Cuisinart DCC-590 Grind and Brew Thermal 10-Cup Automatic Programmable Coffee Maker Review

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(More customer reviews)I did extensive research on this type of grinder/brewer. Numerous customer reviews indicated problems with the grinder noise, coffee strength, and clogging. I would like to comment on all three items, as I have found solutions for all three. First the grinder noise; Yes, it's true it is loud and sounds like it's going to take off when grinding beans! There is no easy solution to this, so I set the timer and use it as an alarm clock! Second, is coffee strength. The type of filter used can cause a weaker or stronger tasting coffee. If you use a paper filter the water strains through more slowly and gives you a stronger tasting cup of Joe! If you use a gold, mesh filter, turn on the 1-4 cup option. It seems to delay the drip rate and makes a strong cup. Also filling the beans full and packing them in helps. Finally, the most written about issue with this type of grind/brew maker, the clogging of the coffee chute. Once the coffee has been ground, the ground coffee is deposited in the filter and brewed. During this process, moisture accumulates in the grinding area. As the instructions indicate, YOU NEED TO CLEAN THE COFFEE MAKER DAILY!!! It's that simple, I know it's hard, taking the five pieces and rinsing them in the sink, drying then and then re-installing! Give it a try it really works!
I bought this machine refurbished and found it to make a great cup oif coffee. It's not magic, it needs daily cleaning and a little tweeking.

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A perfect addition to any modern kitchen, this 10-cup automatic coffeemaker grinds whole beans right before brewing to produce a fresh and flavorful pot of coffee. The 24-hour fully programmable unit works great for "wake-up" coffee or having coffee ready when it's time to serve dessert--without getting up from the table. In addition, its brew-pause function makes it simple to sneak a cup before the end of the brewing cycle. Smaller amounts can be brewed without any loss of flavor thanks to the unit's 1-4 cup setting, and its grind-off feature allows for using pre-ground coffee. For added convenience, the coffeemaker provides a large control panel, automatic shut-off for peace of mind, and a 10-cup (5 ounces each) thermal stainless-steel carafe with a generous stay-cool handle and drip-free pouring spout.

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Zojirushi EC-BD15BAFresh Brew Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker Review

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(More customer reviews)I've spent several weeks week getting to know the Zojirushi Fresh Brew... and for the most part, I'm quite pleased. It has some foibles [which I'll get to in a moment] but on the whole it's a very capable coffee brewer. More, it's one of the very few home models I know that can brew 8 cups of just-roasted coffee at a proper 2 tablespoons per cup ratio without fuss, and - this is important! - maintain proper brewing temperatures throughout the entire brew cycle.
The details...
Zoji has been making vacuum pots and the like for nearly 100 years, and they've been making an assortment of rice-cookers, tea brewers and hot water dispensers for decades. While this is, I believe, their first home coffee brewer, they've got more than a little experience in kitchen electrics. They've put that experience to good use.
If you've ever brewed up a thermos full of coffee using a big Melitta filter cone then this setup will look pretty familiar. For all intents and purposes, the Fresh Brew simply adds an automated hot water delivery system to the mix... with a few improvements.
Improvement number one: not only does this system brew into an all-stainless thermal carafe [no hot plate here, thankyouverymuch] but it also insulates the brew basket. What good is it, after all, to heat up all that water if it's just going to get cold while you're brewing? This is huge! This is important! This is... well, I'm excited about it, okay?
Improvement number two: the Fresh Brew features an accurate gauge of water volume. When it reads that you've got 8 cups of water in the brewer's reservoir, it means it. Mind you, we're talking 6 oz. cups of water -- that's the way the coffee world measures a cup [unless you're Bodum and then it's 4 oz.].
Improvement number three: the Fresh Brew is patient. The biggest pain about the manual pour-over method is that you've got to wait to add more water, especially if the coffee is really fresh. Fresh coffee blooms with its charge of CO2! Faced with a full basket of coffee that was literally fresh from the roaster the Zoji didn't overflow, nor did it heave grounds into the water dispensing shower-head. More, the grounds were thoroughly saturated; no dry spots.
So where's the foibles?
Like a great many autodrip brewers the feeder tube that comes from the Zoji's heating element to the shower-head takes a straight path right through the water reservoir. For most brewers this is a game-over situation... the heating element simply can't overcome the heat exchange that occurs en route to the brew-head. On the Zoji, the heating element *does* get hot enough... provided that the water you've placed in the reservoir is not *too* cold.Example A: In the office using the "unchilled" spigot on the water cooler, I draw off 48 ounces of water for the reservoir and brew a pot. Throughout the brew cycle water temperatures in the brew basket range between 195 and 200 degrees F. The result is a lovely pot of Ethiopian Yrgacheffe that is sweet, floral and lemony.
Example B: At home I draw off 48 ounces of water from the water filter in-line with the refridgerator. The temperature of the water in the reservoir is about 40 degrees F. and the resulting temperature in the brew basket never tops 185 degrees F. The result is an icky pot of the very same Yrgacheffe that is bitter, murky and flat.
The moral: mind your initial water temperature and you'll do just fine.
All in all, the Zojirushi Fresh Brew is capable of making 8 cups of coffee that's on a par with manual pourover methods. Better, really, as it insulates the brew-basket to better maintain water temperatures.

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Zojirushi's EC-BD15BA 1.5 Liter Fresh Brew Coffee Maker with Vacuum Stainless Steel Carafe is gorgeous andfunctional and will look spectacular on your countertop.It has many wonderful features.

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Oster 6812-001 Core 16-Speed Blender with Glass Jar, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)BOTTOM LINE SUMMARY: This blender performs at least as well as blenders that cost 2-3 times as much, and it has more specific speed options than the more expensive blenders.
Before I begin my review, I should start out by saying that I am a bit of a blender snob, and I collect them for fun. My sole purpose in getting this blender was to see how it compared to a KitchenAid (KSB5ER4) and a Cuisinart (BFP-10CH). Also, this is an initial, first-time usage review - I will keep the review updated over time so I can attest for its longevity, consistency, etc.
That being said, I am very impressed with this blender. It is consistent with the quality that I expect from Oster. It blended the same Strawberry Banana Smoothie that I always make MUCH better than the 7-year old KitchenAid blender that I often use - no chunks whatsoever. I tested the ice crush feature, and it made mince meat out of ice in 2-3 seconds. In fact, I would dare say that it crushes ice perfectly, and faster than any of my other blenders. I also appreciate the Easy Clean feature - a definite bonus. I like the metal drive shaft MUCH better than the plastic teeth on the KitchenAid and Cuisinart - there is no guesswork as far as where/when to place the jar on top of the base; no teeth that could potentially break/wear (note: the teeth have never broken on my KitchenAid or Cuisinart, so I am just speaking about potentialities). The jar is designed for MUCH easier pouring than any other blender I have used. If you are at all concerned with the presentation/appearance of your blending results, this blender certainly delivers.
Why a 4-star instead of a 5? The plastic collar is much more fragile than other blenders I have used (also, more fragile than other Oster's that I have seen) - in fact, I haven't yet figured out how to get the collar off without breaking it. (Revision: I took a closer look at the bottom of the collar, and it has instructions for removing the collar - so, no problem there). :-)
The rest of my cons are very nit-picky and may not bother most people. There is no perfect manual, but I found the manual to be overly brief - in fact, I will probably find myself referring to my vintage '70s Osterizer pamphlets for hints - the manual and blender are largely for people who are already very familiar with blenders.
If anyone is familiar with the smell of a new blender motor, this blender (along with Cuisinart and Waring blenders) has that new motor smell if you let it run for more than 15 seconds. Personally, this does not bother me, but I have noticed that it makes some people nervous. My initial ice-crush experiment actually produced ice that was infused with the smell, but a few good cleanings should solve that problem.
The lid is not the best I have ever seen - It does have a removable cap in the center, but it is black and does not have measured lines like the Cuisinart.
Louder than the KitchenAid, but quieter than the Cuisinart.
Despite these minor things, I would highly, highly recommend this blender!

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Oster 16 speed black blender, glass jar

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Cuisinart CWC-1200 Private Reserve 12-Bottle Countertop Wine Cellar, Stainless Steel Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased my original Private Reserve Wine Cellar, Model CWC-1200, in November, 2007 through Amazon.com.
I was having persistent condensation problems with the unit, so I returned it under warranty and received a new unit just a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, I am having the same problem with the new unit. The plastic tray at the bottom of the unit fills up with water within a couple of days. I have the unit in an air conditioned room. I can't believe I am the only person having this problem, although Cuisinart would have me believe that.


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A nice alternative to expensive, full-size wine cellars, this elegant countertop unit beautifully displays up to 12 bottles of wine and champagnes. Three removable chrome racks are designed to hold 750 ml bottles, while the unit's soft interior lighting includes a permanent "on" option for showcasing the collection. The cellar's patented temperature control with eight presets ensures that different varieties are kept at proper storing or serving temperatures. By using thermoelectric, compressor-less cooling technology, the appliance offers a lightweight, easy-to-carry design and can chill without noise or vibration. The unit also comes equipped with an electronic thermostat with Centigrade and Fahrenheit settings and LED read out for added convenience. Housed in traditional stainless-steel styling with a double-pane tinted viewing window, stainless-steel door, and chrome handle, the wine cellar measures 19 by 23-3/7 by 18 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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0.5 Cu. Ft. Digital Convection Toaster Oven Review

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(More customer reviews)I have had the DO1289 for a month and overall I am very happy with it. The toaster is gorgeous and does a great job baking. I have cooked fish and steaks and everything has turned out perfectly. The convection fan is not too loud and does its job well. In terms of toasting, the oven is not spectacular, but certainly adequate. Getting a crispy slice of toast takes about 5 minutes. Though it takes a few clicks to do anything on the toaster, the controls and knobs are straightforward and well designed.
I spent a long time analyzing and breaking down the pros and cons of the different top quality toasters so hopefully this review can save you some time. Here are the other toasters I looked at seriously :
Cuisinart TOB-195: Generally well-reviewed, but I could not get past the fact that the toaster does not have automatic shut-off. This is a key safety feature that I was unwilling to sacrifice. The DO1289 does have auto shut-off and turns off after beeping loudly 3 times. In addtion, the Cuisinart's crumb tray comes out the back, which seems totally stupid and impractical.
Krups FBC2: Looked like the perfect toaster, but again a safety feature got in the way. Apparently the Krups model has a poorly constructed door hinge and is prone to exploding. The DO1289's door is very smooth opening and seems well constructed. The Krups' quartz heating would have been nice, but still not worth it. I also suspect that the Delonghi has a little more overhead clearance than the Krups so I can roast a small chicken.
Breville Smart Oven: This oven has almost every feature and is the most powerful and spacious of the bunch, but $250 for a toaster is just absurd. I bought my Delonghi refurbished for $70, so it was no contest.
The Delonghi also has an oven light (which most others do not) and a bright permanently illuminated display--a nice feature at night for seeing the time. One other feature that doesn't get much attention, but was very important to me, is the Delonghi's Durastone enamel interior. This is great because, unlike toasters with traditional nonstick interiors, I can put metal and glass dishes in the oven, as well as aluminum foil (every one of the other aforementioned ovens advises against using glass or foil). Durastone is apparently nonstick so I can only hope that it has fewer chemicals or is safer than traditional nonstick (I would love it if someone knew the answer). Either way, it is a step up from the other high end toasters that I researched.
Based on my comparisons with other toaster ovens, I found that the Delonghi 1289 is the best designed and most practical. The Delonghi's performance is very good, though not spectacular, it has great features and, in my opinion, is the best choice for a high-end toaster oven.
UPDATE: After over a year owning the Delonghi DO-1289, I am still very happy and everything continues to work exactly as it should.

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Multifunction countertop oven has all the full-scale qualities of a conventional oven, yet cooks food 30-40% faster. DeLonghi has raised the standard on energy-efficient, compact cooking. The combination of fan-circulated hot air with Durastone II enamel interior allows superior heat distribution for consistently uniform cooking results. Digital thermostat lets you push a button to select the exact temperature and monitor temperature during the heating process. Interior is large enough to bake 2, 12" pizzas or an entree, plus dessert. Digital control makes cooking a breeze with convenient 2-hour timer and auto shut-off, plus 8 pre-programmed pizza settings to bake fresh or frozen pizza to perfection. Six pre-programmed settings pre-set the time and temperature to toast fresh bread or frozen bread. For discerning tastes, level of toast color can be selected, from 1 to 7. End-of-cycle signal reveals when toast is ready to serve! Bake cookies using the cookie sheets included and easy Smart Cookie function. Dehydrate food utilizing the hot-air fan circulation.The DeLonghi Convection Toaster Oven is the multipurpose oven you'll use daily in your kitchen! Includes removable crumb tray, baking pan/broil tray, 2 wire racks, 2 cookie sheets pizza tray and dehydrator kit. .5 cu. ft. capacity.

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T-Fal Vitesses 1.7L (7-Cup) Electric Kettle Review

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(More customer reviews)I spent hours researching every electric kettle available (and looking at them in person, in stores) before settling on this one. I've owned it for about 6 months now, and it's been great. The concealed heating element and the simple one-piece plastic jug design make it very easy to clean (not that I've needed to) and leak resistant (I assume, from a design perspective, since mine has no leaks yet). The only way it could leak is if the grommet sealing the metal bottom piece to the plastic jug developed a leak, whereas most of the stainless steel kettles being sold have several parts, many seams, and thus many places a leak could develop. There is some mild browning of the plastic inside the jug, I suppose a reaction to the high heat. This same thing happened with my roommate's older plastic electric kettle, so it's to be expected. People complain about plastic vs. stainless steel, I settled on plastic for one primary reason: it is a better insulator, so not only will it keep the water hotter for longer, it will be safer to handle in general (ie. it won't burn you or a child if it is accidentally picked up by its sides while it contains hot water). People complain about plastic "leeching chemicals" into the water, I haven't noticed any difference in taste, personally, and I doubt stainless steel would be much "safer" than plastic in this respect. The switch works great, and mine has never spilled water or over-boiled it (as long as it contains the minimum recommended amount of water). The spout and handle shapes make it easy to pour, and the locking top makes it pretty tough to spill. Definitely recommended, I'm buying another one for my parents right now.
PS - While researching electric kettles, I frequently saw complaints of how kettles designed for use in the USA don't heat water as fast as those in the UK. This is for a very simple reason: UK uses 240 volt power, USA uses 120 volts. Most electrical receptacles are rated for 15 amps (though the kitchen are often has at least two 20-amp circuits, per NEC recommendations). Watts = volts * amps, which means that UK kettles can get up to 240 volts * 15 amps = 3600 watts, while USA kettles can get up to 120 volts * 15 amps = 1800 watts. Manufacturers might sometimes avoid approaching this limit, perhaps due to safety or liability issues? Just note that this 1750 watt Tfal kettle is very close to the typical USA receptacle wattage rating. It's just about as high as you'll be able to get in the USA...most other USA electric kettles only go up to 1500 watts.

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With 1750 watts of electric power, this high-speed kettle brings 1 cup of cold water to a rolling boil in one minute. Fill the kettle to its 7-cup capacity, and achieve a full boil in five minutes. The kettle comes in handy for making instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate, instant soups, and more. To ensure the water doesn't boil away, the unit shuts off automatically once the water reaches a full boil. For added convenience, the kettle lifts off its corded power base for cordless pouring, can be set on the power base in any direction, and turns on or off with a simple push of a button on the handle. In addition, the unit comes with two exterior water-level indicators that offer perfect visibility for left- and right-handed users, and its removable and washable anti-scale filter extends the life of the kettle and ensures scale-free beverages. Other highlights include a stainless-steel concealed heating element, multi-level temperature controls--from boiling to immediate sipping, a locking lid with a large pour spout, cord wrap underneath, and an exterior of hard, gleaming plastic that wipes clean easily. The kettle measures approximately 8 by 11 by 8 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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DeLonghi GM6000 Gelato Maker with Self-Refrigerating Compressor Review

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(More customer reviews)Being a manager of a kitchen retail store gives me a little edge because I can see a few of these machines in person. Our store carries the Cuisinart Ice Cream maker that has the prefreeze bowl, we also carry the Cuisinart self refrigerated unit, and the Delonghi gelato machine. We use the Cuisinart prefreeze models for our demo's we do
on Saturday's at the store. It works, but it's not the most impressive ice cream you've ever had.
I wanted something better. I looked at both of the other units I listed above. The Cuisinart unit didn't feel well made to me. I took out the bowl, etc and the arm that goes across the top of the machine to the bowl feels like it will be only a matter of time before that gets broke. I decided to try the Delonghi model.
I have used it several times now. I love it!! The first recipe I made was butter pecan ice cream. It was excellent and the machine had it ready in 30 minutes. It can take an extra ten minutes if you add alcohol to your recipe (and this recipe used Jack Daniels). The next recipe was chocolate hazelnut gelato. OMG...Yummy!
Everything we've made has been great. The machine is very simple to use and it works great. I'm very happy with my decision and hope this helps you if you're debating between machines. I would recommend this machine.
I've read that many people didn't like the Cuisinart unit because it's very loud when you use it.
This machine is not very loud. I would say that it's quieter than a blender running. I can still watch tv with it running without upping the volume. It's pretty easy to clean too. There is one area that can get crumbs when you add nuts, etc. I just wipe around in there with a moist q-tip and that's about the only "problem" I can find with this unit. I also purchased The Perfect Scoop book by David Lebovitz. Excellent recipes. Haven't found a dud yet and it also has great resources in the back of the book in regards to ordering ingredients, etc.
Hope this helps with your decision :)

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Impress dinner guests with delicious, authentic gelato--like the kind found in an Italian gelato shop--thanks to this easy-to-use countertop appliance. The unit's mixing paddle effectively blends ingredients, from top to bottom, for smooth, delicious results, while its built-in self-refrigerating compressor brings ingredients to temperatures below freezing, which frozen-bowl ice-cream makers can't do. Its built-in compressor makes it possible to mix up multiple batches, one after the other, without having to wait to re-freeze the ice-cream bowl--a nice detail when making multiple batches during a family reunion or backyard barbecue. Furthermore, it uses an energy-efficient, eco-friendly refrigerant (non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-corrosive) that doesn't deplete the ozone layer like other refrigerants. The gelato maker also provides a transparent lid for keeping an eye on the mixing process, a removable stainless-steel bowl for easy serving and cleanup, and a recipe booklet with great-tasting ideas for getting started. When finished wowing friends and family, the bowl, lid, and paddle clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. The gelato maker measures 12-4/5 by 15-4/5 by 9-3/5 inches.

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Hamilton Beach 59770 Turbo-Twister 2-Speed Hand Blender Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had several hand blenders-it's a "thing" with me :) I started out with a hand-me-down from my Grandmother and after years of use basically wore it out. I've been looking for a good replacement and ended up trying a Braun and a Cuisinart. For all the power and attachments I still didn't like the Braun. The Cuisinart (Quick Prep) was loud, heavy/bulky and didn't seem to have much power. Here's what I like about this Hamilton Beach one:
-Manual says not to use it to blend ice but I do anyway and it does a great job of it
-I like the blade housing. The blade sits low so you can blend a tiny amount of anything (with other models you'd have to have a larger amount of food so that the blade can make contact). Also, with the openings around the housing of the blade less food gets stuck to it (when I used my braun half the food I blended ended up on the blender and when you're only doing 1/4 cup of something that's a problem). Also, the openings on the housing help to whip in air- important when you're doing drinks and shakes. The Braun also lacks in this area.
-I like that the bottom can be removed for cleaning (eventhough it can not be put in the dishwasher it's okay because when I'd put the shaft of the Braun in the dishwasher it would come out 1/2 filled with gross dishwasher water which defeated the purpose).
-I like the shape of the blade. The braun had 2 pointy blades where this one is more of an off set S shaped blade and it does a better job especially for frozen fruit, etc.
-At about 200 watts it's plenty powerful enough. Even though this has much fewer watts than my braun (which had 400)it blends MUCH better.

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Whip and mix with this easy to use and powerful hand blender with 2 attachments

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

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(More customer reviews)Haven't done fondue before, but I had a great experience with this. Great for sharing with family or friends. Only issue for me is that all the fondue forks are identical, so it's a little hard to tell whose fork is whose, but I fixed that with Sharpee markers. :) Overall, I would definitely recommend.

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Enjoy a delicious European tradition from the comfort of home with this handsome 24-piece fondue set, which measures approximately 15-1/5 by 15-1/5 by 13-2/5 inches fully assembled. When filled with bubbling cheese or silky chocolate and served with bread, strawberries, and other foods for dipping, the pot makes a great centerpiece during casual get-togethers or special events. Furthermore, its 40-ounce bowl holds plenty for everyone, and it can be frequently refilled as needed.
Constructed of gleaming stainless steel with a mirror finish and fitted with oversized loop handles for effortless transport, the set's durable pot rests within a sturdy wire stand for stability, beneath which lies a safety fuel burner that holds ingredients at their optimal temperature for serving. A rotating turntable features wired hoops that can be used to suspend the six included condiment bowls, making it simple for guests to spin the entire unit to reach the desired dip-ready goodies. Additional highlights include a stoneware double-boiler insert for cheese and chocolate fondue, six sauce spoons, six fondue forks, and a sturdy box for gifting or storage. When finished, the pot and accompanying pieces clean up quickly by hand with warm, soapy water. The 24-piece set carries a five-year limited warranty.

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Cuisinart DLC-835TXAMZ Fine Grater Disc, Fits 7- and 11-Cup Processors Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are a lover of a Russian cuisine and like potato pancakes (Draniki) it's wonderful to grate potato. I couldn't find anything on a market for a long time that would grate potato in a food processor as fine as this blade. Now I can make potato pancakes in 10 min. Perfect for it!

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Stainless steel disc grates small, hard foods such as ginger and horseradish safely and easily; dishwasher safe. Requires the use of detachable stem DLC-139TX-1

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Cuisinart DGB-300 Automatic Grind and Brew 10-Cup Coffeemaker Review

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(More customer reviews)Frankly, I'm a little surprised at the wide range of reviews here for this coffeemaker.
Yes, the coffeemaker does have to be cleaned after every brewing. No, it doesn't make bad coffee. No, you can't just dump coffee beans or ground coffee into the coffeemaker and make good coffee automatically.
The Coffee Bar, as Cuisinart likes to call it, does have several internal parts which must all be in place before you can brew coffee. You can use ground coffee, but you're defeating the purpose of the Coffee Bar by doing so. The grinder compartment can hold enough beans to make 10 strong 6-oz cups of coffee which is what "10-cup" usually means with appliances. I like my coffee very strong and I've been able to load more than enough beans into the coffeemaker to get the strength of coffee I want.
Between the grinder and the attached drain basket is an attached screen through which the ground beans goes through and an inserted gold basket filter which must be in place in order to make coffee. On top of all of this is a cover which fits over the basket into which hot water is pumped up over the grounds and then drips down into your fresh grounds.
On this cover, there is a dial setting which you must set each and ever time depending on the amount (and what I've discovered -- strength) of the coffee you want to have. Finally, this entire assembly is covered by a lid attached to the rear of the coffeemaker and latches in front.
The entire internal assembly MUST be cleaned after each and every brewing. So, yes, if you make multiple pots, you need to clean it each time. (However, is this any different than any other coffee appliance?)
There are additional settings on the front of the coffeemaker that also affect the quality of the coffee; so, basically, the coffeemaker is NOT intuitive and you have to read the instruction manual before you start brewing coffee with this appliance.
All of that said, this coffeemaker makes EXCELLENT coffee. I own two of them, because I originally purchased the version in white, because it was all that was available. When the version in black became available, I bought a second one. Both are still in excellent working condition and I haven't had any problem with either.
The Cuisinart Coffee Bar is a little pricey, but it does make great coffee and I heartily recommend it.

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Cuisinart DGB-300BK 10 cup coffee maker, black. Freshly ground coffee: The coffeemaker lets you grind your favorite coffee beans and then automatically puts the grounds into the filter to brew. Fully programmable with an easy to read LCD display for auto-on function and variable heater plate setting. Great Taste: The coffee bar flavor system is the same special brewing system found in commercial coffeemakers. Simply set the number of cups being brewed, for coffee bar flavor at home. Long lasting taste: The Taste KeeperTM lid is designed to minimize oxygen flow into the carafe so coffee stays fresher, longer. Express Coffee: The brew pause feature allows you to pour a cup of coffee before brewing has finished. Consistent Flavor: The 1-4 cup setting allows you to make only a cup or two without altering the flavor of the brew. Variable automatic shutoff, self clean setting with time to clean monitor, grind off function, 1-4 cup setting, large LCD clock, cord storage, and 3-year limited warranty.

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KitchenAid Chef Series Food Chopper Review

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(More customer reviews)I have had a few full-size food processors in the past -- both expensive and cheap models -- and the main complaints I had with them were: bulkiness, noise, and cleanup time. Over time, I realized that I was doing fewer and fewer things with the processor, and then finally, it got put away for good.
But lately, I found that I was chopping the same ingredients, in almost the same amounts, again and again.
So, on a whim, really, I decided to give the Kitchenaid 3-cup chopper a try. I own a number of Kitchenaid large appliances, and have always been satisfied. This food chopper is no exception, as it exceeds my expectations for handling my chopping drudgery. Be it onions, garlic, emulsifying dressing, making bread crumbs, chopping nuts, whatever.
This unit takes a very small amount of counter space, has a great look, stores its cord in the base, and its bowl and cover are dishwasher-safe.
This appliance is a nice time-saver, and that, in my opinion, makes it a great item.

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General Brand KitchenAid Name Chef\'s Chopper Series 3-Cup Food Processor Model KFC3100ER Feature Features Pulse Control CleanTouch Control Pad Domed Lid with Wet/Dry Compartments The stainless steel multipurpose blade chops, minces, blends, mixes and emulsifies foods quickly and easily Powerful induction motor processes tough jobs, and the sealed, heavy-duty base provides stability and quiet operation Pulse feature delivers precise control when a light touch is needed All bowls are crystal clear polycarbonate for incredible toughness, durability and stain resistance Clean Touch control pad and base are easily wiped clean. All bowls, blades, discs and accessories are dishwasher safe Spec Capacity 3 Cup Dishwasher Safe Yes Color Empire Red Dimensions & Weight Height 11" Width 7.91" Depth 6.28" Weight 3.4 lbs.

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DeLonghi KS500 34-Ounce-Capacity Electric Citrus Juicer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I received this product from Amazon on Friday, January 4th. My main reason for purchasing this juicer was its clean design (really like how the juice falls into the pitcher as opposed to the kinds that have a spout where the juice comes out) and for the unbeatable price. However, this morning, Tuesday, January 8th (a whopping 5 days since I've had this juicer) the juicer finally gave up on me.
I was juicing some small lemons when the machine just stopped working. There was no resistance or strange noise - nothing - the motor just completely stopped working. I would expect an inexpensive juicer like this to have a relatively short lifetime, however, 5 days is ridiculous. While the design was very nice (adjustable pulp settings, easy to clean, all parts fit neatly together), the fact that it simply stopped working (for no apparent reason) is astounding.
I had read similar reviews on other "cheaper" juicers that if you press too hard the motor could burn out - having read this, I was very careful to not push too hard when juicing. I would NOT recommend this juicer to anyone - Spend the extra money on a better quality juicer and avoid the headache that this one will cause.

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The Delonghi KS500 Electric Citrus Juicer makes orange, lemon, lime and other juices simple.Container holds 34-ounces, which will hold all the extra juice that comes from a motor with two-way rotation.One-touch operation makes this device a no-brainer.Double cone accomodates all sizes of fruits.Other features include transparent dust cover to protect internals, easy-to-clean detachable parts, and cord storage to keep power cord out of harms way.Get the most out of your citrus with this Delonghi Electric Citrus Juicer.

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Villaware V2160 UNO ProPress Panini Grill Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had lusted after this little baby for some time and finally bought it when I found a great deal on it. It makes the most amazing sandwiches, which you can custom-tailor to your tastes. I also used it for a rolled flank steak, stuffed with mushrooms and cut into thick slices. Each slice cooked perfectly at medium heat, although like all steaks, it requires a watchful eye to prevent overcooking.
My experience with vegetables was similarly good. Peppers, onions, eggplant slices all cook in minutes with good result. I have not tried chicken breasts, but from reading the other reviews, imagine that the results will be similar.
One negative: fish can be a tricky business on this grill. I cooked an ahi steak for only a few minutes and it was overdone. I bought a stovetop grill pan specifically for fish after that (well, I confess I do throw a little bacon on it too from time to time).
I am quite satisfied with this panini grill, and love my homemade paninis. I found that a sliced kaiser or hoagie roll works well, as well as thickly sliced Italian or sourdough bread. My favorite sandwich?: thickly sliced bread, olive tapenade, roasted red pepper slices and sliced fontina. Who said heaven isn't right here?

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Grill thick sandwiches, chicken and meat.Professional highly polished aluminum housing with restaurant-style handle.1400 watts 11 inch by 9 inch grilling surface with non-stick coating.ProPress hinge adjusts for foods up to 3 inches thick.

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Oneida Polished Black Mandolin Interchangable Slicer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The product cuts well and makes french fries pretty well. I bought this for cutting potatoes and all remarks are based on that use. The problem I had with it is the reverse end of the cutting blade... It's not flat to the slide bed when installed for normal (non-crinkle) cutting. This means that when you have made a cut and are sliding the food back up the ramp for the next cut (the back stroke), the bulged up crinkle blade grabs the food and grates a bit of it off adding a lot of drag. This would also make very thin slices impossible because they always have one side damaged by the curved crinkle blade. If you know someone with a bench vise and thick leather gloves the blade could probably be corrected. Always be careful when handling the blade for any reason, it is very sharp.
Another issue that might cause a problem for people cutting thick slices is the location of the knob that holds the main blade in place... dead center so your thick slices will run right into it as they are being cut. This increases the force you must use and damages your thick slices.
All in all I would not buy this product if I had this information in advance, no reviews where available when I ordered. I am a handy person and have corrected the first problem above and I think I can live with the second issue, so I will not be returning the item. I really expected better from Oneida, but you do get what you pay for in the end. The only mandolins I have ever used were restaurant grade and you can expect to pay at least $100 for one of those models. If you plan on using the slicer a lot, spend the money for a good, well-reviewed product.


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Oneida 55070- Polished Black Mandolin Slicer with 2 Slicing and 3 Interchangeable Julienne S/S Blades and Safety Food Holder. Unlike food processors the mandolin slicer allows precise control over the texture and size of every cut, Producing attractive, uniform vegetable and fruit slices. With the 5 different blades you can achieve a variety of different slices. An enclosed safety holder grips and pushes food, protecting hands and fingers from sharp blades. The mandolin is dishwasher safe for easy clean up.

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Mr. Coffee ECM21 4-Shot Espresso Machine and 8-Cup Coffeemaker Combo, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this coffee maker a few weeks ago, and I enjoyed many good coffees since. I am Italian, and I find the espresso as good as a good espresso prepared with a moka. This is good enough for me, but don't expect a REALLY good espresso, the kind you can have in that special little bar in a hidden corner of an Italian city. I did not have any trouble with leaks anywhere, so far (as some reviewer complained about). Only small complain, the espresso sometimes has a "metallic" flavor coming from the high temperatures reached by the water container. But no big deal, overall I am happy I purchased this product so far.
P.S. I posted the review in May 2007 and I am writing this PS one year later, in April 2008. The machine still works perfectly, with no leaks. I have also used the milk frother several times, and it makes a pretty good cappuccino! Maybe I should upgrade my rating to 5 stars!
P.P.S. In February 2009, everything still works fine!
P.P.P.S. In August 2010, this appliance is still working great. Indeed I have updated my rating from 4 to 5 stars.
P.P.P.P.S. End of January 2011, all is still good! One added piece of advice: the following is probably obvious to most people but I keep forgetting to do it myself... When I make espresso for one-two people (which happens every morning to me), the sooner I turn off the machine, the more concentrated the coffee is. When I have 2 inches of coffee in my cup, the espresso comes out thicker and full of aroma. The many times I forget to switch off around this level, the coffee is still all right but it's significantly more watery (and if you wait to switch off until all the water is gone from the reservoir, that old burned metallic flavor comes out a bit).

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Ideal for entertaining or everyday use, this convenient two-in-one appliance can brew up to 8 cups of coffee or up to 4 cups of espresso at the same time. The espresso/coffee machine's removable cone filter basket and removable water reservoir provides easy filling, while its brew-strength setting accommodates individual preferences. And frothing or steaming milk for cappuccino and lattes is quick and easy with the variable steam control and swivel steam valve. Other useful features include a lighted "on/off" switch, a pressure safety valve, and a pause-n-serve function for pouring a cup midbrew. The unit's dishwasher-safe glass carafe and removable drip tray make cleanup a snap. A measuring scoop is included. The espresso/coffee machine measures approximately 10 by 12 by 11 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Ronco ST3001WHGEN Showtime Compact Rotisserie and Barbeque Oven, White Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This makes the juiciest chicken I've ever tasted. Racking the chicken onto the spit is as easy as it looks on TV. The same goes for removing it when done. Clean up is a snap. There's plenty of room for a plump chicken or a couple of Cornish hens. I haven't tried a turkey yet, but I roasted veggies in the spinning basket. Delicious!
I love the pause feature that allows me to stop the spit from turning so that I can add crispiness to any part of the bird. The pan in the bottom collects the juices. I make soup with it later.
It comes with everything too - gloves, video, chicken ties, basket with lid.
This is one of those purchases that makes me want to tell everybody what a great deal I got. I'd give this product ten stars if I could.


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"Set it and forget it!" The Ronco ST3001WHGEN Compact Showtime Rotisserie & BBQ helps you cut the fat and carbs naturally - and make your favorite foods taste better than ever!Cooks up to a 10 lb turkey, two 3 lb chickens, four 1/2 lb hamburgers, four large fish fillets or steaks, three Cornish game hens and much, much more.Easy clean-up, too! What's more, the horizontal rotisserie unit is countertop sizejust 14" wide at the base. (12.5" x 14" x 11") The Ronco ST3001WHGEN Compact Showtime Rotisserie & BBQ includes: Compact size Ronco rotisserie with a white exterior color and 2-hour dial timer, compact size non-stick rotisserie basket, rotisserie spit rods, rotisserie food ties, washable rubber BBQ gloves, loading/carving base, drip tray, rotisserie weight loss program and instructional booklet/recipes and rotisserie & BBQ video Additional accessories available in the optional Ronco ST305000GEN accessory package

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