Showing posts with label kitchen gadgets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kitchen gadgets. Show all posts

6/05/2011

Peel Away Apple Peeler (Clamp Base) Review

Peel Away Apple Peeler (Clamp Base)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Let me start out by saying that it is not this TYPE of peeler which I don't like, but this particular peeler. I have used three different types of these peelers: one of these (The Pampered Chef Apple Peeler/corer/slicer) from probably 12 years ago that is now getting dull, one of these (Progressive International Apple Peeler and Corer) that I bought recently, and the one being reviewed here.
First, I'll give my review of these types of peelers generally, and then I'll move on to the specifics of this one.
These peelers are handy. I do a lot of chunky applesauce, and the peeling/coring/slicing (especially the slicing) is very handy. They do have their problems, though:
- The slicing blades aren't long enough. My apples are frequently too big to put in the machine until I cut them down, which means I have to peel them by hand as well.
- You have to be careful about the coring, just like with any corer. Apples aren't all alike, and it's a little hard to make sure that you have the apple on the prongs straight. So you have to make sure (if you're not using a food mill at some later point) that you cut out whatever little bits of core are left.
- It's a little messy. Juice sprays a bit and drips. You want to have a towel under the table, and you want to move anything a couple of feet away from the machine, unless you don't mind cleaning apple juice off it.
- The machine always misses some peel around the stem and blossom ends of the apple. It is trickier to remove the peel from the apple manually once the apple has been sliced.
Despite all of this, it is still a lot handier to use a good one of these than to do it by hand.
However, this one is not a good one. When I first got it out, I was impressed with the heft of it (it is a lot heavier and more solid-feeling than the others). Also the underside of the thing (that would be resting on top of the table) has a strip of rubber on it rather than a couple of removable rubber feet, and that looked like it might be a better idea.
On the other hand, when I tried to use it there were problems. The bottom of the clamp has no cover, so it's just the metal in contact with (and probably denting) the underside of the table. The mechanism for pulling back the peeling arm and keeping it there is a bit inconvenient because it takes two hands. But the real problem is that it was NOT sharp enough to do the job properly. The u-shaped peeling thing in particular was completely unable to peel any of the apples, no matter how I adjusted it. It just kind of mushed them. Also the slicing blade was sharp enough to slice, but sprayed a LOT more juice around than the others, and anyway, when I looked at the blade after my apple juice shower, I could tell by looking that it wasn't very sharp.
In the end, I found it completely useless, and I'll probably throw it away. I gave it two stars, because if you had some way to sharpen it, it would probably be very nice. But I don't. Caveat emptor!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Peel Away Apple Peeler (Clamp Base)

A501Core, slice, and peel apples or potatoes in one easy operation. Made of enamel-coated cast-iron with stainless steel blades and a chrome shaft, the Peel Away Apple Peeler includes a 5-year warranty. Features: -Stainless steel blades -Chrome shaft -Enamel-coated cast iron -Dimensions: 5.25''H x 12.5''W x 4''D

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5/31/2011

Amco Swing-A-Way S2045 Clam/Oyster Shucking Set Review

Amco Swing-A-Way S2045 Clam/Oyster Shucking Set
Average Reviews:

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The knife works great and I like the rubber handle for gripping. However, the mitt was made for someone with LARGE hands. Maybe a gorilla. I can't use this mitt and even some of the men in my family thought this mitt was made too big. The knife is the same price as most clam knives and it's worth purchasing.

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The swing-a-way clam/oyster shucking set from amco includes the essential tools to open clams and shuck oysters.Two-sided blade opens clams on one side and shucks oysters on the other.Silicone hand guard holds shells in place while hands and fingers are protected from shell surface and blade.

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5/19/2011

Chef'n Large Salad Spinner, Meringue with Arugula Basket Review

Chef'n Large Salad Spinner, Meringue with Arugula Basket
Average Reviews:

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I love colorful kitchen gadgets so I was really excited to purchase this salad spinner. I was reluctant to spend money on one and was content to use the $5 I had from Walmart.. which did the bare minimum and no more. This Chef'n salad spinner works perfectly and the best part (which was a problem with my last spinner) is the rubber on the bottom which keeps it from slipping on the counter. Really convenient to store as well.

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To complete your salad prep, the new Chef\'n Salad Spinners are great for quickly drying lettuce and herbs.The Salad Spinners have a unique, easy-to-use lever spinning system, which locks in place when not in use.The non-skid base keeps the Salad Spinners in place, while a convenient \'stop" button offers control.Once the lettuce is dry, use the LeafShears\' to cut the lettuce for a perfect salad and then use the elegant acrylic Salad Spinner bowl for serving.

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5/15/2011

Oster CG100 Electric Cheese Grater Review

Oster CG100 Electric Cheese Grater
Average Reviews:

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I got this as a gift, but I'm considering returning it after three days of use. The concept is excellent. The ease of use is excellent.
However, it's a virtually useless gadget. The motor is seriously underpowered and has a lot of trouble grating hard cheeses like parmesan. I tried using both drums, in case the finer drum was 'too fine', but it still took about 3 minutes to grate about 1/4 cup of cheese with the coarse drum.
For now, I'm sticking with my Microplane.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Oster CG100 Electric Cheese Grater

The Oster CG100 rechargeable/electric cheese grater is the perfect accessory to enhance any dinner party or entertaining event.It allows you to serve freshly grated cheese at the push of a button and grates enough cheese for a dinner party of 8-10 guests.The elegant vertical style takes up minimal space while enhancing your overall dining experience.It Includes BOTH a fine and a coarse shredding drum and a clear window to view the amount of cheese left in the hopper.

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4/25/2011

Mister Tenderizer Meat Tenderizer Review

Mister Tenderizer Meat Tenderizer
Average Reviews:

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Mister tenderizer is, theoretically at least, intended to successfully perforate meat and so break up the musculature which often makes meat with a low fat content tough and difficult to chew. Having received the Mr. Tenderizer I found it to be well constructed and easy to assemble. However, two problems immediately presented: 1) there is no way to keep the handle on the spindle which turns the counter-rotating perforating gismos other than by the pressure of one's own hand, and 2) besides the O rings slipping, the O rings which turn the countering-rotating gismos are insufficient to maintain sufficient tension to truly effect the tenderizing process. In other words, the pork slices/cutlets which I hoped would resemble minute steaks from the grocer's meat counter in terms of appearance and tenderization looked and were more like a teenager's inconveniently pock-marked face -- not enough to hinder dating but just enough to cause embarassment. When these two problems are remedied, perhaps with a screw-in device and well tensioned counter-rotating cogs, Mister Tenderizer will better accomplish its intended purpose. As an after-thought, the accompanying black trays are not only cheaply made but also there is no way for them to seat securely in the device.

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Mister Tenderizer makes great meals even better. Meal time-saver! For the chef who enjoys cooking, but doesn't like menial tasks involved in meal prep. Enter Mister Tenderizer, the counter-top device that adds just the right touch to meats, poultry, fish and venison. Hand crank to tenderize, flatten and marinate all at once. No meat hammers, rolling pins or chemicals. Imagine having all your favorite spices and marinade driven down deep inside meats for a scrumptious meal! Clamps to tabletop. Spray or rinse clean. Dishwasher safe. Measures 11 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 5 5/8"h. Weighs 20 ozs. Act Now! Mister Tenderizer

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