Get up to 80% discount in JUMIA's Fashion Clearance sales starting from 13th July 2015. Click HERE to see all the FANTASTIC DEALS on offer...
Get the BEST DEALS for HOME APPLIANCES from the BIGGEST online store in Nigeria.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Celebrity Kitchen - Bruce Willis' Idaho Home
Located in his resort-like retreat in Hailey, Idaho, Die
Hard star Bruce
Willis' fully loaded kitchen comes with Traulsen and Sub-Zero
refrigerators, two dishwashers, a wine cooler and a Viking six-burner stove with dual
ovens. Under-counter lighting, elegant wood cabinetry and rich stone
countertops add rustic elegance
to this well-stocked space.
 |
| Courtesy: HGTV |
Appliances Review - Rice Cooker
Rice Cookers: What to Look For
 |
| TopTenReview |
Perfect
rice cooked on a stove needs constant attention. Rice that is not cooked long
enough will have a hard, grainy taste, while rice cooked too long tastes mushy
and leaves a difficult clean up job afterward. Rice cookers take the guesswork
out of this versatile meal base. The most basic models make cooking rice as
simple as flipping a switch. More sophisticated rice cookers allow you to
adjust for different kinds of rice, from basic basmati to perfectly prepared
sticky rice for sushi. Keep in mind, rice cookers aren’t only for cooking rice. Some models can be used for cooking food such as
oatmeal or jambalaya, and even for steaming vegetables or baking.
Rice Cookers: What to Look For
When
you’re shopping for an electric rice cooker, you’ll need to consider the needs
of your household. How much rice will the entire family require? Do you need
this for only white rice, or are you interested in other grains? Consider the
size, the pot design, and the features you’re likely to want.
Size
Rice cookers measure capacity by the cup, and should be used at or near full capacity for best results. Small rice cookers can make as little as three to four cups, which is ideal for a dorm room, while larger models will produce as much as 10 cups or more, such as you might need for a family gathering.
Rice cookers measure capacity by the cup, and should be used at or near full capacity for best results. Small rice cookers can make as little as three to four cups, which is ideal for a dorm room, while larger models will produce as much as 10 cups or more, such as you might need for a family gathering.
Design
Rice cookers generally fit into one of three design styles: pot style, cool-touch style or egg shaped. Pot-style rice cookers are perfect if you’re buying your first cooker. Based on the original Japanese design, an inner pot is placed in a rice cooker body and can usually be removed. This design also usually comes with a clear, removable lid. Cool-touch rice cookers reduce the chance of injury by being completely cool on the outside. The lid opens with a hinge and locks during cooking, producing fluffier rice. Most units allow for the inner pot to be removed as well. Egg-shaped rice cookers have a sleek, futuristic look. The design allows for a panel of advanced digital programming in front of the pot. These models are the closest you can get at home to the restaurant quality of commercial rice cookers.
Rice cookers generally fit into one of three design styles: pot style, cool-touch style or egg shaped. Pot-style rice cookers are perfect if you’re buying your first cooker. Based on the original Japanese design, an inner pot is placed in a rice cooker body and can usually be removed. This design also usually comes with a clear, removable lid. Cool-touch rice cookers reduce the chance of injury by being completely cool on the outside. The lid opens with a hinge and locks during cooking, producing fluffier rice. Most units allow for the inner pot to be removed as well. Egg-shaped rice cookers have a sleek, futuristic look. The design allows for a panel of advanced digital programming in front of the pot. These models are the closest you can get at home to the restaurant quality of commercial rice cookers.
Fuzzy Logic
Some of the best rice cookers use fuzzy logic, which basically means the machine is programmed to think the same way a human would about cooking rice. It can incorporate non-definitive terms like "slightly" or "almost" in its process, and it can take into account varying conditions. For example, rice often cooks more slowly on a cold day. The machine will consider this, and increase the heating element. Fuzzy logic cookers will even compensate for human errors in measurement and allow you to choose the consistency of the rice you prefer.
Some of the best rice cookers use fuzzy logic, which basically means the machine is programmed to think the same way a human would about cooking rice. It can incorporate non-definitive terms like "slightly" or "almost" in its process, and it can take into account varying conditions. For example, rice often cooks more slowly on a cold day. The machine will consider this, and increase the heating element. Fuzzy logic cookers will even compensate for human errors in measurement and allow you to choose the consistency of the rice you prefer.
Other Features
Always choose a non-stick pan when you can. It will save you time on cleaning. Some rice cookers also come with utensils, like attached plastic spoons or steamer baskets. These models will steam vegetables while the rice cooks, adding extra flexibility in the kitchen.
Always choose a non-stick pan when you can. It will save you time on cleaning. Some rice cookers also come with utensils, like attached plastic spoons or steamer baskets. These models will steam vegetables while the rice cooks, adding extra flexibility in the kitchen.
Rice is
a staple in nearly every culture, from Spanish rice and sushi rice to Arborio
for risotto. A rice cooker is a great solution; you can enjoy fresh, perfectly
cooked rice and appreciate the convenience of not needing to constantly monitor
the pot.
Appliances Review - Pressure Cooker
Pressure
cookers have come a long way from the flimsy cooktop models that were
sometimes the butt of jokes in black-and-white sitcoms. The advantage of a
pressure cooker is the speed with which it cooks food, making them an ideal
choice for a home cook who's interested in flavorful food with minimum cooking
time.
 |
| TopTenReview |
Pressure
cookers trap steam inside, forcing higher temperatures and driving steam back
into the food. The result is moist food made quickly, using the least amount of
energy. The only downside is you really do need to keep an eye on cooktop
models. Electric or automatic pressure cookers can be turned on and forgotten
about, and will signal when they’re done.
Pressure Cooker: What to Look For
If
you’re looking at cooktop models, be sure the pressure cooker has handles
that lock, and that there’s a dial or guage that indicates the pressure. It’s
also important to select a model with a lid that includes safety devices that
will activate if the pot is under too much pressure.
Timing & Accessories
Electric models have safety features built in, and offer “smart” cooking. The best example is rice makers that use pressure cooking to deliver fluffy rice cooked just right every time. Pressure cookers can be used as slow cookers or steamers. Basic pressure cookers offer digital operation and possibly a few settings such as “low” and “high,” as well as options for duration of cooking time. More advanced models will also offer longer cooking time and programmable cooking. These models can also come with accessories such as a steamer basket, which allows you to steam vegetables in a basket that hangs above the rice that’s cooking below.
Electric models have safety features built in, and offer “smart” cooking. The best example is rice makers that use pressure cooking to deliver fluffy rice cooked just right every time. Pressure cookers can be used as slow cookers or steamers. Basic pressure cookers offer digital operation and possibly a few settings such as “low” and “high,” as well as options for duration of cooking time. More advanced models will also offer longer cooking time and programmable cooking. These models can also come with accessories such as a steamer basket, which allows you to steam vegetables in a basket that hangs above the rice that’s cooking below.
Multi-Use Steamers
Aficionados might consider advanced pressure cookers that can double as anything from a sushi-grade rice cooker to a canner. These large-capacity machines have more settings and can adjust to know the differences needed for cooking brown rice, sushi rice or even porridge.
Aficionados might consider advanced pressure cookers that can double as anything from a sushi-grade rice cooker to a canner. These large-capacity machines have more settings and can adjust to know the differences needed for cooking brown rice, sushi rice or even porridge.
If you are a canner, then a pressure cooker that can accommodate
cans will be a welcome accessory in your kitchen. Large canning-grade pressure
cookers operate on the cooktop and are recommended by the USDA as the only
truly safe method for canning. They are also large enough to handle large cuts
of meat and will cook inexpensive, tough cuts of meat into tender meals in a
surprisingly short period of time.
Safety Features
There is definitely an education that goes along with pressure cookers, so be prepared to read the manual, especially if you’re using a cooktop pressure cooker. It’s important to understand how the pressure cooker works from a safety perspective, and as a matter of taste. Making meals with a cooktop pressure cooker reduces the time spent cooking, while using an electronic pressure cooker can allow you to pre-program start times so that a hot meal is steaming on the countertop as you walk in the door.
There is definitely an education that goes along with pressure cookers, so be prepared to read the manual, especially if you’re using a cooktop pressure cooker. It’s important to understand how the pressure cooker works from a safety perspective, and as a matter of taste. Making meals with a cooktop pressure cooker reduces the time spent cooking, while using an electronic pressure cooker can allow you to pre-program start times so that a hot meal is steaming on the countertop as you walk in the door.
When
shopping for pressure cookers, consider your settings options instead of just
"low" and "high," as well as more advanced cookers that
have multiple uses. If you can steam, can or cook large cuts of meat, it's a
better value.
Appliances Review - Cooker Hood
The first thing to consider is how much power your fan needs to have. A range hood's performance is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The higher the CFM number, the more air the range hood can remove in one minute of operation.
Your CFM needs depend on the size and the type of your range or range top, as well as the type and frequency of your cooking. For example, a large six-burner gas range requires more CFMs than a 30-inch-wide electric cooktop.
The requirement for an electric stove is 300 to 450 CFMs, whereas a gas range will need about 600 to 1,200. This number is based on the amount of BTUs (British thermal units, a gas appliance's performance measurement) divided by 100.
Many people don't use their kitchen fan because they find it too noisy. Don't let that happen with your new kitchen design.
A fan's sound output is measured in sones — an internationally recognized measurement of loudness as perceived by a person with normal hearing. Some of the manufacturers will provide that information in decibels (dB) rather than in sones.
Fans typically have three to six speed settings. Consider keeping the low setting, which is usually around 3 sones (at the sound level of a refrigerator running), on throughout the cooking process, and ramp up to the highest setting of about 7 sones (at the sound level of traffic noise) only for short, intense periods of cooking.
You have another option to cut down on fan noise: The blower part of a fan can be located in 3 different areas. Typically it sits in the actual carcass, or body, of the appliance. This is the version that creates the loudest sound.
There is also an inline blower, which sits halfway in the duct run, either between ceiling joists or in the attic. If you have a complicated duct installation — either because it is very long or because it has a number of turns — an inline blower can also be added to your main blower to strengthen its power.
If you are in the market for a more expensive product, then check out an external blower, which cuts down significantly on potential noise. External blowers are often used in combination with compatible fan products or to create a total custom ventilation system. Give the location of the exterior blower consideration. Although you can mount the unit to any exterior wall or roof, you don't want it to be close to often-used pathways or living spaces.
Make-Up Air
Don't underestimate the need for a make-up air system in your HVAC system, especially if you choose a strong hood fan.
High-powered hood fans take out large volumes of air. If this air is not replaced at the same rate that it is expelled, this results in greater air pressure outside the building than inside (a vacuum effect). A make-up air system replaces the air that is expelled by a building's exhaust system, makes sure your exhaust systems work properly and supplies conditioned replacement air that can be heated, cooled, humidified or dehumidified to suit your specific living environment.
Depending on your local building codes, your municipality might insist on the installation of a make-up air device, which would add expense to your construction budget. This is particularly important for renovations, as new builds usually already include a budget for an HVAC system.
This refers to the installation height of the appliance: the distance between the filter of the range hood and the burners on the range below.
The standard distance between a countertop and the hood is typically 30 to 36 inches. Some of the undercabinet models and microwave-hood combinations are installed at a lower height.
The farther the fan protrudes from the wall, the more it will be in your face — literally. And the taller you are, the more you will be affected by the unit, so please do not just rely on what is considered the standard installation height. First and foremost, your kitchen needs to suit you.
But, keep in mind that venting power decreases as a hood is installed higher on the wall. Select a fan with adequate power and consider the effects of its greater noise.
This is the term for the range hood’s footprint. It is measured in width and depth of the range hood itself in relation to the cooktop below. Technically, the width of the fan will match the width of the range or cooktop. Its depth should cover the back burners and at least half of the front burners.
But from a designer's point of view, this can result in bottom-heavy-looking feature areas and a decorative hood that is not proportional in size and shape. There's more to it than a simple equation. Aside from the available space that can be dedicated to the hood fan in a kitchen, the perceived volume of a hood depends on the design of the hood fan itself (straight or boxlike versus tapered, for example), as well as the style of the appliance (contemporary, stainless or decoratively wrapped in cabinetry) and the distance between the fan and its neighboring upper cabinets.
The kitchen for many is a
sophisticated workshop where we whip up mouthwatering meals to nourish
ourselves and our loved ones. But the wonderful cooking process has some
unfortunate by-products: grease, moisture and odor. The proper ventilation can
help minimize the effects of those fat droplets and
neutralize smells in the heart of your home.
It's not the most glamorous part of a remodel, but one of the main decisions you should make is the type of ventilation for your kitchen. Before you think about how a hood fan actually looks, explore the technical considerations. An island fan makes a strong statement in the center of the space, but it could fight for attention with pendants or chandeliers. On the other hand, a downdraft fan system lets you install a cooktop inconspicuously — even in front of a window. Being aware of your options could have an impact on the way you lay out your kitchen.
Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM)
It's not the most glamorous part of a remodel, but one of the main decisions you should make is the type of ventilation for your kitchen. Before you think about how a hood fan actually looks, explore the technical considerations. An island fan makes a strong statement in the center of the space, but it could fight for attention with pendants or chandeliers. On the other hand, a downdraft fan system lets you install a cooktop inconspicuously — even in front of a window. Being aware of your options could have an impact on the way you lay out your kitchen.
Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM)
The first thing to consider is how much power your fan needs to have. A range hood's performance is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The higher the CFM number, the more air the range hood can remove in one minute of operation.
Your CFM needs depend on the size and the type of your range or range top, as well as the type and frequency of your cooking. For example, a large six-burner gas range requires more CFMs than a 30-inch-wide electric cooktop.
The requirement for an electric stove is 300 to 450 CFMs, whereas a gas range will need about 600 to 1,200. This number is based on the amount of BTUs (British thermal units, a gas appliance's performance measurement) divided by 100.
Sones
Many people don't use their kitchen fan because they find it too noisy. Don't let that happen with your new kitchen design.
A fan's sound output is measured in sones — an internationally recognized measurement of loudness as perceived by a person with normal hearing. Some of the manufacturers will provide that information in decibels (dB) rather than in sones.
Fans typically have three to six speed settings. Consider keeping the low setting, which is usually around 3 sones (at the sound level of a refrigerator running), on throughout the cooking process, and ramp up to the highest setting of about 7 sones (at the sound level of traffic noise) only for short, intense periods of cooking.
Blower Options
You have another option to cut down on fan noise: The blower part of a fan can be located in 3 different areas. Typically it sits in the actual carcass, or body, of the appliance. This is the version that creates the loudest sound.
There is also an inline blower, which sits halfway in the duct run, either between ceiling joists or in the attic. If you have a complicated duct installation — either because it is very long or because it has a number of turns — an inline blower can also be added to your main blower to strengthen its power.
If you are in the market for a more expensive product, then check out an external blower, which cuts down significantly on potential noise. External blowers are often used in combination with compatible fan products or to create a total custom ventilation system. Give the location of the exterior blower consideration. Although you can mount the unit to any exterior wall or roof, you don't want it to be close to often-used pathways or living spaces.
Make-Up Air
Don't underestimate the need for a make-up air system in your HVAC system, especially if you choose a strong hood fan.
High-powered hood fans take out large volumes of air. If this air is not replaced at the same rate that it is expelled, this results in greater air pressure outside the building than inside (a vacuum effect). A make-up air system replaces the air that is expelled by a building's exhaust system, makes sure your exhaust systems work properly and supplies conditioned replacement air that can be heated, cooled, humidified or dehumidified to suit your specific living environment.
Depending on your local building codes, your municipality might insist on the installation of a make-up air device, which would add expense to your construction budget. This is particularly important for renovations, as new builds usually already include a budget for an HVAC system.
Mounting Height
This refers to the installation height of the appliance: the distance between the filter of the range hood and the burners on the range below.
The standard distance between a countertop and the hood is typically 30 to 36 inches. Some of the undercabinet models and microwave-hood combinations are installed at a lower height.
The farther the fan protrudes from the wall, the more it will be in your face — literally. And the taller you are, the more you will be affected by the unit, so please do not just rely on what is considered the standard installation height. First and foremost, your kitchen needs to suit you.
But, keep in mind that venting power decreases as a hood is installed higher on the wall. Select a fan with adequate power and consider the effects of its greater noise.
Capture Area
This is the term for the range hood’s footprint. It is measured in width and depth of the range hood itself in relation to the cooktop below. Technically, the width of the fan will match the width of the range or cooktop. Its depth should cover the back burners and at least half of the front burners.
But from a designer's point of view, this can result in bottom-heavy-looking feature areas and a decorative hood that is not proportional in size and shape. There's more to it than a simple equation. Aside from the available space that can be dedicated to the hood fan in a kitchen, the perceived volume of a hood depends on the design of the hood fan itself (straight or boxlike versus tapered, for example), as well as the style of the appliance (contemporary, stainless or decoratively wrapped in cabinetry) and the distance between the fan and its neighboring upper cabinets.
Susan McDaniel
Grease Filters
All cooker hood have an easy-to-remove grease trap/filter that can be wiped clean.
Some other cooker hood models (should) feature stainless steel filters that are dishwasher safe. Make sure that you take out the filters at the appliance store to see if they're easy to remove.
Re-circulation
When it's impossible to ventilate the range hood to the outside environment via a duct, a model with a recirculating kit allows air to be cleaned through a carbon filter that traps and quarantines cooking by-products. Once the air passes through the carbon filter, it is reintroduced into the kitchen, grease and odor free.
You will need to clean or exchange those filters regularly.
All cooker hood have an easy-to-remove grease trap/filter that can be wiped clean.
Some other cooker hood models (should) feature stainless steel filters that are dishwasher safe. Make sure that you take out the filters at the appliance store to see if they're easy to remove.
Re-circulation
When it's impossible to ventilate the range hood to the outside environment via a duct, a model with a recirculating kit allows air to be cleaned through a carbon filter that traps and quarantines cooking by-products. Once the air passes through the carbon filter, it is reintroduced into the kitchen, grease and odor free.
You will need to clean or exchange those filters regularly.
Appliances Review - Indoor Electric Grill
Appliances Review - Indoor Electric Grill
Indoor Electric Grills: What to Look For
 |
| TopTenReview |
Indoor
electric grills offer that delicious grilled taste in the comfort of your home.
These grills are the perfect solution if you live in small homes or apartments
and don't have room for a barbecue grill. You'll be able to throw some steak,
hamburger, chicken or other foods on the grill and enjoy that summer-barbecue
taste in no time, without having to fire up an outside grill.
Indoor
grills have non-stick grilling surfaces and are easy to maintain and clean.
There's no need to use propane, because they simply plug into the wall. These
units are compact, so don’t take up a lot of space on your countertop, and you
can easily store one in a cupboard.
Indoor Electric Grills: What to Look For
Choosing
which indoor electric grill is right for your situation can be difficult
because there are so many options out there. Consider the following criteria
when looking for a stove-top grill.
Cooking Surface
The size of the cooking surface varies with indoor grills. Some indoor grills can cook enough food for three to four people at a time, and some even fold open to offer a grilling surface on both the bottom and the lid of the unit. Other electric grills are more basic and offer smaller grilling areas, suitable for cooking for one or two people. Inside grills that have lid grill plates let you cook both sides of your food at once, rather than having to flip the food over as you cook.
The size of the cooking surface varies with indoor grills. Some indoor grills can cook enough food for three to four people at a time, and some even fold open to offer a grilling surface on both the bottom and the lid of the unit. Other electric grills are more basic and offer smaller grilling areas, suitable for cooking for one or two people. Inside grills that have lid grill plates let you cook both sides of your food at once, rather than having to flip the food over as you cook.
Features
Most indoor grills offer some of the same features, such as non-stick grilling surfaces and temperature control. But advanced indoor grills offer features such as timers, glass lids, removable cooking plates and indicator lights, all of which make a unit easier to use and clean.
Most indoor grills offer some of the same features, such as non-stick grilling surfaces and temperature control. But advanced indoor grills offer features such as timers, glass lids, removable cooking plates and indicator lights, all of which make a unit easier to use and clean.
Grill Temperature
Temperature also varies by grill. Some electric grills offer temperatures ranging from 150 degrees Fahrenheit to over 400 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas others only allow you to cook from 300 to over 400 degrees, with no low temperature setting. The right temperature range for you depends on the type of food you plan to cook on your indoor electric grill.
Temperature also varies by grill. Some electric grills offer temperatures ranging from 150 degrees Fahrenheit to over 400 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas others only allow you to cook from 300 to over 400 degrees, with no low temperature setting. The right temperature range for you depends on the type of food you plan to cook on your indoor electric grill.
For instance, if you plan on cooking food that needs to be cooked
slowly, such as some meats, at a lower temperature, an inside grill with a wide
temperature range is ideal. If grilling hamburgers and other meats is likely to
be all you use your electric grill for, a unit that only offers high
temperatures is sufficient.
Warranty
Warranties range from the standard one-year warranty up to three years. Generally, pricier and more advanced grills come with longer warranties, which covers the unit for a lengthier amount of time.
Warranties range from the standard one-year warranty up to three years. Generally, pricier and more advanced grills come with longer warranties, which covers the unit for a lengthier amount of time.
Indoor
electric grills are compact and easy to use, and they give you the chance to
barbecue right in your own kitchen. These units are convenient and can be used
to cook a plethora of different food. These indoor grills offer a non-stick
grilling surface, which will make cooking and cleaning the unit much easier.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)