Amazon.com Review

The high-quality Contemporary Nonstick line of cookware is designed to meet the needs of busy families while offering the high-quality construction associated with the Calphalon brand. These pots and pans offers a stylish, attractive look while making cooking and cleanup for family meals or special occasions easy and low-stress. Contemporary Nonstick cookware replaces Calphalon’s original and highly popular Professional Nonstick II line--but with improvements to make it even better. The most obvious enhancement is in the versatile rounded and flared design of the pots and pans. This design makes a single pan suitable for various cooking techniques and provides better access for pouring and stirring. Also convenient is the capacity line on these pots and pans, which helps prevent cooks from overfilling them.

This set has all the pieces necessary for daily family cooking: 8-inch and 10-inch omelet pans, 1-1/2- and 2-1/2-quart covered saucepans, a 3-quart covered sauté pan, and an 8-quart covered stockpot. The pans’ exteriors are made of hard-anodized aluminum for superior heat distribution. The interiors are coated with a nonstick surface that is resistant to peeling, chipping, flaking, or cracking. This cookware has ergonomic brushed stainless-steel handles that stay cool to the touch on the stovetop and are riveted to the pans for durability. The lids are tempered glass--for viewing food as it cooks--encircled by a stainless-steel band that complements the cookware and fits snugly into the pans. All Contemporary Nonstick cookware is oven-safe up to 450 degrees F and is covered by a lifetime warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde

What's in the Box
8-inch and 10-inch omelet pans, 1-1/2- and 2-1/2-quart covered saucepans, 3-quart covered saute pan, 8-quart covered stockpot ... Read more

Features

• Oven-safe up to 450 degrees F; wash by hand; lifetime warranty
• Set includes 1-1/2- and 2-1/2-quart saucepans, 3-quart saute pan, 8-quart stockpot (all with lids)
• Also includes 8- and 10-inch omelet pans
• Hard-anodized outside, nonstick inside for durability and performance and quick cleanup
• Stainless-steel stay-cool handles; glass covers to monitor cooking; full capacity line helps prevent over-filling

Reviews (11)

I love cooking with these!
I got this cookware set as a wedding gift and have been nothing but happy with them since the first time I used them. The nonstick interior is wonderful. I have cooked a few different things including ground beef, pasta sauces, pasta, and mac and cheese. The meat browned nicely and never stuck to the pan (unlike my old aluminum pans where it would burn to the bottom). I even think the water boils faster...maybe it is just in my head, but I believe the pans distribute heat more evenly and the water boils faster.

I like the glass lids so I can see inside the pan. I can tell if the contents are boiling or simmering (whichever is called for in the recipe).

I forgot about the pasta sauce in the pan overnight and it cleaned out easily the next morning...just a quick rinse and it was clean. The cheese from the mac and cheese wasn't even a problem. I let that sit, too (I'm not exactly the quickest at cleaning up), but it came right off with no extra effort. So far, they have been the easiest pans to clean that I have ever owned. I used to hate washing my cookware, but since I got these, I am happy to clean them since it is so easy!

I highly recommend this cookware set to anyone who wants an easy-clean product that looks nice and cooks well.

Poorly made...I deeply regret registering for this set
Getting married, I registered for this Calphalon set at Target. At first I was totally happy with them; I would have given them a 5-star rating. They were working fine, stuff wasn't sticking, and they looked great. However, a couple of months down the road, and a few slightly burnt items, a few trips through the dishwasher, and now absolutely everything sticks to them.
Now, looking at the set more objectively, I realize that my favorite pot to use was one that I got at MacFrugals for like five bucks. Side by side, the cheap one heats stuff faster and is far easier to clean.
All the looks that the set originally had has worn off. Like the other reviewer said, they actually paint on these pots, and the paint isn't heat resistant. So now my beautiful and expensive nonstick cookware set is ugly and the stickiest cookware set I have ever cooked on.
Avoid this set, and from what I'm hearing from all my married friends...AVOID CALPHALON.
I should also say that I have contacted Calphalon customer support regarding my problems as they say that they have a lifetime warranty. Let me just say that their customer support (I'm using it as a title only, as they don't seem to care and the farthest thing from their mind is support) is subpar and completely unresponsive.
If you're reading this, I guess our loss is your gain since you don't have to make the same mistake we did. I don't have any recommendations, but since I'm sure that I have to go buy a new set soon, I'll be sure to post an update when I find a set that is good...maybe I'll just go over to Big Lots or the ninety-nine cent store and see what I can find. So far I've had better luck there than with Calphalon.

Customer Service is Excellent!
I have purchased several individual pieces of the Calphalon Contemporary series. Out of the 8 pieces, that I have purchased individually, I have had two that had the "paint" defect on the lid. Both times I called Calphalon customer service first thing in the morning at about 8:00AM EST. Both times I waited less than 5 minutes to speak with a representative. Both times they simply took my name and address and asked me which lid I needed. Both times they immediately sent me a replacement lid which did not have the defect. Both times they did not require me to send anything back. Both times it required no effort on my part except to verbally tell them that the lid was defective.
I totally commend their customer service and will continue buy Calphalon products. It seems that some of you must be living on some other planet or something. I can not figure out why you seem to be having so many problems.

Follow-up on my Previous Review and Subsequent Controversy
I would like to reply that we have still yet to even hear back from the company since our most recent inquiry into customer service in order to get a refund for what seem to be a poorly made cookware set. I would like to thank all of those who lent my review credibility by vouching for my in the face of the anonymous review denying my claims. Since this review, my wife and I have met many more people who are disatisfied with Calphalon.

In our opinion, as expressed in our first review that generated all of the controversy within these reviews, this cookware set is attractive but overprice and does not live up to advertising. Please see my first review and the followups for the reasons why. I really hope that through public forums like amazon.com reviews and the ability for consumers to share their experiences, companies and products will be forced to improve.

...
... A) I have seen Caphalon Contenporary NS products in Target stores in Texas. B) I bought a large frying pan to try this set out. It definitely had paint -- or something very akin to it -- on the underside of the edge of the glass lid. And it started to come off after a couple of uses -- flakes of which landed up in the food. I peeled the rest off and it seems to be okay without it. The clerk in the store where I bought it (not Target) told me it was dishwasher safe, so I put it in the dishwasher. It seems to be surviving okay -- still pretty non-stick after a few months of use. All-in-all it is an ok pot, but I'm not sure I'll buy any more. C) I have tried to call Caphalon Customer Support a few times and have never gotten through their wait list (I hang up after about 10 minutes on hold). So it's not too world class as far as I am concerned. ... Read more

Features

• Stay-cool stainless-steel handles are oven-safe to 350 degrees F
• Includes 1-quart, 1-1/2-quart, and 2-quart covered saucepans, plus 5-quart covered Dutch oven and 7- and 10-inch skillets
• Heavy-gauge aluminum construction for quick and even heat distribution
• Scratch-resistant nonstick coating releases foods quickly and makes cleanup easy
• Stylish champagne color matches a variety of color schemes

Features

• Dishwasher Safe
• Includes: 1Qt. , 1.5Qt. And 2Qt. Covered Saucepans, %qt. Covered Dutch Oven, 7" and 10" Open Skillets, (Dutch Oven cover also fits 10" skillet)
• Non-Stick Inside and Outside
• 18/10 Stainless Steel lids and handles
• Oven Safe to 400deg. F

Reviews (1)

Farberware Cook 'n Ease 10 Piece Blue
I can't give this set a 5 star rating, only because it probably isn't the best set of pots and pans there is. I give it 5 stars for it's quality and value for the price. It is a good set for a single person. I am a single person on a budget, and this set fit in my place like a glove. I do a lot of stir fry, and the big pot works great for this. I am brutal on pots and pans, so I highly recommend using teflon utensils on this set....that is all I use on them. I truly believe you can get a lot of use out of these if you keep the metal out of them. ... Read more

Features

• 3-year warranty against defects
• One-touch system (no need to hold down lever) for opening any size can
• Heavy, cast-metal-and-plastic construction: won't tip or slide
• Cutting arm detaches for quick cleanup; unit wipes clean
• Compact (4-by-4-3/4-inch footprint), with cord storage to reduce clutter

Reviews (24)

Worth the price!
After a year of buying and discarding no less than five can openers of different makes, it is a relief to find one that finally works. Thank you Cuisinart! The extra money was worth it.

This can opener grips the cans without slipping. The sawtooth wheel upon which the can rides has larger teeth and a more substantial blade to pierce the can than the other can openers we purchased. After using this can opener is easily disassembled for cleaning. Reassembly is a breeze.

Excellent Opener
I was looking for a can opener that would open tall cans and after trying a cheap one which was pure junk; I purchased the Cuisinart which works flawlessly. For those comments about it being hard to start a can; try reading the instructions; it's like every can opener sold. Lift the handle and put the can under the cutting blade at a slight angle just so the blade is on the inside of the lip of the can; then press down. You don't even have to hold on to the can. Is that simple enough for you. This is a great can opener; cost a few bucks but well worth it. I highly recommend the Cuisinart.

Just Throw A Can At It And It Works
Perhaps, like me, you have long been a member of the can-opener-of-the-month club. You have purchased ones that seem to have been made of biodegradable materials, so quick is their deterioration. Or fitting the can in its proper place is a task for a mechanical engineer. Or take my last one; it was impossible to clean, and simply hated to be bothered with opening a can.

Take heart. The higher price for this built-like-a-tank can opener is well worth it. Simply throw a can in the general direction of the Cuisinart and it does its job (I can't understand the complaints of others in this regard; this is by far the easiest to operate electric opener that I have ever owned). The opening mechanism pulls right out for cleaning without requiring some secret code to attain its release. Its above average weight makes it stand firm on the counter, defying any can to try and tip it over. If this opener falls apart I will simply have to go back to mechanical openers. Mine has been working without complaint for several months now. That's a near record time in my house.

Satisfied Customer!!!
This is an EXCELLENT can opener. Beats any of the others. I've been totally satisfied with it, found it very easy to use and easy to clean. I bought it here at Amazon and would recommend highly it to anyone.

Don't Buy-anything is better
This can opener looks nice, is a higher priced opener, and is Cuisinart so you expect something worthwhile. It was the worst can opener Ihave ever tried to use. Doesn't line up, top falls off. Much like the other reviewer said-we gave up and used our manual opener. So we returned it. Now I am trying the Krups, which also looks nice, so far so good. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Decorated with delicately drawn and colored flowers, this700-watt appliance cooks up to 10 cups of rice and then automaticallykeeps the rice at the proper temperature for up to 12 hours. A lockinglid ensures rice stays fresh and moist. Lights indicate whether theunit is in "cook" or "warm" mode, and turning on the cooker requiresnothing more than pushing a lever. A nonstick coating on the cookingpan prevents rice from sticking, and the pan can be lifted out of theunit for cleanup. To eliminate clutter on the counter or in storage thepower cord retracts under the unit. The cooker measures 12-1/8 inchesin diameter and 12-7/8 inches high, and comes with a spatula, spatulaholder, and measuring cup. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Includes spatula, spatula holder, measuring cup
• Cooks up to 10 cups of rice and then automatically keeps it warm
• Locking lid keeps rice fresh and moist for 12 hours
• Removable nonstick cooking pan prevents rice from sticking, cleans easily
• Cord retracts under unit to eliminate clutter

Reviews (9)

Worth the money
This rice cooker has really impressed me. I became very frustrated with my inexpensive one that spewed starchy water on my kitchen counter and resulted in rice being consistently stuck to the bottom. This rice cooker did not do either one of the things I just mentioned. The rice is perfect every time. This rice cooker delivered on every promise it makes. Being Asian, rice is an extremely important part of my life. Rice is a blessing and represents all the blessings in life. This rice cooker's non-stick pan allows me not to waste one grain.

Time Saver
I have used other rice cookers, but this one has spoiled me.
Stop using instant rice! Just start the rice in the morning and
when you are ready for dinner, the rice is warm, moist and ready
for that quick stir fry or mexican burrito recipe. You have never had such fresh tasting rice ready to use when you get home
tired and face cooking dinner. I use basmati, jasmine, brown, or pearl. All come out just great. And I use my Zojirushi as a roll warmer when needed. Works great. This is not a vegetable
steamer, not reccommended for that, but the best rice cooker.

I have owned this one for 5 years and it's still going!
I'm not Asian but my husband is. Because of the inlaws my children love rice and seaweed. I was given this rice cooker by my inlaw to make rice for her son, well it's still going strong and I have not had any problems. The unit is beyond easy to use and I make 4 cups of rice as a standard for our family and keep it plugged in for 3 days and the rice stays warm and ready to eat. That's the way my Mother in Law did it, and I have done the same without any problems.
Oh and never, ever use any metal items in the rice cooker or you will ruin it. The plastic spoon is really all you need for fluffing your rice once it's finished cooking.

The floral print is key
Growing up in an Asian family, we weren't about to mess around with cheap crumby rice cookers. The Zojirushi 10 cups through the years have kept me well fed for 25 years. If you treat it well (i.e. no metal on the nonstick), they'll last forever. If you don't eat rice every day or don't have a large family, this unit might be overkill. You may think about a 4 or 5 cup. You can, of course, buy this one too. My mom owns 3 rice cookers. If you ever go to an Asian food market, you'll see that practically every rice cooker comes in floral print. I don't trust a rice cooker without flowers on the side. =)

PRO:
Easy perfect rice every time
Can feed a small army
Comes with everything except rice and water
Will last forever with a little care
Floral print

CON:
Not for people living alone
You need to know how to make rice
Kinda pricy, but worth it if you eat a lot of rice

The only option!
My mother has been using hers for 20 years. I own this rice cooker and its the only one I would ever buy. Its good for korean style short grain rice which is really sticky. Western style long grain rice works well too. Once I made a paella in it and it was not bad! You can also add pre-soaked beans to your rice.

I think the new "fuzzy logic" models are not worthwhile. I just want to put in the rice and cook it!

There is only one button, so its easy to use. Use the measuring cup that comes with it and then add water up to the corresponding line on the inside of the bowl. For instance, for 3 cups of rice, put water up to the 3 cup line. I prefer moister rice so I add more water, like a 1/2 measure more. The chinese method of adding water to the first knuckle of your finger works too.

Another tip, this is an awesome non stick bowl, but it scrathes really easily. NEVER EVER, put a fork or even a spoon in it. Use the spatula that comes with it. Also never scrub it, wash with a little soap and soft sponge. I mean it, never scrub or you will ruin it right away.

I agree with the other reviewer, its all about the retractable power cord. Why dont all appliances have this? ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Creating either 1 or 2 quarts of ice cream, frozen yogurt,sorbet, or frozen drinks at home takes only about 20 minutes with thisCuisinart machine, and because it features two separate 1-quartchilling chambers, it can make two flavors at once. Salt, ice, andeffort are not needed. Place the machine's chilling chambers in afreezer for about eight hours to thoroughly freeze the liquid betweenthe walls. Then position one or both of the chambers atop the powerbase, insert the plastic paddles in the chambers, lock the transparenttops in place, and turn on the machine. (A switch activates one or twopaddles as desired.) Add the ingredients in the chambers throughopenings in the top as the paddles turn. The chambers chill theingredients to whatever consistency is desired, though dense treats arehard to make because the paddles churn in air.

Users can add chocolate chips, chopped fruit, nuts, and other specialingredients toward the end. The chambers are nonstick for easy cleanup.Storing them in the freezer ensures frozen confections are only 20 to40 minutes away when the mood strikes. With its power base encased instainless steel, this sleek machine readily wipes clean. It carries athree-year warranty against defects. A detailed instruction bookletcontaining many recipes is included. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• 3-year warranty against defects
• Makes 1 or 2 quarts ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, frozen drinks
• Separate 1-quart bowls can create two flavors at once
• No salt, ice, effort needed: chilling chambers and paddles do the work
• Openings in tops for adding chocolate chips, chopped fruit, nuts

Reviews (27)

My Family Is Thanking Me!
This ice cream maker is so easy to use, especially since it doesn't require rock salt or ice. The ice cream is done in only about 20-30 minutes and the sound of the machine is not at all loud as compared to the old-fashioned ice cream makers that need the salt and ice. The ice cream is a bit soft at first, but once it is kept in the freezer for a few hours, it's the perfect consistency. I will be making more ice cream than I made with my old machine because of the ease.

Best Ice Cream Maker Ever!!
People are exaggerating the noise level of this machine. It is far quieter than a blender or even a hand mixer. Since it only runs for 20-25 minutes, the noise level becomes negligable. Unless it's on top of the TV you probably won't notice.

Recipes included with the machine are delicious. Be sure and use pasturized in-shell eggs and try replacing sugar with Splenda for a sugar-free treat.

It also looks nice displayed on the kitchen counter.

Amazing Ice Cream Maker!
This is my third ice cream maker. I received my first ice cream maker as a Christmas gift when I was about 7. I opened the box and the ice cream maker was dirty, it looked used, so we returned it and did not get a replacement.. I had slightly more luck with second ice cream maker, I actually made ice cream in it once! I received the second ice cream maker when I was about 13. It was one of those giant buckets with a big machine that sat on top, you had to fill it with a ton of ice and rock salt. It was really loud, big, messy, took up my whole sink and the ice cream came out horrible. So now here I am, 8 years later, and I see this Cuisinart ICE-40 ice cream maker being advertised on TV.. I had to buy it, so I did. I received it shortly after, opened it up, cleaned the parts, put the 2 bowls in the freezer overnight and the next day I made my first frozen treat: Coca-Cola Slushy. It came out perfect, I just poured a few cups of Cola in and turned the machine on, 15 minutes later I had slushies! I put the rest in the freezer for 30 minutes and it was even better! I was excited so I had to make more, but since I did not have any ice cream ingredients yet, I decided to make another slushy, this time I made lemonade slushy. It was like the slush truck came to my house, it tasted great and came out perfect. The following day I went to the store to pick up ingredients to make Frozen Peach Yogurt and Peppermint Stick Ice Cream... I made the Frozen Peach Yogurt first, it came out perfect, it's really creamy and tastes great (and I don't even like peaches!). So then I started to make the Peppermint Stick Ice Cream (which I hate), which I had confused with Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (which I love), so with a little modification, some green food coloring, and Andes Mint Chocolates instead of candy cane chunks, I had perfect green Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. It tastes just like the kind I buy at the store but it is way creamier. The machine makes perfect frozen treats. I was worried after reading some reviews that it would be really noisy but it is not, it is no where near as loud as a blender, it sounds like a muffled can opener. I was surprised how quiet it is. It's real easy to use and clean, and it's easy to make your own recipes. I had some leftovers from the peach yogurt and mint ice cream so I mixed them together and made this excellent vanilla frozen yogurt, which I'm eating as I write this review. It tastes almost like McDonalds Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream. Mmmm!

I am really happy with this purchase, finally an ice cream maker that is easy to use and works!

Simply the Best!
I bought this as a Father's Day gift for my husband last year. And we are still using and using and using it! Just finished making a Coffee Brulet Granita that was fantastic. Have made everything from rich ice creams to fruit sorbets and they have all come out fantastic. The noise is not that bad and since it makes the ice cream (or whatever!) so fast, the noise doesn't bother us at all. You do have to leave some headroom for the expansion, but once you get used to that, there are no problems. We couldn't be happier and look forward to another long hot summer with lots of cool desserts!

Creamy Delights In Minutes!
I recently bought this ice cream maker because I am a pastry chef and I wanted to experiment and have some fun. The first time that I made ice cream, I couldn't believe how easy it was! I made the pineapple sherbet from the recipe book, which has since become a family favorite. I also have made rose petal ice cream, lavender ice cream, pina colada ice cream, and bailey's Irish cream ice cream. This machine has opened many new doors for me in the dessert world. I absolutely love it, I can't wait to try out new flavors! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If top-shelf Henckels knives will break your bank, you can still get high-quality performance and construction with the mid-range Henckels Gourmet line. A full-size collection, this 18-piece set thoroughly outfits a chef, as well as eight steak dinner guests. Each Gourmet knife is stamped from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel, honed by hand, and hardened by the Friodur ice process, for maximum strength and stain-resistance. These knives boast a full tang, which is triple-riveted to a contoured handle made of Novadur polypropylene. This construction is impact-resistant, comfortable to hold, and durable. Complete with its own storage block, the set includes seven kitchen knives: a 3-inch parer, a 6-inch utility, an 8-inch carver, an 8-inch chef’s, an 8-inch bread, a 6-inch chef’s, and a 5-inch serrated utility. It also includes eight steak knives, a 9-inch steel for sharpening, and a pair of kitchen shears. The block has three extra slots for adding knives as needed. The set is safe for the dishwasher, but washing by hand is recommended. Henckels includes a lifetime warranty. --Emily Bedard

What's in the Box
3-inch parer, 6-inch utility, 8-inch carver, 8-inch chef's, 8-inch bread, 6-inch chef's, 5-inch serrated utility, 9-inch steel, kitchen shears, 8 steak knives, and storage block ... Read more

Features

• Friodur ice-hardening results in superior cutting performance
• Includes 3-inch parer, 6-inch utility, 8-inch carver, 8-inch chef’s, 8-inch bread, 6-inch chef’s, 5-inch serrated utility
• Also comes with 9-inch steel, kitchen shears, 8 steak knives, and storage block
• Stamped high-carbon stainless steel
• Hand-honed, laser-controlled edge, and balanced full tang

Amazon.com Review

Perfect for reducing sauces or cooking vegetables on the stovetop and for braising meat in the oven, this shallow, 2-1/2-quart saucepan is coated with nonstick inside to release food readily and clean easily. The nonstick is durable enough to go safely into the oven at temperatures up to 450 degrees F. Made of heavy-gauge aluminum with a matte finish, the pan conducts heat uniformly and quickly. Because the aluminum is anodized it's harder than steel and the pan won't scratch, chip, or crack. The oval, brushed stainless-steel handle stays cool on the stovetop and has a hanging hole for the pan to be stored on hook or peg. The domed glass lid collects and returns moisture to food and permits monitoring of cooking without reducing the temperature inside the pan. Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick cookware carries a lifetime warranty against defects. ... Read more

Features

• Domed glass lid collects and returns moisture to food during cooking
• Versatile 2-1/2-quart saucepan for stovetop and oven cooking
• Heavy aluminum, with thick bottom to heat evenly, quickly
• Anodized for hardness, with nonstick coating oven-safe to 450 degrees F
• Riveted, brushed stainless-steel oval handle stays cool on stovetop

Reviews (4)

A quality saucepan, solid, attractive, works well.
I bought this shallow saucepan and it works rather well. It has a quality feel, very solid and sturdy, and is attractive too! The nonstick is good quality and food cooks more quickly because the pan has more surface area. I use this pan for soups mainly. A little heavy, but isn't every quality pan heavy? Looks attractive and I got a great price, less than it is now. All in all, a great deal! Much better deal than I could have gotten in the store, that's for sure!!

Great saucepan, but I'm not a professional
I love this saucepan.

I am a graduate student and I don't earn enough to afford any other high-quality cookware, but this saucepan is a much better piece of equipment than the lower-end saucepans I own. For one thing, it heats evenly so that I don't burn my food as often. Also, it's thicker which makes it more forgiving of slight temperature variations.

I'm not a professional cook by any means, but I'm quite experienced for a male graduate student and I work hard in the kitchen. Good food is important to me, and good tools are essential. I rate this saucepan as highly as my set of J. A. Henckels knives. If you have ever used a set of those knives this should be equivalent to a letter of recommendation.

great pan
wonderful pan easy to clean cooks food great would recommend this pan to anyone

Well worth the price
This is a wonderful pot. It's a bit wider than a large saucepan. The base is just a bit smaller than the larger burners on my stove, and it is wider at the top. It's just the right size and shape to make a generous portion of pasta sauce for two, including sauteeing the meat. Calphalon's Contemporary line is the best looking of all their pots. The handle is a bit long, but feels great in your hand, smooth, and stays cool. I like the glass lids to be able to see in the pots, though I worry a bit about dropping one. They have a ribbon of stainless around the edge, which might prevent breakage though. If you don't have the cash to buy a full set of these, start with this pot, it's a bargain. ... Read more

Features

• Includes slide-out grease tray and a custom-fit, oval, baking pan
• Upper and lower heating elements provide even, thorough cooking
• Automatic, temperature control monitors and controls grill's temperature
• Non-stick aluminum coating for easy cleaning
• Automatic, 8-minute preheat countdown; 2-1/2-hour timer

Reviews (24)

Gotta have it!
I got the George Foreman Contact Roaster for a Mother's Day gift. I love kitchen gadgets and could not wait to add this one to my collection. The first thing I cooked in it was the egg casserole (recipe in the booklet) and it turned out great. The second thing I made was a 3 lb. chicken. The aroma as it cooked was amazing. It was moist, tender and juicy. It took an hour and a half to cook. I would suggest NOT to line your roaster with sliced onions as I did to enhance the flavor of the chicken. The onions carmelized, then burned and got stuck in the drip hole. It was not very easy to clean that out. The roaster is also a bit small. I wish I would have requested the larger model as we are a family of 4 (soon to be 5) and I can see us outgrowing this appliance long before it wears out. I love to create recipes and cannot wait to see what I am able to concoct to cook in this roaster. It is very versetile and does not heat up the kitchen. It is smaller than the crock pot I used to have, and I probably will never buy another seeing how much fat this machine drains from meats. I will never again cook a chicken in a crock pot and let it sit in all that grease! The booklet that comes with the roaster is easy to read, although there are not many recipes in it. The little cleaning tool is great, it works very well and the additional drip tray comes in handy in case you have a very fatty cut of meat or you want to cook a second item right after the first is finished cooking. All in all, a wonderful appliance and highly reccomended.

Handiest thing in the kitchen
In addition to being an avid reader, I enjoy cooking. This appliance is the best thing on my counter. The first night after it arrived, I roasted a whole 4-1/2 pound chicken. I slid some fresh sage and rosemary under the skin, placed it in the cooker breast side down, added some baby potatoes and sliced onions, set the timer, and ignored it for the next hour. The wonderful aromas coming out of it were hard to ignore, but I resisted the temptation to open it up during the cooking process. My chicken was thoroughly done but moist, tender, and very flavorful. Although I had pulled out the abdominal fat, about 1/4" of grease dripped out into the tray during cooking. That was fat that didn't end up in my body. Last night I roasted an inexpensive pork roast along with some whole carrots and created a delicious dinner. I highly recommend this product.

GEORGE FOREMAN GV5 CONTACT COOKER
I REALLY LIKE AND USE IT EVERY DAY. THE ONLY COMPLAINT THAT I HAVE IS THAT WHEN THE TIMER TIMES OUT IT DOES NOT SHUT OFF, I BOUGHT A DIGITAL HEAVY DUTY TIMER FROM HOME DEPOT AND NOW THE OVEN SHUTS OFF AFTER A PRESET TIME INTERVAL. IF YOU DON'T KEEP AN EYE ON THE COOKER IT WILL ALLOW THE FOOD TO OVER COOK. MY REMEDY TO THE PROBLEM COST TWENTY DOLLARS...NOW I LOVE THE COOKER.

Easy and Fun to Use
What I like about this Contact Cooker is that it's perfect for roasting chickens (less than 5 lbs), roasts, and whatever else you can fit in the cooker's cavity. It heats up in less than five minutes and is ready to go when you are.

The cooker comes with a removable insert which I used most of the time so the meat can roast in it's own juices. It also makes it easier to collect the juice for gravy, just make sure to use pot holders.

The only cons I have are:

1. The insert tray handles stick out of the sides of the cooker. It gets hot and can burn you if you're not paying attention. Plus, an unknowing person may accidently try to pick up the cooker thinking their handles for the cooker itself. It can be a potentially very dangerous situation when the cooker is being used.

2. You don't have a choice to the heat settings. Heck, it took me a while to find out what the cooker's heat setting was. It's a permanent 325. But, since you're cooking using all sides of the cooker, the temperature is quite practical for all meats.

3. The cooking cavity is not as big as I would like it to be. It's fine for anything less than 5 lbs and not overly large. Great for family meals of 4 or less - but don't expect to fit a pork shoulder roast or Thanksgiving turkey. It also doesn't allow room for me to slip in a temperature probe very well.

The Pros:

1. Easy to clean. The teflon coating clean up really nice. The insert tray take a little more work to clean, but it's not too bad.

2. Fast warm up. It's ready in less than 5 minutes.

3. Doesn't radiate heat as much like your oven would. A big plus, especially in the summer time.

4. Less mess overall. I use less pots and pans. What a relief.

5. Just about foolproof if you follow directions. Even though I like using temperature probes to keep tabs on my food, it really isn't necessary to do so.

This is a really nice cooker to have. Lots of pluses to having it, especially when you start using it. You'll discover the benefits yourself.

George Foreman Contact Cooker
I love this cooker. For a family of 2 or 3 this is great. Just the right size. It easily cooks a 5# chicken. I put a pork roast in the roasting pan and it came out so tender and juicy. Fixed wings first by putting in the bottom part and getting rid of some of the grease then put them in the roasting pan, then added barbeque sauce. Great. Would recommend this to anyone. Especially someone watching not to eat alot of grease. ... Read more

Features

• Measures 11-5/8 by 16-1/2 inches; fits any 13-by-18-inch baking sheet
• Nonstick silicone baking mat
• Reusable for 2,000 to 3,000 times
• Endorsed by award-winning pastry chef Francois Payard
• Can be used at temperatures varying from ¿40 to 482 degrees F

Reviews (17)

Fumes and Smoke
After reading all of the wonderful reviews of this product, I decided to try it out despite the somewhat high cost. I've been both pleased and disappointed.

I've baked 3 or batches of chocolate chip cookies on these sheets, and they've turned out great, regardless of what type of pan I use underneath. The bottoms of the cookies haven't burnt, and the insides are well done. I've also tried homemade pizza crust on the silpat, and they've also turned out wonderfully.

My dissappointment and concern comes every time I bake with the silpat. Every time I use it to bake at around 375* and when I open the oven door, a light fog like smoke comes out of the oven which burns my nostrils and my eyes. About 5 minutes into the cooking, the smoke detector consistently goes off. I already have concerns putting my food in contact with a silicone surface, but the fumes were just unbearable.

After searching around on the internet to see if anyone else had the same problem, I've only found one other person. Even after returning the silpat in exchange for a new one, I had the same problem, and that time I only put the silpat in, no cookies, no cookie pan. I think this time I'll just have to return it for good. I won't be surprised if 20 years down the road they say that cooking with silicon products causes cancer.

Great for cookies!
I have owned my Silpat since my mother gifted me with it over a year ago. I'm a frequent baker and love to make cookies in particular (usually chocolate chip). My cookies were always good, but now they are perfect, even when baked in a very low quality oven. My cookies don't cook too quickly on the bottoms, they have always come out evenly cooked for me. Perhaps if you are having a problem with uneven cooking you need to upgrade your baking pan. The Silpat can be a little difficult to clean because of its floppy nature, but I usually just keep it on the baking pan. That keeps it flat and much easier to handle. All in all I would recommend this product very highly.

Better for Bread than Cookies
I use two cookie sheets at once: one with the Silpat and one with parchment paper. The Silpat cookies are over-cooked on the bottom; The parchment cookies are much better. On the other hand, parchment paper is a pain in the neck to use. The cookies contain a lot of butter so they leave an oily circle on the Silpat that really sticks to it. I had a dried cherry stick to it like glue once.

I think that a nonstick cookie sheet is easier to clean than a big floppy thing like the Silpat. Since the Silpat does not produce better baked goods, I don't see the advantage over the nonstick cookie sheet.

a must-have
This is an excellent item to have about the kitchen. I only suggest two things. First, I would purchase two: one for savory items and one for sweet, as certain strong odors and oils tend to linger. Second, do not use soap on these, a good wipe with warm water and a gentle cloth will suffice.

Works beautifully
As advertised, these baking sheets keep your baked goods from sticking to the pan. Even particularly brittle or sticky recipes such as almond tuiles or molasses cookies will come clean.
I initially had the same problem as a couple of other reviewers of having the sheets smoke and set off my smoke alarm, but after several cycles in the oven and dishwasher it stopped happening.
Make sure you use these sheets with the smooth side up. The woven side will stick to food. (You can tell when you have the wrong side up because the writing will be backwards.) ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Ideal for a household with a large cat or more than one cat, this big,self-cleaning litter box eliminates most odors while keeping the litterpleasingly fresh for tabby. It's ingenious in design: a cat entering the boxtriggers a sensor; the sensor sets a timer that counts off 10 minutes; then arake runs through the litter, scooping out clumps and depositing them in aplastic container at the box's end; the container is automatically sealed untilthe next cat visit, when the raking cycle opens the container for anotherdeposit. (Twelve reusable, disposable containers are included, each 13 incheslong, 4 inches wide, and 3-1/2 inches deep.) The litter box can be plugged intoa wall socket (AC adapter included) or operated on eight D-cell batteries (notincluded). It comes with a durable carpeted ramp that leads a cat into the boxand cleans its paws on the way out. For safety, the rake stops and reverses atthe slightest touch if an object gets in the way. If a cat re-enters the boxbefore the initial 10 minutes have elapsed, the timer automatically resets. Thelitter box is made of hard plastic and measures 29 inches long, 8-7/8 incheshigh, and 16-3/4 inches wide. For proper operation, it requires premium,clumping litter but does not need as much as a nonautomated litter box of thesame size. For cleaning, the litter tray can be detached. Instructions foracclimating a cat to the box are included. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• 29 inches long, 8-7/8 inches high, 16-3/4 inches wide
• Automatically rakes waste into sealable container 10 minutes after use
• Large capacity: ideal for large- and multiple-cat households
• Plugs into wall socket or operates with eight D-cell batteries (not included)
• Paw cleaning ramp and 12 reusable/disposable waster containers included

Reviews (138)

Recommended for the lazy cat owner
I figured this was another over hyped, useless product I'd regret buying, but I was (happily) wrong. The cats (2) and I both love it. Using a regular litter box I had problems with one of my cats urinating on bath rugs, in the bathtub, etc.: I guess I just didn't keep the litter box clean enough for her. As soon as I got the Littermaid the problem disappeared!

A few tips from an experienced owner:
-The litter receptacles are disposable, but only if you're a millionaire. And it's really nasty to clean them. I reccomend lining the litter receptacles with plastic grocery store bags. Remove the plastic bag, tie it up & throw it in the trash. This way you can re-use the disposable recepticles many, many times, without cleaning them.
-Yes, it's noisy, but not any noisier than 2 cats playing tag in the middle of the night! Mine's in the kitchen, just down a short hall from my bedroom, but I sleep with my door closed & it's not a problem for me.
-Yes, the cats track the litter, but no worse than a "regular" litter box using the same (premium clumping) litter.

Until I can train the cats to use the same toilet I do (fat chance, I can't even get them to answer to their names), this is as good a solution as I think I'm going to find.

Ok for one cat, good for travelers
While this box does what it's advertised to do (rake litter and remove the lumps), it should be used with some cautions:

1. Two cats? Well, not ours. They need two boxes, maybe three. The vet says X+1 box for the cats you have, to avoid spraying and fighting. We find this to be true.

2. The litter is not able to be put in very deep in this box, and you have to be careful what kind you use.

3. The little plastic container for the uh, lumps, fills up and you need to replace it often. They are a bit costly.

For ONE cat, if you go away for say an overnight and have a food dispenser and water fountain, can work to keep the box sanitary. And for finicky cats (we have one) who refuse to use the box unless it's cleaned EACH TIME (yes, this cat turns up his nose unless you are on 24 hour litterbox patrol) well, for this kind of cat, the LitterMaid is excellent.

YOU MUST follow the directions exactly or it will jam, and that's not fun to clean. So I recommend it for one cat, or if you are able to, get a couple of them for multiple cats.

It arrives broken
Yes, it's true. I ordered not one (returned because it arrived broken), but two (it arrived broken) and three (sic). The two tiny arms are pathetic - just waiting to be snapped. If someone ever did get this product right - well, they would have to have at least 2.3% of a cat's IQ.

Not Worth it Anymore!
I bought my first Littermaid and it lasted 5 years and I thought it was the greatest thing. When it finally broke, I rushed out to buy a new one. What a mistake. I have had 2 of the new ones, (the $99 model) and both have broken within a month. I guess the company decided to get cheap and now the product stinks.

Not worth the money
I was so excited to get this product, but after a couple weeks use, I started having the same problems as other reviewers. The clumps would stick to the rake and the bottom of the pan, and would jam it so the rake would get too heavy and couldn't lift it up high enough to dump it. I have two cats, and both of my cats have a tendency to use the same corner everytime, so that the waste receptacle was always full on one side and empty on the other, unless I constantly got in and redistributed. I would have to redistribute the clumps for the rake to work as well. Otherwise it was too heavy on one side and would get stuck. Then it tries a few more times to scoop the clumps up, but it is so noisy that it wakes you up with all its struggles in the middle of the night.
I have had for about 5 months now, and this morning at 4am, it broke. The whole arm with the rake and the motor broke clean off, and I can see no way to repair it. However, after it broke, the motor continued to run and run until I got up and turned it off. I am quite disappointed, and do not plan to buy a second one and try again. I am surprised after reading all of the bad reviews that LitterMaid has not improved their product. I am also surprised they are even still in business. As soon as I can save some money, I am purchasing the Litter Robot. ... Read more

Features

• Engineered with no nuts and bolts
• Legs pivot to lock legs in place
• Easy portability
• Packs away nicely in a tight space

Reviews (14)

Great for tailgaiting but never quiet hot enough
I bought this nifty little grill for tailgaiting and to use on the cramped deck of my apartment in the city. For those purposes, it's great -- it folds up into a secure, compact little unit that goes anywhere without a fuss. It's also well constructed and has held together through several years of rough use.

Be aware though that it's definitely not a good choice if you're doing a lot of grilling in one place -- it never quite gets hot enough to work well as a primary grill, even if you leave the cover on and let it preheat before adding your meat. Any wind at all strips the heat right out of it, even with the lid on.

Make sure you stock up on the little gas cylinders or get the tank adapter -- nothing worse than running out of fuel in the middle of a batch of food.

Takes a lot of abuse
First of all, despite some comments here that would lead you to believe otherwise, this is NOT a gas grill. The dead giveaway is the word "charcoal" in the product title.

Even though this is designed to be a travel grill (with folding legs that secure the cover in place), I use it as my primary grill. I like to grill at all times of the year so I leave it on the patio all year round and sometimes have to dig through a snowdrift to find it. I'm surprised it hasn't rusted out yet since it has been sitting outside for more than five years. The wood parts are weathered, but still no sign of metal corrosion. When this one eventually goes I'll probably get small round Weber since I really don't need the travel feature.

Not bad, but not outstanding either
It does the job, but as one reviewer said, it doesn't get very, very hot. Hot enough to cook meat well - yes, but the hamburgers don't have a terrific taste, just an average + ordinary taste. This would all be fine if I only paid $24.99 for it, but I paid $49.99. It is well made of good materials, but honestly, I don't see where it's much different from what they're selling at Wal-Mart for thirtysomething dollars or less.

BBQ Toolbox!
I had a similarly designed Sunbeam charcoal tabletop that rusted out after 15 years. I had given up on finding a replacement until I saw this gem on amazon. It has the same compact design as the Sunbeam, a stable base, wind resistant grilling, AND THE QUALITY OF A WEBER!!!! The best feature is the folding legs that lock the contents inside the grill and allow easy portability. I know this one will last longer than the pressed metal of the old one. Thank you.

Great for tailgaiting but never quite hot enough
I bought this nifty little grill for tailgaiting and to use on the cramped deck of my apartment in the city. For those purposes, it's great -- it folds up into a secure, compact little unit that goes anywhere without a fuss. It's also well constructed and has held together through several years of rough use.

Be aware though that it's definitely not a good choice if you're doing a lot of grilling in one place -- it never quite gets hot enough to work well as a primary grill, even if you leave the cover on and let it preheat before adding your meat. Any wind at all strips the heat right out of it, even with the lid on.

Make sure you stock up on the little gas cylinders or get the tank adapter -- nothing worse than running out of fuel in the middle of a batch of food. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Bodum's French press makes it easy: coffee, water, wait, enjoy.Simply measure out one rounded tablespoon of coarsely ground coffee per4-ounce cup, pour in the hot water, wait a few minutes for it to brew,and slowly press down the plunger. Next comes the best part, as you getto enjoy a cup of rich and aromatic coffee. Because of its 8-cupcapacity and elegant design, this French press is great for dinnerparties, where you can now brew your guests' coffee right at the table.Bodum has been in the coffee business for decades, and the companycontinues to produce stylish, affordable, and reliable products.--Maile Rehbock ... Read more

Features

• All parts are dishwasher safe
• Brews 32 ounces of coffee; retains beans' oils for rich, complex flavor
• Sturdy, chrome-plated brass frame; easy-to-clean glass carafe
• Stainless-steel press mechanism; replacement parts available
• Turn lid to close spout; not for stovetop use

Reviews (29)

Best coffee I've ever had
I previously owned a (much) smaller version of this press, which made an excellent cup of coffee. But that was the problem. It only made a CUP of coffee. I usually have two, and what if others want coffee? It takes a while, going one cup at a time.

Needless to say, I upgraded to this larger press, which makes about 3 times more coffee. It makes the best coffee ever - I could never go back to a junky old drip coffee maker after this. Yeah, it's more work than a drip coffee maker, but really, would you rather have quick, easy coffee that tastes bad, or a delicious cup of coffee that takes 5 minutes more?

Using this is like steeping tea - you boil some water, grind some coffee beans (I hope you're grinding your own coffee beans!) and pour the water over the coffee grounds to let them steep for 4 minutes. Then you push the knob down, which filters delicious coffee into the water and leaves the grounds at the bottom of your pot. Then, voila! You've got about 3 cups of yummy coffee, depending on to what extent you water your cup down with cream and sugar.

If you're one of those people who just CAN'T WAIT for their coffee, you'd be better off getting a typical drip coffee maker. But if you love coffee, and want it to taste as good as it possibly can, you have to buy this press.

The Full Experience
I just got this one (Bodum Chambord 8-cup) yesterday and am very happy with the results. My first cup was with four scoops (included with press) of coarsely ground Starbucks Yukon Blend and about 14 oz of water for a four-minute steep. The result was a hair on the strong side, but without a doubt the most robust, flavorful cup of coffee I have ever had, with no harshness at all. Some sediment in the bottom of the cup from a minimal amount of coffee bean dust that got through the mesh plunger, but nothing too bothersome. Cleanup is no more difficult than with a drip coffee maker, and no more fumbling with paper filters. Not sure about the other models, but the glass carafe on this one is large enough to accommodate a hand and sponge, which makes it easy to clean. For entertaining, I would get the 12-cup version. Product seems well made, and plunger action is smooth and easy.

Consistently Excellent Coffee
Having just moved, my husband and I were recently deprived of our favorite coffee chain (which doesn't serve our area). All the local coffee houses have so far produced either inconsistent results, or their coffee was consistently of poor quality.

We purchased this unit as an experiment, because we heard good things about french presses. We have been extremely satisfied with the results. This little unit makes consistently excellent coffee, with an incredibly good flavor. We follow the same guidelines as those on the other reviews here: coarsely ground coffee, cooled-for-a-few-seconds-after-boiling water, and the coffee is served immediately after pressing it.

The only reason that I gave this product 4 stars is the usual: this does *not* make 8 cups of coffee by American standards. It makes enough for 1 large mug and 1 smaller mug of coffee. That is just barely enough for us, and it's excellent stuff, so I'm satisfied, but it's only 8 cups by European standards. We'll shortly be upgrading to the stainless steel larger version of this press.

It's OK, but not as it's hyped
After seeing a french press on TV and reading the reviews I wanted one of these things to get the "greatest cup of coffee ever". After following the directions and recommendations on using it for about a month I can say that I have not noticed any big difference from the drip coffee I used to make. The press does take an insignificant amount more of effort than a drip maker but it's not hard to make or clean. I just haven't noticed any more flavor, richness, or aroma in the coffee to justify the cost of the press. I'm going to go back to the drip coffeemaker for everyday coffee making and use the press only when I want to "impress" somebody. LOL

"Cowboy Coffee" for the 21st century
The Chambord brews your coffee right at your table. It's probably the richest cup of coffee you'll experience. It's made virtually the same way the cowboys made their coffee. The big exeception is that the grounds are pressed whereby all the coffee oils are present. It's as simple as making instant coffee, with 10X the flavor. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Opening the oven to check on a food's temperature means wasting the cook's time and losing oven temperature and moisture--not to mention a face full of steam. This thermometer prevents those problems. Insert the instrument's 6-inch stainless-steel probe into a roast beef or turkey and monitor the time and temperature (from 32 to 392 degrees F) on the thermometer's large digital display, which connects to the probe with a 4-foot cord. The control panel sets cooking time and temperature, and an alarm sounds when either is reached. Fully opened, the thermometer/timer is 5 inches high, but it folds in half for compact storage. Magnets on the back permit it to be temporarily mounted on a metal surface. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Folds for compact storage; magnetic back for mounting on metal surface
• Remotely displays food's temperatures and time elapsed while it's cooking
• Programmable control panel for cooking by precise temperature or time
• Alarm sounds when cooking time or desired temperature reached
• Stainless-steel probe goes into food, 4-foot cord leads to thermometer

Reviews (64)

No Guessing
Have used my Taylor digital for a chicken and a pork loin, what a differance. Knowing the exact internal temperature is a huge plus. I have usually over cooked and ended up with dry food. This time it was moist and perfectly done. Thanks Taylor and Thank You Amazon.

Replacment probes for this great product
Use this all the time, but be careful on Gas Grill as the probe can get cooked, Happened to me, and No On-line parts manual, but company did respond to e-mail with purchase and replacment info, Recommend buying a repalcment probes.
Parts INFO------
Taylor Model #1470 additional probes are available at the listed price of
$5.00 each. Taylor does not take credit cards or Cod, personal check or
money order will do. Please when ordering please write the part number
(#1470RP) somewhere on the check or money order. Please make out to the
following;

Taylor Precision Products
2220 Entrada del Sol
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Attn: E. Salas

Very Accurate
I have had my Taylor for one and 1/2 years. It is very reliable. I have another thermometer that I use to calibrate and they are always on target. I have bought several and given them as gifts. For $13.00 you can't beat it..

Piece of JUNK
Right out of the box it displayed HI even in meat that my instant read thermometer read 46F. I am returning this piece of garbage. Do yourself a favor and buy something else. I would give it 0 stars if I could.

Accurracy CANT be determined by boiling water.
FIRST: i am VERY PLEASED with this therm. i make candy sauces which require precision temp for edible results. it's always been a sort of hit or miss operation for me before, requiring a lot of babysitting to make sure i get the temp just right. for the first time ever, i'm not only making perfect sauces everytime but i'm not tied to the stove. the very audible ring allows me to do other things around the house while waiting. the reason i gave it 4 stars instead of 5? because its requires some creativity to attach it to the pan in a way that keeps it suspended in the liquid. i'm so pleased i was going to send one to my mom via this web site. that's when i stumbled upon these disagreeable reviews. puzzled that i was getting such good results with mine amid all these complaints, i measured the 'boiling point' of water as well, and several times it came out at 210 F. that's when my chem backround kicked in. i remembered...(and here's where my second point comes in) SECOND: for those of you who complained about it's accurracy, it's important to keep in mind that the real world boiling point of water is contingent on several factors including the purity of the water (i.e. softening salts), elevation, humidity and room temp. all will affect the final outcome. there is a wide variation (with 208F (97.7 C) being within the range) in the 'true' temp of boiling water. if you dont believe me, you can visit: http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/boilproj /index.html this web site is challenging schools around the world to measure the boiling point of water, and has posted some of the results. i challege you to try something other than water that requires a measure of accuracy and see if you still have problems. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Muted greens, rose, yellow, and terra cotta and delightful sparks of brighter orange and yellow in this casual dinnerware pattern evoke the play of sun and shade in a New Orleans courtyard garden. Particularly striking are the salad/dessert plates, with their centers of mottled green and a floral pattern in which orange blossoms and a single yellow blossom peek out from blue green leaves. The leaves and orange blossoms decorate all 20 pieces of this set, which consists of four complete place settings: 10-1/2-inch dinner plates, 8-inch salad/dessert plates, 12-ounce soup/cereal bowls, 8-ounce cups, and 6-inch saucers. Made of gleaming, durable stoneware, French Quarter pieces are chip-resistant and safe in the oven, freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. This dinnerware carries a three-year warranty against defects and can be replaced individually by the manufacturer. --Fred Brack

What’s in the Box
4 place settings. Each place setting consists of: 10-1/2-inch dinner plate; 8-inch salad/dessert plate; 12-ounce soup/cereal bowl; 8-ounce cup; 6-inch saucer. 20 pieces total. ... Read more

Features

• 3-year warranty against defects
• Muted greens, rose, yellow, and terra cotta evoke New Orleans courtyard garden
• Place settings for four: dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, cups/saucers
• Pattern available in dozens of cooking, serving, and home-decor items
• Gleaming stoneware safe in oven, freezer, microwave, dishwasher

Reviews (17)

Beautiful dishes for all occasions
I finally decided to get a new set of everyday dishes and after looking at many, many patterns, I settled on Pfaltzgraff French Quarter. The lovely shade of green with the other pastel colors makes for a design which I find is pleasing to the eye. I wanted a design that I could enjoy on a daily basis for many years to come, and I did not want anything too gawdy. I purchased a set for 8 because I felt it was pretty enough to entertain with. The only drawback in my opinion is the size of the cups (8oz) but when I have a lot of guests over , I think the cups would be the perfect size.

Beautiful set, nice quality
Upon first seeing these dishes, I immediately liked them! While they didn't fit into my kitchen decor, they would set beautifully in my mothers kitchen and so, I purchased this set for her. Here, I too would be able to enjoy them from time-to-time. :-D

For those who have a difficult time visualizing the size of these bowls & cups in ounces, I will give you the approximate measurements:

Bowl: just over 5 1/2 inches wide x 2 1/8 inches deep.
Cup: 3 3/8 inches wide x 2 1/4 deep.

They have a nice, even glaze and pattern, as well as a nice "shine" to them.
I consider these to be of good quality, durably made dishes that are suitable to use as every day dishes.
They should provide you with years of functional use as well as lend beautiful, visual aesthetic value to your decorum should these colors suit the environment of your kitchen.

The only drawback to this set, in my opinion, is the size of the cups. If you drink multiple cups of coffee or tea like my family and I...you will find that these cups don't hold much and therefore, won't be apt to use them for these purposes. Aside from this, it is a wonderful set to own.

~good luck & enjoy!

Pfaltzgraff French Quarter
I bought these dishes (a 12 place setting with all the accessories except the cutlery). I love it. It loooks very nice in my china hutch. Yes on the first time I used these dishes I did notice marks from the knives my family used. I called pfaltzgraff since my dishes have a 5 year warranty and they sent my a bottle of cleaner to try for free. It removed all the marks on the dishes and I am still pleased with the product. So far so happy

These are beautiful!
These dishes are soooo elegant. Great quality. Only comment is the tea/coffee cups are tiny. But the bowls make up for that - nice size - not teeny tiny like my Fiestaware bowls. Hooray Pfaltzgraff and Amazon!

Disappointing
I was very disappointed in the French Quarter set and returned it. Unlike other Pfaltzgraff pieces I have that were made in the United States, this set was made in China and was defective. Some of the plates were warped, one use left black silverware marks on the plates that did not wash off, and normal use of a steak knife scratched the plate. The pattern also seemed too lightly applied. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Designed by acclaimed artist Catherine McClung, Lenox's Winter Greetings dinnerware offers a unique take on traditional holiday dishware. Surrounding the plate's perimeter with periodic intrusions to its center, a woven pattern of ribbon, holly, mistletoe, and various birds comprises the plate's design. Combining a color palate of deep greens, reds, and browns with an ivory background creates a mood of sophistication. Add to this high-quality, fine china and 24 carat gold accents and the result is an elegant table setting. Perfect for those just starting a holiday collection, this set includes six 10-3/4-inch dinner plates and six 8-inch salad or dessert plates. To round out the ensemble, a two-tiered, chrome caddy enables safe and compact storage. This set is covered by Lenox's lifetime replacement policy and cleans safely in the dishwasher, although hand washing is recommended for best long-term results. -- Amy Arnold

What's in the Box
6 place settings, 1 storage caddy. Each place setting consists of a 10-3/4-inch dinner plate and an 8-inch salad plate. 13 pieces total. ... Read more

Features

• 12-piece dinnerware set with service for 6; includes convenient storage caddy
• Each place setting consists of: 10-3/4-inch dinner plate, 8-inch salad plate
• Crafted from fine china and accented in 24 carat gold; deep red and green hues Pattern depicts ribbons, holly, mistletoe, and various birds; designed by Catherine McClung
• Made in the USA; dishwasher-safe; covered by a lifetime replacement policy

Amazon.com Review

For fluffy, evenly sized cheese shreds, this is the perfect grater. Its design is based on that of a rasp, the small and efficient woodworking tool. The cutters are especially sharp, which guarantees easy grating. But this also means you'll need to exercise extra caution--no one likes grated knuckles. The large handle allows for a firm grip, and the completely flat grating surface makes it easy to move the cheese across the blades. Carrots, onions, and medium to firm cheeses all worked beautifully with this grater. It's also an excellent