VillaWare V6150 4-Square Belgian Waffler/Multi-Baker, Stainless Steel Review

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(More customer reviews)My kids call this product the "all day" machine. We make waffles or pancakes for breakfast, grilled cheese or paninni for lunch and grill chicken or burgers for dinner. We love the waffles because they are as thick as any sunday brunch belgian we have ever had. I no longer need my any other grill because this one "squeeze the fat out" and makes us feel good about what we are eating. We also appreciate the ability to adjust the temperature.

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Bakes four 5" square 1 1/4" waffles.Xylan non stick coating for easy clean up.Waffle tone to let you know when waffles are done. Cool touch to eliminate burns.Stands upright for compact storage.Cord wrap.

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Farberware Classic Series Stack\'N Steam 3-qt. Saucepot/Steamer, With $20 Mail-In Rebate Available Review

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(More customer reviews)Just what I was looking for. Perfect to steam vegetables or heat rice and meat.

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Farberware classic 3 qt covered stack n steam

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Cuisinart Food Chopper, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the worst piece I own by Cuisinart. I generally like their products but this thing stinks. My girlfriend bought me this for X-Mas (after I picked it out!). Let me say that I would give it negative stars if possible. I now have to waste time and fuel to drive it back to the store to recuperate the cost. The thing fell apart after 1/8 of an onion--which is, btw, all the space this thing has to chop. Was not sharp enough to cut through the tougher, outer onion layer. P-l-e-a-s-e! I took it all the way apart to see what could possibly "jam" a manual food chopper. I noticed that the blade piece unscrewed from the hand piece. No problem, right? Wrong, wrong! The pieces would not stay together. Needless to say that it almost ruined X-Mas once my girlfriend had to go digging through the trash for the receipt . . .

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The Cuisinart Black Food Chopper is perfect for chopping potatoes, celery, carrots, onions, nuts, etc.Includes cover to convert chopper chamber to a storage container,The rotating stainless steel bladesdisassemble for easy cleaning.The product is dishwasher safe and has a 5 year limited warranty .

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The Pampered Chef Food Chopper Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this as a gift from my husband since i put chop garlic on everything so he bought this one for me from Sur La Table .It works great ,fast ,easy to clean and save electricity.I love this i chop chilies,cilantro etc....It way better than my electric one .Highly recommend

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Durable, stainless rotating blades uniformly chop veggies, nuts and cooked meats in seconds. Chop onions without a single tear! A flexible cap doubles as a chopping board. Handier than a food processor and much easier to clean. Dishwasher safe.

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Wolfgang Puck Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set Review

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(More customer reviews)I received a set of Stainless Steel Wolfgang Puck pans from my parents as a gift two years ago. They figured I would enjoy some high class cookware especially since it came with the extra cooking utensils. I was so excited to have designer cookware, and I have been repeatedly disappointed in so many ways. I'll spell them out clearly so others can make an informed purchase:
1) This cookware starts out looking great, but after a few uses on a gas stove, the pitting and discoloration of the steel is terrible. I read all the instructions and cared for these pans with much effort - handwashing, gentle cleaning, etc. They have been so pitted and stained after the first month of average use that I'm embarrassed to use them when other people are in my kitchen because they look downright dirty. I even tried gentle silver polish, overnight soaks, and just good ole' elbow grease without success.
2) Uneven cooking. I have been cooking for over 15 years, and some of that has been in professional kitchens. I routinely find that these pans heat unevenly causing food to burn in certain spots. The burned areas then stick to the pan. Forget trying to make delicate things like an over-easy egg. Almost every time I cook something using a dry cook method, it stick badly. I routinely break egg yolks, have well-buttered grilled sandwiches stick and then fall apart upon turning, and even less delicate things like 'hamburger helper' dishes have burned, but only in spots. Thank goodness I don't have kids in the house that might require 30 seconds away from the stove because cooking in these pans requires constant attention. Now, please assume I've tried adjusting the heat and stirring thoroughly and frequently. The same dishes I've made for years in other pans has ended up burned in these pans. I've even had the stove replaced over the past two years, and nothing has helped this issue.
3) Skin Burns! Stoves are hot so sometimes handles heat up on any cookware, but the handles on the pots, and especially on the lids seem to heat up much more than I'd anticipate. Steel is a conductive metal, so I'd expect some heat, but I've burned my hands more than a couple times by simply lifting a lid without a potholder. Actually grabbing the side handles of a pot could cause serious burns even after only a few minutes on the stove. This is just unsafe and poor design. I've also had friends who have cooked with me in my kitchen comment that these pans/pots 'spit'... what I mean is that if I'm heating water in the small saucepan, as I pour the hot water from the pan into a cup, the water spits and sputters (often onto the hands causing burns) as it contacts the heated edges of the pan when pouring. I've had this happen a little with other cookware occasionally, but it's a large problem with this cookware. Again, the heating qualities of these pans causes the areas not in contact with food to heat up very quickly.
4) Rivets are dangerous. To anyone shopping for pans, please take this point into consideration. When a rivet is exposed to food, such as they are with this pan, you set up a recipe for disaster. Food can become wedged in the small spaces around the rivets which makes cleaning very hard. Additionally, if those areas aren't cleaned properly, lodged food can grow all kinds of nasty food borne illnesses which are directly transferred to food next time you cook. Yes, heat kills bacteria the next time you heat up the pan, but it doesn't always kill the toxins that the bacteria produced while it was alive and well before heating. The toxins are what make you hospital-worthy sick. With these particular pans, they cut some corners with the rivets also, and they look as if they're oxidizing and beginning to break down. Again, disappointed.
5) The larger pots do not stack. Have ample cupboard room because even my small set takes up more space than it needs to. Poor design.
So, I'm stuck with a set of cookware that looks bad and cooks poorly. Who cares about the price or how good of a deal you're getting if you're food is sticking and your hands are burning? My recommendation: save your money and buy something else.

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Be prepared for almost any culinary adventure with the right equipment on hand. This 10-piece cookware set features a nice selection of essential pieces for any busy kitchen, including a 1-1/2-quart covered saucepan, a 3-quart saucepan with pour spouts and a colander cover, an 8-inch open omelet pan, a 10-inch open omelet pan, a 10-inch covered saute pan, and an 8-quart covered stockpot. The saucepans come in handy for making breakfast oatmeal or homemade marinara sauce--or for boiling pasta or vegetables and easily draining with the colander cover in place; the omelet pans offer gently curved sides for flipping food or sliding omelets, silver-dollar pancakes, or grilled cheese sandwiches easily from the pan to a plate; and the stockpot works well for making vegetable soup or a large batch of chili. The included saute pan functions like a skillet, but its wide base meets tall, straight sides for extra depth and capacity--exceptionally convenient when making one-dish meals. Start by sauteing onions and browning meat in the saute pan, then add liquid and other ingredients to finish on the stovetop or in the oven.
Made of heavy-gauge stainless steel, the cookware provides long-lasting beauty and high-quality performance. Encapsulated aluminum-disk bases ensure even heat distribution (no hot spots to worry about) and make the cookware safe to use on induction stove tops. Even more, the pieces come equipped with ergonomic double-riveted cast stainless-steel handles for a secure, confident grip (the long handles also offer hanging holes for convenient storage when not in use), and the tempered-glass lids trap in heat, moisture, and nutrients--plus make it possible to check on food at a glance without letting heat escape. Oven-safe up to 400 degrees F, the cookware carries a limited lifetime warranty and cleans up easily by hand or in the dishwasher.
What's in the Box 1-1/2-quart covered saucepan 3-quart saucepan with pour spouts and colander cover 8-inch open omelet pan 10-inch open omelet pan 10-inch covered saute pan 8-quart covered stockpot

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Nesco American Harvest PC-6-25-30TPR 6-Quart Multifunction Digital Pressure Cooker Review

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(More customer reviews)UPDATE AT BOTTOM: Wow, is this a neat appliance. As a pressure cooker, it cooks food as nicely, and as quickly as my old, stainless stove-top model, but with several bonuses. Cleanup is much easier with the Nesco. It browns your meat without any sticking, so you can just toss your other ingredients right in after browning, and switch it to cook. No extra pan to wash. The nonstick pot, also, is much lighter, and washes out instantly vs the heavy ol'stove model that required soaking. Best of all, though, is how quiet it is! No babysitting the constant CH!CH!CH!CH! on the stove anymore. Set it, and it cooks in complete silence without another moment's thought, and no adjustments necessary. You could leave the house (it also has a timer to start cooking later if you wish). The Nesco is a slow cooker, as well. I have been so annoyed with how hot all the new slow cookers are. I've bought several brands trying to fnd a true "slow cooker". They all cook at nuclear heat, and every review of every new slow cooker says the same thing. The Nesco cooks nice and slow just like the old fashioned crock pots did. I love this cooker. The manual blows, though. How strange that the cooker is so well thought, but the quality control for the manual fell flat. It is contradictory, incomplete, and explains the buttons and timer wrong. The recipes are not appealing. Who cares. You'll love the Nesco cooker. It will replace your crock-pot and your stove-top pressure cooker. I've not tried it yet on steaming, but it might just replace the rice cooker and veg. steamer, too. Think of all the room in your cupboards, now.
Jan 2001: OK, my original cooker still works and I still like it, but I'm ticked!!! off!!! at Metal Ware customer service. We got one of these for my brother for Christmas, and it would not even power on. Customer service at Metal Ware Corp requires us to pay to get it shipped for repairs. 15 lbs and a BRAND NEW ITEM and I have to pay this ridiculous shipping fee on top of the very expensive purchase price. I no longer have warm fuzzies for the cooker since customer service is BAD.

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A useful addition to any busy kitchen, this multifunctional electric cooker provides three handy functions in one. Use it to pressure cook, slow cook, or steam cook anything from long-grain rice, pot roast, and vegetable soup to curried chicken, chocolate cheesecake, and more. The versatile appliance provides a removable nonstick cooking chamber with a generous 6-quart capacity--perfect for making healthy homemade meals for the family or to take to a potluck or picnic. Its user-friendly digital control panel offers simple push-button operation and a variety of options. Choose from warm mode, steam mode, browning mode, and slow-cook mode (up to 9-1/2 hours), as well as two pressure settings when pressure cooking. Even more, the programmable digital timer can be set to delay cooking up to eight hours, which makes it possible to come home to dinner ready and waiting after a long day at the office. Other highlights include a stay-cool lid and handles; a locking cover; and safety steam release, which prevents the cover from being opened until pressure has reduced to a safe level. Accessories include a steaming rack for steam mode, a glass cover for browning mode, and an instruction manual/recipe book. Attractively housed in brushed stainless steel, the three-in-one combination cooker measures 12 by 12 by 18 inches.

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Fagor Splendid 6-Quart Pressure Cooker Review

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(More customer reviews)1. Cooking with a pressure cooker
Think of a pressure cooker as a crock pot on steroids. The increased pressure inside the sealed vessel results in an elevated boiling point, producing a higher cooking temperature for faster cooking. The standard pressure for these cookers is 15 psi, raising the boiling point from 212f to 250f. Current design features considerably improve the safety of these pots over WWII vintage kitchen bombs.
Pressure cookers are perfect for pot roasts, stews, soups, stocks and long-simmering sauces, reducing cooking times by as much as seventy percent. Beans cook faster in a pressure cooker, although their soaking time is unaffected. Rice will cook faster, too, although the convenience of a dedicated rice cooker is beyond dispute.
Some pressure cookers let users select a second, lower pressure setting (8 psi, bp @ 215f), which yields considerably less accelerated cooking. Why slow down a high-speed cooker? Because some foods, like veggies and fish, cook quickly, and when cooked at 15 psi it is difficult to control doneness. (Recipes for these foods call for running cold water over the pot lid to quickly reduce the pressure and lower the temperature to stop the cooking. For more usual dishes, one would merely turn off the heat and let the cooking coast to a stop.) Pot-count or hubris may move some chefs to use their pressure cookers to prepare delicate foods regardless of the risk of under/over-cooking. The low pressure setting is intended to help these people. For most cooks, foods that cook quickly are better prepared using conventional methods. Arguably, a clever chef could use a pressure cooker as their only pot for all purposes, a desirable feature when living out of a knapsack on a desert isle where time is money or fuel is precious.
For most cooks, a pressure cooker will not be an essential kitchen utensil, but it is desirable for its ability to shorten long simmer times. An eight-quart pot is probably the most versatile size for most users, because the pot can only be filled to half or at most two-thirds capacity. If veggies are to be steamed rather than boiled, you will need a steamer insert. Expect a learning curve as you discover how to operate the pot and adjust cooking times. A pressure cooker should be stored unassembled, and the gasket (about $10) may need to be replaced occasionally. All parts should be hand washed. The the pot and lid are ruined if dinged where the gasket seats.
2. The Fagor Pressure Cooker
Fagor in Spain is like General Dynamics in the US - a huge industrial conglomerate. Their "Commercial" (and similar "Splendid") model pressure cooker has a substantial heft to it and seems ready to withstand the rigors of the kitchen. An aluminum heat dispersion disc, completely encapsulated in stainless steel, is bonded to the bottom of the thick-walled stainless steel pot. The stainless steel lid is similarly substantial, and is polished to a mirror finish. The handles seen sturdy enough, although they are plastic and subject to damage. An order form for replacement parts is provided in the box and parts are available over the Internet (www.fagoramerica.com). An instruction booklet is incluye, imperfectly translated from the Spanish. An 80-page recipe book is also included, with full color photographs of fabulous dishes, several of which cannot be prepared in the cooker(!).
The regulator control dial on this unit has three positions: Pressurized (15 psi), open, and remove valve. The lid has a safety interlock that prevents it from being opened while the pot is pressurized, and a small plastic rod pops up to indicate the interlock is active. (One reviewer suggested this rod indicates the pot has reached 15 psi, but this is not so; you know the pot has reached 15 psi when steam starts to escape from the regulator valve.) Another safety feature is a slot in the lid that allows part of the gasket to blow out if the pot has been over-filled.
I was attracted to this model pressure cooker because it seemed to represent an attractive price-performance point. My experience has confirmed that. The value of a second, low pressure setting is arguable for all but the most dedicated pressure cooker users, and fancy features like a pressure gauge seem minimally useful. If I were to buy another pressure cooker, I would likely select this model again, albeit in an 8-qt version to compliment the 4-qt size that seemed the best size for this bachelor cook.

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918060607Now through 2/28 ONLY, receive a FREE Induction-Ready 23.5Griddle when you spend $100 or more on Fagor Cookware! Click here for details and mail-in rebate form Preparing healthy and flavorful meals could not be made easier with this premium stainless steel pressure cooker from Fagor. All you have to do is load the 6-quart cooker with all of your ingredients, lock the lid in place and begin cooking. The bonded aluminum diffuser base ensures even heat distribution and fuel efficiency. A triple safety system is also featured which includes a safety locking handle to prevent accidental opening under pressure, a dual pressure control valve, and two independent over pressure release valves to avoid pressure build up. The pot is even dishwasher safe making clean-up a breeze. In today's time-starved world, any item that allows for quicker food preparation while retaining essential nutrients and vitamins is something everyone can appreciate. Features: - Impact bonded aluminum diffuser base for even heat distribution and fuel efficiency - Visual pressure indicator which lets user know when all pressure has been released - One pressure setting in a spring-valve mechanism operated by a dial format: High (15psi) - Instruction manual and recipe book included - Dual pressure control valve - Two independent over pressure release valves - Safety locking handle prevents accidental opening under pressure - Can be used on all types of heat sources including gas, electric, ceramic top and induction Specifications: - Material: 18/10 stainless steel - Capacity: 6-Quart - Diameter: 9- Cleaning and Care: Pot is dishwasher safe - Warranty: 10-year - UL Approved Fagor Pressure Cooker Video Clip

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All-Clad 99009 Stainless-Steel 6-1/2-Quart Slow Cooker Review

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(More customer reviews)I work almost everyday (including Sundays) so this pot has been my life saver (or the dinner saver). My older one was 5qt. cool touch Rival. This All-Clad cooker cooks so much faster than my older one (the inside temperature of All-clad gets 230F in high setting). Ribs and 5 pound chicken done in 4 hours in high. If you want crispy chicken skin, let it cook for 6 hours. I highly recommend this product.
By the way I put small roasting rack when I roast chicken or ribs so that they don't stew in the dripping. Save the dripping broth. Put it in the fridge overnight, and get rid of the fat. And use it in your soup or stew, of course, this cooker can do that job just fine as well.
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Updated Review: 4/17/2008
I've been using this slow cooker at least twice a week. Time to time I would hear "pop" sound either in the middle or toward the end of the cooking time. I couldn't figure out what was making this sound. One day my husband found cracks on the ceramic insert. They were fine cracks, but the cracks were in inside and outside. I contacted All-Clad. The service rep. told me to send a picture of the cracks. So I did. For several weeks I didn't hear anything from them. So I contacted them again. Apparently they didn't get my email with the pictures. So I sent them again. The next day I got a phone call from All-Clad that they would send me a new insert. It arrived a couple of days ago. I made a most wonderful chicken soup with leftover rottisserie chicken yesterday. I'm starting my love affair with this slow cooker again.
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Update Review: 11/9/2009
I wish I could say that my slow cooker insert is still going strong. Unfortunately it isn't. I really tried to use them (I have gone through 3 inserts) as much as I could - until I could see the leak. I thought of getting a metal insert. However, it costs $200 NOT including shipping and handling. So I got the most modest Rival Slow Cooker: a 7-qt. with a turn dial. I've had it for 7 months. So far no cracks. It boils water quicker than All-Clad even in the low setting, but still no cracks. I had talked to an All-Clad rep about a possible defect in the ceramic insert, but she didn't seem to believe that theory. I wish I could change the rating to 2-star. It could have been 1-star, but I liked All-Clad's customer services.
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Additional Comment: FYI the 2nd insert cracked within 2 hours in the high setting and the 3rd insert cracked in the low setting. After that I began to think maybe the inserts were defective. I did not abuse them. I only used as directed: high or low and went through the dishwasher. I'm using my humble and simple Rival cooker in the same way, and so far no cracks. I thought of getting the metal insert for the All-Clad Slow Cooker, but it was too expensive: $200 for the insert, over $50 for the metal lid (required for the metal insert) and $70 shipping and handling. Besides the reviews were not good for their non-stick metal insert. I'm very happy with my humble Rival 7 qt. Slow Cooker.
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Update: 6/10/2010
My humble 7-qt Rival slow cooker is still going strong. I've been using it every week, and still no cracks so far. I have made roasts, soups, stews, and casseroles. I haven't made dessert yet. I've seen Sandra Lee "baking" dessert in her white slow cooker. I can't remember if it was Rival or not. But I'll try someday.

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Even with a busy schedule, you can still enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals thanks to this easy-to-use oval-shaped slow cooker. Simply add ingredients to the unit's black ceramic pot, insert the pot into the cooker, and set the 26-hour programmable timer. After a long day at work or a busy day of weekend errands, dinner will be ready and waiting. Perfect for soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more, its large 6-1/2-quart capacity works great for single-person meals with leftovers or for dinner with the family. Thoughtfully designed, the slow cooker also provides attractive stainless-steel housing; an integrated control panel with an LCD display; three temperature settings--high, low, and keep warm; a glass lid for keeping an eye on the cooking process; and riveted stainless-steel handles for safe transport. The ceramic insert and glass lid clean up easily by hand with hot soapy water or safely in the dishwasher. A recipe booklet comes included for getting started. The slow cooker measures 19-7/8 by 14 by 11-3/8 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 14-Piece Cookware Set Review

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(More customer reviews)I am an avid home chef & treasure high-quality cookware. These are great! They are thinner (but harder) than many brands, which I truly love. Lower heat settings can be used for comparable results in other cookware, which saves energy, money, & severity of burns if the user is accident prone.
Some things to know:
1. These pans are designed to be hung on a rack. Hanging does save your cookware from a lot of those small injuries caused to them by stacking.
2. The Quantanium non-stick finish is like Teflon on steroids! I use about 1/4 the oil/butter I normally used in the older versions of Teflon. As mentioned above, a lower heat setting is also necessary. These are very easy to clean (except the stainless steel "buttons" where the handles are attached - everything sticks well there).
3. Although they say "Metal Utensil Safe", DON'T! Save the metal utensils for your cast iron & stoneware.
4. Non-stick cooking spray tends to eat finish on pans. Preserve them by washing well with soap & water as soon as they are cool. TIP: NEVER, EVER put a sizzling hot pan in water or dump cool water into it! This causes warping that basically ruins the pan. Move the pan to an unused burner & let it cool naturally before washing.
5. With the small steamer insert, never fill the pan over one inch above the bottom of the insert. With the stockpot insert, 2 inches. This can be pushed to nearly 3, but the mess from overfilling is big.
6. Enjoy & care for these pans! You won't ever have to buy replacements for them as long as you don't abuse them.

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14 Piece Chef's Classic Non-Stick Hard Anodized Set includes: 1.5, 3.0 saucepans with covers, 8" and10" covered s killet, 4.0 quart saute with helper and cover, 9.0 quart stockpot with cover, 20 cm steamer insert with cover, 24 cm pasta steamer insert w

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Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel 4-Piece 12-Quart Pasta/Steamer Set Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this to replace an older smaller pasta cooker. I have about 20 pieces of the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro cookware but couldn't justify spending over $100 for a large stockpot. The only notable difference is that the Multiclad has the sandwiched aluminum all the way up the sides of the pot. Not really necessary I thought for something I would use mostly for boiling water. Besides, the heat source is only really from below and that extra multiclad surface only adds to the weight.
I love the shiney exterior and the large capacity compared to my previous pasta pot. The steamer insert is a nice little extra but I'm not sure I'd want to haul out this enormous pot just to steam a few veggies. The lid is more domed than Cuisinart's standard lids and has a more sculpted handle. Cleanup is easy but only if you have a very large sink. The handles on both the pot and insert are solid and appear to be very securely attached.
So what's not to like?
This pot was a lot bigger than I anticipated. So large in fact that it doesn't fit in my normal cookware drawer. I ended up having to divide the pot from the insert just so it would fit in the cabinets. And that domed lid just adds to the height. The insert didn't need to stick out of the pot as far as it does and the handles on the insert come out further than those on the pot itself. Where the pot will barely fit, the insert won't just because of the handles. The other problem with the height of this pot comes when you try to use it on your stove. I nearly have to stick my head under the fan hood to see inside it!
The inside of both the pasta insert and the steamer basket won't drain completely. There are no drain holes along the bottom outer edges so the water continues to drip after removing it from the pot whenever it's tilted. I'm also not sure why they made the outsides of the insert and steam basket so shiny but made the insides brushed. This is almost the opposite of their fry pans. A shiny smooth inside would have made cleanup easier without the use of Teflon.
It would have received 5 stars except for these minor issues.

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Cuisinart 77-412 Chef's Classic Stainless Steel 12 Qt. Pasta/Steamer Set (4-Pc.)

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Cuisinart 77-17 Chef's Classic Stainless 17-Piece Cookware Set Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought these to replace some 6 year-old nonstick pots and pans which warped like....well, to make a long story short; this time, I am going Stainless-Steel! Although I would love to have an All-Clad set, but where else can you get a quality 17-Piece like this for more or less around $200 - and ships for FREE from amazon?
I have read many reviews (many negative ones) and this is my conclusion:
1.) Yes, 'Stainless-Steel' sticks! Not to mock this, but that's why 'Nonstick' cookware was invented - perhaps for the folks that do not know how to cook in stainless-steel. Easy remedy: return your set for a Nonstick set...if not, a little oil and lower your heat will do the trick. But, in addition to my stainless set, I will always have one nonstick skillet handy for my eggs (it's just much quicker and easier). But for searing and browning; there's no comparison to stainless-steel!
2.) Some complaint that the sides don't heat up compared to other brands: Yes they do, if you want to spend a little more $$ for the 'Multi-Clad' line. Also, unless you plan on cooking your food "on the sides", otherwise the encapsulated base heats evenly and works flawlessly for me.
3.) Stains, Marks and Colorful Swirls - If you use it to cook food, then expect the usual marks and normal wear - maybe even some tear. My solution for all of the above: 'BKF', OR unless you plan on displaying it for good.
The set:
There are TWO different 17-Piece sets available from the Chef's Classic line; the other one comes with a 2 qt. open 'Saucier' (and odd sizes for the rest) but I opted for this one because it is more versatile beginning with a 1.5 qt. Saucepan, then 2 and 3, a 12" Covered Skillet and for the Pasta Insert, etc, etc..
Again, for the money, they are as good as you can get. The product has a very solid feel to it and an even-weight distribution - light, yet heavy enough to do the task. Although I did find some minor flaws; like a few minor buffed-out scratches by the bottom edge between the encapsulated base on my 1.5 qt. The 'lips' on some of the larger pans (closer to the handles) seem to have bent down a bit; this produces a very small gap when the lid is covered, particularly on the 12" skillet where you can see an 'arch' effect with its lid on (the large lid is uneven on this one) and pressing it down once tends to reduce the effect. Though nothing significant, but it just appears to break that 'vacuum seal' and not so perfect tight-fit lid that was claimed by the mfg.
I have put all of them to a rigorous test for the '08 Christmas - '09 New Year's feast and they have performed very well. It cooks evenly on my old electric 'coil' stove top burner, although it could've been much better if I've had a gas range, this way I have more control of the cooking temperatures (very essential for heavy-bottomed cookwares).
Pros:
*Design - lip for spill-proof easy pouring.
*Good heat distribution (not great).
*Oven safe up to 450 degrees, that's high for a set priced like this.
*Handles: well balanced and stays cool no matter how long it's been on the burner.
*Most lids are interchangeable, especially for the 8" & 10" open skillets and they also fit other non Cuisinart that I have laying around.
*Nicely polished stainless-steel exterior and lids.
*Sturdy and well weighted/balanced.
*Well priced.
Cons:
*Workmanship and Quality Control (minor, this reduces one star).
*Slow to heat (especially the 9 qt Stockpot for cooking pasta compared to my other pot with the same amount of water).
*Pasta insert bottom sits a bit high (if sat lower, can prevent the use of more water so heat up time can be faster and to avoid boil-over spills).


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17 Piece Chef's Classic Stainless Set includes: 1.5-quart, 2-quart, and 3-quart saucepans with covers; 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch covered skillet with helper; 4-quart saute with helper and cover; 9-quart stockpot with cover; 20-cm steamer insert with cover; 24-cm pasta steamer

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Cuisinart CPC-600 1000-Watt 6-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker, Brushed Stainless and Matte Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First, I was a pressure cooker nut from before. I used my mother's 1930/40's Presto's until I couldn't get seals for them. When I saw this digital pressure cooker I bought it instantly. I loved it so much that I gave one to my daughter, my sis and my sis-in-law, (we're all foodies). I was cooking stuff I hadn't made in years. We ate like kings! All of a sudden, caput. I get online and search and right there on Amazon, Bobby Mac "Micronaut101" describes my very own problem! So no more trying to make the bloody thing work! I call the Cuisinart 800 number prepared to go the distance according to the reviews I've read and I describe my problem, how much I love the machine, how I've seen the problem reported on Amazon and therefore it's a known quality issue and I want a new machine. OK, she says, what's your address? No "did you send in a warranty" or anything else. Bingo, 7 - 10 days I'll have a new pressure cooker. How cool is that? Oh, and "We're sorry for the inconvenience. Have a great day." Yehaa! Let's hear it for Amazon and reviews!
[[editing review as of 6/4/09: pressure sensor wouldn't set pressure and pressure cooking wouldn't start. Cooker would get to boiling but pressure wouldn't lock the cooker and begin cooking. Little red button wouldn't come up to close opening. I would wiggle the button with a skewer or knife point to get it to pop up to close pressure hole. Hope this helps.]]
And I'm writing this so that others who may get one of those recalcitrant pressure cookers that slipped through the quality assurance check can know that they will get a new pressure cooker with the press of the number buttons. Cuisinart has decided to stand behind this one product, at least.
BTW, all of us are previous users of pressure cookers so we really appreciated the ability to sear the meat in the cooker. My family has used the Cuisinart cookbook for the pasta e Fagioli, Cuban Black Bean Soup, Chicken with Herb Dumplings and the "outstanding" Creamy Rice Pudding" And, in fact, the Rice pudding cooked so quickly that my sis didn't think it was done when the timer went off and over cooked it! Her second batch was superb. We also like Lorna Sass's "Cooking Under Pressure" and "Pressure Perfect"

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Reduce time spent in the kitchen preparing meals with the help of this 6-quart electric pressure cooker--it cuts cooking times up to 70-percent when compared to traditional stovetop cooking methods. The unit traps steam inside, which builds up pressure to create hotter temperatures, and its tight seal locks in heat, moisture, and flavor, as well as vitamins and minerals for exceptionally healthy, great-tasting meals like soup, chili, and other one-dish entrees. It also works well for cheesecake and custard, because dessert should never be left off the menu. The unit's push-button controls and easy-to-read digital display eliminate guesswork, while its precision digital thermostat regulates temperatures. Choose from preprogrammed settings for high- or low-pressure cooking, browning, simmering, sauteing, and warming. For safety, the cooker must be fully locked for pressure to build, and it will remain locked until the pressure inside drops to zero. Other highlights include a 99-minute timer with an LED countdown display, cool-touch side handles, and a nonstick cooking pot that cleans up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. A dishwasher-safe trivet also comes included. Housed in brushed stainless steel, the 1000-watt pressure cooker measures 12-1/5 by 12-1/5 by 13-1/5 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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