My new favorite products - kitchen products

[glypnirsgirl]

I have had undercabinet lighting in my last two kitchens, but not this one. I had found some of the Ikea lights that looked ideal for the purpose. Ian disagreed. Instead, he has tried to figure out how to install my ott lite or my Dazor lamp so that I can use them in the kitchen. In the mean time, it is still dark in there and I have to go to the living room to read recipes, ingredients, and instructions. Not fun.

I would love those drawer lights for my spice drawers in particular. I keep my spices in drawers so that they are not subject to light.

elaine

 

[pjrose]

No, no, no, no! All you need is a miner's helmet! That way you can look in drawers, cabinets and peer into the ketchup bottle. Even use it when the refrigerator light burns out. I hear you can get a solar powered miner's helmet so there's no need to install those pesky 23 AAA's that always get gooey stuff on the ends when you don't look at them.

Yes, yes, yes! Great idea - who would'a thunk that a miner's helmet would be a favorite, no, an essential, kitchen product!

 

[Kal]

I have had undercabinet lighting in my last two kitchens, but not this one...

My undercabinet Xenon lights are ultra-thin (<1" thick). Is that something that you could install? They're not visible, but would still be attractive if the edge were showing. Each has a soft warm dim and a bright white which provides options to meet the mood.

 

[Kal]

Back to favorite products...mine is the gas cooktop (DCS by Fisher&Paykel). Every gas cooktop can get a gazillion BTUs in heat capacity, but the real challenge is to turn the burners down low. DCS has a unique patent where there is a "simmer" on each dial. With this setting I can melt chocolate on a paper plate without burning the paper plate. It's amazing how often I use this setting and NEVER turn a burner higher than Medium. It makes cooking a real joy.

 

[MuranoJo]

I saw these at IKEA the last time there. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50126605/ Got a couple and they are COOL! Open a drawer (or cabinet) and they come on for 15 seconds. I have no idea how long the batteries will last, but since they take 6 AAAs I'll say it will be a long time- like years. So far I've had them for 6 months or so and they have worked flawlessly. Installation is either with 2 small screws or the included foam tape. They are 11 1/2" long and unfortunately not available online- just in IKEA stores.

Jim

I think these would be great for some of our low cabinets which don't have the pull-out drawers. (We were over budget when building our house so had to cut corners on some of the lower cabinet investments.) Doesn't matter how much kitchen lighting we have, it's still hard to see into some of those lower cabinets which don't have the nifty pull-out drawers.

 

[Passepartout]

I think these would be great for some of our low cabinets which don't have the pull-out drawers. (We were over budget when building our house so had to cut corners on some of the lower cabinet investments.) Doesn't matter how much kitchen lighting we have, it's still hard to see into some of those lower cabinets which don't have the nifty pull-out drawers.

For $15 a pop and no electrician necessary they are worth a try. I just wish you could get them online. It's a fur piece to IKEA from here. I have a spare, but just one. Maybe a friendly and well located TUGger.......??????

Jim

 

[jlwquilter]

I have had undercabinet lighting in my last two kitchens, but not this one. I had found some of the Ikea lights that looked ideal for the purpose. Ian disagreed. Instead, he has tried to figure out how to install my ott lite or my Dazor lamp so that I can use them in the kitchen. In the mean time, it is still dark in there and I have to go to the living room to read recipes, ingredients, and instructions. Not fun.

I would love those drawer lights for my spice drawers in particular. I keep my spices in drawers so that they are not subject to light.

elaine

I have undercounter lights. I think I bought them at Home Depot or Lowes. DH installed them with a drill to pre-drill the holes and a screwdriver. We then used a couple of small cup hooks screwed into the bottom of the overhead cabinets to 'string' the power cord to the outlet to keep it out of the way. I LOVE these lights.

 

[bjones9942]

I'm going to extol the virtues of the webstaurantstore (http://www.webstaurantstore.com) since it was only mentioned here once briefly ...

These are my favorite tongs. At $1.99 they're a steal. For the 16" version you'll have to fork out $2.89!

Steak weights are a handy little item as they ensure your steaks are cooking evenly. Make sure it'll fit in your pan, or use a griddle when cooking the steak.

High temperature spatulas don't melt until they hit about 500 degrees (watch out, the handles *do* melt)! $2.69 each.

Squeeze Handle 'dishers' ... Ok, these are a little pricey at almost $7/each, but oh so handy!

These are my favorite pans. Heavy and sturdy and $7.03! They clean up very nicely with an sos pad. You'll need one of these handles, which they claim are heat resistant up to 600 degrees (I pull mine off before the pan goes in the oven - next time I'll have to verify).

These sheet pans are my favorite item. You'll want to add the footed grate (currently out of stock). The combo should set you back $9 or $10. This is the perfect combination for roasting, to use as a breading station, etc.

Ok. Now the webstaurantstore caveat. Their shipping isn't cheap, especially when you order several of the fry pans. I usually wait until I have enough items to reach over $100 (surprisingly easy to do, especially if you buy holiday/birthday gifts). Remember that their items are built to last in a restaurant environment - they're not the flimsy oxxo stuff that costs three times as much.

 

[Ridewithme38]

My Favorite Kitchen Product:

 

[ScoopKona]

I'm going to extol the virtues of the webstaurantstore (http://www.webstaurantstore.com) since it was only mentioned here once briefly ...

These are my favorite tongs. At $1.99 they're a steal. For the 16" version you'll have to fork out $2.89!

Steak weights are a handy little item as they ensure your steaks are cooking evenly. Make sure it'll fit in your pan, or use a griddle when cooking the steak.

High temperature spatulas don't melt until they hit about 500 degrees (watch out, the handles *do* melt)! $2.69 each.

Squeeze Handle 'dishers' ... Ok, these are a little pricey at almost $7/each, but oh so handy!

These are my favorite pans. Heavy and sturdy and $7.03! They clean up very nicely with an sos pad. You'll need one of these handles, which they claim are heat resistant up to 600 degrees (I pull mine off before the pan goes in the oven - next time I'll have to verify).

These sheet pans are my favorite item. You'll want to add the footed grate (currently out of stock). The combo should set you back $9 or $10. This is the perfect combination for roasting, to use as a breading station, etc.

1) Spend a little more and get Vollrath tongs. They're better -- at least for those of us who use them all day long.

2) A pan will do the exact same thing as a "steak weight" without having to find a home for it. Just place the pan on top of the meat. A foil-wrapped brick also works just fine.

3) Squeeze handled dishers are a MUST for lefty cooks. Regular dishers are near impossible to use left-handed.

4) Aluminum pots and pans are abomination. They react with acids -- tomato, lemon, wine, vinegar, etc. Why not spend $15 more and get a stainless pan with an aluminum bottom?

 

[SOS8260456]

My Favorite Kitchen Product:

What is it?

I have been watching this thread with much interest and it has gotten me interested in possibly cooking again, maybe........

It seems like there are enough experts that we can have a weekly cooking glass for all of us non cooks.

 

[Passepartout]

What is it?

This might explain it:

Husband walks in: "Hi Honey, what are you making for dinner?"

Wife: "Reservations."

Jim

 

[geekette]

it's a phone?? the cord confused me.

 

[SOS8260456]

:rofl: I thought it was some kind of special meat thermometer.........maybe I just better stay out of the kitchen.

 

[IngridN]

:rofl: I thought it was some kind of special meat thermometer.........maybe I just better stay out of the kitchen.

Me too :hysterical: . It's been too many years since I've seen a phone with a cord and didn't recognize it :hysterical: .

Ingrid

 

[Ridewithme38]

Me too :hysterical: . It's been too many years since I've seen a phone with a cord and didn't recognize it :hysterical: .

Ingrid

Grandma taught me you should always have ONE corded phone in the house, in case you lose power..so you can order Chinese when the stove doesn't work

 

[Kal]

Oh, is this what you mean

 

[glypnirsgirl]

Webstaurant

I'm going to extol the virtues of the webstaurantstore (http://www.webstaurantstore.com) since it was only mentioned here once briefly ...

These are my favorite tongs. At $1.99 they're a steal. For the 16" version you'll have to fork out $2.89!

Steak weights are a handy little item as they ensure your steaks are cooking evenly. Make sure it'll fit in your pan, or use a griddle when cooking the steak.

High temperature spatulas don't melt until they hit about 500 degrees (watch out, the handles *do* melt)! $2.69 each.

Squeeze Handle 'dishers' ... Ok, these are a little pricey at almost $7/each, but oh so handy!

These are my favorite pans. Heavy and sturdy and $7.03! They clean up very nicely with an sos pad. You'll need one of these handles, which they claim are heat resistant up to 600 degrees (I pull mine off before the pan goes in the oven - next time I'll have to verify).

These sheet pans are my favorite item. You'll want to add the footed grate (currently out of stock). The combo should set you back $9 or $10. This is the perfect combination for roasting, to use as a breading station, etc.

Ok. Now the webstaurantstore caveat. Their shipping isn't cheap, especially when you order several of the fry pans. I usually wait until I have enough items to reach over $100 (surprisingly easy to do, especially if you buy holiday/birthday gifts). Remember that their items are built to last in a restaurant environment - they're not the flimsy oxxo stuff that costs three times as much.

WOW - I didn't know that some of these products existed! I had never heard of a steak weight --- but what a great idea. I like Scoop's idea of using a pan, too. This is one of those things that has been subliminally bugging me for some time. I have been cutting slits at the fat edge of T-bones and pork chops to cut down "some" on the curling --- but that is not aestetically pleasing nor are the light and brown spots.

I didn't know about footed grates --- and what a great idea for using them for a breading station or roasting. I recently was listening to a cooking show and the chef (I think it was Alton Brown) said that he preferred flat roasting stands to the V-shaped ones --- now I know what he meant.

I had been looking for what turns out to be the "squeeze handled dishers" but I was searching for scoops (I associate them with ice cream) and I was not finding what I wanted. Now I know.

I bought these glasses from this store (thanks to someone on Tug) and the glasses are fantastic. They hold 20 oz which is the perfect volume for a glass. (Most glasses this size are plastic. I have an aversion to drinking out of plastic). And they fit perfectly in my dishwasher.

Thanks!
elaine

 

[IngridN]

Grandma taught me you should always have ONE corded phone in the house, in case you lose power..so you can order Chinese when the stove doesn't work

I have 2, but fortunately, have not had to use them in years and years.

ingrid

 

[Passepartout]

One difference between DW and me. If she wants something for the kitchen (Though I can't imagine what) she goes somewhere like Tarzhay or Walley-World. I head down to the Bar/Restaurant Supply Store. Nice stainless mixing bowls, pizza pans and peels, dishers in all sizes, timers, thermometers, glassware, knives. Gadgets galore and all better than you can get at Tarzhay at lower cost.

Jim

 

[falmouth3]

About corded phones - we had to get my mother an old fashioned phone because she is having a lot of trouble using the more modern types. Could not remember to turn them off and the battery was always dead. Much more success now, except we often have to remind her to speak into the mouthpiece of the phone. She always says the phone is right up against her ear.

 

[pjrose]

Oh, is this what you mean

Nope, that looks like it has push buttons. This is the real thing - still have one in our garage, and it ALWAYS works, even when we've had lots of trees down on our power lines and no electricity for 3-4 days.

[smaller]

 

[pjrose]

I'm looking for some drinking glasses - tumblers perhaps? (What's the difference between a tumbler and a highball glass?)

Anyway, they're size you'd pour a big glass of milk or maybe lemonade or soda, they are fairly thick, not completely round - maybe round at the bottom but more squarish at the top?

The characteristic I'm looking for is some thumb/fingerprint indentations around the bottom third, so when you hold the glass you get a nice grip.

 

[pjrose]

Went to the thrift stores today, and scored a Calphalon Hard Anodized Pro saucepan with lid - nice wide shape, I think around 5 qts. $4.00 after the 1/2 price senior discount

Looks like it'll be a handy size - not small, not huge.

 

[glypnirsgirl]

PJ - I found these --- but they aren't glass. Do you want glass?