A selection of the best kitchen tools.

Kelty Trail Dome 4 Four Person Tent

2010-06-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

10 Good Tools

2010-06-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Four Agreements

2010-05-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

Be impeccable with your word.
Don't take anything personally.
Don't make assumptions.
Always do your best.

A Beautiful Mind

2010-05-13T23:04:00.001-07:00

The Art of War, Tsun Tzu.

2010-05-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

Great Telescope setup

2010-04-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

I believe an ideal starting telescope would be the following:

[but oh baby, check this out:

--- wow]

An essential buy is this book:

It tells all, and is universally recommended.

I also like this for Moon viewing:

Also I have one of these

and one of these

As for myself right now, I have a Celestron 90mm Maksutov Spotting Scope (last in the line,
hence I got a steaming good price, which I am not even going to tell you).

The crowning piece though is this:

Ergotron 45-174-300 Neo-Flex LCD Arm-Extension Grommet Desk Mount

2009-07-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

Here shown is the
Ergotron 45-174-300 Neo-Flex LCD Arm-Extension Grommet Desk Mount

Attached to wheely table:

Rotate, for other side of couch:

How Candidates did on the Last Debate? 10/15/08

2008-10-16T05:02:00.000-07:00

Let's see what our panel of experts thinks about the McCain and Obama's performance in their last presidential debate before the 2008 Election.

Obama: pretty good overall:

McCain: Hmm, undefined. I kinda felt that way too.

Macally Flat-Panel Stereo System

2008-08-19T13:36:00.001-07:00

Here shown is the Macally Flat-Panel Stereo System with AM/FM, Alarm Clock and iPod Dock.

Wireless Water Temperature Monitor System.

2008-05-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, well, I know this blog is about kitchen tools, but you might have a pool as well, and this product set is so outstanding I just had to include it.

I've bought wireless remote pool thermometers before. They were cheap, and they were as unreliable as you might expect for cheap.

So for a while now, I have been on the lookout for a -reliable- remote pool thermometer, and until Brookstone's Wireless Water Temperature Monitor System appeared, there was nothing out there.

For the price (high), I judged that this unit would be a reliable unit with good range - and I have not been disappointed.

In fact it has exceeded all expectations!

Here shown is the Additional Wireless Water Temperature Monitor (one comes with the monitor) and to the side, the monitor itself, which works up to 100m away.
I've not bothered to check that exact distance, but it works perfectly for me, inside the house.

How excellent is it? Well, you are not limited to just one remote - you can have up to 3 remotes. And I now do have three.

Excellenter: the monitor unit can show you not just the indoor temperature (press the "In" button), but also the indoor relative-humidity as well!

Even more excellent: there is not just one type of remote (pool), there is also an Additional Wireless Air Temperature / Humidity Monitor, which (yippee!) also transmits the relative-humidity as well. (The display on the air remote is tiny though.)

Excellentest: Pressing the channel button for 2 seconds makes the monitor rotate its display of each of the 3 remotes, 4 seconds each.

This is a well designed, robustly built set of units.

There is yet another feature, however this one does come with a caveat.
The monitor allows you to set alarms, both high and low, for both temperature and relative-humidity. How cool is that?
The drawback is that only one channel can have these min/max alarms set.

Nevertheless, I can without reservation highly recommend this product and its two accessories.

I have the monitor, a water remote for the pool, a water remote for the jacuzzi and an air remote for outside temp/humid.

The temperature tolerances are really high: from -20C (-4F) to 60C (140F).
So maybe the price is a little high, but I get extraordinary value out of this product.
I use the air remote to check the temp/humid of my freezer and dry-age-beef refrigerator (see foodobsessity at blogspot).

And I bought this complete set as a present for my parents, who also enjoy their pool and are picky about water temperature.

The only downsides are:
Min/max limited to 1 channel
Rotate feature doesn't include the monitor's temperature
Undersized digital display on the Additional Wireless Air Temperature / Humidity Monitor

Maybe they will have an upgrade in the future to address these concerns.

But, really, I can't recommend these products enough.

Best Stainless Steel Skillets

2008-04-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

All-Clad Stainless 12-Inch Fry Pan
Classic slope-sided, 12-inch, 2-inch-deep frying pan.
Three-ply: stainless-steel layers sandwich pure aluminum core for even heating.
Long, comfortable, stay-cool handle riveted for strength.
Dishwasher safe, but hand washing recommended.
Lifetime warranty against defects.

Viking 7-Ply Stainless 11-Inch Fry Pan
7-ply construction with aluminum core for even heat distribution.
18/10 stainless-steel exterior with brushed cooking surface for easy cleanup.
Ergonomically designed, cast stainless-steel, stay-cool handles.
Can be used on any cooking surface, including induction.
Made in Belgium; lifetime warranty.

Farberware Skillet - Stainless Steel (12")
Sloped sides make it easy for food to slide right out of the pan for fast serving.
Made of polished stainless steel.
Dishwasher safe.

Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless 12-Inch Omelet Pan
12-inch, slope-sided pan for omelets or sauteing, frying.
18/10 stainless steel layers enclose pure aluminum core.
Stay-cool handle; flared rim for dripless pouring.
Dishwasher-safe.
Lifetime warranty against defects.

Best Cast Iron Skillets

2008-04-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

The Camp Chef SK-12 Cast Iron Skillet, 12 Inch Diameter
Seasoned Cast Iron is ready to cook and easy to maintain.
Comfort Grip Handles for effortless lifting and Control.
Dual Pour Spouts for cooking convenience.
Seasoned finish helps create non-stick finish.
Lewis & Clark Commemerative Edition.

Lodge Logic 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet
Pre-seasoned heavy cast-iron skillet.
Superior heat retention and even cooking.
Two handles for heavy lifting.
12 inches in diameter, 2 inches deep.
Heirloom pan for kitchen or camping.

Lodge Pro-Logic Pre-Seasoned 12-Inch Skillet
12-inch skillet; made of cast iron.
Pre-seasoned and ready to use.
Convenient assist handle.
Should be cleaned with a stiff brush and hot water; oven-safe.
2 inches deep; 8 pounds.

Le Creuset L2024-26 Satin Black 10 1/4 inch Iron Handle Round Skillet
Material: Enameled Cast Iron.
Capacity: 1.25-qt.
Diameter: 10.25-in.
Origin: France.
Cleaning & Care: Handwash with mild cleanser.

Olvida 13 Inch Nickel Plated Cast Iron Skillet
Dishwasher Safe.
Excellent heat retention.
Creates beautiful pan sauces.
Excellent for blackening entrees.
Approved for commercial use.

Best Dutch Ovens

2008-04-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

Calphalon One Infused Anodized 8-1/2-Quart Dutch Oven with Stainless Steel Lid
8-1/2-quart Dutch oven; includes riveted handles and a stainless steel lid.
Hard anodized construction offers durability and excellent conductivity. Unique polymer finish penetrates surface for strength and easy food release. Broiler- and oven-safe up to 700 degrees F; safe with all utensils including metal. Made in the USA; hand wash with warm soapy water; lifetime warranty.

Lodge Pro-Logic Pre-Seasoned 7-Quart Dutch Oven
7-quart pre-seasoned cast-iron Dutch oven.
Two cast iron easy-grip loop handles for lifting.
Exclusive self-basting iron cover keeps food moist.
Hand wash using a stiff brush and hot water only; oven safe to 500 degrees F.
12 by 4-3/4 inches; lifetime guarantee.

Mario Batali 6 qt. Italian Essentials Pot - Chianti
Comparable in size to the Le Creuset and All-Clad detailed below.
Solid, heavy construction.

Chefmate® 6.5-qt. Cast Iron Casserole Dish - Red
6.5 Qt. Cookware From Tramontina.
Great for Oven or Stovetop Use.
Made of Cast Iron, Red Porcelain Enamel Finish.
Oven Safe Up to 400F.
4 Layers of Chip-Resistant Enamel.
Retains Warmth.
Side Handles.
Snug-Fit Lid ; Glass Lid for Easy Viewing.
Exterior Won't Chip, Crack or Peel.
Hand Wash.
Diameter: 12.0".

Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 7-1/4-Quart Round French Oven, Cherry Red
Can be used in the oven or on the stovetop. Made of enameled cast iron--unexcelled for heat distribution and retention. Heavy, tight-fitting lid; plastic knob on lid is ovenproof to 450 degrees F. Holds 7 quarts; 11 inches in diameter. Dishwasher-safe; 101-year warranty.

All-Clad Stainless 8-Quart Stockpot
8-quart pot for simmering stocks, soups, and poaching poultry.
Three-ply: stainless-steel layers sandwich pure aluminum core for even heating.
Comfortable lid and stay-cool pot handles riveted for strength.
Dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing recommended.
Lifetime warranty against defects.

Best Toaster Ovens

2008-04-28T15:09:00.001-07:00

Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Broiler
Great for convection and conventional baking, broiling, and toasting.
1/2-cubic foot interior capacity; automatic shutoff after 4 hours.
Easy-to-use control panel with custom settings.
Comes with bake pan and drip pan.
Measures 17 by 14 by 9-1/4 inches; 3-year limited warranty against defects.

Oster 6292 Counterforms 1500-Watt 6-Slice Toaster Oven
1500-watt 6-slice multi-function toaster oven with exclusive Luminart finish.
Settings include bake, convection bake, broil, dehydrate, toast, bagel, and pizza.
Adjustable temperature from 150 to 450 degrees F; auto shut-off; interior light.
Rack, baking pan, and broiler tray included; removable crumb tray; nonstick interior.
Measures 22 by 12 by 18 inches; 1-year warranty.

Krups FBC512 6-Slice Convection Digital Toaster Oven, White
Two sets of 3 quartz heating elements heats food 30% faster and allows ultra precise temperature control.
Patented quartz technology alternates full 1600 watts of power to each set of heating elements to produce maximum radiant heat.
Highly polished stainless steel reflective crumb tray directs heat to all corners of oven for optimal results.
Convection baking function circulates heated air around the food for faster more even cooking result.
6 Preset cooking functions; illuminated LCD control panel; Digital clock/timer, Auto shut off and soft touch buttons.

Hamilton Beach 31199 Counter Top Rotisserie Oven
Large 1.1 cu.ft size.
Rotisserie kit included.
Dual cooking racks.
Convection setting.
Stainless Steel accents.

Best Rice Cookers

2008-04-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Zojirushi NS-LAC05 Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel
3-cup rice cooker with micro-computerized Fuzzy logic technology.
Menu selections include white, sushi, porridge, brown, and quick cooking.
Keep-warm function; LCD display with timer; nonstick inner cooking pan.
Measuring cup, nonstick rice spatula, and spatula holder included.
Measures 11-1/2 by 9 by 7-1/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty.

Hitachi RD7232 rice cooker, 23 cup.
Automatic "keep-warm" cycle.
Has a heavy duty fuse and a new improved switch.
Includes a full size trivet, measuring cup and instruction manual for use.
Cooking 1600W and warming 65W.

Oster Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
A rice cooker that’s great looking and works hard too.
Sleek stainless steel with a black airtight lid.
Enjoy 700 watts of power as you prepare up to 20 cups of delicious rice.
Features 12-hr. keep warm, removable nonstick pot and steam tray, automatic shutoff and cooking indicator light.
Wipe with damp cloth, reservoir is dishwasher safe.

Rival RCS200 20-Cup Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
20 cup (finished rice) capacity
Brushed stainless steel exterior / non-stick removable bowl.
Cook & keep warm settings.
Measuring cup and rice ladle included.
Dimensions 12.4 long, 12.4 wide, 10 high weighs 11.0 lbs.

Best Standing Food Mixers

2008-04-28T14:28:00.000-07:00

Viking VSM700BK Black Stand Mixer 7-qt.
Rear wheels for easy maneuverability around the countertop.
Stainless steel attachments.
Stir setting.
Knead large amounts of the toughest doughs in very short time.

KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixers
325-watt mixer with 10 speeds; 5-quart stainless steel bowl.
Tilt-back head for easy access to mixture.
2-piece pouring shield with large chute for adding ingredients.
Includes flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip.
Measures 14 by 8-2/3 inches by 14 inches; 1-year warranty.

Cuisinart SM-55 5-1/2-Quart Stand Mixers
800-watt stand mixer housed in durable die-cast metal.
12 speeds; 5-1/2-quart stainless-steel bowl; slow-start and gentle-fold functions.
15-minute countdown timer; 3 power outlets; auto shutoff; tilt-back head.
Chef's whisk, flat mixing paddle, dough hook, and splashguard included.
Measures 15-1/2 by 10 by 12-1/2 inches; 3-year warranty; 5-year motor warranty.

KitchenAid? Professional 600 6-Quart Mixer
10-speed stand mixer with all-metal construction and powerful 575-watt motor.
6-quart stainless-steel mixing bowl; direct-drive transmission with all-steel gears.
Electronic speed sensor; auto shut-off motor protection; Soft Start minimizes splatter.
Wire whip, burnished flat beater, spiral dough hook, and clear 2-piece pouring shield included.
Measures 14-3/5 by 16-1/2 by 11-2/7 inches; 1-year hassle-free replacement warranty.

Best Electric Kettles

2008-04-28T12:57:00.001-07:00

Chef's Choice 677 Cordless Electric 1-3/4-Quart Teakettle
1500-watt cordless teakettle quickly boils up to 1-3/4 quarts of water.
Concealed heating element eliminates build-up of mineral deposits.
Automatic shut-off, boil-dry safety protection, and secure locking lid.
Brushed stainless steel housing; water-level gauge; cord storage.
Measures 9 by 7-1/2 by 10 inches; 1-year limited warranty.

Breville SK500XL Ikon Stainless-Steel Electric Kettle
1500-watt electric kettle rapidly boils up to 1-4/5 quarts of water.
Housed in premium brushed stainless steel; cushion-controlled lid.
Easy "on/off" switch; "ready" bell; auto shut-off; boil-dry protection.
Multi-directional base with cord storage; soft-grip handle for comfort.
Measures 7-1/2 by 9-8/9 by 11-1/9 inches; 1-year limited warranty.

Proctor Silex K2070 1-Quart Automatic Electric Kettle, White
1000-watt electric kettle rapidly boils up to 1 quart of water.
Detachable cord and nonspill spout for graceful serving.
Immersed heating element; automatic shut off; boil-dry protection.
Dual water-level indicators; easy-open lid with security lock for safety.
Measures approximately 9-1/6 by 5 by 7-1/3 inches; 180-day limited warranty.

Bodum 5600-01USA Curl Cordless Electric Water Kettle
Holds 15 to 47 fluid ounces.
Made of polypropelene plastic with thick-film heating element.
Boils 47 fluid ounces in 4 minutes.
Power automatically cuts out when water boils.
Contains water level indicator; hinged safety lid.

Cuisinart RK-17 Traditional Cordless 1-3/4-Quart 1500-Watt Electric Kettle
1-3/4-quart cordless kettle with 1500 watts of power for fast heating.
Made from high-quality polished stainless steel; attractive, rust-resistant design.
Concealed heating element ensures better tasting water; automatic shut-off.
One-touch "on/off" switch with indicator light; generous stay-cool handle and knob.
Measures approximately 8 by 7 by 10 inches.

Krups FLF2-J4 Electric Kettle, Black and Stainless Steel
Powerful 1750 watt concealed stainless steel element for fast, efficient heating.
Stainless steel locking safety lid with covered spout to protect against accidental spilling.
Cordless 360 degree swivel base, cool touch handle on body.
Visible water level on both sides for left and right handed use.
Illuminated on switch for added convenience.

Capresso 259 H2O Plus Glass Cordless Safety Water Kettle
65 ounce Schott glass container with drip-free pouring design.
Illuminated power switch automatically turns off when kettle is lifted from base or upon boiling..
Slip-free, textured underside handle.
Cordless kettle lifts easily from base for drip-free pouring and serving.
Swivel base for right or left hand use.

Best french fry cutters (chippers).

2008-04-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

Progressive International Vegetable/French Fry Cutter

French Fry Cutter is plastic and stainless steel.
Comes with 2 blades: 25 hole for large fries and 49-hole for small fries.
Simply place small or half potatoes into shute and squeeze through for thick or thin fries.
Hand wash in soapy water.

Cuisipro Stainless Steel Apple Corer w/French Fry Cutters 3-pc.
Material: 18/10 Stainless Steel.
Cleaning & Care: Dishwasher Safe.

Northern Industrial Tools Deluxe French Fry Cutter
Sturdy, industrial strength. Accommodates large potatoes.
3 cutters.

Best electric knives

2008-04-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

Black & Decker EK700 SlimGrip Electric Knife
9" stainless steel blade,
trigger lock,
non-slip blade removal tabs,
non-slip grip,
flush cut blade design.

Hamilton Beach 74250 Carve 'N Set Electric Knife
Electric knife and carving fork come in compact storage case.
Electric knife effortlessly carves roasts, ham, turkey, and bread.
Knife blades and fork made of stainless steel.
Serrated blades are 7-1/2 inches long; fork is 12-inches.
Dishwasher-safe fork; blades need hand washing.

Oster 2803 Inspire Electric Knife with Bonus Carving Fork
Custom storage case and fork included.
Removable stainless steel cutting blade.
Special cutting tip for hard to carve areas.
Ergonomically designed for comfortable use.
Includes case & fork.

Best kitchen knives

2008-04-28T10:17:00.001-07:00

Here are some kitchen knives that are reviewed the best!

R. H. Forschner 8-Inch Chef's Knife, Black Fibrox Handle
High carbon stainless steel blade can be resharpened over and over
Ergonomically designed handle
Will stand up to years of daily use without undue deterioration or wear
Black Fibrox Handles is slip resistant for maximum safety.

MAC MTH-80 8" Chef's Knife w/ Dimples
Mighty Chef 8-1/2" - Chef Knife w/ Dimples.
All-purpose, glides through cuts.
Tungsten Alloy

MIU France 6-Inch High Carbon Stainless-Steel Stamped Boning Knife
One piece, stamped construction for durability
High carbon stainless steel blade
Ergonomic handle provides sure non-slip grip
Precision cutting edge cuts effortlessly without fatigue.
Hell it is a good price, and it feels good in the hand.
With this boning knife, I was able to summon the confidence to learn how to debone a chicken. And! Success! Three chickens in fact.
Made a very nice pistachio-veal stuffed boneless chicken. Delicious.

Chicago Cutlery Insignia Kitchen Scissors, Black
Heavy-duty kitchen scissors from Chicago Cutlery's Insignia collection
Contemporary polymer handle for left- or right-hand use
High-carbon stainless-steel blades taper ground for optimum sharpness
Additional functions: bottle opener, flathead screwdriver, jar gripper

These scissors are sturdy and sharp. The blades snap apart for easy cleaning and sharpening.

The nubs at the end can be a bit of a surprise (who'd expect that there?) so I could do without these but they don't hurt the product.

5 stars.

Zyliss Pizza Wheel
Palm-held, ergonomic design for better control with less force"
Long-lasting steel blade
Non-slip UV-coated handle prevents yellowing
Blade and handle separate for cleaning
Right- or left-handed use; 5-year warranty

Calphalon Traditional Cutlery 4-1/2-Inch Paring Knife
One piece forged construction for lifelong durability
Full tang design for better balance and superior strength
Hygienic fiberglass-reinforced poly resin handle will not absorb mositure, crack, split, or chip
Made from high-carbon stainless German steel

R H Forschner 10-inch Round Tip Slicing Knife, Black Fibrox Handle
High carbon stainless steel blade can be resharpened over and over
Ergonomically designed handle
Will stand up to years of daily use without undue deterioration or wear
Black Fibrox Handles is slip resistant for maximum safety.

And to keep all your knives safe and out of the way:

MIU Stainless-Steel 15-Inch Magnetic Knife Storage Bar
Magnetic knife-storage bar; makes it easy to store and retrieve cutlery
Made of brushed 18/10 stainless steel
Magnet grips blades firmly
Dishwasher-safe; comes with mounting hardware