March 22, 2008

FoodSaver Advanced V2860

FoodSaver Advanced V2860 : Sealing freshness and flavors in just got easier! This fully automatic system offers hands-free operation, built-in roll storage and cutter, two seal controls (shorter for dry foods), Crush- free® Instant Seal, Membrane Control Panel, pen storage, hose and cord storage, and an accessory port for vacuum-sealing canisters. 18"W x 6.5"D x 15.5"H.

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Top 50 Reviewer

5 out of 5

Perfect for the Wholesale Club Lover March 22, 2008
chefhoppi from San Francisco, CA

"I love shopping at Costco. I buy in bulk. This is why the FoodSaver is an AMAZING kitchen gadget for me. I buy in bulk, then separate and store meat and fish in individual portions. No more freezer burn. It's perfect when you only have to defrost one portion at a time! I have not yet tried marinating or even cooking using the vacuum (saw that trick on Top Chef), but I am sure it will totally shorten the time to get the flavor in and the food ready.

The only downside (maybe they just deserve a 4.5 star) is the amount of vacuum plastic wasted (you have to cut a relatively large top part to allow the vacuuming to work fully), so if you use your FoodSaver a lot you may be going through those not-cheap rolls quickly."

March 22, 2008

Microplane Zester and Grater

Microplane Zester and Grater : Microplane's patented razor-sharp teeth make this tool ideal for: Zesting citrus fruits quickly and cleanly, without removing bitter pith. Grating hard cheese, chocolate, garlic, or ginger. Based on a carpenter's rasp, Microplane tools are renowned for superior sharpness and precision. USA made of surgical-grade stainless steel with an easy-grip Santoprene handle. Dishwasher safe.12"W.

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Top 50 Reviewer

5 out of 5

Great kitchen tool! March 22, 2008
chefhoppi from San Francisco, CA

"The Microplane is a must have for any kitchen. It zests beautifully (I even add lemon zests in my pasta sauce for a little tang because it is so easy). Grating hard cheeses is a snap with this. You can also grate nutmeg and ginger. It's really sharp and super easy to clean too. Truly a versatile and handy tool."

February 13, 2008

OXO Potato Masher

OXO Potato Masher : Two tools in one, this innovative design combines: An oval stainless steel grid that mashes thoroughly and evenly in a single motion, eliminating the overmashing that can create starchy texture. Silicone blades along the outsides of the arms, so you can scrape the pot without reaching for a spatula -- and without scratching nonstick surfaces. The wide, soft Santoprene handle provides a comfortable grip for better leverage, so less effort is required, and the extra-long arms keep your hand out of the food. Heat resistant to 500 degrees. Dishwasher safe. 7.5"W x 5"Dx 3"H. Imported.

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Top 50 Reviewer

5 out of 5

Look no further! February 13, 2008
chefhoppi from San Francisco, CA

"This masher is GREAT. It doesn't scratch, super simple to use, and easy to clean. I brought this masher to my mother-in-law's one year and she didn't want to give it back to me after seeing it in action... It's the perfect mashed potatoes tool for every kitchen."

February 13, 2008

Waring Wine Temperature Optimizer

Waring Wine Temperature Optimizer : Keep red, white, rosé and sparkling wine at the optimum temperatures for full flavor release. Thirty-three temperature options are displayed, along with the varietal name, on the easy-to-read blue backlit LCD screen. Holds bottles up to 3 1/2" Dia. CPU control for a constant chill. 1 bottle: 8"L x 6"W x 9"H 2 bottle: 11 3/4"L x 10"W x 14 1/2"H

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Top 50 Reviewer

1 out of 5

Broken after two uses February 13, 2008
chefhoppi from San Francisco, CA

"Theoretically this is a great gadget. It has more than 30 wines on the library, keeping track of exactly what temperature the wine needs to be for optimum flavor.

The problem is, it is LOUD. Also, like what the other members said, it takes FOREVER to get a bottle to the optimum temperature.

Our biggest issue with it though, is that it is now broken after two uses. You put a bottle in, pick the wine type from the library, cover it with the sleeve, press go... 5 minutes late it thinks my bottle of room temperature wine is actually currently 0 degrees and starts warming it like there's no tomorrow... If I wasn't paying attention I would have ruined a $50 bottle of wine! I tested it again with a bottle of white and the same problem happened...

We got this as a Christmas present so I guess I'll have to figure out how to fix it at some point, but I would definitely not buy one for someone!"

February 12, 2008

Wusthof Grand Prix II 3-Piece Chef's Set

Wusthof Grand Prix II 3-Piece Chef's Set : Includes an 8" chef's knife, a 6" utility knife, and a 3.5" paring knife. About Wusthof Grand Prix II: Redesigned with a sleek new profile that trims the bolster to expose the full blade edge for optimum performance, maximum sharpening. Precision-forged blades of Wusthof's own high-carbon stain-resistant steel alloy. Skillfully honed by hand and laser-tested for a flawless edge that lasts longer and is easy to resharpen. Computer-controlled grinding and polishing perfect the tapering from back to edge and tip to handle. Permanently bonded to the extended tang, handles are ergonomically molded with a pebble-grained texture for a comfortable, no-slip grip. Made in Solingen, Germany.

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Top 50 Reviewer

4 out of 5

Must have basics! February 12, 2008
chefhoppi from San Francisco, CA

"If you don't already have a set of knives, then look no further and get these. Well balanced, easy to use, they are perfect for the beginner cook or the expert cook. The only down side (why this didn't get 5 stars from me) is due to when they lose the edge... you almost always has to get them professionally sharpened or else they won't get back to their old glory."

February 12, 2008

Riedel Vinum Burgundy

Riedel Vinum Burgundy : Excellent for full-bodied red wines (more than 12.5% alcohol) such as Burgundy (red), Barbaresco, Barbera, Barolo, Gamay, Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir. Set of 2, 24.75 oz. 8.25"H About Riedel Vinum Wine really does taste better in these glasses! European grape varietals inspired the Vinum stemware collection by Georg Riedel. Bowls shaped to highlight the bouquet and showcase a specific wine's flavor, resulting in an optimal balance of sugar, acid, alcohol and tannins with no single component outshining the others. Cut and polished rims and the superb clarity of the 24% lead crystal add to the sipping pleasure. Made in Austria. Hand-wash. Proposition 65 Warning--important information for California residents: Consuming foods or beverages that have been kept or served in leaded crystal products or handling products made of leaded crystal will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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Top 50 Reviewer

5 out of 5

Makes My Wine Tastes Better! February 12, 2008
chefhoppi from San Francisco, CA

"If you are a wine drinker, then it is important to invest in a nice set of wine glasses. The Riedel Vinum collection definitely is worth the extra penny. These are not as expensive as the hand blown ones, but the quality is still there. The thin rim allows you to taste the wine and not the glass. It's hard to describe, but once you tried it you won't want to go back."

February 12, 2008

All-Clad Stainless-Steel Au Gratin Set

All-Clad Stainless-Steel Au Gratin Set : Two classic oval au gratins in a versatile size for individual servings or two-serving side dishes. Ideal for oven-to-table use. Set of 2. Each pan is .5 quart. 7" x 5" x 1.5". All-Clad's leading cookware line is brilliantly styled with a hand-polished gleaming stainless-steel finish that many of the world's professional and home chefs prefer. The 18/10 stainless-steel interior will not react with your food, leaving the pure taste you desire. Dishwasher-safe. Product Features 3-ply bonded construction for a lifetime of use Mirror-finished magnetic stainless-steel exterior is hand-polished to a lustrous shine Pure aluminum core covers bottom of the pan and extends up the sides for greater heat conductivity Easy-to-clean 18/10 stainless-steel interior helps prevent foods from sticking Stainless-steel interior will not react with foods Cookware maintains even heat distribution that prevents "hot spots" when cooking Signature stay-cool handles are cast from solid stainless-steel and designed for ergonomic comfort Handles, rivets and lids are polished stainless-steel creating a striking impression High-strength, non-corrosive stainless-steel rivets keep handles permanently secure, making cooking safer Suited for all stovetops including electric, gas, ceramic, induction and halogen Bonded cookware handcrafted in the U.S.A., lids and components manufactured overseas. All-Clad Cookware Lifetime Warranty: From date of purchase, All-Clad guarantees to repair or replace any item found defective in material, construction or workmanship under normal use and following care instructions. This excludes damage from misuse or abuse. Minor imperfections and slight color variations are normal.

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Top 50 Reviewer

5 out of 5

Perfect for Cook-and-Serve February 12, 2008
chefhoppi from San Francisco, CA

"I received these as a wedding present. They are adorable. Ideal for oven-to-table because they look so professional. I've made potatoes au gratins in them and they brown up nicely (but put a drip tray underneath when you are cooking cuz they will bubble over."

February 12, 2008

All-Clad Stainless-Steel Chef's Pan

All-Clad Stainless-Steel Chef's Pan : This versatile pan cooks risotto and sauces, and stir-fries with ease. Its low, rounded shape enables liquids to evaporate quickly and makes it easy to stir and toss foods. Use with the domed lid to braise or cook rice. All-Clad's leading cookware line is brilliantly styled with a hand-polished gleaming stainless-steel finish that many of the world's professional and home chefs prefer. The 18/10 stainless-steel interior will not react with your food, leaving the pure taste you desire. Dishwasher-safe. Product Features 3-ply bonded construction for a lifetime of use Mirror-finished magnetic stainless-steel exterior is hand-polished to a lustrous shine Pure aluminum core covers bottom of the pan and extends up the sides for greater heat conductivity Easy-to-clean 18/10 stainless-steel interior helps prevent foods from sticking Stainless-steel interior will not react with foods Cookware maintains even heat distribution that prevents "hot spots" when cooking Signature stay-cool handles are cast from solid stainless-steel and designed for ergonomic comfort Handles, rivets and lids are polished stainless-steel creating a striking impression High-strength, non-corrosive stainless-steel rivets keep handles permanently secure, making cooking safer Suited for all stovetops including electric, gas, ceramic, induction and halogen Bonded cookware handcrafted in the U.S.A., lids and components manufactured overseas. All-Clad Cookware Lifetime Warranty: From date of purchase, All-Clad guarantees to repair or replace any item found defective in material, construction or workmanship under normal use and following care instructions. This excludes damage from misuse or abuse. Minor imperfections and slight color variations are normal.

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Top 50 Reviewer

5 out of 5

Great Pan February 12, 2008
chefhoppi from San Francisco, CA

"All-Clad makes GREAT pots and pans, and this one is no exception. I love how it heats, sears, and stir-fries. The only down side, if you call it one, is that I like to cook for large parties and this can be a bit small when you are trying to make a pan-fried noodle dish with lots of ingredients. But it is great for a one-pan dinner any night. 5 Stars for the versatility and also for how beautiful it is!"