Appliances and Kitchen Gadgets

Kids like sweets. Parents like apples. Luckily, the forces that be figured out a long time ago how to resolve any potential issues surrounding these basic truisms: simply combine the two. How and when the first caramel apple came to be is probably lost to time, but it is a good bet that a parent had something to do with it (or an apple farmer). However, getting your soon-to-be-sticky hands on one isn't exactly as easy as picking up a fun meal at the fast-food place down the street.

While caramel and apples may be abundant, some user interaction … Read more

Eating out at a restaurant can sometimes seem like a magical experience. But the coordinated dance between the back of the house and the front of the house is one that relies on timing, skill, and experience. However, all that being said, there is still an element of surprise when a plate of eggs, hash browns, and bacon gets set down in front of you in a matter of mere minutes. Yet this feat happens in diners across the country countless times a day.

Replicating that experience at home is not necessarily the impossible task it may seem to be. … Read more

The art of brewing tea is an age-old process that has been refined for generations. Cultures far and wide have developed traditions and ceremonies surrounding the ubiquitous beverage. The drinking of tea offers a way to bring together people, giving them a reason to slow down, relax, and contemplate their place in the grand scheme of things. Also, it is available caffeinated.

The rush to get caffeine into our system is not of minor importance. In recent times we have seen the proliferation of coffee shops and energy drinks -- there is even an inhaler contrivance out there called the … Read more

For a food that has been around in one form or another for thousands of years, pasta sure has aged well. From noodles in ancient China to lasagna at the Italian restaurant down the street, the starchy standard has been around the block, so to say. It is safe to say that pasta is old. But that doesn't mean it cannot still have fun.

The Viante Pasta Extruder offers not only an easy way to make fresh pasta at home, but it does so with a bit of fun. Similar to the iconic Play-Doh Fun Factory in that the … Read more

The more versatile a kitchen appliance is, the more highly regarded it may be. And rightly so: space-saving devices are not only convenient, but they also have the capability to increase efficiency. The age of being able to get more cooking done with only a press of a button was heralded in by the microwave. Usually however (except for the clock), the microwave doesn't do much else.

The Viking VCSO210SS Combi-Steam/Convect Oven combines an oven with a microwave and throws in the capability to steam cook for good measure. Featuring a slick, non-cluttered control panel, the oven can … Read more

My culinary life won't be complete until I have the raw, awesome power of a Sushi Bazooka in my kitchen arsenal. Want. Desperately.

I've made sushi before. It was an inglorious exercise in frustration and failure. That's probably why I prefer sashimi. It's also why I have such respect for talented sushi makers.

Finally, there's a kitchen gadget that panders to my lazy sushi-making skills. It's essentially a sushi extruder. Pack the tube full of rice and whatever ingredients you want to go in the middle. Close it. Push down the plunger. Roll up the resulting sushi log in seaweed. Instant apathetic sushi!… Read more

Doors are like portals, where they can transport us to another place. Cooking, too, can take us to faraway lands and exotic locations all without leaving the kitchen. By that reasoning, it only seems fitting that big, rectangular food storage unit that dominates the kitchen should have as many doors on it as possible.

The LG LFX31945ST Super-Capacity 3 Door French Door Refrigerator with Door-in-Door only comes with one extra door, but it's a start. Made to allow for easy access to commonly used items such as drinks, the door-in-door design offers an interesting new take in a spot … Read more

Microwaves aren't exactly known for their abilities to perform graceful cooking tasks. Certainly, technological advancements have extended the capabilities of the microwave up to the point where sophisticated meals can be made with the appliance. But still, sometimes it's about getting your hands dirty. Or silicone paddle, as the case may be.

The Prepology Microwave Food Warmer with Auto Stir Technology is an easy, no-hassle way to stir cooking food in turntable-equipped microwaves. Featuring extendable arms that reach out to the sides of the microwave, the gadget stays in place while the bowl rotates underneath. Simply clip it … Read more

Everything goes on pizza. It's just one of those happy coincidences in life. While some people have never met a topping they don't like, others have shied away from some of the more nontraditional toppings. Luckily, pizzerias are happy to oblige, dedicating menu real estate to everything from artichoke hearts to zucchini. But no matter the combo desired, one mustn't forget the finishing touches.

Grated cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes have long stood guard over pizzeria counters, silently waiting until they are called into service. However, the standard set of pizza personalizers has always … Read more