The Kitchen Gadget You Can't Live Without

[livius drusus]

My current favorite is the Microplane Grater (http://www.microplane.com/40020.shtml). It turns Parmesan into the lightest, snowiest, instantly meltiest flakes I've ever seen. I had no idea grating could be such a mystical experience. It was originally a woodworking tool, but I firmly believe it has found its true calling as a grater/zester.

I got it for Christmas from vm and was thrilled. It's an eminently affordable and utterly delightful gift for any cooking-inclined friend or family member.

Does anyone else have one tool they can't help but adore beyond all proportion?

[LadyShea]

A simple, collapsible, 4.00 steamer insert. It can be used in any pan and really there is no better or faster way to cook veggies, especially asparagus!

[RevDahlia]

Oooh, I want a Microplane. Nigella Lawson bangs on about them all the time and she's right about almost everything.

I can't live without my Cuisinart, which does all the stuff I hate. In the realm of little, unnecessary fiddly shit, though, the prize goes to my citrus zester. I love that thing. Anything that keeps me from grating my knuckles is my friend.

[Adora]

A big fuckoff shiny knife.

Or a mahogany chopping board.

Everything else I can live without.

[freemonkey]

It might just be this lovely little ceramic (or porcelain?) lemon/lime reamer (http://home.comcast.net/~freemonkey/reamer.jpg). I got it years ago at a second-hand store. A close second is one of those little plunger chopper thingies, great for trapping & chopping rolly cranberries. I recently got one

But, OMG, liv, now I must have a Microplane Grater! :drool2:

[Ronin]

I've still got the same bottle opener I've had since I was in high school.

Mr. Guinness...meet Excalibur.

Pleased to meet you.

Pleasure's all mine, sir.

[livius drusus]

Perhaps it's time to move up in the world (http://www.samssteins.com/detail.asp?product_id=TBOSI), Ronin.

[viscousmemories]

Something you take for granted that you can find anywhere - until you're actually looking for it - is the tomato shark. A must have tomato de-stemmer. I prefer the variety with a plastic handle, but this is the cheapest one:

http://www.freethought-forum.com/images/tomatoshark.jpg

[Petra]

Would you all hit me if I said "can opener"?

/me ducks and runs

[livius drusus]

Well, I've searched far and wide and I just can't find it available anymore, but years ago I bought a citrus juicer from The Pampered Chef catalogue which is basically a lemon tap with filter.

You jam the thing into the lemon, core and pour. None of the seeds and spooge and whatnot gets past the filter, and suddenly squeezing out a tblsp of lemon juice mid-recipe becomes the easiest thing in the world.

Here's a pic I found on Google even though it's no longer available on the actual site:

http://www.freethought-forum.com/images/spout.jpg

You want it, doncha Rev? You want it baaaaaad.

[livius drusus]

Would you all hit me if I said "can opener"?

* lunachick ducks and runs

Depends. Is it the Oxo (http://www.oxo.com/home.php) can opener? Anything Oxo rules the world; that's just a known fact.

[Petra]

I'm afraid not, liv. A cheap and nasty supermarket brand is the one I believe I have, but it opens tins of tuna with all the fight of deep sea game fishing. It really makes you work for your food, as the Good Lord intended.

[livius drusus]

I'm afraid not, liv. A cheap and nasty supermarket brand is the one I believe I have, but it opens tins of tuna with all the fight of deep sea game fishing. It really makes you work for your food, as the Good Lord intended.

:haha: You should so start a really rusty shit kitchen gadgets that bring you close to nature because you can't afford to replace them thread.

[Clutch Munny]

Cheap-ass food processor. Nothing fancy. Got it a few years back, and oooh, the sauces and marinades you can make in a hurry. Not to mention an artichoke heart dip that I make weekly. Yum.

[livius drusus]

Not to mention an artichoke heart dip that I make weekly. Yum.

Yum indeed. Could you be persuaded to post the recipe in a new thread, or in What's for Dinner? (http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79) Pretty please?

[lisarea]

My dutch oven isn't a 'gadget,' though, is it? You were probably trying to specifically avoid causing me to talk about my dutch oven, weren't you?

Well, what are you going to do? Ban me?

I love my dutch oven. It's cast iron, a Wagner, #10, about a million years old. It's perfectly seasoned, a perfectly glistening black. I swear you don't even have to turn the heat on to cook in it. The lid seals perfectly, the little condensation points recirculating moisture to cook everything to perfection unless I do something to fuck it up. I love my dutch oven.

I also love my dumb gigantic butcher block cutting board I made out of scrap wood I found in the garage one day, because I was mad at all my stupid tiny cutting boards. I can just wash my vegetables and stuff, pile them all up, and start chopping, moving the finished stuff over to different sections of my glorious, spacious cutting board, never having to stop to move things out of the way. I can just chop until I'm done. I can fit a whole gigantic salad onto my cutting board. And then, I just wipe it off, and buff it with olive oil and it stays beautiful if a little uneven around the edges. (Cause I done made it muh own saylf, haw!)

Other than that, I don't really have many gadgets, mostly because I am poor and my kitchen is tiny.

Mostly, though, because I am a hillbilly.

[Dingfod]

Lisa, are you talking about something like this?
http://www.partyware.ch/images/lodge/10do2g.jpg
Or this, with the feet, made to be used on charcoal or campfires?
http://www.gijoes.com/graphics/product_images/p208775reg.jpg
I need to get one. Just seeing it reminded me of the dutch oven cobblers we made with canned pie filling, pancake mix and a can of 7-Up back in my Boy Scout days. Mmm-mmmm.


Warren

[Dingfod]

My most indespensible kitchen gadget would have to be the Rubbermaid slotted spatula, one like I am unable find any more, black heat-resistant nylon one-piece with the slim handle. What is up with all the fat handled bastards made these days? Half of them aren't really dishwasher compatible because water gets up inside the handles or under the grips and then leaks out water of unknown sanitariness right at the most inopportune moment, like right when the food is done and you are putting in on a serving plate. Yuck!


Warren

[lisarea]

My most indespensible kitchen gadget would have to be the Rubbermaid slotted spatula, one like I am unable find any more, black heat-resistant nylon one-piece with the slim handle.

I just bought one regular spatula and one pancake turner one at K-Mart for something like $.70 each. Sounds like the same thing, anyway. One piece, slim handles, slotted, black plastic-like stuff.

K-Mart and Target have this annoying practice of displaying things by brand or price range or something, rather than by category, so they'll have one brand of spatulas in one aisle, and more an aisle or two down. I remember because it made me mad when I got mine.

Anyway, go look, and if you still can't find any, let me know. I'm pretty sure they had plenty here just a couple of weeks ago, and I could send you some if your crazy backwoods stores don't have them.

PS: My dutch oven is like the first one, for indoor use. It's a different brand, but it looks almost exactly like that.

[viscousmemories]

I also love my dumb gigantic butcher block cutting board I made out of scrap wood I found in the garage one day, because I was mad at all my stupid tiny cutting boards.
That sounds so amazing. Nothing annoys me more than having to figure out where to pile things after I chop them. I don't like dirtying dishes just to hold veggies while I'm still chopping, it just ain't right. I want to get me one of them big ole choppin' blocks.

[RevDahlia]

Well, I've searched far and wide and I just can't find it available anymore, but years ago I bought a citrus juicer from The Pampered Chef catalogue which is basically a lemon tap with filter.

You jam the thing into the lemon, core and pour. None of the seeds and spooge and whatnot gets past the filter, and suddenly squeezing out a tblsp of lemon juice mid-recipe becomes the easiest thing in the world.

Here's a pic I found on Google even though it's no longer available on the actual site:

http://www.freethought-forum.com/images/spout.jpg

You want it, doncha Rev? You want it baaaaaad.
OMFG. No more fishing seeds out of my hollandaise? No more accidentally ambushing people with bitter little pips in the tabbouleh?! Am I to understand that this marvelous gadget no longer exists??!

That's argument #13,842 against the existence of God, by my reckoning.

[Ronin]

Perhaps it's time to move up in the world (http://www.samssteins.com/detail.asp?product_id=TBOSI), Ronin.

NO!

Never!

Heretic!

I'll part with my loyal and favored tool when they pry it from my cold, dead fingers!

[Dingfod]

I'll part with my loyal and favored tool when they pry it from my cold, dead fingers!At that point, wouldn't your loyal and favored tool also be cold and dead?


Warren

[Ronin]

At that point, wouldn't your loyal and favored tool also be cold and dead?


Warren

Hrmmmm...point taken.

They'll probably steal my bitchin' bottle opener as well.

Those CSI guys are like that.

:glare:

[lisarea]

That sounds so amazing. Nothing annoys me more than having to figure out where to pile things after I chop them. I don't like dirtying dishes just to hold veggies while I'm still chopping, it just ain't right. I want to get me one of them big ole choppin' blocks.

Precisely my motivation, too. The ones I like are usually expensive, but they're really easy to make, as evidenced by the fact that I can do it. Home improvement stores usually have scrap lumber piles toward the back where you can get odds and ends super-cheap. Assuming you don't already have a garage full of scrap wood and stuff, what you do is you get a bunch of different hardwoods from there, 1" thickness, probably (all the same thickness, regardless). Make sure it's not warped, or at least not too warped. You want pieces without big knots or cracks in them, too, because you want the surface as solid as possible.

Then, you just glue the pieces together with wood glue, and clamp them to dry. Use two or three of the big clamps, depending on how many you have, and wipe any excess glue off. I suggest putting newspaper or something between the clamps and the board, just so it doesn't all get glued together. I don't know if that would really happen, but I worried about it. Then, after maybe a few hours to be on the safe side, remove the clamps, saw off the ragged ends if necessary, and sand the whole thing until it's even and smooth. You can drill a hole in one corner if you want to hang it or something, but I just lean mine on the counter.

Then, you wash it with plain water and a scrubby brush or something, dry it, and oil it thoroughly, probably a couple of applications. Don't ever use soap on it or anything. Just wipe it off and re-oil it when it stops looking so glamorous.

[HelenM]

I was just reminded of this, reading another thread - we got a rice cooker a year or two ago and I love it. Thai rice cooked in it comes out much better than boiled in a saucepan and it does everything, then keeps the rice warm, so I can set it before I go out or start it knowing it doesn't matter if the rice is done before other things.

I loved having an electric pasta machine when we had one that worked. It was easy to use and made awesome tasting pasta. We never could be bothered to use the turn-the-handle manual kind which was our first purchase, but the electric one was easy enough we used it a lot. Until it broke. We bought another (different brand) but after a while that broke too. It seems that the stress on the plastic parts is just too much for it to last a long time. After the demise of those two, I looked up a stainless steel one and maybe we'll buy one someday but until then we're back to store-bought pasta, alas. When Fresh Fields existed they did pretty good fresh pasta, but all the other 'fresh' pasta in our local stores is not very fresh and a poor substitute for home-made.

Helen

[pescifish]

I don't think of this as kitchen gadget, but I do like my Juiceman Jr. juicer. Mmm, mmm: carrots apples cantaloupe beets spinach jalapenos kiwis broccoli kale jicama etc..

[pescifish]

OMFG. No more fishing seeds out of my hollandaise? No more accidentally ambushing people with bitter little pips in the tabbouleh?! Am I to understand that this marvelous gadget no longer exists??!

That's argument #13,842 against the existence of God, by my reckoning.
I was wandering through my snail mail Williams-Sonoma catalog and ran into one of these puppies. I found the item on their online website Item#92-3543386 (http://ww2.williams-sonoma.com/cat/pip.cfm?src=srq&showsku=3543386&gids=sku3543386&cmsrc=cqs&cat=92) I really liked their name for it: Citrus Trumpet!

[Dingfod]

I was wandering through my snail mail Williams-Sonoma catalog and ran into one of these puppies. I found the item on their online website Item#92-3543386 (http://ww2.williams-sonoma.com/cat/pip.cfm?src=srq&showsku=3543386&gids=sku3543386&cmsrc=cqs&cat=92) I really liked their name for it: Citrus Trumpet!And here (http://www.herbtrader.com/208698.html) is one just like that which is a teensy bit cheaper, still stainless steel though.

And, for our friends in the UK, the same thing. (http://thecookskitchen.com/browse_6091)

I have a plastic version that I got after watching a Ginsu knife demonstration at the Oklahoma State Fair in 1977.


Warren

[LadyShea]

I have a new one to add. We bought one of these Vacu Vin pineapple slicers and IT ROCKS! You just cut off the top of the pineapple, put this thing on and twist then pull and these perfect rings come out. It also leaves the husk in good shape to use as a centerpiece or serving bowl. I think we paid 7 bucks for it at the supermarket

http://img.epinions.com/images/opti/20/84/653035-elec_lg.jpg

[Gawen]

Well, I have to have a can opener. How else can I make my spaghetti-os? And a crock pot. I like my crock pot.

[pescifish]

I have a new one to add. We bought one of these Vacu Vin pineapple slicers and IT ROCKS! You just cut off the top of the pineapple, put this thing on and twist then pull and these perfect rings come out. It also leaves the husk in good shape to use as a centerpiece or serving bowl. I think we paid 7 bucks for it at the supermarket
:pleased: :pleased: :pleased:

I swear! I just bought one of those last night at the supermarket (and a pineapple of course!) but haven't had a chance to try it. I was the ultimate sucker for the little video/tv running ad thing they had for various kitchen gadgets. I had just been thinking that I would like to get a pineapple but they are such a friggin' pain to cut up and... MAGIC! A little man on the little tv in the middle of the talking produce section was explaining how simple this tool works.

I'm glad to know the thing actually works (and I think my SoCal price was the same as yours -- 7 bucks.)

[livius drusus]

I was wandering through my snail mail Williams-Sonoma catalog and ran into one of these puppies. I found the item on their online website Item#92-3543386 (http://ww2.williams-sonoma.com/cat/pip.cfm?src=srq&showsku=3543386&gids=sku3543386&cmsrc=cqs&cat=92) I really liked their name for it: Citrus Trumpet!

That's our guy! Go for it, Rev. I swear you won't regret it.

[pescifish]

I am taking a couple of days off to be at home while part of my patio becomes a sunroom. While hanging around the house I realized how often I use the in-door cold water and ice maker/dispenser on my refrigerator. Truly a Kitchen Gadget I Can't Live Without!


We bought one of these Vacu Vin pineapple slicers and IT ROCKS! Also, I finally used this thing and I agree completely! It's small enough to keep in a drawer handy, easy to clean and it makes perfect work of that unruly fruit. I can tell I'll be buying more pineapple now that I know how to kick its ass.

[lisarea]

I am taking a couple of days off to be at home while part of my patio becomes a sunroom. While hanging around the house I realized how often I use the in-door cold water and ice maker/dispenser on my refrigerator. Truly a Kitchen Gadget I Can't Live Without!

Ooh, nice one. Which reminds me: my water cooler. I used to think they were sort of frivolous, but they are so not. I got mine a few years back because I thought the LM wasn't drinking enough water, and I think it kind of works.

You can just go get a big glass of cold, sparkling clean water any old time, without bothering with ice cubes or running the tap (drought, you know) or any of that stuff. Everyone should have one.

[Albion]

Kitchen Devil serrated four-inch knife. Don't even know why I have other knives in the kitchen. That's the single most useful kitchen implement I've ever come across, although I don't know that it really counts as a gadget.

[Goliath]

I've lately begun to realize how wonderful my Pur water filter is, especially since the tap water down here tastes awful.

[livius drusus]

Kitchen Devil serrated four-inch knife. Don't even know why I have other knives in the kitchen. That's the single most useful kitchen implement I've ever come across, although I don't know that it really counts as a gadget.
But, but... How do you chop without a chef's knife? Surely a serrated 4-inch knife can't do the job of a curved blade 8-inch chef?

[RevDahlia]

But, but... How do you chop without a chef's knife? Surely a serrated 4-inch knife can't do the job of a curved blade 8-inch chef?
I was gonna say. Out of my whole Henckels Pro knife set I only really need the 8" chef and the fillet knife. Serrated knives are occasionally deployed for bread and recalcitrant tomatoes, but that's it.

[lisarea]

I was gonna say. Out of my whole Henckels Pro knife set I only really need the 8" chef and the fillet knife. Serrated knives are occasionally deployed for bread and recalcitrant tomatoes, but that's it.

Well, then, CAN I HAVE THE REST OF THEM, PLEASE?

I am a recalcitrant tomato. (OK. Was.)

[JoeP]

Cheese wire.

[viscousmemories]

Pasta-strainer pan. It's a pan with a locking lid and holes in the top. Little holes on one side (for skinny pasta) and big holes on the other (for fat pasta). :)

[viscousmemories]

Recalcitrant Tomato.
Ah, your search for a custom user title is finally at an end. Get thee to your user profile (http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/profile.php?do=editprofile), stat! :)

[pescifish]

But, but... How do you chop without a chef's knife? Surely a serrated 4-inch knife can't do the job of a curved blade 8-inch chef?
I don't ever chop. Too scary. I like my digits. :eek:

[JoeP]

I don't ever chop. Too scary. I like my digits. :eek:
Lightly sauted? With a nice chianti? fff-fff-fff

[livius drusus]

I don't ever chop. Too scary. I like my digits. :eek:

I have just the gadget for you: the modern, steely, Germanic Messermeister mezzaluna (http://www.cutleryandmore.com/details.asp?SKU=5663).

[Albion]

But, but... How do you chop without a chef's knife? Surely a serrated 4-inch knife can't do the job of a curved blade 8-inch chef?

Well, I manage. I've got a couple of Kitchen Devil chef's knives for cutting up things like rutabagas and pumpkins and other stuff that's too large or tough for the serrated knife, and for chopping herbs, but they don't come out all that often. The old workhorse does fine for chopping potatoes, carrots, and cauliflowers and so on; as for meat, the butcher cuts it the way I want it so I hardly ever have to use a knife on raw meat.

Trouble is, I don't think they make them any more, so I hope my two last for a long time.

[livius drusus]

Wow, you have a for real butcher? I haven't seen one of those since Italy. Unless the pimply dudes in a white coat at the Winn Dixie count.

I can't quite picture chopping a potato or cauliflower head with a wee serrated knife, but then again, my mom handed me a paring knife once when I went to chop garlic. :eek: Evidentally people use all kinds of implements in this world. Go figya.

[pescifish]

I use either a 5 inch utility knife, a long paring knife or a (I think 6") chef's knife. I cut things in small pieces, but I don't think I will ever even try to learn how to chop. Nope, I don't think even the curvy rollie chopping thing would entice me to even try. Nope.

I have a couple of carving knives for the occasional large hunk of meat, but otherwise, it's one of the three above. I know the different types of cutting action produces a specific effect on the food, but I'm not sophisticated enough to need the difference.

[Bella]

VM, the best way I've found to organise your ingredients after chopping is with those little disposable paper liners for muffin tins. You can get about a bazillion for $2 at the grocery. Just line 'em up on a sheet pan, drop the prepped ingredients in, and then either stack them in the order you have to use them or keep them on the pan, ready to be grabbed and used.

My hands-down favourite "gadget" is my Santoku knife from Wustof. It's a 7" granton edge blade. I have a set of Henkels for school that is standard issue, and I find that no knife outperforms that Santoku. You can cut up a chicken and flute mushrooms with the damn thing. Beautiful.

[viscousmemories]

VM, the best way I've found to organise your ingredients after chopping is with those little disposable paper liners for muffin tins. You can get about a bazillion for $2 at the grocery. Just line 'em up on a sheet pan, drop the prepped ingredients in, and then either stack them in the order you have to use them or keep them on the pan, ready to be grabbed and used.
Hey that's an excellent idea, thanks! I bought a bunch of little corningware "fingerbowls" for that purpose, but I end up not using them so I don't add to the stack of dishes I have to clean at the end. :doh:

[Bella]

Hey that's an excellent idea, thanks! I bought a bunch of little corningware "fingerbowls" for that purpose, but I end up not using them so I don't add to the stack of dishes I have to clean at the end. :doh:
If you have the "fingerbowls" start making creme brulee!

[Albion]

Wow, you have a for real butcher? I haven't seen one of those since Italy. Unless the pimply dudes in a white coat at the Winn Dixie count.

The meat counter at our local supermarket has real live actual people who'll cut things up if you want them to. It's really useful having that counter, because you can buy as much or as little meat or fish as you need rather than the prepackaged 1-lb slabs of steak or three chops for two people and so on. And they'll butterfly thick steaks and cut a large piece of swordfish into as many pieces as you want. When our dog was ill and on a rabbit-and-potato diet, and I was having to buy six of those bloody rabbits a week, the butchers were really helpful in making sure there were enough, and then they asked after the dog for months after the diet was over; after the dog died and I told one of them, several of them, over the next few weeks, told me they were sorry to hear about her death and then told me all about their dogs - and sometimes enquired about whether I'd like a nice rabbit this week! It's more expensive than shopping at Safeway, but between the large selection of foreign (including English) stuff there, the ability to get locally grown produce, and the meat counter with real people, I think it's worth it.

I can't quite picture chopping a potato or cauliflower head with a wee serrated knife, but then again, my mom handed me a paring knife once when I went to chop garlic. :eek: Evidentally people use all kinds of implements in this world. Go figya.

It's not that wee; it's a four-inch blade, and it's pretty substantial. The Kitchen Devil knives are quite sturdy. I can peel potatoes, scrape carrots, and chop both of them all with the same knife. Saves washing up, at any rate.

[Clutch Munny]

Anyone else try the aero latte (http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/000196.php)?

Got one for christmas, and it works surprisingly well. I've stopped brewing pots of coffee altogether; just do it cup-by-cup. I nuke a half-cup of whole milk for a minute while I boil up a smidgen of Turkish coffee, whip the hot milk for fifteen seconds or so, then pour the coffee through the foam. Cappuclutcho isn't quite the real thing, but it's damn close.

[Sycophant]

Ever since I went on a Good Eats (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_ea) binge (company I worked for had the local rights to the series, I got many VHS dubs made) my favourite kitchen gadget has been this...

http://www.tabletools.com/ttools/images/std_img/82006.jpg

Adjust-a-cup.

Kick ass. But locally they are stupidly expensive (like NZ$55) so I got a friend to bring one back from the US, but I haven't picked it up from him yet.

Ohh, I need to get it and make something.

[RevDahlia]

Oh no! It's... NIGHT OF THE LIVING THREAD!

But I am happy, because I get to sing the praises of the Microplane grater! (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004S7V8/102-5583400-8729712?v=glance=) I got one for Christmas... ooo Lawd! I have no idea how I ever lived without it. It makes just the happiest, fluffiest piles of hard cheese, and if you want to zest a citrus fruit, it's got yer number. The little blades are actually angled so they get all zest and no bitter pith. I LOVE it.

My next acquisition will be the Adjust-a-cup. I think that my discomfiting crush on Alton Brown is directly informed by that extremely sexy gizmo he wields so well.

[Godless Dave]

WTF are you doing up at 3:44 AM?!

[livius drusus]

But I am happy, because I get to sing the praises of the Microplane grater! (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004S7V8/102-5583400-8729712?v=glance=) I got one for Christmas... ooo Lawd! I have no idea how I ever lived without it. It makes just the happiest, fluffiest piles of hard cheese, and if you want to zest a citrus fruit, it's got yer number. The little blades are actually angled so they get all zest and no bitter pith. I LOVE it.

Isn't it dreeeeamy? I'm so glad you're finally in the club now. I'm thinking of getting another one (or three) from the 3500 series (http://www.microplane.com/35000.shtml). That wide paddle is just so, so hot.

[LadyShea]

After spending quite a bit on a DeLonghi coffee pot + espresso + milk frother only to have it start leaking heavily during the brew cycle within a year (and finding some design flaws unnoticeable until you start using it), we went out and bought the Hamilton Beach Brew Center. No carafe to break! No separate swing out thingy to cause leaks!

http://www.splendidbuys.com/images/hamilton-beach-brew-station.jpg

Now we just need to get a new cappuccino machine.

[Ensign Steve]

Ever since I went on a Good Eats (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_ea) binge (company I worked for had the local rights to the series, I got many VHS dubs made) my favourite kitchen gadget has been this...

http://www.tabletools.com/ttools/images/std_img/82006.jpg

Adjust-a-cup.

Kick ass. But locally they are stupidly expensive (like NZ$55) so I got a friend to bring one back from the US, but I haven't picked it up from him yet.

Ohh, I need to get it and make something.

This one's great for measuring sticky stuff, too, like peanut butter. Once you have it measured, you can just plunge it and you don't have to screw around with a rubber spatch and lose half of it. Mine went bad after only a little while. I couldn't get a good seal between the two parts. I figure that's because I took it apart to many times, but how else do you get it real clean?

[RevDahlia]

WTF are you doing up at 3:44 AM?!
Insomnia is such fun.

[maddog]

Anyone else try the aero latte (http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/000196.php)?

Got one for christmas, and it works surprisingly well. I've stopped brewing pots of coffee altogether; just do it cup-by-cup. I nuke a half-cup of whole milk for a minute while I boil up a smidgen of Turkish coffee, whip the hot milk for fifteen seconds or so, then pour the coffee through the foam. Cappuclutcho isn't quite the real thing, but it's damn close.
OK, this is not exactly a "gadget I can't live without," but I own a Cuisinart brand of one of those stick blenders. It's got two blades: one's a whipping disc, and one's a little mini two-bladed rotary thingy. The "whipping disc" blade is on it, and that does a pretty good job of "frothing" like Clutch's aero latte. But here's the thing -- I can't for the life of me figure out how to change the confounded blade. It's GOT 2 blades, but I can only USE 1, 'cuz I can't figure out how to take it off!

P.S. This is (I think) my first-ever post in the food threads, because you people are so good you frighten me!
#160

[Skep]

Without doubt, it's JarPop™ (http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/product_info~products_id~313.htm). Everyone in my family has one. Never again struggle opening that jar of pickles. Just place JarPop on rim of lid. Gently lift handle until you hear vacuum release. Lid will spin freely off jar. :yup:

[livius drusus]

OK, this is not exactly a "gadget I can't live without," but I own a Cuisinart brand of one of those stick blenders. It's got two blades: one's a whipping disc, and one's a little mini two-bladed rotary thingy. The "whipping disc" blade is on it, and that does a pretty good job of "frothing" like Clutch's aero latte. But here's the thing -- I can't for the life of me figure out how to change the confounded blade. It's GOT 2 blades, but I can only USE 1, 'cuz I can't figure out how to take it off!

P.S. This is (I think) my first-ever post in the food threads, because you people are so good you frighten me!

If it's the Cuisinart CSB-44N Cordless Rechargeable Hand Blender, judging from the manual it's a pull and twist operation. The thing is, the manual only says how to attach the blade/whipping disc, not how to remove it. I'm guessing you just do that in reverse.

Here's a screen cap of the (hopefully) relevant bit.

http://www.freethought-forum.com/images/blender.jpg

See? We're not at all scary here in F&D. :wave:

[viscousmemories]

Cordless Rechargeable Hand Blender
A hand blender?! You people are SICK!!

:runaway:

[Dingfod]

Without doubt, it's JarPop™ (http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/product_info~products_id~313.htm). People that bought that also bought this (http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/product_info~products_id~185~osCsid~6236830418e9e2c526756cde207977d5.htm) and probably this (http://www.youcansave.com/clap.asp). They probably gave all their grandchildren one of these (http://www.buying-chia-pets.com/chia-heads-guy.html) for Xmas.

[maddog]

Cordless Rechargeable Hand Blender
A hand blender?! You people are SICK!!

:runaway:
Well :p the full-size blender didn't fit in my desk drawer at work.

Thanks livius.
I have (or at least I USED to have) a sheet with the same or similar picture/instructions, but it didn't/doesn't really show or describe the mechanism. I'm afraid to just pull on the little disc (1) because it's hard to get fingers in the gap to pry with, (2) because (once it's on, and it's been so long you can't REMEMBER how you got it on -- in fact it occurs to me that maybe I didn't; it might have come with the disc blade already on) you can't see what you're doing, and (3) because it seems to require force enough to be in danger of breaking.

I still feel really stupid. :qsigh: Oh well!
#161

[maddog]

Without doubt, it's JarPop™ (http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/product_info~products_id~313.htm). Everyone in my family has one. Never again struggle opening that jar of pickles. Just place JarPop on rim of lid. Gently lift handle until you hear vacuum release. Lid will spin freely off jar. :yup:
An ordinary old-fashioned bottle opener will do the same thing.
#162

[freemonkey]

But I am happy, because I get to sing the praises of the Microplane grater! (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004S7V8/102-5583400-8729712?v=glance=)
Ooooh, thanks for the reminder. I had that little baby on my Amazon wishlist. But, shit, which one (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/store-name%3Dkitchen%26index%3Duniversal%26search-type%3Dss%26field-manubrand%3DMicroplane/103-2409212-1964614) do I want?

[viscousmemories]

Liv got me this one (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00063QRQM/qid=1105595879/sr=1-7/ref=sr_1_7/102-3333683-8894519?v=glance&s=kitchen), and it rocks. :yup:

[ApostateAbe]

This is the lamest thread ever.

[viscousmemories]

The funny thing is it went full circle. I just realized liv mentioned buying me the microplane grater (with a link to one and everything) in her OP. :chuckle:

Man, it just doesn't get any better than this.

[Skep]

Without doubt, it's JarPop™ (http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/product_info~products_id~313.htm). Everyone in my family has one. Never again struggle opening that jar of pickles. Just place JarPop on rim of lid. Gently lift handle until you hear vacuum release. Lid will spin freely off jar. :yup:
An ordinary old-fashioned bottle opener will do the same thing.
#162
Yes, but it is not a purpose for which it was designed and it can deform the lid such that it won't reseal properly.

[Godless Dave]

Without doubt, it's JarPop™ (http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/product_info~products_id~313.htm). Everyone in my family has one. Never again struggle opening that jar of pickles. Just place JarPop on rim of lid. Gently lift handle until you hear vacuum release. Lid will spin freely off jar. :yup:
An ordinary old-fashioned bottle opener will do the same thing.
#162

So will your bare hands, but it helps if you build up the muscles by playing bass guitar for 15 years.

[livius drusus]

I have (or at least I USED to have) a sheet with the same or similar picture/instructions, but it didn't/doesn't really show or describe the mechanism. I'm afraid to just pull on the little disc (1) because it's hard to get fingers in the gap to pry with, (2) because (once it's on, and it's been so long you can't REMEMBER how you got it on -- in fact it occurs to me that maybe I didn't; it might have come with the disc blade already on) you can't see what you're doing, and (3) because it seems to require force enough to be in danger of breaking.

I totally get that, particularly (3). I feel like Steve Austin before his near-fatal crash. I can't hold her. She's breaking up! She's breaking... :explode:

I think in this case if you align the disc right there's no way even a really hard pull will break it. Seems to me that the worst case scenario is that the disc just won't come off.

I still feel really stupid. :qsigh: Oh well!

Hey, at least you don't need that Jar Pop thing to open jars. :giggles:

[Dingfod]

This is the lamest thread ever.If that's what you think, you haven't been around much.

[CARLA]

I can't live with out this excellent CUSINART COFFEE MAKER.. :bow: 12CUP 4HOUR TIMER, AUTO START, AUTO CLEAN, CHARCOL FILTER.. MAKES EXCELLENT HOT COFFEE.. :cool:

http://a1412.g.akamai.net/7/1412/243/0080/image1.styleinamerica.com/wsecimgs/images/products/200502/0010/img55m.jpg

I also can't live without my RABBIT CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE OPENER.. excellent :giggle:
http://www.beveragefactory.com/wine/openers/pix/large_rabbit.gif

[wei yau]

Oooh, I want this one...gives it to us, precious...

MINE!!! (http://www.viceversa.com/Dynamic/Products,intCategoryID,34,intItemID,1447.html)

[livius drusus]

Holy sheisse, eldar! That's super scary. I suppose I should be glad there's nothing in the crotchal region. :balls:

[wei yau]

And, if I'm not mistaken, the thing is made in Italy. Too cool.

[viscousmemories]

That's hot.

[livius drusus]

And, if I'm not mistaken, the thing is made in Italy. Too cool.
Yes indeed. The rest of the stuff on that site is fantastic too. Random aside: I really like the Italian word for steel. Acciaio (ah-chai-yoh). It just sounds hardass to me.

[wei yau]

Random aside: I really like the Italian word for steel. Acciaio (ah-chai-yoh). It just sounds hardass to me.

Hmm, I'm gonna have to actually hear that pronounced. When I do it, it sounds Chinese. Hardass, but still Chinese.

[livius drusus]

It sounds like this, only without the trying not to laugh undertone.

[wei yau]

NO SPEAKERS AT WORK!!!! I gotta go and steal a pair of headphones.

:shakefist:

[SharonDee]

Wow, that is a boss sound!

Acciaio. Acciaio.

Cool! Hey, how would "man of steel" sound in Italian?

[livius drusus]

Again, like this only less dorky.

[SharonDee]

Thanks, liv! I'll be practicing that one until I can sound just as sultry and sexy.

/me saunters off, muttering a very botched version of what she just heard.

[livius drusus]

Hey thanks, Sharon. I thought I sounded like a tool. :thankee:

Meanwhile, I found the coolest toaster on that site. Check it out (http://www.viceversa.com/Dynamic/Products,intCategoryID,44,intItemID,408.html). Is that not the coolest toaster you've ever seen?

[pescifish]

DamN! I wish I needed a set of knives. Still, it would be worth purchasing it for a gift. I have many friends as twisted as I.

But, can I buy something from that site? I can't tell!!!

livius, I wouldn't have had a clue how to pronounce those words, thanks!

[viscousmemories]

At first I thought those were ice trays. Now I think they're mini-spice racks with suction cups to stick to the wall. :yup:

[pescifish]

Oops, sorry, edited that right out from under you, vm -- I figured it out and took the link because, err (duh), there is an English description on the right and there is also a link at the bottom setting the whole site to English.

I'm on a hunt to find out how to BUY, dammit!

They are, indeed (http://www.viceversa.com/Dynamic/Products,intCategoryID,34,intItemID,49.html), spice racks!

[viscousmemories]

:chuckle: Now the philosophy/psychology question of the day is:

Did I see the description with my peripheral vision and register it unconsciously, or did I solve the problem deductively?

:chin:

[pescifish]

Don't be silly, vm.

You had nothing to do with it. I fed you the information via telepathy at the moment I discovered it.

[viscousmemories]

Of course! :doh:

[livius drusus]

But, can I buy something from that site? I can't tell!!!

I'm afraid not, pesci. They have distributors all over Italy and several worldwide, but none in the States and no online purchasing that I can see. Dammitall.

[Ymir's blood]

Oooh, I want this one...gives it to us, precious...

MINE!!! (http://www.viceversa.com/Dynamic/Products,intCategoryID,34,intItemID,1447.html)
Poor bastard. At least the knives are all coming from the front. :eek:

[pescifish]

I just purchased an excellent peppermill that I use while cooking and on the dining table. I like it because it is a reasonable size and it can be used with one hand. It doesn't hurt that it's good looking.

Vic Firth Pump & Grind Stainless Steel Pepper Mill (http://www.mydecorator.com/r-289754/m-Kitchen/b-289802/a-B0000TLT6A/Default.aspx)
http://www.mydecorator.com/images/cache/B0000TLT6A.01-AVNF7U7GN6VQJ._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg
Mill stands 6 inches high with a 1-inch width; weighs 2 pounds upon shipping, Innovative "Pump and Grind" pepper mill dispenses spice with speed and ease, Constructed in sleek stainless steel, the commercial-strength mill features a clear peppercorn compartment for quick content level assessment, Press the pump to grind pepper in a simple, 1-handed motion, Compact for easy kitchen storage or travel; includes a lifetime guarantee


I bought mine at Bed Bath & Beyond.

[flopstock]

hate to go off topic but do any of you know what temp to cook the meatloaf at?

damnit i have a bad feeling about this!! :D

[livius drusus]

Can't go wrong at 350. Check out this thread (http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3142) and good luck. :yup:

[Skep]

I just purchased an excellent peppermill that I use while cooking and on the dining table. I like it because it is a reasonable size and it can be used with one hand. It doesn't hurt that it's good looking.
Nifty. :)

[lisarea]

Oh. Now that this thread's resurrected, I can add something I forgot before, my Bodum tea press:

http://www.bodumusa.com/shop/images_products/product/1885_01_a.jpg

That, plus my electric kettle.

[MooseIBe]

I don't really HAVE any gadgets .. I am so lo tech! I always wanted a juicer so I could make healthsome vegetable juice drinks to mix with my vodk .. erm, I mean, to quaff at breakfast to give me that radiant vegan glow, but I've never been able to afford one.

[pescifish]

Moose, I don't know if they are available in the UK, but the juicer I have been using for the past several years was fairly inexpensive (around $50 US) and available at our discount-type department stores (Target, KMart, WalMart etc.).

Juiceman Jr. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004R93U/103-7992375-7382248?v=glance) I opened a thread here a long time ago on juicing, if you are interested (here (http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221)).

Since it's a relative inexpensive juicer (compared to the $200-300 models), the big expense to daily juicing is keeping oneself in a steady supply of good juicing veggies and fruits. But apples and carrots make for a cheap and tasty base for many juices, so even that can be solved. Juicing is a quick and tasty way to get a full dose of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that we are supposed to get on a daily basis. It's a good energy boost, too.

[Legs]

The Kitchen Gadget You Can't Live Without

http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3359

:yup:

[livius drusus]

You keep that in your kitchen? :eek:

[Legs]

You keep that in your kitchen? :eek:

Doesn't everyone? :angel:

[TomJoe]

My George Foreman Grill.

[livius drusus]

Excellent bumpage, and yes, GF rules.

[TomJoe]

Thank you. Coming in second, in terms of kitchen items I enjoy (more than I can't do without), it would be my garlic press, though it is a pretty indispensible item too.

[Bella]

My George Foreman Grill.Would you mind listing off the things that you can do with your GF? Also, why you like it? I had one at the last apartment I lived in, and I didn't really find it that useful. I abhor uni-tasker equipment, for one thing. But I did come up with some pretty awesome ideas for dorm-room cooking with one. Prop up the lower end with a three-ring binder and fry eggs on it (sans lid, of course), for example. Lots of fun stuff. But for the home user, I seem to be able to live without it. Maybe I'm thinking too much outside the box.

[TomJoe]

My George Foreman Grill.Would you mind listing off the things that you can do with your GF? Also, why you like it? I had one at the last apartment I lived in, and I didn't really find it that useful. I abhor uni-tasker equipment, for one thing. But I did come up with some pretty awesome ideas for dorm-room cooking with one. Prop up the lower end with a three-ring binder and fry eggs on it (sans lid, of course), for example. Lots of fun stuff. But for the home user, I seem to be able to live without it. Maybe I'm thinking too much outside the box.

The fact that I can cook a pound of chicken breasts (admittedly boneless), straight out of the freezer, in ~8 minutes is the clincher for me. If I cook meat, it's done on my Foreman grill. Heck, I've even cooked bacon on it once, just to see if I could ... and in 6 minutes (at 425) it came out perfect. I also have one of the grills where the top and bottom plates come out for easier washing, though all it takes is a wet sponge to clean.

[Legs]

Wow I might have to try one... do they come in large sizes? or are they single serving?

[viscousmemories]

I have two, one that can easily hold two boneless chicken breasts side-by-side and one that could easily hold three side-by-side and one more at the bottom. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors and features.

[TomJoe]

Wow I might have to try one... do they come in large sizes? or are they single serving?

They come in small and large sizes. Here is the website (http://www.esalton.com/control/catalog/category/~category_id=C20009) of the company that makes the grill, Salton.

[Legs]

Thanks JoeP, to anyone who has one, please be honest - are they a pain in the ass to clean?

[TomJoe]

Thanks JoeP, to anyone who has one, please be honest - are they a pain in the ass to clean?

JoeP is posting in this thread? :P

They're easy to clean. What I do is turn the grill on, let it warm up for a minute or so and then take a wet sponge to it. It's as simple as that. My grill comes with detachable plates, but I hardly use that feature as the wet sponge deal works so well. The worst part is cleaning the "fat trap" (the plastic tray which sits beneath/in front of the unit) which will have all your grease runoff in it. However, I suggest that you line it with tinfoil. Then when the grease cools, you can just throw the tinfoil/grease patty out without any problems.

[viscousmemories]

They're easy to clean. What I do is turn the grill on, let it warm up for a minute or so and then take a wet sponge to it. It's as simple as that.
They were a pain in the ass to clean until I learned this technique (except I use paper towels instead a sponge), but now it's as he says: Easy peasy.

[Legs]

Duh! TomJoe, thanks for all the info. I think I am going to order one.

[JoeP]

JoeP is posting in this thread? :PNot that I can recall. :? :D

[pescifish]

Legs, I use my small GF grill right next to my kitchen sink. When I'm done cooking with it, I slide it over while it's still hot under the running water. Any bits are easily brushed or sponged off and my kitchen counter stays clean. I flip it to get both sides and then let any water run out. It air dries before the next use.

I'm sure the manufacturer would not recommend it, but I've been doing this for many years and it's still going strong.

[Dingfod]

I started doing that as well, doesn't seem to hurt it. But then, we're not totally immersing it in the water either.

[Legs]

pesci & warren are trying to electrocute me :electro:

[pescifish]

Safety First!


I have a rubber soul and a glass heart.
:fishie:

[Dingfod]

pesci & warren are trying to electrocute me :electro:Shouldn't that be in the start a rumor thread?

[pescifish]

Decanter Pourer (http://www.scandinavianmarket.com/browse.cfm/4,3022.htm)
This wine pourer decants the wine as it comes out. Seems to do a nice job on red wines.
http://www.menu.as/Files/Billeder/Produkter/Diningroom/Produkt_4653039.jpg
Decanting Pourer, Vignon

Menu's patented Decanting Pourer filters, splits, and oxygenates the wine as you pour. Goodbye to decanters and too many bottles opened before dinner, and hello to a grand taste sensation - even when the wine is an everyday table variety. Drip-free and easy to use.

In 1999 the Decanting Pourer, Vignon won the Norwegian "Sjølystpris".

[quiet bear]

i haven't read this thread, so I don't know if it's been said already, but for me, the ice cube maker, for sure.

[Cynical-Chick]

My Wüsthof knife.
Calaphon pan.
My Cuisinart.