Sunday, April 10, 2011

T-Fal Signature Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set Black

T-Fal Signature Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set Black

I was very happy with this cookware. It came in a timely manner and I gave it to my daughter for Christmas. She loves them.This product is good. The coating non-stick scratches a little too easy but overall a good product.
I bought these pans for my daughter as a Christmas gift and she loves them. Great cookware at a great price!

Paula Deen 3 Quart Stack & Steamer Stainless Steel

Paula Deen 3 Quart Stack & Steamer Stainless Steel
We recently ordered this steamer and were pleasantly surprised at how well constructed it was and how well it works. Both the pot and steamer insert are heavier weight than comparable steamers, and appear to be as durable as they are attractive. The copper bottom heats up quickly and evenly, and the knob on the lid does not get too hot to handle. It can steam enough vegetables for 3-4 people. Make sure you read the label and soak the copper bottom 20 min. in baking soda solution before use to remove its protective coating.

Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen Flat Bottom Carbon Steel 14-Inch Lidded Wok Set

Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen Flat Bottom Carbon Steel 14-Inch Lidded Wok Set
I honestly felt like I was stealing from somebody when I clicked the "purchase" button. After researching the best equipment for Asian cooking, the experts concluded that the carbon steel flat bottom wok scored top marks with professional chefs. The idea is to season the wok (you can find out how to do this on about.com) instead of purchasing a teflon coated one. I cannot emphasise how important this step is if you want to create the perfect Singapore Noodles or Chow Mein! You will be cooking like a pro in no time, for almost no cost at all.

Scanpan Classic Ceramic Titanium 10-1/4-Inch Fry Pan

Scanpan Classic Ceramic Titanium 10-1/4-Inch Fry Pan
I feel smart every time I pull this pan out. There simply isn't a more durable nonstick fry pan than this. I can use metal utensils! Put it in a 500 degree oven! Wash it in the dishwasher! (Which I don't, since it's so easy to clean). It also has a flat, reinforced bottom that completely eliminates wobbliness. Although it's expensive, ScanPan is a lifetime investment, and it makes the flimsy Teflon pans that you have to replace every ten years seem wasteful. 

Update: June 2009. 
I still love this pan. Folks, you have to use a little oil or butter for it to work properly. And don't set the heat too high, either. This pan heats up fast and holds heat a long time, so use a lower heat setting than you'd use for a cheaper pan.

Mr. Bar-B-Q Cast-Iron Wok

Mr. Bar-B-Q Cast-Iron Wok
Ok currently i have a joyce chen carbon steel flat bottom wok which i do enjoy. It does get extremely hot but there is only one problem with it...as i start to fill the wok the temperature starts to drop so much sometimes i end up steaming the food instead of searing it (breath of wok) because moisture released from the food does not instantly evaporate but instead collects in the bottom of the wok. I have a high powered gas stove with a 16,000 BTU burner. If you don't know cast iron is one of the best materials if you don't want the heat to be sucked out of your pan by your food. Cast iron does take longer to eat up but once its hot it takes a lot to bring the heat out of it. 
Ok i received my wok tonight. I could not wait to cook with it. I did not experience any of the problems that other people had. My wok did not arrive cracked. It was in fine shape. I followed the directions to season the pan. I then removed it from the oven and let it cool before i started cooking with it. I decided to cook thai food. I heated it up and let me tell you this thing was awesome. Unlike the carbon steel wok it didn't loose much of its heat when i added the food. It seared everything perfectly. I loved the shape of the pan too. It was nice and wide. For being recently cured in the oven it was surprisingly non-stick. I can't imagine when the patina develops how wonderful it will be. There are some things you got to be aware of when cooking with this wok 
1) its a lot heavier than carbon steel. I did not mind this but some might. I think it had a nice feel to it 
2) The temperature difference between the sides/bottom won't be as different as a carbon steel wok so be careful. When i cooked i didn't have any problem with this 
3) When you turn off the wok it will retain heat longer than carbon steel so just keep moving the stuff in the wok till it slightly cools down. 

So this wok is a steal for the price for $16.00 shipped i have an awesome cooking device. If i had a high power burner like they do in the resteruants (which no home stove can do) i might stick with carbon steel but with a home stove i definitly prefer cast iron.

All-Clad Stainless 2-Quart Saucepan

All-Clad Stainless 2-Quart Saucepan
I have read people's comments about the relatively small diameter (6") of All-Clad's 2-quart saucepan. I find that the narrow diameter of this pan maintains a very hot, moist "atmosphere" in the upper region of the inside, even with the lid off. Because of that, the top of the food in the pan benefits from the radiant heat above it as well as from the physical-contact heat of the bottom and sides of the pan, even as you are adding ingredients and stirring, and with little loss of moisture from the food. The narrowness of the top of the pan helps prevent the wafting away of heat and moisture. (Using a long-handled stirring tool helps to protect your fingertips from the steam!) If you find that you are filling this pot with food, you really should transfer the food to a larger pot. In the 2-quart pan, leave enough space above the food for the "head of steam". A truly wonderful design!

Lodge Logic 4-Quart Cast-Iron Camp Dutch Oven

Lodge Logic 4-Quart Cast-Iron Camp Dutch Oven
I never write reviews but this dutch oven deserves one. I really love the lodge logic. I have two dutch ovens I seasoned myself and two lodge logic. The preseasoning looks great and wears great, very much worth it. I bought this little dutch oven because I had been introduced to dutch oven cooking and was having a blast with it and felt this would be a nice little oven to use once in a while. I've actually used it all most as much as my twelve incher. It works great for the sides, breads, deserts, etc. The smaller size makes it lighter which is kind of nice also. It keeps my house cool in the summer when I want a bread for dinner but don't want to heat the oven and tonight I had friends over and made an apple crisp by layering the ingredients inside, then stacking it on top of my twelve incher where our dinner was going. Now I'm trying to think of what other things I can do. This is definitely a worthwhile investment.

Range Kleen Stainless Steel Oval Pot Rack

Range Kleen Stainless Steel Oval Pot Rack
I have been wanting a hanging pot rack for the longest time and finally I got a kitchen where I could have one. I was on the fence for quite a while trying to make up my mind which one I wanted and ultimately I decided on this one. The oval shape seemed esthetically pleasing and I love the look of stainless steel. 

It was in my amazon shopping cart for the longest time and finally I ordered it. I am glad I did. It is beautiful and functional and I am very happy!!!

All-American 30-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner

All-American 30-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner
This canner is awesome. It will last my family for generations. If you want something that will can large amounts of food for a long time this is it. It is rather large and very heavy but that is what I wanted. If you want something smaller be prepared to be able to do less at one time. It just barely fits between the oven and the microwave so I went out into the garage and used the turkey fryer to can. All of the heat stays outside. I called customer service afer I chipped the handle and they took care of it by sending a new one out. They also answered a long list of questions that I had about canning without showing any impatience. I am very happy with it. Thanks

Trudeau 24-Piece Stainless-Steel Lazy Susan 40-Ounce Fondue Set

Trudeau 24-Piece Stainless-Steel Lazy Susan 40-Ounce Fondue Set
I bought this fondue set for my husband's birthday and he loved it! We LOVE fondue at the house - easy and fun! The lazy susan with dipping bowls and spoons is a nice touch. Be careful with the stainless pot (outer pot), it doesn't sit into the wire rack as neatly as it could, so there is a possibility of it shifting some as you stir the contents - the same w/the ceramic pot, it doesn't fit snug into the outer one and can move around some when you stir the contents. The forks are not color coded, as some are; rather, they have lines on the handle to differentiate btw them - one line, two lines, three, etc. For the broth, four people is about the max that can use this - two forks apiece, so 8 in the pot at once is crowded, but definitely doable. For cheese and chocolate, you're just dipping into the pot, so more people could join in. This comes w/a container for lighter fluid (be sure to buy correct kind); but, we actually used sternos b/c we couldn't find the gel. We are pleased, so far, with our first fondue pot purchase! Great for the price.

Fagor Futuro 10 Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner

Fagor Futuro 10 Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner
Love, love my pressure cooker! Cooks well and fast. Compatible with induction cooktop. Easy to wash. This size is for a small family. If your family is larger than three, you are better off with the 8-quart size. Instruction booklet is easy to read, really. Definitely worth every penny. Made in Spain.

All-Clad 5201.5 Stainless 1-1/2-Quart Saucepan with Lid

All-Clad 5201.5 Stainless 1-1/2-Quart Saucepan with Lid
After buying first the 1/2 qt pot I bought a 7 piece set. I still needed this one to complete my All-Clad set. Although very expensive, I have never used a better pots and pans. The bottoms are flat and provide very even heating of the pot for cooking. I have an induction stovetop, and needed magnetic pans. I have some other magnetic pots and pans, but these are by far the best. I plan on handing them down to my grandkids because they are so great. Extremely well made, much more so than the ones made in China also marketed under the All-Clad name. I got the best deal on Amazon.

Farberware Classic 6-Quart Stockpot with Lid

Farberware Classic 6-Quart Stockpot with Lid
You really can't go wrong with any of Farberware's pots! They really last a lifetime! I have the 3qt,6qt,8qt,1qt,and 2qt. The 3qt is the best for everyday! They will last for generations! My mother still uses them and I grew up with her cooking with them when I was a child and they still are excellent!Believe me you get your money's worth with Farberware! The classic collection is excellent! I know my sets will last as long as my mother's. 

Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 17-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 17-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
With proper care this pan will last more than a lifetime. Most of the Cast Iron pans made in the late 1800's are still floating around. This pan can last that long too. While this pan is hugh and can cook lots and lots of food. It is better suited for outdoor cooking on a Campfire or a Turkey fryer base than useing in a kitchen. It is pretty big for a stove as you can have two burners heating it at once. I am glad I bought this pan. I also bought a smaller skillet for use on my home stove. 

But for campfire cooking this is one of the most versitle pieces out there, you can fry in it, use it a a griddle and make monster pancakes. You can even whip up a big batch of Chili. If you like camping or even backyard cooking this is a must have. I like to use mine with a Turkey deepfryer base as the heating element it works great.

Norpro 3 Piece Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop Set

Norpro 3 Piece Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop Set
I normally make a lot of cookies around the holidays to share with friends and family. The small (non-Norpro) melon-baller/scooper I previously used broker after several dozen cookies (due to the heavier dough of some cookies). These Norpro units are very well made, and have a substantial spring. I was able to make 20 dozen cookies in one night (solo) and only rinsed the scoop after every sixteenth cookie (two trays of eight per oven load). They work extremely well, feel good in your hand, were a great price and I would highly recommend them. Having three sizes accommodates my needs for various uses beyond cookies, and I look forward to serving potatoes and some other foods using the new scoops.

Norpro Stainless Steel 10 Inch Egg Poacher Skillet Set

Norpro Stainless Steel 10 Inch Egg Poacher Skillet Set
Through the years we had an electric teflon coated egg poacher that cooked the eggs well except we did not like the fact that we were scraping off the teflon surface each time we tried to clean the egg cups out. We did not want to be ingesting the teflon anymore. We found this Stainless Steel egg poacher and just love it and it is actually easier to clean. One just needs to set a timer for 5 minutes and is able to get perfectly poached eggs.

Black & Decker SpaceMaker Under-the-Cabinet Can Opener - White

Black & Decker SpaceMaker Under-the-Cabinet Can Opener - White
Having had a prior model of the Black & Decker undercounter can opener, I 
was so pleasantly surprised at the improvements B&D made to produce such 
a fantastic product. The first time I used it I couldn't believe how fast 
and powerful it is, and how clean the edges of the can is left. I didn't know how bad my other one was and was so frustrated by it I at first wouldn't look at another Black and Decker. I'm so glad that I did. 
Thank you thank you thank you. BW in Dallas, TX

The 10 Green Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri with Textured Ceramic Non-Stick Coating (100% PTFE and PFOA Free)

The 10 Green Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri with Textured Ceramic Non-Stick Coating (100% PTFE and PFOA Free)
I love this pan. I had seen infomercials for a similar ceramic pan and wanted to try it but the reviews for that pan indicated all sorts of shenanigans in the ordering process for that product. Naturally I came to Amazon to look for a comparable product. It is a heavy duty pan. It has an induction friendly base so that you can cook on an induction cooktop. Best of all it's ceramic coating performs as advertised. It is simply the best non-stick pan I have ever owned.

Cuisinart 7117-16UR Chef's Classic Stainless 16-Inch Rectangular Roaster with Rack

Cuisinart 7117-16UR Chef's Classic Stainless 16-Inch Rectangular Roaster with Rack
I have always made do with whatever pan I already had in my kitchen. This Thanksgiving I purchased this stainless steel roaster. It was perfect in every way and cleans up bright and shinny like brand new again. I especially like the rack with handles. Should have had this pan all along for all my Thanksgiving Days and all my other big family gatherings. I would recommend it.

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 10-Piece Cookware Set

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 10-Piece Cookware Set
My boyfriend is an expert level cook, while I am just an amateur. He picked out this set of cookware for me, and both us are thrilled with it. It is so easy to clean, it's ridiculous. The handles don't get hot at all, the food quality is coming out really great, and the set looks really pretty and expensive. No one can believe I got this for the price I did.