Kitchen Contraptions

Cuisinart Grind-and-Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemakers

2009-11-06T13:41:41Z

We're more of a single serve coffee maker family here at Kitchen Contraptions, but we also do take out the bigger coffee maker when we want to make a full pot of something special, and take it with us. This 24-hour fully programmable coffeemaker with 12-cup capacity from Cuisinart fits the bill. It features a double-wall insulated thermal carafe, and built-in automatic burr grinder. The strength selector and grind control fine-tune intensity in the coffee you brew along with the volume. And a must have - a brew-pause function so you can catch a cup before brewing the entire pot.

At Cuisinart Grind-and-Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemakers

Wilton Nonstick Christmas Cookie Pan

2009-11-05T16:18:09Z

Is it too early to start thinking about Christmas? Nah. Forget cookie cutters. How about a Christmas cookie pan instead? You press the cookie dough into the pan and bake. The pan has fun seasonal shapes and is nonstick, so the cookies will come out easily.

At Wilton Nonstick Christmas Cookie Pan

Scrap Trap, Counter Edge Scrap Catching Bowl

2009-11-04T14:06:23Z

This is a great idea. This scrap trap hangs over the edge of a drawer or cabinet door, so you have a place to put food scraps. It holds up to two quarts of scraps. It comes with a scraper to sweep the scraps up.

At Scrap Trap, Counter Edge Scrap Catching Bowl

HoMedics Restore Water Purification Uses UV Light to Kill Bad Stuff in Your Water

2009-11-03T13:09:43Z

UV technology purifies and removes 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses and 99.95% of microbial cysts, and if you get this HoMedics Restore Water Purification pitcher you can reap the results. The HoMedics water purification system reduces Heavy Metals, Chlorine (taste and odor), some Industrial & Agricultural Pollutants.

Restore is California certified for microbiological water purification, and the first to utilize UV technology in an easy to use, affordable water pitcher product. System includes: 8 cup capacity, BPA free pitcher with built-in UV lamp, one replaceable filter and one adapter. Filters are also reasonably priced at $7.99.

We're interested in tasting the difference, and hopefully we'll get one of these to review soon.

Via Chip Chick at HoMedics Restore Water Purifier

October 2009 Monthly Round-Up for Kitchen Contraptions

2009-11-02T11:22:49Z

October was another amazing month of Kitchen Contraptions - filled with kitchen gadgets, grilling, and other kitchen wonders like the new QOOQ - Recipe and Kitchen Computer. Thanks again to all of our loyal readers. You can also follow us now on Facebook and Twitter.

Baking

Cutting Boards

Instant Counter, Glass Cutting Surface

General News

Kitchen Gadgets

Kitchen Robots

Outdoor Kitchens

Gourmet Sous Chef Outdoor Oven and Smoker

Pots & Pans

Serving Wares

Pastasaurus Pasta Server

Small Appliances

QOOQ - Recipe and Kitchen Computer

2009-10-30T11:56:36Z

The QOOQ is a kitchen computer and it comes with 10 recipes from chefs on video, and you might as well know up front - currently it's in French only. QOOQ also can connect to the internet over the Ethernet or Wifi, and you can even subscribe to monthly updates for more recipes on video. There is also a meal planner and a shopping list maker that will also help before the cooking. Oddly enought QOOQ doesn't have an Internet Browser, but it can be used to update recipes, get weather information, internet radio stations, and can also be used as a digital picture frame.

Sounds perfect for our kitchen, though currently we've been enjoying our Squeezbox Radio. Also - it's tough to make the transition to a device that stores recipes when all of our recipes are snipped from Cooking Light, and other magazines. Time will tell if the kitchen computer catches on, but if they can bridge the gap and get our offline recipes online - we'll be a taker.

Via Coolest Gadgets at QOOQ

Tilting Cake Turntable

2009-10-28T22:11:53Z

In honor of my son's birthday today, here is a rotating cake stand. The cake stand rotates in order to easily apply frosting and other decorations. It also tilts to three angles, so you can add borders, pictures, lettering or other designs.

At Tilting Cake Turntable

Ramen Spoon and Fork

2009-10-27T11:51:34Z

Now you can slurp up some broth and twirl some ramen all in one handy spoon meets fork kitchen utensil. This ramen spoon + folk was originally created for use at the popular sugakiya ramen noodle restaurant chains in Japan, but now you can have it at your home. The size of this spoon with folk is 7-3/4" l x 2" w and the cost is $7 per spoon meets fork.

Via Gizmodiva

Powdered Sugar Sifter Spoon

2009-10-26T14:31:03Z

Easily add powdered sugar, cinnamon, or nutmeg on cakes, French toast, or drinks with this sifter spoon. It is stainless steel and has a curved handle to make it easy to hold.

At Powdered Sugar Sifter Spoon

Kenwood Cooking Chef - Food Mixer Cooks Food Too

2009-10-23T12:24:29Z

The Kenwood KM070 Cooking Chef let's you mix your food and cook it too. The claim is you put all your food and a mixer and cook it too - but we're having a hard time figuring out - what that would be as far as a meal? Soup? Bread? Well - they claim scrambled eggs, soups, and recipes that look alot like a slow cooker might be better. We'll have to just see it in action before buying.

Via Red Ferret Journal at Kenwood Cooking Chef

Deluxe Angled Potato Ricer

2009-10-22T12:59:08Z

Using a potato ricer makes the best mashed potatoes. This ricer has an extra large potato holder and is perforated on all sides for maximum yield. It also has rubber coated ridges to allow the ricer to rest on pots.

At Deluxe Angled Potato Ricer

Dishwashing Robot of the Future Does the Dishes For You

2009-10-21T12:37:01Z

I guess it only takes one arm to do teh dishes. This prototype robot from Panasonic is mounted on a rail in the back of the stove and sink area. It's controlled by a camera that shows the robotic hand where the stuff is, and the hand is so sensitive it won't break your glasses. Thank god - maybe it won't strangle us either when we use too many dishes.

Via DVICE and more at PC World

Instant Counter, Glass Cutting Surface

2009-10-20T13:06:26Z

Need more counterspace? This cutting board fits over a stove or a sink to create a prep surface. It comes in textured glass or faux marble patterns.

At Instant Counter, Glass Cutting Surface

Mauviel Roasting Pan

2009-10-19T14:45:50Z

It is time to begin thinking turkey. A roasting pan is essential for Thanksgiving or any other roasting event. This pan encloses a thick aluminum core between layers of stainless steel to make the pan heat up quickly and evenly. It can hold up to a 25 lb turkey and is dishwasher safe!

At Mauviel Roasting Pan

Wilton 101 Cookie Cutter Set

2009-10-16T15:04:36Z

Be prepared for any cookie making event with this cookie cutter set. It has all the holidays and themes you can imagine and includes complete alphabet and number collections.

At Wilton 101 Cookie Cutter Set

iRobot 560 Roomba Vacuuming Robot - The Perfect Kitchen Robot Returns

2009-10-15T11:22:40Z

We're pretty sure we're ready for a new kitchen robot here at Kitchen Contraptions. We recently had the pleasure of seeing this robot in action over at a friend's place, and think it does a great job. The vacuuming robot picks up dirt and debris with the touch of a button, and has an easy-to-empty bagless dustbin. The anti-tangle technology is no joke. We saw it get caught in window blind cords - and well - get out with no scars.

At iRobot 560 Roomba Vacuuming Robot

Programmable Tea Thermometer/Timer - Perfect Tea Every Time

2009-10-14T12:25:56Z

You can now take the guesswork out of brewing your tea, because we all know different varieties of teas need different brewing times and temperatures to taste their best. This combination digital tea thermometer and timer is pre-programmed for 18 types of loose, ball or bagged teas, including green, chai, black, herbal and many more.

Use the thermometer to determine the precise steeping temperature.
Then choose the tea type and 1 of 8 tea strengths.
An alarm alerts you when it’s done.
You can also custom program for endless options.
The 4" stainless steel stem can be placed in a teacup, mug or teapot.
Requires 2 LR44 batteries (included).
Plastic storage case included.
7" long.

Via bookofjoe at Fresh Finds

Kuhn Rikon Baking and Ice Cream Scoop

2009-10-13T18:17:32Z

We received this baking and ice cream scoop from Kuhn Rikon to review. I used it this weekend to make cookies. It worked great for scooping up the cookie dough. The squeeze handle was a little tight, but my 5 year old could do it as long as she used both hands. And the cookie dough released very easily onto the cookie sheet. It can also be used for ice cream or meatballs. It comes three sizes.

At Kuhn Rikon Baking and Ice Cream Scoop

Gourmet Sous Chef Outdoor Oven and Smoker

2009-10-12T11:40:26Z

Sure it's October, but you've still got to smoke that turkey for your upcoming Thanksgiving dinner right? Place a few ounces of wood chips in the smoker box, set the desired temperature and close the door and you'll be done. This fully insulated, all stainless-steel smoker produces wonderful flavors in up to 38 pounds of meat, fish or poultry while keeping food perfectly tender. Includes: wheels, flavor box, chip tray, all-weather cover, a sampling of wood chips and wood pellet flavors, break-in wood, drip tray, two regular racks, one delicate-food rack, a cold-smoke tray, instruction book, and recipe guide.

At Gourmet Sous Chef Outdoor Oven and Smoker

Donut Pan - Time to Bake the Donuts

2009-10-09T12:32:01Z

It's totally time to bake the donuts or cakes as some folks call them. The pan comes coated with a high quality nonstick surface for easy release and cleaning. We're thinking the best way to get started is with some straight up apple cinnamon donuts, and then a nice glaze.

At Norpro Nonstick 6 Cavity Donut Pan

Breville Panini Duo Press

2009-10-08T13:12:02Z

Who doesn't love a grilled sandwich? With this panini maker you can make one for yourself and one for your friend because it can fit two sandwiches at once. And the sandwiches don't have to be the same height -- it has a floating hinge that allows you to grill sandwiches of different thickness at the same time.

At Breville Panini Duo Press

Safe Slice - Never Cut Your Hand Again Chopping Vegetables

2009-10-07T11:33:47Z

Safe Slice helps you safely grip and chop fruits, vegetables, and other food, keeping your fingers out of harm's way. Soft finger grips provide comfort while you hold food and solid protective shield keeps your fingers protected from the blade. Given how many times a year we get ourselves, it's nice to have a gadget that could prevent slicing off our fingers.

Via bookofjoe at Safe Slice

Pastasaurus Pasta Server

2009-10-06T11:36:22Z

What's not to like about a giant Pastasaurus? Well what if they decide to mess up all of your pasta dishes instead of serving them? Made from plastic, you can pick up this 13″ serving tool for $7.99. It's ergonomically designed handle and pasta-snaring teeth work together to make it a lean, mean, spaghetti-serving machine. It's total prehistoric pasta serving perfection!

Via Foolish Gadgets at Perpetual Kid

Top Rated Pressure Cooker: Presto 23-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker

2009-10-05T11:43:55Z

We've been searching for a replacement pressure cooker here at Kitchen Contraptions, and this top rated pressure cooker looks like it might fit the bill. This 3-quart pressure cooker/canner holds 20 pint jars or 7 quart jars, and is constructed of extra-strong, warp-resistant aluminum; suitable for use on regular and smooth-top ranges. It has an air vent/cover lock that allows pressure to build up only when the cover is closed properly. We also like the easy-to-read gauge that automatically registers a complete range of processing pressures

At Presto 23-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker/Canner

How to: What Do You Buy and Stock in Your First Kitchen

2009-10-02T11:48:52Z

Photos by Rich Hein/Sun-Times

We're always looking for a great article and advice on what to tell first time kitchen owners to put in their kitchen. What knives do you really need? What pots and pans will give your friends kitchen envy? Well this article at the Chicago Sun Times does the trick and provides insights into these and other questions of kitchen stocking.

Some highlights include:

Knives: A chef's knife, a paring knife, a boning or utility knife and a steel. These are the essentials in order of importance, and these will take you far.
Pots and Pans: Look for pans with heft. Start with 10-inch saute pan and a three- or four-quart saucepan with a lid. Misc: A 9-by-13-inch baking pan (glass or metal) comes in handy, and not just for baked goodies (think lasagna, roast chicken).
Kitchen Gadgets:
- Tongs. They cost but a few bucks and are incredibly useful when sauteeing, grilling, flipping and so on.
- Whisk. "The most efficient way to mix, by far," Koetke says.
- Spoons. Again, super cheap. Wooden is nice because it's gentler on food than metal. And, Crumpacker says, "they feel good in your hand."
- Spatula. Another all-purpose tool. Silicone is key because you can use it for both hot and cold foods, Koetke says.
- Measuring cups/spoons. No second-guessing when trying out recipes.
- Colander/strainer. For draining pasta, a kitchen staple, rinsing and draining produce and more. Can opener. The moment you realize you don't have one is when you really need one. And then you'll smack yourself. So get one.

At How to stock your first kitchen

September 2009 Monthly Round-Up for Kitchen Contraptions

2009-10-01T11:17:53Z

September was another amazing month of Kitchen Contraptions - filled with kitchen gadgets, grilling, and other kitchen wonders. Thanks again to all of our loyal readers. You can also follow us now on Facebook and Twitter.

Bread Machines

Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Bread Machine - Makes Cake Too

Coffee Makers

Voice Interactive Coffee Machine - Talk Your Way to Good Coffee

Kitchen Gadgets

Knives

Pots & Pans

Reviews

Fusionwood Chefs Knives- Elegant knives for Artist Chefs

Small Appliances

Solar Cooking

ClearDome Octagon Parabolic Solar Cooker

Storage

Toasters

Toast Tattoos - Etch That Toast

ClearDome Octagon Parabolic Solar Cooker

2009-09-30T12:02:34Z

This solar cooker looks like it can not only bake bread, but also cook large roasts. The ClearDome Octagon Parabolic Solar Cooker features an 8-sided, deep-tapered parabolic concentrator that uses a 95.5% reflective SolaReflex AA mirror surface consisting of weather-resistant anodized aluminum.

The Octagon Parabolic Solar Cooker is fully adjustable to all angles of the sun for more consistent heating all day long.
The concentrated, reflected sunlight completely covers an 11" cooking pot with over 350 degrees F of midday dry heat, making it ideal for cooking all types of food, including fresh-baked bread. Fried or scrambled eggs will cook in about 12 minutes, while 2-3 pound roasts will be well done and browned in about 60-75 minutes of full midday sunlight.
The Octagon Parabolic cooker is very lightweight at only six pounds and is weatherproof even in salt-air environments. Easy to set up and use, it is collapsible to 12" for portability.

An optional clear polycarbonate domed pot cover for boiling water and baking bread is also available. Although the cover will reduce solar irradiation by 8-10%, it comes in handy on days when it is windy and/or cold.

At ClearDome Octagon Parabolic Solar Cooker

Make Waffles on the Flipside with the FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker

2009-09-29T11:55:23Z

This 1100-watt Belgian waffle maker with countdown timer and digital display features a 180-degree flip design that helps evenly coat the batter on upper and lower plates. The Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker makes a 7-inch-wide waffle with extra-deep pockets and is divided into 4 easy-to-cut sections. Of course it features a nonstick cooking surface, and the base locks in vertical position for compact storing.

At Presto 03510 FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker

Toast Tattoos - Etch That Toast

2009-09-28T11:42:02Z

We love things in the kitchen that add instead of subtract to the food being eaten, and these Toast Tattoos fit the bill. You can express your love or send a birthday wish with the undeniable romantic appeal of toast. Just press this plastic I Love You or Happy Birthday message with the Toast Tattoos into a piece of bread, then put your bread in the toaster on a dark setting. The resulting toast will be emblazoned with the proclamation of your infatuation or your birthday wish. We think long term the "I love you" will probably get the most use in the early mornings.

Via Foolish Gadgets At UrbanTrend

Voice Interactive Coffee Machine - Talk Your Way to Good Coffee

2009-09-25T12:25:47Z

We like a good coffee talk, but this coffee maker takes it to a new level. This is the first voice-interactive coffee maker that asks, "Would you like to set the clock or set the coffee brewing time?" and operates in response to your verbal commands. Simply saying, "Set the coffee brewing time," or "Set the clock," will prompt the machine to reply, "Please say the time, including AM or PM." It uses an advanced voice recognition system to identify any time of day you speak, eliminating the hassle of fussing with buttons. The included reusable, dishwasher-safe plastic filter is specially designed to allow the water to thoroughly saturate coffee grounds, maximizing the richness and aroma of coffee. The coffee machine brews up to 10 cups at once and allows you to remove the carafe during brewing to pour a cup.

Via Random Good Stuff at Voice Interactive Coffee Maker