Kitchen Contraptions

Workbench Cutting Board

2012-05-11T12:12:12Z

If you're looking to spend $300 bucks for a cutting board that is truly a kitchen gadget/contraption all in one than look no further. This cutting board made of ash has 3 places to store the various food you chop, and has a scraper to make sure you get it into the right place to store away while you prep.

We love the deep design, and think to ourselves - why don't we have this cutting board right now. We're ready to prep fruit, salad, and other delicious items and have them organized while we do so.

Via Gizmodo at Gadget Review

Zyliss FastCut Herb Tool

2012-05-07T11:55:47Z

The Zyliss FastCut Herb Tool is one of the herb cutting tools we've received to review in a long time. The high grade stainless steel cutting blades get the job done, while the soft touch ergonomic handle for keeps your hands from feeling abused. The blades rotate 90 degrees to offer the versatility of palm and grip use, and the blade cover protects the blade as well as your hands. The top comes off for easy cleaning, and best of all it's top-rack dishwasher safe.

We can safely say our day of cutting, chopping, and herbing has finally become easier. We'll be using more rosemary and herbs from the garden finely chopped this summer for sure. Thanks to Zyliss for sending us the FastCut Herb tool to review.

Wüsthof 2-Stage Knife Sharpener Gets the Job Done

2012-04-30T11:43:51Z

Gizmodo has found a very interesting knife sharpener. This sharpener has two stages of sharpening magic - the hard carbide steel blades for coarse sharpening stage and the fine ceramic rods for honing. It even has a slot for sharpening scissors. You won't slip while sharpening with the rubberized base for sure grip which is a very very good thing.

At Wüsthof 2-Stage Knife Sharpener

The Flameless Grill Smoker Impresses

2012-04-27T10:48:39Z

We've gone through quite a few of these smoker grills for your gas, charcoal, or other grill that lacks a place for chips. This one looks like it might last, and we can only hope it does. The claim is this smoker box produces smoke without flames, and the eight s-shaped vents on the lid of the oval cylindrical smoker allow just enough oxygen to produce smoke but not enough to generate flames, ensuring wood chips smolder slowly and allowing more smoke flavor to infuse with food.

We'll be the jude when we receive one, and if you look at the design - not being near the grill flavor bars but up on the grill - this thing could work.

Via Random Good Stuff

Translucent Blue Smoothie Blender with Integrated Sport Bottle

2012-04-24T12:43:15Z

Oyster has pulled out all the stop with this blender which allows you to blend your favorite smoothie or shake right in the sport bottle. The dishwasher-safe 20-ounce BPA-free plastic sport bottle will hold your morning helping of fruit, and the powerful 250-watt motor with One Touch blending will always get the job done. It even has a resettable fuse that will revive the motor in 15 minutes should it overheat.

At Oster BLSTPB-WBL My Blend 250-Watt Blender

Retrowave Microwave Looks Good and Makes Food Too

2012-04-09T11:43:16Z

Sure it looks good but can the Retrowave microwave also make food? Yes it can. For $600 you can get a modern looking microwave that makes your cold plates hot, and your cool soup piping. The retro design is easy on the eyes, and the food it produces will have varying effects on your stomach.

We do like the Popular Science meets kitchen of the 50s and we think you'll enjoy the little feet that make it appear to hover on your countertops.

Via Gizmodo

The Best Ice Cream, Sorbet, and Frozen Yogurt Makers

2012-04-02T12:13:14Z

We've got a line up of the best ice cream makers you can buy. We've searched high and low and sifted through various features from ice cream makers that just make ice cream to ones that also include frozen yogurt and other treats. If you want ice cream that you design from the ground up, these ice cream makers will help you get the job done. We like a very rich thick chocolate ice cream, and we also like to know when it's going to be finished with not a lot of clean up. Check out our picks on the best ice cream makers you can buy.

Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker

This fully automatic frozen yogurt, sorbet, and ice cream maker is a classic. It features brushed stainless-steel housing and a large ingredient spout for easily adding favorite mix-ins. Instruction book and recipes included in case you don't want think too much on your ice cream feet.

Yonanas 902 Ice Cream Treat Maker, Black/Silver

Yonanas instantly turns frozen fruit and other flavorings into a delicious and healthy soft-serve treat. The unit instantly churns the ingredients to produce a treat with the texture of frozen yogurt or soft-serve ice cream. The chute easily accepts berries, sliced mango, or cantaloupe along with frozen banana to incorporate the fruit into a silky-smooth confection.

We've never used a Yonanas ice cream treat maker before, but our neighbors have one and seeing it in action makes us want to get one. The treats produced are very smooth and delicious.

Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker

You can make frozen desserts and drinks in 20 minutes or less, and the large capacity makes up to 1-1/2-quarts at a time. The easy lock transparent lid with large spout makes adding ingredients simple and mess free. This one is a bit of an all around ice cream maker like it's larger cousin above.

Maxi-Matic Elite Gourmet Old Fashioned Pine Bucket Electric/Manual Ice Cream Maker

This classic looking electric ice-cream maker produces up to 6 quarts of homemade ice cream. Time to ice cream is about 45 minutes, and this one makes ice cream only. So if you have any milk allergy people in your family and need sorbet too - this one might not be the best bet.

Cuisinart ICE-45 Mix It In Soft Serve 1-1/2-Quart Ice-Cream Maker

This fully automatic soft-serve ice-cream maker with double-insulated freezer bowl has 3 built-in condiment dispensers. It produces 1-1/2 quarts of ice-cream in just 20 minutes with no chemicals, salt, or ice required.

We like the easy serve handle, and think making cones of ice cream instead of just bowls will impress the young ones.

Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker

This fully automatic 1-1/2-quart frozen yogurt, sorbet, and ice cream maker has a fully automatic 60-minute timer. It also has an ingredient spout to add your mix-ins. We like the more rugged design of this ice cream maker, and think you'll like the carry handles for portability.

Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker

This 1-1/2-quart capacity bowl freezes 3 quarts of ice cream or sorbet per hour. Paddles are made of stainless steel for easy cleaning. The Lello is also just really straight forward and from what we've read a war horse.

Whichever ice cream maker you pick - make sure you get the one that makes enough and the right range of treats. If you like cones - there's really only one above that dispenses in that fashion, and if you need more than ice cream - make sure the ice cream maker also does frozen yogurt and sorbet.

The Best Toasters and Toaster Ovens for 2012

2012-03-26T12:55:37Z

Picking the best toaster or toaster oven can be and is a very personal thing, and for us here at Kitchen Contraptions highly based on what you want to toast and cook. If you really just want toast - then a pop-up toaster may work for you, but if you want to use the toaster for an oven as well - then using a toaster oven combo will be a great bet. We also recognize that using a toaster to simply make breakfast sandwiches with eggs in them is also very desirable for those on the go.

We've compiled a list of best toasters and toaster ovens we think will meet these toasting needs and others.

Cuisinart TOB-40 Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler

With 1800 Watts of power to toast, bagel, bake and broil, the full size interior holds 11 inch pizza and 6 slices of toast. There's even a cool touch handle with easy clean nonstick interior and a front removable tray. The even shade control monitors the temperature and adjusts timing to consistently toast, and the toaster oven includes: baking pan/drip pan, broiling rack, wire rack, front removable slide-out crumb tray, and a clutter-free cord wrap.

This toaster is perfect for a larger crew, and also perfect if you want to do a little more cooking than just toasting.

Black & Decker TR1256B 850-Watt 2-Slice Toaster with Bagel Function and Removable Crumb Tray

With 850 watts of power and one-touch functions for bagels, defrost and cancel with blue LED indicators this toaster is both classic and from the future. The toast shade selection knob lets you get just the right amount of toasting for all your breads, and the extra-wide slots with auto-adjusting bread guides for thick or thin slices. And the easy lift lever will make getting your toast or bagel out of the toaster easier than trying to fish it out with a fork.

We think this toaster is classic, and will meet those needs that are only toast related.

Breville BOV800XL The Smart Oven 1800-Watt Convection Toaster Oven with Element IQ

This 1800-watt convection toaster oven with 4/5-cubic-foot nonstick interior Element IQ technology for smarter control over the heat has 9 pre-set functions. It also features 5 quartz heating elements, user-friendly control panel, LCD screen, 3 rack positions, and an Auto-eject wire rack.

Given the size you can toast a pizza in this baby, and also the LCD screen will keep you up to date on the progress of what's cooking.

Oster TSSTTVMNDG Digital Large Capacity Toaster Oven

This toaster oven was recognized as one of the best products of 2011 in a leading consumer research magazine. The 6-slice toaster oven with convection technology for faster, more even cooking has digital controls with an interior light for easy viewing.

The extra-large interior can hold a 13 by 9 pan, whole chicken, casseroles, roast and a ham. So if you're looking for cooking and toasting - this one is for you. Also picking a smaller oven like this one will yield less electricity used than your full size oven in your kitchen.

Hamilton Beach 22708 Toastation 2-Slice Toaster and Mini Oven

The 2-in-1 compact toaster and mini oven saves on counter space. The oven fits up to 2 16-inch pizza slices. This toaster also has the electronic toast-shade and oven-temperature controls ensure consistent results.

This is definitely the hybrid of our top ten toasters list. It's a toaster on top and an oven in the middle.

Back to Basics TEM500 Egg-and-Muffin 2-Slice Toaster and Egg Poacher

You love breakfast sandwiches and this toaster delivers them. The innovative 3-in-1 appliance functions as toaster, egg cooker, and meat warmer. You can make a breakfast sandwich in 4 minutes, and the toaster has an automatic shut-off for individual toasting.

What else do we need to say? It makes breakfast sandwiches and toasts - get one now. :-)

Black & Decker TR1256W 850-Watt 2-Slice Toaster with Bagel Function and Removable Crumb Tray

With 850 watts of power this one-touch toaster will make bagels toasted to perfection. The toast shade selection knob lets you get just the right amount of toasting for all your breads. The extra-wide slots with auto-adjusting bread guides for thick or thin slices.

This is basically the Black and Decker from above, but in white. We also know how a toaster looks is very important for some people and a white toaster is perfect for those who love white appliances.

Black & Decker T4569B 4-Slice Toaster

Okay - here's the deal - you have a big family with lots of toasting needs so you need a 4 slice toaster. This 1400-watt 4-slice toaster with extra-wide, self-adjusting slots Bagel, frozen, and cancel functions is going to meet that need. Dual control panels for operating 2 slots independently from the other 2 slots will also get everyone the toast they want - not just toast en masse.

Black & Decker TRO480BS Toast-R-Oven 4-Slice Toaster Oven

This large-capacity 1200-watt 4-slice toaster oven can bake, broil, bagel, toast, and keep-warm lots of food. We love the rounded front, and the amount of control over all of the toasting options is stunning. Again - this is a toaster for those who want to cook and toast.

Breville BOV650XL Compact 4-Slice Smart Oven with Element IQ

Our final toaster is this 1800 watt countertop oven which has smart features, but takes up less space that other toaster ovens. The independent heating elements put the power where it's needed most, and the elements adjust automatically for each of the eight preset functions to deliver the right cooking temperature at the right time. Presets include: toast, bagel, bake, roast, broil, pizza, cookies, and reheat. This oven also remembers personal preferences of each setting.

Whatever toaster you decided upon, make sure it meets your toasting needs based on what you toast - not what you think you'd love to toast.

Slushie Maker for Mixed Drinks

2012-03-23T11:43:09Z

This classic-looking Slushie Maker will let you churn out fruity slushies, iced coffees, or chilled cocktails to your heart’s content. All you need to do is...

Add table salt...
some ice...
and your sugary tipple!

This kitchen contraption allows you to make slushies in the comfort of your own home. And if you’re a slushie fan it’ll pay for itself in no time. Simply load the drum with ice, ordinary table salt (don’t worry, you can’t taste it) and your juice of choice, and watch in wonder as it churns out a seriously cool slushie.

Product Features:

Use crushed ice or small ice cubes from your freezer to make delicious slushie drinks
Add ice cubes and salt to the sealed centre chamber
Add a sugary based liquid to the outside camber
Turn the machine on and within 25 minutes the drink will turn to slush!
Includes recipe suggestions
Handy drinks holder and drip tray
Makes up to 2 litres of slushie

At Slushie Maker

Zombie Brain Gelatin Mold

2012-03-22T11:55:28Z

So much Jello to mold and so little time before the Zombie Jello apocalypse. Impress your friends and family as you reenact scenes from Night of the Living Dead with a gelatin brain. This plastic Zombie Brain Gelatin Mold includes a recipe for Worm Infested Zombie Brain and measures 9 inches long x 7.5 inches wide x 3 inches deep.

At ZOMBIE BRAIN GELATIN MOLD

Norpro Stainless Steel Vertical Roaster with Infuser

2012-03-21T11:55:06Z

If you want to make yummy roasted chicken then getting a vertical roaster will help you out. The Norpro Stainless Steel Vertical Roaster with Infuser measures 8.5 inches/21.5 by 5.5 inches/14cm diameter, and the roaster can hold up to an 8 pound chicken and the infuser holds up to 10 ounces.

Vertical roasting is easy, healthier and more flavorable as the fat drips to the bottom of the roasting pan. This roaster is made of stainless steel, and hand washing recommended.

At Norpro Stainless Steel Vertical Roaster with Infuser

Rayburn Cookmaster Range Cookers

2012-03-20T11:44:25Z

What's not to love about cast iron range cookers with electric tops? Nothing. We love the look and feel of any appliance that makes us think of our childhood, and also delivers on great cooking.

Being a little deeper than the 200 series, the Rayburn Cookmaster 300 is designed to match the depth of your kitchen units. The hotplate takes up to four saucepans with a large main oven and large warming oven. The Cookmaster 300K runs on commercial kerosene.

At Rayburn Cookmaster Range Cookers

Giant Gummy Bear Jell-O Mold

2012-03-19T11:59:18Z

We love gummy bears, and we love Jell -O - so this giant gummy mold is going to make us super sized happy. Simply use your favorite Jell-O flavor, add to the mold, let set, pop out and viola a Giant Gummy Bear. Molds are made of food safe plastic and color can vary. Measures 7" tall by 5" wide by 2.5" deep.

At Jelly Bear Mold

Bodum YoYo Personal Tea Set with Infuser and 12-Ounce Glass

2012-03-16T11:55:29Z

Bodum's modern and beautiful tea set includes the YoYo strainer, a 12-ounce Pavina double-wall glass, and a lid. It's designed to brew loose-leaf tea directly in the glass, and the double-wall glass keeps beverages hot yet stays cool to the touch. The tea strainer also fits with all Bodum double-wall mugs as well.

At Bodum YoYo Personal Tea Set with Infuser and 12-Ounce Glass

Flower Utensils That Bloom

2012-03-15T11:43:21Z

This colorful bouquet of utensils includes a Purple Tulip Whisk, Orange Flower Slotted Spoon, Blue Flower Solid Spoon, Green Leaf Spatula, Pink Pansy Slotted Turner and a White Vase. Each utensil head is crafted from heat resistant nylon, stainless steel, or silicone in bright, bold colors.

All of the flower utensils are held in a vase, and the Bloom Utensil Set will ensure that you will always have a fresh bouquet of flowers to brighten your home. Made from Polypropylene, nylon, silicone and stainless steel. Vase is plastic.

At BLOOM UTENSIL SET

Cuisinart PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle

2012-03-14T10:10:47Z

This 1500-watt/110-volts stainless-steel cordless electric kettle with 1-2/3-liter capacity and concealed heating element looks amazing, and has 6 preset heat settings for steeping tea at just the right temperature. The kettle has blue LED indicator lights, and a 30-minute keep warm function. The 360-degree swivel power base for cordless convenience also keeps you from having to reach around a hot kettle, and the kettle also features boil-dry protection with auto safety shutoff.

One of our co-workers has this kettle and uses it daily. The kettle looks just like new with over 1 year of use. Amazing.

At Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle

Stick a Pickle In It with a Pickled Bottle Stopper

2012-03-13T11:55:59Z

We're not sure if we've finally peaked or we're in a really bad valley - death valley but today we're featuring a Pickled bottle Stopper. Yes - that's right stick a pickle in your favorite bottle, and the leaks will finally stop. The Pickled Bottle Stopper will surely be a great conversation piece when you host your next party, and it's also great for people obsessed with pickles.

Stainless Steel Kitchen Cart with Natural Finish

2012-03-12T11:55:45Z

With a kitchen cart you'll have the the freedom to conduct food and beverage preparation anywhere you wish. The cart has an easy-clean stainless steel table top, two utensil drawers and a pair of open shelves. Four wheel casters allow for freedom of movement and feature a locking function for safety.

A side mounted towel rack adds to this cart's set of features, and there's two different racks below the surface.

Features:

Kitchen Cart has a broad stainless steel table top ideal for food preparation
Kitchen Cart features two utensil drawers and two fixed open shelves
Side-mount towel rackHeavy duty rubber wheel casters with locking function
Assembly required
Specifications: Weight: 116 lb
Overall dimensions: 36" H x 44" W x 20.5" D

At Home Styles Furniture Stainless Steel Kitchen Cart in Natural Finish

Kikkerland Rabbit Silicone Whisks

2012-03-09T12:55:50Z

These Kikkerland Rabbit Silicone Whisks have metal molded to create a rabbit silhouette in each whisk. The set of 2 whisks has two tone red and white silicone molded whisk bits, and is heat resistant and dishwasher safe.

Clean Cut Touchless Paper Towel Dispenser

2012-03-08T12:13:51Z

The touchless paper towel dispenser in stainless steel prevents the spread of germs and conserves towel usage plus money. This under-cabinet mounting is ideal for kitchen, laundry room, workshop, or garage, and the self-sharpening blade cuts paper towels to any length, regardless of perforation. It also uses any brand of store-bought paper towel.

At Clean Cut Touchless Paper Towel Dispenser

Review: Thermapen Thermometer Reads Temps Instantly

2012-03-07T12:59:31Z

Using the Thermapen is quick and easy. Here we

are testing the temperature of a cup of pressed coffee
that requires a brew temp of 186-190F.

Just open the probe and the Thermapen comes on. Close it and it shuts off. No buttons or switches to catch germs, confuse you and cause errors. We used our Thermapen (thanks to ThermoWorks for sending) over the past weekend to test various brew temperatures in our coffee makers to seek a perfect brew. Temp readings from the Thermapen were almost instant unlike our older kitchen thermometers, and we loved how easy it was to hold and put away.

There are a bunch of different colors if you don't like the blue one pictured above.

The Super-Fast Thermapen has been a favorite among restaurant chains, health inspectors and quality managers worldwide. Hundreds of thousands are in use. The clever fold-away probe and the simple pocket design replace more costly and bulky handheld thermometers while using the same professional thermocouple technology. Improvements in the probe technology now yield a blazing fast speed of 3 seconds to a full temperature reading.

Thanks again to ThermoWorks for sending us the Thermapen to review.

Trudeau Pot Clip Spoon Rest

2012-03-05T13:43:47Z

This clip-on spoon rest for holding utensils above saucepans and stockpots means no more lost spoons. Made from durable metal and heat-resistant silicone, it clips right onto the side of the pot to keep your tasting spoon handy. It also keeps drips in the pot so stovetop stays clean, and the spoon rest is heat-resistant to 600 degrees F, and safe in the dishwasher.

At Trudeau Pot Clip Spoon Rest

ThermoWorks Thermapen Thermometer Arrives for Review

2012-03-02T12:55:04Z

Thermoworks has sent us the Thermapen Thermometer to review, and we're very excited. We currently have a rather lackluster truly inaccurate thermometer. The Thermapen is fast - super fast they say, and we'll just have to be the judge over a week of cooking.

Just open the probe and the Thermapen comes on. Close it and it shuts off. No buttons or switches to catch germs, confuse staff and cause errors.

We'll let you know how our week with the Thermapen goes.

Kitchen Contraptions Monthly Round Up for February 2012

2012-03-01T12:55:10Z

February 2012 was another amazing month of Kitchen Contraptions - filled with kitchen gadgets, small appliances, and other kitchen wonders.

Thanks again to all of our loyal readers for visiting us each day, and you can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Cleaning Supplies

Dyson Ball All-Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner Perfect for Kitchen Floors

Egg Cookers

Kotobuki Plastic Rabbit and Bear Egg Molds

General News

Kitchen Gadgets

Kitchen Scales

Weigh Your Food at the Office with this Kitchen Scale to Go

Large Appliances

Pots & Pans

Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 2-Quart Heart Casserole

Serving Wares

Bamboo Trivets Hold Hot Pots

Small Appliances

Storage

UFO Cookie Jar Beams Keeps Cookies Safe from Human Abduction

Trash Cans & Compost

Urbano Eco Trash Can Uses Plastic Grocery Bags

West Bend 2-3/4-Quart Iced-Tea Maker

2012-02-29T11:20:56Z

We promise this will be our last iced tea maker for the foreseeable future, but we really liked the look and features of this iced tea maker as well. The West Bend Iced-tea maker with timed brewing and steeping settings has a reusable stainless-steel filter that works with both bagged and loose tea. It also features a brew-strength selector, removable sweetener chamber, and has a 2-3/4-quart plastic pitcher. The Auto shut-off will help make you not worry you left the iced tea maker on, and the drip tray for quick cleanup makes wanting to use it over and over an easy decision.

At West Bend 68303 2-3/4-Quart Iced-Tea Maker

Oster 2-1/2-Quart Iced-Tea Maker

2012-02-28T11:58:42Z

We thought we'd feature another iced tea maker as an alternative to yesterday's tea maker. This 2-1/2-quart iced-tea maker works with loose or bagged tea and has a really nice design. The water window in reservoir, and adjustable brew strength along with a permanent filter make this a tough iced tea offering to beat. There's a simple on/off button with power indicator light, and the iced teat maker has an auto shut-off for safety. The pitcher is also dishwasher safe.

At Oster BVST-TM23 2-1/2-Quart Iced-Tea Maker

Hamilton Beach 2-Quart Electric Iced Tea Maker

2012-02-27T12:55:26Z

All we really know is that it's February here at Kitchen Contraptions, and yes it's cold here in the Northeast, but we drink iced tea all year round. We also know for many people in the US and abroad it's summer or spring all year long - perfect for iced tea.

This slim, 2-quart pitcher fits in refrigerator door, and there's an adjustable brew-strength selector to get the iced tea in your flavor range. This iced tea maker will also make fresh-brewed iced tea from leaves or bags in under 10-minutes.

At Hamilton Beach 40911 2-Quart Electric Iced Tea Maker

Babycakes Cake Pop Maker

2012-02-24T12:43:32Z

The Babycakes CP-12 Cake Pop Maker can bake 12 cake pops or doughnut holes in minutes, and the nonstick baking plates produce ideal results and easy clean up. The set includes a plastic cake pop stand, fork tool, 50 cake pop sticks and recipes.

Dyson Ball All-Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner Perfect for Kitchen Floors

2012-02-23T12:55:46Z

You might call us crazy, but in our kitchen we always have a vacuum at the ready for those big messes like after baking. This upright vacuum cleaner with Dyson Ball technology for smooth steering gets your kitchen floors clean fast. The root cyclone technology ensures no clogging or loss of suction, and it's effective for all floor types like wood, or carpets. The telescope Reach wand cleans up countertops quickly, and the HEPA filter keeps this vacuum certified asthma friendly.

At Dyson DC25 Ball All-Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Bamboo Trivets Hold Hot Pots

2012-02-22T12:43:37Z

We're always on the lookout for a trivet that is both beautiful and functional. This set of two bamboo trivets is constructed of high quality Moso bamboo, and has grooves in both the round and square trivet to keep hot pots in place. The round trivet measures 8-inch in diameter, and the square trivet is 8-inch squared while each trivet is 1/2-inch thick.

At Totally Bamboo Lattice Trivets