12/31/2011

Xantrex 802-1500 XPower 1,500 Watt Portable Powerpack Review

Xantrex 802-1500 XPower 1,500 Watt Portable Powerpack
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I needed a powerful but sealed power-pack (sealed battery + converter) for poolside use, to power a large 110-volt karaoke machine for five hours a day. The Xatrex 1500 is the only power-pack I've found that meets this requirement.
It was a pleasant surprise to find that the wheels have rubber rather than (noisy) plastic treads.
The first 1500 stopped working with a bang after two hours. When I phoned the Xantrex company, the technician I soon was talking to quickly concluded that my 1500 had malfunctioned and recommended that I return it. I was pleased with this candor. The second 1500 has worked for about a month now.
Not obvious is that the 1500 has a small storage cabinet, in which I store an extension cord.
Both 1500s arrived undamaged. A disclaimer is that I bought my 1500s from costo-dot-comm, which is relevant because perhaps Costco uses different packaging for shipping.
The "large karaoke machine" is a MegaStar CM-K1100, and its average draw has been 30-something watts.
9/18/06 Update: Around July the charge time dropped to under four hours. When I called Xantrex, the technician told me that battery life is about 200 charges.

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XPower Powerpack 1500 supplies up to 1500 watt household electricity.

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Progressive International Set of 2 Lemon and Lime Flexible Ice Trays Review

Progressive International Set of 2 Lemon and Lime Flexible Ice Trays
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I like the shapes, they look cool(no pun entended) in a glass, but I find them hard to remove from the tray with my arthritic hands.

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Progressive International is your source for the widest range of functional, inventive, and fun kitchen tools and great ideas put into practice. Our in-house designers spend hours in the kitchen coming up with ways to improve on a variety of traditional tasks and tools. Established in 1973, our commitment to quality and service allows us to offer a broad selection of quality kitchenware and other household products. This Progressive International set of 2 flexible trays are designed using a lemon and lime shape. The flexible design allows ice to pop out of the trays quickly and easily and each tray contains 12 molds. Besides ice, these trays can be used to mold jello, chocolate and butter. Dishwasher safe.

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Secura Halogen Infrared Turbo Convection Countertop Oven, Deluxe Package W/extender Ring;tong;cook Racks 777MH Review

Secura Halogen Infrared Turbo Convection Countertop Oven, Deluxe Package W/extender Ring;tong;cook Racks 777MH
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I absolutely love this oven. I owned one nu wave oven before. But this oven is much better. It heats up much faster than nu wave oven. The second you turn it on, you can feel the heat.
Very solid see through glass bowl, much better than the cheap PC bowl that nu wave oven has. Health is a big issue we can not ignore. You always have the risk to take in polymerizer when using plastic as food containers. Although plastic is much cheaper to make than glass bowl. Be responsible to yourself and the loved ones you give this gift to.
Use it, love it and use it more. Highly recommend!!

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Secura turbo oven uses infrared heating and convection fan to cook food fast and evenly. No need to thaw frozen meat, no need to add oil, saves energy than traditional oven and cooks healthy food in half the time. The oven can broil, roast, bake, grill, barbecue, fry, steam. Manual dial switches Power, timer indicator lights Easy to operate: Just select and set both time and temperature Close to microwave speed with oven quality Thaws out frozen foods in minutes Self cleaning Seals your foods natural juices Cooks an entire meal at one time without blending of flavors Low fat cooking allows you to cook without excess fat or oil Power saving device Detachable power cord Weight: 15.2 lbs Rating: 1,300W Capacity: 11L Standard Accessories: Tong, Dual Rack, Low Rack, Extender Ring

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REUSABLE POP-UP TURKEY TIMER Review

REUSABLE POP-UP TURKEY TIMER
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Only used once thus far, it seemed to work fine. I did expect it to pop out a little further than it did, and chicken #1 was a bit overcooked because I waited longer. Experience with it will help.

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Re-use over 200 times, pops out when internal temp of 165-185 deg F is reached.

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12/30/2011

Norpro Tin Madeleine Sheet Review

Norpro Tin Madeleine Sheet
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My recipe made exactly 24 cookies, they came out perfect. You wouldn't want to wash the sheet and start again - besides, the batter deflates if it sits around. I painted softened butter on with a pastry brush and dusted lightly with flour from a shaker. The cookies lifted right out and were beautifully browned. Always prepare pans before you start mixing so you can fill immediately. Madeleines are easy, and such a hit, you'll bake them often. This will justify the cost if you're thinking it's a little high.

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Bake 12 delectable 3"/7.5 cm x 2"/5 cm Madeleine cakes.Great for serving with tea and finger sandwiches!

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Bodum Chambord 5-Ounce Milk Frother Review

Bodum Chambord 5-Ounce Milk Frother
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This product froths milk very nicely and if you like extra frothy milk it is an excellent product. And on this basis alone easily worth five (5) stars. Clean-up and maintenance is a snap as the bottom portion of the frother is easily disassembled and cleaned. I purchased this as a replacement to the previous generation of Bodum Frothers and have found the following challenges while using this product:
a) while frothing the pour spout isn't properly covered by the cap and on occasion foamy milk spills onto the kitchen counter
b) the meshing seems better suited for a French press, which means separating the foam for a pretty cup display is a bit of a challenge (hint, don't use slotted portion of the cap, just pull the entire plunger mechanism out and use a spoon to separate the foam)
c) HOT WHILE HANDLING: admittedly I like my milk as close to burnt without burning, so this sucker is very hot when coming out of the microwave and this is my primary complaint. The previous version had a nice handle connected to the glass easy for gripping the smoking hot vessel while frothing milk. I still have not found a tolerable solution to this.
Good product and does what it says it will do. But if you like really hot milk for frothing you will need to find a solution for holding the hot glass in hand. Otherwise, a really good product.

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The world of coffee would be half as exciting if there was not that delicious layer of milk foam sitting on top of it! From lattes to cappuccinos, the Chambord Milk Frother brings any coffee to its perfection. Simply add cold non-fat milk to the fill line before setting the lid in place.Then pull and push the plunger until you see your milk turn to a frothy foam.The volume of milk froth will approximately double.Allow the froth to sit for a minute and thicken up.If you would like hot froth, just remove the lid/plunger unit and put the carafe with frothed milk in the microwave on high for 20 seconds.Once you are ready, use a spoon to scoop out the frothy foam and top off your favorite coffee drink.The glass beaker is made of durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass.With the Bodum Chambord Frother and a Bodum Coffee Press you can be your own barista at home!Dishwasher safe.

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Orka A68904 Silicone Square Steam Cooker, Rasberry Review

Orka A68904 Silicone Square Steam Cooker, Rasberry
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I use my Orka silicon steamer while traveling in my rv--easy to use, easy clean-up, by far the best microwave cookware I have ever used. I have not used them in an oven yet, but they are supposed to be good up to 425 degrees. Orka does need to expand their recipe books; maybe an online recipe website would be nice. This size is nice for casseroles and rice; very little water necessary for vegies--just drops or none at all! The spices infuse nicely in the cooked items; I am so impressed by this product line that I sent them out as Christmas gifts--everyone seems to love them.

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Studies show time and time again that one of the healthiest of all cooking methods is steaming.Steaming helps retain valuable vitamins and nutrients in food, without all the added fat.Now steaming has never been easier, or more fun! Made from 100% pure premium silcone, a product found in nature, the Orka Steam Cooker is a safe and easy to use.Add your favorite meat, poultry or fish, vegetables and seasoning.Heat in the microwave or in the oven; food cooks without added fats, steaming in its own juices.Meat remains tender, fish cooks without drying out and vitamins and minerals are preserved.The Orka Steam Cooker is heat safe to 430 degrees fahrenheit and is dishwasher safe.It features rigid, easy to grip handles, a non-stick and stain-resistant surface and as an added feature, a recipe booklet is included!

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Norpro 8 Inch Nonstick Bread Pan Review

Norpro 8 Inch Nonstick  Bread Pan
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I make 8 loaves of bread a week. These pans are by far the favorite. They make a beautiful med. sized loaf. So many pans are too wide and the bread comes out looking flat and pathetic. This will be the 5th and 6th ones I've purchased. I've had my other pans for about 10 years. These brown the bread beautifully and evenly. I waited to purchase 2 more because they seem rather pricey compared to what you might catch on sale at a discount store but don't bother with the other types (I did and it was a disappointment). Make the investment--you won't be sad you did. I have the longer 12inch as well and they are wonderful too. They just make a much MUCH longer loaf, which is probably hard for most to find bags for. Don't waste your money on a cheap pan if you are going to the trouble to bake real food.

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Perfect for baking breads, meatloaf or desserts. Heavy-gauge steel pans corrugated for extra rigidity. Square folded corners and tapered sides.

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12/29/2011

Norpro Fondue Sets Review

Norpro Fondue Sets
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We purchased two of the black 10 piece model (cast iron) of this fondue set for a party we were having. Although it did the job fine be warned that the "fondue" brass plaque that is featured on the side is glued on. Once the pot is heated the glue melts making the hot plaque fall off onto the table, then the melted glue will continue dripping down the side of the pot into the flame permeating the air with a burnt chemical smell. It is obvious that this product was not tested before going to market but on the bright side, the plaque is (in my opinion) ugly so the fondue pot looks better without it. FYI: After the pot cooled down I managed to get the remaining glue off by using a blow torch to heat up the glue then wiping it off with an old rag.

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Enjoy a delicious European tradition from the comfort of home with this handsome 10-piece fondue set, which measures approximately 6-1/5 by 6-4/5 by 8 inches. When filled with bubbling cheese or silky chocolate and served with bread, strawberries, and other foods for dipping, the pot makes a great centerpiece during casual get-togethers or special events. Furthermore, its 6-cup-capacity bowl holds plenty for everyone, and it can be frequently refilled as needed.
Constructed of sturdy cast iron, the hardy pot rests atop a broad cast-iron base for stability, and its open pedestal reveals a small burner that holds ingredients at their optimal temperature for serving. Designed only to hold the temperature of prepared sauces and not for cooking raw meats or vegetables, the unit should not be placed in the oven or on the stovetop. Two integrated handles on either side ensure safe transport from the kitchen to the table, enabling a firm grip even when carried with cumbersome oven mitts or potholders. Additionally, its cast-iron lid aids in heat retention and sports a cutout-style center that hosts six included dipping forks. Fitted with wood handles for comfortable use, the forks also feature color-coded tips, which allow family members or guests to quickly identify their utensil. Best of all, the pot and corresponding pieces clean up easily by hand with warm, soapy water, and recipes come included for creating fondue-based delicacies.

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Prepsolutions by Progressive International Combine Multi Spice Grinder Review

Prepsolutions by Progressive International Combine Multi Spice Grinder
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*NOTE* The item I received is slightly different than what is depicted in the stock photo and item description. It is also available on Amazon: Prepsolutions by Progressive International Combine Multi Spice Grinder, Gray.

Item description on this page (what I was supposed to get): 3/4 cup capacity, measures up to 2 tablespoons, adjustable 3 grind settings, clear acrylic body throughout with colored top w/ slide door for filling.
Item I received: 1/4 cup capacity (1/3 at most), measures up to 1 tablespoon, adjustable grind setting (there are no instructions to explain how to adjust - I found there is a white plastic bit underneath the grinder that you can twist manually to make the grind finer or coarser; you should see it move up or down a screw), clear acrylic body with colored band around middle where grinder is and colored rubber top that simply pops on and off.
That said, the grinder with measuring catching bin at the bottom is quite nice. I took out all my teaspoons and tablespoons and measured the ground pepper I made according to the lines on the measuring bin, and all were quite accurate. The measuring bin has markings for 1/4, 1/2, 1 teaspoon, and 1/2, 1 tablespoon. I would have no problem trusting it when cooking. Having the measuring bin at the bottom is nice since it allows me to measure without trying to land everything on a spoon (where most of what I grind from the traditional grinder falls not on the measuring spoon) and/or doesn't make me dirty another dish into which I would grind the spice first and then measure out of later with a spoon. I also like that I can keep any leftover ground spice to use later in the bin. One thing you might keep in mind is the rubber top does not require a lot of force to come off, so when you're tilting the whole mill to empty out spices from the bottom bin, the weight of the contents at the top of the mill might press against the rubber top and make it susceptible to coming off. Just keep an eye on it as you tilt. Also, keep an eye on the end of the catching bin that has the open hole for the spice to exit, or you might end up with a lap-full/floor pile of ground pepper as I did. The hourglass shape of the mill was very comfortable to hold. The bottom measuring bin is completely removeable, so you can also just use the grinder to drop spices directly over food as you would any other mill.
This is a good grinder that does what it's supposed to do.
*EDIT* It looks like Amazon has fixed stock photos and description to accurately depict the item being sent


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Prepsolutions by Progressive International is a unique product line of kitchen food-prep focused products, for use with salt, pepper, herbs and spices. Prepsolutions is different from traditional tabletop mills in that the focus is food preparation. Each mill and grinder is unfilled offering both versatility and customization. The ceramic grinding mechanism won't rust or corrode and is harder than carbon steel. Prepsolutions features include large capacity, high output, easy filling, easy adjustment of grind mechanism, less mess, ergonomic design and a modern and clean aesthetic. The Prepsolutions Combine multi spice grinder includes a removable base that catches, measures and dispenses accurate amounts of herbs and spices up to 1 tablespoon. Simply add your favorite combination of dried spices to the top portion and grind to release more flavor. The Combine has a fully adjustable, non corrosive, ceramic grind mechanism. It's simple design features a white storage lid, clear acrylic top and bottom and white center hiding the grind mechanism. The design allows for measuring and dispensing at the bottom of the grinder and storage of spices on the top. The Combine multi spice grinder has a 1/4-cup capacity.

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Sunbeam Health at Home Easy To Use King Size Moist/Dry Heating Pad, Blue Review

Sunbeam Health at Home Easy To Use King Size Moist/Dry Heating Pad, Blue
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Hard to find king-size heating pads that don't have the bothersome auto-shut-off feature. This is a good buy.

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King size moist heating pad, Features NEW Arthritic Controller for ease-of-use.

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Norpro 7-Inch Mini Whisk Review

Norpro 7-Inch Mini Whisk
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This is my favorite whisk and I have had it for ages! No kitchen should be without it! I love to whisk up my 2 scrambled eggs in the morning with this great tool. Order it.......you won't be disappointed!!!! Great for stove top whisking of gravy etc.

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Perfect for small mixing jobs. Bounce whisk up and down to aerate foods. Chrome plated, hand washing recommended. Dimension: 7-inch.

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12/28/2011

Primula Flowering Tea Set with 40-Ounce Pot with Glass Lid Review

Primula Flowering Tea Set with 40-Ounce Pot with Glass Lid
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I purchased this set for my sister who loves tea even more than I do. I loved her set so much I went back and bought one for me! The set includes a lovely borosilicate tea pot which makes it versatile. You can use it in your microwave, but you probably won't. The heating and pouring of the water are essential elements of the ritual of tea making.
When you pour the hot water over the hand-tied tea balls, you will witness an enchanting display. The tea balls slowly open into delightful flowers. The pot and infuser are perfectly clear to show off your tea and allow you to easily witness the unfolding of your tea flower. I don't bother with the infuser because the tea balls shed very little during the brewing.
Best of all, the tea is delicious. The green tea flavor is robust (through 3 potential infusions) and the jasmine is very subtle. I have since tried other brands but Primula has struck the perfect balance between flavor and beauty. I strongly recommend this set to anyone who loves tea and the soothing ritual of brewing tea.
By the way, you should try not to boil the water you use for infusing green teas. The flavor will be negatively affected by boiling hot water. Try to catch the water just before it boils. Small bubbles will start to rise. That's the perfect time to remove the water from the heat and brew your tea.
Happy sipping!

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Take a moment to enjoy some of life's simple pleasures and enjoy a unique tea time with the Primula Flowering Tea Set, which includes a 40-ounce clear glass tea pot and a canister of flowering teas containing 12 different green tea flowers with jasmine flavor. The durable tea pot holds 5 cups of liquid (40 ounces) and is made out of hand-blown borosilicate glass--the same glass used in laboratories. It is both strong and resistant to temperature extremes, and is also microwave and dishwasher safe. Simply add loose tea in the included infuser and pour through hot water. Removing the infuser is the ideal way to watch Primula's flowering teas in bloom and make tea.
Rather than use tea bags, Primula flowering teas are made by artisans in China and are comprised of hand sewn AA grade Green Tea with all natural flowers. The green tea is blended 5 times with jasmine to make for an aromatic scent. The flowers come in a sealed foil with a 2-1/2-year shelf life, and each flower can be used three times within a 24 hour period. Since the tea pot holds 5 cups of tea, each flower can make 15 cups. All of Primula Flowering Teas are made from the finest all natural tea leaves, but it is not certified organic, and it is inspected and certified by CIQ, a special Chinese governing agency that works with the approval of the FDA.

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Norpro 12 Cup Standard Muffin Tin Review

Norpro 12 Cup Standard Muffin Tin
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(More customer reviews)
I called the company (unfortunately after I had already purchased this item), and the 12 cup muffin pan is made of tin not stainless steel. Drat. If you are looking for a healthier alternative to nonstick (and tin), I suggest a stoneware muffin pan. Pampered Chef is the only company that I know of who makes one. Check their website for a more fair price than the one listed on this website. ;)

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Makes 12, 3 Inch,standard muffins.Also use for making cupcakes or hors d'oeuvres.

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Norpro Pasta Machine Motor Review

Norpro Pasta Machine Motor
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I' m sorry but not pleased with this motor. I have an old one that sounded much better than this one. This one has a high pitch sound to the motor and runs fast even on the slow setting. It's not what I was expecting the older modle was much softer and runs slower. I think I was sold a referbished pasta machine.

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Norpro pasta machine motor. Change your pasta machine from manual operation to motor driven. UL approved.

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Frigidaire F30WV16EC 30-Inch Under-Cabinet Range Hood, Stainless Steel Review

Frigidaire F30WV16EC 30-Inch Under-Cabinet Range Hood, Stainless Steel
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Looked at quite a few stainless range hoods. You can certainly pay a lot more for a unit than you will for this one - but why? The quality of the unit is fine, the fan is not loud and it moves enough air to pull out all the cooking fumes we generate. All in all, a great value for the $$.

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"30"" Range Hood - SS"

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12/27/2011

Progressive International 6-Sided Grater Review

Progressive International 6-Sided Grater
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A very fun grater for kids, with its clear window showing how much has been accomplished, and a secure base. Adults love 3 sizes of holes (zest/fine; medium; coarse). Includes coarse ribbon face, and a slicer. No nutmeg face. Durable, versatile. Reasonably comfy handle. washes well. Great value.

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Progressive International is your source for the widest range of functional, inventive, and fun kitchen tools and great ideas put into practice. Our in-house designers spend hours in the kitchen coming up with ways to improve on a variety of traditional tasks and tools. Established in 1973, our commitment to quality and service allows us to offer a broad selection of quality kitchenware and other household products. The Progressive 6 sided grater features 5 different stainless steel grating and slicing surfaces and a clear side panel with graduated markings for measuring. A removable base allows for easy dispensing and cleaning.Dishwasher safe.

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