le Creuset Heritage 2-Quart Legumier
Le Creuset Heritage 2-Quart Legumier :
Discovered from the early archives at Le Creuset, this
Le Creuset 2-qt. legumier, or bean pot, is perfect for
legumes, vegetables, soups, risottos and more. With a
wider interior, this deep-rounded pot from the Heritage
Collection is also ideal to simmer, poach, roast or
braise. Excellent as a casserole dish, with more exposed
surface to allow the golden-crisp browning of breadcrumb
or cheese toppings. Crafted from molten steel and cast
in a one-of-a-kind mold to exacting standards, this
wide-interior dish from the Le Creuset Heritage
Collection is preferred by professional chefs for the
superior heat conductivity and retention of heat. The
superior craftsmanship of Le Creuset in the Olde World
tradition creates cast iron cookware that excels in
performance. Food cooks faster at an even-heating
temperature and stays hot longer on the table.
Heavy-duty, tight-fitting lid seals in and moisture and
nutrients, continuously self-basting foods in their own
rich flavors. Classic Heritage handle withstands higher
heat. Le Creuset 2-qt. legumier features smooth rounded
edges for easy cleaning. Expertly enameled with a
vitreous, glossy porcelain coating that distinguishes Le
Creuset from all other cookware, this durable surface is
scratch- and stain- resistant to retain the beautifully
vibrant color and smooth finish. The legumier
attractively goes from oven or stove top to the table,
and easily stores in the refrigerator. The mainstay of
French chefs for nearly a century, Le Creuset cookware
features bold and bright colors in a variety of shapes
and sizes to suit any culinary need and home decor. Each
enameled cast iron cookware piece is skillfully finished
by hand. Oven safe to 500 F and broiler safe.
Dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing is recommended. Made
in France. Lifetime warranty. Product Features
Originally designed for French restaurants in the 1930s,
this Heritage collection dish is perfect for legumes,
vegetables, soups or risotto dishes Deep-rounded pot
is also ideal to simmer, poach, roast or braise
Expertly molded of cast iron to exacting standards The
superior heat conduction of cast iron ensures faster
cooking times Retains heat to keep foot hot longer
Tight-fitting lid seals in nutrients and moisture,
self-basting food in rich flavors Legumier goes
beautifully from freezer or refrigerator to cooking
device to table Versatile for stovetop, oven and
broiler Highest quality porcelain enamel coating is
impermeable to odors and stains and scratch resistant
Heritage handle withstands high heat Foods will not
react with the enameled finish
jb3e
fromCaldwell, TX
Gender:Male
My Cooking Level:Advanced
When I'm in the Kitchen, I become: Cooking Enthusiast
Colorful enameled and lined cast iron is a traditional favorite of fine chefs for slow braising and roasting. The next step is to use the right size pan so that added moisture is properly proportional to the items being roasted or braised. This two quart 'legumier' is just right for preparing 2-4 servings of baked beans or stew or for 'roasting' two game hens.
The enameled lining means you can use acidic ingredients in a braise or pan sauce without leaching iron from the pot into the food. Clean-up is also easier than with copper or aluminum pans and, if the proper heat is used, food sticks less on the interior with enameled cast iron than with stainless steel or aluminum pans.
I especially like the cast iron 'loop' handle on the top and the generous 'ears' on the sides for picking up the pot. These are integral to the legumier so they won't come loose in several lifetimes. With this size pot, there is no trouble about the relatively heavy weight of cast iron when moving the piece around. I also found the tasteful and homey appearance of this pot to be irresistable for working with it and for serving from it at the table.
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Carbon-Off! : You happily spend hours cooking, but who wants to spend time cleaning, especially removing cooked on carbon from cookware? Say goodbye to baked on grease and dirty carbon build up. The choice of professional chefs and the American Culinary Institute, this heavy-duty carbon grease remover rids pots, pans, woks, deep fryers, waffle makers, broilers, grills and virtually all metal surfaces of baked on grease and carbon. Also great for fireplace door glass, and even brick. Product Features Safe on aluminum. Easy-to-use aerosol formula, just spray on and rinse off. Awarded the American Culinary Institute 2001 Best of Show and Gold Medal for Excellence Works on all metal surfaces: stainless-steel, fireplace door glass, broilers & rotisseries, roasting & sheet pans, deep fryers, waffle bakers, woks, barbecue grills, popcorn kettles, nickel-steel, pots & pans, stove parts, brass, glass, brick. CARBON-OFF! will not harm any metal surface, brick or glass no matter how long it is left on. CARBON-OFF! may also be used to clean the inside of appliances.
Overall rating
Chemistry, Not Abrasion Does the Work
PostedOctober 21, 2011
I cook over gas and my All-Clad pots and pans pick up some carbon on their aluminum alloy exterior. I have a smoker and carbon builds up on that. When I first began using this product several years ago, I was pleased and amazed at how much quicker it was to clean carbon deposits using 'Carbon Off' as oposed to metal scouring pads. This product seems to break down the carbon deposit and most of it can be flushed away. Its formula also cuts through greasy carbon deposits, too.
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CHEFS Mesh Food Strainer Set : Set of four fine-mesh strainers in 3", 5", 7", and 9" diameters. Made of 18/10 stainless-steel with polished rims, open handles, and hooks for hanging. Dishwasher-safe. Imported. CHEFS signature collection of professional-grade kitchen tools, cookware, bakeware, dinnerware and more, is available only at CHEFS Catalog. You will love the selection -- meticulously crafted and tested to delight the most discerning cook, these tools deliver exceptional quality, performance and durability in the kitchen.
Recently I needed a new small strainer for tea leaves. I had to buy a set to get a good one. This set represents good value for just about all kitchen purposes. As shown in the product picture, the small sieve works fine for dusting baked goods or for applying flour to meat cutlets for sauteeing. The largest size is good for draining water from potatoes or a moderate amount of pasta.
All sizes have reinforced stainless steel rims and the mesh seems to be sturdily held in place over a large area of the mesh. Handles are seemingly spot welded to the rims and the welds appear to be of good quality. The 'helper' handles on the far side of each sieve are generous and they provide reliable support for the sieve when it is used 'hands free' over a pot, say for straining bones and vegetables out of a broth. I like the long loop handles because I hang the set from a 'Chefs' pot rack/hanger system. The sieves nest well when hung. Since the mesh gauge is so fine, each of these sieves can function as a 'chinoise' or 'china cap' for straining out even fine particles of unwanted ingredients.
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MaverickThermo Professional Instant Read, PT-100 : Gives you the temperature in 3 seconds, within 2 degrees F accuracy, so you'll never overcook a beef roast or undercook poultry. Using scientific thermocouple technology, the exact meat or food temperature is visible in 3 seconds, the key to monitoring and serving perfect entrees. Cooking chart on the unit features beef, pork, veal, lamb and poultry temperatures, so you won't have to check separate cooking guides. Gauges -40 degrees to +450 degrees F (-40 degrees to +230 degrees C). Stainless-steel probe. Uses 3 AAA batteries, included. Wipe clean. 7 1/2"L x 1 1/2"W x 1/2"H. Product Features Scientific thermocouple technology is accurate within + or - 2 degrees F for precise cooking Reads and displays temperature in 3 seconds for exact monitoring of foods Temperature range is -40 degrees to +450 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees to +230 degrees Celsius) Large digital read-out is visible at a glance Includes cooking chart for beef, pork, veal, lamb and poultry Features auto-off after 3 minutes (or without a change in temperature). Turns on automatically by opening, off by closing Uses 3 AAA batteries, included
Overall rating
Fast, Accurate and Minimally Invasive
PostedOctober 21, 2011
I have several analog thermometers but they are slow to read a temperature and they make a big hole in meat items, which releases juice. Their probes are thick and must be inserted too far to be useful in taking the temperature of items like steaks or roasting chickens.
I have experienced trouble in knowing when my barbecue is cooked enough and particularly in getting loaves of bread to bake through to the center (about 205 F). It was worth the price to get a fast-reading, slender thermometer probe.
The readout is clear and large and the instrument is easy to hold and to use. The fold-away design makes it easy to store. I highly recommend this item even though it costs more than other, somewhat slower digital thermometers.
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Amore Tomato Paste Concentrate : When you use tomato paste from a can, usually only a small amount is needed and the rest goes to waste. Amore tomato paste concentrate is a double-concentrated specialty, only 1-2 tablespoons is all it takes to add genuine Italian tomato flavor to recipes. This rich, hard-to-find paste adds the essence of ripe tomatoes to sauces, stews or soups. Stores in the refrigerator to let you put together a gourmet meal in minutes. Made in Italy. 4.5-oz. each.
Overall rating
Best Concentrated Tomato Paste
PostedOctober 21, 2011
For full, fresh tomato taste this product is unequalled in the market. As the product information states, usually only a couple of teaspoonsful of paste does what is necessary. This roll-up tube and cap keep air away from the remainder of the product. I just squeeze about the right amount directly into whatever requires some and that is very convenient.
This tomato paste does blend into liquids and pasta fairly easily but some stirring is advisable. It is just right for adding a bit of complexity to sauces and gravies.
Amore also offers an herbed sun-dried tomato paste in tubes and the containers are very similar. I am not so fond of that product.
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Set of 2 Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner : Produced for major cooktop manufacturers, Bar Keepers Friend cooktop cleaner is specially formulated to clean and polish glass and ceramic cooktops scratch-free. Eliminate fingerprints, dirt, smudges, spots, grease and oil from appliances with nonabrasive cleaning action. Multipurpose cleaner works effectively throughout the home and outdoors, safely removing metal tarnish from stainless-steel, chrome, copper and brass, polishing surfaces at the same time. Safely removes hard water mineral deposits and soap residue from porcelain sinks, tile and tubs and cleans fiberglass, marble and plastic, yet it is gentle on porcelain dishware for removing stains from cups, plates and bowls. Food-safe and biodegradable. Ammonia-free. No phosphates, bleach or abrasive crystalline silica that can damage surfaces. Bar Keepers Friend cooktop cleaner works so well, it is recommended by Bosch, Jenn-air, Thermador and Windcrest. Made in the USA. Set of 2; 13-oz. each. Product Features Soft liquid cleaner safely cleans, polishes and removes stains from glass and ceramic cooktops Eliminates fingerprints, dirt, smudges, spots, grease and oil from appliances with scratch-free nonabrasive cleaning action Removes hard water mineral deposits and soap residue from porcelain sinks, tile and tubs Removes coffee, tea and gray stains from china Removes tarnish from chrome railings, brass and copper fixtures, planters and bowls Food-safe and biodegradable, no phosphates, bleach or abrasive crystalline silica that can damage surfaces Recommended by leading cooktop manufacturers including Bosch, Jenn-air, Thermador and Windcrest Originating in 1882, Bar Keeper's Friend uses environmentally-friendly ingredients and has received the Green Seal Certification, a state-of-the-art scientific evaluation regarding ecologically-safe raw material extraction and manufacture, to use and disposal
Overall rating
Helps Clean Metals Without Mess
PostedJune 28, 2011
Cleaning and polishing copper and aluminup pots and pans is a problem without a perfect solution but this product comes close! Using a damp sponge, rub it on and rub it in; then rinse in warm water and most of the carbon deposits and oxidation comes off. Post-rinse polishing is not time-consuming and is mainly like thoroughly drying the object. This product will not replace grease-cutting products like 409 since it works through citric acid and mild abrasion.
Since this is the least messy product I have found to use, I use it more often, as part of washing up. Pots and pans stay brighter and less effort is required for each cleaning.
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Kuhn Rikon Ultimate Shears
Kuhn Rikon Ultimate Shears : These ultra-sharp
shears feature a powerful serrated lower blade to
cleanly cut through chicken and small bones, trim thick
stems on vegetables and snip fresh herbs without
straining your hands. Zip easily through parchment paper
and open stiff plastic packaging. Kuhn Rikon's
rust-free stainless-steel blades self-sharpen
automatically by contact of the serrated blade against
the upper blade every time scissors are closed. The
combination ergonomic handles and spring-action design
makes cutting even easier. Ultimate shears go to work
outdoors to cut plant stems, small branches, even wire.
Sheath is included for safe storage in a drawer. Created
by an award-winning designer, these shears are a
universal household tool. Dishwasher-safe. 10"L x 2
1/2"W x 3/4"H. Product Features Cleanly
cut through chicken, thick stems on vegetables, snip
fresh herbs without straining your hands and trim small
indoor plants Powerful serrated lower blade zips
easily through parchment paper, open stiff plastic
packaging Self-sharpens by contact of the serrated and
beveled blades Spring-action design makes cutting
effortless Ergonomic neoprene handles are easy to
grasp Work outdoors to prune stems and branches, even
cut wire
Overall rating
Sharp, Sturdy, Functional
PostedJune 28, 2011
These stamped-blade shears are just the thing for heavier work. Even though the blades appear to be thin, the ribbed design contributes to solid strength, even when cutting the backbone out of whole roasting chickens. The coil spring action aids in returning the tool to the shearing position and the poly handle grlips are comfortable and remain stable during cutting tasks. The simple sheath not only protects the blades, it makes storage in a drawer safe and convenient. These are real utility shears!
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