Showing posts with label breville. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breville. Show all posts

5/20/2012

Breville BBL600XL Ikon 750-Watt 51-Ounce Blender Review

Breville BBL600XL Ikon 750-Watt 51-Ounce Blender
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
After owning two inferior blenders, I wanted one for our family that was powerful, sturdy, relatively quiet, easy to clean and good-looking. This blender is simply the best blender we have ever owned.
First, it is very powerful. You should have no problem using it for everything blenders are usually used for, including crushing ice, which it does amazingly well. It has a separate smoothie button that is fantastic: it varies the speed during the blending process and helps you create perfect smoothies, with no effort on your part. The blender shuts off automatically after using the smoothie or other preset functions, and has a digital display that counts down and tells you how long it will take to finish blending.
Perhaps most importantly, the curved blades and concave container are designed in such a way as to reduce or eliminate the amount of food that gets stuck in the bottom of the blender. In fact, after using it a few times, I was pleasantly surprised to find NO unblended pieces of food at the bottom of the blender. Everything was blended.
Regarding noise, this is by far the quietest blender I have ever encountered. With such a powerful motor, I'm not sure how they did it. I am a professional composer and have very sensitive ears, and the relative low volume of this blender is something I definitely appreciate. Don't get me wrong: it's a blender, so it still makes noise, but it is definitely NOT as loud as inferior blenders priced less than $100.
The base and container are quite heavy and will stay put when you are blending. It giggles a little when blending on a high setting (there are sturdy rubber feet that help to reduce noise), but it won't move on your counter. The container is made of thick glass, and you can wash the whole base in the dishwasher (the glass part in the bottom rack, the other parts in the top rack). The container lid has a sturdy ring that makes it very easy to pull off the tight-fitting lid. Don't let the pics fool you: that little ring is thicker than it looks.
Some blenders have plastic containers and some have glass, like this one. The advantage of plastic is really just the (usually) cheaper cost and lighter weight. The disadvantage is that plastic containers may crack (as ours did) and leak plastic molecules into your food over time as the container ages. Most plastics are carcinogenic, so I like to avoid plastic containers if at all possible, since this one is glass, and very thick, it is relatively safe. The markings on the side of the container are easy to read, so it's not difficult to use it as a measuring container when adding food, particularly liquids.
The blade housing is also very sturdy and much larger than on a typical cheap blender. It fits on so tightly that you need a turning handle (supplied) to unscrew the base. If I had only ONE complaint, this would be it. I don't like the idea of having to use anything other than my hands to disassemble the blender. But since I'll take a tight-fitting assembly over one that might leak any day, this really isn't a complaint at all.
BTW: for the technically inclined, this blender is assembled with screws, so if you wanted to disassemble the base, you could do it very easily. This thing is solid as a rock.
Regarding cleaning, the buttons are slightly raised under a one-piece pad that is extremely easy to clean. If any food does spill, which is unlikely, all you need to do is wipe it up with a soft rag or paper towel. One side note: you will need to thoroughly wash the blender once you get it out of the box. It still has the factory manufacturing smell, but that clears up with a good wash or two in the dishwasher.
Lastly, this is a fine-looking appliance. It's much sleeker than others made my KitchenAid and so on, and is industrial-quality, without looking like it belongs in a restaurant kitchen.
All in all, I am extremely happy with this blender and enthusiastically give it five stars.
***UPDATE***
We had this blender for 2 1/ 2 years, using it maybe 3-4 times a week on average, and the motor finally gave out. To be more accurate, the power light blinked on, but the blade assembly would not run. We didn't do anything abnormal with it, and mostly used it for smoothies. Then one day, it just would not work.
Like others mention here, it will leak if you do not screw the bottom part on very tight. In fact, you have to be quite strong to screw it on tight enough so that it will not leak. Ironically, leaks rarely happened over the button area, but definitely happened above the blade if the bottom was even a tiny bit loose. I also found it annoying that the only way to remove the base if it was screw on as tightly as it needed to be was to use the lever that comes with the blender. Shouldn't blenders come apart without having a separate gadget to worry about?
As for my comments that it can be taken apart, I'll have to retract that. I attempted to take it apart to replace a fuse, the part of the blender that apparently gave out, but it's basically impossible--not very easy to take apart at all.
All in all, we really enjoyed our Breville blender while it worked, but we think that for this price, it should last five years or longer under normal use. We will not purchase this model again and will look at other brands like Vitamix.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Breville BBL600XL Ikon 750-Watt 51-Ounce Blender

With its 750-watt motor and die-cast aluminum base, this powerful blender provides an array of convenient features. Its control pad offers five speed settings, which include mix, chop, blend, liquefy, and puree, as well as a pulse function and two preset programs for ice crushing and smoothies. The blender's 54-ounce engineering-grade borosilicate glass jar resists scratching, chipping, and fogginess for optimal clarity, while dual-tone baked enamel measurements in both metric and empirical volumes ensure sharp viewing and accurate measuring. The jar provides 1/4-turn blade removal for thorough and effortless cleaning of the jar and Hemisphere bowl/blade system. In addition, all jar and blade parts are top-shelf dishwasher-safe, and the bowl/blade system easily locks into place and seals for leak-free performance. Other highlights include a control pad designed without crevices for fast cleaning, a backlit easy-to-read digital timer, and a Breville assist cord. The blender measures 6-1/2 by 8 by 15-1/2 inches.

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3/20/2012

Breville BBL550XL Ikon 610-Watt Stainless-Steel Blender Review

Breville BBL550XL Ikon 610-Watt Stainless-Steel Blender
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
When our 10 year old blender broke, we decided to buy another blender. Our previous blender was somewhat loud and always seem to have a problem with ice and other hard foods.
So many blenders have a problem because they create a pocket of air, therefore you must stop the machine every now and then to force the material back down. Most are loud, and most importantly... most do not have enough power to blend and chop ice.
My wife wanted to buy a professional blender like the smoothie and coffee shops have, however the costs involved quickly dispelled any thought of obtaining one.
I found a few publications/editorials that rated the Breville blenders a "cut above" most other blenders.
Since we love ice cream and shakes, chopping ice is one of the most important features that a blender can have for us. In fact this is the crucial test that really makes a good blender... it's motor and how it tackles this job.
We purchased the Breville blender and received it in the mail. Upon opening the box, I immediately liked the design and well crafted parts. Even the electrical plug had a unique design that made plugging into the wall a little easier (which came with a plug cover). All the parts seem solid and thick. The top cover, had a solid rubber seal with a nice round finger hold to open the cover after you've finished. This part is also VERY NICELY designed and crafted.
It seems to be made like the old 1950-60's blenders and my wife was happy about that too.
I got it out, plugged it in and turned it on to test it.
Some have stated that the Breville are extremely quiet and powerful. It is true that the blender has plenty of power, for I tested it with big ice "chunks" and didn't have much of a problem with the ice. However it really isn't too quiet. Yes, it's has less decibels of sound than your average blender, but it isn't silent either. The motor is fairly powerful, but you can definitely hear it power through those tough ice jobs.
Since the product is fairly new, I cannot vouch for it's reliability and longevity, but it's works very well. It appears to be made well and well crafted. We are happy so far.
I would suggest this product to anyone. I especially suggest it to anyone who chops ice for Margaritas, shakes or a blender that is powerful, nice looking and well made.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Breville BBL550XL Ikon 610-Watt Stainless-Steel Blender

With an 610-watt motor and stylish stainless-steel base, this powerful blender provides an array of convenient features. Its control pad offers five speed settings, which include mix, chop, blend, liquefy, and puree, as well as a pulse function for when an extra burst of power is needed. In addition, the unit's revolutionary Kinetix blade and bowl system eliminates food traps so ingredients are 100-percent evenly blended. The blender comes equipped with a 1-1/2-liter engineering-grade borosilicate glass jar that resists scratching, chipping, and fogginess for optimal clarity, while dual-tone baked enamel measurements in both metric and empirical volumes ensure sharp viewing and accurate measuring. Extra-wide ice-crushing blades with one-piece blade removal allow for fast and easy cleaning, and all jar and blade parts are top-shelf dishwasher-safe. Other highlights include illuminated buttons, an inner measuring lid for adding ingredients, a unique ring pull design for simple lid removal, and a control pad designed without crevices for fast, single-wipe cleanup. The blender measures approximately 6-1/2 by 8 by 15-1/2 inches.

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3/13/2012

Green Star GS-1000 Juice Extractor Review

Green Star GS-1000 Juice Extractor
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've been juicing since the early 1990s and more recently, as a certified raw foods associate chef, have been preparing a wider range of juicer recipes including pates and ice cream from frozen bananas. I have experience with Green Star, Champion, Juiceman, and several other juicers, and have read quite a bit about various models of juicers. If you are going to be juicing a lot of greens such as kale and parsley, the Green Star will give you a better and more nutritious yield than any juicer on the market. It far exceeds masticating juicers such as the Champion in this regard, as well as centrifugal juicers such as the Juiceman. A huge benefit of Green Star is that it juices wheat grass, so you will not need a dedicated wheat grass juicer. It's also amazingly quiet, far quieter (and a bit slower) than my Champion. And like the Champion, it does a great job with pates, frozen ice cream, and other recipes requiring a homogenizing blade, also known as a "blank." With a slower speed, the juice does not heat up as much as with a Champion and oxidizes slower.
So is there a catch? Yes. There are far more parts to assemble, disassemble, and clean than with a Champion. I'm reminded of the time when my brother was a child, he asked to borrow my father's watch, and my father said, "sure." A few days later, my father wanted his watch back, and entered my brothers room to find a bazillion little pieces on the floor: gears, springs, etc. My brother explained that he wanted the watch so he could take it apart, but not to worry he said, "I'll put it back together." My father said, "don't worry about it, you can keep the watch." When I take apart a Green Star juicer, I always think of this story because it has so many more parts than a Champion. (Although fortunately, the Green Star is far easier to assemble and disassemble than an analog watch.:-) At the Living Light Culinary Institute where I trained as a raw foods chef, when we made pates and banana ice cream, we always reached for the Champion, not the Green Star.
In deciding whether to purchase a Green Star juicer, consider whether you are going to be juicing a lot of greens and/or wheatgrass, and whether you're really going to take the time to disassemble, clean, and assemble about a dozen parts each time you use it. If you're not put off by that, then I highly recommend the Green Star. If you are mostly considering a juicer for carrot juice, fruit juices, banana ice cream and pates, then I would steer you towards the Champion. If you want to use a juicer for all of the above and can afford and have the space for both, then I enthusiastically recommend both.
Note that there are 3 models of Green Star juicers, of which the GS1000 is their most basic model. The GreenStar.com website explains the various accessories that come with or can be purchased with each. Accessories such as pasta makers and mochi makers are available for purchase with the GS1000, but are included with the GS3000.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Green Star GS-1000 Juice Extractor

Green Star machines are reputably one of the world's best juice extractors and most efficient food processors. Using Exclusive Heavy Duty Twin Gear technology with a low 110 rpm, superior to those of any competitor, Green Star machines are your best choice. There is no need to look elsewhere.With their ease of use and simple clean up, Green Star Juice Extractors and Food Processors are award-winning machines of unsurpassed quality. The Green Star GS-1000 Basic Juicer and Food Processor has all the basic juicing and food processing equipment. Some accessories which are not frequently used have been excluded so we may offer an economical price.It can also process whole foods, making favorites like almond and date pie crusts, pates from nuts and vegetables, sauces from a vast array of ingredients, baby foods, frozen fruit desserts and more. The choice is yours.Details:Includes the following parts:? Fine Screen? Glass Pitcher? Homogenizing Blank? Wooden Plunger? Plastic Plunger? Cleaning Brush

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1/23/2012

Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain Review

Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I juce at least once a day as I primarily eat raw foods.
My Jack LaLane juicer finally wore out after 2.5 years of daily use. I was tempted to buy another - but I liked the way everything including the pulp catcher is all in one unit. So glad I got the Breville.
This thing is POWERFUL, especially compared to "Jack LaLanne". It is so powerful I usually don't even use the pusher except to cover the top so your ceiling doesn't get covered with stuff. Other reviewers have mentioned that tendency. What wasn't mentioned is that the reason it does that is because the motor is so beefy that stuff will shoot straight up.
When juicing soft stuff I immediately cover the top with my hand.
The design of this thing is absolutely first rate. Even down to the plug, which has a moulded loop so that it is easy to unplug and plug in! No tool is required to remove the basket, as in most other juicers. Breville uses a combo of ingenious design and magnets to hold it in place!
Ease of use and fit and finish is perfect.
Clean up is really a 2 minute operation and I don't even own a dishwasher. It will stain eventually, as every juicer I have ever owned does. Carrot juice would make a great dye :-)
The pulp on this juicer is a bit wetter than the Jack LaLanne. The "Jack" had a much larger basket and a much slower rotation. I believe that may account for it. But it isn't much wetter - just very slightly.
This juicer makes much smaller pieces of pulp though - and my experience so far has been that it gets just as much juice from a pound of carrots.
Bottom line - I can't imagine anyone not loving this unit.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain

Enjoy an 8-ounce cup of juice in just five seconds thanks to the unique cyclonic system of this full-function juice fountain. Its 700-watt motor operates at 14,000 RPM for maximum extraction and fast results. The unit features a stabilizing dual knife assembly, which centers fruits or vegetable over the cutter and filter, minces them into minute particles, and forces them against the stainless-steel micro-mesh filter, all of which increases yield by 30 percent and produces results 10 times faster than other juice extractors. The filter and cutter system are so powerful that pineapple can be juiced with the rind on. Another thoughtful detail includes the machine's extra-large 3-inch centered feed tube that allows for juicing whole fruits and vegetables. Plus, the unit's easy-to-clean internal pulp container assembles in seconds and juices 1-1/2 quarts of apple juice before it needs to be emptied. All removable parts clean up quickly by hand or in the dishwasher, and a custom cleaning brush is included. Providing heavy-duty performance in a space-saving design, the compact juice fountain measures 9-1/2 by 8-3/4 by 16 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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11/21/2011

Juiceman JM1000M Juiceman Express Junior Silver Metallic Juice Extractor and Food Processor Review

Juiceman JM1000M Juiceman Express Junior Silver Metallic Juice Extractor and Food Processor
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This juicer is easy to use, easy to clean up (almost every part is dishwasher safe), and packs a punch. While it's not some giant monster unit that will take over your entire counter, it's still an appliance- around somewhere in between the size of a blender and food processor.
My husband and I just took out of the box (it was mostly assembled in the box- it comes with the base plus about four additional parts that snap into place), quickly cleaned the machine, plugged it in, and away we went.
We threw in a handful of grapes, a whole apple, four carrots, two pieces of celery, and a small handful of spinach (what we had in the fridge at the moment). Everything was put into the juicer whole (except for the apple, which was the size of a softball and had to be cut in half) and fit fine. Within a flip of a switch and an instant to work, my husband had a HUGE tumbler of a frothy, cold, creamy fruit and veggie smoothie. And it actually tastes really good. I've never been a big fan of juicing, (I drink a lot of tea) but I do have to admit, there's a serious refreshing and crisp quality to a fresh glass of juice. It's definitely better than the stuff you get from the store. And as long as you have more glasses to put under the spout, you can continue juicing as long as you like.
Just a few small complaints- food can pop up from the shoot when the machine is running, and it's a little messy when disassembling for cleanup. But that's to be expected.
This is NOT a machine that grinds up seeds and pits and the typically "unedible" bits of fruit and veggies, just so you know. Most of the pulp from the fruits and veggies were in the receptacle (the long black piece on the side of the unit) but a few bits ended up in the bowl, easily cleaned out with a quick rinse. There was very little "grainy" pulp in the smoothie we made. I tend to dislike pulpy drinks and I didn't notice much pulp at all- the smoothie was incredibly smooth without being thin or watery.
The pulp, which can be used in recipes and baking, was a little moist, but not drippy, so the juicer did a very nice job of extracting the juice from the fruits and veggies.
So, in about three minutes, with a handful of stuff we already had in our fridge, we made a delicious smoothie. And cleanup was just as fast and easy as making the juice. I'm really very impressed with this machine. I'm kind of a beverage gadget queen, and I've had everything from smoothie machines to blenders to shaved ice makers and this is the most impressed I've been with any of them. Never thought a juicer might inspire me to start experimenting more in my kitchen, but it has.
The recipe book is a little uninspired (mainly a stapled together booklet with some "intro to juicing" suggestions in it), but it's a good start. I think the key is to just try different things and see what you like.
If you're looking for a new way to make some nice treats for your family, this may be your gadget. I'm glad my husband was interested in this gadget, it may actually the one I wind up using regularly, and for the long haul.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Juiceman JM1000M Juiceman Express Junior Silver Metallic Juice Extractor and Food Processor

A nice addition to any healthy kitchen, this fruits-and-vegetables electric juicer produces fresh juice with a simple push of a button. Just place a glass or pitcher under the spout, insert fruit or vegetables into the large 3-inch wide-mouth feed chute (cutting over-sized items into smaller pieces if necessary), and gently and slowly press down using the included pusher. The machine accommodates anything from pineapple, melon, apples, oranges, and grapes to tomatoes, celery stalks, cucumbers, and carrots. The unit comes equipped with a powerful 450-watt motor, which propels its heavy-duty blade for maximum juice extraction in a minimal amount of time. Choose from two speed settings--low or high, or push the Perfect Prep button for precise control over the consistency. Even more, the multifunctional juice extractor can be used as a food processor thanks to the included extra-large 9-cup work bowl. Other highlights include an extra-large 54-ounce pulp container, a wipe-clean user-friendly control panel, four feet for stability, and dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup. The multifunctional juicer measures approximately 8-2/3 by 17-2/3 by 18 inches.

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10/23/2011

Breville BGR400XL Ikon 1800-Watt Removable-Plate Grill Review

Breville BGR400XL Ikon 1800-Watt Removable-Plate Grill
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
UPDATED REVIEW Oct. 15, 2008:
Well, I posted a nice review on Dec. 27, 2007 after purchasing this grill. After use of 2 to 3 times per month for 9 months it's totally stone cold dead. Plugged it in the other night, no lights, no heat. I am very disappointed. I will be trying to receive a replacement because it's too late for money back. Just wanted to post an update on the product.
I would have rated with 0 stars but it would not let me change my previous star rating and would not let me post another review.
FIRST REVIEW Dec. 27, 2007:
Pros: Very easy to remove and clean the grill plates. When you replace the grill plates, they are secure. Cooks meat to perfection and makes a wonderful panini sandwich. Top locks in place, cord stores securely underneath for space saving upright storage. Clean stainless steel design.
Handle remains cool to touch.
Can be used under overhead kitchen cabinets. I have 18" from the top of my countertop to the bottom of the cabinet front and I have 1" remaining with the grill fully open.
Cons: Does not open all the way to lay flat for use as an open grill.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Breville BGR400XL Ikon 1800-Watt Removable-Plate Grill

With its powerful 1800-watt heating system, this tabletop grill can cook food 50-percent faster than traditional grills. Its interchangeable flat plate and two ribbed plates allow home chefs to grill steaks and make pancakes. The unit also provides adjustable height control with its floating-hinge top plate, which can be adjusted to six pre-set heights. Lower settings reduce the weight pressing upon more delicate foods like fish or vegetables, while higher settings work great for making open melt sandwiches or reheating. The removable non-stick plates firmly lock into place and can be removed with the touch of a button. In addition, the unit's adjustable-tilt feature controls the angle of the grill's lower plate. The "angle" position offers reduced-fat cooking, draining fat into the drip tray, and the "flat" position functions as a griddle for cooking eggs and pancakes. Nonstick plate surfaces ensure simple food release, and the plates clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. Other highlights include variable temperature control from 350 to 425 degrees F, a polished die-cast metal arm, an attractive brushed stainless-steel body, and a design that locks closed so the appliance can be stored on its side to save on space. The grill measures 16-1/4 by 16-1/4 by 8 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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9/30/2011

Breville BCS500XL 9.6 Volt Cordless Immersion Blender with Recharging Base Review

Breville BCS500XL 9.6 Volt Cordless Immersion Blender with Recharging Base
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Not sure about the reviewers that think this heavy gizmo is powerful. I have been using a Braun corded immersion blender for over a year and it is far more powerful and cost $30 when I bought it new last year. Bought this Breville for the cordless convenience, but it stalls out often, even on full charge. The built in rechargeable batteries are only replaceable by sending it back to the manufacturer, and the cordless unit is much heavier than a corded unit so this probably won't be cheap when the time comes. As mentioned in other reviews, the power and speed switches are inconvenient and would probably not be recommended for anyone with arthritis or anyone lacking in manual dexterity. The "smoothie" attachment is made of cheap plastic, including the "blade" so if you like your smoothies with frozen fruit or ice, forget about using this attachment. For ice crushing you must use another attachment, but if you are a bodybuilder trying make a drink by mixing protein powders, supplement powders and ice cubes, you better get one of the many other immersions blenders on the market that sell for a third of the price, because this Breville just isn't powerful enough to do it without stalling unless you add more liquid than you probably care to drink. The cordless feature is nice, and for that it gets a star. It gets another for looking adequately attractive and for coming with all the attachments mentioned in the manual (i.e., nothing extra to buy). If you don't need the cordless feature, you might want to save your money and buy a more powerful, versatile version of this product for a fraction of the price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Breville BCS500XL 9.6 Volt Cordless Immersion Blender with Recharging Base

Breville's cordless stick mixer has 9.6 volts.This unit has a patented loop attachment for smoothies or protein shakes.It has a stainless steel blender attachment.

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9/09/2011

Remanufactured Breville XXBKC600XL Gourmet Single-Cup Coffeemaker Review

Remanufactured Breville XXBKC600XL Gourmet Single-Cup Coffeemaker
Average Reviews:

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I purchased the remanufactured breville k-cup coffee maker. I was skeptical in the beginning after reading some of the reviews. I received my machine in two days, the packaging was just a regular box very well packed from amazon. The machine looks like brand new and works just fine. It is less than half the price a new machine and it came with all the accessories. I also own a breville 1000 watt juicer which also has no issues. Breville makes good products, much better than the average plastic chinese made appliances. They are well thought and engineered, almost professional grade, fairly priced and made to last. Don't be afraid to purchase remanufactured Breville products, they aret as good as new. I understand that sometimes quality repair or control may not be the best, but for me so far so good. Also, I'd like to add that our office machine is a Keurig, it's the high end model. Compared to the Breville, i must say that Breville is by far superior. Coffee making quality is the same, features are the same with Breville being more user friendly but on the looks department Breville is the winner. Made in stainless steel with minimal use of plastic makes the machine heavy, beautiful and gives a sense of quality. By the way, the same type and brand K-cups were used to compare the machines.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Remanufactured Breville XXBKC600XL Gourmet Single-Cup Coffeemaker

Handsome single-cup brewer makes coffee one cup at a time for maximum freshness.

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8/10/2011

Breville 800GRXL Die-Cast Indoor Barbeque and Grill Review

Breville 800GRXL Die-Cast Indoor Barbeque and Grill
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I love this grill. Yes, it's big, but for a family of four that's good. Problem? The non-stick surface is beginning to bubble after only 9 months of light use. At first, I thought it was just food left on the grill, but, alas, it is the surface coming away. It might be possible to make the grill last another year or so, if one were careful, but I don't think this should happen so soon. I don't think I have used it more than 25 times. I have sent an email to Breville asking for information on returns/repairs. I'll update this post after they respond (assuming they do).
UPDATE:
I contacted Breville via email, and they promptly replied with information on how to send it back. Assuming they concur with my assessment of the bubbling problem, I should receive a replacement. Can't ask for better customer service than that! A+

Click Here to see more reviews about: Breville 800GRXL Die-Cast Indoor Barbeque and Grill

Breville die cast heavy duty die cast stainless steel Indoor BBQ and Grill has a sophisticated brushed stainless steel design. 184 square inches of contact grilling surface and 368 square inches of BBQ surface.This items has the World's first patented grill lock mechanism - use as a contract grill or an open BBQ grill.It has a premium non-stick Quantanium scratch-resistant cooking service.Patented adjustable grilling height control and patented base place tilt dial are just two of it's features.It can cook on a flat surface or ribbed plate.

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6/15/2011

Keurig Charcoal Water Filter Cartrige Refill 6pc Set Review

Keurig Charcoal Water Filter Cartrige Refill 6pc Set
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I love, love, love my Keurig and these little filters make it even better. The optional water filter attachment removes the need to use bottled water in the Keurig machine and helps to provide an even more delicious cup of coffee or tea. The filters only have to be changed every two months and it is a quick and easy change. One package of filters lasts a whole year making them much more cost effective than bottled water. A definite plus to the huge positve of the Keurig.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Keurig Charcoal Water Filter Cartrige Refill 6pc Set

This set of charcoal filter refills by Keurig improves the water quality and prolongs the life of your machine. The cartridges give you better tasting coffee by removing impurities from the water. The water filter cartridges are to be used with the Keurig water filter and comes in a pack of six, giving you a one year supply. For use exclusively with the following Keurig Single-Cup Brewing Systems purchased after August 2007: ELITE B40 CLASSIC B44 ULTRA B50 SPECAIL EDITION B60 ULTIMATE B66 PLATINUM B70 B140 OFFICEPRO B145

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Breville SK500XL Ikon Cordless 1.7-Liter Stainless-Steel Electric Kettle Review

Breville SK500XL Ikon Cordless 1.7-Liter Stainless-Steel Electric Kettle
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We've had ours for one month after the cheapo plastic one died. I investigated multiple other high-end electric kettles, including Cuisinart, Chef' Choice, Krups, Braun by reading reviews on-line and comparing them @ the local bricks & mortar stores. The Breville is clearly the best designed one for the money.
Pros:
- clean, beautiful design which is also easier to clean.
- hefty, substantial base unit with place to wrap around the cord
- boils quickly in 4 min. for full 1.5 L
- more substantial kettle than more expensive models by Chef's Choice or Cuisinart. The Chef's Tools electric kettle @ the same price point looked flimsier. In fact, the floor model Chef's Choice kettle was no longer closing or opening its lid properly-- always a bad sign when a floor model falls apart.
- modest yet easily audible "ping" sound when the water has come to a boil, and the kettle shuts off automatically.
- the outlet is easy to pull due to the hollow center design
Cons:
- heavy kettle.
- occasionally, there's a metallic taste in reboiled water if the water was left inside the kettle for several hours. However, the water tastes fine if you boil a pot from freshly filled water.
Overall, clearly the pros outweigh the cons. We're heavy users of the electric kettle, especially in the winter, boiling water for teas, soups at least 4-5x per day. We'll report back again in a yr after the warranty expires.
UPDATE > 1 yr after post (4/6/08): The Breville Ikon is still going strong. The water seems to be taking a slightly longer time to boil. We still use it 3-4 times per day, and it works well.

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Equipped with a 1500-watt immersed heating element, this electric kettle quickly brings up to 1-2/3 liters of water to a rolling boil. To use, simply fill the kettle using the LED-illuminated water-level indicator to gauge how much, return it to its power base, and flip the switch to the "on" position. In about two minutes, hot water will be ready for anything from tea, instant coffee, and hot cocoa to instant soup or oatmeal. The kettle lifts off its power base for graceful serving without the hassle of a cord and can be returned at any angle. Other highlights include a cushion-controlled lid that opens with the press of a button, a viewing window in the lid, a "ready" bell indicator, a removable scale filter, a soft-grip open-style handle, and convenient cord storage. For safety, the kettle automatically shuts off when water reaches a full boil, and its boil-dry protection won't allow the unit to operate without water inside. Housed in premium-quality brushed stainless steel, the kettle measures 8-3/4 by 6 by 9 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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6/13/2011

Breville BKC700XL Gourmet Single-Serve Coffeemaker with Iced-Beverage Function Review

Breville BKC700XL Gourmet Single-Serve Coffeemaker with Iced-Beverage Function
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've owned a Keurig Platinum B70 since January 2007 and have liked it a lot since getting it. K-cups are very convenient and aren't overly expensive when purchased from Amazon. My primary complaint about it is the pump noise and vibration. Keurig updated the design and greatly reduced the noise and vibration in their latest model of the Platinum and in this Breville model, and I wanted to find out just how much of an improvement there was. In my opinion, the improvement is huge. It is much, much quieter. I also liked the addition of the smaller cup size of four ounces, as well as the option to use a built-in water filter. Functionally, the Keurig Platinum and Breville BKC700XL are identical. The Breville adds a couple of nice convenience features (such as a supplied My K-Cup with a storage bin), and the cosmetics are clearly different. After using both, the cosmetics are a wash for me (some pluses for one model, and some pluses for the other), so it comes down to the difference in price. Right now, the Breville costs over $90 more than the Platinum. I don't think it's worth it, but it certainly might be for anyone that prefers the looks of the Breville. Either way, the coffee is good and easy to make!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Breville BKC700XL Gourmet Single-Serve Coffeemaker with Iced-Beverage Function

The best coffee is always the freshest coffee. That's why it makes no sense to brew by the pot: by the time you get around to drinking most of the joe, it's been sitting in a carafe (or worse, on top of a burner), going more bitter and stale with each minute. The Breville single-cup brewer takes a different approach. It makes coffee one cup at a time, so each cup tastes as fresh as the first one in the pot. The unit's LCD control panel includes a digital clock with auto on/off time, five brew strengths, and variable brew temperature, which allows for customizing each cup--perfect for households or dinner parties in which everyone likes a different brew. Best of all, the brewing process is very, very difficult to mess up. The Breville's patented "showerhead" sprays a precisely calibrated amount of water through a "K-Cup," a technology made famous by Keurig's single-cup brewers, using temperature and pressure designed to extract the maximum amount of flavor from the grounds. The unit provides a sample variety pack of single-use K-Cup coffee pods, including cocoa and tea, as well as a reusable My K-Cup that accepts any variety of ground coffee. The included My K-Cup and measuring spoon conveniently store in the brewer's top compartment. Furthermore, the machine comes with an iced-beverage function that dispenses a concentrated 3-1/2-ounce shot of tea or coffee. Simply dilute with ice and add water, milk, or sweeteners for an iced tea or coffee. Other highlights include low-noise pump technology for quiet brewing, a removable 60-ounce water tank that can brew up to 10 cups before it needs refilling, and a charcoal water-filtration system to reduce impurities for optimal taste. Made from heavy-duty stainless steel in a sleek, stylish design, the 1500-watt single-cup coffeemaker measures approximately 14-3/4 by 12-3/4 by 16-3/4 inches.

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