SIGforum
Kitchen gimmicks that actually work, or don’t
October 09, 2019, 08:06 AM
gearhoundsKitchen gimmicks that actually work, or don’t
Over the years, we’ve all seen them- tools, appliances, utensils, pots and pans, and other time savers that are supposed to do something so well you’ll fall to your knees in amazement. Ok, perhaps a bit over the top.
Anything from either category? Things that either pleasantly surprised or made you want to throw it through a window.
Recently I discovered this little gem at Goodwill for $4. Videos were promising, so I gave it a shot. It basically lets you make an easy to prepare breakfast without a lot of cleanup. I usually abhor anything involving Teflon but this time it worked out.
Quickly, neatly makes this with one English muffin, one egg, a slice of cheese and ham.
“Remember to get vaccinated or a vaccinated person might get sick from a virus they got vaccinated against because you’re not vaccinated.” - author unknown October 09, 2019, 08:18 AM
V-TailI would like to find something that will open a large, maybe 4" or 5" diameter, jar lid.
The Guillain Barré has left me with decreased grip strength and it is sometimes a struggle to open a new jar, especially with a larger size lid.
הרחפת שלי מלאה בצלופחים October 09, 2019, 08:25 AM
arfmelWe had a Presto “Hot Dogger” that one of my friends picked up at a thrift store. It cooked hot dogs by electrocution. Not nearly as good as burning them on a grill, or even boiling them. And it was a mess to clean.
October 09, 2019, 08:28 AM
gearhoundsquote:
Originally posted by V-Tail:
I would like to find something that will open a large, maybe 4" or 5" diameter, jar lid.
The Guillain Barré has left me with decreased grip strength and it is sometimes a struggle to open a new jar, especially with a larger size lid.
I’ve heard rubber strap oil filter wrenches work, but have never tried one.
“Remember to get vaccinated or a vaccinated person might get sick from a virus they got vaccinated against because you’re not vaccinated.” - author unknown October 09, 2019, 08:30 AM
fpuhanI purchased a cover for microwaving items and the vendor included two bonus items: a grip for hot pots and pans, and a bag to microwave bake potatoes in four minutes. I use the bag a lot!
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NRA Benefactor/Patriot Member October 09, 2019, 08:31 AM
PowerSurgequote:
Originally posted by V-Tail:
I would like to find something that will open a large, maybe 4" or 5" diameter, jar lid.
The Guillain Barré has left me with decreased grip strength and it is sometimes a struggle to open a new jar, especially with a larger size lid.
https://www.amazon.com/EZ-Off-...%2Caps%2C242&sr=8-15
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October 09, 2019, 08:32 AM
STSquote:
Originally posted by arfmel:
We had a Presto “Hot Dogger” that one of my friends picked up at a thrift store. It cooked hot dogs by electrocution. Not nearly as good as burning them on a grill, or even boiling them. And it was a mess to clean.
Cleanup is where all these kitchen gadgets fall down for me. I avoid nonstick cook wear and buy stainless steel pots and pans so I can just run them through the dishwasher, or scrub them down with Bar Keepers Friend when they start looking a little used.
October 09, 2019, 08:36 AM
gearhoundsquote:
Originally posted by STS:
quote:
Originally posted by arfmel:
We had a Presto “Hot Dogger” that one of my friends picked up at a thrift store. It cooked hot dogs by electrocution. Not nearly as good as burning them on a grill, or even boiling them. And it was a mess to clean.
Cleanup is where all these kitchen gadgets fall down for me. I avoid nonstick cook wear and buy stainless steel pots and pans so I can just run them through the dishwasher, or scrub them down with Bar Keepers Friend when they start looking a little used.
The beauty of this unit is that you clean up with water alone. No scrubbing beyond a wipe down with a damp paper towel. The pre-cook heat up will kill any bacteria as all the cooking surfaces get blistering hot.
“Remember to get vaccinated or a vaccinated person might get sick from a virus they got vaccinated against because you’re not vaccinated.” - author unknown October 09, 2019, 08:42 AM
flesheatingvirusquote:
Originally posted by fpuhan:
I purchased a cover for microwaving items and the vendor included two bonus items: a grip for hot pots and pans, and a bag to microwave bake potatoes in four minutes. I use the bag a lot!
Just an FYI, one of these ignited after use and burned down Tom Gresham’s (Guntalk podcast host) house in 2017.
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October 09, 2019, 08:49 AM
rsboloInstant Pot pressure cooker. I love that darn thing.
Matfer 11 7/8" carbon steel pan. It seasoned like a dream and cooks quite a bit like my cast iron, but not nearly as heavy.
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October 09, 2019, 09:00 AM
sredingquote:
Originally posted by gearhounds:
Quickly, neatly makes this with one English muffin, one egg, a slice of cheese and ham.
I was really excited about this sandwich maker when I first saw them - never got it to work. The egg was always mostly raw and the english muffin burned regardless of how we did it.
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October 09, 2019, 09:09 AM
GeorgeairGot as a gift one of those Pampered Chef or similar cheaply-ish mandolins a few years ago. For mass production of evenly sliced veg or fries, it works remarkably well and is adjustable, dishwasher safe.
Don't use it regularly but when we do it's pretty cool.
You only have integrity once. - imprezaguy02
October 09, 2019, 09:10 AM
KDRElectric Tea Kettle: Gets used several times a day and heats the water fast and to the perfect temperature.
Immersion Blender: My wife had wanted one for a while, so I picked one up on whim. She used the heck out of it for about a week. I don't think she's touched it in over a year.
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October 09, 2019, 09:13 AM
Southflorida-lawWife and daughter bought a Magic Bullet juicer and damn if that thing doesn't work great. Use it all the time. I has to be at least 3 years old and will grind up 2x4's! Well, maybe not 2x4's.
October 09, 2019, 09:13 AM
daikyuSalad Spinner.
Cut up as much lettuce as I need. Wash it in the spinner and then spin it dry. Works well.
October 09, 2019, 09:20 AM
71 TRUCKMy mother gave us a basket air fryer as a gift. She bought it from Qvc.
We use it at least two to three times a week. It is only my wife and I so it is convenient not having to heat up the oven all the time.
WE make all kinds of things, chicken legs,chicken breast,hamburgers,meatloaf and it makes great roasted potatoes.
So far we are very happy with it.
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NRA Life Member October 09, 2019, 09:47 AM
maladatquote:
Originally posted by KDR:
Electric Tea Kettle: Gets used several times a day and heats the water fast and to the perfect temperature.
Immersion Blender: My wife had wanted one for a while, so I picked one up on whim. She used the heck out of it for about a week. I don't think she's touched it in over a year.
In a similar vein, one of our most-used kitchen items is a Zojirushi water boiler/warmer. It kind of looks like one of those big coffee dispensers with a spout at the top, but has an electric heater inside. Hot water on tap, instantly, any time you want it.
It holds about a gallon of water and will hold it at temperature (selectable from several temperatures appropriate for coffee or different types of tea) for weeks without much loss to evaporation and using very little electricity. We recently upgraded to one with a vacuum-insulated reservoir, and the manual says it consumes ~20W to maintain a 208F temperature and ~16W to maintain a 195F temperature. Obviously it uses a lot more to bring cold tap water up to temp, it's rated for a max draw of 840W.
Also from Zojirushi, if you eat rice at all frequently, a rice cooker. Dump rice and water in, push a button, perfect rice every time. No watching, no stirring, no having to catch it exactly when it's done. Once the rice is ready, it will keep it warm and ready to serve with no loss of flavor or texture for hours. As a bonus, it makes great non-instant oatmeal just as easily. Every family in Japan has a rice cooker for a reason.
I have an immersion blender. I don't use it all that often, but it works great, and when I do use it, it saves a lot of time.
October 09, 2019, 10:12 AM
oddballOur best kitchen gadgets include this Benriner unit.
Use it at least once a week, bought over 25 years ago. Another item we love is a brass Turkish coffee grinder we use as a pepper grinder. Bought it in the 80s, and we still use it daily.
The most useless contraption was an apple peeler. Threw it away after one spin.
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October 09, 2019, 10:19 AM
YooperSigsGeorge Foreman is my friend! I make grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, mainly.
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October 09, 2019, 10:22 AM
gearhoundsquote:
I was really excited about this sandwich maker when I first saw them - never got it to work. The egg was always mostly raw and the english muffin burned regardless of how we did it.
I must have lucked out on the calibration on this one. Other than letting it go a minute past the green light, it completely cooks the the egg to perfection and the muffin is crisp on the outside only.
“Remember to get vaccinated or a vaccinated person might get sick from a virus they got vaccinated against because you’re not vaccinated.” - author unknown