125West.com Blog

Kitchen Knife Maintenance

2009-10-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Before every use of your kitchen knife, it should be honed (aka steeled), which is the process of realigning micro-sized bends along the knife's edge from its last use. Honing quickly straightens the knife's cutting edge to restore its sharpness. A sharp knife is much sharper than a dull knife!

In the professional kitchen, the honing steel is the tool of choice for this task. Steels come in round and oval shapes and in different styles. The F.Dick Multi-Steel is a recommended all-around choice that will give you many years of reliable service.

To hone your kitchen knife, you want to draw the blade's edge at a 20° angle to the steel in an arc from the blade's heel to the tip. This can be done holding the steel pointing downward with its tip resting on a non-slip cutting board OR the steel upright in one hand while drawing the blade down the steel. The blade should be drawn 6-8 times per side (alternating sides each pass) across the steel.

After extensive use (several months), the blade's edge will degrade to the point when it needs to be sharpened with an electric knife sharpener or whetstone.

Phony Prices

2009-08-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Just saw a random site that uses a make-believe list price to show a product on sale (but is really the product's MSRP). Go to http://www.unbeatablesale.com/pllv109.html (the $44 price is really the list price). Buyers beware!

Convection Ovens

2009-01-23T07:09:00.001-08:00

View Convection Ovens at 125West.com

Thanks to an interior fan, heat circulates quickly throughout the oven cavity of a convection oven for consistent temperature without any hot or cool spot. A convection oven also is faster than a convention oven and ideal for baking, searing, roasting, soufflés, and reheating. At 125West.com, we offer a nice selection of commercial-quality countertop convection ovens manufacturerd by BroilKing (USA), Sodir (France), and Dualit (England).

Juliana Greenhouses

2009-01-13T02:11:00.000-08:00

View Complete Juliana Greenhouse Collection at 125West.com

A Juliana greenhouse is perfect for the gardening enthusiast. These greenhouses are an excellent option for starting your summer annuals and vegetable seedlings, extending your growing season, or wintering those plants that cannot survive the harsh weather. Juliana provides everything you need (except foundation) for erecting the greenhouse over a weekend, including a detailed and illustrated easy-to-follow instruction manual. Its revolutionary greenhouse design does not use silicone or clips to secure the polycarbonate panels. The panels are locked into the aluminum frame with the easy-to-use gasket system, which cuts the installation time in half and makes the greenhouse easy to take down. The aluminum frame gives the greenhouse added structural support and durability, with a long rust-free life. The sturdy frame is designed with an integral gutter system. The twin-wall polycarbonate panels provide the most advanced insulating ever developed for greenhouses. Its double-walled structure gives it great strength (virtually unbreakable) against hail, rocks and even baseballs. Sturdy UV stabilized polycarbonate panels offer the perfect diffused light for growing plants. Made in Denmark and backed by a 20-year warranty, Juliana greenhouses are available in a variety of styles and sizes at 125West.com, where you'll also get free shipping!

Decorative Mayne Mailbox Posts

2009-01-08T08:07:00.001-08:00

A decorative Dover mailbox post will provide years of reliable service with impeccable style. A Mayne mailbox post is constructed by molding premium high-grade polyethylene around modern structural elements. It is highly resistant to extreme weather, will not discolor or fade, and is very easy to clean to ensure many years of lasting beauty. Best of all, all Mayne mailbox posts are maintenance free; no painting or staining is required.

View Mayne Mailbox Posts at 125West.com!

Choose from a large selection of styles, colors, and features. Made in the USA, Mayne mailbox posts are backed by 15-year warranty. Right now you also get Free Shipping on your order!

2009-01-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

View this Girolle at 125West.com

The Girolle is a utensil used for scraping the top layer of Swiss Tête de Moine cheese to create exquisite little cheese "rosettes" that beautifully accent cheeseboards and appetizer platters. Tête de Moine (Monk's Head) cheese has been produced over 800 years in only 9 dairies located in Switzerland's Bernese Jura region. The cheese is wonderfully spicy and aromatic with a strong, nutty flavor. To use the girolle, you plant its vertical axel through the middle of the cheese (usually a 2-lb wheel) and turn the handle with scraper for paring the rosettes. The thin slices maximize the cheese's aromas and flavors. Use your girolle to prepare in advance or let your guests have the fun of making the rosettes by themselves. Made in Switzerland, our Girolle is priced at $89.95 with Free Shipping!

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T05:32:00.000-08:00

125West.com wishes you all the best for health, happiness, and prosperity in the new year!

www.125west.com

Wine Cellar Express

2008-12-28T05:40:00.000-08:00

AGES WINE IN 30 MINUTES!

Used simply as a bottle coaster for 30 minutes, the Wine Cellar Express features a powerful magnet built into its base that dramatically softens the harsh, bitter red tannins in young red wines in much the same way that aging would eventually accomplish. Enjoy While this may seem an unusual claim, the Wine Cellar Express has been tested by numerous wine experts, who confirm results of a softer, rounder feel and enhanced bouquet from the wine! Price $39.95 at 125West.com.

Click here for more information on Wine Cellar Express

Conditioning for Baseball

2008-12-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

With winter upon us, it may seem that baseball is far away, but now is the time to start your conditioning program to be ready for the spring! I recommend the Triple Threat Baseball Conditioning Program available on DVD produced by Jeff Fourney (former strength and conditioning coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks). The 3-disc DVD set covers baseball-specific conditioning instruction for competitive baseball players, including the most important physical aspects of baseball...speed, power, and agility:

Flexibility Training (16 min): covers proper warm up, dynamic and static flexibility drills, and exercises, to help improve full range of motion in baseball skill movements.
Weight Training (27 min): learn to improve strength with baseball specific weight exercises. Learn proper lifting techniques to excel strength gains. Learn the secret of a strong man s game to help you rise above your competition.
Medicine Ball Training (20 min): Functional and sport specific movements is what you will find with our Medicine Ball training system. A player who does not possess the specific explosive strength that baseball requires will find it difficult to climb the higher levels of baseball.
Plyometric Training (16 min): plyometric training bridges the gap between strength and speed to create power.
Speed Training (40 min): regardless how good your game already is, speed instantly raises it to another level and adds quality to your performance. Learn why the acceleration phase is the most important for a baseball player and how you can improve it to help every area of your game.
Agility Training (23 min): improve your foot speed and balance. Reaction time and first step speed will improve with these exercises. Learn the mechanics of becoming an explosive base stealer and how to be more explosive out of the batters box to improve home to first base times.
Advanced Speed and Power Suite Training (42 min): for enhanced take-off and jumps and specific base stealing techniques. Includes some of the most intense workouts from running drills that mimic the manner in which muscles fire and work in hitting, pitching, and all movements in the game.
Advanced Power Cord Training (30 min): uses drills specific to baseball that apply explosive resistance through a full range of motion.

Bamix de Luxe Stick Blender

2008-12-22T10:24:00.000-08:00

I have owned and used a Bamix stick blender for nearly 25 years, and it's still going strong! Designed and manufactured in Switzerland, the Bamix de Luxe stick blender (aka immersion blender or wand blender) is undoubtedly the most successful product of its kind with over 7 million units sold in all five continents. Use the hand-held Bamix stick blender for practically any kitchen food processing task, including mixing, chopping, crushing, blending, puréeing, whisking, whipping, stirring, grating, and grinding. The Bamix stick blender is simple to use, and its compact size makes it convenient to store on your countertop for use at any time. To operate the Bamix, select an attachment, immerse the wand, and engage the pulse switch with one finger. Operation is quiet and vibration free, and within seconds, you have a creamy sauce, whipped egg whites, homemade mayonnaise, chopped vegetables, crushed ice, foamy milk shake, or fruit purée. Price just under $150, the Bamix is available in the traditional white color, red, black, or silver.

View more information on Bamix Stick Blender at 125West.com

ZzZ-Chest

2008-12-20T06:35:00.000-08:00

View the ZzZ-Chest Video

ZzZ-Chest converts from a decorative chest to a comfortable, full-size bed in just seconds. It is bed perfect for saving space in any room that serves as an occasional guestroom and ideal for everyday use in a small city studio apartment. No installation is required, making the ZzZ-Chest Bed an easy and affordable alternative to an expensive Murphy Bed. Other features include:

Full-length, bi-fold innerspring full-size mattress developed for the ZzZ-Chest is included
Raised sleeping platform uses front panel that folds down onto felt-covered extension runners
Roomy storage drawers for pillows or bedding
When closed, safety chains prevent front from falling if opened accidently
Constructed with solid wood runners, solid wood framed particle board, real wood veneer, and MDF
Available in three styles (Milan, Savannah, and Ravenswood) and different finishes

Click Here for More Information on ZzZ-Chest at 125West.com

The ZzZ-Chest is manufactured by Arason Enterprises, known originally for the innovative Fu-Chest, of Annapolis, Maryland. Pricing of the ZzZ-Chest is under $1800 and includes delivery.

Knife Sharpening Steels

2008-12-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

A high-quality knife will remain sharp for a long time, if they are used exclusively for the purpose which they were designed (unlike me, who recently used a chef's knife to crack lobster claws and dinged the edge). Knives may be used for slicing, cutting, and chopping (vegetables). Bones (and lobster claws) should be chopped with a cleaver.

I recommend that the surface where you cut be wood or plastic. Harder surfaces, such as marble, blunt knife edges very quickly. The best surface is a an end-grain, butcher-block surface.

Even the best knife will loose sharpness over time, and regular use of a sharpening (honing) steel is recommened. If used correctly, the steel will remove microscopic amounts of metal from the edge until the edge is sharp again. Use the following technique to ensure success:

Hold steel in vertical position with steel facing up.
Bring the blade into contact with top section of steel at the start of knife's cutting edge (choil) near the blade's butt.
Put knife edge on steel at an angle of 15° to 20°.
Move edge in a wide arc down the the steel in such a way that the knife tip ends close to the handle of the sharpening steel.
Repeat same using other side of blade—it is important to alternate sides (otherwise a burr will be left along last side sharpened).
A few times back and forth should suffice—use progressively less pressure from one sharpening movement to the next.

Sharpening steels vary in quality, and the sharpening ridges on low-quality steels will wear thin very quickly. I recommend a commercial-quality sharpening steel, because it will restore quickly your knife edge and last for many years to come.

Click here to view F.Dick Sharpening Steels at 125West.com

Please note that a sharpening steel may be of limited use on a blades that are totally blunt and require the use of a grinding wheel to assume a new edge.

Ship's Bell

2008-12-18T08:09:00.000-08:00

Ship's Bells by Weems & Plath
Annapolis, Maryland

click here for more information on our Ship's Bells

These deluxe nautical ship's bells are solid cast brass or nickel-plated brass with a beautiful polished mirror finish. When struck, each ship's bell producers a loud, rich tone. The lanyard is included (white for brass bells, navy blue for nickel-plated bells). Also included with each ship's bell is a bulkhead/wall mount bracket that allows you easily to lift the bell from the bracket for storage. Many bell sizes are available (8.5", 12", and 18" diameter bells meet the US Coast Guard requirement for larger commercial vessels).

The company Weems & Plath is located in the Chesapeake Bay town of Annapolis, Maryland, where it was founded many years ago by Captain Phillip Van Horn Weems. Capt. Weems was a leading navigator of his time, teaching at the US Naval Academy and later from a navigation school he founded. Charles Lindberg studied with Weems before attempting his solo trans-Atlantic flight. Admiral Byrd, a classmate of Weems at the Naval Academy, came to him for instruction before setting out for the North Pole.

A century earlier, Carl Plath's company in Hamburg, Germany, began manufacturing commercial sextants and magnetic compasses. The company developed the first gyrocompass installed on a commercial vessel in the year 1913. In 1928, Captain Weems became the North American distributor of C. Plath instruments, and hence the alliance of the two names into Weems & Plath. The company remains today a leading manufacturer of precision marine navigation instruments.

Reliable Ironing Systems

2008-12-17T07:48:00.000-08:00

Reliable Corporation has been in business over 50 years in supplying commercial tailoring equipment. They offer a large selection of commerical-quality ironing and pressing systems from Italy. The irons feature detached boilers that produce high-pressure, high-temperature dry steam. Dry steam penetrates quickly deep into fabric fibers to soften them, cutting ironing time in half! The heavier weight of professional irons also speed the process. Commercial pressing tables with powerful vacuum motors for pulling the steam through garments also are available from Reliable.

View Reliable Ironing Systems at 125West.com

Weems & Plath Chart Weight

2008-12-16T10:01:00.000-08:00

Looking for a gift that the sailor or boater in your life will adore? A personalized chart weight by Weems & Plath of Annapolis, Maryland could be just the thing. Ideal for holding charts open at your nav station, the chart weights also make great accessories for an office desk. Constructed from a solid forged brass ring, each chart weight measures 3" in diameter, weighs 12oz, and is lacquered so it will never tarnish or show fingerprints. The bottom side is felt lined to protect surfaces and prevent slipping. Choose from four ring styles: clock, compass, magnifier, and thermometer. For a small upcharge, the chart weights may be engraved (e.g. boat name, family name, yacht club, special occasion).

View Chart Weights at 125West.com

Krumkake (Krum Kaka)

2008-12-14T18:39:00.000-08:00

A popular waffle cookie from Norway, the Krumkake or Krum Kaka, made of flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and cream are traditionally made during the Christmas season. A typical recipe can contain equal parts sugar, butter, flour and potato/cornflour, along with eggs and cream. The sugar and eggs are whipped with melted butter, flour is added, and finally cream. Alternative ingredients are different spices and/or brandy. A special decorative two-sided iron griddle, similar to a waffle iron, is used to bake the thin round cakes.

View this Krumkake Iron at 125West.com

At 125West.com, you'll find this terrific Krumkake Iron designed for stovetop use made by NordicWare. Price $47.95.

Sambonet Holloware

2008-12-13T06:16:00.000-08:00

Produced in Italy, Sambonet holloware has been used for decades by posh European hotels and gourmet restaurants. Like the prestigious Sambonet flatware, the Sambonet holloware is prized for its design, functionality, durability, and premium materials such as the nickel silver with hard silverplate in a polished mirror finish. Silverplated 18/10 stainless steel and polished 18/10 stainless steel holloware also are available. Included in our Sambonet holloware collections are coffee services, serving trays, and chafing dishes.

View Sambonet Holloware at 125West.com

125West.com is your best source for Sambonet flatware, holloware, cookware, and accessories. Consumers and hotels/restaurants are invited to contact the 125West.com Concierge by email at concierge@125west.com or by calling 1-888-921-9378 (1-410-295-3917) for product consultation and personal ordering assistance.

Alfi Thermal Coffee Carafes

2008-12-12T03:46:00.000-08:00

Made in Germany, Alfi is the world leader in thermal carafes for home and restaurant use. Quality is never compromised, and each Alfi insulated thermal carafe is created with a combination of elegant high-performance design, hand craftsmanship, and high-quality materials. Alfi thermal carafes are designed for many years of everyday service on the coffee table at your home or office. each Alfi insulated thermal carafe is created with a combination of elegant high-performance design, hand craftsmanship, and high-quality materials. Its double-walled toughened hard-glass liner creates a vacuum between the walls, allowing neither heat nor cold to escape. An Alfi carafe filled at 200°F will hold liquid hot at least 145°F for 12 hours! Alfi sets strict standards of quality on its products. Use of the finest manufacturing and high-quality materials ensure that customers will enjoy Alfi products for years to come. The Alfi team of qualified specialists, together with environmental friendly, technical equipment gives you the guarantee that every product leaving our company is in perfect condition.

View Alfi Thermal Coffee Carafes at 125West.com

Winterize Your Henri Studio Outdoor Fountain

2008-12-09T06:36:00.001-08:00

Extreme and rapid changes in temperature and humidity affect all concrete adversely. Concrete has an inherent tendency to expand and contract with climatic conditions. However, your Henri cast stone products have been manufactured with weather in mind. The concrete mix contains fiber and mechanical additives that enhance the elastic qualities of the concrete. Occasionally, non-harmful surface cracks may appear - but your your Henri cast stone product will not crack due to weather if the following simple rules are followed:

Do not allow waste to collect and freeze in fountain bowls or shells.
Do not allow water to collect and freeze in planters, saucers, or birdbaths.
Do not allow statuary or pedestals to sit in a pool of ice.

Cast stone products left exposed to icing conditions may shale or crack due to the mechanical force of water solidifying and expanding along the concrete surface.
Important: If your Henri fountain, birdbath, planter, or statuary cannot be stored indoors during the winter season, you must at least protect it from ice collection or exposure.

How To Protect During the Winter:
For fountains, first remove the stature and pump (storing them inside if possible). Next, fill the bowl(s) or shell(s) with an absorbent material such as burlap bags or blankets. Then, cover the entire fountain with a Henri fountain cover. Should condensation form inside the cover, they will be absorbed by the material.

For birdbaths, planters, or statuary, set the pieces on high ground where a pool of ice will not form, then cover with a Henri fountain cover.

By following these simple and sensible precautions during the winter season, you will protect your Henri Studio cast stone products for many years of beauty and enjoyment.

View Henri Studio Fountains at 125West.com

Demeyere 7-Ply InductoSeal Base

2008-12-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

When cooking soups or vegetables, the ability of the base to diffuse heat is essential for generating steam from water or liquid, while the stainless steel sides and lid help retain heat inside the pot or pan. InductoSeal® is a revolutionary technology made of a 7-ply material combining layers of stainless steel, silver, and 2mm solid copper core hermetically sealed in the base and laser welded to the sides of the pan body. This design provides ultimate heat conduction throughout the total cooking surface of the base. It offers 33% more cooking surface than a traditional base, while retaining heat and flavor inside the pan, perfect for steaming or cooking, with or without water, for healthy and delicious recipes.

First Layer (body) - 18/10 stainless steel on the whole interior and exterior of pan.
Second Layer (base) - silver brazing on full base.
Third Layer (base) - heavy copper core hermetically sealed for perfect heat distribution on the entire base (same diameter as the pan).
Fourth Layer (base) - silver brazing on full base.
Fifth/Sixth/Seventh (capsule) - combination of three special stainless steel alloys on the bottom of the pan, welded on the side, for use on all cooktops, including induction.

Get More Information about Demeyere Cookware at 125West.com

Straight-sided pots and pans required the transfer of heat from the bottom of the cooking vessel into the food, using the sides and lids to retain heat inside. Demeyere Atlantis Cookware features the seven-ply InductoSeal® base that combines layers of stainless steel, silver, and a 2mm solid copper core in a hermetically sealed base that is laser welded to the sides of the pan body. The unique base design offers 33% larger cooking surface than a traditional base with unsurpassed heat conductivity properties. The thick, surgical 18/10 stainless steel construction of the bodies and lids insulate the cookware for cooking efficiency and energy savings.

Other pans require the transfer of heat throught the base from rim to rim, such as skillets and conical sauteuse pans. Again Demeyere uses seven layers from rim to rim using its 7-PlyMaterial® construction. Combined with the ideal thickness for each type of pan, the unique design offers the chef optimum control over each cooking process.

Heartwood Birdhouses

2008-12-06T05:46:00.001-08:00

Heartwood birdhouses are crafted in the USA. The primary birdhouse house material is naturally rot-resistant domestic cypress wood that is a scrap byproduct of lumber bound for furniture factories. All paints are industrial grade, non-toxic, acrylic latex designed for outdoor durability. The distinctive cypress shingle roofs, which are specially tapered, dog eared, and stone washed, give Heartwood birdhouses a custom look and lifelong durability. You'll find a large selection of styles from small to large and a large choice in stains and colors. Bat houses and other decorative garden houses also are available. Prices start around $48.

Click here to view Heartwood Birdhouses at 125West.com

Commercial Quality Ice Cream Machines

2008-12-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

A great gift idea for the family is a commercial-quality countertop ice cream maker! These ice cream (gelato) makers are made by Musso in Italy just like you find in an Italian gelateria. They are totally self-contained, fully automatic appliances that blend and freeze at least one-half gallon of ice cream or gelato in less than 20 minutes. Operation is simple with a dial timer working in conjunction with churn and chill switches -- just add the ingredients to the bowl and set the timer. ice cream maker's powerful 300-watt motor drive easily blends large pieces of fruit or nuts into the mixture. With all stainless steel housings, mixing bowls, and mixing blades, no plastic or aluminum touches the ice cream.

View Musso Ice Cream Machines at 125West.com

Personlized Address Plaque

2008-12-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

Make your home easy to find with an elegant address plaque from Whitehall Products. These personalized home address plaques are available in many attractive styles, color combinations, sizes, and mountings. Constructed from rust-free recycled aluminum and finished in a weather-resistant powder coating, our address plaques will retain a like-new appearance for years to come. Few products can add as much value to the curb appeal of your home as a personalized address plaque.

Click here to view Address Plaques at 125West.com

An address plaque makes a terrific gift, and one that the recepient will display for many years. In addition to address plaques, we also have personalized specialty plaques for hobby rooms, party rooms, work shops, and more.

American Retro Pedal Cars

2008-12-03T11:56:00.001-08:00

Looking for a special gift for child 2 to 6 years old and you're not impressed about modern electronic games and stations? Then wow about a kind of toy you may have owned and enjoyed? Inspired by the "sad face" cars from the late 1940's, our American Retro pedal cars feature heavy gauge steel body construction with chrome windshield, hood ornament, steering wheel, and hub caps. Tires are solid rubber on ball-bearing wheels. The driving mechanism also features ball-bearing pull bars and ball-bearing rear axle hangers. The cars come completely assembled with free shipping anywhere in the continental USA.

View American Retro Pedal Cars at 125West.com

Anji Mountain Bamboo Roll Up Chair Mats

2008-12-01T04:34:00.001-08:00

Constructed from Anji Mountain bamboo, the strongest and most durable bamboo on earth, and finished with seven coats of premium, scuff-resistant polyurethane, this chair mat will provide many years of heavy-duty service in your home or office. The mat will not warp, crack, or splinter and will support office chairs on casters or stationary chairs with floor protectors. For further comfort and floor protection, the mat has premium felt backing. The mat also can roll up like a rug for easy portability. The chair mat is available in different styles, dimensions, and finishes. meld beauty, style, and function to create a handsome alternative to the bland, utilitarian vinyl chair mat. There is no other product like this in the marketplace. Priced by size, the floor mats range from $150 to $240 with free shipping.

View Anji Mountain Bamboo Roll Up Chair Mats at 125West.com