Amazon.com Review

The Finlandia dinnerware from Churchill China has a graceful, easy beauty that suits comfortable semi-formal occasions or stylish casual ones. With its classic off white and navy blue palette and Scandinavian inspiration, the Finlandia pattern is timelessly attractive and versatile in use. Its emphatic but airy design uses an all-over pattern of stippled flowers and vines--pleasingly tidy without prissiness or rigidity. As a subtle light-catching feature, plate and bowl rims and teacup exteriors feature an understated sculptural waviness.

This 45-piece Finlandia dinnerware set includes eight full place settings, each with a 10-inch dinner plate, an 8-inch salad plate, an 8-3/4-inch rimmed bowl, a 5-1/2-inch saucer, and an 8-ounce teacup. To round out the set, five completer pieces are included: an oval platter, a vegetable bowl, a creamer, a sugar bowl, and a sugar bowl lid. Finlandia is made from high-fired earthenware with a chip-resistant glossy glaze to protect the printed blue pattern. Designed to withstand frequent use, it is safe in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.--Emily Bedard

What’s in the Box
8 place settings, 5 serving pieces. Each place setting consists of: 10-inch dinner plate; 8-inch salad plate; 8-3/4-inch rimmed bowl; 5-1/2-inch saucer; 8-ounce teacup. Service set consists of an oval platter, a vegetable bowl, a creamer, a sugar bowl, and a sugar bowl lid. 45 pieces total. ... Read more

Features

• Safe in the microwave and dishwasher; made in England
• 45-piece dinnerware collection with 8 place settings plus 5 serving pieces
• Each place setting includes dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, teacup, and saucer
• Also includes oval platter, round bowl, creamer, sugar bowl, and sugar bowl lid
• High-fired earthenware with Scandinavian-inspired under-glaze pattern

Amazon.com Review

Lots of folks dislike the burnt flavor that coffee gets when it sits in a glass pot over a heating element. To avoid this, coffee shops often brew right into large thermal pots to keep the coffee warm without it becoming overcooked. The Zojirushi Fresh Brew does that, too, but in home-sized batches. It looks great, too, with a glossy black body and stainless steel carafe and brew basket.

To brew, lift the lid and swing the water outlet spout to one side while the filter is being loaded; the spout will return to its proper position when the lid is closed. A small red ball in the water gauge makes it extra simple to read. And an electronic clock module also serves as a timer that will start the brewer at a specified time. The carafe's lid is designed to be on during brewing, with a small cap to help keep the heat in after it's ready. The Fresh Brew also has a pause-and-serve function that stops the flow for 30 seconds while a cup of coffee is served.

To clean the brewer unit, use a solution of white vinegar and water, following the instructions in the accompanying booklet. The unit is not immersible. The exterior can be wiped with a damp soft rag; do not use abrasives or scouring pads. The filter reservoir is removable; clean with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. The coffee brewer measures 15 by 12 by 9 inches (includes carafe handle when unit is completely assembled), and it uses #3 cone-shaped disposable paper filters. The Fresh Brew comes with a detailed instruction booklet. Zojirushi guarantees its products with a one-year limited warranty. --Garland Withers ... Read more

Features

• Measures 15 by 12 by 9 inches; 1-year warranty
• Stylish automatic coffee brewer with 1.5-liter thermal carafe
• Stainless-steel carafe keeps coffee hot for hours
• 1025 watts; electronic clock/timer with preset function; auto shut-off for safety
• Clever brew-and-serve lid design; easy-to-read water gauge

Reviews (3)

Excellent
This makes very good coffee and keeps it hot for several hours. A quality product.

Excellent Coffee Maker
The design of the carafe on this maker is good; the mouth is a bit wider than most, but you will still need a bottle brush to really clean it. There is even a secondary carafe lid to prevent air from entering the carafe after you have brewed a pot.

I bought mine at Costco for less than Amazon, and the latest revision of this model (Model EC-BD15BA) states that you can use the readily available #4 cone filters. I think Zojirushi realized that #4 filters are easily found for the American market.

The unit is easy to program for timed brewing, and the water level indicator is easy to read.

Another quality Zoji product - just what I was looking for!
I was looking for a coffee maker with a large capacity, unbreakable carafe, auto-shut-off, pause-and-serve, and a programmable timer. I found everything I wanted
with this Zoji.

It has a stylish, brushed stainless carafe that stays cool to the touch and has no breakable glass liner like some carafes have. The base has an easy to read water-level display, with markings up to 10 cups, but it has a larger capacity than my old 10 cup Braun. It also has a cute little elephant on it!

The 1.5 liters works out to approx. 51 ounces, or just over 6 (8-ounce) cups. My old "10 cup" coffee maker held about 5 8-ounce cups. I never have quite figured out what counts as a "cup" in coffee terms, but it seems to vary between 4 and 6 ounces.

This is a pretty tall (15 inches) coffee maker, and you have to lift the lid to add the coffee and the water. Since steam comes out of the top, I pull it out from under the cabinet when it's running. If you have shallow counters, this could be a little tricky.

The only down side, in my opinion, is that it uses the hard-to-find #3 filters. I've gotten around it by cutting about 1 inch off the top of my #4s. I also had a little trouble getting the lid off the carafe when I screwed it on too tight - I had to put a towel over it to get a good grip. Those minor details aren't enough to cost it a star, though.

I'm not sure how long coffee stays hot in this carafe, because we drink so much coffee around here it doesn't stay in there very long. I did sleep in one morning, though, and the coffee that was automatically made at 6:15 was still hot at 7:30.

Overall, I am extremely happy with this coffee maker. I have hot coffee ready for me whenever I get up in the morning, and I never have to wonder whether I forgot to shut it off when I leave the house. ... Read more

Features

• Measures 17 by 8-1/4 by 14-1/2 inches
• 1800-watt family-size deep fryer heats up quickly and cooks evenly
• Domed lid features condensation catcher and window for monitoring cooking
• Heavy nickel-plated mesh basket has cool-touch collapsible handle
• Safety features include 3-foot breakaway cord, auto shutoff, interlock operation

Reviews (14)

Great Deep Fryer
I just got my deep fryer, pulled it out of the box and hooked it up. In about 5 mins the oil was hot enough to cook my fries. I have not had any problems with the unit at all. The unit heats the oil very fast and has an indicator light when its ready. It has several unique safety features built in. Food comes out great. The best deep fryer I have ever owned.

-Update

Had my deep fryer for about 2 months, and to look back I dont know how I got along without it. The Fryer heats up to a marked temperature of 375 degrees, and will shut off if its gets over like 550. I have gotten tremendous use out of this fryer and it has definently paid for itself from less power, and time saved. I am still very happy with the heat up time and, how fast it recovers its temperature.

Best Deep Fryer I've Ever Owned
I've only had this a short time and only used it a few times, but here are my impressions thus far.

PROS:

Attractive, durable construction. Wire basket is excellent; handle folds inside basket for compast storage inside the unit.

Lid is well thought-out, with silicone lined notches on the handle end so it fits snuggly and you don't have to lift it to raise or lower the basket.

Cleanup is fairly easy. Toss lid and basket in the dishwasher, drain the oil reservoir using the convenient corner pour spout (use a large funnel if straining, because one gallon gets heavy after awhile) and put the reservoir into the dishwasher. Everything except the heating element is immersible. I put the element on a plate to let it drain and then wipe it clean.

Oil heats up rapidly. The deep reservoir keeps splattering to a minimum. Food cooks fairly close to times indicated in recipes or on boxes, so I assume temperature is accurate. Fries came out crisp, mozarella sticks were done perfectly.

Number one advantage: because this has an immersible heating element (it's big, not like one you'd attach to an electric skillet), the oil temp below the element is cooler; thus all the burned bits fall down there, so you can cook batches of fries without getting floating debris stuck to them.

Maximum temperature is 375, but the manual says it has a safety feature whereby it automatically turns off if the oil exceeds 525. The safety features are great, like the short magnetically attached cord. It's secure enough so that it doesn't come loose when you move the unit but if someone were to pull the cord, it would break away from the unit.

The basket hanger inside the unit is handy for draining.

Lid seems to catch the condensation.

CONS:

My cons are pretty insignficant.

My main one would be that the oil cools significantly when you add significant quantities of food (even unfrozen food) and takes too long to heat up. For example, I did a batch of fresh fries, and the oil cooled but didn't heat up to the correct temperature in the four minutes it took to cook them. When I did a very small batch of fries, the oil temp. never dropped.

When I set the timer for under three minutes, it never went off. Everything over that was fine, however.

If you make something like corndogs, lower basket first and drop directly into oil or it will definitely stick to basket. Sometimes it sticks to basket anyway. Then the basket is a little harder to clean. I had to use a fork to poke the crust out of some of the holes.

Biggest drawback: Filter in lid cannot be removed and replaced. The fliter in the lid isn't the greatest. It's not a charcoal one, for example, that would readily absorb all the cooking odors. It seems to be a steel mesh thing. It's welded in and although you can clean it through the "gills" on the lid, you cannot replace it. Being able to remove and clean/replace the filter would be better. This one doesn't seem to trap odors well.

But these are small issues. I really like the deep fryer and it's a million times better than the old "Fry Daddy" my parents had growing up. It never splatters outside the deep fryer, it's easy to clean, and the food comes out far superior to any deep fryer I've ever used, which I believe is because the crumbs fall to the bottom of the unit.

Definitely worth the price--it costs my family $20 each time we go to McDonald's, so this will pay for itself easily. Last night my kids said "Mom, we don't ever have to go out to eat again because you can make all our favorite foods now."

Best Home Deep Fryer Ever
This is by far the best home deep fryer ever. I have owned a number of different deep fryers, and have never been totally satisfied with their ability to fry well. This Waring deep fryer does what many fryers can not - it holds its temperature when you place the food in it to be fried. Therefore, the food comes out crispy and delicious. Chicken nuggets come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Corn Dogs are a treat in this fryer. The basket is sturdy, the unit is well insulated, and the controls are easy to use. Clean up is easy as almost all the parts (except the heating element/controls) are dishwasher safe. The only negative is that the unit is big and requires lots of oil, but that is also a positive, as little units can't fry much, let alone even hold a corn dog or other large item. If you love deep fried foods, you'll love this Waring Deep Fryer.

Can't be beat.
This is a PERFECT machine. Don't waste your money on cheaper fryers.

Finally! A great home fryer!
Before purchasing this unit, I examined every other fryer marketed, in hand. Other companies offer quite similar units at first glance, but in the end, this one has no peer. While indeed one of the most costly, its combination of well-designed features is easily worth the additional 20-30 Dollars over competitive fryers.

It's very big and, at 1800 robust watts, is as powerful as most modern kitchens can accommodate... If your kitchen isn't wired with 20-amp grounded outlets within two feet of its resting place, you should consider a 1500-watt unit from another maker, as it may trip your breaker or work at less than peak performance. Better yet, have your kitchen wired accordingly.

It demands lots of space, but should fit on the average counter, though I'd recommend that it not be placed beneath cabinets, or within a foot from them, as they will indeed take a beating from vapor and grease. I placed it on a cookie sheet on top of my range, beneath the exhaust hood, but be sure you have no lit pilot lamps or burners, which would pose a serious fire hazard. Its well-designed magnetic breakaway safety cord will reach slightly more than 2 feet. An extension is NOT recommended, and any extension of less amperage capacity than a very short, 12-gauge cord would seriously deplete the wattage and cause a fire hazard, and overheat the appliance. Again, do it right and have a stout 20-amp receptacle within range.

The construction of the fryer is outstanding. The unit's mass and features evoked an involuntary guttural grunt from me when I looked at it in my kitchen for the first time, and my wife issued a concurring female grunt. Everything breaks down easily for cleaning in seconds. All parts except the heating module are dishwasher-safe. Even then, the elements can be sloshed in hot detergent and rinsed easily. The heating element is sturdy and suspends well off the bottom of the heavy gauge stainless steel tub, thus the tub bottom won't scorch and food particles remain an easily dissolved paste. The tub has a pouring corner that works well when recanting the nearly full gallon of oil it's designed to take. If allowed to cool and settle overnight, no filtering is required. As a hint, once used, oil should be refrigerated to prevent rancidity. The heating module has a reset button, in the event the element temperature exceeds 525° degrees, though I can't see why that would occur unless the pot was accidentally empty. It maintains the selected temperature very well and has two pilot lights that signify when the unit is on, and when temperature has been reached. The industrial On-Off stalk-type toggle switch snaps smartly, as one would arm a missile system. The two dials are solidly made and turn smoothly. The basket is very sturdy and has a fold-in handle for storage. The lid sits in a nicely designed collection ridge that directs all condensation or spatter to a removable collection receptacle... and it works. The design allows immersion and lifting of the basket from and to its solid resting hook with the lid on, though the manufacturer suggests that some foods be started without the lid. The glass window is large and easily allows inspection of the cooking progress without removal of the lid, and stays remarkable clear during cooking. Everything about this appliance is there for a reason, with no gadgetry, and nothing is lacking.

Anything I could say about cooking performance would be an understatement. In short, it fried a whole chicken in three quick batches, to crispy, juicy perfection, and not a single drop of fat landed on my counter during the cooking process. It can easily accommodate an undivided half chicken. It cleaned up fast and easily. Most highly recommended!

A few polite words about the cons in another review are in order...

The timer does function down to less than three minutes, very nicely. Just as my grandmother did with her old egg timer, simply turn it beyond ten minutes to catch the spring and turn it back to whatever suits.

The heavy gauge screen on top is NOT a filter, nor is it purported to be. It's designed to allow vapor to escape, while blocking spatter, and it works beautifully and washes beautifully. Odor control is the function of an outside emitting exhaust hood, which should be a standard fixture in any kitchen.

As another reviewer wisely suggested, fries should be double-fried if crispiness is desired. Simply fry for about 3 minutes, then raise the basket for 30 seconds or so, re-immerse and continue until done.

Finally, battered or doughy foods should always be placed directly into the oil, with the basket submerged, or they will adhere to the basket. These are both well-known commercial frying techniques.

This is as good as technology gets for a home fryer. For more capacity or power than this extremely well designed appliance, one would have to obtain a 240-volt commercial fryer from a restaurant supply. ... Read more

Features

• Reconditioned by the manufacturer to "like new" condition
• Pause setting permits meats to be browned on spit
• Tray fits atop rotisserie for steaming foods

Features

• Cleaning Tool/Easy to Clean design: Special shaped spatula/cleaning tool helps facilitate food removal from bowls and blades. The food processor base wipes clean easily, and the bowls, blades and discs are dishwasher-safe.
• 9-cup work bowl offers ample capacity for most food processing jobs.
• Exclusive 4-Cup Mini bowl and stainless steel mini blade deliver mini-chopper convenience. Perfect for small jobs like chopping herbs, nuts and onions; and mincing garlic, or making baby food.
• Slicing & Shredding Discs: Precision stainless steel discs handle a variety of slicing and shredding jobs. Food processor includes fine (2mm) slicing disc and medium (4mm) shredding disc.
• Powerful Motor/Sealed Housing: motor supplies more than 1/2 horsepower, enough to easily handle the most demanding tasks. The sealed housing has no seams or crevices to trap ingredients.

Reviews (33)

Razor Sharp
I had purchased a Sabatier knife sharpener some years ago, recommmended by a Bloomie's salesperson/ knife aficionado. The unit had one slot, and kept a reasonable, but not great, edge on my Henckel knives. When I finally mangled my Henckel serrated bread knife to a completely dull edge with that sharpener (silly me), I had a dilemma. My current knives needed sharpening, and I wasn't getting the results I wanted with the Sabatier. I wasn't about to buy a whole new set of knives, either. I read some of the reviews here, and decided to take the plunge with the Chef's Choice.Good move!

The sharpener took my dull knives and brought them back to life, as I would have hoped. My 8" Chef's knife is sharper than when I first got it.I have to be extremely mindful when using it now, as it can slice carrots and lop off a finger with ease.

My serrated bread and tomato knives, which had less cutting ability than a butter knife, are much better after numerous passes through the serrated blade slot. While not what they once were (I have myself to blame, using my old sharpener on both standard and serrated blades), they at least provide some service now, versus none before. I am happy to report that the three-stage process in this model has the separate slot for serrated knives, which is great.

One could argue a moderate set of knives is less expensive than buying this sharpener. However, if you believe it better to use what the pros use, and have invested in world-class knives, as I have, then this sharpener will keep them honed to an edge you will appreciate.

Dear "cooking for a living"
You obviously haven't a clue what you are talking about.I own two of these, an industrial version for my restaurant and this model for home.The industrial version makes very quick and sanitary work on the 40 some odd knives we invariably have to sharpen.They both do almost as good of a job as I can but in a lot less time.I paid $400 for it (the commercial 2000 version) and it has saved me much, much more than that in both time (for those times I sharpened them myself) and money (for those times I sent them out).

This particular model I have at home (in fact I just ordered another for a friend), and it is a godsend when it comes to removing that particular chore from my life.It doesn't get them quite as sharp as I can get them, but they get closer with every update.The only knives I don't use this for are my many japanese knives especially those with a single bevel edge (such as my usuba knife) and my boning knives (the machine just can't get at the tight angle near the bolster, and I like that to be sharp, funny enough automotive sandpaper stuck to a mouse pad is the best sharpener I can find for that job).The vast majority of culinary professionals will send their knives out to be sharpened, as they don't have the time to waste on sharpenening knives.

Wusthof recommends this particular sharpener for use on it's knives, so there goes that theory.

Oh, and I didn't go to culinary school I studied in France, Italy and Japan in various 3 and 4 star restaurants.

So, in summary, stop trying to insult everybody while trying to elevate yourself, you aren't special, and learn what you are talking about BEFORE you rate something.

The Real Deal...Recommended By Wusthof-Trident
While most home "sharpeners" merely hone your knives, this product actually crafts a new, razor sharp edge on your knives.The term "sharpener" is a misnomer applied to many gadgets which are, in reality, only honers.Having fallen prey to this bit of deception myself (over the years, I have purchased ceramic rods, grinding wheels, carbide shapeners and a product called The Chantry), I am very pleased to have finally found this no-nonsense , genuine sharpener.I have used this product with "factory new" results on all of my Wusthof-Trident Culinar knives. And contrary to statements posted by another reviewer, this sharpener is in fact recommended by Wusthof-Trident for use on their knives--please refer to their "Comprehensive Guide On Honing and Sharpening" available on their website.One word of caution, though; this product is designed to sharpen knives with approximately a 20 degree cutting edge. Knives with cutting edges less than 20 degrees (i.e., Japanese knives) are probably not suited for this sharpener.Altogether, I highly recommend this product.

better than the model it replaced
I had some trepedations buying this sharpener. I had purchased the 110, a 3-stage sharpener from Chef's Choice some years ago. Had those lousy metal bars in the grooves that kept getting stuck occasionally. But my wife is very hard on knifes. She rarely hones them with the steel, and for the occasional times I cook, it drives me crazy to use dull knives. I appreciate a good quality knife, and collect pocket knives, so getting cheap knives and replacing them frequently was not an option for me. I bought this unit because I don't have the time to manually sharpen over a dozen different types of knives we use.

Wow, what a great sharpener! While the results I got on the 110 were inconsistent, and I had to resharpen after testing, the 120 sharpened knives consistently sharp every time. The real test came when I had to sharpen the carving knife to cut the Thanksgiving turkey. I like to slice the breast meat thin, and it's a good sign of how sharp the knife is. Got thin slices quickly with minimum effort. I would have rated the 110 2-3 stars, but this unit deserves the 5 I'm giving it. And while it's easy enough for my wife to use, I still sharpen the knives because she just doesn't bother to care for them. Now if I could only find something to take care of that....

The perfect sharpener - count on it.
If you have invested in a good set of knives - do yourself a very big favor and invest in a quality knife sharpener. I wish I had purchased this months ago - it is a bit expensive but worth every penny. Don't mess with manual sharperners - to many chances for a mistake that can ruin a quality knife. One thing to mention if you buy this - READ THE MANUAL - that's a must. There are different wheels (for sharpening) based on how you will use your knives - if you read the manual and do exactly what it says, you can't go wrong. ... Read more

Features

• Senseo coffee pods are also available in Mild Roast, Dark Roast, and Decaffeinated Medium Roast
• 72 fresh and flavorful coffee pods made specifically for the Senseo coffee maker
• Unique and convenient Senseo coffee pods ensure great tasting coffee
• Dark Roast features a bold and robust flavor
• Gives a rich frothy coffee layer with every cup

Reviews (18)

Dark is best
I found the mild was undrinkable and the medium barely tolerable. But the dark roast is quite good. Its on the Starbuck-type bitter side, but not as strong. None of these single serving coffee machines will taste like fresh ground. That is why you get some one star reviews for the Senseo.

I keep the Senseo in my office for hassle-free single servings and it is great for that. Even the dark roast is really not strong enough to qualify as espresso, so I suggest you just use the double packets and make a large cup.

Here is a further hint. Use a 10 oz cup, not a standard 8. Then put your milk in the cup and microwave for 30 seconds BEFORE you make the coffee. After coffee is make make sure to stir with a stirrer. Stirring is important and is actually recomended by Philips.
As long as your expectations are down to earth you should enjoy this product. The machine itself has been flawless and doesnt seem flimsy at all.

Why I couldn't live without my Senseo Machine anymore?
Simply because I always get up late and need a fresh cup of good strong coffee to get me started. As I'm always in a rush, this machine, that brews one or two cups of coffee in abouyt 90 seconds is a life-saver. The coffee tastes great (especially the Dark Roast) and has the frothy cream layer I always liked so much from the Cafe-creme they serve in Europe.

Outstanding coffee
The coffee pods are a bit pricey, but Douwe Egberts coffee is indeed the best. The Senseo machine and the dark roast Douwe Egberts is the best cup of coffee I have ever had at home (and about as good as any I've ever had at Starbucks). Great coffee machine and great coffee. Just hope the price of the pods go down.

Awesome, creamy coffee! I'm permanently buzzed...
I just bought my Senseo coffeemaker yesterday at Target. I got a free $10 gift card with it. I have already enjoyed 6 cups - nice big American mugs, not wimpy little European demitasse cups - of the BEST coffee I have ever had. The creamy head is WONDERFUL! Others have commented on the low height of the spout, but my mugs seem to fit under it just fine. Yes, it's a little noisy when brewing, and the water reservoir is a bit small, but the convenience of brewing one delicious creamy mug at a time is worth it for a single guy. I have already ordered a larger water tank from another retailer - not in stock yet. I used to throw away a nasty half pot a day - no more! I use two pads to brew one mug (I drink it straight up black), but I like my coffee more like espresso than the watery brew most Americans prefer. There is a permanent filter on the web with mixed reviews, but I can't seem to find anywhere to actually order it. Hopefully, someone will figure this out soon and offer a reasonably priced permanent filter. Meanwhile, I am going to try making my own pads using Starbucks French Roast - HOOHOO!

Make Your Own Pods At Home!!
I really like my new Senseo maker, but I found that with one pod the flavor was too weak and with two it was too strong. So I found a way that anyone can make their own pods at home on another website.
Now I make my very own coffee pods with my favorite brand of coffee. It costs a LOT less and the flavor is EXACTLY right. ... Read more

Features

• Measures 13 by 11 by 16 inches; 1-year limited warranty for household use; 6-month limited for office use
• Grinds beans, tamps, and brews coffee in less than 50 seconds; steam nozzle for frothing
• 18-bar power pump with 1450-watt stainless-steel lined ThermoBlock heating system
• Program dial sets temperature, water-hardness levels, auto shut-off time, and more
• Includes measuring scoop, cleaning tablets, Claris filter, water-hardness indicator

Reviews (1)

Love'in this machine!
After a few weeks of researching a REALLY good coffee/espresso machine I decided on the Capresso C1300 because of the combination of features and price. I recently took a trip to the Netherlands and at the hotel I stayed at they had a Super Automatic coffee center at the breakfast buffet (unknown brand or model, but definitely industrial). Anyway, when I got back Monday morning I immediately starting researching "Super Automatics" (they have a hopper to store the coffee beans and grind the beans on a per cup basis, have a holding tank for water... then when you push a button they grind, tamp, brew and dispose of used grinds automatically).

Well, earlier this week my new C1300 arrived with much fanfare. I picked it up at the post office, brought it to my office and unpackaged and inspected it. I was in perfect working order. I started with the included "quick start guide" and set the machine up per instructions. I had it up and ready to brew in less than 15 mins. The owner's manual was easy to understand and I had my first cup of coffee crema in less than 45 seconds after hitting the brew button. (For you coffee junkies, this machine makes a wonderful layer of crema on top of the coffee/espresso EVERY time!) The machine makes wonderful coffee and espresso. I spent a day or two tweaking the grinder settings and finding the right (according to my tastes) water settings per cup. I have several people come by my office daily to behold the wonder of my machine, at first out of curiosity but now for the great cup of coffee. I really have nothing bad to say about the C1300. In the morning it heats up very fast and having FRESH coffee anytime of the day at the mere push of a button is wonderful! ... Read more

Features

• Made in China; hand washing recommended
• Includes chef's, slicer, bread, utility, and paring knives
• Also includes 6 steak knives, shears, sharpening steel, 13-slot block
• Precision taper ground blades made of heavy-gauge high-carbon steel
• Full-tang construction and stainless-steel rivets for balance; resin handles

Reviews (6)

Excellent Knives
These knives are great. I decided on getting new knives after ours starting looking trashy (they were wood handle ones that were starting to split). After spending days (literally) researching and reading reviews I decided on this set. I wasn't about to spend over $100.00 and up for a knife set...I don't really care that much. But this is a $100.00 set for a great price. These are worth it. They are heavy, fit great in your hand, and sharp right out of the box. The only problem was one of the knives had a "ding" on the top of the blade, but this doesn't affect the cutting and wasn't that noticable to ship back. My husband really like them too. Anyways, this knife set is well worth the price and I think one of my best purchases on Amazon.

I got this set about 6 months ago from amazon friday sale
It is a great set and I haven't had any rust problems as some earlier comments. Maybe its b/c I don't put them into the DishWasher. The scissors alone are worth the 30 bucks in my opinion. Definetely a good buy. I bought two sets for future gifts...

These are great knives!
(...) I'm writing from the point of mainly using grocery store knives except for my wonderful Wustof Bread Knife, which I try to use for just about everything. The block is reasonably nice (mine had two hairline cracks - not noticeable enough to exchange). The knives came sharp - I haven't used the sharpening tool yet. When cutting up peeled and boiled potatoes the chef knive cut them like it was going through butter. In comparison to my Wustof bread knife, this bread knife does tear a tad and the handle is a bit mightier. Also the steak knives don't sit in the slots perfectly even but they work nicely with very slight tearing. The scissors are great! This set is steel, not stainless steel. Therefore, you can not put them in the dishwasher (though the scissors have gotten in the dishwasher 2x without any problems). They suggest you hand wash and throughly dry.

Great Knives at Great Price
You will not find a better set of knives anywhere for 3-times the price. The chefs knife alone should sell for over $30. Great balance, weight & feel.

Great Value on Farberware Knives
I ordered this set a few weeks ago and used the super saver shipping. Received them pretty quick - within four days. The knives are pretty good quality and are actually thicker and heavier than I would have thought for the price. They are also well balanced and feel good in my hand. The finish (urethane)on the block that came with the set was not applied properly and probably should not have passed QC. Other than that I'm very happy with the knives. ... Read more

Features

• Burst of steam button is conveniently located on both sides of the handle.
• Comparable quality pressing to that of dry cleaner
• Large pressing area saves over 75% of the time that conventional ironing would take
• Saves money
• Quick heat up

Amazon.com Review

When the aroma of freshly brewed coffee--from freshly ground beans--wafts into your bedroom in the morning, you won't need your alarm clock. Preset this coffeemaker for your desired wake-up time, add coffee beans to the grinder, and in the morning the beans are ground to a medium grind and hot coffee awaits in the 10-cup stainless steel, double-wall insulated thermal carafe. You can also program the machine to start brewing at the end of a dinner party to avoid having to get up from the table, or to have hot coffee waiting after a brisk winter walk. When making fewer than five cups of coffee, use the 1-to-4-cups setting to improve extraction and heat; coffeemakers without this setting often lack the time to heat up properly, and coffee comes out cooler. A disposable charcoal filter removes chlorine and odors from tap water, improving coffee flavor, and should be changed every few months. Other features include a gold-tone commercial-style filter (or use No. 4 basket-style paper filters); capacity to use preground coffee instead of beans; 30-second Brew Pause, which allows a cup be poured before brewing is complete; and an audible tone to indicate the pot is ready. The grinder removes for easy cleaning, and all removable parts can be washed safely in the upper rack of a dishwasher. The Cuisinart Grind and Brew measures 15 by 8 by 7-1/2 inches, and comes with a three-year warranty. --Ann Bieri ... Read more

Features

• Grinds coffee beans and brews coffee at preset time
• Charcoal filter eliminates chlorine and odors from tap water
• Brushed stainless steel, double-wall insulated thermal carafe keeps up to 10 5-ounce cups of brewed coffee
• Grinder removes for easy clean-up; brew-pause for mid-brew pour
• Measures 15 by 8 by 7-1/2 inches, 3-year warranty

Reviews (223)

I purchased the thermal carafe version 10 cup
- previous was the typical old plastic type with glass carafe

Good Points:
- much considerable improvement in coffee taste now
- the thermal carafe with autoseal until poured keeps coffee hot and no stale or burnt taste, it is double lined with stainless steel
- auto shutoff of heating element immediately after brewing prevents burning of coffee and electricity bills
- the 1-4 cup extra heat excellent idea
- the built-in grinding process
- choice of using paper filter or gold filter basket
- beeping tells you when coffee is ready
- does not have that ugly water level marker, it has a built-in marker where you pour water, a 3-D step ladder sort of speak
- does not expell any heat or humidity from unit, well sealed
- nice design and looks

Bad Points:
- cannot tell amount coffee left in carafe
- pours out slowly from carafe
- carafe autoseal feature requires you to pour at a steeper angle to get faster flow output which still isn't fast enough for me
- grinder howls for about 30 seconds when running, it does not adjust grind-time for amount of coffee beans inside, it defaults to a 10 cup grind, solving this would require some clever engineering idea
- I find I have to clean more than my old machine, I clean the grinder and lid, basket and basket lid, ... the grinder does create a lot fine coffee dust which does get packed into every nook and cranny

Was skeptical, but I love it.
I bought this Cuisinart instead of the DCC-1200 because I wanted a thermal pot, not a glass carafe. I wasn't too keen on the grind feature, but after using it for a week, I LOVE it.

Brewing from fresh-ground, high-quality beans is definitely the way to go. And it's so simple -- dump the beans in at night, wake up to a great cup. As for cleanup: big deal. When I have time, I wash out the grinder. If I'm in a rush (which is most mornings), I wipe it out with a paper towel. Small price to pay for really tasty coffee.

Cuisinart must've redesigned the carafe, because mine is absolutely drip-free. After reading the negative reviews below, I tried to get mine to drip/spill, and I couldn't.

The only reason I'm not giving this machine five stars is that the DCC-1200 looks so much cooler (though this model does look pretty good in my kitchen).

They must have fixed problems of previous reviewers.
Several older reviews indicated a lot of problems, so I was reluctant to purchase one, but family members love theirs, so I took a chance. I love it! After a month of use, I've had no leaks on the counter, and this is the first coffee carafe I've ever had that actually pours correctly!And it actually makes HOT coffee! There are a lot of parts to clean(7, if you count the carafe and lid separately) but you get used to it. It's worth it for the rich, very hot coffee it makes! A word of advise: READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING! and expect to spend a half-hour learning to use it. You'll avoid the "coffee on the counter" problem cited by other users.

Outstanding Customer Service!
We purchased this coffee maker from Foley's around Christmas. It was the previous model DGB-500. Our grinding basket jammed and it took some work to get it out. When we removed it, we noticed that the seal between the grinding blades and the basket was damaged. Long story short, we called Cuisinart (on a Saturday, no less!) and got a customer service agent immediately. We simply gave the serrial number of the coffee pot and model number and they sent us a new grinding basket! It was that easy. By the way, THE WARRANTY ON THIS COFFEE MAKER IS is 3 YEARS! We previously had a Melitta Mlll and Brew. The heating element failed, and we attempted to get warranty service for it. The customer service agent refused to allow us to send the coffee maker without a receipt. PAY THE DIFFERENCE AND BUY THE CUISINART, YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID!!!

Don't buy it!
Don't buy this coffee pot! I can't believe Cuisinart made a piece of junk like this. Here are a few cons:

1. The built in coffee grinder doesn't let you grind enough beans to make 10 cups of strong coffee. Either you have to grind it separately, defeating the whole purpose of this model, or you can only make 6-8 cups.

2. The steam from the coffee soaks the grinder, turning it into a muddy mess you have to clean every time you make coffee.

3. The grinder often leaves whole beans inside, clogging up the spout.

4. When you pour the coffee, the carafe leaks, dripping a puddle of coffee onto your counter top.

5. On several occasions I've set the timer only to wake up to coffee all over my kitchen floor! Yes, you read right. The coffee often doesn't even make it into the carafe. Rather, it leaks over the lid and ends up all over you counter top and kitchen floor. Not what I had in mind when "waking up to the smell of coffee."

Do yourself a favor and pick a different model. This one is a lemon. ... Read more

Features

• Measures 16-1/4 by 9-1/4 by 7-3/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty
• Professional-quality Belgian waffle maker with extra-deep pockets
• Rotary feature produces crisp crust and soft interior; browning control knob
• Audio beep tone and LED indicators for "power" and "ready" provide foolproof performance
• Brushed stainless-steel housing and brushed die-cast base; UL/CUL approved

Reviews (18)

A little pricey but the last one you will ever buy
Let me start by saying that we have owned several Belgian waffle makers over the years. Some were less expensive electric models (yuch!) and the latest was a rather expensive non-stick cast iron stove top model. They all had one thing in common...the degree of browning on the waffle was always a guessing game.
We found the Waring Pro waffle maker being used by one of our favorite hotel chains that offers a free breakfast and knew that we had to have one. We watched a long line of people use it and everyone was very satisfied with a waffle that was done to a consistent medium brown, crisp on the outside and soft and moist on the inside. After purchasing the Waring Pro from Amazon.com, I can easily say that we are able to make even better waffles using the Classic Waffles recipe provided with the machine. While not the quickest recipe to make,these have to be the lightest waffles you will ever eat with DEEP pockets to trap any topping you want to put on them.
The Waring Pro has to be commended for its consistency and ease of use. Unlike lesser machines, you are able to set the machine to your desired level of browning(level 4 is a good starting point)and the green light will indicate when pre-heating has been achieved. Add the batter with the enclosed measuring scoop,rotate the waffle iron 180 degrees and the beeper tells you when it's done. Simply the BEST Belgian waffle maker you can buy. Don't waste your money on several cheap Belgian waffle makers as we did. This is the last one you will ever need to buy.

Fabulous!
This waffle maker is the best. If you love waffles this is worth the extra bucks over a cheap department store waffle maker. Perfect, light and crispy waffles in no time, every time...and we haven't even tried it for breakfast yet. Stylish and efficient, easy cleanup, looks great on your counter. We haven't even bothered trying any of the recipes that come with it, just used a $2.00 Belgian waffle mix that is oh so good and easy to make. Highly recommended.

So far so good
This waffle maker was given to me for father's day, and we had perfect waffles right away.

I was surprised just how fast it made waffles. We had outgrown our original because our family has grown to five. With this model, we couldn't eat them fast enough. I imagine the balance will change when we get teenagers in the house, but I was impressed. The beeper on this unit made it so I could pour the batter, sit down and eat, and only get up when the next one was ready. There was no need to monitor the baker, or even to peak between the top and bottom to check if it was done.

The non-stick surface worked well.

One nice consequence of the rotation feature is that the waffles cling to the upper iron when the baker is opened. This means that gravity helps you remove the waffle, making it easier.

So far I have no complaints.

By the way, we made a family buckwheat recipe and it worked well.

Wonderful Waffler
After losing my old General Electric waffle maker in the divorce (a 50's model still churning out great waffles, sob) I was looking for a replacement waffler. After reading several other reviews on traditional waffle makers I saw the review on this one and thought I'd give it a chance and was floored. It's all they said and more. I actually had to turn it over to see that it was made in China not USA. I don't think this thing can make a bad waffle. Even the first one (batter was too thick and I missed the beep) which stayed in way too long was good!

It's not just a waffle maker....it's a dream maker!
My family and I travel quite a bit and fell in love with waffles from a certain COMFORTABLE INN and we asked the staff for info on the waffle maker and the waffle mix. They directed us to www.goldenmalted.com for both, however we found the waffle maker cheaper here at Amazon. The mix is incredibly good too. One secret I would like everyone to keep in mind is that the waffle maker comes with directions that say to spray the maker with nonstick spray, however the folks that make the waffle mix said never to spray it, but to add two tablespoons of melted butter to your mix and it will not stick. Well we have never sprayed our waffle maker and we have never had a waffle stick! It only takes about 2 minutes to make each waffle and we fed my husbands squadron using it and they were blown away by the quality and taste! One night we had waffles for dinner, the kids thought we had gone insane but they loved it! I told you this waffle was a dream maker, well I brought this waffle maker as a Valentine present for my spouse and thanks to the delicious waffles, we had the most wonderful night of waffle making you could believe! We highly recommend this waffle maker as a great morning after treat too. BUY IT!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Known worldwide for their superior performance, Wüsthof knivesare the cutlery of choice among many professionals and bydiscriminating amateur chefs. The Classic series features a traditionalstyling that makes it the most popular of the Wüsthof lines. The bladesare formed with the perfect balance of high-carbon steel and astain-resistant alloy so they retain their edge longer and are easierto resharpen. The blade is ground and polished by computer, ensuringperfect tapering from bolster to tip, and the edge is then hand honedfor precision slicing. The sturdy feel of this knife is achieved by theweighted bolster, which is considered to be Wüsthof's signaturefeature. The tang runs through the synthetic handle and is secured withthree rivets.

Perfect as a wedding gift, this 10-piece set has all the kitchencutlery basics with room to grow. The knives in the set include an8-inch cook's knife, an 8-inch carving knife, a 6-inch sandwich knife,an 8-inch serrated bread knife, a 5-inch serrated sausage knife, a4-1/2-inch utility knife, and a 3-1/2-inch paring knife. A pair ofkitchen shears and a 9-inch sharpening steel complete the set.Everything fits neatly into the rubber-footed oak block, which hasspace to eventually add six steak knives and two more prep knives.Cristina Vaamonde

What's in the Box
8-inch cook's knife; 8-inch carving knife; 6-inch sandwich knife; 8-inch serrated bread knife; 5-inch serrated sausage knife; 4-1/2-inch utility knife; 3-1/2-inch paring knife;kitchen shears; 9-inch sharpening steel; rubber-footed oak block with eight extra slots. ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty; hand washing recommended
• Blades formed with perfect balance of high-carbon steel and stain-resistant alloy
• Blade is ground and polished by computer, ensuring perfect tapering from bolster to tip
• Edge is then hand honed for precision slicing; precision forged for a single piece of German steel
• Sturdy feel achieved by weighted bolster; synthetic handle secured with three rivets

Reviews (8)

Why Spend All That Money??
The best answer I can give is that in cooking, the knife you use to dice the onion before you start cooking or carve the roast you did to perfection can make a major difference in the final product. A good knife used appropiately makes a huge difference, and I cannot describe the difference between a Wusthof and an inferior knife. It is something you need to experience for yourself to fully appreciate. Suffice it to say that there is a reason other than snobbery the pros still slice, dice, and mince by hand as opposed to using a deli slicer or food processor.

Great Knives
I bought these knives and I love them. They are a joy to use. Top quality. Check the model #8243 on the Wusthof web site and you'll see they are the real deal. I got them on Amazon when the price was at $239.99. What a steal!

If your house is on fire, run back and save these!!!!!!
I read once that the best is the cheapest and I find that to be certainly true. These are the best knives ever! They will last a lifetime and save you a lifetime's worth of constantly buying one 20 dollar knife after another. The knives I use time and time again are probably the chef's knife (which I used to find intimidating but no longer) and the 5.5 inch sandwich knife. I love the sharpness, the feel and the weight. It makes cooking and prepping so much faster and easier. I chose the GrandPrix over the traditional styled Classic because of the way the rounded handles felt in my hands and the textured grip makes for never having to stop to dry my hands in between kitchen prep duties. After you have been dicing and slicing for more than 15 minutes, the GP handle doesn't give me the cramped hand feeling that the traditional handles give me. Some people say that the handles easily get scratches but I have had mine for 3 years and don't notice any but I always handwash mine (wonder if that makes a difference) and besides, I consider them tools and workhorses not decoration. I think they say you're supposed to sharpen high quality knives each time before you use them. Yeah right! I never sharpen my knives because they can keep the edge sharp for so long plus I'm plain lazy. My husband does that for me once every 3 months and I notice the difference. But even "dulled" after 3 months with no sharpening, I haven't met a slab of meat or veggie my knives couldn't make quick work out of.

With a forged Wusthof, you can't go wrong!
I own the 8 piece classic set; which came with the following: an 8"Chefs,Carving,& Bread knife; 4 1/2" utility, 3 1/2 inch paring, sharpening steel, take apart shears, a well made deluxe oak block which also has room for 6 steak knifes. I also purchased 4 Classic Mignon steak knifes, a Santoku knife, a serrated tomato knife & that still left room for 2 extra knifes.
These are the best investment I ever made in a set of kitchen knifes. They are very well balanced and cut like a dream & hold an extremely sharp edge! I put most of my other kitchen knifes into retirement except for an electric knife on holidays when visiting, and a few special ones. A lifetime guarantee comes with each Wusthof plus I consider it a lifetime investment unless you happen to lose one.
Once you use a Wusthof for a short while, you will appreciate what a well made knife is! (Rated #1 by Consumer Reports magazine.)

Outstanding!
I finally replaced my inexpensive knives after 7 years. What a world of difference! All I can say is that if you cook, it is worth every penny to invest in a superior set of knives like these. They handle so beautifully and slice through vegetables as if they were butter. All without having to sharpen them before every use. I cook a lot and can go several weeks between sharpenings.

This set is such a bargain. I've seen the knives sold individually in cooking shops for $50-100 a piece. It's a fabulous wood block, also, with extra slots in case you hang on to some of your cheaper knives or you plan to purchase more knives later.

Every time I use one of these, I wonder why I waited so long! ... Read more

Features

• 2 - Stainless Steel Double Wall Doors, Stainless Steel, Fully Enclosed Cart with Casters
• Continuous Firing Electronic Ignition, Free 5 Piece Barbecue Tool Kit
• 27" Grill - 552 sq. in. Cooking Surface, Stainless Steel Side Shelf with Drawer, Temperature Gauge Included
• Main Burners: 3, Per Burner BTUs: 10,000, Main Grill Total BTUs: 30,000 Side Burner BTUs: 7,000, Back Infrared Burner BTUs: 12,000
• All 304 Stainless Steel Construction, 8mm Stainless Steel Cooking Grates, Stainless Steel Pedestal Base with Casters

Reviews (2)

Great product
Trying to purchase a good quality grill over the internet is very difficult with the lack of reviews and inability to physically see the product.With that being said...I did take a chance on this Frigidaire grill and couldn't be happier.I would highly recommend this grill for purchase, both as a stand alone and also a built in, as this 2005 27" can work in both abilities.
The quality seems very good and cosmetically is absoluty beautiful for a grill.For the price this is a can't miss!!!

My Patio Kitchen
I've had this grill for two weeks. I had looked longingly at the expensive Viking, Wolf, and DCS professional-style grills for years. The upper end of the Lowe's grills had the same look, but seemed light on quality. This grill was a viable compromise for me. All-stainless construction, especially of the burners was a big plus, as was the included side burner. Not having a natural gas hose included was a negative, but a minor one. (Ace Hardware part number 4184891 works fine. It's available online for about forty bucks. Remove one brass fitting that comes installed on the regulator before connecting it.)

The grill arrived promptly by freight carrier in the time window that they promised. I elected to just have it dropped off, but I understand they can un-crate it and remove the packaging too. Assembly was straightforward and took about two hours with a toddler "helping." Two strong adults are needed to lift the grill wheels out off the palette base. All aspects of the build quality met or exceeded my expectations. The grills especially are very heavy, closely spaced, carefully made, and fit in their recess with tight tolerances.

The grill lights easily and heats quickly. It is difficult to know if it is lit in sunlight; there doesn't seem to be a good place to view the burners. The temperature gauge should be used as a rough guide only. I incinerated my first pizza on a stone in the grill because I had all the burners on high to reach 450 degrees. For my next pizza I put an oven thermometer inside the grill and found that it reached 450 degrees when the built-in gauge read 275 degrees! The rotisserie burner works well for using the grill as an oven: it acts to balance the heat between the top and bottom parts of the space. Grilling performance is like any other decent grill with enough BTUs. There is minor heat variation between the areas directly above the flame tamers (cool) and the areas above the gaps between the flame tamers (hot) but this can be an advantage if used judiciously. All of these quibbles are likely true of all grills in this price range.

The side burner stays lit in windy conditions, but it doesn't heat well in such conditions because heat is blown away from the pan. It's low setting is well beyond simmer in calm cocnditions, so if simmering is required either place the pan to the side, or use a cast-iron simmer disk. The flush cover provides extra counter space when the burner is not in use.

Best of all it looks fantastic! The included cover should keep it looking good too. The bonus grill tools are lightweight in a fancy looking case, and they don't include a brush, but hey, they're free. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

"Micom" means this sleek rice cooker is computer-controlled and ultra high-tech, from its spherical, nonstick pan to its "surround heating" system to its LCD clock and timer. (Program the cooker in the morning and have hot rice available immediately after work.) It not only cooks up to 3 cups of dry rice, but offers a choice ofwhite/brown, mixed, sweet, and porridge settings. A quick-cooking option cuts time by 10 minutes. Rice is automatically kept at warm for hours, and a reheat feature brings it back to serving temperature. Instructions and a cooking chart explain everything. At 10-3/4 by 8-1/2 by 8 inches, it's remarkably compact and also lightweight. Transport it by its handle. Cord retracts for storage. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Uses 310 watts of power
• Programmable with clock and timer to cook rice, keep it warm, and reheat it
• Offers different settings for white/brown, mixed, sweet, and porridge
• Quick-cooking feature cuts time by 10 minutes
• Measuring cup, serving spatula, and 12 recipes included

Reviews (38)

Worth Every Dollar
This rice cooker works great and is very easy to use and clean. Out of the box, you plug it in (retractable cord), set the clock, use the menu button to select which type of rice you're making, use the measuring cup for your rice, fill the water corresponding to the number of cups of rice. Hit the "cooking" button and you're off.

The rice comes out beautifully, and after you fluff it, you can keep it in the cooker where it will stay nice and warm until you're ready to serve.

On an aesthetic level, this is a wonderfully designed (and compact) kitchen accessory.

This smaller model is perfect for 2 people. We usually make around 4 bowls of rice. If you need to make a larger amount you'll want to get the larger capacity model.

Awesome little rice cooker!
This is a really great little rice cooker. It [costs a little more]... but it is worth the money.
I bought it several months ago, and it proved its worth within a week. It cooks rice really well. I love making hot cereal in it because I can set the timer so that the cereal will be done (and very fluffy) when I wake up in the morning.
Of course, the rice can't compare to Indian/Asian restaurant rice, but it tastes really good to me. I often eat it with nothing else.
The countdown function (10 minutes til done and so forth) and the alert are also very convenient features.
The reviewer who mentioned that it is a little hard to clean because rice gets gunked up in the back of the lid and in the drain is right, but it is not impossible to clean it all up. Just don't put milk in the cooker. That's bad news.
It's true that the English translation in the manual is sometimes off, but I think if you didn't read the manual, it is pretty self explanatory and easy to use.
This definitely would be too small for a family, but as I live by myself, it makes just the right amount of rice/cereal.
One other thing: the retractable cord stopped retracting within a month, but I don't find that too big a deal, just a little disappointing. As long as it keeps cooking.
All in all, I am happy with this purchase and would recommend it. I use very nearly every day.

A Response to Some Other Reviews
This is NOT intended as a full review of this machine; I have only owned it for one day and obviously cannot comment on reliability and many other important issues.

The only reason I decided to post this is that I almost did not buy this rice cooker because of some comments that are present repeatedly in earlier reviews, which are perhaps either overstated or not applicable to many potential buyers.

One common complaint is that the rice maker won't make enough rice and you need a larger one. This depends entirely on your circumstances. I am an athletic 50 year old male and eat a huge amount of food for dinner each evening. The most dried rice product (e.g. when cooked) I could conceivably ever eat is 1.25 to 1.5 cups, the cooked result of which is obviously much larger. Two very hungry adults would have trouble consuming all the rice this thing can make in one sitting. And why would you use the rice for leftovers if making rice in a rice cooker is so easy and the rice itself is dirt cheap? I used a similarly sized (but very basic) 3-cup National (Panasonic) rice cooker for about 10 years and never used close to the capacity of that cooker. So, for 1 or 2 people this thing makes a fully sufficient quantity, however for a family you would probably want a larger model.

As to quality of the rice produced, there is no comparison between what this Zojirushi makes and what I get out of the Panasonic. The Panasonic produces dry rice that is burned at the bottom. This cooker, the Zojirushi, produces moist rice in easily separated grains that are not burned at all, anywhere. I found the timing function to be convenient.

Other reviewers have stated that this model has fuzzy logic; I don't think that is correct. You have to buy a more expensive rice cooker from Zojirushi to get that feature. Personally, I'm only concerned about the results, not how they were made, so I'm happy with this and don't miss fuzzy logic.

Using white rice, clean up took about 1 minute or less.

You will need to read other reviews for the kinds of insights you can get only from longer term ownership.

Perfect for 2 people, limited counter space
This is a nice compact size, esp if you have limited counter space. Perfect for two people, was also fine when we had 2 friends over for dinner. If you cook 2.5 cups of rice, it is perfect for 4-5 people. I always fluff in the bowl or plate I serve on to. If you are not picky about "fluffing", it is really no big deal if you can't fluff in the cooker. Not having any spoon holder is a pain. Love the timer feature. Makes perfect jook or rice porridge, as well as tapioca/taro dessert. We cook rice everyday so this was a nice change from using our 15 year old steamer style pot.

great rice cooker
i like this rice cooker a lot. although the cooking time is long but the rice always turned out fluffy and nice. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Featuring an ergonomic handle and smooth lines, Braun's1,500-watt electric water kettle handily sits on a separate heatingelement. When water boils--one cup takes only 70 seconds--it's a reliefto pick up the kettle and pour without worrying about the plug draggingbehind. Once the kettle is removed from the base, it automaticallyturns off for safety. This good-sized kettle heats up to six cups ofwater, making it ideal for small meetings at the office or to quicklyheat up water (and water only, please) at home. It has ananti-calcification filter to help keep the water tasting clear andclean. --Dana Van Nest ... Read more

Features

• Measures 9-1/5 by 7-5/9 by 11-2/5 inches
• 1,500-watt electric kettle quickly heats up to 6 cups of water
• Separate heating element and ergonomic handle provide easy pouring
• Anti-calcification filter ensures better tasting water
• Automatic shutoff for added safety

Reviews (90)

Great Braun Electric Kettle
We were recently in England and saw friends using an electric tea kettle that was different than any we had ever seen in the U.S. I had to have one. When we got home I found this lovely Braun electric kettle and purchased it immediately. It does all we expected. It has a large capacity so you don't have to refill it constantly. It boils very, very quickly and shuts off so I don't have to watch it. I love being able to take it to the sink to fill it without dragging the cord. It's very easy to clean because it detaches from the base. I like the large handle grip and the water window on both sides. We use it for everything instant including soup. How did we get along without it?

Clean Design, Very Functional
I got this after destroying a ... Alessi kettly by accidentally letting it boil dry until the plastic parts melted...

I was about to spring for one of the Zojirushi megabuck dispensers, when I spotted this unit. I have always liked Braun (more consistently good than Krups or Cuisinart) for their design and ergonomics. This pot doesn't fail to impress. This baby is FAST; It boils water at 1 minute per 8-oz cup (or faster, if you start with hot tap water). For a single cup of tea, this is about as fast as you can select a teabag and prepare the cup! BTW, this actually holds 7 cups, not 6 as described.

The design is very nice and clean-looking. The base is especially well-designed, since you can put the pot on rotated in whatever way is convenient. This is apparently a big win over the Krups kettle. The "mineral filter seems like overkill, but it does prevent splashing of the boiling water, and causes pouring to be very smooth. Cleanup is brain-dead simple (pour out the excess water after use, and flip the top open to allow evaporation). Pot itself does not get too hot to touch, and the handle stays completely cool. Automatic-off features work under all sensible scenarios: when it reaches full boil, when the top is opened for any reason, when lifted off the base, or when the pot is empty.

As for the Zojirushi dispensers? They may be useful if you want a lot of water (up to 5 liters for the big ones) held at a controlled temperature. But for most home uses, this need is rare, and otherwise deosn't justify the ... price tag.

For me, the Braun is one of those are kitchen appliances that took a while to see the need for, but now I couldn't live without. A real time and hassle saver!

Simply a better kettle
Not only does this improve upon the standard stove-based kettle, but it improves upon the previous generation of fixed-cord electric kettles.

The separation of kettle and corded base allows the former to be taken to the sink (or refrigerator if you're boiling pitcher-filtered water) without bother. It makes pouring at the table or in another room easy, as well. The cord can be wound inside the base so that only the needed length is exposed - neatening your countertop. The base has a "360-degree rotational connection," which means that you don't have to align the kettle in any particular way when replacing it. No buttons to press, no connector to snap.

The handle and kettle shell stay cool, obviating the need for a hot pad when picking it up, and the single control is as simple as can be: press it to start and it turns itself off when the water boils. If you forget about it, you needn't worry about boiling away all the water and leaving yourself with a burnt pot. (It will also turn off automatically if the pot is empty, the lid is opened, or the pot is removed from the base!)

The anti-calcification filter reduces scaling and thus the need to run a vinegar solution to clean out the buildup (something most people never do with their stove-based kettles). The design allows you to easily see the entire inside of the kettle, so you can keep an eye on things.

For those who regular drink tea or other beverages made with stove-boiled water, an electric kettle is a real convenience. This Braun kettle is about as convenient as they come.

short and not so sweet!
I TRUSTED THE OTHER REVIEWS HOWEVER WITHIN 4 MONTHS THIS POT SMELLED OF ELECTRICAL SMOKE. AFTER THAT CLEARED IT SLOWLY BUT SURELY CEASED TO WORK ALTOGETHER. TOTAL SPAN OF USEFULNESS? LESS THAN A YEAR! VERY DISAPOINTED.

Just About Perfect
We got this as a summer substitute for the Zojirushi hot pot that keeps boiling water always available, because our airconditioner didn't appreciate the constant heat (although we continue to love the Zojirushi "in season"). The Braun is perfect. A full pot of 7 cups boils in 5 minutes and then shuts off. It's light, not ugly, and has a red light indicator on 2 sides. Best of all, the platter is perfectly designed, so that you don't have to orient the pot one way or another when you sit it down. The whole thing pretty much stays out of your way; even the cord length is adjustable. Perhaps the only thing missing is a bell or ring-tone that tells you when it's done. Small detail. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Meet practically every kitchen need with this multipurpose handheld blender: crush ice, purée soups, blend smoothies, chop onions without tears, mince herbs and spices, beat egg whites, whip cream, mash potatoes, and more. The powerful 400-watt, 5-speed motor comes with a variety of blades and attachments, including a whisk and measuring beaker with airtight lid. A turbo switch is especially helpful for chopping hard foods, such as chocolate, nuts, and Parmesan cheese. All parts are made of either stainless steel or durable plastic and, except for the motor and the gear box, are dishwasher-safe. The helpful instruction booklet illustrates various combinations of parts. The blender is covered by a one-year warranty against defects. --Ann Bieri ... Read more

Features

• Measures 13 by 4 by 4 inches; 1-year limited warranty
• Powerful 5-speed, 400-watt hand-held blender
• Multiple attachments for every kitchen need
• Blends, whisks, chops, dices, minces, and more
• Turbo setting boosts motor to 13,000 RPM

Reviews (21)

LOVE IT!
At a friend's suggestion I recently bought the Braun Multiquick Professional Hand Blender. I wasn't sure about spending so much on a piece of kitchen equipment I had always lived without... but I finally decided to take the leap of faith. I couldn't be happier with the product! It's easy to use and easy to clean. It makes fantastic creamed soups. Because of the metal blending shaft, you can use this hand blender right in the pot of whatever you're cooking (thus saving you from the chore of cleaning another container!). I recently made a very inexpensive and delicious soup with onions, zucchini, eggplant, water, Thai curry paste and a can of coconut milk. I blended it with my hand blender and created a very rich-tasting, filling soup for pennies! Now that Autumn has arrived, I'm looking forward to making pumpkin soup with my hand blender! If you're considering the purchase, just go for it! I don't think you will be disappointed.

Best Design Ever
Our old stick blender died and though I didn't use it very often, it was indispensible for certain tasks such as smoothing tomato sauces. When I went searching for a replacement, I was lucky enough to find and choose this one.

Now I'm using it every single day because the interchangable design makes it so easy to clean. The motor stays dry and plugged into the wall while the business end detaches and goes to the sink for a quick and easy rinse.

No fumbling with the cord. No gymnastics at the sink with a stick that's too long to get under the faucet. No worrying about getting the wrong parts wet. No tomato stains on white plastic - this wand is stainless steel. Ten seconds and it's done and ready to go again. Contrast this with my traditional Kitchen-Aid blender which has a 3-part lid, glass body, 2 rubber gaskets, a plastic base, and the blender teeth to clean. It's no contest. In addition, the shape of the wand head does effectively cut down on the spalshing. When it's running there is a strong suction effect which holds it down to the bottom of the container you are mixing in.

Is it perfect? No. The head at the end of the wand is a little too broad for many containers. I doubt I'll ever have use for the ice crusher. The anti-splash design does sometimes prevent the full quantity of food from cycling through, so you need to either tilt it slightly or simply move it around instead of leaving it in one spot. The metal wand might cause scratches in non-stick cookware if not used gingerly. Some of the attachments collect water if you try to clean them in the dishwasher. But these complaints are nitpicky. It does its core job very well.

The bottom line is that here is an appliance that doesn't cause you more work in cleaning than it saves you in doing its job. It's a joy to be able to mix up a mocha malt frappuccino in under a minute, not have to pay $tarbuck$ an arm and a leg for it, and have the blender clean before you even start to drink it. On that basis alone, it has almost paid for itself already.

Why did I wait so long to buy this?
I love to cook but am not enamoured of "gadgets". Indeed, I gave a way a food processor after less than a year because I actually prefer using a first class knife and doing things the hard way! But, I make all of my own soups and for years went through the messy process of using an old Sunbeam blender, transferring the hot liquid from saucepan to blender and back again - yuck! No more! What a delight to use this machine is - easy, clean and simple to operate and excellent results for my soups. Soup on the table in 25 minutes! Highly recommended.

Excellent Machine
I saw this machine at amazon.com because I was searching for a hand held blender to mash up my fruit to make my jams with. I saw this particular model and thought it would be great to have. The price was a bit high and I fought with myself for a few days on if I should buy it or not. My father had bought me a hand held blender for a house warming present when I moved into my first apartment and I used it till it died. I was looking for a good replacement. I finally after a few days ordered it. I had it delivered 2nd day and it came on the 2nd day. I opened the box and immediatley started to use it. I have to say that I have used it to mash strawberries, apricots, bananas, grapes, apples and many other fruits right in the pan and in a few seconds. I have used all the accessories for many different things. I use the large container for making drinks, shakes, and for large portions of nuts to be chopped. The smaller one is great for a cup or so of ingredients. Both the small and large containers have a rubber base that double as a lid when you want to cover the container (I am having a slight problem with the base staying on the large container bottom though, once I lift the container the base will stay on the counter). I used the wisk and beaker for homemade mayo, and salsa and they turned out great. I thought for sure that the ice crusher wouldnt work that great but I was wrong it did work and crushed quite a bit of ice about 3 cups or so. The stand was great too. I installed it on the wall and when I am done using the blender I place it back into the stand. I keep it plugged in at all times and it is just hanging there ready to be used. I have only had this machine for about a month now so I am sure I will be using it for other things as well. It is a great buy and I am very happy with this purchase. The machine is very powerful, easy to clean, and all parts are dishwasher safe. I strongly recommend this product to others.

No kitchen complete without one
This is hands-down the handiest machine you'll ever have in the kitchen. I've had for more than 10 years and it's still going strong. I use it weekly at minimum. It's small,light and easy to handle, Cleans in seconds and ready for the next use.

You'll use this for everything. ... Read more