The modern stainless kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, including a walk-in refrigerator and freezer.
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Sunday, July 19, 2015
Appliances Review - Blender
Blenders: What to Look For
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| TopTenReview |
A high
quality blender is one of the most versatile appliances you can have in your
kitchen. With these appliances, you can crush ice, pulse vegetables, whip
smoothies, heat soup and more. Blenders come in a variety of designs, including
the popular glass jar blenders and handheld blenders. You can also choose the
power of your blender. Most blenders range from 2 speeds to 18 speeds, which
provides plenty of options for creating the perfect blend of food.
Blenders: What to Look For
When
you look for the best blender for your kitchen, you need a device that has the
power to handle most blending tasks. You may want a blender to create drinks,
chop ice, heat soup or other food prep. You need to decide what tasks you will
use your blender for most frequently and make sure that the blender you choose
has the necessary capabilities.
Many of
the best kitchen blenders have additional features such as the ability to
blend, chop, whip or crush. They can also have an easy-to-clean design and
safety features to ensure that the power of the blender does not cause any
bodily injury.
Below
are the criteria we used to evaluate these kitchen appliances.
Performance
The best blenders can handle any type of food processing. Look for a blender with a powerful motor and several speed options. The variable speed features give you control of the kitchen appliance. The best kitchen blenders features 10 or 16 speeds, which provides you with plenty of options. Additionally, look for a blender with a variety of processing options that include whipping, chopping, pureeing, blending and more. Some blenders provide six or seven processing options, while other blenders may offer only two or three.
The best blenders can handle any type of food processing. Look for a blender with a powerful motor and several speed options. The variable speed features give you control of the kitchen appliance. The best kitchen blenders features 10 or 16 speeds, which provides you with plenty of options. Additionally, look for a blender with a variety of processing options that include whipping, chopping, pureeing, blending and more. Some blenders provide six or seven processing options, while other blenders may offer only two or three.
Features
Kitchen blenders differ in the number of features they offer. Some of the best blenders will start at a slower speed and then gradually work their way up to a faster speed. They may also have a special heat setting that allows you to make warm soup directly in the device.
Kitchen blenders differ in the number of features they offer. Some of the best blenders will start at a slower speed and then gradually work their way up to a faster speed. They may also have a special heat setting that allows you to make warm soup directly in the device.
Design
The design of your blender is important because you don't want a device that is large and bulky and takes up too much counter space. Some of the best blenders on the market are small and compact. They have a flat and smooth base with flat buttons so that you can easily wipe away any spills and don't have to waste time cleaning between buttons. Also, many blenders come in a variety of colors and designs, so you can find the perfect appliance to match your kitchen decor.
The design of your blender is important because you don't want a device that is large and bulky and takes up too much counter space. Some of the best blenders on the market are small and compact. They have a flat and smooth base with flat buttons so that you can easily wipe away any spills and don't have to waste time cleaning between buttons. Also, many blenders come in a variety of colors and designs, so you can find the perfect appliance to match your kitchen decor.
You can also find blenders with a tight rubber lid to prevent
spills and a spout that allows you to easily pour your food. Many of the best
blender parts are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
With
these combined elements, you can have a powerful, feature-filled kitchen
blender that will allow you to create many fabulous dishes, all while adding an
extra touch of class to your kitchen.
Appliances Review - Juicer
WHY BUY A JUICER?
JUICERS:
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
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| TopTenReview |
WHY BUY A JUICER?
Lots of people have a hard time devouring a plate of fruits and
vegetables, or even half a plate, which is the current recommendation from the
USDA for each meal. A juicer machine is one way to add a few fruits and
vegetables to your daily diet in a way that is generally more appetizing than
raw produce.
Research indicates that juice is not as healthy as eating raw
produce with its accompanying fiber, but drinking fresh juice is better than
leaving fruits and vegetables out of your diet completely. It can also be
healthier than store-bought juices, which often have added sugar and
preservatives. Juicing can help you get at least a little fresh produce into
your diet. Also, fresh juice tastes great. The juicing community has been
perfecting recipes for years.
The three main types of
juicing machines – centrifugal, masticating and triturating – all have their
strengths and weaknesses. The most basic difference is that centrifugal juicers
grind, masticating juicers chew and triturating juicers press produce. There is
so much competition for your juicing dollar that it can be difficult to
determine the best juicer. The answer may be slightly
different for each user based on personal preference and budget.
JUICERS:
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
We evaluated a mix of popular centrifugal and blender-style
juicers for our comparison, even though the two types differ from each other in
some ways. Both have a central, rotating blade system that grinds produce, but
blender-style juicers leave the pulp in and centrifugal units separate most of
it out of the juice. Centrifugal and blender-style units can add heat and
oxygen to produce, both of which can subtract nutritional benefits, according
to some research. However, if you go from very few fruits and vegetables a day
to taking in more of both, combined in any kind of juicer, it will be a huge
improvement to your diet. Here are some of the characteristics we looked for
specifically in our juicer reviews:
Juicing Capabilities
The best juicers make good use of the produce you put into them. We looked for juicer machines with powerful motors that yielded the most juice possible. Using a food scale to verify, we put the same amount of fruits and vegetables into each juicer we tested. We looked for high juice yields, whether testing soft citrus fruits like oranges or tougher produce like beets and carrots. We tested the same three simple recipes on every machine, one with mostly hard produce, one with mostly soft produce and one with a mix of both. Recipes included carrots, beets, apples, kale, spinach, lemons, oranges, grapefruit and ginger so we could see how each machine reacted to different types of fruits and vegetables.
The best juicers make good use of the produce you put into them. We looked for juicer machines with powerful motors that yielded the most juice possible. Using a food scale to verify, we put the same amount of fruits and vegetables into each juicer we tested. We looked for high juice yields, whether testing soft citrus fruits like oranges or tougher produce like beets and carrots. We tested the same three simple recipes on every machine, one with mostly hard produce, one with mostly soft produce and one with a mix of both. Recipes included carrots, beets, apples, kale, spinach, lemons, oranges, grapefruit and ginger so we could see how each machine reacted to different types of fruits and vegetables.
Since one of the top reasons for juicing is to make fruit and
vegetables more palatable, the goal in general is to get the smoothest juice
with the least amount of pulp. We put the juice we made with each machine
through the same strainer to see how much pulp was left. The less pulp left in
that strainer, the better. If you value a little bit of nutritious pulp, you
can always opt not to strain it out, but a juicer should leave you with juice,
not froth or pulp.
Prep & Cleanup
A juicer can end up in the appliance graveyard at the back of your deepest cabinet or as a countertop dust collector if you do not find it easy to use. The best juicers require very little preparation and are simple to assemble and clean. We considered factors like how many parts you have to wash with each use and how many cuts we had to make to prepare the produce in all three recipes so they could fit in each juicer. The less you have to cut each ingredient before juicing, the better. Dishwasher-safe parts also make a juicer more likely to be used instead of stored.
A juicer can end up in the appliance graveyard at the back of your deepest cabinet or as a countertop dust collector if you do not find it easy to use. The best juicers require very little preparation and are simple to assemble and clean. We considered factors like how many parts you have to wash with each use and how many cuts we had to make to prepare the produce in all three recipes so they could fit in each juicer. The less you have to cut each ingredient before juicing, the better. Dishwasher-safe parts also make a juicer more likely to be used instead of stored.
Design
With a lot of rpm and watts coursing through these juicers, they have the potential to wake the neighborhood, or at least the household. We used a decibel (dB) meter to measure how much noise each unit generates. This can be a deciding factor if you want to make juice in the early morning.
With a lot of rpm and watts coursing through these juicers, they have the potential to wake the neighborhood, or at least the household. We used a decibel (dB) meter to measure how much noise each unit generates. This can be a deciding factor if you want to make juice in the early morning.
If you are absolutely sold on a specific juicer, you will find a
way to make it fit into your kitchen somehow, but we like the units that make a
small footprint on your countertop. Built-in cord storage and a nonslip base
also add to the convenience of a machine. With all of the liquid involved in
juicing, it is safer and easier if the machine stays in one place.
Help & Support
A long and strong warranty helps build trust in a product. We like the manufacturers that stand by their juicers with good warranties and lots of easy ways to access customer service representatives if you have a question.
A long and strong warranty helps build trust in a product. We like the manufacturers that stand by their juicers with good warranties and lots of easy ways to access customer service representatives if you have a question.
A fresh juicing routine can add vital nutrients and wonderful
flavor to your life. A glass of fresh fruit and vegetable juice can be much
more appetizing than a bowl of raw produce. The right juicer can help you start
a healthy habit that will last a lifetime.
Appliances Review - Food Processor
Food Processors: What to Look For
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| TopTenReview |
Every
cook – professional or not – knows the frequent slicing, dicing, shredding and
mixing that happens in the kitchen. While a good knife serves as an appropriate
tool for such tasks, a food processor can complete some of the same jobs in
half the time. With the variety of components that food processors offer, they
can help you accomplish almost anything in the kitchen.
Food Processors: What to Look For
The
wide variety of food processors available to you can be overwhelming. However,
the variety means there's a model for just about everyone – from the affordable
models, that chop and dice
at a basic level, to the higher-end kitchen machines that can chop, slice, puree, and even
knead dough. In order to find the best food processor for you, it's important
to focus on three key things: features, design and capacity.
Features
The different accessories that come with a food processor can impact how well it will actually work for you. Most standard food processors offer slicing, chopping, grinding and shredding features and attachments. The more advanced machines can mix baking ingredients, create juice or even knead bread dough.
You'll also want to pay attention to how powerful the machine is. If you are planning to use your food processor for more difficult tasks, like making bread, you will want a powerful machine with adjustable speeds. Machines with 700 or more watts are considered high-powered machines and can handle most food processing tasks. Food processors that are used for simpler tasks generally have 200 to 500 watts and are significantly cheaper. Almost every food processor has the basic on/off and pulse key; anything more than that indicates a more advanced machine.
Design
Most food processing units have a standard design. You'll generally find a base that holds the motor, a bowl, cutting blades, shredding and slicing discs, a pusher and a lid with a feed tube that fits onto the bowl. Some processors come with wider feed tubes that save you time by reducing the amount chopping you'll have to do to fit food into the tube. Another thing to consider is the weight and amount of cupboard space you have available for your machine. The more advanced processors tend to take up more space and are heavy, whereas the more compact food processors can easily be tucked away.
Capacity
Depending on your intentions, the total amount that the food processor holds can be a determining factor in the model you ultimately decide to purchase. Most models hold at least 7 cups of dry ingredients with the larger machines holding up to 14 cups. However, larger machines usually include a variety of different bowls you can use to handle any size job. There are also much smaller machines, especially food choppers, which typically hold 3 to 5 cups.
The different accessories that come with a food processor can impact how well it will actually work for you. Most standard food processors offer slicing, chopping, grinding and shredding features and attachments. The more advanced machines can mix baking ingredients, create juice or even knead bread dough.
You'll also want to pay attention to how powerful the machine is. If you are planning to use your food processor for more difficult tasks, like making bread, you will want a powerful machine with adjustable speeds. Machines with 700 or more watts are considered high-powered machines and can handle most food processing tasks. Food processors that are used for simpler tasks generally have 200 to 500 watts and are significantly cheaper. Almost every food processor has the basic on/off and pulse key; anything more than that indicates a more advanced machine.
Design
Most food processing units have a standard design. You'll generally find a base that holds the motor, a bowl, cutting blades, shredding and slicing discs, a pusher and a lid with a feed tube that fits onto the bowl. Some processors come with wider feed tubes that save you time by reducing the amount chopping you'll have to do to fit food into the tube. Another thing to consider is the weight and amount of cupboard space you have available for your machine. The more advanced processors tend to take up more space and are heavy, whereas the more compact food processors can easily be tucked away.
Capacity
Depending on your intentions, the total amount that the food processor holds can be a determining factor in the model you ultimately decide to purchase. Most models hold at least 7 cups of dry ingredients with the larger machines holding up to 14 cups. However, larger machines usually include a variety of different bowls you can use to handle any size job. There are also much smaller machines, especially food choppers, which typically hold 3 to 5 cups.
A food
processor can serve as a very beneficial tool in your kitchen. With the variety
of different tasks that it can complete, it is a necessity for serious cooks.
Even if you're only cooking meals for your family, a food processor can
substantially reduce your preparation time and help you make delicious food
more effectively.
Appliances Review - Coffee Maker
DRIP COFFEE MAKER
CONSIDERATIONS
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| TopTenReview |
DRIP COFFEE MAKER
CONSIDERATIONS
Nothing can brighten your morning like the seductive aroma of
freshly brewed coffee. Many of us stand there bleary-eyed, yearning for a
"cup of ambition," as Dolly Parton so aptly called it in her song
"9 to 5." The anticipation of that first delectable sip is enough to
shake out the cobwebs and send you off smiling.
There are many ways to make coffee, from primitively tossing the
beans in water and boiling them to delicate hands-on tending. For this coffee
machine review, we looked at the family-sized automatic drip coffee makers that
have been fixtures in kitchens for decades and are still popular.
DRIP
COFFEE MAKER: A BUYER'S GUIDE
In this review, we did not examine espresso machines, single-serve
coffee makers, percolators, French presses or coffee makers that also grind the
beans. Instead, this site presents a diverse group of the best coffee machines
that employ an automatic drip-brewing process and present an eight- to 14-cup
capacity.
To pick the best home coffee maker for your kitchen, it is smart
to focus on the basic design features and capabilities that will brew just the
right coffee for your palate, and then consider the nice-to-have extras. It
would also be smart to examine the length of the warranty and the availability
of customer service.
Coffee Maker Design
If you live alone and drink one cup of coffee every now and then, a 12-cup coffee maker might be too large – that is, until you host a dinner party. You have many options to consider, including such things as a brew pause function, which provides the ability to sneak a cup during the brewing process. A product with a water filter makes better-tasting coffee and reduces scale buildup.
If you live alone and drink one cup of coffee every now and then, a 12-cup coffee maker might be too large – that is, until you host a dinner party. You have many options to consider, including such things as a brew pause function, which provides the ability to sneak a cup during the brewing process. A product with a water filter makes better-tasting coffee and reduces scale buildup.
There are pros and cons to both permanent and paper filters.
Permanent filters save you money, since you don't have to keep buying the paper
variety, which is also better for the environment. However, it is easier to get
rid of the coffee grounds with the disposable paper liners. Also, permanent
filters can retain some of the coffee oils unless these are cleaned constantly,
which can lend an off taste to the coffee.
Convenience & Safety
Once you have decided on the basic features you want, it is smart to examine features of convenience and safety next. Many top-rated coffee makers offer an automatic shut-off function that protects your home if you rush off to the carpool and forget to flip the off button. It is handy to have a coffee maker that alerts you when the brewing is done, lets you see how much water the device contains, and includes a programmable clock so you can set everything up the night before and awake to the fragrance of fresh coffee.
Once you have decided on the basic features you want, it is smart to examine features of convenience and safety next. Many top-rated coffee makers offer an automatic shut-off function that protects your home if you rush off to the carpool and forget to flip the off button. It is handy to have a coffee maker that alerts you when the brewing is done, lets you see how much water the device contains, and includes a programmable clock so you can set everything up the night before and awake to the fragrance of fresh coffee.
Carafe
Like all matters involving coffee, the type of carafe you choose depends on your personal taste. Some people love the glass carafes that are kept warm on a heater plate, while others prefer an insulated thermal carafe that keeps the coffee warm by itself.
Like all matters involving coffee, the type of carafe you choose depends on your personal taste. Some people love the glass carafes that are kept warm on a heater plate, while others prefer an insulated thermal carafe that keeps the coffee warm by itself.
Warranty & Support
Each vendor in our coffee makers review provides telephone support and email support. The warranty periods for various automatic drip coffee makers range from one to three years, which is quite a range, so be aware of the warranty period as you make your selection.
Each vendor in our coffee makers review provides telephone support and email support. The warranty periods for various automatic drip coffee makers range from one to three years, which is quite a range, so be aware of the warranty period as you make your selection.
Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or someone who just needs
plenty of hot java and needs it fast, there is an automatic drip coffee maker
on the market for you. Check out the different varieties in our reviews and you
can end up with the best drip coffee machine you have ever owned.
Appliances Review - Espresso Machine
ESPRESSO
MACHINES: WHAT TO LOOK FOR
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| TopTenReview |
Let's face it – espresso is just good. The light crema, the bitter
heart and the caramel body all come together for an exquisite treat. Espresso
is a nice pick-me-up on your way into work or a good way to relax after a fine
meal. Topping espresso with warm milk gives you the option of enjoying a
cappuccino, while steaming milk produces a rich latte. The best home espresso
machines can multi-task and produce a variety of delicious coffee drinks.
Owning the best home espresso machine for you means you don't have
to wait in long coffee-shop lines or endure late-night cravings because the
café is closed. It will also save you hundreds of dollars throughout the life
of your machine as you create tasty espresso right in your own kitchen. Some
models of espresso makers brew multiple cups of espresso at a time, while
barista-style machines brew both espresso and coffee.
ESPRESSO
MACHINES: WHAT TO LOOK FOR
In determining the best
espresso makers, we looked at each machine's performance and features, and we
also considered the safety of the machine and the available support from the
manufacturer. Below are some details for you to be aware of as you search for
your ideal espresso maker.
Features
All espresso machines come with a steam wand for heating milk to top your espresso. Some steam wands are adjustable so that you can change the consistency of the milk. This means you can turn your espresso into a latte, macchiato or cappuccino. It's a bonus if the espresso machine comes with its own frothing cup. If it doesn't, you can grab any cup, mug or glass to steam, froth or blend the milk into the drink of your choice.
All espresso machines come with a steam wand for heating milk to top your espresso. Some steam wands are adjustable so that you can change the consistency of the milk. This means you can turn your espresso into a latte, macchiato or cappuccino. It's a bonus if the espresso machine comes with its own frothing cup. If it doesn't, you can grab any cup, mug or glass to steam, froth or blend the milk into the drink of your choice.
The more parts of your espresso machine that are removable the
better. This means you will be able to better clean every nook and cranny to
help prevent calcium buildup and bacteria growth. Drip trays, portafilters and
water reservoirs can all be removable, depending on the model of your espresso
machine.
There are two important accessories that are needed for brewing
great espresso: a measuring tool and a tamping tool. A measuring tool ensures
that you use the proper amount of coffee grounds during each cycle. Too much
can cause the filter to clog and reduce the effectiveness of your espresso
machine. The tamping tool helps pack the grounds tightly in your espresso maker
so you can get the best flavor from the coffee beans. Most espresso machines
come with one or the other, but the best espresso machines come with both a
measuring tool and a tamping tool.
A valuable feature to have on your espresso machine is a cup warmer.
Your delectable concoction will stay hot longer when it is poured into a warm
cup. The best espresso makers include a cup warmer that heats one or two cups
while the espresso is brewing.
Performance
Espresso machines use either steam pressure or bar-pump pressure to brew espresso. The best espresso machines use bar pressure. All commercial-grade espresso machines use this method because the taste of the espresso is much better than steam brewed.
Espresso machines use either steam pressure or bar-pump pressure to brew espresso. The best espresso machines use bar pressure. All commercial-grade espresso machines use this method because the taste of the espresso is much better than steam brewed.
Bar-pump espresso machines have more parts than steam machines.
Most espresso machines contain parts that cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher and
must be hand washed. Consider the time you have to devote to this chore since,
depending on how often it is used, your espresso machine may need to be cleaned
every two or three days.
Espresso servings are called shots. Each shot equals one ounce of
brewed espresso. Coffee shops typically serve two shots, or doppio, for each
serving. Espresso makers vary in the amount of espresso they can make. All the
models we reviewed can brew at least two ounces, or shots, of espresso. The
best espresso machines make four shots, enough for you and a friend. Some
espresso makers allow you to brew two cups of espresso simultaneously.
The best espresso is made from freshly ground coffee beans.
However, when you are in a hurry, it is nice to be able to brew a prepackaged
pod rather than taking time to measure out and tamp the grounds. Not all
espresso makers are capable of brewing pods, so if you'd like your machine to
have this capability, look for one that specifically offers it. For even more
convenience, look for a self-priming machine. A self-priming espresso maker
will automatically ready itself for use, eliminating the need to go through a
set-by-step setup.
Safety
Since espresso has the potential to cause scalding, burns or fire, it is important to consider safety when you're purchasing an espresso machine. Since heating elements do not change color or texture when they're hot, an on and off indicator light will let you know when your espresso machine is safely off.
Since espresso has the potential to cause scalding, burns or fire, it is important to consider safety when you're purchasing an espresso machine. Since heating elements do not change color or texture when they're hot, an on and off indicator light will let you know when your espresso machine is safely off.
The best espresso machines come with a polarized plug. This means
one prong is larger than the other and can only be plugged into an outlet one
way. This makes it difficult for inquisitive little ones to plug it in easily,
reducing the probability of both electrocution and burns. Additionally, short
electrical cords keep the cord away from little hands.
Warranty & Support
The industry standard warranty for espresso machines is one year. Warranties generally cover manufacturer defects that are visibly apparent when your espresso machine is first unpackaged and used. In addition to traditional phone and email support, many manufacturers' websites include online user guides and FAQs. You can often connect with tech support through Facebook and with other espresso machine users to swap espresso recipes.
The industry standard warranty for espresso machines is one year. Warranties generally cover manufacturer defects that are visibly apparent when your espresso machine is first unpackaged and used. In addition to traditional phone and email support, many manufacturers' websites include online user guides and FAQs. You can often connect with tech support through Facebook and with other espresso machine users to swap espresso recipes.
There is no need to travel to Europe
or even to the local coffee shop for a hot and refreshing espresso. You can
bring a piece of Italy
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