Showing posts with label 2009 amazon frustration-fre e packaging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009 amazon frustration-fre e packaging. Show all posts

3/27/2012

Corelle Livingware Country Cottage 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4 Review

Corelle Livingware Country Cottage 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Corelle dishes really are the best! Lightweight and easy to handle, beautiful and timeless in design. I have always wanted to fill my kitchen with them! At this price I have been able to purchase several sets, enough for company!
Our family doesn't use many mugs- and I was thrilled to find the sets with matching drinking glasses instead. They set an absolutely beautiful table.
If you enjoy a simple country design, you'll love these dishes.
Corelle is durable and stays lovely for years-- My mother still has the set (trimmed with yellow butterflies) I grew up with years ago! Just be careful not to drop a plate or bowl- they can really shatter!!
I love my set, and would absolutely order these again.


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Corelle Livingware 16-Piece Set with Drinkware, Service for 4, includes 4-each 10-1/4-inch Dinner Plates, 6-3/4-inch Bread and Butter Plates,18-ounce Soup/Cereal Bowls, 16-ounce Cooler Glasses, Country Cottage

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1/28/2012

Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife Review

Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife
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This knife was part of a gift, and I am pleased to say that it exceeded all expectations. There may be other brands with equal utility, but I have not had the pleasure of using them. I am not shy about blasting Wusthof or Henckels for charging obscene prices when another brand offers the same quality for less, but like several specialty knives in the line, this one is a winner. Put your electric whiz bang in the closet, and amaze your guests with this useful (and large) gem.

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This multi-purpose knife features a scalloped edge rather than a serrated one, so it's less abrasive when slicing through meat. With its wavy edge, juices from your meat stay intact. It's also ideal for slicing bread, pastries or cakes, offering cleaner, smoother cuts so there are fewer crumbs. It's fully forged, balanced and weighted and fits perfectly in the hand.Wusthof's newest state of the art technology incorporates a new computer controlled method for putting the edge on Classic knives. This technology allows for an exacting edge from the tip of the knife down to the heel of the knife. With this newer precision, the knives are made sharper to 14 degrees per side for a total of 28 degrees. The knives are now sharper and this refinement increases the sharpness retention because exacting angles and edges last longer than edges sharpened by hand. The result is a knife that is 30% sharper and the ICP (Initial Cutting Performance) lasts twice as long.

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11/21/2011

Granite Ware Covered Roasters Review

Granite Ware Covered Roasters
Average Reviews:

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This is nowhere near as sturdy as the old one I use every year for my turkey, but it will do for a small chicken. I don't think it will last for years, like the ones my mother and grandmother used. I wouldn't mind paying several dollars more if I thought it would be a "forever" purchase.

This roaster is smaller than I envisioned. The "13 inches" refers to the outside dimensions: from the outside edge of one handle to the outside edge of the other. Its inside length is 11 inches. WARNING: the "Frequently bought with" Harold Import 12-by-8 and 1/4-inch Oval Roasting Rack does not fit this roaster! They should not be advertised together.

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Granite Ware roasters brown better and cook more evenly than any other roaster.The dark exterior absorbs all the oven's energy, the steel core evenly distributes the heat and the glass interior doesn't alter the taste.This covered oval roaster measures 13" x 8" x 5"Black

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8/04/2011

Portmeirion Botanic Garden Bread & Butter Plate 6 " Review

Portmeirion Botanic Garden Bread and Butter Plate 6
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These plates completed my dinner set and I am delighted to be able to find them on Amazon. The plates arrived in excellent condition, a day earlier than noted. All in all, a very pleasant shopping experience.

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These plants and butterflies that make up Botanic Garden are from the exquisitely hand coloured illustrations in the finest natural history books of the early 19th Century. Reproduced with true craftsmanship, these flowers have brilliance and life they had when first painted over 150 years ago.

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5/19/2011

Oxo Good Grips POP Storage Containers Review

Oxo Good Grips POP Storage Containers
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Overview:
I have purchased many of these storage containers, in various sizes. As with most OXO products, I have been extremely satisfied with them, and I would buy them again. More importantly, my wife appears to be equally impressed with her gift.
That being said, I don't think they would work as well for everyone, as they do for us. They are expensive, and they are not necessarily the best choice for a home with small children. As such, I will provide you with my observations, and leave it up to you to decide how they would fit into your personal lifestyle.
The pros:
They seal flawlessly, and with great ease. I believe they are the best product available for keeping the freshness in, and the bugs out. They stack nicely, and their clear siding permits easy identification of the contents within. Their rounded corners make pouring a breeze.
These containers come in a variety of sizes, and meet all of our kitchen dry-storage needs. They work for everything from baking goods, to cereals and crackers, to bread. Yes, the two largest container sizes can hold a normal-sized loaf of bread, and keep it fresh for much longer.
They have really helped organize the pantry, which looks great, and makes it much easier to evaluate how much of a product requires replentishment, prior to shopping.
The cons:
First, many of them (especially the larger sizes) are not packaged well for shipping, and they have arrived in broken condition. Fortunately, Amazon Customer Service has promptly replaced them, without delay. To me, the long-term convenience far outweighs the short-term frustration.
Second, we have not broken any of them after delivery, but we are also quite careful in their handling. I'm not sure how well they would do with small children, so be advised before you invest. I suspect a single drop on the hard kitchen floor would result in a damaged container, but I am not willing to test my hypothesis at this price.
Third, they are not dishwasher safe, except for the silicon sealing ring. For us, this has not been a major issue, but it may be a problem for others. Personally, we have found their non-pourous construction to be easy to clean, so we don't mind hand washing them.
Pre-purchase planning:
Be aware that for stacking purposes, the containers come in three shapes (from the top view): small-square shape, large-square shape, and rectangular shape. While you can sometimes mix them for stacking, in general, I find that it is best to stick to one shape (for a particular stack).
Also, be aware that you get more bang-for-the-buck with the larger sizes. The relationship between the price of the container and the volume of storage is indirect. In short, less storage costs you more money.
In general, I find the large-square shape and the rectangular shape to be the most beneficial. They permit easy access, and they allow the buyer more options regarding what to put in them. That being said, understand that the prepackaged sets tend to come with a lot of the small-square shaped containers.
The smallest sizes have limited functionality, but can be useful for storing raisons, small candies, etc. As for the spices mentioned by the manufacturer, spices usually come in a bottle. For those that don't, I believe there are better (and cheaper) products available.
Summary:
For those willing to deal with the shipping issues, the risk of future breakage, and the hand-washing, I think this is by far the best product on the market. With care, they will save you money in the long-run because: they keep things fresh, they keep the bugs out, and they make it easy to avoid the over-buying or the under-buying of groceries. They are a quality product, and they make the kitchen look great.
Whether you want to buy many of them or just a few, I generally recommend the larger sizes. They provide the best bang-for-the-buck, and permit greater flexibility. Specifically, I would start with a few of the large-square types to see if you like them as much as I do.
Thank you for those who posted before me. Much of what I have said consolidates what you mentioned before, and really helped with my purchasing decisions. For those of you still stuck in the decision-making process; good luck! I hope this helps out a little.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Oxo Good Grips POP Storage Containers

Easily keep dry foods fresh and the kitchen organized with this airtight, space-efficient storage container. Offering a 4-quart capacity, it works great for a 5-pound bag of flour or sugar. The container provides a square shape for maximum space efficiency, and its corners make for convenient pouring. Even more, its unique push-button mechanism creates an airtight seal with just one touch. The pop-up button also serves as a handle to lift off the lid, which comes apart for thorough cleaning. Designed for modular stacking, several together allow for efficiently organizing the countertop or pantry. The storage containers can also be used in the garage, sewing room, play room, or in other areas of the home. Available in a variety of sizes, the 4-quart container measures 6-1/4 by 6-1/4 by 10-1/2 inches and all parts are top-rack dishwasher-safe.

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5/15/2011

Victorinox 12-Inch Granton Edge Slicing Knife with Fibrox Handle Review

Victorinox 12-Inch Granton Edge Slicing Knife with Fibrox Handle
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
For years I've used an electric knife to slice turkey, roasts, ham, etc. No matter how well I sharpen a carving or chef's knife, I've been unable to avoid sawing back and forth to complete a cut, or worse, having the meat just tear apart as I cut. And thin, deli-style slices are just a dream, even with a sharp electric knife.
This slicer has cured all that. It's long enough to complete a breast cut on a 30-lb turkey in one stroke, and wide enough to make that stroke in a dead-straight line with little or no guidance from me. Thin ham slices for sandwiches are no problem at all. And it's sharp enough cut through the tenderest meat as if through warm butter. The small grooves on the blade seem to keep slices from sticking, making for an effortless cut.
I bought this knife on the basis of a review in Cook's Illustrated. You can spend more, or less, but I don't think you can buy a better slicer.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Victorinox 12-Inch Granton Edge Slicing Knife with Fibrox Handle

From the inventors of the famous Swiss Army knife comes a line of fine cutlery designed for accomplished and aspiring chefs at work or in the home. Each blade in the Stamped collection is expertly made in Switzerland from high-carbon stainless steel and undergoes a special tempering process for an edge that can be resharpened again and again. The result is a knife that can keep its original sharpness throughout the entire life of the blade. Each blade is conical ground throughout its length and depth, and laser tested to ensure optimum cutting power and durability. Ergonomically designed to minimize wrist tension, the unique, patented Fibrox handles are slip resistant when wet. Plus, all Stamped cutlery with Fibrox handles is approved by the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF). Although cutlery steel is naturally sanitary, materials and construction details of these handles minimize crevices that may otherwise offer hospitality to bacteria. The Victorinox Stamped collection is an extensive range with open-stock pieces as well as handy and versatile sets.
The 12-inch Granton Edge Slicing Knife has a safe, rounded tip and gives a long, straight edge to maximize the cutting surface. The flutes in the Granton Edge blade minimize friction, which helps the knife glide through meat with ease, making paper thin slices and preventing food from sticking to the blade. All Stamped cutlery should be washed by hand for best care, and Victorinox covers each piece with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.
From the Manufacturer
Who is Victorinox? Although Victorinox is known the world over as the creator of the Original Swiss Army Knife, the company started out in 1884 as a cutlery workshop. By the time company creator Karl Elsener delivered his first pocket knife to the Swiss Army, his cutlery business was already booming. Over the next century, Victorinox cutlery became a top-rated choice among professionals worldwide, with over 300 blades to offer.
Victorinox knives have regularly appeared as highly ranked and recommended kitchen tools in Cook\'s Illustrated, Men\'s Health, The Cincinnati Enquirer, New York Magazine, and Natural Health, just to name a few. In 2009, the company announced a partnership with professional chef, Daniel Humm, of Eleven Madison Park in New York City. In addition, building on the success of its cutlery business, Victorinox has brought all the same quality and expertise to a wider range of products and accessories, including other kitchen tools, pocket tools, watches, luggage, and clothing.
Who is R.H. Forschner? Victorinox had been a staple in European commercial cutlery for over 50 years when approached by New York\'s R.H. Forschner, known since 1855 as a builder of scales for butchers, to be their sole cutlery supplier. The two companies joined forces in 1937, and R.H. Forschner subsequently became North America\'s dominant professional brand, as ubiquitous in the bustling meatpacking plants of the Midwest as it is in the gleaming, four-star restaurant kitchens of Midtown Manhattan.
As a division of Victorinox/Swiss Army Brands, R.H. Forschner marketed cutlery under the brand name "RH Forschner by Victorinox" and distributed to the commercial, food service, and retail trade classes. That brand has been considered a top choice of professionals worldwide with over 300 styles of blades bearing the R.H. Forschner name. However, in 2009, in conjunction with Victorinox\'s 125th anniversary, the company, Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc., has decided to remove the "RH Forschner" name from all blades. Blades thenceforth only include the "Victorinox" name.
What is a stamped blade? A stamped knife can usually be identified by the absence of a bolster. Stamped blades are cut into their shapes from cold-rolled pieces of steel and then ground, tempered, and sharpened. Creating them requires many less steps than forging and results in lighter, narrower blades. Some professionals prefer the thicker, heavier forged blades, but many pros, who spend much of their day cutting and slicing, enjoy a lighter knife since it\'s less fatiguing and easier to manipulate at speed.
Stamped knives are easier to produce and therefore less expensive. They perform very well and can approach the quality of a forged blade, but not the weight or feel. Victorinox manufactures a complete range of stamped blades with unique, patented Fibrox handles and they are considered among the greatest values in the knife industry.
What knives do I need to own? Knife choice or selection is determined by many factors--size, function, style, and preference. The most important factor is function. Different knives have different uses. It is important to use the proper knife for a specific task, since proper knife selection and the use of a proper-sized, sharp knife make for safe cutting. General kitchen tasks and the knife to use for them are as follows:
Paring: The most common to own and use, a paring knife is generally for small cutting jobs and peeling of vegetables or fruit. The blade size is usually from three to four inches. Choose the shape and size to fit your hand. Since this is one of the more versatile knives, owning more than one is recommended.
Chef's: The most important tool and essential to every cook, a chef\'s knife is most often used in a rocking method to mince, dice, and chop vegetables and herbs. This one is known as the chef\'s best friend.
Slicer: Most commonly used to slice meats, poultry, and seafood, the slicer is an important companion to any host or hostess.
Boning: As its name suggests, a boning knife is used to trim or remove meat and fish from the bone.
Bread: Designed with a special edge, a bread knife makes easy work of cutting through crusty bread, pastries, or any item with a crust and a soft interior.
Fillet: Most often used by pros and seasoned home chefs, the fillet knife is used to fillet meat and fish.
Cleaver: An important addition to any collection, a cleaver is often used to cut or chop through bones.
Santoku: This knife combines the features of a cleaver with a chef's knife. The curved blade helps the rocking motion used for chopping, and the wide blade works well for scooping sliced food off a cutting board and for crushing garlic. The santoku can also be used to slice meat and has a narrow spine for making thin cuts.
Utility: An all-purpose knife often referred to as a sandwich knife, the utility knife peels and slices fruits and vegetables, and even carves small meats.
Shaping: With its curved blade, a shaping knife is great for small precision cuts where control is essential, such as peeling, trimming, or garnishing.
What are the different knife edges and what do they do? Straight: The vast majority of Victorinox knives come with a straight or fine edge. This means it has a perfect taper along the blade and no serrations. It is designed to cut without tearing or shredding.
Serrated: An edge designed with small, jagged teeth along the edge.
Scalloped: A blade with waves along the edge generally used to cut breads with a hard crust and soft interior, as well as tougher-skinned fruits and vegetables.
Granton: This edge has hollowed-out grooves or dimples on the sides of the blade. These grooves fill with the fat and juices of the product being cut, allowing for thin, even cuts without tearing. Even with the grooves, these are still straight-edge knives and can be honed with a sharpening steel.
How should I care for my cutlery? After use, knives should not be allowed to soak in water. The best practice is to hand wash and dry them immediately. This is especially true if they have been used on fruit or salty foods, which may cause some staining, even on stainless steel. Most knives require very little maintenance and it is worth the effort to protect your investment.
Though Victorinox knives are dishwasher safe, this is strongly discouraged. The dishwasher\'s agitation may cause damage. Additionally, harsh detergents can be harmful and cause pitting and spotting on the blades. The handles may also discolor and develop a white film with constant use of the dishwasher. Plus, intense heat associated with dishwashers is not good for the temper of the blade.
How do I keep my knives sharp? All quality knives require proper maintenance to keep them in perfect cutting shape. The best of edges will quickly dull if it strikes metal, glass, or Formica. A wooden cutting board makes the best cutting surface. And, if a slip occurs, a proper cutting board is safer for the user. Frequent use of a Victorinox sharpening steel will keep blades in tip top working condition. All straight-edge knives need steeling to keep their edges.

How to "Steel" a Knife 1. Hold the steel firmly in your left hand with the guard positioned to stop the blade should it slip. 2. Hold the knife in your right hand and place on top part of steel as shown. 3. Raise back of blade one-eighth inch. 4. Now, moving the blade only, draw it across the steel in an arching curve, pivoted at your wrist. The blade tip should leave the steel about two-thirds of the way down. 5. Repeat the same action with the Blade on the bottom side of the steel. Always maintain the same pressure and angle on both sides of the steel. 6. Repeat five or six times.
When a sharpening steel no longer does the job, it\'s time to take the knife to a qualified knife sharpener who will place a new edge on it. This, along with use of the sharpening steel, will give you many years of sharp, safe blades.
Please note that electric knife sharpeners can be harmful. They have to be used carefully as they remove too much metal, can harm the temper of the blade, and most important can change the factory-applied edge angle.
How should I store my knives? Safety is the biggest concern of storage, both to the user and to protect the knife's edge. Choices include a knife magnet, knife block, drawer insets, and also individual knife protectors.

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5/05/2011

Hamilton Beach Electrics All-Metal Stand Mixer Review

Hamilton Beach Electrics All-Metal Stand Mixer
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this unit just over a month ago. It arrived in less than a week. I've had no problems with it yet. It is truly all metal except for the splash guard/ingredient chute. To address some other reviews that had me concerned. The head doesn't slap around. That is a warranty issue for her. It does walk with big stiff dough recipes such as a two loaf all wheat. Simple physics, considering size and weight, tells you at medium to high speeds it will. Kinda lets you know it is a powerful electronic speed controlled mixer. I can easily steady the base for the few seconds to finish mixing. All other mixing jobs are done with ease. I, personally, like the tilt head. All stand mixers will require side scraping with some recipes, even the expensive KitchenAids. Although I made a five bar cheesecake yesterday and as I was watching the eggs, dropped in at the side one at a time, they were all fully captured and mixed in. I usually scrape once at the beginning and it spins into a dough ball at the end anyway. There is a dimple at the bottom of the bowl to help pick up added flour during the mix. Speaking of KitchenAid, have you read the reviews of those "attachments"? Besides being expensive they say all of them suck. It seems you can buy better and cheaper items to do the same thing taking up the same amount of space.
So far I've made 4 loaves of baguettes, 4 loaves of wheat, 2 loaves of sourdough, numerous cakes, batches of cookies, and of course a large cheesecake since I've had it with no problems. (Now you can see why I needed a strong stand mixer! My church loves me now too!) The key is to read the instructions more than once to ensure you understand how to operate this model. It has some cool recipes in there too! And yes, it is very easy to clean as well.
If you want a mixer to crank out mega-loaves of all wheat bread daily, (commercial), then this is not it. If you want to make great bread, dishes and pastries for your family then this can't be beat at this price range with this much power. After all, as one consumer already stated, this is a "Consumer Reports best buy". I've had a Sunbeam Heritage, (like the one shown on the Cookin In Brooklyn show), and contrary to popular belief there is NOT a motor under the bottom pedestal. It's great for everything else but gluttonous bread dough's. A white loaf every once in a while, maybe. But, I wanted to be more artisan and organic with my breads so I upgraded.
Note: the short time I've had it is the only reason I've given it 4 stars. For me, longevity counts as one star.
Hobby Baker


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Designed with die-cast metal and a 400-watt motor, this stand mixer provides constant power for consistent mixing as ingredients are added, as well as 12 speed settings, which allow for mixing flexibility and precise control at every speed. The unit offers professional results with its unique mixing head that orbits around the bowl as the beater rotates in the opposite direction. For stable hands-free mixing, the bowl locks to the base, and for easy access to the bowl, the appliance's quick-release head lifts up and locks into place. The mixer includes a two-piece pouring shield, which provides splatter-free mixing and an easy way to add ingredients, along with a flat beater, dough hook, and wire whisk. A user manual with recipes comes included. Available in a variety of fashionable colors, the stand mixer measures approximately 9 by 14 by 14 inches and carries a three-year warranty.

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