3/29/2012

Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Broiler Review

Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Broiler
Average Reviews:

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I have had this oven for several months now. I missed an opportunity to by it as a factory refurbished unit, and ended up buying it new here. Initially, I wanted to hold out for a convection oven with a larger capacity, but the reality of unit size and lack of availability of a larger oven with similar features convinced me to by this model.
I think I made the right choice. It is large enough to bake and broil a wide variety of things without having to resort to the "big oven", it has accurate, even temp control, and enough features and custom settings that I am still discovering new and better ways to use it.
It is a pretty large oven, does everything advertsed in best of class fashion, it's very easy to clean, and looks "right" no matter how your kitchen is outfitted. Even simple tasks like making toast are handled better than any regular toaster or cheap toaster oven that I have tried. When toasting bread or bagles, the first part of the cycle brings the bread up to teperature without bringing the heat elements up to "toasting" tepmerature. Towards the end of the cycle, the elements glow bright red, and toast both surfaces very evenly, and to taste. The result is perfectly toasted bread, bagles, pizza slices, etc, without cold centers. The cycle can easily be tailored for your favorite bread. Perfect.
Before I forget, someone posted a "review" here that really was a question about what temp the oven is capable of. The oven can also broil, so that would indicate that it can reach high temps, and in fact, it can. The "bake" setting allows you to select a temerature on the display up to 500 degrees. Most any cooking technique that can be done with a quality conventional oven can be done with this gem. And more. When I first started using the oven, I checked it's indicated temp with my electronic thermometer that I use for calibrating industrial sensors. In every case, the indicated air temp was within a few degrees of reality. My full sized oven wasn't anywhere near that close when it was new.
Broiling, baking, defrosting, and reheating leftovers are also given the benefit of digital control over the cooking cycle. Even the crumb tray was designed for effective operation, and ease of cleaning. I have used a number of dedicated convection ovens, and more than a few toaster ovens over the years, but this one is in a class by itself. Even if you grew up with the microwave, this oven won't gather dust on your countertop.
Update... July 12, 2005. This oven is used most every day, and has proved to be a solid performer. As time passed, I have used pretty much all of the functions of the oven, and learned to customize settings to please me along the way. I have not had a single problem with the oven since the day it arrived, and being easy to keep clean, it still looks factory new (when I clean it). It is about as large as I care to have on the countertop, and for bigger jobs, I simply use the main kitchen oven. For most anything else, this is the oven that gets the call. I still rate five stars.

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Cuisinart brings a new standard of convenience and consistency to baking, broiling and toasting. The Convection Baking fan surrounds the food surface with evenly heated airflow, to cook foods up to 30% faster than conventional ovens. The state-of-the-art Exact Heat¿ Sensor and Your Choice¿ Browning Memory ensure that everything is cooked to perfection. The Convection Oven-Toaster-Broiler will be a welcome addition to any kitchen!

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3/28/2012

Krups FEM4B 4-Slice Toaster, Black Review

Krups FEM4B 4-Slice Toaster, Black
Average Reviews:

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I read previous reviews of this and other toasters that I had considered purchasing. I have always had good experiences with Krups, Kitchen Aid, Braun, and Cuisinart products-- in that order. At home, we really enjoy and have had great experiences and reliability from the first two brands in particular.
Many of today's toasters seem more like small ovens, given the amount of wattage output they can deliver. In the case of the toaster, I chose the Krups 4-slice toaster. (The Kitchen Aid was a bit too long for the small amount of counter space that I have in my apartment's kitchen). Both have very wide slots, seemingly designed for bagels and frozen breakfast treats.
I noted that some reviewers had complained that the Krups does not toast evenly. I have used a number of brand name toasters, and one could say the same for all-- especially those with the wider slots.
What I do like about the Krups is that it does do a great job in positioning and holding bread evenly between the heating elements in each slot, which in turn is helpful in evenly toasted bread. Whether the toasting is even depends, I found, on the freshness and size of the bread; also, you should experiment with the heat settings, to determine which is best for you. Larger loaf sizes will bend slightly to one side or the other in the slots; hence, I do not always obtain even toasting of these bread slices.
I am very satisfied with the results that I obtain from the Krups toaster, and recommend it without reservation.

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The Krups 4 slice toaster has 1600 watts of power and two independent sets of controls. Each chamber is designed to quickly brown the surface of the bread and retain the soft texture within. The integrated warming tray is easy to clean, removable and dishwasher safe. It quickly warms breads, muffins, pastries, and other baked goods without drying them out. The 8- setting browning selector accommodates all toasting preferences accurately and consistently at all levels. The 3- position metal control lever turns right to toast and left to raise the bread for easy one- handed removal.Bagel function toasts bagels from the cut side while warming the crust while the defrost function warms frozen bread through then toasts. The stop eject button halts the toasting cycle at the touch of a button. Comes with 1-year warranty.

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Sharp R-55TS Warm & Toasty Toaster/Microwave Review

Sharp R-55TS Warm and Toasty Toaster/Microwave
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In the aesthetics department this item is top notch for anyone going for a stainless steel look in their kitchen. Brushed steel on front, with a black glass window - black metal on sides. Surprisingly, this is more important that I would have thought.
It microwaves well, though at 650W. The controls are convienent, and fast - with a single "one minute" button to save time on reheats. Seems to cook very evenly.
A nice function is the ability to turn the sound off completely - ridding your home of one source of beeps and chirps.
The oven works well for cooking. The toaster works surprisingly well, but it takes close to 3 minutes for a slice of bread. In the toast department, I'd recommend a stand-alone drop-in style toaster.
You can combine cooking and microwaving in steps (thaw then cook, not both at once).

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The SHARP R-55TS Warm & Toasty combines versatility with exceptional results.Express Defrost for meat and poultryMinute Plus setting with Digital Display sets the oven at High with a single touchTimer Dial with Auto-TouchSix Variable Power LevelsCooking Capacity -0.5 feetMicrowave Power -650 WattsHeater Power -760W (Top); 510W (Bottom); 1,270W (Total)Interior Dimensions -5-7/8H x 11-1/4W x 11-5/8DExterior Dimensions -11-1/2H x 17-3/4W x 15-1/4DTurntable Diameter -10-1/2Color -Stainless Front with Black Cabinet and Stainless Interior Walls

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Krups FEM2B 2-Slice Toaster, Black & Silver Review

Krups FEM2B 2-Slice Toaster, Black and Silver
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After having gone through several toasters that looked sleek, but couldn't toast worth a darn -- let alone set off the smoke alarm -- I turned to Consumer Products for guidance (11/04). We picked their number 2 because it looked functional without too many needless gimmicks, whereas the brand name of #1 reminded us too much of the toaster that burnt the bread and toasted its electronics. Also, rather than spending over ten bucks on a "Small Applicance Contract", we tossed in three more bucks to get the number-four-rated toaster as a backup should the Krups ever fail. The toaster yields a nice evenly browned slice of bread or toaster waffle without beeping, dancing or burning up the kitchen. Sorry to learn that others encountered uneven browning -- we are delighted with the Krups, and it looks good too.

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Krups FEM2B ToastExpert 2 slice Toaster, Black & Chrome. This Krups toaster has metal front panel, bagel function, defrost function, cancel button, cool walls, large slots, extra large dishwasher safe crumb tray

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Cutting Board, New, Acadia Wood (Acadia) ( 1.4" H x 12" W x 18" D) Review

Cutting Board, New, Acadia Wood (Acadia) ( 1.4 H x 12 W x 18 D)
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Board looks super, but was slightly rough in a couple of spots; sandpaper took care of that quickly enough (though that region lightened as I took off a little stain, so I had to sand the entire surface to balance out the shade again). Conveniently reversible -- this is a solid, impressive slab of wood.
If you want it to last, and not collect bacteria or just plain bad flavors, wood boards should always be treated with common mineral oil (not vegetable oil, which will tend to spoil rancidly over time) before first use, and periodically thereafter.

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This wonderful delight of a cutting board is built to last. The deep Acadia finish stands out from the competition and its large, rectangular surface with two routed handles for easy movement are guaranteed to make your cooking a pleasure. This cutting board even featured grooved edges on one side to collected juices from whatever you are cutting. This delight makes and impressive table server, not to mention a cutting board that is it the top of its class. Available in three sizes: 12" x 12", 12" x 15", and 12" x 18" Assembly level/degree of difficulty: No Assembly Required.

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3/27/2012

Harold Import 1814 "Toast-it" Toaster Bags Review

Harold Import 1814 Toast-it Toaster Bags
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instructions weren't great. have used these many years ago, and loved them, BUT, THESE BURNED AND DISENTIGRADED, THOUGH THEY DID REFUND THE PRICE. found some others with better instructions on heat level and time.

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"HAROLD IMPORT" NOSTICK TOAST-IT TOASTER BAGSPrepare a snack in your toaster, grill, or toaster oven...Great for pizza slices, pita bread, panini's and more!The NoStik Toast-it bag with its non-stick surface cooks snacks for you in just a couple of minutes, retaining all their flavor and vitamins. Toasted sandwiches, pizza slices, panini, pita, garlic bread, bacon and more. Your toaster or grill will remain clean. Toast-it is also suitable for use in all types of toasters, grills, toaster ovens. The bag is reusable up to 50 times. Highlights:Reusable (up to 50 times) toaster bags, 100% non-stick one wipe clean Turn your Toaster into a Grill, Prepare a snack in your toaster, grill, toaster oven... Crumb-free toasting reduces cross contact: Perfect for gluten-free breads Grilles: Sanwiches, pizza slices, pita bread, bacon, panini, garlic bread and more Made in Belgium. Hand wash or place in dishwasher away from heating element. Carded.

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DeLonghi 35760 Non-Stick Dough Hook for Stand Mixer Model DSM5 Review

DeLonghi 35760 Non-Stick Dough Hook for Stand Mixer Model DSM5
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Amazon has listed this item as working with both the DSM5 and DSM7 models. I own a DSM7, 7-quart, and this is far too small to be workable.
If you have a DSM7 avoid this product.
If you have a DSM5, 5-quart, this probably works just fine.

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The De'Longhi 35760 Non-Stick Dough Hook accessory for use with mixer model DSM5 is designed to make mixing and kneading quick and effortless. Don't tire out those arms and hands kneading bread or pizza doughs-make them the easy way-use the non-stick dough hook accessory.

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